Summer Sessions 2021 Course Syllabus
Course: RNSG-2361- Section: 11
Clinical Registered Nursing-Registered Nurse
LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Diane Hare
E-mailharedl@lamarpa.edu
Phone(409) 984-6358
Office
Location:Allied Health - Room: 127
Hours:As posted and by appointment
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been exposed to COVID 19 or diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition on the COVID 19 Notification Form (available via a link on the Student Code of Conduct COVID19 webpage). This information will be provided to the Dean of Student Services. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Course Information
Description A health-related, work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by a clinical professional.
Prerequisites RNSG 1118 Professional Nursing Competencies
RNSG 1228 Introduction to Health Care Concepts
RNSG 1260 Transition Clinical
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.

As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry; and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry.
Core Objectives Core Objectives    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:
1.    Function within the nurse’s legal scope of practice and in accordance with the policies and procedures of the employing health care institution or practice setting. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
2.    Assume responsibility and accountability for the quality of nursing care provided to patients and their families. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
3.    Participate in activities that promote the development and practice of professional nursing. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
4.    Demonstrate responsibility for continued competence in nursing practice, and develop insight through reflection, self- analysis, self-care, and lifelong learning. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
5.    Use clinical reasoning and knowledge based on the diploma or associate degree nursing program of study and evidence-based practice outcomes as a basis for decision-making in nursing practice. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
6.    Determine the physical and mental health status, needs, and preferences of culturally, ethnically, and socially diverse patients and their families based upon interpretation of comprehensive health assessment findings compared with evidence-based health data derived from the diploma or associate degree nursing program of study. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
7.    Analyze assessment data to identify problems, formulate goals/outcomes, and develop plans of care for patients and their families using information from evidence-based practice in collaboration with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary health care team. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
8.    Provide safe, compassionate, comprehensive nursing care to patients and their families through a broad array of health care services. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
9.    Implement the plan of care for patients and their families within legal, ethical, and regulatory parameters and in consideration of disease prevention, wellness, and promotion of healthy lifestyles. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
10.    Evaluate and report patient outcomes and responses to therapeutic interventions in comparison to benchmarks from evidence-based practice, and plan follow-up nursing care. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
11.    Develop, implement, and evaluate teaching plans for patients and their families to address health promotion, maintenance, and restoration. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
12.    Coordinate human, information, and material resources in providing care for patients and their families. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
13.    Act as a Patient Advocate for safety using the Nursing Practice Act and the Texas Board of Nursing Rules that emphasize safety, as well as all federal, state, and local government and accreditation organization safety requirements and standards. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
14.    Implement measures to promote quality and a safe environment for patients, self, and others. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
15.    Formulate goals and outcomes using evidence-based data to reduce patient risks. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
16.    Obtain instruction, supervision, or training, as needed, when implementing nursing procedures or practices. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
17.    Comply with mandatory reporting requirements of the Texas Nursing Practice Act. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
18.    Accept and make assignments and delegate tasks that take into consideration patient safety and organizational policy. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
19.    Coordinate, collaborate, and communicate with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary health care team to plan, deliver, and evaluate patient-centered care. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
20.    Serve as a health care advocate in monitoring and promoting quality and access to health care for patients and their families. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
21.    Refer patients and their families to resources that facilitate continuity of care; health promotion, maintenance, and restoration; and ensure confidentiality. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
22.    Communicate and collaborate in a timely manner with members of the interdisciplinary health care team to promote and maintain optimal health status of patients and their families. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
23.    Communicate and manage information using technology to support decision making to improve patient care. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
24.    Assign and/or delegate nursing care to other members of the health care team based upon an analysis of patient or unit need. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
25.    Supervise nursing care provided by others for whom the nurse is responsible by using evidence-based nursing practice. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments, observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members, and evaluation of delivery of patient care.
Program Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the Upward Mobility Nursing Program graduates will be able to:
PSLO Alpha: Reading Skills – Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading materials.

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.
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:
Ackley, B. & Ladwig, G. (2020). Nursing diagnosis handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care (11th ed). St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Elsevier.
Clinical Skills: Essentials Collection 1st edition. Evolve
Giddens, J (2017). Concepts for nursing practice. (2nd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
HESI Case Studies: Complete RN Collection. (2021). Elsevier.
HESI (2020). HESI comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination (6th Ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier.
Hockenberry, M., Wilson, D., & Rodgers, C. (2016). Wong’s essentials of pediatric nursing (10th ed.). St. Louis, MO. Elsevier.
Lewis, S., Bucher, L., Heitkemper, M. & Hardin, M. (2020). Medical-Surgical nursing, assessment and management of clinical problems. (11th ed.). St. Louis, MO. Elsevier.
Lilley, L., Collins, S. & Snyder, J. (2020). Pharmacology and the nursing process (9th ed.). St. Louis, Mo. Elsevier
Lippincott NCLEX-RN PassPoint Powered by PrepU: Study software for NCLEX-RN®
Murray, S., McKinney, E., Houb, K., & Jones, R. (2019). Foundations of maternal-newborn health nursing (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO. Elsevier.
Silvestri, L. A. (2017). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination (7th Ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier.
Swift River Online.
Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary (23rd ed). (2017). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.
Townsend, M & Morgan, K. (2020). Essentials of psychiatric mental health nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA. F.A. Davis Company.
Zerwehk, J. & Garneau, A. (2018). Nursing today: Transitions and Trends (9th ed). St. Louis, MO: Saunders

Recommended:
Nugent, P. & Vitale, B. (2016). Test success: Test-taking techniques (7th ed.). Philiadelphia: F. A. Davis.
Weber, J., and Kelly, J. (2018). Health assessment in nursing (6th ed). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Williams.
Lecture Topics
Outline
Week 1 (June 7-9, 2021): Orientation; Math/Medication Review; Math/Medication Exam; Maternal/Newborn Objectives; Community Service Request

Week 2 (June 16, 2021): Discussion; Swift River assignments

Week 3 (June 23, 2021): Begin Clinical Case Studies; Swift River assignments

Week 4 (June 30, 2021): Teaching Project Planning items due; Swift River assignments

Week 5 (July 7, 2021): Nursing Journal; Swift River assignments; Teaching Projects begin

Week 6 (July 14, 2021): Swift River assignments; Teaching Projects continue

Week 7 (July 21, 2021): Medical-Surgical Clinical Case Study due; Swift River assignments; Teaching Projects continue

Week 8 (July 28, 2021): Maternal/Newborn Specialty Case Study; Swift River assignments; Teaching Projects continue

Week 9 (August 4, 2021): Clinical Reflection, Swift River assignments; Submit Community Attendance Record; Teaching Projects end

Week 10 (August 9, 2021): Final Clinical Evaluations
Major Assignments
Schedule

1)    Clinical Case Study
2)    OB Specialty Case Study
3)    Maternal/Newborn Objectives
4)    Community Case Study
5)    Nursing Journal/ Reflections/Discussions/Community Experiences Summary (avg)
6)    Swift River assignments        
7)    Teaching Project
8)    Med Administration Exam (avg)
9)    Simulation Pass/Fail assignments
Assignments may change dependent upon availability of clinical locations available.
Final Exam Date August 9, 2021 - 8:0 AM   Through  August 9, 2021 - 11:0 AM
Grading Scale 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 75-79 = C 74-60 = D 59 or Below = F
Determination of
Final Grade
The grade for the clinical course consists of two components: (1) Written work which is given a numerical grade and (2) Clinical performance which is graded as S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). A student must achieve a minimum average of 75% or greater on written work and an “S” on clinical performance which is determined by: meeting the required clinical hours and achieving satisfactory on the Clinical Evaluation to pass the course. The grade received on the written work will be the grade assigned for the course on the transcript provided the student has a satisfactory on clinical performance. Students with an unsatisfactory for clinical performance will receive a grade of “F” for the course regardless of the numerical grade on the written work.

Failure to satisfactory complete written objectives for specialty areas, including Simulation assignments by due date will result in a grade of “0” and denial of specialty rotation. THIS WILL RESULT IN FAILURE OF CLINICAL.

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

The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in the course:
1.    Clinical Case study     weighted 20%
2.    Specialty (OB) Case Study weighted 15%
3.    Maternal/Newborn Objectives weighted 10%
4.    Nursing Journal, Reflections, Discussions
and Community Summary (avg) weighted 10%
5.    Swift River assignments (avg) weighted 10%
6.    Teaching Project weighted 10%
7.    Med Administration Exam (avg) weighted 10%
8.    Community Case Study     weighted 15%

Math/Medication Competency Exam
Students must demonstrate accurate calculation of medication dosages within 3 attempts each semester. Examples of Medication administration problems will be available in each course. Medication administration questions, which will include dosage calculations, will also be on the majority of didactic course exams.

The student must pass a written medication administration competency evaluation in RNSG 2361 with a minimum score of 95. The student will have three opportunities to achieve a minimum score of 95. Students who do not achieve a minimum score of 95 by the third medication administration exam will not be allowed to continue in the program. If more than one medication administration exam is required, the average will be used for determination of the medication administration exam grade.

First unsuccessful demonstration of Math/Medication Competency -
Classroom setting group remediation will be offered by faculty.

Second unsuccessful demonstration of Math/Medication Competency –
The student meets with the assigned clinical instructor and/or other faculty members for individual remediation and retests within one week after individual remediation.

Third unsuccessful demonstration of Math/Medication Competency –
The instructor withdraws the student from the nursing courses.

Failure to keep an appointment for a repeat skill demonstration or competency exam is the same as an unsuccessful demonstration.

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 into 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.
Clinical evaluation is derived from student demonstration of developing practical skills and knowledge in the clinical and campus laboratory areas that indicate an integration and utilization of theory to provide nursing care. This requires considerable personal responsibility and skills of critical thinking on the part of the student. Behaviors include performance that may be tested and evaluated, achievement of objectives, preparation for clinical assignment and aspects of personal responsibility, such as appropriate participation in pre/post-conferences, punctuality, etc.

The grade for the clinical course consists of two components:
(1) Written work which is given a numerical grade.
(2) Clinical performance which is graded based upon your performance and meeting competency achievements. A student must achieve a minimum average of 75% or greater on the calculated average of written work and clinical competency achievements to pass the course and an “S” on clinical performance to pass the course.

The grade received on the written work will be the grade assigned for the course on the transcript provided the student has a satisfactory on clinical performance.

Students who score less than 75% on a Clinical Case Study must meet with assigned clinical faculty to review areas of weakness. Failure to meet with clinical faculty will result in a grade of zero being assigned.

Students with an unsatisfactory for clinical performance will receive a grade of “F” for the course regardless of the numerical grade on the written work. Failure to have completed written objectives for specialty areas by date of rotation will result in a grade of “0” and denial of specialty rotation. THIS CAN RESULT IN FAILURE OF CLINICAL.

An evaluation of “Consistently Requires” on critical behaviors (Refer to Clinical Notebook) during the midterm or final evaluation indicates that the quality of nursing practice is judged to consistently require direction, guidance, monitoring, and instructor assistance. This evaluation indicates a student exhibited unsafe, inaccurate, and/or incompetent clinical practice for the clinical level. Such an evaluation during the midterm and final evaluation, earns a failure in the clinical course and withdrawal from the corresponding didactic course; this refers to the program courses that must be taken concurrently. If the clinical failure occurs after the college designated withdrawal date, the student may be allowed to complete the didactic course. Regardless of grade earned in the didactic course a clinical failure requires repeating the clinical course as well as the corresponding didactic course. Clinical failures, based on violation of standards as stated in Critical Elements, will not be considered for re-admission

If the student receives below 75% based on clinical performance, the student will receive an ‘F’ in the course; regardless of the numerical grade that the student has in the clinical course on written assignments. The student’s clinical performance must be passing, 75% or higher, to remain in the program or to progress to the next level.
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 a 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.

HESI Exam/Remediation (Pass/Fail Assignment):
All Essential Topic Packs must be completed on topics student scores less than 950 on
Recommended Topic Packs should be completed to fulfill the required remediation time
Score less than 700 = 3 hours of remediation
Score of 701 – 850 = 2 hours of remediation
Score of 851 – 949 = 1 hour of remediation
Score of 950 or greater = no remediation

HESI remediation deadline will be established by individual clinical instructor based upon the required number of topics and remediation time.

Late Assignments: Unless an assignment is turned in by the deadline there will be a late penalty deducted for lateness without exception. A late penalty of ten points will be deducted 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. After 48 hours, a zero will be assigned for the assignment. Previous arrangements between the student and instructor for late work may allow for a reduced late point penalty.

Course assignment submissions must be submitted correctly within Blackboard. A student will be allowed one submission per semester to be cleared by course instructor. Any further incorrect submissions will result in a zero for the assignment submission.

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, 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 or any clinical activities without faculty permission.

Use of tobacco products is prohibited on all LSCPA properties and clinical 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 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.

Students attending classroom, lab, or clinical sessions virtually should exhibit appropriate etiquette 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.

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.

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 LSC-PA Upward Mobility Nursing Student Handbook.

If a student is unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.

Community Service Requirements:
Students are required to complete two 3-hour community service experiences within the RNSG 2361 course. The community locations must be preapproved by faculty and must provide different experiences. Each agency must provide different services to the community. You may not complete community service hours at your place of employment. You will complete a summary of your experiences after completing the required Community Service hours in RNSG 1260, 2361 and RNSG 2362.
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 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 next exam grade.

A student who is absent from course activities for one or more days, without notification to faculty, may fail the course(s).

Students on campus but not in class are considered absent.

Students who do not attend scheduled live virtual activities will be counted as absent

Since clinical is such an important component of the Upward Mobility Nursing Program, students are required to attend 100 percent of the scheduled clinical days in any given semester.

Students must be present the entire clinical day, including pre/post-conference to get credit for their attendance.

Additional activities, written work, and/or make-up clinical simulation time will be required if a student is absent from clinical. The assigned clinical instructor will determine appropriate clinical make-up work dependent upon the clinical experienced missed. If the absence is in a specialty area such as (Maternal Child, Pediatrics and Psychiatric Nursing) a make-up clinical experience is required as directed by the level faculty.

A student who misses any clinical time in a semester may receive a failing course grade (F) in the clinical course and be required to repeat both the didactic and clinical courses.

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 prior to any absence. If the student is missing a clinical day, s/he must notify the faculty that s/he is unable to attend clinical. Each clinical instructor will provide assigned students a cell phone number; the student can call and leave a message if the instructor does not answer. In addition to the assigned clinical instructor, the charge nurse on the assigned clinical unit is to be notified before pre-conference so that arrangements for the care of a given patient, saved for a particular student's educational experience, can be made. It is expected that the student will appreciate the responsibility both the student and LSCPA has assumed in having a client assigned for educational purposes. The student should also email the faculty.

Students who arrive up to fifteen minutes after assigned clinical time will be counseled on the first occurrence and allowed to stay. Students who arrive, up to fifteen minutes, after assigned clinical time on two (2) or more occasions will be counseled and not allowed to remain. This will count as a clinical absence.

Students who fail to submit completed written objectives prior to assigned rotation to designated areas will be sent home. This is a clinical absence.

Simulation clinical days will have assigned activities to complete prior to arriving at simulation. Failure to submit the assignments upon arriving to the simulation lab will result in the student being sent home for the day. This will count as a clinical absence. If simulation is completed virtually the students must sign in at the time assigned in order to receive information on the day’s activities. If Community clinical days will have an assignment due following each community clinical experience. Students must report on time, dependent upon the community site hours and must stay for assigned clinical time.

The clinical instructor keeps an attendance record. A student who is unsure about his/her status should meet with the instructor by appointment. Failure to comply with the clinical absence policy may result in a clinical failure or dismissal from the program.

Two or more absences from clinical will necessitate the Standards Committee to review the student’s performance in the Upward Mobility Nursing Program. Students will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Have a 75 test average in the didactic course.
Have satisfactory written work in the clinical course.
Are up-to-date on skills check-offs in clinical.

Students who meet the above criteria prior to the most recent absence may be allowed continue in clinical until the review committee meets and makes a decision.

Students who do not meet the above criteria may be dismissed for the semester.

Any student who is “no call, no show” for clinical demonstrates a lack of accountability and unprofessional conduct. Therefore, the student may fail clinical that semester and must repeat both the clinical and didactic courses to progress in the program. A student is “no call no show” if the student is absent from clinical and fails to contact the instructor during the 24-hour period in which the clinical is scheduled.

Students may be required to attend seminars or workshops to meet clinical objectives. Students will be informed in advance of the requirements. They are expected to attend the entire workshop as scheduled even if it extends past the regularly scheduled clinical time.

Clinical uniforms are to be worn at all times while in the simulation/skills lab or clinical setting unless instructed otherwise.

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.

Tardiness:
Pre-conference for the clinical experience begins promptly at the designated time. It is expected that everyone will be in complete uniform, with all required items, and signed in by this time.

If, for any reason, a student will be late for their clinical experience, the instructor must be notified in advance. As with absences, adjustments will need to be made in client/patient care. Tardiness may be taken into consideration and reflected in the student’s clinical evaluation.

A 15-minute period is allowed after the designated clinical start time. The start time for Pre-conference clinical is typically 0630, and after 0645 a student is considered absent and will be sent home. Times will vary dependent upon your assigned clinical location.

All students are required to check in with faculty prior to going to assigned area. Three (3) tardies = 1 clinical day absence.

All students must be screened prior to entering the clinical facility.

Make-up of Missed Specialty Clinical Experience:
Considering the rapid pace that must be maintained in the education program, coupled with the frequent and sometimes daily change in clinical focus, absences can affect the successful completion of the clinical learning objectives.

The student must initiate the submission of the clinical make up form when it becomes necessary to make up a clinical specialty experience with faculty approval. The clinical make up form can be found in the LSCPA Upward Mobility Student Handbook (Appendix E).
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies
  1. No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

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

  3. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
Important Information
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.
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLSCPA.
Other
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Department
Allied Health
Chair:Shirley MacNeill
E-mail:macneisb@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6365

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.