Spring 2024 Course Syllabus
Course: VNSG-1400 (Section: 1, CRN: 10127)
Nursing in Health and Illness I 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Melissa Smith
Email smithm@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6339
Office Allied Health - Room: 107 IV
Office Hours Office Hours by Appointment
Additional Contact Information
Course Information
Description Introduction to general principles of growth and development, primary health care needs of the patient across the life span, and therapeutic nursing interventions.
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.

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.


Burton, M., Smith, D. (2023). Fundamentals of Nursing Care, Concepts, Connections and Skills for Nursing (4th ed.). Philadelphia: F.A Davis
               ISBN # 978-1-7196-4455-6
Burton, M. Smith, D. Ludwig, L. (2019). Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care, Concepts, Connections, and Skills for Nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis
                ISBN # 978-1-7196-4456-3
Gorman, L. Anwar, R. (2022) Mental Health Nursing (6th Edition) Philadelphia: F. A. Davis ISBN # 978-1-7196-4560-7
Linnard-Palmer, L., Haile-Coats, G. (2021). Safe Maternity and Pediatric Nursing Care (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: F.A Davis
               ISBN # 978-0-8036-9734-8
HESI (2021) HESI Comprehensive Review NCLEX-PN (6th Edition) Elsevier 
               ISBN # 978-0-3236-5348-0
Online HESI Case Studies: Complete PN Collection (2 Year Version)
Additional Materials/Resources None
Corequisites/Prerequisites
  • NURA-1160 Clinical-Nurse Assist/Aide 
  • NURA-1301 Nurse Aide Hlth Care Org I 
  • NURA-1301 Nurse Aide for Health Care 
  • Mandatory Co-requisite:  VNSG 1261 Clinical
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    • NURA-1160 Clinical-Nurse Assist/Aide 
    • NURA-1301 Nurse Aide Hlth Care Org I 
    • NURA-1301 Nurse Aide for Health Care 
    • Mandatory Co-requisite:  VNSG 1261 Clinical
    Learning Outcomes In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1400 Nursing in Health and Illness I assist the student to develop the particular skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success as a vocational nurse.  Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:           
     
    1.       Recognize the uniqueness of the gerontological patient related to physical, mental, and emotional changes associated with the aging process. (PSLO 2) Measured by: exams, discussions based on readings; clinical rotations
     
    2.       Describe the psychosocial, growth and development, and physiological needs of patients across the life span. (PSLO 2) Measured by: case discussions and reading assignments; clinical case studies  
     
    3.       Identify common, overt, actual and/or potential primary health care needs of the patient. (PSLO 2) Measured by: exams; case studies; care plans
     
    4.       Identify the basic interventions to support the patient and family during life stages including death and dying. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams; clinical simulations; clinical rotation interactions        
     
    5.       Identify nursing interventions related to the effects of pharmacological agents on patients. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams; care plans; case scenarios; class and clinical discussions/interactions; simulations                                                   
     
    6.       Demonstrate competency in dosage calculations. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams; clinical medication identification.
     
    7.       Describe the underlying theories of nursing skills using principles of safety and asepsis. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical simulations; lab skills check-offs; clinical skills evaluations; discussions based on readings
     
    8.       Demonstrate satisfactory performance of nursing skills using evidenced-based principles of safety and asepsis. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: lab skills check-offs; clinical skills evaluations; discussions of most-current practices 


    9.       Develop an understanding of the legal, ethical & professional responsibilities inherent in the role of vocational nurse. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams, discussions based on readings of nurse practice act and nurse literature
    Program Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the Vocational Nursing Program graduates will, under the supervision of a professional licensed nurse and/or licensed physician, function in non-complex settings and should be able to:

    PSLO 1. Functions within the Scope of Practice for a Vocational Nurse.
    PSLO 2. Demonstrates safe, direct patient care with individuals who have predictable health care needs.
    PSLO 3. Exhibits professional nursing behaviors.
    PSLO 4. Cooperates with members of the interdisciplinary health care team to provide evidence-based care.
    Lecture Topics Outline
    1. Syllabus/Orientation: Introductions; Orientate to VN classroom/building; Review Syllabus and expectations
    2. Infection Control: Review standard based and other precautions. Review how to prevent contaminations.  View demonstration of PPE, pouring sterile liquids and opening sterile packages in hand and on table  
    3. Safety/Sensory: Review patient safety and restraints
    4. Physical Assessment/Vital signs: Review head-toe physical assessment and patient vital signs. View demonstration of head to toe physical assessment
    5. Patient Education, Admission, Discharge, Transfer: Review methods used for patient focused teaching. Review the processes involved with Admission, Discharge and Transfer.
    6. Bowel, Nutrition, Enema, Blood Glucose and Specimens: Review normal and abnormal findings for bowel assessments and nutrition. Review reasons why a patient may need an NG Tube or Enema. Review proper techniques for collecting lab specimens.  View demonstration of Blood Glucose with enema skill. 
    7. Documentation/Delegation/Prioritization: Review importance of and methods for nursing documentation. Review proper delegation techniques and methods for prioritizing important task and patient care
    8. Fluids, Electrolytes, Foley: Review normal renal function; review intake and output; normal and abnormal electrolyte function.  View demonstration of insertion and removal of Foley Catheter along with proper methods for urine collection
    9. Skin, Wound Care: Review how to properly care of skin of all ages along with reviewing how to stage pressure ulcers and how to care for them.  View demonstration of sterile wound care dressing change along with proper techniques for wraps 
    10. Oxygen/Diagnostic Testing: Review oxygenation use, when, why and how certain diagnostic testing is used. 
    11. Pain/Comfort/Sleep:  Review what pain means and how it is perceived by individual people.  Review comfort measures provided to patients. Review sleep issues and the importance of sleep
    12. Loss & Grief, Hospice, Transplant:  Review how people accept or deny loss, how they deal with grief. Review what hospice is and who qualities.  Review who is able to donate and receive organs for transplant
    13. Medication Administration: Review how to administer medication safely 
    14. Assertiveness/Sexuality: Review how to be assertive in the work place, how to handle aggression in the nursing field. 
    15. Growth and Development from Infant to Geriatrics: Review the normal growth and development across the life span.
    16. Activity/Immobility: Review what happens when patients are immobile and techniques for transferring and moving patients. Guest speaker will provide demonstration for educating patients on proper techniques used for assistive devices 
    Major Assignments Schedule
    Date:  01/25/24        Practice Exam     Time: 12:00
    Date:  02/02/24               Exam I           Time: 08:00
    Date:  02/16/24               Exam II          Time: 08:00
    Date:  03/01/24               Exam III         Time: 08:00
    Date:  03/22/24               Exam IV         Time: 08:00
    Date:  04/12/24               Exam V          Time: 08:00
    Date:  04/26/24               HESI              Time: 12:00
    Date:  05/03/24               Final Exam    Time: 1200
    Final Exam Date May 3, 2024 - 8:0 AM   Through  May 3, 2024 - 11:0 AM
    Grading Scale 90-100 = A        80-89 = B        75-79 = C        60-74 = D      Below 60 = F
    Determination of
    Final Grade
    The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in the course:  
     
    i. Exam I 12%
    ii. Exam II 12%
    iii. Exam III 12%
    iv. Exam IV 12%
    v. Exam V                                                        12%
    vi. HESI                                                           10%
    vii. Classroom/Computer Assignments             5%
    viii. Professionalism                                           5%
    ix. FINAL                                                          20%
      
    Students must have a 70% average or greater on the first 3 exams in VNSG 1400 to be eligible to participate in VNSG 1261 clinical. Classroom/Computer assignments will not be average into the test average for clinical eligibility.

    A minimum average of 75% in VNSG 1400 independent of all other requirements is necessary to pass the course. Daily activity grades (example: discussion board post, classroom/computer assignments, etc.) will not be included in grade calculations until 75% average on exams is achieved. No grades will be rounded until the final course average; this includes weighted exam average. 

    A mandatory comprehensive standardized examination (REACH) is administered at the end of the semester prior to the final exam and is weighted equivalent to 10%.
    Course Policies
    Instructor Policies
    • Lamar State College – Port Arthur (LSCPA) is a no smoking campus. Use of tobacco products is prohibited on all LSCPA properties at any time
    • Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.
    • Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, “smart” watches, MP3 players, 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 and/or smart watches allowed during class and/or exams.
     
    Additional classroom policies include:
    Students and faculty of the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Vocational 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:
    1. I understand that promptness is expected. I will be on time for the beginning of all classes and will return from breaks promptly.
    2. I understand that I am expected to come to theory and lab experiences prepared and present myself as a sincere, adult learner.
    3. I will return phone calls and/or text messages only during scheduled breaks.
    4. I will keep cell phones on vibrate in classroom and off and out of reach during testing and test reviews.  In the event of an emergency, your family should contact you through AH Secretary, VN Coordinator, or Department Chair.
    5. I agree that on-campus computers will only be used for classroom work.
    6. I agree that all information shared by other students and instructors will remain confidential.
    7. I will not repeat or discuss what is shared with anyone.
    8. I agree that I will not engage in ‘side-bar’ discussions.
    9. I agree that I will direct my comments to the front of the room.
    10. I agree to participate in all discussions, activities, and exercises.
    11. I agree to be open to new ideas and experiences.
    12. I agree to take risks and step outside of my comfort zone.
    13. I agree to maintain a positive attitude.
    14. I agree to give supportive feedback and make corrections without belittling anyone.
    15. I agree to suspend judgment and be responsible for my actions.
    16. I agree to be responsible for learning as much as I can from this experience.
    17. I agree to ask for what I need from my instructors.
    18. I agree to get better acquainted with my fellow students so we can all identify ways to support one another, work together as a team and develop professionally.
    19. I agree to follow the guidelines and policies in the LSC-PA Vocational Nursing Student Handbook.
    Should I be unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements a loss of professionalism points will occur.  Depending on the behavior dismissal from the program may occur.
     
    The following behaviors will result in the student being asked to cease the action and/or leave the classroom:
    • Inappropriate and/or disruptive use of cell phones or other electronics devices in classroom
    • 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 

    Attendance Policy Fundamentals of Nursing VNSG 1400 and the clinical component of this course may consist of online & in class lectures, labs, and assignments.  Schedules may be changed at the discretion of the faculty and vocational nursing coordinator. All attendance policies are in effect whether conducted online or in the classroom setting.  Infractions may result in loosing professionalism points. Research has shown a cause-and-effect relationship between attendance and college success.  Policies for this course are described below: 
     Because poor attendance is a leading reason for termination from a job in all areas of employment, attendance at all scheduled classes is expected.

     
    1.     A student who is absent from course activities for more than three (3) days
            without notification to the faculty may be dropped 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 absent.
     
    2.     Late arrival to class is disruptive. Students who consistently arrive after the
            beginning of the class (3 or more times) will be counseled and a plan of 
            corrective action determined. Class will begin promptly at the scheduled time.
            Students who arrive fifteen (15) minutes after the beginning of class should 
            not enter the classroom and should wait until break to enter. A student who is
            tardy three (3) times in one class will result in a 5-point deduction from the next
            exam grade. 
     
    3.    It is the student’s responsibility to notify all Level 1 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.
     
    4.     In addition to notifying instructors, students must submit a Student Excuse  
            Form, upon the first day of return, each time the student is absent, delayed
            from attending or must depart early from class, clinical or lab. Failure to
            complete the Student Excuse Form will result in a declaration of a ‘No Call, No
            Show' for the number of days absent and may result in the student being
            dismissed from the program.
     
    5.      Lab jackets are to be worn at all times while in the skills lab.
     
    6.      Simulation/Computer Lab Assignments are mandatory.  Failure to attend will result
             in a Zero for that assignment.
     
    The Program Director or Department Chair has the right to initiate the administrative withdrawal of any student whose attendance, conduct, scholastic abilities, attitude or lack of aptitude for Vocational Nursing making it inadvisable for that student to continue in the program.
    Additional Information 1.       Gates Memorial Library located at 317 Stillwell: LSCPA - Gates MemorialLibrary (lamarpa.edu)
    2.       Open computer Lab-Gates Memorial Library
    3.       Excelencia Center in Ruby Fuller Building: LSCPA - Pathway to Excellence (lamarpa.edu)
    4.       Board of Nursing (BON) School Code: US 27 1 00900, Web Site: http://www.bon.state.tx.us
    5.       National Council of State Boards of Nursing Web Site: http://ncsbn.org/
    6.       National Student Nurse Association (NSNA) http://www.nsna.org/
    7.       International Center for Regulatory Scholarship (ICRS) https://www.icrsncsbn.org/index.htm
    8.       Lamar State College Port Arthur, textbook locator: http://www.lamarpa.edu/General/Maps/Bookstore
    9.       Lamar State College – Student Handbook
              Lamar State College Port Arthur Catalogs - SmartCatalog www.academiccatalog.com (smartcatalogiq.com)
    10.     Lamar State College Faculty Handbook   
              Microsoft Word - Faculty Handbook (8-2023).docm (lamarpa.edu)
    11.     Lamar State College 23-24 Catalog
              Lamar State College Port Arthur Catalogs - SmartCatalog www.academiccatalog.com (smartcatalogiq.com)
    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