Clinical 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-1160-001 Clinical

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

(1 sem hr; 4 clinical)

Class Type

Clinical

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

No additional textbook is needed.  You are encouraged to bring your textbook to class with you.

 

Supplies

A full uniform is required for attendance at clinical shifts scheduled at a Nursing Home. That includes:

  • blue or white pants
  • white scrub top or polo shirt
  • white or black shoes
  • gait belt
  • a clinical badge
  • hair should be put up and secured around the face
  • no visible piercings other than stud earrings in the lobe
  • no visible tattoos

Anyone reporting for a shift whom is not in full uniform will not be allowed to stay.

Students are encouraged to have a watch with a second hand.

Blue or black ink pen, and paper will be needed for all clinical shifts.

 

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 (or resident volunteers)  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)

FOR CLARIFICATION THIS MEANS:  If you do not show adequate safety awareness for yourself and others, you will not receive a successful grade for this clinical section.

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


 

THIS SYLLABUS IS FOR THOSE AM CONTINUING EDUCATION STUDENTS ENROLLED IN NURA-1060-4001

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.  These Professionalism Expectations will have a great focus than they did in the first 8 weeks of this course. 

Professionalism Expectations:

  • Adherence to dress code
  • Advanced preparation for class
  • Completion of all assignments (by the due date)
  • Participation in clinical sessions
  • Positive attitude
  • Not disrupting the class or routine of the clinical day
  • Being on time for clinical (meaning being at least 5 minutes early)
  • No cell phones in class or clinical
  • Being respectful to instructors and fellow students
  • Paying attention in class and clinical
  • No visual evidence of personal displays of affection

PLEASE NOTE:  THERE IS AN INCREASED FOCUS ON THE LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM IN THE CLINICAL SECTION OF THIS COURSE.  Areas of increased expectations include (but are not limited to):

  • Being on time for class or clinical is now 5 minutes before scheduled start time
  • No late assignments accepted

CHAIN OF COMMAND

 Following the Chain of Command is required of any healthcare worker, and will be practiced in Amarillo College courses.  Should a problem arise during a class period, please follow this order; do not move to the next level unless you are unable to receive satisfactory results from your private discussion.

  • Instructor of the day -- (while you are in Google Meet OR the classroom)
  • Patient Care Programs Coordinator:  Michele Rupe, RN (806) 467-3028 or email @ mmrupe22@actx.edu 
    • (cell phone is 806-336-2624)

Students will be expected to follow the Code of Student Conduct which can be found on Amarillo College’s website www.actx.edu.  Instructors for this course have a hard copy of the Code of Student Conduct and a copy of the grievance procedures of Amarillo College.  For information about these policies please go to the website or ask your instructors.

 

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.  Even if a facility has a smoking area for their residents and/or employees, students are not allowed to smoke while "on duty".   

 Students are not allowed to leave the facility during a clinical shift.  

 

CELL PHONES

Cell phones should NOT be seen or heard in the classroom or patient care areas.  (Patient Care areas at this time are:  the virtual clinical session, any skills area, the classroom, or any area besides the breakroom at the Nursing Home.)

If cell phone is seen or heard during a clinical session (or in the classroom). you will be asked to leave, and will be given an Unexcused Absence for the class.

***THIS CELL PHONE POLICY WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED IN THE CLINICAL SECTION OF THIS COURSE.  IF YOU ARE SEEN WITH YOUR CELL PHONE IN USE IN THE CLINICAL SETTING, THE CLASSROOM, OR THE SKILLS AREA, YOU WILL BE ***SENT HOME.

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

 Due to responsibilities, these cell phone rules do not apply to instructors.

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.

Illness on Duty:

Students who become ill while on duty are to notify the instructor.

If illness is acute, 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.

WITH THE COVID SITUATION, IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY SYMPTOMS OF THE VIRUS, OR HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO ANYONE WITH A POSITIVE OR PENDING TEST, PLEASE STAY AT HOME.  

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.

 

THE POLICIES BELOW ARE FOR SHIFTS AT THE NURSING HOMES.  

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

Complete uniform including name badge is required at all times.  (Refer to Dress Code.)  Students who are not in uniform will be asked to leave and will be counted ABSENT.  Students are expected to follow the rules and dress code of the Clinical facility as well as of Amarillo College.

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.

Students ARE NOT ALLOWED to be on the clinical units or perform any form of resident care prior to signing in and attending 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 without permission from your instructor.

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 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

  • 15%    Sample written test from Prometric
  • 20%    Journals
  • 10%    Preparation for Virtual Clinical shifts and Quizzes
  • 15%    Google Worksheets 
  • 25%    Clinical Professionalism and Participation
  • 100%   Clinical Grade

 

Project grades  Your presentation was graded by two (or three) instructors.  Both grades will be posted.  

Sample written test from Prometric --  There is a sample written test which is found on the Prometric website.  This is posted with it:  Notice:This Sample Test is provided as a courtesy to individuals who are preparing to take a Prometric Nurse Aide Competency Examination.  You are reminded that how well you do on these practice test questions, does not predict result on your actual examination.  If you do not make a 75% by the second attempt, you are expected to spend time with Ms. Michele to go over the test.

Journals -- There are 3 assignments counted in this area although some of the other assignments are called "journals".  The grading rubric is posted in the GRADING INFORMATION area.  

Preparation for clinical shifts -- For each of the three virtual clinical shifts there are preparation assignments. In the Virtual Resident folder you will find information on the residents to be cared for that particular shift. There are specific instructions for the assignment.  There is access to this assignment in the JOURNALS item in the BlackBoard menu.  A grading rubric is posted in the GRADING INFORMATION folder

Google Worksheets -- You will receive in an email 2 worksheets through Google Drive.  One is on Military Time, and the other is Figuring Fluid Intake.  You will be allowed 2 attempts on these assignments.  Both attempts must be completed by the due date.

Quizzes  -- BlackBoard quizzes include Medical Terminology, I & O.  These assignments will have 2 attempts.  (However, both attempts are to be completed by the due date.)

Clinical Participation --  There is a separate grading rubric for hands-on clinical shifts and simulated clinical shifts for Virtual Residents.  Students are expected to submit an assignment prior to attending shifts, on which the instructor(s) can grade according to the rubric.  Rubrics can be viewed in GRADING INFORMATION in the BlackBoard shell.

Attendance

There will not be a separate Attendance grade for the clinical section.  

The Clinical Participation grade will include arrival time.  For clinical shifts "on time" will be considered 5 minutes before the session begins.  You will receive bonus points for a little early, but lose points for being extremely early.  If you are more than 5 minutes late to a clinical shift, you might not be allowed to stay.  

You are only allowed 1 absence in the Clinical section.  Making up missed shifts can be difficult with this small class.  Please remember, in order to qualify to take the State Competency Exam, you must meet a minimum number of hours in Lecture and Clinical.

 

Calendar

There is a calendar available in Black Board with all the class meetings and times.  Each student received a shared Google form with their individual schedule.  The Black Board course is very clear with which students are expected on which days.

There is also an Assignment Tracking form that can be copied to your Google Drive.  This document will help you keep up with expectations and due dates.

All students will attend the following shifts:

  • Simulation Lab Clinical
  • Virtual Residents #1 and #2
  • Three Clinical shifts at Nursing Homes

Additional Information

       COMMUNICATION

As was expressed in the Lecture section, communication -- EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION, is of great importance and a concern with our current situation.  Students are expected to check Announcements and emails at least every other day.  Any changes that are necessary will be posted as an announcement.  If the information is extremely important, you will receive a text.  You are required to update the instructors with you newest phone number.

    EXPECTATIONS

This class is 60 hours of clinical designated by the Higher Education Board.  The Department of Health and Human services dictates this course MUST be a minimum of 40 hours.

This course is designed with some Hands-on clinical experience and some Simulation and Lab setting experience.  The choice for this combined learning experience is due to the COVID situation in this area at this time.

HANDS-ON CLINICAL SHIFTS - Will be attended at two different Nursing Homes.  Landmark of Amarillo and Amarillo Center for Skilled Care.  Shift times vary.  Students will attend two 8-hour shifts and one 12-hour shift for a total of 28  hours of hands-on, in person clinical time.  

SIMULATION CLINICAL SHIFTS -- There are a total of 3 simulation clinical shifts.  All students will be in attendance at the same time for these shifts.  2 of these shifts are with Virtual residents.  Students will receive some information about these residents, and complete a preparation assignment before attending the shift.   The Simulation shift is care of resident volunteers in the Lab setting.  

GRADING -- PARTICIPATION & PROFESSIONALISM - - All 6 clinical shifts will have an assignment for participation and professionalism to be completed before the end of the shift.  (There is no reason these assignments can not be submitted all at once at the beginning of the course.)  The purpose of the assignment is for an instructor to have the ability to post a grade for each student.

Syllabus Created on:

07/06/22 11:31 AM

Last Edited on:

07/06/22 11:47 AM