COURSE RATIONALE
The levels of the program have a logical progression in introducing the student to the roles of the Vocational Nurse. Courses in other levels will build upon this foundation of vocational nursing practice. VNSG 1304 is a prerequisite to VNSG 1509, VNSG 2331, and VNSG 1461.

Program essential concepts are integrated throughout the curriculum to strengthen the student’s development. They reflect areas of increased knowledge, skills, and attitudes of students as they progress in the program. These essential concepts create cohesive learning experiences.

The essential concepts integrated into VNSG 1304 include:
1. Clinical reasoning and the nursing process
2. Evidence-based practice
3. Caring behaviors
4. Therapeutic communication skills
5. Health care settings
6. Cultural competency
7. Professional values
8. Roles of the vocational nurse
9. Competence in nursing interventions
10. Use of technology and informatics

COURSE EVALUATION: TESTING AND GRADING POLICIES
A. Bloom’s Taxonomy
Faculty use Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives as a tool to define the thinking skills instructor expect from students and for helping to establish congruence between the learning objectives and the exam questions asked.

The cognitive domain of Bloom’s Taxonomy involves knowledge and the development of intellectual skills. There are six major categories: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation; they start from the simplest behavior to the most complex. The categories can be thought of as degrees of difficulties. That is, the first one must be mastered before the next one can take place.
The practice of vocational nursing requires the application of all levels of cognitive ability. Exam questions are written utilizing Bloom’s Taxonomy at increasingly complex levels. Module objectives and the corresponding exam questions for Level I will reflect knowledge, comprehension and application of information, concepts, and principles relevant to the course. The ability to recall the information is important, however, exam questions will assess more than the ability to memorize information. In Level II, the majority of the questions will be at the comprehension and application level. In Level III and IV the majority of exam questions are written at application, analysis or higher levels.
This progression is congruent with the level of questions asked by the NCLEX-PN and the competencies required by the entry level vocational nurse.

NCLEX-PN TEST PLAN
All candidates for licensure are required to meet set requirements that include passing an examination that measures the competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as a newly licensed, entry level vocational nurse. That exam is the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN). In addition, licensure candidates in Texas are required to pass a jurisprudence examination to obtain licensure. For more information about this exam, visit the Texas Board of Nursing website at: www.bon.state.tx.us.
The NCLEX Test Plan provides a concise summary of the content and scope of the licensing examination. The Vocational Nursing program uses the test plan as a guide to exam development. The VNG program exams are developed to mirror the test plan and consist of items that use Bloom’s taxonomy for the cognitive domain as a basis for writing items.
The content of the NCLEX Test Plan is organized into four major Patient Needs categories. Two of the four categories are further divided into a total of six subcategories:
Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Coordinated Care
• Safety and Infection Control

Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Integrity
• Basic Care and Comfort
• Pharmacological Therapies
• Reduction of Risk Potential
• Physiological Adaptation
Faculty will provide more information about the test plan and cognitive levels during the class orientation. For more detailed information, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing at https://www.ncsbn.org/1287.htm
B. Students will be tested from module objectives. Questions will be matching, multiple choice, short answer or essay questions. Tests will be scheduled online, in the nursing computer lab, unless indicated otherwise.
C. Please review the Testing Policy and Electronic Devices Policy in the VNG Student Handbook.
D. No make-up examinations will be given for module exams. An absence from a scheduled examination will be counted as a zero and may be replaced with the final exam score for the computation of the final grade average. The Final Exam score may replace the student’s lowest Module Exam score. This will only be done to benefit the student’s average. The final examination may be made up only at the discretion of the instructor and based on extraordinary circumstances.
E. Students are expected to complete the examination within the allocated time frame, unless the student has special needs that have been communicated to the VNG faculty by the Office for Students with Disabilities. A test plan is provided at the beginning of the semester; the number of test items may vary across the levels. Faculty will communicate time limits for the exams before the students begin each exam. The VNG faculty adopted the following general guideline related to time allotments for exam items: 1.36 minutes per item (this mirrors time allotted by the NCSBN for the NCLEX-PN).
F. Test Review: A time for students to review the results of exams will be provided on the schedule and/or students can see their results by making an appointment with their faculty advisor or one of the level faculty. Students are not allowed to copy test questions during the test review; this would be considered a form of academic dishonesty. If a student feels their answer to a test question should be considered as an acceptable answer, he/she must go to their faculty advisor, and there, will be able to submit a written request for an item review. The written request along with supportive documentation must be submitted to the instructor within one week after the scheduled test review. It is up to the discretion of the instructor whether or not the student receives credit for the test item. Only the student who submits the written request will receive credit for the test item if the instructor decides to do so.
G. The course grading breakdown is as follows:
Module Exams ....................................................................... 60%
One .......................................................... 20%
Two .......................................................... 20%
Three ....................................................... 20%
Cultural Project and Luncheon ............................................. 10%
Written Essay ............................................ 5%
Display, Luncheon Participation ............... 5%
Comprehensive Final............................................................. 30%
--------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
= TOTAL COURSE GRADE ...........................................100%
H. In calculation of final course grades, the grades will be rounded up if 0.5 or above and rounded down if below 0.5.
Scholastic ratings are determined by the student’s performance in the theoretical and clinical components of the curriculum. To maintain satisfactory standing in the Vocational Nursing program, a student must maintain a “C” (77%) or higher in each theory course, and must be rated satisfactory in each clinical rotation and course.
The minimum acceptable passing grade in each nursing theory course is a “C” (77%). A score of less than “C” (77%) in a course results in failure for the course and failure to progress.
Grading Scale: A = 100 - 91
B = 90 - 83
C = 82 - 77
D = 76-70
F = 69 and below

The following grading system is observed in the Vocational Nursing program:
Letter Grade
Interpretation
Numerical Grade
A
Excellent
100 – 91
B
Good
90 – 83
C
Satisfactory
82 – 77
D
Unable to Progress
76-70
F
Failing
69 and below
I**
Incomplete
not computed
W
Withdrew
not computed
**An “I” grade may be given to students who are progressing satisfactorily toward completion of course objectives but are unable to fulfill all course requirements because of extenuating circumstances.
A grade of “I” cannot be carried beyond the date in the following semester established by the College. The Department Chair will approve a change from “I” to a performance grade (A, B, C, D, F) for the course prior to the deadline.

COURSE POLICIES
A. Class Attendance: Regular punctual class attendance is expected of all students and is an important factor in student success. Students must be present in order to meet the learning objectives presented in class. If the student is absent, the student is responsible for all material presented in class. Students must make arrangements with the instructor for learning experiences missed and are accountable for all assignments and examinations on the first day returning to class. The attendance policy is printed in the VNG Student Handbook. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.
B. Classroom Expectations: As adult learners in the community college experience, several classroom expectations exist. These foster respect and professionalism.
1. Please arrive for class before the start time. The doors will be closed at the start of class. Interruptions are not helpful to the learning environment, therefore, if you arrive after the start time and the door is closed, please wait outside the room quietly and enter only at the next break.

Cell phone use in the classroom is prohibited. Please keep all cell phone/pagers on “silent” mode. Review Electronic Devices Policy in the VNG Student Handbook.
3. Food/drink in the classrooms is prohibited by ACC policy. Please do not bring open containers of food/drink into the classroom.
4. Please be respectful of your classmates by listening to/participating in the classroom topic and not chattering or whispering during class time.
5. Breaks will be given routinely by the lecturer of the day.
C. Withdrawal, Incompletes – see VNG Student Handbook
Adding, dropping, or withdrawing from a course may affect financial aid, veterans’ benefits, international student status, or academic standing. See an advisor, counselor or your instructor before making changes.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should a student decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she deem it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, the student should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.
Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate, for that course.
State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.
Adding or dropping a course (schedule changes): Students may add or drop a course before open registration ends or during the session’s official schedule change (add/drop) period. See the course schedule for information on add/drop procedures, deadlines, and tuition refunds.
Withdrawing from a course: Students may withdraw from one or more courses prior to the withdrawal deadline by submitting a request form to Admissions and Records. Withdrawal deadlines are published in the academic calendar. Withdrawal courses appear on the student’s record with a grade of W. Until a student is officially withdrawn, the student remains on the class roll and may receive a grade of F for the course.
Incompletes: An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the course objectives for the passing grade in a course.

An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.
D. Student Rights and Responsibilities: Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.
E. Scholastic Dishonesty: A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution. Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents. Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college. See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow
F. Office for Students with Disabilities: Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.
Students who have received approval for accommodations from OSD for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from OSD before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student.
Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the
accommodations. Additional information about the Office for Students with
Disabilities is available at http://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/
G. Safety Statement: Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and
healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply
with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC
safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at
http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are
beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency
Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional
information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency
Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at
http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.
Please note you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and
courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or
safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be
withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.
You are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to
all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of
another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be
withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.
H. Use of ACC email: All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely
to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications
will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify
you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only
expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.
Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with
instructors and staff. Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found
at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php.
I. Academic Freedom: Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In
any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are
bound to be differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other
at times, but the students and instructor may also find that they have disparate
views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is my hope that these differences will
enhance the class and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike
will be encouraged to think and learn. Therefore, be assured that your grade will
be not adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or assignments.
Rather, we will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom
discussions.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
A. Kozier, Erb, Berman and Snyder (2012). Kozier & Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing 9th edition, Prentice-Hall. ISBN: 978-0-13-2724-302
B. Smeltzer, Bare, Hinkle, & Cheever (2010). Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 12th edition. Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins. ISBN: 978-0-7817-8590-7
C. Perry, and Potter (2010). Clinical Nursing Skills & Techniques 7th edition, Mosby Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0-323-05289-4
D. Hill and Howlett (2013). Success in Practical/Vocational Nursing: From Student to Leader 7th edition. Elsevier, Saunders. ISBN: 978-1-457-70335-7

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introduction to the nursing profession including history, standards of practice, legal and ethical issues and the role of the vocational nurse. Topics include mental health, therapeutic communication, cultural and spiritual diversity, nursing process, and holistic awareness. Additional topics include clinical reasoning, caring behaviors, elements of professional behavior, human needs, stress and adaptation, the health care system, and the vocational nurse as member of the profession, provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, and member of the health care team. Skills: P Prerequisites: BIOL 2404, HPRS 1206 and HPRS 2300. Course Type: W.

VNSG 1304 is offered as a classroom and hybrid course. The classroom course meets three hours one day per week, for 16 weeks for a total of 48 contact hours for the semester. The three figures in parentheses after the title of each course in the course description indicate the number of semester credit hours for the course, the number of lecture hours each week and the number of laboratory or activity (clinical hours) each week, respectively. NOTE: Students enrolled in hybrid sections will meet face to face only on dates as assigned by faculty at the beginning of the semester and for testing. More information about hybrid courses at ACC can be found at http://dl.austincc.edu/information/hybrid.php

COURSE OBJECTIVES (Program Student Learning Outcomes: see VNG Student Handbook)
A. The student is responsible for accomplishment of all behavioral objectives either through class presentation or via independent study. Underlined phrases indicate the essential concepts present in this course.
B. The student, upon completion of VNSG 1304, will be introduced to concepts necessary for the beginning roles (provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, member of the health care team, and member of a profession) by having the opportunity to:
1. Describe vocational nursing.
2. Relate the history of nursing to the present day.
3. Identify the roles of the vocational nurse as a member of the profession, provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, and member of the health care team.
4. Identify roles and legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of a vocational nurse as a member of the health care team in a variety of health care settings.
5. Examine professional values as they relate to the practice of vocational nursing.
6. Describe the components of the nursing process.
7. Identify the role of the vocational nurse in applying basic clinical reasoning skills to the care of the patients and the family.
8. Discuss evidence-based practice.
9. Discuss the various health care settings and the patients served, services provided, and financing.
10. Examine the impact of changing trends on nursing and the healthcare delivery system on patient care.
11. Differentiate the roles of the members of the health care team.
12. Determine the role of human needs in planning patient-centered care.
13. Discuss the concept of holism.
14. Discuss the relationship of spirituality to an individual’s total being.
15. Examine positive mental health practices emphasizing cultural and spiritual diversity.
16. Explain stress and adaptation.
17. Discuss basic concepts of mental health.
18. Identify characteristics of the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.
19. Discuss therapeutic communication skills.
20. Differentiate aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication.

21. Discuss the roles of the vocational nurse in providing culturally competent care to a diverse patient population.
22. Give examples of the role of technology and informatics in healthcare.
23. Discuss the responsibilities of the vocational nurse related to documentation of patient care.
24. Give examples of attitudes and behaviors that demonstrate caring in nursing.
*Underlined phrases represent essential program concepts.