Foundations of Nursing Syllabus for 2026-2027
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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 .

Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

VNSG-1204-001 Foundations of Nursing

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: BIOL 2401 and HITT 1205 OR BIOL 2402 Corequisites: VNSG 1201, VNSG 1331, VNSG 1227, VNSG 1423, VNSG 1260, VNSG 1400

Course Description

Introduction to the nursing profession including history, standards of practice, legal and ethical issues and role of the vocational nurse. Topics include mental health, therapeutic communication, cultural and spiritual diversity, nursing process and holistic awareness.

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 1 lec 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Donnelly-Moreno-Lippincott CoursePoint Enhanced for Timby's Fundamental Nursing Skills and Concepts, 13E. LVN Digital Bundle, 9781975242527

 Introductory Medical Surgical Nursing 14h ed., Timby & Smith, Lippincott, LVN Digital Bundle, 9781975242527

Choice of: Tabers Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses, or Mosby's Medical Dictionary.

Supplies

Calander: Available on first day of class. (Subject to change)

Recommended Resource Books:  ATI PN Adult Medical Surgical Nursing (12.0 ed.), and ATI Fundamentals for Nursing (11 ed.) The drug book is included.

Mobile Device

Technical Requirements:

(Chromebooks, Microsoft Surface, iPads, and Android devices are not supported and should not be used.)

Internet speed
5 Mbps (ideally 10 Mbps or more). Internet speed test:  www.speedtest.net.

Browser Requirements

Browser Notes:

• JavaScript and cookies must both be enabled within the browser.
• Some browsers may require users to enable tabbing.
• Some content may only be made accessible by turning off the browser's pop-up blocker.
• Session Timeout Counter: Allow status bar updates via script to view the timeout counter
• Browser extensions known to cause issues: Netflix Teleparty, Malwarebytes, Grammarly, Kaspersky, and DuckDuckGo.

Additional downloads:

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC:  https://get.adobe.com/reader/

Microsoft Office 365 (free):   https://products.office.com/en-us/student/office-in-education

Student Performance

Students will demonstrate understanding of the nursing process, legal and ethical responsibilities, communication skills, and cultural awareness while caring for diverse patient populations. Students are expected to apply principles of safety, infection control, diagnostic testing, community health, and complementary therapies in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. By the end of the course, students should demonstrate beginning clinical reasoning skills, professionalism, and the ability to provide patient-centered care under the supervision of the instructor and healthcare team.

COURSE OBJECTIVES 

The student will:

• Demonstrate understanding of the nursing process and its application to patient-centered care.
• Provide safe, basic nursing care while promoting patient comfort, dignity, and respect.
• Demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical responsibilities related to vocational nursing practice.
• Identify the influence of culture, ethnicity, and individual beliefs on healthcare practices and patient care.
• Discuss the use of complementary and alternative therapies in health promotion and patient care.
• Recognize common diagnostic tests and describe the nurse’s role in preparing and caring for patients before and after procedures.
• Identify community health resources and discuss the role of the nurse in community and preventive healthcare settings.
• Utilize infection control, safety measures, and standard precautions in the clinical and laboratory setting.
• Demonstrate effective therapeutic communication with patients, families, instructors, and members of the healthcare team.
• Apply clinical reasoning skills to recognize changes in patient condition and report findings appropriately.
• Demonstrate accurate documentation and basic patient assessment skills using professional nursing standards.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and ethical behavior in classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences.

COURSE WORK

To succeed in this course, you will be required to complete assignments. Assignments must be handwritten (unless otherwise specified) and submitted to the appropriate Blackboard drop box. Typed assignments will not be accepted unless specified. Typed assignments must be compatible with Microsoft Office (e.g., Microsoft Word). 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 CoursePoint units. The student must achieve a 90% on all ATI assignments and meet the requirements for all CoursePoint assignments to receive credit. To receive full benefits from these modules, students should spend at least 30 minutes per module.

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

If there are problems accessing and/or working within CoursePoint or ATI, the student must contact their help desk first. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor before the due date, explain the problem, and include the helpdesk ticket number. It is acceptable to include the instructor in an email to their support contact.

ATI ASSIGNMENT CREDIT INFORMATION:

If a grade entered into the grade book is incorrect, you must do the following to receive credit:

1. Take a screenshot, picture, or print the report of the specific assignment
2. This must include the following information: Student name, module name, grade, and date/time of achieving the required grade.
3. Email or give to Mrs. Graves within 24 hours of grades being posted
4. Failure to follow these steps will not result in a grade change

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. Cell phones should be turned off while in class, 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. The 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 professionally 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 code statements and their interpretation guide nurses' behavior in 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 fail 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 instructors' 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.

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, and the Texas State Board of Nursing mandates the required hours. Therefore, it is the student's responsibility to attend class. 90% attendance at classroom lectures is required. Classroom content is 96 hours, allowing a student to miss 10 hours. Attendance contracts will be given to students who miss class. If more than 5 hours of classroom content is missed, students may receive a 5-point deduction on the upcoming exam and risk failing the course. Students should expect to be in class, lab, or clinical for 8 hours daily.

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 use of someone else’s exact words 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.

Grading Criteria

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

The following criteria will be used to determine your grade: 

Must have 75 average (C) and pass all skills labs to pass the course. 

There will be:

3 Unit exams

A Service Learning Project

An Oral Community Presentation

2 ATI Exams

Assignments

Grading Scale: 

3 Unit Exams = 50%

Service Learning Project = 10%

Oral Community Presentation = 10%

Assignments = 20%

ATI Exam = 10%

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%.

Students who do not achieve a minimum passing score of at least 75% on an exam are required to meet with the instructor and/or a tutor prior to the next scheduled exam. Remediation is required to help students improve their critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills and in test-taking techniques. Both the 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. The next exam cannot be completed until this requirement is met.

The instructor may schedule test review. These reviews must occur within one week of that exam. Previous exams will not be reviewed. 

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

Required assignments for a unit may include medication or lab sheets. Grading for such assignments is complete/incomplete. If all assignments are not completed by the due date, there will be a 5-point deduction on the associated exam.

Student Testing Policy

Specific to Testing and the Testing Center: (This includes quizzes and makeup exams)

A student will:

• Find the test schedule on the class calendar.
• Arrive 10 minutes before the test starts at the Testing Center.
• A student arriving after a scheduled test has started will not be allowed to take the test at that time.
• The student will need to reschedule with the course instructor.
• A 5-point deduction from the exam will be enforced for students who are unable to test due to tardiness or failure to comply with testing center procedures.
• Provide picture identification and student ID# at the test (a student ID badge will fulfill these requirements).
• Students without acceptable identification will not be allowed to test and must reschedule with their instructor.
• A 5-point deduction from the exam will be enforced for students who are unable to test due to tardiness or failure to comply with testing center procedures.
• Sit in the assigned seat as identified by the instructor(s).
• Have no personal belongings (i.e., books, papers, or reading materials) at a testing station.
• Scratch paper, pencil, and/or calculator will be provided when necessary.
• Students will not be allowed to bring personal calculators or supplies into the testing center.
• You will be required to leave hats, scarves, gloves, and coats outside the testing room.
• Provisions are made for religious and cultural dress.
• Be required to leave all tablets, smartwatches, mp3 players, fitness bands, jump drives, cameras, or any other electronic devices outside of the testing room.
• Students will be provided a holder for keys and cellular devices in the testing center.
• The student will place these items in the holder before the exam.
• Students will not be able to access these items during the exam.
• Students may retrieve items only after their exam has been submitted.
• Raise his/her hand to ask a question.
• Instructor or Testing Center personnel will come to the student. There will be no other talking during a test.
• Bring no food or drinks into the Testing Center.
• Be permitted to take a test only once.
• Tests are computerized and will be taken in the nursing testing center, with multiple-choice questions.
• Make-up tests may be essay or short-answer questions and must be taken within one week of the scheduled test. Make-up exams may result in a 5-point deduction (at the instructor's discretion).
• Failure to notify the instructor of a missed exam may result in a grade of 0 for that exam.

Level II: PrepU and assigned ATI must be complete before the exam

• Failure to complete assignments will result in a 5-point deduction from the exam grade, at the instructor's discretion.
• Take all exams, including the final, no exemptions.  Students will receive the grade earned on all exams, including the final.
• Students may review their 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. The final exam will not be reviewed.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior and adhere to this testing policy.
• 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:
  • Invalidation of test scores for the class or the individual
  • Loss of grade for the individual, or
  • Dismissal of the individual from the program

A student will maintain honesty by:

• Not removing any materials, documents, or recordings with any test information from the room after taking or reviewing a test.
• Not discussing examination items with peers.
• Not giving help to students or receiving help from any student during a test.
• Not sharing any test information with other students before or after testing.

Violations of the academic code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Student Responsibilities During Test Review/Remediation:

• 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 unless the instructor deems it necessary. The final exam will not be reviewed.
• Cell phones and audio recording equipment are to be turned off. All personal electronic devices should be placed in backpacks or purses.
• 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.
• Students will not engage in any cheating activities, including, but not limited to, those listed above.
• Security measures will be taken during tests, between testing times, and during test reviews.

 Make-up tests may consist of essay or 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 5-point deduction (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.

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. to 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 an exam are required to meet with the instructor and/or a tutor before the next scheduled exam. Remediation is required to help students improve their critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and test-taking skills. Both the course syllabus and student contract include this requirement. The next exam cannot be completed until this requirement is met.

• 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 its due date. The next exam cannot be completed until this requirement is met.    

AMARILLO COLLEGE TUTORING FOR SUCCESS POLICY

• Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall course performance is 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 completing the tutoring, and the amount of tutoring required are at the instructor's discretion.
• 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, including a grade reduction and/or being prevented from progressing in the course until the tutoring requirement is satisfied.

Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI)

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

Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) remediation/focused review helps nursing students identify and address knowledge gaps in preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). 

Each ATI assessment will include a personalized, Focused Review of the specific content to reinforce concepts and strengthen areas of weakness. This will enhance long-term learning and help develop essential knowledge and skills.

Remediation Requirements:

• Students are required to complete the Focused Review for each ATI assessment.
• Upon completion, students must take a screenshot of their completed remediation time and submit it to the designated Dropbox in Blackboard as proof of completion.
• Focused Review must be completed before the next exam.
• Failure to complete remediation or upload the required screenshot by the due date will result in a 5-point deduction on the subsequent exam, but the student may still take the exam.
• A student’s grade will not be released until remediation is completed, which may result in an Incomplete (I) for the course if left unfinished.

ATI Grading Table/Focused Review Time:

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, and mandated hours are required by the Texas State Board of Nursing. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. 90% attendance of classroom lecture is required. Classroom content is 96 hours which allows a student to miss 10 hours of classroom content. Attendance contracts will be given to students who miss class. If more than 5 hours of classroom content is missed, students may 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

Additional Information

Student Grievance

Students may report grievances by following the proper chain of command.  First the student will contact: instructor Camille Graves 354-6015, John Stell 354-6019, or Liz Maciel 354-6015, program director Aaron Gann 354-6015, 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 - 5440.

INSTRUCTORS

Camille Graves, MSN, RN, CEN

Office: Jones Hall 290

Office hours: Posted, Available by appointment

Class days: M-F

Phone: 345-6011

 E-mail: camille.graves@actx.edu

Liz Maciel, MSN, RN

Office: Jones Hall 293

Office Hours: Posted, Available by appointment

Class days: M-F

Phone: 354-6015

E-mail: lizmaciel@actx.edu

John Stell, BSN, RN, EMT-P

E-mail: jpstell@actx.edu

Phone: 806-354-6019

Office Hours: By appointment

Office Location:  Jones Hall 291

Communication for Instructors and Students. Checking Blackboard AC Email

Students will check Blackboard and AC Email at least twice daily. 

• Calendar,
• Assignments,
• Announcements,
• Quizzes,
• Grades,  
• PowerPoints,
• Any changes to the schedule.
• You should review the content before class to familiarize yourself with the general subject matter.  

You will also access The Point for Prep-U and ATI on separate websites. Instructions for access will be given in class.

When contacting the instructor via email, please use the format below:

How to send a professional email:

• When sending an email, treat it as if you were writing handwritten correspondence. 
• You should open with the name of the person you are sending it to, such as (Dear Mrs. D, Hello Mrs. Daniels, Mrs. Daniels).  Then, write the body of your email, checking your spelling and punctuation.  Finally, close the email with (Best, Thank you, Regards, Sincerely) and your name. 
• Do not use ALL CAPS unless you are emphasizing a word.  This is perceived as screaming at the receiver.
• A one-sentence email correspondence sent from your phone is not professional now nor in your future career.  We will work together in this course to build your communication skills for future employers and the healthcare field.

If you need additional resources, tutoring, or financial help, please visit the following website: 

www.actx.edu/resources

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 promptly 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.

 Adopted - 10/2010, reviewed 4/2016, reviewed 5/2018, 8/2019, reviewed 8/21

PROGRAM OUTCOMES BY LEVEL

Level I

The novice Vocational nursing student, as a member of the profession, will:

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of the LVN scope of practice, Nurse Practice Act, and the Rules and Regulations of the Nursing profession.
• Act responsibly and accept responsibility for nursing care provided to patients and families.
• Exhibit professional behavior, including truthfulness, honesty, judgment, integrity, and human dignity.
• Begin to understand the use of basic technology and informatics in Healthcare delivery.
• The novice Vocational nursing student, as a Provider of Patient Centered Care, will:
• Demonstrate understanding of the Nursing Process and its implications for nursing care.
• Discuss the health and illness of patients and families across the lifespan.
• Develop effective communication skills with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team.
• Implement aspects of care related to pharmacotherapeutic agents.
• The novice Vocational nursing student, as a Patient Safety Advocate, will:
• Identify and promote a safe care environment for patients and families. 
• Recognize and report unsafe practice.
• Integrate measures that promote patient safety.

The novice Vocational Nurse as a member of the healthcare team, will:

• Understand the role of the LVN as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Advocate fro the patients' and responsibilities,
• Use evidence-based- practice as a guide for quality improvement to support best outcomes,
• Maintain confidentiality

Syllabus Created on:

05/07/26 9:00 AM

Last Edited on:

05/11/26 4:21 PM