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RNSG 2462 Clinical: Integrated Care of the Patient with Complex

Health Care Needs

MeKonnen Birru PhD, MSN, MA, RN

Tana Hafner-Burton MHN, MSN, RN, CAPA Jan Joost MSN, RN

Fall 2017

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COURSE CALENDAR

Calendar is subject to change. Students will be notified of changes by instructors.

Date Time Activity

8/22 0830 – 0930

09:45 – 10:45

Qualifying Math Exam #1

Review SIP RNSG 2462

8/25 08:45 – 15:00 Mental Health Orientation @ HCPC (All)

8/29 08:30 – 15:00 Medical – Surgical Skills (All)

8/30 12:00 – 13:00 Qualifying Math Exam #2

9/6 12:00 – 13:00 Qualifying Math Exam #3

9/7 08:00 – 16:00 OB Clinical Skills Check-off as assigned

9/8 08:00 – 16:00 Simulation 1

9/12 08:00 – 16:00 OB Clinical Skills Check-off as assigned

9/14 08:00 – 16:00 OB Clinical Skills Check-off as assigned

9/18 08:30 Portfolio Due

9/19 08:00 – 16:00 OB Clinical Skills Check-off as assigned

10/2 08:30 EKG Quiz in class

10/6 08:00 – 16:00 Simulation 2

10/27 08:00 – 16:00 Simulation 3

11/28 08:00 – 16:00 Simulation 4

Note: Clinical written assignment due dates will vary according to individual student clinical rotations. The

student is strongly encouraged to identify due dates for each assignment based on individual clinical

rotation schedules and confirm with the appropriate clinical instructor.

Course Introduction

RNSG 2462 Clinical – Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

Course Description: A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply

specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Medical Surgical, Maternity, Pediatric, and

Mental Health settings that enables the student to apply nursing theory, skills, and concepts within the

roles of the professional nurse as provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, member of

the healthcare team and member of the profession. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical

professional.

End-of-Course Outcomes: As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving

specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and

among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation

and the business/industry and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices,

interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the

terminology of the occupation and the business/industry.

Prerequisites: Completion of RNSG 1461, RNSG 2504

Co-requisites: RNSG 2514

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Instructors

Patricia Allison-Maguire MSN, RN, ACNP-BC

e-mail: pallison@alvincollege.edu

Kimberly Barrow MSN, APRN, NP-C

Email: kbarrow@alvincollege.edu

Mekonnen Birru PhD, MSN, MA, RN

Office: S112 Office Telephone: 281-756-5619

Email: Mbirru@alvincollege.edu

Tana Hafner-Burton MHN, MSN, RN, CAPA

Office – S114 Office Telephone: 281-756-5634

Email: tburton@alvincollege.edu

Sharon Hightower MSN, RN

Email: Shightower@alvincollege.edu

Jan Joost MSN, RN

Office: S153 Office Telephone: 281-756-5614

Email- jjoost@alvincollege.edu

Charlotte Joubert MSN, RN-BC, CEN, CNL

Email: cjoubert@alvincollege.edu

Richard Morse MSN, RN

Email: rmorse@alvincollege.edu

Tonia Vaxter, MSN, RN

Email: tvaxter@alvincollege.edu

Required Textbooks

ATI, (2014). Pharmacology made easy 3.0.

Beasley, B. M. (2013). Understanding EKGS: A practical approach, (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River NJ: Pearson

Prentice Hall

Durham, R. & Chapman, L. (2014). Maternal-newborn nursing: The critical components of nursing care, (2nd

ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis.

Elsevier. (2015). HESI case studies: Complete RN collection (2 year version), (1st ed.).

James, S.R., Nelson, K.A., & Ashwill, J.W. (2013). Nursing care of children: Principles & practice, (4th ed.).

St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Lewis, S.L., Dirksen, S.R., Heitkemper, M.M., & Bucher, L. (2017). Medical-surgical nursing: Assessment

and management of clinical problems, (10th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. (Student may purchase

either the print or electronic version of this textbook)

Lewis, S.L., Dirksen, S.R., Heitkemper, M.M., & Bucher, L. (2014). Elsevier Adaptive Learning for Medical-

Surgical Nursing (Access Card). (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. (Bundled with Lewis textbook)

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Nursing Central with Nurse’s Pocket Guide, available for iPhone®, BlackBerry®, Android™, Palm®, and

Windows Mobile® from nursing.unboundmedicine.com Potter, P. & Perry, A.G. (2013). Nursing skills online version 3.0 for Fundamentals of nursing, (8th

ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

Shives, L.R. (2012). Basic concepts of psychiatric – mental health nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott

Williams & Wilkins.

Lippincott’s interactive case studies in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott,

Williams and Wilkins, 2009. (Bundled with Shives textbook above)

Taylor, C.R., Lillis, C., LeMone, P., & Lynn, P. (2011). Fundamentals of nursing: The art and science of

nursing care, (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

RECOMMENDED Hemodynamic monitoring made incredibly visual (2nd ed.). (2010). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott

Williams & Wilkins.

Perrin, K. O. & MacLeod C.E. (2012). Understanding the essentials of critical care nursing (2nd ed.).

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Sole, M. L., Klein, D. G., & Moseley, M.J. (2012). Introduction to critical care nursing (6th ed.).

St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.

Wagner, K.D. & Hardin-Pierce, M.G. (2013). High acuity nursing (6th ed.).Upper Saddle River, NJ:

Pearson Prentice Hall.

Additional Materials/ Resources

Calculator

Databases available through ACC Library homepage: http://alvincollege.edu/Library

Other Valuable Nursing Sites American Nurses Association: http://www.ana.org

Online Journal of Issues in Nursing: http://www.nursingworld.org/ojin/

National Association of Neonatal Nurses: www.nann.org

National Guideline Clearinghouse: www.guideline.gov

Nursing Center of Nursing Journals: http://www.nursingcenter.com

Nursing Net of Journals: http://www.nursingnet.org/journals.htm

Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society: http://www.nursingsociety.org/

PubMed – Nat. Library of Medicine: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/

Texas Board of Nursing: http://www.bon.state.tx.us/

Cardiac anatomy sounds and EKG practice: http://www.blaufuss.org/ and

http://www.cardiologysite.com/

APA assistance: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/17/

Lab support: http://labtestsonline.org/

Transcultural Nursing Society: www.tcns.org/

https://www.nursingnetwork.com/nursing-groups Texas Nurses Association: http://www.texasnurses.org

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Course Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of RNSG 2462 the student will:

1. Utilize clinical reasoning skills at the level of a competent nursing student to provide safe, quality nursing

care to patients and their families with complex healthcare needs across the lifespan.

2. Adhere to the standards of practice while providing care at the level of a competent student nurse to

culturally and socially diverse clients across the lifespan.

3. Collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary health care team at the level of a competent nursing

student to promote & maintain optimal health status of patients with complex health care needs and their

families across the lifespan.

4. Demonstrates skills in using patient care technologies and information systems at the level of a competent

student nurse that support safe nursing practice for patients across the lifespan.

5. Demonstrates knowledge of basic delegation, management and leadership skills at the level of a competent

nursing student.

Evaluation of Course Student Learning Outcomes:

Evaluation of the course objectives will be through a calculation exam, essential skills competencies, clinical

assignments and presentations, and simulations.

SCANS

Students will be evaluated based on workforce expectation developed by the Secretary’s Commission on

Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) and the U.S. Department of Labor. These foundation skills and

workplace competencies are required in today’s workplace. Within the Alvin Community College Associate

Degree Nursing Program, these skills will be incorporated throughout the curriculum. Please refer to Nursing

Lounge/Blackboard or the ACC/ADN Student Handbook for further details.

Methods of Instruction

This clinical course has several components: clinical practice in a variety of healthcare settings, simulations,

skills modules, case studies, and clinical conference. Students will provide patient care, develop care plans, and

practice skills under the supervision of the clinical instructor/preceptor.

Clinical Experiences

The clinical experience is provided in area hospitals, clinics, and on campus in the simulation lab. The student

will have the opportunity to develop care plans, provide patient care and practice various skills under the

supervision of the clinical instructor or preceptor.

Grades

A student must achieve a minimum of 825/1100 course points AND a final clinical evaluation of Pass in

order to be successful in this course. Failure to pass the clinical portion of RNSG 2462 Integrated Care of the

Patient with Complex Health Care Needs will prevent the student from progressing in the Associate Degree

Nursing Program and the student will receive a “D” or “F” on the transcript for the course.

Concurrent enrollment in the theory course Integrated Care of the Patient with Complex Health Care

Needs (RNSG 2514) is required for this course. If a student needs to repeat RNSG 2462, the student

will be required to repeat RNSG 2514 at the same time. These are two separate but related courses and

must be completed together.

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COURSE EVALUATION

EVALUATIVE METHOD Care

Area POINTS

Qualifying Math Exam - 50

Portfolio - 10

Behavioral Assessment MH 100 (2 @ 50 points each)

Physical assessment MS 40

EKG Strips MS 50 (2 @ 25 points each)

Discharge Plan MH 60

Real-Time Care Plans (2) MS 100/200

Post-Partum Assessment and Care OB 75

Childbirth Class OB Pass/Fail

L&D Assessment OB 100

Newborn Assessment OB 75

Diversity Presentation All 20

Clinical Simulations/Prep Work All 120 (4@ 30 points each)

Clinical Skills check list All 50

Clinical Evaluation

Refer to clinical evaluation tool (CET) in syllabus.

The clinical evaluation consists of student self-

evaluation (written comments required) and clinical

instructor evaluation. The instructor determines the final

pass/fail grade. At the final evaluation a student must

earn a Satisfactory or Excellent on 75% of the clinical

behaviors to receive a pass.

Pass/Fail

Course Points 1000

A student must achieve a minimum of 825/1100 course

points AND a final clinical evaluation of Pass in order to

be successful in this course. Failure to meet either of these

requirements will prevent the student from progressing in the

Associate Degree Nursing program, and a “D” or “F” will be

recorded on the student transcript. Concurrent enrollment in

the theory course RNSG 2514 Integrated Care of the Patient

with Complex Health Care Needs is required for this course.

Any student who is unsuccessful in theory (RNSG 2514) will receive an “R” grade for clinical (RNSG 2462),

provided the above noted requirements were met. If a student is unsuccessful in either RNSG 2514 or RNSG

2462, both classes will need to be retaken.

Grades are based on point totals. Grades are not averaged and points are not rounded upward.

Clinical Written Work

Clinical written work is evaluated following the grading rubrics outlined in this syllabus. Students must submit

a copy of the grading rubric with each written assignment or are subject to point deductions. Sources must be

cited in the American Psychological Association (APA) format. Point deductions will be applied for a lack of

references and/or APA format.

GRADING SCALE

POINTS GRADE

895-1000 A

795-894 B

745-794 C

744-695 D

695 and below F

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A total of 10% per day will be deducted from the grade for late papers. Work is due at the beginning of class or

clinical. Papers received later than one week from the due date will not be accepted and the grade will be a zero.

Unless an assignment is designated a group assignment, the work must be done independently.

Qualifying Math Exam A qualifying math exam testing medication calculations and Intake & Output content will be given within the

first week of class. Please bring a simple calculator to use during the test. (No tablet or cell phone calculators).

The first attempt will be the recorded grade. If a student fails to achieve a score of 100% on the initial exam, the

student must repeat the math exam. The maximum number of attempts will be four. The student must

demonstrate 100% proficiency prior to administering medications.

Failure to pass the math exam with a 100% after four attempts will result in the student being required

to withdraw from both theory and clinical classes or receive an “F” in both courses.

Portfolio

Portfolios will continue to be developed through the ADN program. Students will meet portfolio requirements

as listed on the rubric in this SIP. The due date is listed in the course calendar.

Skills Lab Each student is required to have a working knowledge of previously taught skills. On-campus skills days are

primarily dedicated to learning and practicing new skills. Each student will be assessed on skills necessary for

this course while on campus. Students must wear ADN clinical uniforms and must bring nurse packs to skills

lab each day. Absences, tardies, early departures and improper uniform will be handled the same as in the clinical

settings.

EKG STRIPS

During the medical/surgical clinical experience, students will interpret 2 different rhythm strips and identify the

appropriate causes and treatments.

Assessments

In the mental health area, students will complete a behavioral assessment on a client each day. Students will be

evaluated by the clinical instructor and graded on elements as outlined in the grading rubric.

Students are expected to know the maternal/ infant OB skillset. The students will be evaluated by the OB clinical

instructor and graded on assessment techniques in the Labor and Delivery, Postpartum, and Newborn clinical

areas. Students will be evaluated by the clinical instructor and graded on elements as outlined in the grading

rubric.

Each student is expected to demonstrate assessment skills by performing a physical assessment in the medical-

surgical setting during a hospital clinical day. Students will be evaluated by the clinical instructor and graded

on assessment technique and the ability to perform an efficient assessment that includes elements as outlined in

the grading rubric.

Care Planning

Students have the opportunity to correlate theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills by completing two

care plans on two different patients cared for in the medical-surgical clinical area. The first care plan will be

due on or before the fourth medical-surgical clinical day. The second care plan will be due on or before the

seventh (last) medical-surgical clinical day. Refer to the rubric for required criteria.

One OB care plan is integrated into the postpartum assignment. The assignment is due a week after the individual

clinical experience. Refer to the rubric for required criteria.

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Discharge Planning

Complete a discharge planning assessment and implement teaching while collaborating with patient

and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Childbirth Class

Students will develop a narrative paper that describes the content of the Childbirth class observed during

enrollment in RNSG 2462. Childbirth class papers are due one week after attending the class and will not be

accepted after the last day of hospital clinical without prior approval from the clinical instructor. Refer to the

rubric for required criteria.

Diversity Tool

Students will select an obstetrical patient whose culture is different than that of the student nurse. The

patient’s cultural preferences, customs and beliefs will be collected and compared to cultural standards.

Students will reference the Transcultural Nursing website for learn the expected cultured aspects of maternal

care. Refer to the rubric for required criteria.

Clinical Simulation

Simulations are incorporated throughout the course to reinforce expected clinical behaviors and enhance

critical thinking skills. Clinical simulation days count as a clinical day. Full clinical uniform/appropriate dress

is required and students will be dismissed for inappropriate attire. Simulation groups, schedules, prep work and

rubrics will be posted to Blackboard prior to simulation days. The actual simulation performance will not be

graded. However, points will be deducted for failing to meet basic clinical behaviors: self-introduction, hand

washing, patient identification and medication rights. Absence from simulation will be considered a clinical

absence. Refer to the Clinical Attendance Section.

Clinical Skills Checklist

Students will demonstrate the performance of certain skills listed on the checklist (included in SIP). Students

should seek out learning opportunities during clinical that enable skills checklist completion. The student is

responsible for keeping the skills checklist updated and initialed by the instructor or clinical preceptor. It is

recommended that the student make copies of the checklist periodically throughout the semester in the event the

original is lost. The skills checklist is due to the clinical course coordinator on the last clinical day (Ms. Tana

Hafner-Burton MSN, MHA, CAPA, RN). The completed skills checklist will be maintained in each student’s

permanent file.

Final Clinical Evaluation

The final clinical evaluation grade will be either Pass or Fail. Student performance is evaluated in a formative

and summative manner. The formative evaluations are completed weekly by the student and clinical instructor.

The final or summative evaluation will be completed by the clinical instructors. Student performance must

show improvement over the semester. A final grade of Pass is earned when the student evaluation is Excellent

or Satisfactory on 75% or more of the behaviors listed on the Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET). Refer to the

Clinical Evaluation Tool and Performance Descriptors. Failure to attend the final clinical evaluation

appointment with the clinical instructor will result in a fifty (50) point reduction in course points. The student

is responsible for bringing the evaluation tool to clinical weekly. It is recommended that the student make

copies of the evaluation periodically throughout the semester in the event the original is lost.

Clinical Guidelines Skills

The student is expected to complete specific skills in the skills lab prior to clinical. In clinical situations, students

are expected to communicate with instructor prior to performing skills; perform skills safely; seek opportunities

to practice new skills; and correct performance based on performance evaluation when indicated.

Time Management

The student is expected to allocate time to perform, complete and document patient care activities, to function

in an efficient and organized manner as a member of the health care team, and show initiative in seeking learning

experiences.

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Student Selection of Patients for Clinical Assignments In the medical surgical areas, the charge nurse and/or staff nurse will typically direct the patient selection process.

Allow at least 30 to 60 minutes to select an appropriate assignment. Each clinical instructor will provide

guidelines for their specific institution. Students are encouraged to communicate clinical objectives to staff to

optimize clinical experiences.

OB assignments will be made by clinical instructor or the charge nurse of the assigned unit (NICU, L&D, Post-

Partum, and Nursery).

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required for ALL clinical days, including simulation and on-campus skills days. Missing one (1)

hour of any clinical day constitutes an absence. The student must notify their clinical instructor before the clinical

day starts. Students who are ill are expected to seek appropriate medical care and the instructor may request

written medical permission before allowing a student to return to clinical in the event of unusual or prolonged

illness (See Student Handbook).

For each hospital clinical day of absence, 110 points (10%) will be deducted from the student’s final course

grade. For each on-campus clinical day, including skills and simulation, 55 points (5%) will be deducted from

the student’s final course grade. Late arrival of 30 minutes or more during on-campus clinical days will be

considered an absence. No points can be regained when missing an on-campus clinical day. It is the

responsibility of the student to learn content or skills missed.

At the instructor’s discretion, the student may regain points lost by being absent from a hospital clinical day.

Assignments will vary and may include a case study, an evaluation of a nursing article and/or a website. This

assignment will be graded by the clinical instructor and have a maximum value of half of the points lost.

If a student misses more than 10% of total clinical time, successful completion of the course and the course

objectives is unlikely.

Tardiness hampers continuity of patient care. Two clinical tardies will be counted as a clinical absence. Points

lost by tardiness cannot be regained. A student is tardy when they are not present at the start of the clinical,

simulation or on-campus skills day. Students are allowed appropriate breaks during the clinical day which will

be coordinated with the staff nurse(s). The clinical instructor must be able to find the student at any time during

the clinical day.

Dress Students of the ACC/ADN Program are representatives of the program and the profession of nursing. Appropriate

dress includes identification tag and all tools required for nursing activities. Inappropriate dress will be considered

grounds for dismissal from the clinical area, skills lab or simulation. Any student requiring this action will be

counted absent for that day. See ACC ADN Student Handbook for a detailed explanation of uniform and grooming

policies.

Dress code for the mental health nursing experience will depend upon facility policy. Information will be

provided to students by the instructor and during orientation to the facility.

Supplies and Equipment

The student is expected to exercise fiscal responsibility in the use of supplies and equipment. Students are

expected to follow institutional processes and policy when utilizing supplies and equipment.

Behavior

Students are expected to abide by the behaviors appearing in the student handbook of Alvin Community College

Associate Degree Nursing Program. Whenever the student is in the classroom, a clinical agency, on a field trip, at

an off-campus activity or attending a campus-sponsored activity, she/he is a representative of the Associate Degree

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Nursing Program and is expected to behave and dress in an appropriate professional manner. The Code of Student

Conduct of Alvin Community College in the ACC Student Handbook will be in effect for all nursing-related

activities. Disciplinary action will be taken against any student not adhering to this agreement.

Classroom Protocol

It is the right of each student to participate in his or her learning, and it is the responsibility of each student to

not interfere with the learning of other students. It is the expectation of the college that each student assumes the

responsibility to follow college policies and procedures governing classroom conduct on campus and online.

This information is published in the ACC Student Handbook on page 42.

Clinical Performance

The student will be counseled for unsafe behavior (see Criteria for Unsafe Clinical Practice). Counseling consists

of one (1) verbal warning, and two (2) written reports, at which time the student may be dropped from the nursing

program at the director’s discretion (see Disciplinary action – Due process).

Withdrawal

It is recommended that the student talk to the instructor before withdrawing. The instructor cannot withdraw a

student from the course. Current course withdrawal information can be found in the printed version of the ACC

Schedule for this semester or online at ACC Course Withdrawal Instructions. Students who file withdrawal

requests by the published deadline and have not exceeded the withdrawal maximum will receive a grade of W.

If the student stops coming to class and does not withdraw, the student will receive the earned grade. The

Associate Degree Nursing Program follows and enforces the ACC Code of Academic Integrity and Honesty and

Behavior located in the ACC Student Handbook.

Six Drop Limit The Texas Legislature passed a ruling that limits the number of classes a student can drop during their years as

an undergraduate student to six. This policy applies to any student who was a first time college freshmen fall,

2007, or later, who attends a Texas public institution of higher education. Courses dropped while attending a

private or out of state college do not count toward the six drop limit. For further information, refer to the ACC

Catalog or contact Student Services.

Grade Appeal Process

Students have one year from the date of the grade assignment to challenge a grade. Refer to the grade appeal

process as published in the ACC Catalog at http://www.alvincollege.edu/Programs-Degrees/Course-Catalogs.

Mental Health Counseling and Suicide Prevention Services As a student, you may experience a range of challenges that can interfere with learning, such as strained

relationships, increased anxiety, substance use, feeling down, difficulty concentrating, and/or lack of motivation.

These mental health concerns or stressful events may diminish your academic performance and/or reduce your

ability to participate in daily activities. Advising services employs two Licensed Professional Counselors who

can assist students with issues that negatively impact academic success. Consultation and referrals are

confidential. The Counseling Referral form is located at: http://www.alvincollege.edu/CounselingServices.aspx

Emergencies:

If you or someone you know at ACC feels overwhelmed, hopeless, depressed, and/or is thinking about dying by

suicide, supportive services are available by requests at the Enrollment Services Center or by calling 281-756-

3531, ask for a Counselor. You may also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255. This is

a 24 hour, toll free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crises or emotional

distress. If, however, you or someone you know is in an immediate crisis, go to the nearest Emergency Room,

or call 911.

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Evaluation of Instruction

Alvin Community College is dedicated to student success. As part of its ongoing improvement efforts, students

will provide input for each course prior to the end of the semester enrolled. Evaluations will be completed in

either online or paper format as directed by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness & Research.

Student Dismissal

As required by the Board of Nursing for the State of Texas and written in the Texas Administrative Code Rule

215.8, students may be dismissed from the program for demonstration of the following, including, but not limited

to:

1. Evidence of actual or potential harm to patients, patients or the public;

2. Criminal behavior whether violent or non-violent, directed against persons, property or public order and

decency;

3. Intemperate use, abuse of drugs or alcohol, or diagnosis of or treatment for chemical dependency, mental

illness, or diminished mental capacity; and

4. The lack of good professional character as evidenced by a single incident or an integrated pattern of

personal, academic and/or occupational behaviors which, in the judgment of the faculty, indicates that

an individual is unable to consistently conform his or her conduct to the requirements of the Nursing

Practice Act, the Boards rules and regulations, and generally accepted standards of nursing practice

including, but not limited to, behaviors indicating honesty, accountability, trustworthiness, reliability

and integrity.

Medication Administration

The student will not be allowed to administer medications until successful completion of the dosage calculation

exam is achieved. The student must verify physician orders with medication administration record. The student

is expected to use all the rights for medication administration. Students must research the medication prior to

administration. The student is expected to articulate knowledge of medications and provide education to the

patient about the medications.

In the medical-surgical areas, the student must be observed by the clinical instructor and/or the primary nurse

for the first med pass. The instructor will make a determination about future medication administrations and the

required level of instructor supervision.

In any clinical area, students are not allowed to give medications without the presence and direct supervision of

the clinical instructor or primary nurse (RN).

At HCPC the student will NOT administer any medications to the psychiatric patient.

Daily Clinical Documentation

The student charts on his/her assigned patient using the charting format designated for the assigned clinical

facility. The format may vary. Documentation is ongoing throughout the clinical day. Charting should be

completed by the end of the clinical day. This deadline may be changed at the discretion of the clinical

instructor. Documentation will be evaluated by the clinical instructor.

Hospital Documentation Students are expected to complete the required nursing documentation of the hospital where the clinical practice

occurs according to hospital policy and in a timely manner.

Discharge Planning

Students are expected to identify specific patient needs for maintaining or achieving maximum function after

discharge and teach the patient how to manage at home.

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Communication

Students are required to use appropriate written, verbal and non-verbal communication techniques when

charting, teaching patients, and interacting with staff and others; participate effectively in post-conference; and

communicate with the clinical instructor throughout the day.

Ethics

The student is expected to respect the rights of all (patients, staff, students, and faculty). The student must

demonstrate professional responsibility and accountability in patient care, and professional behavior when

interacting with members of the health care team. Students must maintain patient confidentiality both verbally

and written whether in the healthcare setting or in home or other settings. The student should maintain a positive

attitude and demonstrate honesty and integrity.

ACC Academic Success And Support Services

The ACC Tutoring/Learning Lab, located upstairs in building A, provides students with a variety of services

including tutoring (math, writing, and other disciplines); computers and printers; and tables/carrels. Call 281-

756-3566 or visit the ACC Tutoring/Learning Lab Website for more information.

The ACC Library is an excellent source for research and writing help. Quiet rooms are available for studying

and doing class work. For more information, visit the ACC Library Website or call 281-756-3559.

ACC Counseling Services assist students with issues that may negatively impact academic success. To

contact a counselor, call the office of Advising Services at 281-756-3534.

Americans with Disabilities Act ACC complies with ADA and 504 Federal guidelines by affording equal access to individuals who are seeking

an education. Students who have a disability and would like classroom accommodations must register first

with the Office of Disability Services, A 136, or call 281-756-3533. Instructors are not able to provide

accommodations until the proper process has been followed.

Assessment and Care Team (ACT) The Assessment and Care Team is committed to improving community safety through a proactive,

collaborative, coordinated, objective, and thoughtful approach to the prevention, identification, assessment,

intervention and management of situations that pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the campus

community. To educate and empower all members of the College community, resources and procedures are in

place to prevent, deter, and respond to concerns regarding acts of violence. Alvin Community College offers

assistance to departments and individuals in detecting indicators for concern and resources to protect them-

selves and their environments.

The Alvin Community College ACT accepts reports regarding any individual or incident at any time through

an online referral form on the Assessment and Care Team page at http://www.alvincollege.edu/ACT, direct

email to: ACareTeam@alvincollege.edu, or by contacting the Alvin Community College Police Department at

281-756-3700 or

832-250-3365 (after hours).

MY Blackboard support can be obtained by completing the Online Support Form.

WEBACCESS, Passwords or ACC Computer Lab Information: If you experience problems with

WebACCess, please call the Help Desk at 281-756-3544 or email helpdesk@alvincollege.edu.

Code of Academic Integrity and Honesty

Alvin Community College students are members of an institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge

through a formalized program of instruction and learning. At the heart of this endeavor, lie the core values of

academic integrity which include honesty, truth, and freedom from lies and fraud. Because personal integrity is

important in all aspects of life, students at Alvin Community College are expected to conduct themselves with

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honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom. Incidents of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated

and students guilty of such conduct are subject to severe disciplinary measures.

An example of academic dishonesty includes plagiarism which is the act of using another’s thoughts, ideas or

work without proper citation. Review the following clip on plagiarism.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw6NxvwP41U

Unless an assignment is designated a group assignment, it should be done independently.

Unprofessional Conduct Criteria for Unsafe Clinical Practice

Unsafe clinical practice is defined as any act, practice, or omission during clinical practice that fails to conform

to the accepted standards of the nursing profession, which may directly or indirectly cause physiological and/or

emotional harm to others. Unsafe clinical performance may include but is not limited to the following behaviors:

Safety

1. Violates or threatens the physical safety of the patient. Fails to properly position a patient; carry out

medical/nursing orders; initiate actions to correct, reduce or prevent risks to the patient.

2. Violates or threatens the psychosocial safety of the patient. Fails to use appropriate interpersonal

communication; uses non-therapeutic techniques.

3. Violates or threatens the chemical safety of the patient. Violates the “rights” in administering

medications; fails to research or calculate medications prior to administration.

4. Violates or threatens the thermal safety of the patient. Fails to observe safety precautions with equipment

and treatment modalities.

Nursing Process

1. Inadequately and/or inaccurately assesses the patient. Fails to observe changes in patient’s baseline

data (e.g.: failure to re-check vital signs).

2. Inadequately and/or inaccurately plans for the care of the patient. Fails to adequately prepare for

clinical assignments as outlined by the clinical instructor.

3. Inadequately or inaccurately implements patient care. Makes poor judgments/decisions resulting in

unsafe nursing care. Fails to provide care required to stabilize a patient's condition or prevent

complications; commits medication errors.

4. Inadequately or inaccurately evaluates patient care. Fails to know rationale for actions; fails to

observe, report, or document data; fails to evaluate effects of medications or treatments.

Skills

Violates previously mastered principles or learning objectives in carrying out nursing skills and/or

delegated medical functions. Fails to obtain accurate vital signs, violating asepsis or standard

precautions.

Decision Making

1. Display of inappropriate autonomy in scope of role. Performs a procedure not yet covered in skills

lab; fails to appropriately seek assistance with a procedure.

2. Failure to recognize own limitations, incompetence and/or legal responsibilities. Fails to accept

responsibility for own actions; fails to complete assigned nursing responsibilities; fails to report

critical incidents or abnormal findings.

Professional Accountability

Fails to accept moral and legal responsibility for one’s own actions, thereby violating professional integrity as

expressed in the CODE FOR NURSES. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

1. Failure to conduct self in a professional manner, in word or deed;

2. Sharing confidential information;

3. Falsifying information or medical records;

4. Failure to report information to nursing staff or instructor.

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5. Indulging in theft, or functioning under the influence of sleep deprivation, alcohol, or

chemical substances;

6. Not following hospital policies and procedures;

7. Failure to follow proper chain of command; and

8. Arriving late to clinical.

9. Using cell phones in the clinical setting for personal calls/texts. Taking pictures of patients.

Disciplinary Action

Due process will be implemented as follows:

1. Upon the first violation of any of the criteria for unprofessional conduct, the student will be counseled

verbally.

2. Upon the second violation of any of the criteria for unprofessional conduct or other violations, the student

will be counseled both verbally and in writing. Additional faculty members may be included in the

counseling session.

3. Upon the third violation of any of the criteria for unprofessional conduct, the student will be counseled both

verbally and in writing. Additional faculty members will be included in the counseling session.

4. With further noncompliance, the student may be dismissed from the nursing program at the instructor's

discretion.

Disclaimer

The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus as needed and will notify the students of any changes

using email or Blackboard.