Clinical-Concepts of Clinical Decision Making I Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

RNSG-1263-001 Clinical-Concepts of Clinical Decision Making I

Prerequisites

Corequisite: RNSG 1247

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; 6 clinical)

Class Type

Clinical

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

1. Faculty course syllabus and manual for RNSG 1247 and RNSG 1263 for current semester.
2. Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., Roberts, D., Hagler, D., Reinisch, C.: Lewis’s Medical- Surgical Nursing Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems.  11th Edition. 2020. Elsevier, Inc.
3. Access to Lewis Resources (in Evolve)
4. Access to ATI Resources (ATI.com)

SUGGESTED:

1. Any Nursing Care Plan Book
2. Any Medical Dictionary
3. Any Laboratory & Diagnostic Test Reference
4. Any Drug Guide
5. Any NCLEX reference book or program.
6. IV start Kit (Available in AC book store)

Supplies

Student Clinical Uniform 

• Royal blue uniform: jacket, top, and pants. (No Galaxy Blue uniform colors are premitted) with athletic shoes. See Student Dress Code Policy for Clinical 
• Name badge
• Other supplies: stethoscope, penlight, watch, scissors

Clinical requirement- Mobile Device with Webcam, Maximum size 10 inch
System Requirements	Minimum	Recommended
Operating System	Windows 7, 8, or 10 Mac OSX 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, or 10.9	Windows 10 Mac OSX 10.7, 10.8, or 10.9
Processor	1 GHz processor	2 GHz or faster processor
Memory	2 GB of RAM	4 GB of RAM or higher
Monitor Resolution	1024 x 768	1024 x 768 or higher
Free Hard Disk Space	32 GB of free disk space	64 GB or higher of free space
Internet Connection	Broadband (high-speed) Internet connection with a consistent minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps.	Broadband (high-speed) Internet connection with a speed of 4 Mbps or higher
Internet Browser**	Respondus Lockdown Browser and IE8, IE9, Safari 4+, Chrome or Firefox	Respondus Lockdown Browser and Firefox
Java	Java is required to use Blackboard. Download Java.
Macromedia Flash Player	Flash is required to play videos within the Blackboard system. Download Fla

Student Performance

1. As outlined in the learning plan, the student will apply the theory, concepts and skills involving specialized material, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws and interaction within and among political, economic, environmental, social and legal systems associated with the particular occupation and the business/industry. Demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and communicate in the applicable language of the occupation and business or industry.
2. 100% of the clinical grade is determined by the performance of clinical competencies, (Clinical Performance Evaluation of Competencies or CPEC). Competencies will be assigned a ‘4’ Excellent Performance = Exceeds performance in meeting competencies. Consistently, skillfully, and with early and progressive self-direction is able to meet clinical competencies. ‘3’ Good performance = Meets competencies. Consistently, skillfully and with progressive self-direction is able to meet clinical competencies with minimal prompting. ‘2’ Satisfactory performance = Meets competencies. Initially requires frequent prompting and direction in meeting clinical competencies, but responds proactively to guidance. ‘1’ Unsatisfactory Performance = Inconsistent in meeting competencies for safe practice even with detailed direction and frequent prompting. Or a ‘0’ Unsafe performance = Does not meet competencies or minimal standards for safe practice. Jeopardizes the safety of others through a series of events or single event. A “0” in any competency will result in failure. Please see the Clinical Evaluation of Competencies (CPEC) and associated student guidelines.
3.  In order to meet clinical competencies, all clinical absences must be made up in the clinical area or as assigned by clinical instructor.
4. Achieve at least 90% on the Dosage and Solution Test prior to administering medications in the clinical setting. Students may retake the Dosage and Solution Test only twice each semester. Students who do not achieve 90% or greater on the first scheduled test and first retake test will be required to review the questions they missed with the instructor and placed on contract for self-directed remediation. Students who do not achieve 90% or greater by the third attempt will fail the clinical course(s) that require the Dosage and Solution Test.
5.   According to the Academic Progression and Graduation Requirements for All Students, “Students must have a grade of “C” or better in all required courses in order to progress to the next level in the nursing program. Any didactic nursing course with a required co-requisite clinical course is integrated and inseparable from the clinical course; therefore, a student must pass both courses with a “C” or better in the same semester in order to be eligible to enroll in the next level of courses. Students admitted to the ADN Program are ineligible to continue in the program when they have two or more course failures. A course failure means a grade of “D” or “F” and when a student withdraws (drops) from a course.”
6. When in the role of a student in any clinical setting, the student is to be professional in appearance and follow the       

     "Student Dress Code Policy for Clinical"  

When in the role of a student in any clinical setting, the student is to be professional in appearance. Student uniforms are available for purchase at the Amarillo College bookstore. Student uniforms must be worn in the NRC during ALL skills and clinical simulation lab times

 The Student Uniform will be:

• Royal blue uniform jacket, top, and pants. Brands cannot be mixed due to color differences. No Galaxy Blue uniforms should be purchased. Please check the label colors.
• Clean, neatly pressed, and well-fitting. Pants may not drag the floor.
• Athletic shoes that cover entire foot.
• The Student Uniform should not include:
  • Uniform that is too baggy or too tight.
  • Uniform pants made of knit material.
  • High top tennis shoes, clogs, sandals, open toes or backless shoes.
• Amarillo College School of Nursing patches, purchased from the Amarillo College Bookstore, are to be visible at all times on a student’s clothing. The patch is to be firmly attached to the upper left chest 4 inches from the shoulder seam on the lab jacket and on the left sleeve of the scrub top 2 inches from shoulder seam. Amarillo College uniform is to be worn only for Amarillo College clinical.
• An Amarillo College picture ID name tag is to be worn and visible at all times.
• Hair, jewelry, and make-up should be used conservatively.
  1. Hair is to be fashioned in a manner that prevents it from falling into any patient areas.
  2. Hair MUST be secured away from the face, and groomed so that vision is not hampered.
  3. Hair longer than collar length must be secured in a ponytail.
  4. Hair clips may be worn, but must match the color of the students’ hair as closely as possible. Hair bows may not be worn.
  5. Conservative hair color (not blue, purple, pink, green).
  6. A student may only wear wedding rings and watch.
  7. Any piercing jewelry must be a stud and not be larger than 5mm.
  8. Make-up is to be used conservatively.
  9. Tattoos that are explicit, profane or gang related must be covered.  Exposed tattoos must be approved by faculty.
  10. Fragrances should not be worn in the clinical setting.
  11. Smoking or other use of tobacco products (including, but not limited to, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes, cigars, snuff, vapes or chewing tobacco) is prohibited in any Amarillo College building and at all clinical site healthcare facilities.  A student that smells of smoke may be asked to leave the clinical setting.
  12. Fingernails need to be clean and not extend over ¼ inch past the fingertip. If nail polish is worn, it should be clear. Artificial nails may not be worn in the clinical setting.
•  

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

Students are full partners in fostering a clinical environment which is conducive to learning. In order to assure that all students have the opportunity to gain from time spent in clinical, unless otherwise approved by the instructor; students are prohibited from engaging in any form of behavior that detracts from the learning experience of fellow students. Inappropriate behavior in the clinical may result in a request for the offending student to leave clinical.

Nursing students are obligated to function at all times within the framework of the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses and the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct, which is published in the Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities website.Nursing students are obligated to follow the Social Networking Policy for Nursing Students which can be found in the ADN student handbook,   Both professional misconduct and scholastic dishonesty by nursing students are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including program dismissal.   

• The student must::
•  Comply at all times with all college and ADN Program policies.
•  Be present and on time for class and clinical experiences.
•  Wear the student uniform during clinical experiences and meet the minimum dress code standards of the healthcare agency.
•  At all times, be in good mental and physical health. A student may be required to obtain a physician’s statement attesting to his/her mental and/or physical health in order to remain enrolled in a nursing course and/or the ADN program. At all times comply with the policies of the healthcare agency in which clinical experiences are obtained.

The student is responsible for following agency policies and procedures in all matters pertaining to patient/client contact and other learning activities. Individual agencies may have unique clinical requirements such as completion of learning modules or classes related to restraints, blood glucose monitoring, etc. Select agencies may have a mandatory random drug testing policy which includes nursing students. Students must adhere to and meet the specific requirements of assigned clinical agencies that may be in addition to the Department of Nursing clinical readiness requirement.

Grading Criteria

1. The Grading scale is:

A = 90-100%

B = 80-89.99%

C = 75-79.99%

D = 60-64.99%

F = below 60%

1. 100% of the clinical grade is determined by the performance of clinical competencies, (Clinical Performance Evaluation of Competencies or CPEC). Competencies will be assigned a ‘4’ Excellent Performance = Exceeds performance in meeting competencies. Consistently, skillfully, and with early and progressive self-direction is able to meet clinical competencies. ‘3’ Good performance = Meets competencies. Consistently, skillfully and with progressive self-direction is able to meet clinical competencies with minimal prompting. ‘2’ Satisfactory performance = Meets competencies. Initially requires frequent prompting and direction in meeting clinical competencies, but responds proactively to guidance. ‘1’ Unsatisfactory Performance = Inconsistent in meeting competencies for safe practice even with detailed direction and frequent prompting. Or a ‘0’Unsafe performance = Does not meet competencies or minimal standards for safe practice. Jeopardizes the safety of others through a series of events or single event. A “0” in any competency will result in failure. Please see the Clinical Evaluation of Competencies (CPEC) and associated student guidelines.

1.  In order to meet clinical competencies, all clinical absences must be made up in the clinical area.

Academic Grievances

A student who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which he or she is enrolled should make an appeal in the following order to the:

1. Instructors: Marianne Jones 806-354-6028 Jamie Mears 806-356-3672 
2. ADN Clinical Director: Teresa Herrera 806-467-3002
3. Program Director: Kim Crowley 806-354-6087 
4. Dean of Health Sciences: Kim Boyd 806-354-6060
5. Associate VP of Academic Affairs:  Becky Burton 806-371-5122
6. VP of Academic Affairs:  Dr. Tamara Clunis 806-371-5226

 

Attendance

Students are responsible to report to the assigned clinical area on time and to be dressed according to the “Student Dress Code Policy for Clinical”. Students are required to complete 100% of clinical hours. Clinical experience is an essential component of the program.

Absenteeism jeopardizes the opportunity for successful completion of the course. Clinical absences must be reported to the instructor prior to pre- clinical conference. Failure to notify the instructor prior to pre-clinical conference may result in failure of the course. Students who arrive late to the clinical area may be asked to leave if report has been missed or arrival time is incongruent to providing appropriate patient care.

Clinical absences will be made up at the discretion of the instructor. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the respective instructor regarding make-up assignments. Failure to do so will result in failure to meet the course outcomes.

After an illness, a physician's statement may be required.

Students will not be allowed to participate in the clinical experience without current immunizations, TB skin testing, and American Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Providers. A Class II Clinical Warning will be issued for no documentation of these requirements.

Calendar

Additional Information

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. RNSG 1247- Concepts of Clinical Decision Making I must be taken concurrently with RNSG 1263 - Clinical – Concepts of Clinical Decision Making I. Both courses must be satisfactorily completed in the same semester.

2. 100% attendance of clinical hours (hospital clinical, clinical simulation and preceptor experiences). It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor of the anticipated absence prior to the clinical pre-conference, clinical simulation or preceptor experience.

3. Clinical absences will be made up on dead day at the end of the semester or as arranged by the clinical instructor.  Absence of a clinical simulation or preceptor experience must be coordinated with the instructor for make-up.

4. Achieve at least 90% on the Dosage and Solution Test prior to attending clinical. Students may retake the Dosage and Solution Test only twice each semester. Students who do not achieve 90% or greater on the first scheduled test and first retake test will be required to review the questions they missed with the instructor and placed on contract for self-directed remediation. Students who do not achieve 90% or greater by the third attempt will fail the clinical course(s) that require the Dosage and Solution Test.

5. Satisfactory grade 75% in the course as determined by the CPEC (Clinical Performance Evaluation of Competencies).

6. Satisfactory completion of RNSG 1263 clinical skills: Intravenous Catheter Insertion 

7. Completion of evaluations. Including, but not limited to: clinical instructor, clinical simulations, health care agencies, clinical teacher assistants, and simulation centers.

8. Students will not be allowed to participate in the clinical experience without current immunizations, TB skin testing, and American Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Providers. It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that all immunization documentation required is stored in Complio by the first day of class each semester.  Refer to Associate Degree Nursing Program Student Handbook 2021-2022 for further information.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of the Clinical – Concepts of Clinical Decision Making I course, the student will be able to:

Member of the Profession:

1. Practice nursing in a legal, safe, and ethical manner reflecting professional standards for adult patients.
2. Utilize personal strengths and weaknesses to enhance personal and professional growth.
3. Apply quality nursing care practices for adult patients assigned.

Provider of Patient-Centered Care:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills to assist in the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health in assigned adult patients.
2. Utilize a systematic process and clinical reasoning skills to implement evidence-based, patient-centered plans of care for assigned adult patients.
3. Apply nursing concepts specific to meeting unique psychosocial needs of assigned adult patients.
4. Apply health teaching strategies effectively with assigned adult patients.
5. Utilize basic nursing skills in the care of assigned adult patients. Engage in assigned clinical simulation exercises.
6. Demonstrate compassionate behaviors and appropriate communication skills in the care of assigned adult patients.
7. Determine available community and in-patient resources as possible referrals in meeting the needs of adult patients.

Patient Safety Advocate

1. Apply evidence-based practice data to provide safe, quality patient-centered care for adult patients.
2. Practice according to governmental and organizational requirements and professional standards pertinent to safe care of adults.

Member of Healthcare Team

1. Participate with other disciplines to provide holistic patient-centered care to the adult patient.
2. Demonstrate appropriate communication skills while interacting with other health care team members in caring for adult patients.
3. Utilize current clinical technology systems in the efficient management of holistic patient-centered care of the assigned adult patient.
4. Assume the professional nursing role within the health care team while providing care to assigned adult patients.