Spring 2024 Course Syllabus
Course: RNSG-1228 (Section: 1, CRN: 10109)
Introduction to Health Care Concepts
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Instructor Information
Instructor Lauren Ratcliff
Email ratcliffle@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6334
Office Allied Health - Room: 124
Office Hours As posted by appointment.
Additional Contact Information
Course Information
Description An introduction to concept-based learning with emphasis on selected pathophysiological concepts with nursing applications. Concepts include acid-base balance, fluid and electrolytes, immunity, gas exchange, perfusion, metabolism, coping, and tissue integrity. This course lends itself to a concept-based approach.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Required:

American Psychological Association. (2020). Concise guide to APA Style (7th ed.). ISBN 9781433832134
Catalano, J. (2024). Nursing now Today’s issues, tomorrow’s, trends (9th ed.). ISBN 9781719649773
Dillon, P. (2017). Clinical simulations for nursing education: participant volume (2nd ed.) ISBN-13: 978-0-8036-6969-7
Giddens, J. (2021). Concepts for nursing practice. (3rd ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9780323598101
Halter, M.J. (2022). Varcarolis’ foundations of psychiatric-mental health nursing (9th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9780323697071
HESI (2024). HESI comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination (7th Ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9780323831932
Ignatavicius, D. (2021). Developing clinical judgment for professional nursing and the next-generation NCLEX-RN examination. Elsevier.
Jones, S.A. (2022). Pocket Anatomy & Physiology (4th ed.). F.A. Davis ISBN 978-1719642958
Jones, S.A. (2020).  ECG Mastery Improving your ECG interpretation skills (2nd.ed.). F.A. Davis ISBN 978-0803676930
Leek, V.I. (2023). Pharm Phlash! Pharmacology Flash Cards (4th ed.). F.A. Davis ISBN 978-1719647250
Lewis, S., Bucher, L., Heitkemper, M., & Hardin, M. (2023). Medical-Surgical nursing, assessment and management of clinical problems. (12th ed.).Elsevier. ISBN 9780323792332
Lippincott NCLEX-RN PassPoint Powered by PrepU: Study software for NCLEX-RN®  
McKinney, E.S, Murray, S.S., James, S.R., Nelson, K., & Ashwill, J. (2022). Maternal-Child nursing (6th ed.). Elsevier ISBN 9780323697903
Myers, E. (2022) RNotes Nurse’s clinical pocket guide (6th ed.). F.A. Davis. ISBN-13: 978-1-7196-4625-3
Nugent, P., & Vitale, B. (2023). Test Success: Clinical Judgment and Test-Taking Strategies (10th ed.). F. A. Davis. ISBN 978-1-7196-4724-3
Perry, A.G., Potter, P.A., Ostendorf, W., & Laplante, N. (2022). Clinical nursing skills & techniques (10th ed.). Mosby-Elsevier. ISBN 9780323796545
Silvestri, L. A., & Silvestri, A.E. (2023). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination (9th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9780323795302
Thompson, J. (2022). Essential health assessment (2nd ed). F.A. Davis. ISBN 978-1-7196-4232-3
Zerwekh, J. (2023) Illustrated study guide for the NCLEX-RN (11th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9780323777797

Online resources:

HESI Case Studies: Complete RN Collection. Elsevier.
Perfect Package: Vallerand Drug Guide 18e & Van Leeuwen Comp Man Lab & Dx Tests 10e & Taber’s Med Dict 24e (4th ed.). F.A. Davis. ISBN-13: 978-1-7196-4894-3
Vallerand, A., & Sanoski, C. (2020). Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses (18th ed). F.A. Davis Company.
Van Leeuwen, A. & Bladh, M.L. (2021). Davis's comprehensive manual of laboratory and diagnostic tests with nursing implications (10th ed). F.A. Davis Company
Venes, D. (2021)Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary (24th ed). F.A. Davis.
Swift River Online
Additional Materials/Resources None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites
  • RNSG-1300 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Learning Outcomes Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication.
 
Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.
 
Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts.
 
Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.
 
Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities.
 
Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Program Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the UpwardMobilityNursingProgramgraduates will be able to:
PSLO 1:  Integrates professional caring into practice decisions within the scope of practice for a registered nurse.
PSLO 2:  Demonstrates safe, competent, holistic care for a diverse group of individuals who have complex health care needs
PSLO 3:  Accept responsibility and accountability for the effectiveness of one’s own nursing practice and professional growth. 
PSLO 4: Communicate effectively with clients, peers and other members of the interdisciplinary heath care team to provide evidence-based care. 
Lecture Topics Outline Week 1 (January 16, 2024): Syllabus, Care Plan; Introduction Discussion
Week 1 (January 17, 2024): Safety
Week 2 (January 24, 2024): Fluid & Electrolytes
Week 3 (January 31, 2024): Perfusion; Introduction to Research Paper
Week 4 (February 7, 2024): Elimination; Research Topic Due
Week 5 (February 14, 2024): Nutrition
Week 6 (February 21, 2024): Gas Exchange
Week 7 (February 28, 2024): Tissue Integrity; Research Paper Outline due
Week 8 (March 6, 2024): Mid Term Exam
Week 9 (March 11-15, 2024): SPRING BREAK
Week 10 (March 20, 2024): End of Life: Comfort, Research Paper Part 1 Due
Week 11 (March 27, 2024): Coping
Week 12 (April 3, 2024): Evidence-Based Practice
Week 13 (April 10, 2024): Patient Education/Leadership & Management (1424)
Week 14 (April 17, 2024): Health Information Technology
Week 15 (April 24, 2024): TBA
Week 16 (May 1, 2024): Final Exams Begin
Week 17 (May 8, 2024): Final Exam
Major Assignments Schedule Mid-Term Exam – Wednesday March 6, 2024--Time: 8:00
Research Paper – Sunday, March 24, 2024
Final Exam – Wednesday, May 8, 2024-Time: 8:00
Final Exam Date May 8, 2024 - 8:00 AM   Through  May 8, 2024 - 10:00 AM
Grading Scale 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 75-79 = C 74-60 = D 59 or Below = F 
Determination of
Final Grade
Examinations are based on course objectives.
 
Course content from the biological and behavioral sciences as well as previous nursing knowledge is included on exams as appropriate.
 
Students are strongly encouraged to take exams as scheduled.   If a student must miss an exam, the student must contact the instructor prior to the exam or within twenty-four (24) hours of the exam.  No make-up unit exams are given.  The numerical grade attained on the Comprehensive Final exam is substituted for any missed unit exam(s). Any other exams missed will receive a zero.
 
A specified amount of time will be set for testing.   No questions may be asked during the exams.  No hats/caps/hoodies/smart watches/personal possessions other than keys, earbuds, and a pencil may be brought in to the exam.  Students who arrive after the exam starts, but before it ends, may take the exam without penalty. No additional time is provided for late arrivals and student should come in quietly taking the first available seat.  Once the exam period ends from the scheduled start time the student who arrived late must exit the exam.  Questions unanswered will be counted wrong.
 
Test times for exams will be set up for 80 seconds per question. At the end of the allotted time, the computer will not record any further answers.
 
After each exam, the faculty uses psychometric principles to evaluate the examination. Items missed by 50% or more of the class are reviewed. If an item is found to be flawed, the faculty may give credit for more than one answer or nullify the item.  When an item is nullified, the key is changed so that all answers are credited as correct. That is, if a student answered the item as originally keyed, the student will retain the credit for the item. If a student’s answer differs from the one originally keyed, the student is credited for the nullified item. In other words, everyone gets credit for the item and no one loses credit.
 
Test grades will not be available for a minimum of 24 hours post-test.
 
If a student scores less than 75% on a unit examination, the student MUST make an appointment within one week with one of the course faculty. During the conference the student and instructor will review the examination and, with the assistance of the instructor, identify factors that may have contributed to the student's poor performance and identify strategies to improve performance on future examinations.
 
Any challenge to exam questions must be presented on provided form prior to exiting the testing room and supporting evidence from approved resources of requested alternate answer must be emailed to course instructor within 24 hours of taking the exam.  Disputed exam items must be submitted by the student along with proposed answer supported by documentation from the current textbook, handouts, and/or lecture reference material.  During the exam review there should be no discussions with faculty or other students.
 
The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in the course:
Activities                                                                                   15%
       (Quizzes, Assignments, Discussion Boards,
        Case studies average)
       Research Paper                                                                10%
       MidTerm Exam                                                                  35%
       Final Exam                                                                        40%
 
Final exams are not available for review by the student and Final exam grades are not posted.
 
A final course grade of 75% is necessary for a student to pass this course.
 
Late assignment submissions will incur a late point penalty. In most courses the late penalty will be a deduction of ten points if turned in within the first 24 hours after the assignment due date. If the assignment is turned in between 24 and 48 hours late a 25 point penalty will be deducted. Any assignment submitted after 48 hours without instructor permission will be assigned a zero for the assignment. Previous arrangements between the student and instructor for late work may allow for a reduced late point penalty, but all late submissions will have a late penalty deducted. Refer to the individual course syllabus for any variations from the late penalty deductions.
 
Many of the courses also include assignments that are designated as a mandatory Pass/Fail course assignment. If these assignments are not completed satisfactorily the student may fail not only the assignment but also the course. Late submission of the mandatory Pass/Fail assignments will result in late point penalties.  In most courses the late penalty will be a deduction of ten points if turned in within the first 24 hours after the assignment due date. If the assignment is turned in between 24 and 48 hours late a 25-point penalty will be deducted. Any Pass/Fail assignment submitted after 48 hours will be assigned a grade of five points for the assignment. Previous arrangements between the student and faculty for late work may allow for a reduced late point penalty, but all late submissions will have a late penalty deducted.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies Required assignments and specific dates for work to be turned in must be met by the student.  Unless turned in by the deadline there will be drop in grade for lateness.  Previous arrangements between the student and instructor for late work may allow for a reduced late point penalty. Grammar and sentence structure, spelling, legibility, neatness and following directions as to organization are related to acceptable quality in both written and oral assignments. Written work is expected to follow the most current American Psychological Association(APA)format.
No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.
 
Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, MP3 players, smart watches and laptop computers) shall not be used during examinations unless specifically allowed by the instructor.
 
Use of electronic devices during normal class hours distracts other students, disrupts the class, and wastes valuable time. Instructors have an obligation to reduce such disruptions.
 
Students should turn their phones to vibrate before they enter the classroom.
 
No cell phones should be visible during class without faculty permission.
 
Use of tobacco products is prohibited on all LSCPA properties at any time.
 
Additional classroom policies include:
Students and faculty of the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Upward Mobility Nursing Program are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. To assure that faculty have the opportunity to teach and students have the opportunity to benefit from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in distracting classroom behavior. 
 
The following behaviors may result in the student being asked to cease the action, lose five (5) points on the next exam, and/or leave the classroom or labs:
Inappropriate and/or disruptive use of cell phones or other electronics
Talking or sleeping while the instructor is giving instructions or during class discussions/presentations;
Displaying a rude or negative attitude/behavior to the instructor or other students; disruptive behaviors in the classroom, skills/simulation lab, computer lab, testing environment, or clinical setting;
Counseling for repetitive tardiness (tardiness is defined as arriving greater than 10 minutes to class).
 
The following expectations apply to all courses:
Promptness is expected. Students should be on time for all classes and return from breaks promptly.
 
Students are expected to come to didactic, lab, and clinical experiences prepared and present as sincere, adult learners. Pre-course assignments may be required for admission into class.
 
Phone calls and/or text messages should be returned only during scheduled breaks.
 
Cell phones must be on vibrate in the classroom and off and out of reach during testing and test reviews.  In the event of an emergency, family can contact students through the AH Secretary, Upward Mobility Program Coordinator, or Department Chair.
 
If students must leave the classroom during content presentations they must wait until the break to return to the classroom.
 
On-campus computers should only be used for classroom work. All information shared by other students and instructors will remain confidential and should not be shared with others outside of the classroom or lab environment.
 
Students should not engage in ‘side-bar’ discussions during classroom, exam reviews, clinical, and lab.
 
Comments should be directed to the faculty in charge of the classroom, clinical, or lab time.
 
All students are expected to actively participate in all discussions, activities, and exercises.
 
Students are expected to be open to new ideas and experiences and to step outside of their comfort zone.
 
A positive attitude is expected and comments should give supportive feedback.
 
The classroom, clinical, and lab environment is a judgment-free zone.
 
Students are responsible for their actions and are responsible for learning as much as possible from the experiences provided.
 
Students are encouraged to seek assistance from peers and faculty when needed to be successful.
 
Student support of each other in the learning environment is encouraged and expected.  Supportive relationships with each other will allow a more positive learning environment to enable all to work together as a team and develop professionally.
 
Homework assignments completed during classroom sessions will result in a grade of zero.
 
Students are also expected to follow the guidelines and policies in the LSCPA Upward Mobility Nursing Student Handbook.
 
If a student is unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.
Attendance Policy Attendance at all scheduled classes and clinical experiences is expected. Research has shown that consistent class and clinical attendance contributes to successful completion of not only the Upward Mobility Nursing Program, but also passing the NCLEX-RN. Regular attendance is an essential function of any job in nursing. Students who regularly miss class or clinical clearly demonstrate their refusal to be accountable to report to work regularly.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor prior to any absence. If the student is missing a clinical, classroom or lab day, s/he must notify the faculty.
 
Students are expected to attend any scheduled online course sessions that occur during scheduled course times. These sessions will be scheduled in advance and may have activities during the live session that result in a grade. Students who do not attend are counted as absent and will not have the opportunity to make up any missed assignment during the live class session.
 
Late arrival to class is disruptive. Students who consistently arrive after the scheduled starting time of class (2 or more times) will be counseled and a plan of action determined. Class will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Students who arrive ten (10) minutes after the beginning of class should not enter the classroom and should wait until break to enter. Repetitive tardiness will result in a 5 point deduction on next exam grade.
 
Late arrival to exams is very disruptive and disrespectful to your peers.  Please arrive in time to be seated and signed into the exam portal no later than the scheduled exam time.  Late exam arrival may result in a five-point deduction on the exam.
 
A student who is absent from course activities for three (3) days or more, without notification to faculty, may be asked to withdraw from the program by the program director

A student who is absent from course activities for three (3) days or more, without notification to faculty, may be withdrawn from the program by the program director.

Students on campus but not in class are considered absent.
 
Students who do not attend scheduled live virtual activities will be counted as absent.

It is the student’s responsibility to submit a completed ‘student excuse form’ upon return to class following an absence, tardy, or leaving class early. Failure to do so will result in a declaration of ‘no call, no show’ and may result in the student being dismissed from the program.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor of any absence. If the student is unable to contact the instructor(s), the student should call 409-984-6356 or 1-800-477-5872 ext. 6356. The student should also email the faculty or call the faculty office and leave a voicemail.

Clinical uniforms are to be worn at all times while in the simulation/skills lab.
 
The program coordinator has the right to initiate the administrative withdrawal of any student whose attendance, conduct, scholastic abilities, attitude or lack of aptitude for registered nursing makes it inadvisable for that student to continue in the program.
Additional Information
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Allied Health
Chair:Shirley MacNeill
Email:macneisb@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6365