Clinical-Nursing in Health & Illness II Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

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. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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-1261-001 Clinical-Nursing in Health & Illness II

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: BIOL 2401 and HITT 1205 OR BIOL 2402; VNSG 1201, VNSG 1204, VNSG 1227, VNSG 1423, VNSG 1260, VNSG 1400, VNSG 1331 Corequisites: VNSG 1230, VNSG 1234, VNSG, 1409, VNSG 2410, VNSG 2163

Course 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 the clinical professional.

Student Resources Student 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; 12 clinical hrs)

Class Type

Clinical

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS

• Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. E. (2018). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (13th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwers

Supplies

REQUIRED SUPPLIES

Failure to prepare for clinical (not having all supplies) will result in a clinical warning

• Clinical binder

• All required clinical paperwork  

• Clipboard

• Pen light

• Stethoscope

• AC name tag

• Analog watch with a second hand

  • Smart watches (Apple, Fitbit, etc.) are NOT allowed in clinical

• 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

Upon completion of the clinical experience the Student Vocational Nurse will be able to:

•    Identify the concepts and principles from the biological, psychological and sociocultural sciences necessary to provide nursing care throughout the life span.
• -   Implement skills and basic principles of care as they apply to the disease process.
•   Demonstrate the ability to communicate with other health care disciplines in providing holistic care.
•    Utilize the nursing process to provide nursing care for adult and geriatric clients adapting to illness.
• -  Utilize basic concepts of pharmacology in safely administering medication.
• -  Implement standards of care necessary for the practice of Vocational Nursing.
•    Implement nursing practice with the legal and ethical realm of Vocational Nursing.

TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING DIFFERENTIATED ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES (DECS)

I. Member of the Profession:

A. 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.

B. Assume responsibility and accountability for the quality of nursing care provided to patients and their families.

C. Contribute to activities that promote the development and practice of vocational nursing.

D. Demonstrate responsibility for continued competence in nursing practice, and develop insight through reflection, self-analysis, self-care, and lifelong learning.

II. Provider of Patient-Centered Care:

A. Use clinical reasoning and established evidence-based policies as the basis for decision-making in nursing practice.

B. Assist in determining the physical and mental health status, needs, and preferences of culturally, ethnically, and socially diverse patients and their families based on the interpretation of health-related data.

C. Report data to assist in the identification of problems and formulation of goals/ outcomes and patient-centered plans of care in collaboration with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary health care team.

D. Provide safe, compassionate, basic nursing care to assigned patients with predictable health care needs through a supervised, directed scope of practice.

E. Implement aspects of the plan of care within legal, ethical, and regulatory parameters and in consideration of patient factors.

F. Identify and report alterations in patient responses to therapeutic interventions in comparison to expected outcomes.

G. Implement teaching plans for patients and their families with common health problems and well-defined health learning needs.

H. Assist in the coordination of human, information, and material resources in providing care for assigned patients and their families.

III. Patient Safety Advocate:

A. Demonstrate knowledge of the Texas 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.

B. Implement measures to promote quality and a safe environment for patients, self, and others.

C. Assist in the formulation of goals and outcomes to reduce patient risks.

D. Obtain instruction, supervision, or training as needed when implementing nursing procedures or practices.

E. Comply with mandatory reporting requirements of the Texas Nursing Practice Act.

F. Accept and make assignments that take into consideration patient safety and organizational policy.

IV. Member of the Health Care Team:

A. Communicate and collaborate with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary health care team to assist in the planning, delivery, and coordination of patient-centered care to assigned patients.

B. Participate as an advocate in activities that focus on improving the health care of patients and their families.

C. Participate in the identification of patient needs for referral to resources that facilitate continuity of care, and ensure confidentiality.

D. Communicate and collaborate in a timely manner with members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team to promote and maintain the optimal health status of patients and their families.

E. Communicate patient data using technology to support decision-making to improve patient care.

F. Assign nursing care to LVNs or unlicensed personnel based upon an analysis of patient or unit needs.

G. Supervise nursing care provided by others for whom the nurse is responsible.

Students 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. 

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.

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.

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.

Guidelines for receiving EMERGENCY calls will be given the first day of class.

Students are to be prepared for the clinical setting with the appropriate supplies and materials. Supplies include, but are not limited to, a textbook, a care map packet for the specific clinical area, clinical portfolio, a black ink pen, a stethoscope, a pen light, and a watch with a second hand and clipboard. 

Each student will adhere to the student handbook policies and procedures, the Amarillo College VN Honor Code Policy, Social Networking Policy, and all agency policies, including HIPAA. Any violation of these policies and procedures may result in failure of the course and possible dismissal from the program. Cell phones and smart watches are not permitted in the clinical areas. Telephones on the clinical unit are not to be used by students for personal calls.

Students are not permitted to use the telephone in the clinical area while on duty for personal calls (incoming or outgoing.)  It is suggested that you leave your cell phones at home AC or the facility are not responsible for lost or stolen items.  In addition, you cannot have your phone turned on and left to ring in your bag since this can disturb patients and staff.  Texting or talking on cell phones is not permitted during the clinical day except during lunch/breaks. DO NOT use your cell phone while walking the halls to or from break.  Walking around the facility, texting is not allowed and looks bad.  Please refrain from using your phone until you have sat down for your break.   Failure to comply with cell phone policy may result in a clinical warning and failure of the course.  Students are required to have a watch with a second hand.  NO “Smartwatches” are allowed.

• An Amarillo College picture I.D. name tag must be worn and visible at all times.  

Grading Criteria

GRADE SCALE:

A=89.5-100        B=79.5-89.4         C=74.5-79.4          D=60-74.4       F=Below 60

GRADING CRITERIA:

The following criteria will be used to determine your grade: 

Must have 75 average (C)

CPEC (2): 50%

Assignments: 50%

There will be 5 (five) required Care Plans completed in this course. If 5 (five) Care Plans are not completed, a full make up clinical day will be scheduled to complete this requirement. 

In the course, located in the Student Clinical Performance Evaluation Tool (CPEC), specific details are given for the CPEC evaluation. The CPEC is based on the Texas Board of Nursing Differentiated Essential Comptencies (DECs). 

Clinical warnings impact the CPEC grade for the rotation in which they are given. Grades are as follows: 

• Class I: Lowers competency value to a "1" on specific number of competency
• Class II: Lowers overall clinical grade by 5 points
• Class III: Lowers overall clinical grade by 10 points (one letter grade)

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 assignment, quiz, or examination scores earned during a semester. This includes all didactic (classroom and online) and clinical scores as well as ATI Specialty Exam scores. For example, a 79.50% Module exam score will not be rounded to 80% and a Module Exam score of 79.499% will not be rounded to 79%.

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to have 100% clinical attendance. Clinical absences are cumulative.

The clinical schedule will be handed out during clinical orientation. Clinical days for this course are on Thursday & Friday.  You will be at clinical for a full 8 hours. Please do not schedule any events during this time frame. Absence of any part of the clinical day will result in a clinical make-up.

Regular and ON TIME attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. 100% clinical attendance is required, therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend all clinical. You will have two days to make up clinical absences for all courses in Level Two.  Absences are cumulative for the semester for all clinical courses with the maximum days you can miss being two days. If you leave during your clinical shift, this will count as a clinical absence. The student is required to produce appropriate documentation of illness, injury, accident etc. that caused the absence  Any student that leaves the clinical site without permission will fail the course. 

If you need to call in sick, please do prior to your scheduled meeting time.  Follow the protocols listed in your course. Send an email to your clinical educator.  If you are late and the clinical group has already left the meeting point you will be counted absent for the day. 

The clinical schedule will be handed out during clinical orientation. Clinical is scheduled on Thursday & Friday. Please do not schedule any events during this time frame. Absence of any part of the clinical day will result in a FULL clinical make-up.

Calendar

Additional Information

All Clinical Paperwork is located on Black Board under clinical paperwork. This is to be printed off prior to clinical.

STUDENT DRESS CODE POLICY FOR CLINICAL

When in the role of a student in any clinical setting, the student is to be professional in appearance.  Students are discouraged from wearing the clinical uniform out in public when consuming alcoholic beverages.  When you wear the uniform, you are representing Amarillo College.  In addition, students must leave the clinical area/facilities after clinical and may not wear the uniform if visiting friends or family after the rotation has ended.  Please change clothing before visiting.  

The Student Uniform is to include:

• Standard navy nursing uniform that fits properly is clean and neatly pressed with AC LVN patches sewn onto the garment.  Cherokee Infinity Navy Scrubs (may be purchased at Stacy’s Uniforms)

• No visible undergarments.

• Solid color socks of white, black, navy, or gray.

• Appropriate footwear should be worn at all times.  Closed-toe shoes and Crocs with holes are not allowed.  

• Athletic shoes and clogs are allowed in solid colors, mostly white, black, gray, or navy blue.  No rainbow, bright colors, or prints are allowed. 

•  Students may wear a white, black, or gray long sleeve collarless t-shirt under the blue uniform top.

•  Navy blue scrub jacket – with AC LVN patch.  Scrub jackets are purchased from Stacy’s Uniforms and are approved by the program Faculty.  Only the approved scrub jacket may be worn.  Students may not wear other jackets, sweaters, or sweatshirts over the student uniform.

The Student Uniform should not include

• Uniform that is too baggy or too tight.

• Underwear that is visible or thong underwear.

• High-top tennis shoes, Crocs (with holes), sandals, open toes, or backless shoes.

• Students may not SMOKE in the student uniform at any time. 

• Smelling like smoke/perfume/body odor while in the student uniform – will result in a Clinical Warning, and the student will be   sent home with a clinical absence.

Amarillo College School of Nursing patches, purchased from the Amarillo College Bookstore, are to be visible at all times on a student's clothing.  

The patch is to be firmly attached:

• to the upper left chest 4 inches from the shoulder seam on the navy blue scrub jacket. 

• to the left upper shoulder 3 inches from the shoulder seam on all scrub tops.

• An Amarillo College picture ID name tag must be worn and visible at all times.

Hair, Jewelry, and Make-up:

• Hair is to be fashioned to prevent it from falling into any patient areas.

• Hair MUST be secured away from the face and groomed so that vision is not hampered.

• Hair longer than collar length must be secured in a ponytail or bun to maintain hair above shoulder level. 

• Hair clips and headbands less than 2 cm in width may be worn.  Approved colors are white, black, gray, and navy blue. Hair bows may not be worn. 

• Conservative hair color (not blue, purple, green, pink, bright red, or any other non-natural color).

• A student may wear wedding rings, watches, and one small pair of stud earrings (one in each earlobe).

• Earrings should be no larger than 5 mm.

• Tongue, eyebrows, nose rings or studs, or multiple earrings are not allowed and must be removed or replaced with a clear spacer. Band-Aids are not to be used to cover facial piercings.

• Make-up is to be used conservatively. 

• Tattoos that are considered vulgar, crude, offensive, or gang-related (which shall be up to the sole discretion of the program director) to patients, visitors, and fellow co-workers must be covered. No gang-related symbols are permitted.

• No facial tattoos are permitted.

• Students with non-approved tattoos may not wear “sleeves” to cover arm tattoos.  A long-sleeve white, black, or gray t-shirt must be worn under the scrub top.

• Fragrances should not be worn in the clinical setting. 

• NO GUM permitted in clinicals including SIM

• Fingernails need to be clean and not extend over 1/4 inch past the fingertip.  It is recommended that NO nail polish may be worn due to infection risk.  Clear polish is allowed if it is not chipped.  Artificial/Gel and shellac nails may not be worn in the clinical setting.

A student may wear wedding rings, watches (EXCEPT in OB rotation, NO JEWELRY or WATCHES are allowed on the hands and wrists), and one small pair of stud earrings (one in each earlobe).  You will need to bring a watch, please pin it to the front of your uniform with a safety pin. 

 “Street Clothes” are only to be worn when approved by the Clinical Instructor.  

If approved, the student should wear 

• Conservative clothes; dresses, skirts, and tops, or slacks and shirts. 

• Students may not wear blue jeans, shorts, Capri pants, sweat pants, athletic wear, or form-fitting clothing in any clinical area. 

• Socks or hose must be worn with pants, and hose must be worn with dresses. 

• Baseball caps should not be worn. 

• The navy blue scrub jacket with the Amarillo College patch and name tag is to be worn over street clothes.

An Amarillo College picture I.D. name tag must be worn and visible at all times.