Clinical-Advanced Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>West Campus, Building A, Suite 104E</p>

Office Hours

I will be in my office available for student meetings Mondays - Wednesdays between 2PM and 3:30PM and Fridays between 10AM and 12PM.. 

Please make an appointment to talk with me if these times do not work for you.  I am available most afternoons, some evenings, and sometimes on weekends.

Course Information

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 Student Service Center office 112. 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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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

NURA-1261-001 Clinical-Advanced

Prerequisites

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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(2 sem hrs; 96 clinical)

Class Type

Clinical

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Lippincott Textbook for Nursing Assistants - Fifth Edition.

If your textbook is a 4th Edition, talk to Michele.  It will probably work.

If you no longer have a textbook, talk to Michele.  You can probably borrow one.

Supplies

a uniform which consists of white scrub top or collared white shirt/blue (cobalt, royal, NOT NAVY) or white pants   

white shoes or black shoes (NO CLOTH SHOES WILL BE ALLOWED)

notepad to carry in your pocket

blue or black ink pen

IF YOU HAVE LATEX ALLERGIES, YOU WILL NEED TO PLAN ON FURNISHING YOUR OWN GLOVES.  PLEASE TALK WITH AN INSTRUCTOR FOR THE PROCEDURE.

Amarillo College picture ID clinical badge (to be worn EVERY day)

Student Performance

The nature of the healthcare course clinical is such that students are involved in the direct delivery of patient care. The primary purpose of any course is to provide education for the students.  However, when direct patient care is involved in the learning experience, the safety and well-being of patients are also of absolute concern.

If, in the instructor’s professional judgment, a student is unable to provide care to patients, and if this deficit is such that it cannot be remedied in the given clinical time, the student will be removed from the clinical setting, will receive an unsatisfactory grade and will not be recommended to take the certification exam(s)

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

General Guidelines for All Programs & Courses

Because these are college courses preparing the student for a professional position in the medical field, our policies reflect very stringent expectations.

PLEASE MAKE NOTE THAT THE EXPECTATIONS ON PROFESSIONALISM HAVE INCREASED FOR THIS CLASS (FROM THE LECTURE CLASS). THERE WILL BE NO TOLERANCE FOR BEING TARDY, TURNING IN ASSIGNMENTS LATE, BEING ARGUMENTATIVE WITH INSTRUCTORS OR ANY OTHER UNPROFESSIONAL BEHAVIORS.

Professionalism Expectations:

  • Adherence to dress code
  • Completion of all assignments by the posted due date
  • Participation clinical sessions
  • Positive attitude
  • Being on time all clinical shifts
  • No cell phones seen or heard in patient care areas during clinical shifts
  • Being respectful to instructors and fellow students
  • No visual evidence of personal displays of affection

 

SMOKING POLICY:

Smoking of any tobacco products and the use of electronic or vapor smoking devices are prohibited on all Amarillo College property and in buildings and facilities on all campuses and locations, including parking areas, green spaces, and walkways. The use of tobacco products which are smokeless and vaporless is prohibited inside any College building. This policy does not apply to East Campus Housing. Effective August 1, 2016.

(The above policy does include chewing tobacco as well.)

Smoking is not allowed at clinical sites.  Students are not allowed to leave the facility while at clinicals. 

Please note:  Both of the facilities being used this semester (Vibra Rehabilitation and NWTH) are non-smoking facilities.  These facilities do not even allow smoking in your car in the parking lot.

  • Make-up shifts may be scheduled at Ussery Roan Texas State Veterans Home.  This facility has a smoking area for their residents and employees.  However, you will not be allowed to smoke while at the facility.

 

CELL PHONES

Cell phones should NOT be seen or heard in patient care areas.  This guideline will be strictly enforced.

If cell phone is seen or heard in clinical care areas you will be sent home, counted absent, and face the possible consequence of dismissal from the program. Report of use of a cell phone in the clincal facility can come from instructor, fellow classmate, or staff member of the facility.

Cell phones may NOT be used as a timing device in either setting.

 (We suggest that you give family members the phone number of the Program Director in case there is a true emergency during your class or shift; otherwise, trust your family and caregivers to handle matters while you are in school.)

Due to responsibilities, these cell phone rules do not apply to instructors.  However, instructors are asked to make every effort to not abuse this privilege.

 

Photos and recordings should never be taken in class or at clinicals.  Do not post pictures, voice recordings, or any information or comments about patients, residents, instructors or other students on any social media site.  Be familiar with guidelines regarding Social Media that have been set by the nursing industry.    https://www.ncsbn.org/NCSBN_SocialMedia.pdf

 

Drugs and/or Alcohol:

Alcoholic beverages and illicit/illegal drugs are NOT permitted on Amarillo College property or at the clinical facilities.  Any student caught with alcohol and/or drugs or caught under the influence of such will turned into the campus police and dropped from the class with a “U” and without a refund.  Students cannot have impaired behavior as a result of prescription or OTC (over-the-counter) drugs. This behavior will NOT be tolerated.  If an instructor feels that your judgement could be impaired, you will be asked to leave for the shift.

 

Accident or Injury on Duty:

In the event of an accident or injury on duty, contact your instructor AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  An accident and/or incident report must be completed for any injuries incurred on agency property.  The clinical agency IS NOT responsible for any injury to the student.  You are encouraged to carry your own hospitalization insurance.  Please see Waiver of Liability for more information.

Students must behave as if they are “employees” of the clinical site, and conduct themselves appropriately and professionally.  Unprofessional behavior will not be tolerated.

 

Dress Code for Clinical shifts:

Complete uniform including name badge required at all times for clinical shifts.  

Students who report for a clinical shift and are not in uniform will be asked to leave and will be counted ABSENT. (Remember, the clinical badge is part of the clinical uniform.)

Piercings must be removed or covered every shift. The only piercings allowed are one or two pair of stud earrings in the ear lobe.  (Size is no bigger than a pencil eraser.) Tattoos are to be covered during all clinical shifts.  These should be taken care of BEFORE arriving at the clinical site.

 

Only English should be spoken at the clinical site.  However, if a resident addresses you in another language that you speak, you may respond and converse with them.

 

Illness on Duty:

Students who become ill while on duty are to notify the instructor.  Do not attempt to stay at a facility if you are ill.  The instructor will help make arrangements for the student to go home.  You will not be allowed to attend clinicals if you are ill, coughing, have a runny nose, have any symptoms of illness including fever, or the instructor feels you are under the influence of any drug whether it be prescription, over-the-counter or illegal.  Students must make up hours during scheduled clinical rotations.

Students ARE NOT ALLOWED to be on the clinical units or perform any form of resident care prior to signing in and having Pre-Conference at the clinical site.

Going off Duty:

Student must report to assigned instructor before going off duty.  DO NOT leave the clinical area for the day without permission from your instructor.  Be sure to sign in and out for each shift or you may not receive credit for you attendance.

Leaving the Unit:

Students leaving the area for short breaks, restroom breaks, taking residents to other areas, etc. must notify the nurse, or the CNA.  Be sure the assigned nurse or CNA knows where you are at all times.   

When leaving the assigned unit for lunch breaks or other reasons, permission must be requested from the instructor.

Students ARE NOT permitted to visit other clinical areas (other units) while on duty.

Visitors ARE NOT allowed at the clinical site.

Students are required to notify instructors of any friends or family members working in the clinical facilities prior to the clinical rotation.  Failure to notify instructor of such relationships could result in written warning.

 

 

Grading Criteria

Overall course grade will be determined as follows:

  • 40%    Quizzes on Blackboard (5 chapter quizzes with 2 attempts at each quiz)
  • 20%    Attendance**
  • 40%    Professionalism (daily @ clinical shifts)  **
  • 100%

Grading Rubrics can be found on Blackboard for areas listed above with asterisks beside it.

 

Daily clinical grades:

There will be a powerpoint presentation with instructions and practice filling out a daily assignment sheet before the first clinical shift.  

Each student will receive an assignment for every shift.  There are certain items with asterisks beside them.  The asterisks indicate the minimum number of tasks that need to be accomplished in the shift to receive a grade of 75.  In medicine, "IF IT IS NOT DOCUMENTED, IT IS NOT DONE!".  Daily assignment sheets should be completed as thoroughly as possible.  Residents should be identified by initails or room number.  Blanks following tasks should have descriptive words in them to tell the instructor what your role was in the activity performed.  Incomplete entries will not receive full credit.

Assignment sheets are not to be carried around the units.  Students should have a small notepad or folded piece of paper to carry in their pocket for notes while caring for residents.  PRIVACY and CONFIDENTIALITY should be observed at all times.  This includes anything with resident information should not leave the facility.  All notes will either be turned into the instructor or shredded before leaving for the day.

Also with CONFIDENTIALITY, it is not acceptable to talk about the residents you have cared for or anything you have talked about in pre- or post-conference with anyone. This includes other students, friends, or family members.  Even if you do not mention names, it could be considered a breach of confidentiality.

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Attendance

This course will consist of 5 chapters at the end of the textbook you should already have.  These are scheduled with due dates spread throughout the second 8 weeks.  You may do them as you like, as long as the quizzes are completed by the due date.      There will not be an attendance grade with those assignments.

Students will not be allowed to report late for a clinical shift.  If you do not arrive on time, you will not be allowed to stay.

In the clinical setting, being on time is arriving at least 5 minutes before your shift begins.  Your instructor will meet you in the foyer of the facility you are schedule at (at least the first time you visit the facility).  Every student will start with a grade of 100.  Deductions will be as follows:

  • 15 pts     late enough to a clinical shift that you are not allowed to stay
  •  5 pts      need to reschedule a clinical shift after schedule is set
  •  2 pts      not arriving to clinical shift 5 minutes early, but allowed to stay

 

Calendar

There are 5 chapter to read.  There is a short quiz for each chapter.  There are 2 attempts for each quiz, to be completed by the due date which are listed below:

  • Chapter 42 - Caring for Surgical Patients - due by 1159PM Sunday, 11/07
  • Chapter 45 - Caring for Pediatric Patients -- due by 1159PM Sunday, 11/14
  • Chapter 44 - Caring for Mothers and Newborns -- due by 1159PM Sunday, 11/21
  • Chapter 46 - Introduction to Home Health Care -- due by 1159PM Sunday, 12/12
  • Chapter 47 - Safety and Infection Control in the Home Health Setting -- due by 1159PM Sunday, 12/12

You will be expected to attend 48 hours of clinicals, planned as 3 8-hours shifts at Vibra Rehabilitation and 3 8-hour shifts at NWTH.  Shifts will be 7:30am - 3:30pm.  Shifts at Vibra Rehabilitation will not begin before 11/01.  Shifts at NWTH will not begin before 11/08.  Students will be consulted before the schedules are finalized.

The schedule of shifts will be determined for Vibra Rehabilitation by 5PM on Tuesday, 10/26.

The schedule of shifts will be determined for NWTH by 5PM Wednesday, 10/27.

Additional Information

COVID PROTOCOLS:

  • NWTH -- is just screening upon entry to the facility.  No testing or vaccines required (at this time.  Is subject to change with changes in the community)
  • Vibra Rehabilitation -- is asking for students to have proof of COVID vaccine.  If you have a COVID vaccine, you will need to have proof.  If you have not gotten a COVID vaccine, you WILL NOT BE EXPECTED to, in order to attend clinicals.  You will be offered an option of attending clinical shifts at Ussery Roan Texas State Veterans Home with other students.  They are doing COVID testing on Mondays and Thursdays.  You will be tested at their facility unless you can show proof of a negative COVID test within 48 hours of your shift.

Entering the clinical sections, students should be trained and prepared to do any task.  Students will be assigned to work with a facility CNA.  This is to give the students a way to build confidence, learn time-management techniques, and know who to report to.  Students are not to "correct" the skills of the CNA.  They might be doing things differently than you were taught.  If you observe a skill that you have a question about, talk to the instructor.  Any concerns should be brought to the instructor's attention immediately.  

 While attending clinical shifts, there are certain things that students will not be allowed to do.  They are listed below:

#1  No student will be allowed to use the mechanical lift.  That means a student can not be responsible for attaching a harness to a resident or push the buttons to operate the lift.  (This includes "driving" it into the room from the hallway.)  If the facility has a policy of 2 people being present when a lift is in use, the student may be the second person.  However, the student's role will only be to steady or guide the resident.

#2  Students are not allowed to be responsible for changing out an empty portable oxygen tank.  Students are encouraged to observe that procedure.  And will be allowed to change out a tank with DIRECT SUPERVISION.  A student can not take responsibility for changing the tank independently.

#3  Some instructors will not want you to pass trays to residents.  You will receive an announcement regarding expectations of each instructor in Pre-conference every shift.

#4  Some instructors will not want students feeding residents with severe swallowing difficulties.  You will receive an announcement regarding expectations of each instructor in Pre-conference every shift. 

Syllabus Created on:

10/20/21 3:42 PM

Last Edited on:

10/21/21 3:41 PM