Clinical-Nursing in Health & Illness III 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-2163-001 Clinical-Nursing in Health & Illness III

Prerequisites

Prequisites: BIOL 2401, HITT 1205 OR BIOL 1402; VNSG 1423, VNSG 1400, VNSG 1331, VNSG 1227, VNSG 1204, VNSG 1201, and VNSG 1260 Corequisites: VNSG 1230, VNSG 1234, VNSG 1409, VNSG 1261, and VNSG 2410

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

Hours

(1 sem hr 3 clinical hrs)

Class Type

Clinical

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

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

Supplies

Students are expected to arrive at clinical prepared with all required supplies and paperwork. Failure to arrive prepared will result in a Clinical Warning.

Required items include:

• Clinical paperwork appropriate for the assigned site, including:
  • Instructions to Site, if applicable
  • Preceptor Evaluation
  • Student Evaluation
  • Objectives
• Clipboard and/or folder that allows paperwork to be carried discreetly and protects client confidentiality
• Penlight
• Stethoscope
• Amarillo College picture ID/name tag
• Analog watch with a second hand
• Black ink pen

Smartwatches, including Apple Watches, Fitbits, and similar devices, are not permitted during clinical.

Student Performance

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

• Apply concepts and principles from the biological, psychological, sociocultural, and developmental sciences when providing nursing care throughout the life span.
• Utilize the nursing process and clinical judgment to provide safe, individualized nursing care in community and outpatient settings.
• Demonstrate professional and therapeutic communication with clients, families, preceptors, and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Implement nursing skills and principles of care appropriate to the client’s health condition and assigned clinical setting.
• Utilize basic pharmacological concepts when providing safe nursing care and client education.
• Incorporate health maintenance, health promotion, health restoration, rehabilitation, and client education into nursing practice.
• Implement standards of care within the legal, ethical, and professional scope of vocational nursing practice.
• Use evidence-based nursing practice, available technology, and healthcare resources to support safe and effective client outcomes.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Apply the nursing process to assess client needs, prioritize care, implement appropriate nursing interventions, and evaluate outcomes.
2. Identify normal and abnormal assessment findings and appropriately communicate significant findings to the preceptor or healthcare team.
3. Demonstrate safe and competent nursing skills appropriate to the assigned community, outpatient, or specialty clinical setting.
4. Incorporate client teaching related to health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, medications, and ongoing care needs.
5. Demonstrate professional communication and collaboration with clients, families, preceptors, faculty, and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
6. Apply legal, ethical, cultural, and professional standards when providing nursing care.
7. Identify and appropriately utilize healthcare, community, technological, and informational resources that support client care.
8. Evaluate personal clinical performance by identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and strategies for continued professional growth.

TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING DIFFERENTIATED ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES (DECs)

The following Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs) for graduates of Texas vocational nursing programs are incorporated throughout this clinical course.

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 knowledge based on the vocational nursing program of study 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 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 health care 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

Students are responsible for reviewing and following Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities and all policies contained in the Vocational Nursing Student Handbook.

Students should access their Amarillo College email through the AC Connect Portal and are responsible for regularly checking college email and Blackboard for course communications.

EXPECTED STUDENT BEHAVIOR

Students must report to the clinical setting prepared with all required supplies, paperwork, and materials.

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

Students are expected to follow:

• Amarillo College policies and procedures
• Vocational Nursing Program policies
• The VN Honor Code
• Social Networking/Social Media policies
• HIPAA requirements
• Policies and procedures of the assigned clinical agency

Violation of clinical, program, college, agency, confidentiality, or professional conduct policies may result in a Clinical Warning, failure of the clinical course, and/or dismissal from the program as outlined in program policy.

Cell Phones and Communication

Students may keep a cell phone with them during the community clinical rotation for emergency communication with the instructor.

Cell phones should not be used in client-care areas or in a manner that appears unprofessional. If a student needs to contact the instructor during clinical, the student should notify the preceptor and move to an appropriate private area before using the phone.

Students may use the Remind texting application to contact the instructor regarding urgent community clinical matters between 0645 and 1800.

Questions concerning assignments, grades, or detailed course requirements should be sent by email so the instructor can provide a complete response.

The instructor may also be reached by email or office phone at 806-354-6017.

The instructor will make on-site visits throughout the semester to evaluate student progress and maintain communication with community partners. Students should expect the instructor to visit their assigned clinical sites during the rotation.

Students are expected to demonstrate professional behavior and appearance at all times while representing Amarillo College.

STUDENT DRESS CODE FOR CLINICAL

Students are expected to maintain a professional appearance in all clinical settings.

The Amarillo College clinical uniform represents both the Vocational Nursing Program and Amarillo College. Students should not wear the clinical uniform while consuming alcoholic beverages or participating in activities that could reflect negatively on the program or college.

Students should leave the clinical facility after completion of the assigned clinical experience. If remaining at the facility for personal reasons, including visiting friends or family, the student should change out of the clinical uniform.

Required Clinical Uniform

The student uniform includes:

• Standard navy nursing uniform that is clean, properly fitting, and neatly maintained
• Approved Amarillo College LVN patches securely attached to the uniform
• Solid white, black, navy, or gray socks
• Appropriate closed-toe footwear
• Amarillo College picture ID/name tag
• Analog watch with a second hand

Cherokee Infinity navy scrubs may be purchased through Stacy’s Uniforms.

Students may wear a solid white, black, or gray collarless long-sleeve shirt underneath the scrub top.

Only the approved navy scrub jacket with the Amarillo College LVN patch may be worn over the clinical uniform.

Uniform Restrictions

The clinical uniform should not include:

• Clothing that is excessively tight, loose, or revealing
• Visible undergarments
• Sandals, open-toed shoes, or backless shoes
• Crocs with holes
• Brightly colored, patterned, or distracting footwear
• Unapproved jackets, sweaters, or sweatshirts

Smoking while wearing the Amarillo College student uniform is prohibited.

Students who report to clinical smelling strongly of smoke, fragrance, or body odor may receive a Clinical Warning and may be sent home. Being sent home will result in a clinical absence.

Amarillo College Patches and Identification

Amarillo College School of Nursing patches must remain visible.

The patch should be securely attached:

• Approximately 4 inches below the shoulder seam on the upper left chest of the approved navy scrub jacket.
• Approximately 3 inches below the shoulder seam on the left upper sleeve of the scrub top.

The Amarillo College picture ID/name tag must be visible at all times.

Hair, Jewelry, Grooming, and Nails

• Hair must be clean, neat, and secured so that it does not fall into the client-care area or interfere with vision.
• Hair longer than collar length must be secured above shoulder level.
• Hair clips and headbands must be conservative and less than 2 cm wide. Approved colors include white, black, gray, and navy.
• Hair bows are not permitted.
• Hair color must remain within naturally occurring hair colors.
• Students may wear a wedding ring, an approved watch, and one small pair of stud earrings.
• Earrings should be no larger than 5 mm.
• Facial and tongue piercings must be removed or replaced with an approved clear spacer. Bandages may not be used to cover facial piercings.
• Makeup should be conservative.
• Fragrances should not be worn in clinical areas.
• Gum is not permitted during clinical or simulation experiences.
• Fingernails must be clean and no longer than 1/4 inch beyond the fingertip.
• Artificial, gel, and shellac nails are not permitted.
• If clear nail polish is worn, it must be intact and free of chips.

Tattoos considered vulgar, crude, offensive, or gang-related must be covered in accordance with program policy. Facial tattoos are not permitted. Students may not use tattoo sleeves to cover unapproved arm tattoos; an approved white, black, or gray long-sleeve shirt must be worn underneath the scrub top.

CLINICAL SKILLS AND MEDICATION SAFETY

Students are not permitted to independently possess or carry medication-cart keys.

Medication administration must occur under the supervision of appropriately licensed personnel and in accordance with Texas Board of Nursing requirements, facility policy, and Vocational Nursing Program policy.

If a student is unsure about a skill, feels uncomfortable performing a skill, or is not being directly supervised by an appropriate licensed nurse, the student should not perform the skill.

When appropriate supervision is unavailable, the student should observe only.

Students are responsible for recognizing the limits of their student role and immediately seeking assistance when unsure about any clinical activity.

Grading Criteria

GRADING SCALE

• A = 89.5%–100%
• B = 79.5%–89.49%
• C = 74.5%–79.49%
• D = 60%–74.49%
• F = Below 60%

Specific clinical performance expectations are outlined in the Clinical Performance Evaluation Tool (CPEC).

Course Grade

The overall clinical grade is calculated from:

• Clinical Performance Evaluation (CPEC): 60%
• Weekly Assignments: 40%

A score of zero in a required clinical performance category may result in clinical failure as outlined in the Clinical Performance Evaluation Tool.

Clinical Warnings may result in deductions from the final course grade according to program policy:

• Class 2 Clinical Warning: 5-point deduction from the final course grade
• Class 3 Clinical Warning: 10-point deduction from the final course grade

• CPEC = 60%
• Clinical Objective Demonstration Assignments = 40%
• 5 weekly assignments = 20 points each
• Total assignment points = 100

.All required weekly clinical assignments are due by 1700 on the Thursday following the Wednesday clinical rotation.

Students may submit (early) if desired. A locked box will be placed in Jones Hall by the nursing office for your hard copy paperwork to be dropped off.  The online dropbox will be opened on Wednesday for online submissions.

All portions of the weekly assignment must be submitted correctly and by the deadline to receive credit for that week. Required online assignments must be submitted to the correct Blackboard submission area.

Each weekly Clinical Objective Demonstration Assignment is worth 20 points. The journal/objective activity and all required clinical paperwork are considered one complete weekly assignment. All required components must be submitted correctly and by the deadline to receive credit. If any required component is missing, incomplete, or late, the grade for that week will be zero.Makeup work is not accepted.

Required Clinical Paperwork

1. Clinical Preceptor Agreement
   The agreement must be signed by the nurse working with the student and submitted during the first two weeks of the rotation only.

If the preceptor states that an agreement has already been completed or declines to complete another agreement, the student should not pressure the preceptor. The student should make a note on the form and submit it with the other required paperwork.

1. Student Evaluation and Evaluation of Clinical Preceptor
   These forms are due weekly.
2. Weekly Online Assignment/Journal
   The assigned weekly journal or online activity must be submitted in the designated Blackboard submission area by 1700 on Thursday.

Students are responsible for verifying that assignments are submitted in the correct location and correspond with the correct clinical date.

Attendance

The clinical schedule will be handed out during clinical orientation. 

The absence of any part of the clinical day will result in a full 8 hr clinical makeup on a medical-surgical rotation.

Regular and on-time attendance is required for successful completion of the clinical course.

Students must complete 100% of required clinical hours.

Clinical experiences are scheduled on Wednesdays. Clinical times vary according to the assigned facility, and students should keep the entire scheduled clinical day available. (7am-5pm)

Missing any portion of a scheduled clinical day will result in a clinical absence and require completion of the designated clinical makeup experience.

All clinical absences are cumulative across Level II clinical courses. A maximum of two clinical days may be made up during the semester. Missing more than two clinical days may result in failure of the clinical course according to program policy.

Calling Out Sick

If illness prevents attendance at clinical:

• Email the instructor at least two hours before the scheduled clinical start time via email AND Remind.
• Contact the assigned clinical site as soon as the facility is open and notify them that you will not be attending.
• Weekly clinical paperwork or assignments associated with the missed clinical day will not be required unless otherwise directed.
• The missed clinical experience must be completed on a designated medical-surgical clinical makeup day.

Leaving the Clinical Site

Students may not leave the assigned clinical site during scheduled clinical hours without instructor approval.

If a student must leave for personal or emergency reasons, the instructor must be contacted and approval obtained before leaving the facility.

Leaving the assigned facility without instructor approval may result in a Class 3 Clinical Warning or other disciplinary action as outlined in program policy. Any missed clinical time may require completion of a full clinical makeup day.

If the clinical site releases a student early, the student must contact the instructor before leaving the facility parking lot.

Because required clinical hours must be completed, the instructor may direct the student to report to campus or another approved location for the remainder of the scheduled clinical day.

Calendar

Additional Information

Students who need academic support, tutoring, financial assistance, or other student resources are encouraged to utilize Amarillo College student support services.

Additional resources are available through the Amarillo College Student Resources webpage.