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Spring 2026 Course Syllabus
Course: RNSG-1118 (Section: 11, CRN: 10108) Transition to Professional Nursing Competencies |
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| Instructor Information | |||||||||
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| Instructor | Lauren Ratcliff | ||||||||
| ratcliffle@lamarpa.edu | |||||||||
| Phone | (409) 984-6334 | ||||||||
| Office | Health & Science - Room: 225A | ||||||||
| Office Hours |
As posted and by appointment
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| Additional Contact Information | None | ||||||||
| Course Information | |||||||||
| Description | Transition to professional nursing competencies in the care of patients throughout the lifespan. Validates proficiency in psychomotor skills and clinical reasoning in the performance of nursing procedures related to the concepts of: clinical judgment, comfort, elimination, fluid and electrolytes, nutrition, gas exchange, safety, functional ability, immunity, metabolism, mobility, and tissue integrity. Includes health assessment and medication administration. This course lends itself to a concept | ||||||||
| 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
Upward Mobility Textbooks Spring 2026 Adoption
DOSAGE CALCULATION BOOK
ISBN: 979-8986725703
Recommended Books:
Required:
Online resources:
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| Additional Materials/Resources | None | ||||||||
| Corequisites/Prerequisites |
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| 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. |
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| Program Student Learning Outcomes |
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. |
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| Lecture Topics Outline |
Week 1 (January 20, 2026): Syllabus Week 1 (January 21, 2026): Skills: PPE, Sterile Technique Week 2 (January 26, 2026): Skills: Med admin; Physical Assessment Practice Week 2 (January 28, 2026): Skills: Physical Assessment Check-off, Injection Practice Week 3 (February 02, 2026): Skills: SQ Injections, Reconstitution Week 3 (February 03, 2026): Skills: Primary/Secondary IV Fluids Week 3 (February 04, 2026): Skills: IM Injections/Ampule, Open Practice IV/Phleb. Week 4 (February 09, 2026): Skills: IV Initiation/Phlebotomy Week 5 (February 16, 2026): Exam I; Simulation Orientation Week 5 (February 18, 2026): Skills: Catheterization Practice Week 6 (February 25, 2026): Skills: Catheterization Check-off Week 7 (March 04, 2026): Skills: Blood Administration Week 8 (March 09-13, 2026): Spring Break Week 9 (March 17, 2026): Skills: Wound care/Wound Measurement Week 9 (March 18, 2026): Skills: Wound care, Suture/Staple removal Week 10 (March 25, 2026): Skills: Central Line Dressing Change Week 11 (April 01, 2026) Exam II; Skills: NGT Insertion/ Tube feedings/TPN Week 12 (April 08, 2026): Skills: Port-a-Cath Access Week 13 (April 15, 2026): Skills: Trach Care/Suctioning/Oxygen Practice Week 14 (April 22, 2026): Skills: Trach Care/Suctioning/Oxygen Check-off Week 15 (April 29, 2026): RN Specialty: Fundamentals Exam/ Skills: Colostomy/Enema/ Chest Tubes; Lung and Heart Sounds Week 16 (May 06, 2026): Final Exam |
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| Major Assignments Schedule |
Unit Exam I – Wednesday 02/16/2026 Time: 0830 Unit Exam II – Wednesday 04/01/2026 Time: 0830 RN Specialty: Fundamentals Exam—Wednesday 4/29/2026 Time: 0830 Final Exam – Wednesday 05/06/2026 Time: 0830 |
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| Final Exam Date | May 6, 2026 - 8:30 AM Through May 6, 2026 - 12:00 PM | ||||||||
| Grading Scale | 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 75-79 = C 74-60 = D 59 or Below = F | ||||||||
| Determination of Final Grade |
The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in the course: Activities 15% (Case Studies, Quizzes, Specialty Exams- Averaged together) 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 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.
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. A student who is tardy two or more times may 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 on time to be seated and sign into the exam portal no later than the scheduled exam start time. Late exam arrival may result in a five-point deduction on the exam.
It is the student’s responsibility to complete any required make-up assignments for missed absences, tardy, or other circumstances. 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. |
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| Course Policies | |||||||||
| Instructor Policies |
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 food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.
Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, 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: Promptness is expected. Students should be on time for all classes on campus or virtually 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, families can contact students through the AH Secretary, Upward Mobility Program Coordinator, or Department Chair.
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 ‘sidebar’ 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 may 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. |
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| 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 all instructors prior to any absence. If the student is missing a clinical, classroom, or lab day, s/he must notify the faculty. Students who arrive up to fifteen minutes after the assigned clinical time will be counseled on the first occurrence and may be allowed to stay at the discretion of the instructor.
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 may result in a 5-point deduction on the 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 withdrawn from the program by the program director.
Students must notify all 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.
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 all instructors 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. The student should also email all faculty or call the faculty office and leave a voicemail.
The program coordinator and the Allied Health Chair have 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. |
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| Additional Information |
In accordance with the mission of Lamar State College - Port Arthur, this course encourages the student to develop the particular skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for success in the field of Associate Degree Nursing. Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:
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| 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 Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. 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. |
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| 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 |
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