NURS 113

Fall 2014 Syllabus

School Of Nursing, College Of Health And Human Services

California State University, Sacramento

NURS 113: Professional Nursing Communication,

Assessment, and Skills
Fall 2014 Syllabus
Part 1: Course Information
Faculty of Record
Richard Keegan, DNP, FNP-BC, RN
Office: Folsom Hall 2028
Office Hours: by appointment
Office Phone: 916-278-7269
Richard.Keegan@csus.edu

Course Faculty
Tanya Altmann, PhD, RN
Debra Brady, DNP, CNS, RN
Joanne Fisher, MS, FNP-PA-c, RN
Jody Kolar, MS, FNP-c, RN
Kathleen Rose, MSN, RN
Rob Mitchell, MSN, RN
Desire Kindarara, MSN, RN
Tim Keenan, MA, MSN, RN
Amberly Hunter

altmannt@csus.edu
bradyd@sacllink.csus.edu
sac91181@saclink.csus.edu
sac38542@csus.edu
rosekm@csus.edu
mitchell6015@comcast.net
adedajo@surewest.net
tckeenan@csus.edu
bengalkittay@comcast.net

Course Description
Apply nursing practice concepts in assessment, skills, and professional communication
in the context of laboratory scenarios and field experiences across the lifespan.
Laboratory twelve hours. Prerequisite: Admission to nursing program. Corequisite:
NURS 111, NURS 112. Graded: Graded Student. Units: 4.0

Required Texts
Potter, P.A., & Perry, A.G. (2013) Fundamentals of nursing, 8th Edition. St. Louis:
Mosby online access v3. ISBN: 978-0-323-0689-94: (online modules)

NURS 113

Spring 2014 Syllabus

Required Readings: Potter, P.A., & Perry, A.G. (2013) Fundamentals of Nursing, 8th
Edition. St. Louis: Mosby ISBSN: 978-0-323-07933-4
Patterson, Grenny, & McMil (2002) Crucial Conversations, 1st Edition. McGraw-Hill.

Recommended Texts & Other Readings

Required Readings: Although it is recommended that the Evolve online modules be
the primary mode to study. Course Quizzes will cover the modules, videos, and
readings. Exam content will also cover SacCT learning module materials.

Course Requirements

Internet connection with access to SacCT and saclink e-mail

Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat Reader
Individual transportation
School of Nursing uniform and required equipment
Up to date health clearances, including HealthStream
Evolve access code

Course Structure
This course will be delivered in a blended learning online environment through the
Blackboard course management system. Students will need to use their Evolve access
code for the online modules. This access code is purchased at the University
Bookstore.
The course is organized into Weekly Learning Modules which are accessed on the left
side bar on the course website. There are also required physical assessment videos
which are available on SacCT. There will be required quizzes to validate learning and
understanding of material prior to practicing in the lab with equipment. Quizzes are to be
completed prior to coming to lab and cannot be made-up.
The skills lab is open at various times for practice of recently acquired skills outside of
class hours. Students wanting to practice outside of the published open lab time or with
equipment other than that just taught must make arrangements with the skills coordinator
(lab assistant) at least 2 weekdays prior to the day you wish to practice (see required
form).

California State University, Sacramento

NURS 113

Spring 2014 Syllabus

Part 2: Course Objectives

Course Objectives
Students must meet all course objectives in order to pass the course. The student is
expected to:
1. Apply and integrate theories and concepts from the sciences, arts, and nursing in
nursing assessment and nursing diagnosis for clients across the adult lifespan.
2. Demonstrate nursing skills consistent with professional standards of quality and
safety in a variety of healthcare settings.
3. Examine, interpret, and apply theories of communication in the context of the healthcare
environment.
4. Demonstrate competency in the use of informatics and healthcare technology relevant
to nursing practice.

Assignments/Examinations
Required assignments/examinations for NURS 113 are quizzes, tests, exams, written
assignments, simulation laboratory experiences, and laboratory check-offs. Note:
References for assignments must be sited in the format of the Publication Manual of the
American Psychological Association (6th ed).
Readings and quizzes must be completed prior to assigned lab days (Wed. or Fri). As this
is a beginning assessment/lab course, there will be minimal lecture with the majority of the
lab time spent in hands on assessments and skill acquisition. It is therefore imperative that
students come to lab prepared for the content to be taught.
There are 16 quizzes, each worth 20 points. These must be completed prior to the
students lab experience. There are no make-up quizzes. There are 5 skills check-offs that
are 1:1 student-to-faculty testing. Students are allowed three attempts to pass each before
being dismissed from the course. There are 7 brief written assignments: 1) health
history/EMR is an in-class documentation assignment; 2) Older adult paper requires the
student to complete a health history on an older adult in the community; 3) BP assignment
requires the student to practice taking blood pressures on a number of people outside
class; 4) Film Response requires the students to view a movie which portrays the geriatric
client then answer some brief questions to be discussed in class. 5) SNF Reflection is a
brief paper which requires to reflect on their learning during their Skilled Nursing Facility
Experience; 6) & 7) Simulation prepatory assignments.

California State University, Sacramento

NURS 113

Spring 2014 Syllabus

Part 3: Topic Outline/Schedule

Important Note: This syllabus, along with course assignments and due dates, is subject
to change. It is the students responsibility to check SacCT for updates to the syllabus.
Any changes will be clearly noted during the first class session/orientation. All due dates
will be posted in the SacCT calendar.

Week

Quiz
#

Online
Modules/Physical
Exam Videos

Topics

Module 2, & 7
TB/BBP videos
(N113 SacCT)

Infection control,
safety, TB &
Blood-borne
pathogens

Physical Exam
Video: Skin, Hair,
& Nails

Skin

Module 1
Physical Exam
Video: Blood
Vessels
Physical Exam
Video:
Musculoskeletal
System

Vital signs

Patient safety: pp. 367, 369375, 380-392

Infection prevention &
control: pp. 399-422, 426427
Assessment: pp. 498-507
Hygiene: pp. 768-818
Nutrition: pp. 1001, 1018
Skin & Wound: pp. 11761177, 1188-1189
Vital signs: pp. 441-477

Musculoskeletal

Assessment: pp. 551-554

Activity & exercise: pp. 746750
Mobility: pp. 1127-1175

Therapeutic
communication

Communication: pp. 309314, 320-323

Nursing assessment: pp.
206-221
Communication: pp. 320-328
Documentation: pp. 217,
348-356
handout
Infection prevention &
control: pp. 421
Assessment: pp. 550-551
Nutrition: pp. 1035-1038
Urinary elimination: pp.
1042- 1071
Bowel elimination: pp. 10871115

Documentation
video (N113
SacCT)

Documentation,
legal issues,
Intake & Output

5
6

Abbreviations
Modules 15 (urine
& bowel
specimen
collection), 16, &
17

Abbreviations
Urine, bowel,
specimen
collections,
ostomies

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Assigned Readings
Potter & Perry

NURS 113

Week

Spring 2014 Syllabus

Quiz
#

Online
Modules/Physical
Exam Videos

Topics

Assigned Readings
Potter & Perry

prep for SNF

experience

10

6
7

11

12

Module 8
Physical Exam
Video: Chest &
Lungs
Physical Exam
Video: Putting it
all Together:
Physical Exam of
the Adult
Module 16

Older Adults: pp. 171-190

Managing pt care: pp. 277,
279, 281-282
Geriatric Sexuality View one video from 6 listed
on assignment
Older Adult: pp. 181
Oxygenation &
Vital signs: pp. 456-458,
respiratory
478-481
assessment
Assessment: pp. 522-527
Oxygenation: pp. 820-855,
873-878
Head-to-Toe
Assessment: pp. 487-498
assessment

Infection prevention &

control: pp. 422-424, 427429, 436-437
Assessment: pp. 542-550
Urinary elimination: pp.
1067, 1071-1083
Ostomies
Bowel elimination: pp. 11201124
Module 15 (wound Wounds, pressure Assessment: pp. 498-507
specimens), & 18
ulcers, wound
Skin & Wound: pp. 1177specimen
1230
collection, skin
assessment
Post-Mortem
Loss, Death, & Grief: pp.
Care
712, 720, 724, 726
Mid-term exam Thursday
Module 3 & 4
Medications
Medication admin. : pp. 565administration
600, 611-622
safety & nonparenteral
medications
Module 14, 15
NG tube insertion, Assessment: pp, 542-546
(gastric specimen
NG medications, Nutrition: pp. 996-997, 1006collection)
enteral feeding,
1007, 1018-1021, 1026Physical Exam
GI assessment,
1035
Video: Abdomen

California State University, Sacramento

Catheterization &
GU assessment

NURS 113

Week

Spring 2014 Syllabus

Quiz
#

13

Online
Modules/Physical
Exam Videos

Physical Exam
Video: Heart

14

Module 5

15

Physical Exam
Videos:
Neurologic
System: Mental
Status & Cranial
Nerves & Motor &
Sensory
Functions &
Reflexes

10

11

16

Module 6, 10, 11, &

13 (part)
Physical Exam
Videos: Putting it
all Together:
Physical
Examination of
the Hospitalized
Patient

California State University, Sacramento

Topics

specimen
collection
Cardiac
assessment
Older Adult
Assessment
Parenteral
medications
Neurological
assessment

Elements of
Professional
Communication
IV therapy:
management,
fluids,
medications, &
troubleshooting

Assigned Readings
Potter & Perry
Bowel elimination: pp. 11151120
Assessment: pp. 542-545
Oxygenation: pp. 823-825,
827-828
Older Adults: pp. 174-180
Medication admin. : pp. 600611, 622-631
Assessment: pp. 555-562

Communication: pp. 316-317

Medication admin.: pp. 631639

fluids & electrolytes: pp. 882916, 918-936

NURS 113

Spring 2014 Syllabus

Part 4: Grading Policy

The letter grade for NURS 113 is based upon test scores, assignments, and check-offs.
Students must receive a 73% weighted average on exams for successful completion of
the course; non-exam points will be added into the grade once a 73% or greater exam
average has been earned. Exam grades <73% will not be rounded up.
Students have the opportunity to earn 1700 points in this course. There are no extra credit
opportunities in this course. Course grading is as follows:
Item

Points per item

Total Points
Possible

Assessment/Skills Quizzes based on

Evolve Online Modules & Physical
Examination Videos

16 quizzes @ 20 points

320

Mandatory Graded Check offs (see

specifics below)

5 @ 100 points

500

Health History / EMR Assignment

50 points

50

Older Adult Assessment

150 points

150

Blood Pressure Practice Sheet

45 points

45

Skilled Nursing Facility Reflection Paper

40 points

40

Film Response Paper / Discussion

40 points

40

Simulation Preparation/Participation

2 @ 40

80

Midterm Exam

175

Cumulative Final

300

TOTAL

1700

Students need to achieve a minimum score of 90% on the proctored Abbreviations quiz
before being allowed in the acute care clinical setting. Although the student will have
three attempts to earn 90%, the first attempt counts towards the students grade.
Spelling counts as it is part of professional documentation.
There will be five graded check-offs. Pass without prompting = 100 points; pass 2nd
attempt = 67 points; fail 2nd attempt = jeopardy in course; pass 3rd attempt = 34 points;
fail 3rd attempt = failure in course. 2 check-off failures on 2nd attempt = failure in course.
All re-checks must occur within five class days of a failed check-off.
Proper attire (clinical uniform with name tag, closed toe/heel non-conductive shoes, and
a watch with a second hand) is required for labs. Hair must be properly secured and
your nails clean and short. You will be permitted one indiscretion after which you will be
penalized 20 points per day not properly attired.
California State University, Sacramento

NURS 113

Spring 2014 Syllabus

Letter Grade Assignment (based on percentage, rounded to tenth place):

Letter Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
F

Course Percentage
93-100%
90-92.9%
87-89.9%
83-86.9%
80-82.9%
77-79.9%
73-76.9%
72.9% and below

Grades will be posted on an on-going basis in the online grade book. Students can
access these via the MyGrades tool in SacCT.
Students are responsible for tracking and checking their own scores, and for computing
their own percentage scores during the semester. Any inconsistency should be reported
promptly to the instructors.

California State University, Sacramento

NURS 113

Spring 2014 Syllabus

Part 5: Course Policies

Attendance
Attendance/Participation in all course activities and assignments is required. It is the
students responsibility to arrive on-time for class and sign-in.
All absences must be made up by special arrangements with the Faculty. Make-up
assignments must be completed within two weeks of the missed class. The student is
responsible for contacting the faculty via the NURS 113 SacCT site within 24 hours
regarding the missed lab to obtain the make-up assignment. Students who miss more
than one lab will receive a letter of jeopardy of a possible failure in the course.

Participation
Active participation is required during the individual communication exercises in class
and during simulation lab exercises.

Late Work
Late work submitted within one week after the deadline will incur a 20% decrease in
points. Late work submitted more than 1 week past the due date will incur a 50%
decrease in points. Submission of all work is required by the end of week 12 of the
semester to receive credit. Quizzes are not accepted late.

Electronic Devices
Students are not permitted to use laptops or other electronic devices (cell phones,
recorders, or text messaging) during class unless directed by faculty for a specific class
activity.

Asking for Assistance

If you find that you have any trouble keeping up with assignments or other aspects of
the course, make sure you let the Faculty of Record know as early as possible. As you
will find, building rapport and proactive relationships are key to becoming an effective
professional. Make sure you are proactive in informing your professors when difficulties
arise during the semester so that faculty can help you find a solution.

University Policies
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is ensured when a student completes academic work on his/her own
merit. This concept is violated when a student gains an unfair advantage over other
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NURS 113

Spring 2014 Syllabus

students such as is the case when copying others assignments, attempting to gain
knowledge of exam items or related content, or plagiarizing published works. If any part
of your written or verbal work is suspected of academic dishonesty (whether you
benefited from or provided an unfair advantage), the School of Nursing Student
Handbook requires notification of the Universitys Student Affairs office. Once academic
dishonesty is determined to have taken place, the assignment will not be accepted, will
receive a score of zero, and the student(s) will be subject to disciplinary action
including, but not limited to, course failure or program dismissal. It is your responsibility
to review the university policy and student handbook regarding academic honesty and
plagiarism, to understand their definitions, and to consult with faculty if you need
assistance. See also the Sacramento State Policy Manual
(http://www.csus.edu/umanual/AcademicHonestyPolicyandProcedures.htm).
Student Conduct
Participation in nursing program obligates students to demonstrate professional
behavior at all times, adhering to the Student Code of Conduct found in the Student
Handbook (see also the statements in the School of Nursing Philosophy). Additionally,
students are expected to follow the University Student Code of Conduct
(http://www.csus.edu/umanual/student/UMS16150.HTM) and to adhere to all policies
found within the School of Nursing Student Handbook.
Violation of any of these principles, whether during class times or course-related
activities, may result in one or more of the following: letter of reprimand placed in the
student file; notice of jeopardy of failing a course; failure of a course; referral to
University Student Affairs; and/or dismissal from the nursing program and/or University.
Reasonable Accommodation
If you have a documented disability and verification from the Office of Services to
Students with Disabilities (SSWD), and wish to discuss academic accommodations,
please contact your instructor as soon as possible. It is the students responsibility to
provide documentation of disability to SSWD and meet with a SSWD counselor to
request special accommodation before classes start.
SSWD is located in Lassen Hall 1008 and can be contacted by phone at (916) 2786955 (Voice) (916) 278-7239 (TDD only) or via email at sswd@csus.edu.
Special Note
Course policies are subject to change. It is the students responsibility to check SacCT
for corrections or updates to the syllabus. Any changes will be posted in SacCT.

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