Essentials of Medication Administration Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Jones Hall&nbsp; 273</p>

Office Hours

Available by appointment

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. <strong>The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. </strong>

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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

VNSG-1227-001 Essentials of Medication Administration

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: BIOL 2401 and HITT 1205 OR BIOL 2402 Corequisites: VNSG 1423, VNSG 1400, VNSG 1331, VNSG 1204, VNSG 1201, and VNSG 1260

Course Description

General principles of medications administration including determination of dosage, preparation, safe administration and documentation of multiple forms of drugs. Instruction includes various systems of measurement.

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

(2 sem hrs; 1 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

PN Pharmacology for Nursing, Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.

Supplies

 Required Computer/Mobile Device (Laptop/Tablet) with Webcam:

Students are required to have regular, reliable access to a computer with a stable Internet connection.
(Any system older than 4 years may not have the processing power to work with our current version of Blackboard and its components.)

 

 System

Requirements

Minimum 

Recommended 

 

Operating System

Windows Vista, 7, or 8

Mac OSX 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, or 10.9

Windows 7 or 8

Mac OSX 10.7, 10.8, or 10.9

Processor

1 GHz processor

2 GHz or faster processor

Memory

512 MB of RAM

2 GB of RAM or higher

Monitor Resolution

1024 x 768

1024 x 768 or higher

Free Hard Disk Space

5 GB of free disk space

20 GB or higher of free space

Internet Connection

Broadband (high-speed) Internet connection with a consistent minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps.

Broadband (high-speed) Internet connection with a speed of 4 Mbps or higher

Internet Browser**

Respondus Lockdown Browser and IE8, IE9, Safari 4+, Chrome or Firefox

Respondus Lockdown Browser and Firefox

Java

Java is required to use Blackboard. Download Java.

Macromedia Flash Player

Flash is required to play videos within the Blackboard system. Download Flash  

Student Performance

The student will identify the roles and responsibilities of the nurse in administering pharmacological agents and utilize knowledge of pharmacology to demonstrate the safe administration of medications. The student will identify the unique psychological and sociological differences and healthcare practices within culturally diverse individuals that affect the use of pharmacological agents.

Student Handbook Link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13MrVDe9Tea7kUpv6FQ54SqpipLXhU741/view?usp=sharing

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

The Vocational Nursing Program is an adult program. Adult and professional behavior is expected in both the classroom and clinical areas. Cell phones should be turned off during class, out of eyesight, and off desktops during lectures. Text messaging is not allowed in the classroom. These devices are disruptive and do not answer calls or texts during class. Should a family situation/emergency require your attention, please inform your instructor before class. Students are expected to participate in all activities. Assigned readings should be completed with the module, lectures should be attended to supplement the readings, and ATI assignments should be completed to be successful. 

Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally, interacting with patients and peers, faculty, and staff.  Students represent the Department of Nursing and the nursing profession; thus, students assume responsibilities toward society.  These responsibilities are delineated in the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses Practice Standards and the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses, 2015.  The code's statements and interpretation guide nurses’ behavior concerning nursing responsibilities within the ethical decision-making framework. 

Each student will adhere to the Civility Statement, Student Handbook Policies and Procedures, the Amarillo College VN Honor Code Policy, and the Social Networking Policy. Any violation of these policies and procedures may result in failure of the course and possible dismissal from the program.

You may not record class with audio or video recording equipment (phones) without permission; if permission is granted, you agree only to use said recordings for your own personal, educational purposes and will not reproduce, distribute, or publicly post the recordings without your instructor’s permission.

Instructors are available for assistance during office hours. Professional communication may be conducted through e-mail or in person. 

Grading Criteria

GRADE SCALE

A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 75-79 D = 60-74 F = Below 60

GRADING CRITERIA

The following criteria will be used to determine your grade: 

  1. Exam: 40%

  2. Dosage Calculation Exam: 10%

  3. Medication Administration Lab: 40%

  4. Assignments: 10%

  • Must have a 75 average or above to pass the course.

Must have a 75 average or above and pass all skills labs to pass the course.

Rounding of Grades: 

The final course average will be rounded to the tenth place. For example, a course average of 79.50% would be rounded to 80%. Additional examples of final course averages rounded to the tenth place include:

  • 74.62% will be rounded to 75%, letter grade of C
  • 74.38% will be rounded to 74%, letter grade of D
  • 79.77% will be rounded to 80%, letter grade of B
  • 79.499% will be rounded to 79%, letter grade of C
  • 89.87% will be rounded to 90%, letter grade of A
  • 89.478% will be rounded to 89%, letter grade of B

There will be no rounding of individual clinical assignment scores earned during a semester.

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, and mandated hours are required by the Texas State Board of Nursing. Therefore, it is the student's responsibility to attend class. 90% attendance of classroom lectures is required. Classroom content is 64 hours, which allows a student to miss 7 hours of classroom content. Attendance contracts will be given to students who miss class. If more than 4 hours of classroom content is missed, students will receive a deduction of 5 points on the upcoming exam and potential failure for the course. Students should expect to be in class, lab, or clinical for 8 hours daily.

Calendar

It will be available on the first day of class and is subject to changes.

Additional Information

Student Grievance

Students may report grievances by following the proper chain of command.  First the student will contact: instructor Camille Graves 354-6011 or Liz Maciel 354-6030, program director Aaron Gann 354-3694, Associate Dean of Health Sciences Kim Boyd 354-6060, Dean of Health Sciences Kim Crowley 354-6087, Associate VP of Academic Services Becky Burton 371-5122, and VP of Academic Affairs Dr. Frank Sobey 371-5226.

REQUIRED LAB TIME

Forty-eight hours of lab and clinical are required in this course. Sixteen hours are used for skills lab time. The student must fulfill 32 lab hours. Failure to complete and document the 32 hours will result in failure of the course. 

Activities that qualify include: 

  • ATI: Time that students are logged in to ATI working on skills modules.

  • PrepU: Time that students are logged into CoursePoint working on assignments.

  • Skills Practice: Time spent in the NRC to practice skills. 

  • Active learning activities

  • Other activities as designated by the instructor. 

 

SKILLS LAB

Students will perform return demonstrations of skills in the Nursing Resource Center (NRC) with an instructor. The student must pass all skills labs to pass the course. Upon skills failure, it is the student's responsibility to schedule remediation with NRC staff before leaving the NRC. Remediation cannot be completed on the same day as the failed skill. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the second-attempt check-off with their care group leader. Time is limited in this course; remediation and second-attempt must be scheduled within one week of the failed attempt; failure to complete this requirement will result in a zero (0) for the skill. All skills must be completed successfully before clinical orientation. Two failed attempts at a single skill will result in a failure of this course. 

 

Grades will be earned on each skill. Skills Check-off grades will be the following: 

  • 1st attempt pass: 100

  • 2nd attempt pass: 75

 

COURSE WORK

To succeed in this course, there will be required assignments. Assignments must be hand-written (unless otherwise specified)  and submitted to the appropriate drop box in Blackboard. Typed assignments will not be accepted. Assignments must be compatible with Microsoft Office (Microsoft Word, etc.). Any submission incompatible with the campus computer system will not be accepted and will result in a zero for the assignment. 

If assignments are not completed by the closing date, you will receive a zero for that specific assignment. Students will be provided with a list of required ATI and PrepU assignments. To receive credit, the student must achieve a 90% on all ATI assignments and mastery level 5 on PrepU. Students must spend at least 30 minutes per module to receive full benefits from these modules. Insufficient time will not receive credit.

Students are required to do their own individual work. There may be no sharing of answers for ATI or PrepU. Students are not to write down questions or answers for either of these programs. Students may not take screenshots of any questions for either of these programs. Any cheating in any form will not be tolerated and can result in course failure. 

If there are problems accessing and/or working within PrepU or ATI, the student must contact PrepU or ATI helpdesk. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor before the due date, explain the problem, and include the ticket number given by the helpdesk. 

PARTICIPATION

There will be active learning activities in class. Participation is required. Active learning may include group work. These activities are structured to provide a deeper understanding of the material and gain experience with collaboration. Collaboration is a necessary skill for nurses to provide safe care. 

 

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is defined as the following: the use of someone else’s exact word(s) that are neither quoted nor cited, paraphrasing someone else’s words without citing them, or citing someone else’s research without citing it. 

Copying any part of another student’s work and submitting it as original work is plagiarism. 

Plagiarism may receive a penalty of zero.  

QUIZZES, TESTS AND MAKE-UP TESTS:

Quizzes will be scheduled during class time. Quizzes will consist of 20 questions and will be open for one hour. There will be no make-up for missed quizzes. 

Student Testing Policy

Specific to Testing and the Testing Center:

A student will:

  1. find the schedule for tests on the class calendar.
  2. arrive 10 minutes prior to start of test in the Testing Center.
    1. A student arriving after a scheduled test has started will not be allowed to take the test at that time.
    2. The student will need to reschedule with the course instructor.
    3. A 5-point deduction from the exam will be enforced for students unable to test due to tardiness or failure to comply with testing center procedure.
  3. provide picture identification and student ID# at a test (student ID badge will fulfil these requirements).
    1. Students without acceptable identification will not be allowed to test and must reschedule with their instructor.
    2. A 5-point deduction from the exam will be enforced for students unable to test due to tardiness or failure to comply with testing center procedure.
  4. sit in the assigned seat as identified by the instructor(s).
  5. have no personal belongings (i.e., books, papers, or reading materials) at a testing station.
    1. Scratch paper, pencil, and/or calculator will be provided when necessary.
    2. Students will not be allowed to bring personal calculators or supplies into the testing center.
  6. be required to leave hats, scarves, gloves and coats outside the testing room.
    1. Provisions are made for religious and cultural dress.
  7. be required to leave all, tablets, smart watches, mp3 players, fitness bands, jump drives, cameras or any other electronic devices outside of the testing room.
    1. Students will be provided a holder for keys and cellular devices in the testing center. 
    2. The student will place these items in the holder prior to the exam.
    3. Students will not be able to access these items during the exam. 
    4. Student may retrieve items only after their exam has been submitted.
  8. raise his/her hand to ask a question.
    1. Instructor or Testing Center personnel will come to the student. There will be no other talking during a test.
  9. bring no food or drinks in the Testing Center
  10. be permitted to take a test one time only.
  11. Tests are computerized and will be taken in the nursing testing center and will be multiple choice questions. 
    1. Make-up tests may be essay/short answer questions and must be taken within one week of the scheduled test.  Make-up exams may result in a deduction of 5 points (this will be at the discretion of the instructor). 
    2. Failure to notify instructor of a missed exam may result in a grade of 0 for that exam.
  12. Level II: PrepU and assigned ATI must be complete before the exam
    1. Failure to complete assignments will result in a 5-point deduction from the exam grade at the discretion of the instructor.
  13. Take all exams including the final, no exemptions.  Students will receive the grade earned on all exams, including the final.
  14.  Students may review their exam results with an instructor after any module exam. Appointments should be scheduled within one week of the exam. 
    1. No module exam may be reviewed after the next scheduled module exam is given. The final exam will not be reviewed.
  15. demonstrate ethical, professional behaviors and will adhere to this testing policy.
    1. Instructors and/or testing personnel will report to the Nursing Department Chair any incident where there is suspicion or evidence of cheating or infraction of this policy with possible consequences:
      1. Invalidation of test scores for the class or for the individual
      2. Loss of grade for the individual, or
      3. Dismissal of individual from the program

A student will maintain honesty by:

  1. not removing any materials, documents, or recordings with any test information from the room after taking or reviewing a test. 
  2. not discussing examination items with peers.
  3. not giving help to students or receiving help from any student during a test.
  4. not sharing any test information with other students between and after testing times.
  5. Violations of academic code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action as per the Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Student Responsibilities During Test Review/Remediation

  1. Students may review their individual exam results with an instructor after any module exam. Appointments should be scheduled within one week of the exam.  No module exam may be reviewed after the next scheduled module exam is given unless deemed necessary by the instructor. Final exam will not be reviewed.
  2. Cell phones and audio recording equipment are to be turned off. All personal electronic devices should be placed in backpacks or purses.
  3. Test questions in any form must not be shared, discussed or copied on social media. Examples include but are not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs, etc.
  4. Students will not engage in any cheating activities, including but not limited to those scenarios listed above.

Security measures will be taken during tests, between testing times, and during test reviews.

Make-up tests may be essay/short answer questions and must be taken within one week of the scheduled test. It is the student's responsibility to schedule the make-up test. Failure to schedule the make-up exam within one week may result in a grade of 0. Make-up exams may result in a deduction of 10 points (this will be at the instructor's discretion). Failure to notify the instructor before a missed exam may result in a grade of 0 for that exam.

 

Tests are computerized and will be taken in the nursing testing center. Tests will begin on time; if students are late, they will not be allowed to enter and test. When entering the testing center, do so quietly and respectfully; after the test, you cannot linger in or near the testing center.  Also, students should never discuss the test, test questions, or otherwise with each other.  This is a violation of Amarillo College and is considered cheating. Cheating in any form will not be tolerated and may result in course failure. Measures are taken to avoid the opportunity of cheating:

  • No cell phones or smart watches are allowed in the testing room

  • Students should use the bathroom before the exam. If the student leaves the room during the test, the test will be stopped, and the grade they earned at that point will be recorded.

  • Instructors may screen for cheating opportunities before and during the exams.

  • No jackets, long sleeves, hoodies, or multiple layers are allowed in the testing rooms during the test.  Students wearing long sleeves will be asked to keep the arm sleeves up and pulled up to the elbows for test security purposes. 

 

Make-up tests may be essay/short answer questions and must be taken within one week of the scheduled test. It is the student's responsibility to schedule the make-up test. Make-up exams may result in a deduction of 10 points (this will be at the instructor's discretion). Failure to notify the instructor via email before a missed exam may result in a grade of 0 for that exam.

 

DOSAGE CALCULATIONS EXAM: Students must achieve a 75% on the dosage calculation exam before attending clinical. The initial grade earned will be the grade recorded. However, if failing to meet the requirement for clinical, the student has one opportunity to retake the exam. The grade earned on a repeat exam will not count toward the course grade. The exam will be given twice in the semester. Failure to pass the dosage exam will result in the student failing to meet VNSG 1232 and VNSG 1227 objectives. Students who do not pass the dosage exam must drop the following courses: VNSG 1331, 1227, 1400, and 1260. 

 

REQUIRED TUTORING POLICY

The West Campus Tutoring Center is located in Building D. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The telephone number is 354-6020. The Tutoring Center is open to all nursing students. Any student may schedule an appointment at the center regardless of their academic progress in a course.

Students who do not achieve a minimum passing score of at least 75% on a unit exam must meet with the instructor and/or a tutor before the next scheduled exam. One hour of tutoring is required for a test grade of less than 75%. Remediation is required to help students improve their critical thinking, clinical reasoning skills, and test-taking techniques. Both the course syllabus and student contract include this requirement. Students not completing the required tutoring will receive a 5-point deduction on the exam. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure confirmation of the tutoring session is given to the instructor before the next exam.

Students may also be required to complete a Required Remediation Assignment before taking the next exam. The instructor will notify the student of the assignment and the due date for it. The next exam cannot be completed until this requirement is met.     

ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE (ATI)

ATI assessments will be done throughout the semester. These assessments establish readiness for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX). All students will be required to complete the focused review based on the results of these assessments.

The Focused Review must be completed by the due date listed on the respective course calendar(s) in which the student is enrolled. If the focused review is not completed, then the student will not be allowed to sit for the Final Exam and will receive a grade of zero (0) for the Final Exam. Please see the ATI grading and focused review requirement table below:

ATI GRADING TABLE/Focused Review Time:

Level

Conversion Score (%)

Focused Review Time

Level 3

100

1 hour

Level 2

88

2 hours

Level 1

75

3 hours

Below Level 1

65

4 hours

Syllabus Created on:

08/15/24 1:50 PM

Last Edited on:

12/13/24 10:51 AM