Nursing in Health and Illness I 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-1400-001 Nursing in Health and Illness I

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: BIOL 2401 and HITT 1205 OR BIOL 2402 Corequisites: VNSG 1423, VNSG 1331, VNSG 1227, VNSG 1204, VNSG 1201, and VNSG 1260

Course Description

Introduction to general principles of growth and development, primary health care needs of the client across the life span and therapeutic nursing interventions.

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 hr; 3 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 Introductory Medical Surgical Nursing 13th ed., Timby & Smith, Lippincott, 

(Books included in required LVN Digital Bundle, 9781975242527)

Supplies

Student Performance

Introduction to general principles of growth and development, primary health care needs of the client across the life span, and therapeutic nursing interventions.  Identify roles, legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of a vocational nurse.  Clinical experiences occur in acute, long term, and community agencies.  (4 sem hrs; 3 lec 4 lab)

 

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1.         Demonstrate understanding of the Nursing Process and its implications to nursing care.

2.         Discuss health and illness of patients and families across the lifespan and learn to advocate for those patients.

3.         Utilize clinical reasoning skills to assess signs and symptoms of disease processes, health maintenance, health promotion, and health restoration of patients and their families.

4.         Utilize the nursing process to discuss nursing care plans for patients experiencing diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiac disorders, infections, HIV and AIDS, cancer, sensory disorders, and disorders of the skin.

5.         Implement skills and basic care principles based on evidenced based practice standards as they apply to the disease process.

              6.          Identify principles of care for the peri-operative patient.

7.        Develop effective communication skills with patients, families and the interdisciplinary team.

8.         Implement aspects of care related to pharmacotherapeutic agents.

9.         Discuss current use of technology and informatics used to document disease processes and patient care.

10.       Discuss fiscal responsibility and its impact on patients and families.

 

 

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 while in class, and out of eyesight and off of desktops during lectures. Text messaging is not allowed in the classroom. These devices are disruptive; do not answer calls or texts during class. Should there be a family situation/emergency that requires your attention, please inform your instructor before class. Students are expected to participate in all activities. Assigned reading should be completed with the module, attend lectures to supplement the reading, and complete ATI assignments to be successful. 

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, not only in interaction with patients, but also with 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 statements of the code and their interpretation provide guidance for nurses’ behavior in relation to carrying out nursing responsibilities within the framework of ethical decision-making. 

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. 

Family and friends are not to visit students while in the classroom or clinical area. Because of concerns of cross-contamination and risk of injury, students are not to visit family or friends on other clinical units. This includes any clinical or class time on campus or at clinical partner sites (Sim Central). 

Grading Criteria

The following criteria will be used to determine your grade:

1. Must have a 75 average to pass the course.

2. There will be 3 unit exams which will count as 80%, 1 Final Exam 10%, Summative Evaluation 7%, and assignments 3% .

TESTS AND MAKE-UP TESTS:

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 responsibility of the student 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 prior to a missed exam may result in a grade of 0 for that exam.

Required Tutoring - 

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 are required to meet with the instructor and/or a tutor prior to 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 and clinical reasoning skills and in test-taking techniques. Both course syllabus and student contract include this requirement. Students who do not complete 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 prior to the next exam.

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

There may be a test review scheduled by the instructor. Test reviews must be done within one week of the exam. Previous exams will not be reviewed. There will be no review for the final exam. 

Attendance

90% attendance in class is required to pass the course.

Calendar

Week 1Diabetes
Week 2Diabetes
Week 3Cardiac
Week 4Cardiac
Week 5Musculoskeletal
Week 6Musculosketeal
Week 7Cancer
Week 8Cancer

Calendar tenative and subject to change.

Additional Information

ATI & PrepU ASSIGNMENTS: 

Students must do their own individual work. There may be no sharing of answers for either of these programs. Cheating in any form will not be tolerated and may result in course failure. All unit assignments must be completed by the due date scheduled by the instructor. If not completed by the closing date listed on the lab sheet and/or the date given to you by the instructor, you will receive a zero for that specific unit. A mastery level 5 is required for PrepU to receive credit. The grade earned on ATI units will be the grade recorded. A minimum of 30 minutes should be spent on all ATI & PrepU assignments in order to benefit from the content and 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 prior to the due date, explain the problem, and include the ticket number given by the helpdesk. Technical difficulties will not result in an extended due date if the student waits until the day before the due date to begin working on the assignment.

 

ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE (ATI):

ATI assessments will be done throughout the semester. These assessments are utilized to establish readiness for 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

 

COURSE WORK:

In order 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 unless specified. Typed assignments must be compatible with Microsoft Office (Microsoft Word, etc.). Any submission that is 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. The student must achieve a 90% on all ATI assignments, and mastery level 4 on PrepU to receive credit. In order to receive full benefits from these modules, students must spend at least 30 minutes per module. 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 prior to 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. Submitting work that another student completed for you is plagiarism, as well as completing work for another student. 

Syllabus Created on:

08/16/24 10:23 AM

Last Edited on:

08/16/24 10:23 AM