Nurse Aide for Health Care Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

NURA-1401-001 Nurse Aide for Health Care

Prerequisites

Course Description

Knowledge, skills and abilities essential to provide basic care to residents of long-term care facilities. Topics include resident's rights, communication, safety, observation, reporting and assisting residents in maintaining basic comfort and safety. Emphasis on effective interaction with members of the health care team, restorative services, mental health and social services needs.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Lippincott Textbook for Nursing Assistants  A Humanistic Approach to Caregiving -- Fifth Edition

Supplies

A BOX OF GLOVES (this will ensure you have the right size and allow you to get into the habit of wearing gloves at appropriate times.)  THIS IS A BIG SUGGESTION. I FEEL LIKE IT IS DIFFICULT TO CALL IT A REQUIREMENT IN OUR CURRENT SITUATION.  PLEASE TALK TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR IF THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN GET GLOVES.

A WATCH (with a second hand) no digital, electronic, or smart watches  (This requirement will be more for the clinical setting at this time.  But you will need to know how to count the 60 seconds and be practicing at home.

GAIT BELT or TRANSFER BELT with a METAL buckle  (before July, preferably)  This is one of the skills you will be able to practice at home.  There will be a discussion about the gait belt on the first day of class.

3 RING BINDER (Recommended for organization?)  You may or may not even have any printed materials.  Most of our paperwork can be kept in the Google Drive.

AS WE TALKED ABOUT IN OUR PHONE CALL (with Michele Rupe 5/20 or 5/21) getting a uniform is on hold for now. Uniforms will be discussed in class before this class is over.

UNIFORM which consists of #1 white scrub top or collared white shirt, #2  blue (cobalt, royal, NOT NAVY) or white pants   (Recommended to have 2 uniforms before clinical section)  #3 White or Black shoes.  NO CLOTH SHOES

 

Student Performance

 THIS IS THE SYLLABUS FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN NURA 1001 4001 ALSO.

All assignments must be done on Blackboard.  Class lectures and Group Activites will also be in an online platform.  HAVING A COMPUTER WITH DEPENDABLE INTERNET ACCESS IS NECESSARY.   Computers are available on the Main Campus (or the Hereford Campus) if needed for student use. There will be guidelines in place for COVID19 Precautions.  You will be expected to wear a mask the entire time you are in the Ware building.

A grade of 75% or above is required on quizzes.  If that grade is not obtained by the due date, mandatory support hours will be assigned.  Quizzes may be taken as many times as desired.

MANDATORY SUPPORT HOURS WILL BE ASSIGNED FOR STUDENTS THAT ARE AT RISK FOR NOT BEING SUCCESSFUL.  Mandatory Support means spending a designated amount of time (outside of class time) at some agreed upon location.  These sessions may or may not be with a Supplemental Instructor.  Mandatory Support time will be assigned according to 1) weekly quiz grades under 75% by the due date (after reading the chapter and hearing the lecture), 2) pre-CASAS scores,  3) no computer or internet at home,  or 4) other instructor referrals.   

If you are assigned Mandatory Support, you will be asked to keep a separate sign-in sheet for documentation of your hours.  That sign-in sheet will be given to you when Mandatory Support is assigned.  You are responsible for keeping record of the time you spend in order to get credit earned.

 

An overall grade of a minimum of 70% in the first 7 week course (Lecture and Introduction to Health Professions) in order to continue on to the Clinical section.  Successful presentation of pre-clinical skills competencies, and successful completion of the CPR course is usually required, as well, to continue on to the Clinical section.  Skills competencies and CPR certification are postponed until an undetermined date at this time.  Those expectations must also be met before attending any clinical hours.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

COURSE OBJECTIVES

(as outlined by the State of Texas)

• Provide person-centered care to residents of long-term care facilities.
• Communicate and interact therapeutically with residents and their families, with sensitivity to the physical, social, and mental needs of residents.
• Assist residents in attaining and maintaining maximum functional independence.
• Protect, support and promote the rights of residents.
• Provide safety measures in the care of residents. 
  • (These measures include safety for residents and yourself)
• Demonstrate skill in observing, reporting and documentation
• Function effectively as a member of the health care team

Because these are college courses preparing the student for a professional position in the medical field, our policies reflect very stringent expectations.

THE USUAL EXPECTATIONS WHEN MEETING ON CAMPUS ARE STILL LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW YOU WILL MEET THOSE EXPECTATIONS IN THIS REMOTE SETTING, PLEASE SPEAK WITH YOUR LEAD INSTRUCTOR ABOUT YOUR CONCERNS.

      Professionalism Expectations:

1.Adherence to the dress code

2.Advanced preparation for class

3.Completion of all assignments on time

4.Participation in class 

5.Positive attitude

6.Not disrupting the class

7.Being on time for class and clinical

8.No cell phones in class or clinical

9.Being respectful to instructors and fellow students

10.Paying attention in class

 

Be familiar with the Professional Boundaries set by the nursing industry.

//www.ncsbn.org/ProfessionalBoundaries_Complete.pdf

 

DRESS CODE

Remember you are representing Amarillo College while you are in uniform.  It is required that you maintain a professional appearance and demeanor in order to reflect a positive image of yourself and the college.

Classroom:  Casual but Professional

• No shorts, no pajamas, no sweatpants, no house shoes.
• No jeans with holes (even if they were made that way).
• No low-cut blouses, tank tops, or visible underwear.
• Be aware of body odor.
• Uniforms will be worn to class for the first time on Thursday, February 13.  Other dates uniforms are to be worn will be decided and announced.

SMOKING POLICY

Smoking of any tobacco products and the use of electronic or vapor smoking devices are prohibited on all Amarillo College property and in buildings and facilities on all campuses and locations, including parking areas, green spaces, and walkways. The use of tobacco products which are smokeless and vaporless is prohibited inside any College building. This policy does not apply to East Campus Housing.  No chewing tobacco allowed in classroom or clinical sites. (Effective August 1, 2016)

 

CELL PHONE POLICY

IN THIS REMOTE-LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, WE ASK THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR CELL PHONE BESIDE YOU DURING CLASS.  AVOID USING YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE YOU ARE IN ATTENDANCE IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.

Cell phones should NOT be seen or heard in the classroom (or patient care areas).

If cell phone is seen or heard in the classroom, you will be asked to leave, and will be given an Unexcused Absence for the class.

If cell phone is seen or heard in clinical care areas, you will be sent home, counted absent, and face the possible consequence of dismissal from the program.

Cell phones may NOT be used as a timing device in either setting.

 (We suggest that you give family members the phone number of the lead instructor and the clinical facility in case there is a true emergency during your class or shift; otherwise, trust your family and caregivers to handle matters while you are in school.)

Due to responsibilities, these cell phone rules do not apply to instructors.

 

PHOTOS OR VIDEOS

Photos and recordings should never be taken in class or at clinicals.  Do not post pictures, voice recordings, or any information or comments about patients, residents, instructors or other students on any social media site.  Be familiar with guidelines regarding Social Media that have been set by the nursing industry.    https://www.ncsbn.org/NCSBN_SocialMedia.pdf

 

DRUGS AND/OR ALCOHOL

Alcoholic beverages and illicit/illegal drugs are NOT permitted on Amarillo College property or at the clinical facilities.  Any student caught in possession of alcohol and/or drugs will be turned into the campus police and dropped from the class with a “U” and without a refund.   Students cannot have impaired behavior as a result of illicit drugs, alcohol, prescription drugs, or OTC (over-the-counter) drugs. This behavior will NOT be tolerated.

 

Grading Criteria

 

LECTURE GRADING WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:                                                            

• 20%   BlackBoard Assignments  
  •  6  weekly quizzes and 4 Journals (could possibly be others)
• 20%   Preparation
  • Videos and worksheets assigned to be completed prior to attending Lectures
• 20%   Midterm exam
• 20%   Attendance
  • (see rubric information below)
• 20%   Final exam

 

Attendance

ATTENDANCE IS WORTH 20% OF THE TOTAL LECTURE GRADE

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  You can miss only 2 lecture classes.  There are certain lectures that the State of Texas deems as necessary.  If you miss one of those lectures, you will be expected to make it up.

Students will sign in and out at each class session. The state certifying board requires the student to attend a certain number of hours in both the classroom and clinical facilities to qualify to take the state exam.  Instructors will be tracking attendance.  The plan at this time, is for sign-in sheets to be printed and students to add their signature when we meet at the college for skills practice.

All absences should be excused.  In order for an absence to be excused, students should call/text the instructor BEFORE absences.  (Notification after an absence may be considered in emergency situations.)  Only 1 unexcused absence will be allowed.  More than one no call/no show could result in failure of the course.  You are responsible for any material you miss during an absence.  Absences will be handled on an individual basis.  

Students must be ON TIME to class, and must return from scheduled breaks at the designated time.  Excessive tardiness may be grounds for failure of the course. ON TIME means signed in, and at your desk ready to begin class at 8:30am or when class resumes following breaks.

Your instructor has the right at any time to ask you to leave class; if this occurs you will be counted as ABSENT for the day.

The following is the rubric for the Attendance grade in the lecture portion of the course:

All students will start with an attendance grade of 100.  The following deductions will occur:

• 30 points     UNEXCUSED absence  (only one allowed)
• 10 points     excused absence  (only 2 allowed)
•  2 points      tardy less than 10 minutes (only 4 allowed)
•  5 points      Tardy 10 minutes or more (only 3 allowed)
•  5 points      Leaving class early 

 

Calendar

Additional Information

CHAIN OF COMMAND/GRIEVANCE PROCESS

Following the Chain of Command is required of any healthcare worker, and will be practiced in Amarillo College courses.  Should a problem arise during a class period, please follow this order; do not move to the next level unless you are unable to receive satisfactory results from your private discussion.

• #1  Instructor of the class of the day
• #2  Lead Instructor -- each student will be assigned a lead instructor  (You spoke with them on either 5/26 or 5/27)
  • If there are still questions or concerns after following the above steps, then please contact:
• #3  Patient Care Programs Coordinator:  Michele Rupe, RN 
  • (CELL PHONE: 806-336-2624), office number (806) 467-3028 or email @ mmrupe22@actx.edu

Do not contact instructors after 10:00PM or before 7:30AM (Unless it is an Emergency)

 

ACCONNECT and BLACKBOARD

This course requires that the student be able to complete some components (assignments, journals, quizzes and tests) in ACConnect/Blackboard.  All class meetings will also be in an online platform.  Computer access and time spent on assignments are essential for your successful completion of each course.  Mandatory support hours outside of class time will be assigned according to #1 Pre-CASAS scores, #2 personal computer with internet access, and #3 individual scores on each weekly reading check quizzes.  There are computer labs available to you in the WARE building on the Washington Street Campus. (Also on the Hereford Campus)  Social Distancing Guidelines will be respected in these buildings.  You will be required to wear a mask at all times inside these buildings.  

All "resources" in the course shell (Powerpoints, Procedural Guidelines, some assignments, etc) will prompt student to request access using an email address.  Use your Amarillo College email address to request access.  See Log in using the AC Connect Portal (in the syllabus above) for instructions on accessing the Amarillo College email..

STUDENT SUPPORT

Supplemental study materials and assistance are available for all students, as well as support for some personal needs.  Again, extra mandatory time will be assigned based on instructor recommendation and individual need.  Times will vary from 90 minutes once up to 5 hours a week/1 hour daily. Students can plan on using Wednesdays as support time.  

This extra time is to help ensure student success in this fast paced-course.  

 

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION  CERTIFICATION  (CPR)

CPR certification training will be offered as part of this course.  Proof of certification must be on record before a student is allowed to attend any clinical shifts.  However, at this time, it is not possible to schedule a CPR certification training class.  This will be discussed before the last day of Lecture.

TEXAS NURSE AIDE CANDIDATE HANDBOOK

This publication is printed by Pearson VUE as preparation for the state certification exam. This handbook is available online and access will be posted in BlackBoard. It has the most updated information available on all aspects of testing for the Texas Nurse Aide Certification Exam.  You will be offered a printed handbook the first day we are able to meet at the college for hands-on skills practice.  We will be using it during the Skills course that is concurrent with the clinical section.  

IMPORTANT:

THERE ARE 4 CLASSES THAT MAKE UP THE CNA PROGRAM.  SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF ALL 4 CLASSES IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO MEET EXPECTATIONS SET FORTH BY THE STATE OF TEXAS.  APPROVAL TO TAKE THE STATE EXAM CAN NOT BE GIVEN UNTIL ATTENDANCE OF HANDS-ON CLINICAL HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED.  AT THIS TIME, THE CLINICAL CLASS CAN NOT BE SCHEDULED.  AND THERE IS AN UNDETERMINED LENGTH OF TIME BEFORE THAT CLASS CAN BE SCHEDULED.  (The best GUESS at this time, is end of September-first of October. It more than likely not be BEFORE that time.)