Nurse Aide for Health Care Syllabus for 2023-2024
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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 and 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 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 .

Course

NURA-1401-003 Nurse Aide for Health Care

Prerequisites

Course Description

Knowledge, skills and abilities essential to provide basic care to residents of long-term care facilities. Topics include resident's rights, communication, safety, observation, reporting and assisting residents in maintaining basic comfort and safety. Emphasis on effective interaction with members of the health care team, restorative services, mental health and social services needs.

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

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Hartman's Nursing Assistant Care Long-Term Care - Fifth Edition

Supplies

THESE SUPPLIES ARE NEEDED FOR THE CNA PROGRAM

a 3-ring binder  WITH PAPER (for notes and other paperwork)  

a box of gloves (this will ensure you have the right size and allow you to get into the habit of wearing gloves at appropriate times.)

a watch with a second hand (smart watches will not be allowed)

a gait belt or transfer belt with a metal buckle   

 uniform which consists of white scrub top or collared white shirt; blue (cobalt, royal, electric, NOT NAVY) or white pants  White or black shoes  (There will be a discussion about uniforms the first day of class.  You will not need your uniform before the 3rd week of class.)

 

Student Performance

This syllabus is for the students in the CE section NURA 1001 3001 also.

ALL CLASS MEETINGS ARE PLANNED "IN PERSON" on CAMPUS.  

CLASS ARE SCHEDULED FROM 8:30AM - 12:30PM MONDAY - THURSDAY for 5 WEEKS.   The clinical section will begin the week before lecture is over.

 

SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF STUDENTS, INSTRUCTOR, and RESIDENTS IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE.  Do not attend class if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness.  Another concern with safety is proper knowledge and use of Body Mechanics and other safety precautions.  Students showing any lack of safety awareness will first be counseled.  It is possible that a student might be sent home if they can not maintain adequate safety awareness for both themselves or their partner.

All assignments must be done on Blackboard.  A computer with DEPENDABLE internet access is necessary.  Assignments may be done in one of the Success Centers the  on campus if student does not have access at home.  However, if the need arises to return to remote learning for any reason, an updated computer with camera and microphone will be necessary.

LATE POLICY ON ASSIGNMENTS:  All assignments are due by the due date.  Time management is one of the skills to be practiced in this class. If the need arises to submit an assignment late, discuss the situation with Ms. Michele. 

A grade of 75% or above is required on quizzes.  If that grade is not obtained by the due date (or designated date with this class), mandatory support hours will be assigned.  Quizzes may only twice.  Access to the next quiz will not be allowed if you have not made at least a 75% on the previous quizzes.

MANDATORY SUPPORT HOURS WILL BE ASSIGNED FOR STUDENTS THAT ARE AT RISK FOR NOT BEING SUCCESSFUL (as per the College's Tutoring for Success Program).  Mandatory Support means spending a designated amount of time (outside of class time) some agreed upon location.  These sessions may or may not be with a Supplemental Instructor.  Mandatory Support time will be assigned according to 1) CASAS scores, 2) weekly quiz grades under 75% by the due date (after reading the chapter and hearing the lecture), 3) no computer or internet at home,  or 4) other instructor referrals.   

 

An overall grade of a minimum of 70% in the lecture course AND successful presentation of pre-clinical skills competencies will be necessary before continuing on to the 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

  • COURSE OBJECTIVES (as outlined by the State of Texas)
  •  
  • **Provide person-centered care to residents of long-term care facilities.
  • **Communicate and interact therapeutically with residents and their families, with sensitivity to the physical, social, and mental needs of residents.
  • **Assist residents in attaining and maintaining maximum functional independence.
  • **Protect, support and promote the rights of residents.
  • **Provide safety measures in the care of residents. 
    • (These measures include safety for residents and yourself)
  • **Demonstrate skill in observing, reporting and documentation
  • **Function effectively as a member of the health care team

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

Professionalism Expectations:

1.Adherence to the dress code

2.Advanced preparation for class

3.Completion of all assignments on time

4.Participation in class 

5.Positive attitude

6.Not disrupting the class

7.Being on time for class and clinical

8.No cell phones in class or clinical

9.Being respectful to instructors and fellow students

10.Paying attention in class

 

Be familiar with the Professional Boundaries set by the nursing industry.

NCSBN Professional Boundaries

 

DRESS CODE

Remember you are representing Amarillo College.  It is required that you maintain a professional appearance and demeanor in order to reflect a positive image of yourself and the college.

Classroom:  Casual but Professional

  • No shorts or pajama pants
    • knee-length shorts are acceptable
    • Leggings should not be sheer and worn with a long shirt
  • No house shoes, sandals or flip-flops
  • No jeans with holes that show skin (even if they were made that way)
    • leggings underneath will be acceptable
  • No low-cut blouses, tank tops, or visible underwear. Females are expected to wear a bra underneath clothing.
  • Be aware of body odor

IDENTIFICATION BADGES:  Students are asked to get a Clinical badge from Student Services in the West Campus Lecture Hall.  (The clinical badge is different than a student ID.)  There will be a $2.00 fee for this badge.  After obtaining the badge, students are asked to begin wearing them to class each day.  Badges need to be above the waist, with the picture facing out.  Every student is expected to have their badge no later than Monday, 4/01.    And, as stated before, should wear it to class every day.

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.  No chewing tobacco allowed in classroom or clinical sites. (Effective August 1, 2016)

 

CELL PHONE POLICY

Cell phones should NOT be seen or heard in the classroom or skills area. This includes during breaks.  Students should leave the classroom to use their cell phone.

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

Cell phones may NOT be used as a timing device.

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

 

PHOTOS OR VIDEOS

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.  

  NCSBN A Nurse's Guide to the Use of Social Media - this link will take you to a brochure regarding the Use of Social Media.

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 in possession of alcohol and/or drugs will be reported to the campus police and dropped from the class with a “U” and without a refund.   Students cannot have impaired behavior as a result of illicit drugs, alcohol, prescription drugs, or OTC (over-the-counter) drugs. This behavior will NOT be tolerated.

 

Grading Criteria

  • A = 90 - 100
  • B = 80 - 89
  • C = 70 - 79
  • F = 0 - 69

LECTURE OVERALL GRADING WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:                                                            

  • 20%   Homework/Preparation assignments
  • 25%   Journals
  • 30%   Weekly Quizzes 
    • Syllabus quiz (2 attempts)  & 4 weekly quizzes
  • 25%   Attendance
    • (see rubric information below)

A grade of 75% must be obtained on quizzes by the due date.  If that does not happen, students may not have access to the next quiz.  And are expected to attend Mandatory Tutoring.

An overall grade of 70% will be required before moving on to the Clinical section.  (As mentioned before, a student must also show competency with skills presentation prior to attending Clinicals.

       

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  No make-up classes will be provided unless you miss a REQUIRED lecture.  You can miss only 2 lecture classes, and one clinical shift (clinical time must be made-up).  More than 3 absences may be grounds for failure of the course.  

Students will sign in and out at each class session.  It is important that you remember to do this daily and do it correctly for your attendance to be counted.  The state certifying board requires the student to attend a certain number of hours in both the classroom and clinical facilities to qualify to take the state exam.  Amarillo Colleges uses sign-ins to track number of hours spent in the classroom. Failure to sign in or out could be counted as an absence.

All absences should be excused.  In order for an absence to be excused, students should call/text the instructor BEFORE absences.  (Notification after an absence may be considered in emergency situations.)  Only 1 unexcused absence will be allowed.  More than one no call/no show could result in failure of the course.  You are responsible for any material you miss during an absence.  Absences will be handled on an individual basis.  

Students must be ON TIME to class, and must return from scheduled breaks at the designated time.  Excessive tardiness may be grounds for failure of the course. ON TIME means signed in, and at your desk ready to begin class at 5:30pm or when class resumes following breaks.

Your instructor has the right at any time to ask you to leave class; if this occurs you will be counted as ABSENT for the day.

The following is the rubric for the Attendance grade in the lecture portion of the course:

All students will start with an attendance grade of 100.  The following deductions will occur:

  • 30 points     UNEXCUSED absence  (only one allowed)
  • 10 points     excused absence  (only 2 allowed)
  •  2 points      tardy less than 10 minutes 
  •  4 points      Tardy 10 minutes or more 
  •  5 points      Leaving class early 

 

REQUIRED ATTENDANCE:  There are certain topics the State of Texas deems as required.  What that means is if the need arises to you to miss a required lecture (or even part of the required lecture), you will be expected to talk with Michele to schedule a time to attend a make-up lecture section. A student is not allowed to miss ANY of the following lectures.  Please be sure to contact Michele Rupe within 24 hours after an absence to schedule a make-up session.  Make-up must be completed within 7 days of missed lecture.

  • 3/13  Introduction to the course and State Curriculum Introductions
  • 3/18  Communication & Interpersonal Skills
  • 3/19  The Role of the Nurse Aide in LTC
  • 3/20  Infection Control #1
  • 3/21  Vital Signs
  • 3/25  Resident Rights (Legal & Ethical)
  • 3/25  Taking Care of Yourself3/26  Safety Measures
  • 3/26  Emergency Measures
  • 4/09  Clinical Expectations
  • 4/15  Infection Control #2 
  • 4/17 or 4/18  Skills Competency Evaluation

These required lectures are the ONLY lectures that MUST be "made up".  If you miss a lecture due to an absence that is not on this required list, it not expected not be made up.  However, students will still be responsible for the information covered during an absence.

Calendar

 Spring II 2024 Course Calendar

You will be provided with a calendar the first day of class that contains the schedule and reading assignments.  This schedule is subject to change depending on the flow of the class.                                                                                                          

  • WED, 3/13 INTRODUCTION TO COURSE EXPECTATIONS and BLACKBOARD
  • MON, 3/18  COMMUNICATION. SOCIAL MEDIA, REPORTING AND DOCUMENTATION
  • TUES, 3/19  ROLE OF NA, HEALTH CARE SETTINGS
  • WED, 3/20  INFECTION CONTROL
  • THURS, 3/21  VITAL SIGNS & OXYGEN THERAPY
  • MON, 3/25 RESIDENT RIGHTS and TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF  (CASAS assessment planned this day)
  • TUES, 3/26  SAFETY, BODY MECHANICS, and EMERGENCY MEASURES
  • WED, 3/27  NUTRITION & HYDRATION, SKIN
  • THURS, 3/28 POSITIONING and MOVING SKILLS
  • MON, 4/01 URINARY and BOWEL ELIMINATION
  • TUES, 4/02  BATHING; ELIMINATION SKILLS
    • dress in layers
  • WED, 4/03  ADMISSIONS, RESIDENT UNIT & RESIDENT NEEDS
  • THURS, 4/04  DEMENTIA,  DRESSING
    • dress in layers
  • MON, 4/08  RESTORATIVE/REHABILITATION and DEATH & DYING
  • TUES, 4/09  CLINICAL EXPECTATIONS
  • WED, 4/10   GROOMING SKILLS  
  • THURS, 4/11 OPEN SKILLS PRACTICE
  • MON, 4/15  INFECTION CONTROL DAY #2
  • TUES, 4/16  SIMULATIONS
  • WED, 4/17  TOURS OF FACILITIES/SKILLS COMPETENCY CHECKS (pre-clinical)
  • THURS, 4/18 TOURS OF FACILITIES/SKILLS COMPETENCY CHECKS (pre-clinical)

THE ABOVE SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

ASSIGNMENTS: (all due by the end of the day -- 1159PM) (This might not include all assignments)

  • SUNDAY, 3/17 -- Telephone Etiquette
  • SUNDAY, 3/17 -- Preparation Discussion - Beginning and Ending steps
  • SUNDAY, 3/17-- Tell the Instructor About Yourself
  • TUESDAY, 3/19 -- Preparation for Infection Control lecture 
  • TUESDAY, 3/19 -- Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer
  • WEDNESDAY, 3/20 - Syllabus Quiz (initial attempt)
  • WEDNESDAY, 3/20 --Journal A
  • WEDNESDAY, 3/20-- Preparation Assignment for Blood Pressures
  • SUNDAY, 3/24 - QUIZ #1
  • SUNDAY, 3/24 - Social Contract discussion
  • WEDNESDAY, 3/27 -- 100% on Syllabus quiz
  • WEDNESDAY, 3/27-- Journal B
  • WEDNESDAY, 3/27 -- Preparation Discussion - Applying a Gait belt
  • SUNDAY, 3/31 - Quiz #2
  • SUNDAY, 3/31 -- Assignment submission for Badges, & Supplies
  • SUNDAY. 3/31 -- Preparation for Perineal Care
  • SUNDAY, 3/31 - Quiz #2
  • MONDAY, 4/01  -- Preparation Discussion -- Elimination skills
  • WEDNESDAY, 4/03 -- Journal C
  • WEDNESDAY, 4/03 -- Preparation Discussion for Dressing
  • SUNDAY, 4/07 -- Quiz #3
  • TUESDAY, 4/09 -- Preparation assignment for Grooming
  • WEDNESDAY, 4/10 -- Preparation for Oral Cares
  • WEDNESDAY, 4/10 - Journal D
  • SUNDAY, 4/14 - QUIZ #4

Additional Information

CHAIN OF COMMAND/GRIEVANCE PROCESS

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.

  1. Instructor of the current class
  2. Support Instructor -- will meet the first day of class 
    1. will not be able to answer questions about course content
  3. Lead Instructor -- Melanie Blevins, LVN  (806-470-7988)
  4. Patient Care Programs Coordinator:  Michele Rupe, RN (CELL PHONE: 806-336-2624), office number (806) 467-3028 or email @ mmrupe22@actx.edu

You are asked to contact instructors (with texts or calls) between 7:30am and 10:00pm. Emergency situations will not apply. (If these hours are not convenient for you, please talk with Michele Rupe)

 

STUDENT SUPPORT

This course requires that the student be able to complete some components (assignments, journals, quizzes and tests) in ACconnect/Blackboard.  Computer access and time spent on assignments are essential for your successful completion of each course.  Mandatory support hours outside of class time will be assigned according to #1 CASAS scores, #2 personal computer with internet access, and #3 individual scores on each weekly reading check quizzes.  There are computer labs available to you on the West Campus in Building D, and at the Lynn Library on the Washington Street Campus.  Computer time is also available at the public libraries in one hour increments.  

 

Amarillo College will cancel classes if the Amarillo Independent School district decides to cancel classes.  If classes are not canceled, but you do not feel safe driving to class, contact Melanie Blevins or Michele Rupe.

Syllabus Created on:

03/08/24 4:17 PM

Last Edited on:

03/12/24 12:29 PM