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Course Syllabus

NURS 136: Foundations of Nursing

Debi Ingraffia-Strong MSN, RN

Professor of Nursing

Sara Maul MS, RN, CNE

Nursing Instructor

Fall 2012

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NURS 136: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING THEORY

~Fall 2012~

Number of Credits: 3 (45 clock hours)

Transferability of Course within Nevada: Transfer—General Elective

Prerequisite: Must be an accepted nursing student

Corequistes: NURS 137 and NURS138

Students must pass 137 and 138 in order to receive a passing grade (C or better) in NURS 136. Failure to

complete the required course work for any of the Foundations of Nursing courses will necessitate that the

student repeat the coursework series.

I. Course Description

Introduces students to the role of the associate degree nurse in contemporary practice.

Students are guided to utilize knowledge from the sciences, humanities and nursing to

understand man as a bio/psycho/social/cultural and spiritual being. Students are introduced to

the nursing program organizing concepts and outcomes which include professional

behaviors, communication, collaboration, nursing process, clinical decision making,

management of care and teaching learning.

I. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of NURS 136, the student will be able to:

1. Discuss how current knowledge derived from the bio/psycho/social sciences, humanities

and nursing provides an evidence-based foundation for nursing decisions.

2. Identify evidence-based practices applicable to elderly adults related to health promotion

and disease prevention.

3. Identify scientific rationale necessary to meet the basic bio/psycho/social, cultural and

spiritual needs of residents/patients based on evidence-based practice.

4. Identify basic communication techniques/skills that facilitate the development of

nurse/patient relationships.

5. Identify basic therapeutic communication techniques/skills that facilitate the development

of nurse/patient relationships.

6. Identify the meaning and importance of collaboration as related to residents, families and

healthcare personnel in the clinical setting.

7. Discuss the evolution of the term “evidence-based practice” as it relates to the nursing

profession.

8. Identify examples of evidence-based practice knowledge that have been used to improve

delivery of nursing care.

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9. Identify sites students/registered nurses can use to locate current evidence-based practice

protocols.

10. Discuss Maslow’s Hierarchy and its application to the framework of the nursing process

in the delivery of nursing care.

11. Describe the steps in the nursing process which are used to develop a patient centered

plan of care.

12. Identify the ethical values within nursing professional practice as portrayed by the ANA

Code of Ethics.

13. Discuss the legal responsibilities of nursing as related to maintenance of confidentiality

and documentation.

14. Identify regulatory and professional organizations that impact nursing.

15. Discuss the Educational Competencies for Graduates of Associate Degree Nursing

Programs as identified by the Council of Associate Degree Nursing Competencies Task

Force.

16. Describe the impact of cultural, psycho/social and spiritual influences upon the health of

a patient/resident.

17. Identify strategies that provide cost effective nursing interventions while performing

bedside skills.

18. Discuss the relationship of being able to relate professional accountability through

identification of self-learning needs and ongoing professional development.

19. Identify principles of teaching and learning that apply to all patient/resident situations.

III. WNConline (Moodle) Course Requirements

This course utilizes WNConline (Moodle) to provide handouts and communicate with students.

Students will need to have the skills necessary to use the internet and a basic understanding of

how to download and print documents from the internet. You should also know how to use a

word processor that will save in an .rtf or .doc or html format to type and submit papers via the

web. Tutorial link and frequently asked questions and answers regarding this online platform are

available at http://www.wnc.edu/wnconline/

IV. Disability Support Services

Any student needing to request accommodations for a specific disability, counseling and/or

testing support to please meet with the DSS coordinator (445-3275) at your earliest convenience

to ensure timely and appropriate accommodations. The DSS office is located in Bristlecone

building, Room 103.

V. Teaching-Learning Strategies

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Learner-centered, problem-based, construction of understanding and meaning utilizing evidence-

based principles that provide involvement, interaction and socialization into the nursing

profession.

Required reading, discussion/lecture assignments, group projects; role play; pair-share activities,

online discussion and activities, case study application, & audiovisual aids.

VI. Credit Hour Designation

One hour each week will focus upon professional development [15 hours-1 credit]

Two hours each week will focus upon evidence-based practice [30 hours-2 credits]

VII. Dress Code

Professional/casual attire (student uniforms are not to be worn to theory courses)

VIII. Textbooks

Required Texts:

Taylor, C., Lillis, C., LeMone, P., Lynn, P. (2010) Fundamentals of Nursing: The art and

science of nursing care (7th

ed.). Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins.

Doenges, Moorhouse, Murr. (2010) Nurses Pocket Guide: Diagnoses, prioritized interventions,

and rationales (12th

ed.). F.A. Davis.

Morris, G. (2010) Calculate w/confidence (w c/d) (5th ed). Mosby.

***OK to use the text from Professor Arrigotti’s Math for nurses course***

Nursing Drug Reference: (Choose one of the following) current edition

1. Mosby’s nursing drug reference

2. Davis’s drug guide for nursing

3. PDA Software application (Nursing Central, Pepid, Epocrates, etc.)

Laboratory and Diagnostics Reference: (Choose one of the following) current edition

1. Malarkey & McMorrow. Nursing guide to lab and diagnostic test manual

2. Pagana, K. & Pagana, T. Diagnostic and lab test reference.

3. Davis’s Laboratory and diagnostic tests with nursing implications

4. PDA Software application (Nursing Central, Pepid, Epocrates, etc.)

Medical Dictionary: (Choose one of the following) current edition

1. Mosby’s Medical, nursing and allied health dictionary

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2. Tabor’s Cyclopedic medical dictionary

3. PDA Software application (Nursing Central, Pepid, Epocrates, etc.)

Recommended Texts:

American Psychological Association (2011). Publication of the American psychological

association (6th

ed. second printing) Text or software version available at

http://www.apastyle.org/

Rayfield, S., & Manning, L. Nursing Made Insanely Easy (5th

edition). GA: ICAN publishers

ISBN: 9780976102939

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

science of nursing care study guide (5th

ed.) Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins.

IX. Methods of Evaluation

The student must pass all methods of evaluation with 75% accuracy. These methods include:

Computerized or written scantron examinations

ATI Integrated testing

Weekly quizzes

Reflective problem-solving essay/presentation

Careplan – Case Study

X Grading Policy

Grading of all methods of evaluations is done on a point basis. The letter grade is calculated from

the number of points earned against the number of points possible.

See WNC Nursing Program Student Handbook for grading policy & final grade

distribution.

The total points possible for exams is 335; students must have a cumulated score

of 250 points to pass (75%). If the 250 points is not achieved, the other

assignment points earned will not be averaged into the final grade and the student

will receive only the grade achieved on the exams. (See student handbook

regarding grading policy). If the student has earned 250 points or better, the points

earned from the other assignments are combined with the exams score for the

overall course grade.

Total points for the course is 650. Students must have a cumulative score of at

least 485 in order to receive a passing grade of C (75%) and progress within the

nursing program (See the WNC Nursing Program Student Handbook).

There will be no extra credit questions on exams!

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Exam 1 75

Exam 2 75

Exam 3 75

Final 75

ATI Integrated Testing 35

Cumulative points from exams & quizzes must

total 250 - equal to 75% in order for the

additional points to count

335 Possible Points

Weekly in-class quizzes 100 (10 questions per day x 11 weeks)

Reflective problem-solving essay/presentation 75 (50/25)

ATI CARP with remediation (20/20) 40

Careplan 100

Total Possible Points Cumulative points

must total 485 in order to attain a grade of C or

better and progress within the nursing program

650 possible total points

Weekly quizzes will cover the weekly learning objectives posted in WNConline

as designated by the instructor. There will be no make up on quizzes. (If you are

not in class or late to class you cannot make up the quiz). One quiz (lowest score)

will be dropped by the instructors at end of semester.

All exams must be taken on date scheduled. All exams are taken online in the

WNC Computer lab (8-10am of the exam day) unless accommodations are made

If a written exam is used, only the answers on the scantron will count so be sure to

mark the answer you want clearly on the scantron.

Exam scores will be released at the completion of the exam in WNConline. If the

exam is taken in written format, grades will be released by 5:00 pm Friday of the

exam week.

You have one week after grades are posted to further review the content of the

exam. You are highly recommended to review your exams. Test review sessions

may be scheduled during faculty office hours.

Any exam question, concern or debate regarding exam questions must be

submitted via email to the appropriate faculty in APA format and rationale

referenced per APA within one week of the exam for consideration.

Any students caught cheating on an exam, quiz, or assignment will receive a 0.

No exceptions. Refer to criteria for exam taking.

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ATI Integrated testing:

End of course Fundamentals Exam: A comprehensive test that evaluates the understanding of

nursing procedures and the basic skills needed to care for clients in a variety of situations.

ATI Fundamentals CARP test are available throughout the semester with remediation available

for all questions. Specific content TBA.

Written assignments:

Written assignments (Reflective paper and Careplan/Case study) are to be posted in WNConline

by midnight on the date designated by the instructor. Three points will be deducted for each

school day assignments are turned in/posted to WNConline late, unless the instructor grants a

waiver for late work. *Assignment details and rubric attached

Refer to the student handbook for policies on legibility, completion of written

assignments, and grading policies. APA format will be used for all references and

citations when requested by instructor.

Students are expected to abide by the WNC Code of Student Conduct in all of their

classes http://www.wnc.edu/policymanual/3-4-4.htm

Plagiarism is a particularly serious violation, as outlined in the WNC policy manual,

Academic Integrity section of code #3-4-5. It will not be tolerated!

Online assignments and participation in discussions:

This is web-enhanced course. Active participation on WNConline is required. Please

check WNConline daily for new postings, announcements, etc.

Presentation:

Group presentation activity based upon the reflective paper experience will be held

11/19/12 from 1-4pm. 25 points possible.

XI. Instructor Contact Information

Debi Ingraffia-Strong MSN, RN Office: Cedar 231

Professor of Nursing Office phone: (775) 445-3334

ingraffi@wnc.edu Cell phone: (775) 901-0612

Sara Maul MS, RN, CNE Office: Cedar 230

Nursing Instructor Office phone: (775) 445-4413

mauls@wnc.edu Cell phone: (775) 309-3808

Office hours are posted outside of office door and on the WNC website.

Always available by appointment in office or online!

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Lecture Schedule ~ Required Readings ~ Exam Schedule

Week Professional Development(PD) Evidence-based Practice (EBP) Readings, Assignments & Exams

1

8/27

Nursing definition/aims,

professional discipline, program

philosophy, blended skills,

critical thinking, analytic

thinking, nursing process

Theory, research, EBP

Safety, security & emergency

preparedness, asepsis and infection

control

PD: Taylor-chapters 1, 2 & 11

EBP: Taylor-chapters 5, 26 & 27

2 9/3 HOLIDAY HOLIDAY

3

9/10

Nursing process: outcome id and

planning implementation

Nursing process: Evaluating

Nursing roles: communicator

Documenting, Reporting,

conferring The nursing process for

administration of meds

PD: Taylor 14, 15, 16, 21,

EBP: Taylor 17, 29

4

9/17

Professional discipline--

guidelines for nursing practice:

ANA standards, Nevada NPA

and licensure, professional

organizations, values, ethics,

advocacy, legal implications

Promoting healthy physiologic

responses:

Fluid, electrolyte and acid-base

balance

Nutrition

PD: Taylor-chapters 1, 6, 7

EBP: Taylor 40 &36

5

9/24

Exam 1: 75 points (8-10am)

Computer lab

Health fair preparation 10-11:15 Presentation: Jayne Graney

Renown

6

10/1

Health of individual, family,

community; Cultural diversity

Health and illness

Hygiene

Comfort

Skin integrity and wound care

PD: Taylor 2, 3, 4

EBP: Taylor 31, 35, 32

7

10/8

Developmental Concepts Urinary elimination

Bowel elimination

PD: Taylor 18

EBP: Taylor 37, 38

8

10/15

Exam 2: 75 points (8-10am)

Computer lab

State Board of Nursing Guest Speaker Nevada State Board of Nursing

9

10/22

The aging adult

Loss, grief, and dying

Activity

Individualized plan of care

PD: Taylor 20, 43

EBP: Taylor 33, WNC Care Plan

10

10/29

Nursing roles: teacher/counselor Oxygenation PD: Taylor 22

EBP: Taylor 39

11

11/5

Exam 3: 75 points (8-10am)

Computer lab

Lateral Violence Presentation Guest Speaker Cindy Pitlock, CNM, DNP

12 11/12 HOLIDAY -Veterans Day HOLIDAY

13

11/19

Mon

Nursing History

Nursing roles: leader/manager

Self-concept

Stress and Adaptation

Rest and Sleep

PD: Taylor 1, 23

EBP: Taylor 40, 42, 34

Reflective Paper Due 11/25/12

11/20

Tues

ATI Integrated Testing

Potluck 12-1

Presentations

Tuesday 8am – 10am

Potluck 12-1pm

Presentations 1-4pm

Computer Lab

14

11/26

Healthcare Delivery Sexuality

Sensory Stimulation

PD: Taylor 8

EBP: Taylor 44, 45

Care Plan Due 12/02/12

15

12/3

Continuity of Care

Home healthcare

Holistic care

Complementary and Alternative

Therapies

PD: Taylor 9, 10

EBP: Taylor 28

16

12/10

Final Exam: 75 points (8-10am) Computer lab Final Grades Released by Friday

12/14/12

Any revisions or changes to this schedule will be posted in WNConline

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Classroom Community

Welcome to your first nursing course N136 Foundations of Nursing: Theory. This course covers

areas basic nursing bedside skills to fluid and electrolyte management. It is a very

comprehensive course and will at times be very heavy with content. It is important that each

person that attends this class have all the opportunity possible to master this content. Every

member of this class has the right to participate freely in the class activities without interruption

or feeling insecure or insignificant. In order for this to occur certain classroom conduct is

expected. We have outlined behaviors that are expected of the students and instructors.

1. Each member of the community is important to that community as any other member.

2. Every member of the classroom community deserves the right to speak his or her own

thoughts as long as those thoughts do not intentionally hurt another.

3. No member of the community has the right to interfere in the exercise of another

member’s right to speak: when a member is speaking no one else should.

4. All members of the community are expected to attend class and become involved in the

topic of the day. The benefit of coming to class is in networking with your peers and

coming to a better understanding of the topics discussed. Your attendance at class

benefits all.

5. Because time is limited and much content is covered it is important that the class begin at

the appointed hour. Those who arrive late have the following responsibilities:

a. Enter classroom prepared to participate. Do not make noise emptying book bags

etc.

b. Take the first available seat near the door.

c. Ask nearest student for directions as quietly as possible

6. The only learning materials allowed in the classroom are those directly related to the

activities of the class. All other materials, cell phone, PDA’s newspapers, magazines

must be put away. Shut off all cell phones. No texting allowed during class times!

Computers are allowed to take lecture notes, however no other online activities (such as

Facebooking) is allowed during lecture!

7. Trust and respect are expected for everyone in the classroom. Talking with your

neighbor and making unnecessary noise will not be tolerated.

8. Your syllabus can answer all your questions about exams and classroom lecture

schedule. We will not answer questions such as “What is on the exam?” We will cover

exam topics as appropriate. Listen carefully. Recording lecture content is allowed for

your use only. These recordings are not to be posted to any internet source.

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9. Web conduct: This is web-enhanced course. Active participation on WNConline is

required. Please check WNConline daily for new postings, announcements, etc.

WNConline is an excellent tool to communicate with the instructor and other students.

Please be respectful and post questions and material that is related to the classroom

activities. Any negative comments not related to classroom topics should be

communicated elsewhere.

10. Examples of misconduct during testing follow. Any student engaging in such behavior

will be dismissed and receive a “0” grade for the quiz/exam.

Being late!

Using electronic communications equipment such as pagers, cellphones, iPod’s or

PDA’s

Giving or receiving help during the quiz or examination or being suspected of

doing so

Using prohibited aids, such as reference materials, websites, listening devices, or

recordings.

Sharing information about the test and test questions with any unauthorized

person.

We welcome you to your first nursing course and are here to facilitate your success!

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NURS 136: Foundations of Nursing Science

Reflective Paper Assignment

This paper is to be 4-5 (no more than 5) pages in length, typewritten per APA format. You are to

reflect on an event that has been an epiphany for you this semester in your clinical experience. You are to

reflect on how you felt in that situation, what you have learned, and how this learning experience will

change your behavior in similar situations in the future.

Describe the experience, how you felt about it, include both positive and negative feelings, and associate

the experience with at least 3 concepts you learned in the classroom in any course you had this fall.

Explain how you will use that information in the future and how important that experience was to you. *

Reflective Writing

Reflection is thinking about a situation that happened and your response to the situation. Reflect

on what happened, what you felt, and what you were thinking at the time. Include what the

outcome of the experience means to you. How will it affect your future thinking and or

behavior? What will you do differently? For instance, is there a procedure or policy you need to

review? Do you need to be more assertive, or change your attitude or beliefs? Reflect on what

you believed before the experience and now after the experience. Reflective thinking is like

making sense of your thoughts and feelings.

Nursing Concepts

Compare the concepts you learned in any of your first semester courses with the situation you are

writing about. Be sure to explain the concepts you are using. Do not assume the reader knows

what you are talking about. If you are talking about medical asepsis be sure the audience

understands the practice of medical asepsis. For instance, how would you explain medical

asepsis to your parent or spouse or friend? You need not only to be clear but accurate.

This paper is worth 50 points. You must use at least two different references and cite per APA

format. You may also use electronic resources as long as the concept has been discussed in you

classes.

This paper is due 11/25/12 and posted to WNC Online by midnight.

Be sure to follow APA guidelines. Be sure to have a title page. Cite your citations in the body of your

paper using in-text citations and provide a reference list on a separate page. Your paper should be well

organized with a heading, introduction paragraph and conclusion. Tell me what happened, and your

reflective thoughts, then how it relates to the concepts you learned and lastly how it will change your

thinking and/or behavior in the future (conclusion). Use a separate paragraph for each concept and state

the concept clearly. The reader should not have to search for the concepts your using.

Presentations based upon the reflective paper experience will be held on November 19, 2012

from 1-4 pm. 25 points possible. Grading rubrics follow:

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NURS 136 – Reflective Paper and Presentation

Student:___________________________________ Faculty:___________________________________

Paper Mechanics

10 points Points earned

APA 2

Clear & Concise 2

Organization 6

Introduction

Body

Conclusion

Reflective Writing

10 points

The Event

Your Feelings/Reactions

Changed thinking or behavior

Concepts 3

30 points/ 10 points each

Concept

Clear #1 #2 #3

Concise #1 #2 #3

Accurate #1 #2 #3

Total Points

Presentation based upon the reflective paper experience will be held on November

20, 2012 from 1-4 pm. 25 points possible

Presentation

25 points possible Points earned

Reflective Experience

5 points

The Event

Your Feelings/Reactions

Changed thinking or behavior

Concepts 3

5 points each concept

1.

2.

3.

Presentation engagement

5 points each concept

Total Points