Nurse Aide for Health Care Syllabus for 2020-2021
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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-1401-002 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.  And a smart watch can not be used for the State Exam.)  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  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.  There will be gait belts in the classroom for practice.  You will not be able to bring your own gait belt for testing.  And we do not want you to bring your own gait belt to the classroom, please.

3 RING BINDER (Recommended for organization?)  You will receive some printed materials. 

 

UNIFORMS -- will be discussed the first day of class.  At this time, it does not look like we will be allowed to attend hands-on clinicals.  If a uniform is going to be required, you will have at least 3 weeks notice.  Requirements will be discussed at that time.

Student Performance

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

THE CLASS WILL MEET (IN CLASS OR VIRTUALLY) EVERY MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND THURSDAY FOR 8 WEEKS.  THE CLASS IS SCHEDULED FROM 5:30PM TO 9:45PM EACH DAY.  YOU ARE EXPECTED TO BE IN ATTENDANCE THE WHOLE TIME CLASS IS SCHEDULED.

There will be guidelines in place for COVID19 Precautions.  You will be expected to wear a mask (or other face covering that covers the mouth and nose) the entire time you are in any Amarillo College building on campus.  You are expected to provide your own mask and be wearing it when you arrive on campus.  (If you should need a mask, please contact Michele Rupe, Program Director)

Class lectures are planned to be delivered in a remote/online platform.  HAVING AN UPDATED COMPUTER WITH DEPENDABLE INTERNET ACCESS IS NECESSARY.  THAT COMPUTER ALSO NEEDS TO HAVE A CAMERA AND MICROPHONE.  This is to ensure that you can participate in discussions.  The instructor must be able to see you while you are in class.  If the lecture does not last until 9:45, you are expected to spend the rest of "class time" working on the class assignments.

 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.

LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY:    Assignments that are submitted late will have 15 points deducted from the overall grade.  If the assignment is not completed within 72 hours, the grade will become a "0".

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 (probably an online/remote format).  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,  or 3) 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 Lecture course (NURA 1401 or 1001) in order to continue on to the Clinical section (NURA 1160 or 1060).  Besides the passing grade, successful presentation of pre-clinical skills competencies will be required to continue on to the Clinical section.   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 LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW YOU WILL MEET THOSE EXPECTATIONS IN THIS REMOTE SETTING, PLEASE SPEAK WITH AN 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 (WHICH MEANS NO SLEEPING IN CLASS)

In the remote-learning classroom, students are not allowed to be in a bed or laying down during class.

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

//www.ncsbn.org/ProfessionalBoundaries_Complete.pdf

 

DRESS CODE

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, flip-flops, or sandals
• No jeans with holes (even if they were made that way).
• No low-cut blouses, spaghetti straps, tank tops, or visible underwear.
• Be aware of body odor and bad breath

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  
  •  Syllabus Quiz (1 or 2), 7 weekly quizzes and 4 Journals 
• 20%   Homework
  • Preparation videos and worksheets assigned
• 20%   Midterm exam
• 20%   Attendance
  • (see rubric information below)
• 20%   Final exam

Projects are done in this course and presented in this course.  However, the grade will be part of the clinical course.

 

Attendance

ATTENDANCE IS WORTH 20% OF THE TOTAL LECTURE GRADE

 

 

There will be a sign-in sheet for 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 in Google Drive for remote lectures.  There will be a sign-in sheet when we meet at the college for skills practice. You must sign in and out to be credited with attendance.  Your signature should be legible.

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 (or your study area at home) ready to begin class at 5:30pm and when class resumes following breaks.

Every attempt should be made to reduce distractions during lecture.  It is understandable that meeting in a virtual format may make it difficult when other family members are at home.  It will be obvious to the instructors if you are attempting to reduce distractions and participate in class discussions.

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/after that you will need to meet with the Program Director)
•  2 points      tardy less than 10 minutes 
•  5 points      Tardy 10 minutes or more 
•  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 -- Melanie Blevins, LVN (cell phone -- 806-470-7988)
• #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 lecture meetings are planned in an online platform.  Therefore, 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, and #2 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 certain you will NEED a CPR certification since we might not be attending any hands-on clinical sessions.  At this time, there is a CPR training and certification course scheduled for Friday, October 16 from 3:30am to 9:30pm.  There will be a discussion of this on the first day of Lecture.  Due to the need for social distancing, the entire class might not be able to attend this one session.  Alternative plans will be discussed.

 

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 INCLUDE HAND-ON EXPERIENCE IN A NURSING HOME.  SIMULATIONS AND SKILLS LABS WILL BE USED FOR COMPLETION.  THIS WILL QUALIFY YOU FOR SCHEDULING YOUR STATE EXAM.  HOWEVER, IT WILL NOT REPLACE TRUE HANDS-ON RESIDENT CARE.  EVERY ATTEMPT WILL BE MADE TO MAKE YOU CLINICAL EXPERIENCE THE BEST IT CAN BE AS PREPARATION FOR YOUR CAREER.