Required: 

American Psychological Association. (2020). Concise guide to APA Style (7th ed.). ISBN 9781433832134 

Catalano, J. (2025). 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. (2025). Concepts for nursing practice. (4th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9780323809825 

Halter, M.J. (2022). Varcarolis’ foundations of psychiatric-mental health nursing (9th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9780323697071 

HESI (2025). HESI comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination (7th Ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9780323831932 

Ignatavicius, D. (2025). Developing clinical judgment for professional nursing and the next-generation NCLEX-RN examination. (2nd Ed.)  Elsevier. ISBN 9780323935388 

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. (2025). Clinical nursing skills & techniques (11th ed.). Mosby-Elsevier. ISBN 9780443107184 

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  

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. 

​​Upon completion of the Upward Mobility Nursing Program graduates 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. ​ 

Week 1 (January 21, 2025): Syllabus 

Week 1 (January 22, 2025): Skills: PPE, Sterile Technique  

Week 2 (January 27, 2025): Skills: Med admin; Physical Assessment Practice 

Week 2 (January 29, 2025): Skills: Physical Assessment Check-off 

Week 3 (February 03, 2025): Skills: IM/SQ Injections, Ampule, Reconstitution     

Week 3 (February 05, 2025): Skills: Catheterization, IV, phlebotomy and Practice 

Week 4 (February 10, 2025): Skills: IV, Phlebotomy, Drip Calculation, IVPB, and IVP  

Week 5 (February 17, 2025): Exam I; Simulation Orientation  

Week 5 (February 19, 2025): Skills: Catheterization Practice 

Week 6 (February 26, 2025): Skills: Catheterization Check-off 

Week 7 (March 05, 2025): Skills: Blood Administration 

Week 8 (March 10-14, 2025): Spring Break  

Week 9 (March 19, 2025): Skills: Central Line Dressing Change 

Week 10 (March 26, 2025): Skills: Port-a-Cath Access 

Week 11 (April 02, 2025) Exam II; Skills: NGT Insertion/ Tube feedings/TPN  

Week 12 (April 09, 2025): Skills: Wound Care, Suture/staple removal   

Week 13 (April 16, 2025): Skills: Trach Care/Suctioning/Oxygen Practice 

Week 14 (April 23, 2025): Skills: Trach Care/Suctioning/Oxygen Check-off 

Week 15 (April 30, 2025): RN Specialty: Fundamentals Exam/ Skills: Colostomy/Enema/ Chest Tubes; Lung and Heart Sounds  

Week 16 (May 06, 2025): Final Skills Check off 

Week 16 (May 07, 2025): Final Exam/Final Skills Check off 

Unit Exam I – Wednesday 02/17/2025 Time: 0800 

Unit Exam II – Wednesday 04/02/2025 Time: 1000 

Final Exam – Wednesday 05/07/2025 Time: 0800 

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. 

The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in the 

course: 

                   Activities (Virtual Assignments, Specialty Exam)                     15% 

                   Exam I                                                                                              25% 

                   Exam II                                                                                             25% 

                   Final                                                                                                 35% 

                   Completion of all Pass/Fail Assignments: S/U 

Student Requirements: 

Final exams are not available for review by the student after leaving the testing room and Final exam grades are not posted. 

All Pass/Fail Assignments must be completed in a satisfactory manner, or it will result in a course failure. 

A final course grade of 75% and successful completion of ALL Pass/Fail assignments is necessary for a student to pass his course.  

The course faculty will explain course requirements which will include required assignments and specific dates for work to be turned in that must be met by the student. Unless an assignment is turned in by the deadline there will be a late penalty deducted for lateness. 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 will be assigned a zero 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. There are also assignments that if not submitted by the assigned due date a grade of zero will be assigned. Refer to the individual course syllabus or the assignment 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. 

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.  A student tardy for two or more times will receive a 5-point deduction on the next exam. This tardy period resets after each exam. 

Late arrival to exams is very disruptive and disrespectful to your peers.  Please arrive in time to be seated and sign onto the exam portal no later than the scheduled exam time.  Late exam arrival may result in a five-point deduction on the exam.

Required assignments and specific dates for work to be turned in must be met by the student. Unless turned in by the deadline, the grade will be lowered 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. 

Clinical uniforms are to be worn at all times while in the simulation/skills lab. 

Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. 

No meals are allowed in the classroom without special permission. 

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 ensure 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:  

The following expectations apply to all courses: 

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, the student must notify the faculty.  

Students are expected to attend all 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 the next exam grade. 

Late arrival at exams is very disruptive and disrespectful to your peers.  Please arrive in time to be seated and sign onto 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 withdrawn from the program by the program director. 

Students must notify faculty of any tardiness or absence by LSCPA email.  Avoid sending texts to assigned clinical faculty outside of clinical hours.   

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.