Ford, Susan M. (2022) Roach’s Introductory Clinical Pharmacology w/ access (12th ed.) Lippincott: ISBN: 9781975163730

Ford, Susan M. (2022) Roach’s Introductory Clinical Pharmacology (12th ed.) Study Guide Lippincott: ISBN: 9781975163761

 

Zerwech, JoAnn (2021) Mosby’s Pharmacology Memory Notecards: Visual, Pneumonic and Memory Aids for Nurses (6th ed.) Elsevier ISBN: 9780323661911

 

 Ford, Susan M. (2022) Roach’s Introductory Clinical Pharmacology w/ access (12th ed.) EBOOK Lippincott: ISBN: 9781975163754

Note: These books are part of the Barnes and Noble First Day Course Material
 

Lippincott Coursepoint Learning Resource ISBN: 9781975186883

BIO 2301/2101 & BIO 2302/2102 Human Anatomy and Physiology

NURA 1301 Nurse Aide for Health Care Organizations 

NURA 1160 Clinical 

To graduate from the VN program it is required that you must complete either, Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS 1305), or Introduction to Computers (ITSC 1401) prior to graduation.

Students must have a minimum grade of “C” or better in every course that applies to the Vocational Nursing Program Certificate plan to graduate.

In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1231 Pharmacology assists 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.   Identify properties, effects, and principles of pharmacotherapeutic agents; and list  common nursing interventions associated with the various pharmacotherapeutic agents. (PSLO 3)

2. Explain the roles and responsibilities of the nurse in administering pharmacological agents. (PSLO 1)

3. Identify contraindicated medications or treatments. (PSLO 2; PSLO 3)

4.  Describe therapeutic and nontherapeutic reactions to medications. (PSLO 2; PSLO 3)

5. Withhold medications to minimize potential complications (e.g., adverse reactions, toxicity, electrolyte imbalances, etc.).
(PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3)

6.    Relate therapeutic blood levels to effectiveness of treatment. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2)

7.    Assist in evaluating extent to which drug therapy meets patient’s needs. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4)

8.    Assist in evaluation and control of side effects of medications. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4)

9.    Collect data related to the patient’s need for medications prescribed PRN (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3)

10.  Monitor for interactions between drugs, food, and fluids administered to the patient. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3)

11.  Review appropriate use of non-prescription/OTC medications. (PSLO; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3)

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. Function within the scope of practice for a Vocational Nurse. 

PSLO 2. Demonstrates safe, direct patient care with individuals who have predictable healthcare needs. 

PSLO 3. Exhibits professional nursing behaviors. 

PSLO 4. Cooperates with members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team to provide evidence-based care. 

Week 1: Orientation, Syllabus, Course Point Access and Resource Overview - Nursing Foundation of Clinical Pharmacology

Week 2: Course Point Quiz Assignments- Drugs for Infection 

Week 3: Course Point Quiz Assignments -Drugs for Infection 

Week 4: Course Point Quiz Assignments- Drugs for Pain Management

Week 5: EXAM 1

Week 6: Course Point Quiz Assignments-Drugs for CNS/PNS

Week 7: Course Point Quiz Assignments- Drugs for PNS/ NMS

Week 8: Spring Break

Week 9: Drugs for PNS/ NMS Continued
Week 10:  Exam 2

Week 11: Course Point Quiz Assignments-Drugs for Respiratory. Group Project Due.

Week 12: Course Point Quiz Assignments- Drugs for Cardiovascular

Week 13: Exam 3

Week 14: Course Point Quiz Assignments-Drugs for Gastrointestinal

Week 15: Course Point Quiz Assignments-Drugs for Endocrine

Week 16: Student Success

Week: 17: Final Exam

Date:  02/19/2025      Exam I                                               Time: Noon

Date:  03/24/2025      Exam II                                              Time: Noon

Date:  04/14/2025      Exam III                                             Time: Noon

Date:  05/12/2025      Final Exam                                        Time: Noon

Date: 03/24/25      Pharmacology Group Project                 Time: 12:00 AM

Examinations are based on course objectives.

2.  Course content from pre-requisite courses will be included on exams, as  

        appropriate.

3.     ALL unit exams MUST be taken.  Make-up exams will NOT be administered under   

       any circumstances other than a College sponsored event. 

4.   Students scheduled to miss an exam due to participation in a College sponsored

       event shall provide appropriate documentation to faculty in advance of the exam

       and are eligible to complete the missed exam.  

5.   If a student must miss an exam, they must contact the instructor prior to the

        exam or within twenty-four (24) hours of the exam. A “no-call/no-show” for an

        exam will result in a grade of “0”.

6.    Students who miss an exam for any unvalidated reason shall receive a zero on the exam. Students may submit an appeal to this policy by presenting rationale to the Director or Coordinator of appropriate nursing program no later than two (2) business days following the exam. The student is responsible for seeking the exception from the Director or Coordinator of appropriate nursing program. 

7.      Students who miss an exam due to an excused reason will be provided an exception to the policy and the student will be assigned the grade made on the final exam as the grade for the missed exam. 

8.    If two exams are missed, the student will be given a zero for the second (2nd) missed exam. An alternative plan may be proposed at the discretion of the Director or Coordinator of appropriate nursing program and/or Chair of the Allied Health Department. The Director or Coordinator of appropriate nursing program will document all exceptions in the student’s file and notify the course leader if an exception is granted.   

9.     No exams will be given in advance of the scheduled date and time without approval of the Nursing Program Coordinator or Director.

10.    Tests will be administered electronically. Students will be provided with-

               a. Exam Access Code sheet that also serves as a scratch sheet

               b. Exceptions for electronic testing include paper dosage tests.

11.  Exams will be timed based on question format and course policy. The exam time frame will be provided on the Exam Access Code sheet.

12.     Students will only receive credit for answers provided during the allotted time. Once the exam period ends from the scheduled start time, the student’s time will end and questions unanswered will be counted wrong.

 

13.   Computer Lab:

a.     Students will arrive 10 minutes prior at designated location to sign-in for the exam

b.     Students arriving 15 minutes late or more will be sent to student success center without additional time for proctored exam

c.     Allied Health staff member will call student success center to inform them of the student arrival for proctored exam.

d.     All students must wear student ID to access the testing computer lab

e.     Students will not test without Valid LSCPA Id.

f.     All belongings (e. g., backpacks, cell phones, electronic devices) will remain in an area outside of the computer lab for the duration of the exam.

g.    Students are encouraged to lock valuables in their vehicles during examinations.

h.    The Lamar State College Port Arthur Allied Health Department is not responsible for lost or stolen items left in classrooms or hallways. 

i.     Students are strongly encouraged to take exams as scheduled. No questions may be asked during the exam.

j.     Students who arrive late for an exam will not be given additional testing time.

k.     Students are prohibited from writing any notes on their scratch sheet of paper until the exam begins.

 

14.   Exam Dress Code:

a.     Students will be subject to visual inspection by the exam proctor upon arrival to the registration and/or exam room. This includes but is not limited to inspection of the ears, hands/arms, clothing, pockets, etc.

b.     No head coverings of any kind are allowed, including hats, caps, beanies, or hoods. Exceptions are made for religious / cultural purposes.

c.      No cardigans, coats, jackets, or any other articles of clothing that may open are allowed in the exam room. Pullovers without pockets are acceptable.

d.      Scarves and gloves are not allowed in the exam room.

15.   During the exam:

a.     Drinking and eating are not permitted. Hard candies such as peppermints or cough drops are allowed but must be unwrapped prior to the start of the exam.

b.     Electronic devices (including but not limited to phones, smartwatches, and earbuds) are prohibited during examinations. With the exception of approved earbuds for standardized testing.

c.     If the exam is interrupted due to technical difficulties additional time will be allotted to the exam

 

NOTE: DO NOT wait outside of the exam room if any testing is occurring in the computer labs

Violation of the testing policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including possible dismissal from the nursing program.

Appropriate adjustments are made for students who meet the criteria of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

16.     Test grades will not be available for a minimum of 24 hours posttest.

17.    Evaluation of Examinations: 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.

18.   If a student scores less than a “75” on a unit examination, the student is required to make an appointment with an instructor prior to the next examination. At that time, the student and instructor will review the examination and, with the assistance of the instructor, identify strategies to improve performance on subsequent examinations.  If a student, who scores less than “75” on a unit examination, fails to review with and instructor, 5 points maybe deducted from the next unit examination. Students are required to make an appointment prior to the day before the exam.

19.    A Comprehensive Final Exam must be taken and is weighted equivalent to 15% of class average.  Final exams may not be available for review by the student and final exam grades are not posted.

20.    Any assignment or exam submitted without a student’s name will not receive credit.

21.     Late assignment submissions will incur a late point penalty. In most courses the late penalty will be a deduction of 5 points if turned in 1 day after the assignment due date.  Another 5 points will be deducted if the assignment is turned in 2 days after the assignment due date.  If the assignment is turned in 3 days late a 10-point penalty will be deducted. Any assignment submitted after 3 days will be assigned a “0” 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.

 

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

       the course:   

Projects/Activities and Course Point Assignments                          Grade 40%   

Exam I                                                                                              Grade 15%

Exam II                                                                                             Grade 15%

Exam III                                                                                            Grade 15%

Final Exam                                                                                       Grade 15%

Final Course                                                                                     Grade = 100 % 

 

Example grade determinations: 

                   Average of Projects/Activities and CP assignments            85 x 0.40 =34

                       EXAM 1                                                                                    71 x 0.15 =10.65

                       EXAM 2                                                                                    80 x 0.15 =12

                       EXAM 3                                                                                    84 x 0.15 =12.6

                      FINAL EXAM                                                                             80 x 0.15 =12

                    Course Average                                                               81.25 = B for final grade

 

 

25.    A minimum average of 75% in VNSG 1231 independent of all other requirements is necessary to pass the course. 

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:

• I understand that promptness is expected. I will be on time for all classes on campus or virtually and return from breaks promptly. 

• I understand that I am expected to come to theory and lab experiences prepared and present myself as a sincere, adult learner. Pre-course assignments may be required for admission into class. 

• I am 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.

• I will return phone calls and/or text messages only during scheduled breaks. 

• 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.

• I agree that on-campus computers will only be used for classroom work. 

• I agree that all information shared by other students and instructors will remain confidential. 

• I will not repeat or discuss what is shared with anyone. 

• I agree that I will not engage in ‘side-bar’ discussions. 

• I agree that I will direct my comments to faculty in charge of the classroom, clinical or lab time.

• I agree to actively participate in all discussions, activities, and exercises. 

• I agree to be open to new ideas and experiences. 

• I agree to take risks and step outside of my comfort zone. 

• I agree to maintain a positive attitude. 

• I agree to give supportive feedback and make corrections without belittling anyone. 

• I agree to suspend judgment and be responsible for my actions. 

• I agree to be responsible for learning as much as I can from this experience. 

• I agree to ask for what I need from my instructors. 

• 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. 

• I agree to follow the guidelines and policies in the LSC-PA Vocational Nursing Student Handbook.

 

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 session:

• inappropriate and/or disruptive use of cell phones or other electronic 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; disruptive behaviors in the classroom, skills/simulation lab, computer lab, testing environment, or clinical setting

• Counseling for repetitive tardiness.

 

If any of these behaviors result in the student being asked to leave the classroom or lab environment, the student will receive a counseling note and a loss of 5 points on the next exam.

 

Students attending classroom, lab, or clinical sessions virtually should exhibit appropriate netiquette to include at a minimum:

 

Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life;

Respect faculty and peers time by being on time to scheduled exams, sessions and activities; and Present yourself in a professional manner.

 

Should I be unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.

Pharmacology VNSG 1231 may consist of online & in class lectures, labs, and assignments.  Schedules may be changed at the discretion of the Faculty and Vocational Nursing Coordinator. Research has shown a cause-and-effect relationship between attendance and college success.  All attendance policies are in effect regardless of whether conducted online or in the classroom setting. Policies for this course are described below: 

 

1. Because poor attendance is a leading reason for termination from a job in all areas of employment, attendance at all scheduled online class sessions is expected.

 

2. A student who is absent from course activities for more than three (3) days without 

       notification to faculty may be dropped from the program by the Program Director.

 

3. Late arrival to class is disruptive. Students who consistently arrive after the beginning of the class (2 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. Repetitive tardiness will result in a 5-point deduction on next exam grade.

 

4. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor of any absence or delay from scheduled activities PRIOR TO scheduled class sessions. If the student is unable to contact the instructor(s), the student should call 409-984-6356 or 1-800-477-5872 ext. 6366. The student should also email the faculty or call the faculty office and leave a voicemail. 

 

5.   Class is scheduled to begin at Noon on Wednesdays unless otherwise stated.

 

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 registered nursing makes it inadvisable for that student to 

continue in the program.