SOUTH COLLEGE | POLICY & POLITICS IN NURSING

 

Course Schedule: Asynchronous Online

 

Credit Hours:3

 

Requisite: Successfulcompletion ofthe firstthree quartersof thenursingprogram

 

Co-requisites:NSG 4412 – Adult Health Nursing II, NSG 4432 – Pediatric Nursing Care

 

Required Materials:

Mason, D. J., Gardner, D. B., Outlaw, F. H., & O’Grady, E. T. (2016). Policy & politics in

nursing and health care (8th ed.). Elsevier. St. Louis, MO.

Perrin, R. (2018). Pocket Guide to APA style (7^th ed.).Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.

Universal Course Policies and Information:

The Universal Course Policies and Information (UCPI) document is an addition to the syllabus for each class and is posted on the Canvas site. Students are responsible for knowing andfollowing the syllabus and are also responsible for the material that is covered in the UCPI.   The

Academic Honor Code, the Food and Beverage Policy and the Dress Code are included in the UCPI along with resource information for obtaining academic and personal assistance and guidance on student technology accounts. Click on the following link to view the UCPI:  https://www.south.edu/general–universal–course–policy/

 

Course Description:

This seminar class is designed for the student to examine current issues in nursing, thus enabling the student to determine professional self-direction with integration of theory and concept into a meaningful personal philosophy of nursing practice. All course materials, discussion and methods of evaluation will be delivered via the Canvas learning management system.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Discuss historical and contemporary framework for policy development and political influence in health care.
2. Discuss local, national, and global health care delivery systems and financing trends.
3. Examine the impact of policy and politics in the health care workplace.
4. Explain the role nursing organizations play in shaping policy and politics within the community, both locally and nationally.
5. Select steps involved for the nurse to take action on policy issues of interest.
6. Identify information technology as it shapes policy and politics in the healthcare setting.
7. Develop personal philosophy of nursing integrating the theoretical concepts of person, environment, health, and nurse.

 

 

Instructional Methods:

Methods used for teaching this course may include, but are not limited to lecture, discussion, case studies, critical thinking exercises, multimedia, written assignments, demonstration, presentations, simulation labs, ATI Targeted Practice Assessments and remediation, and supervised patient care.  The laboratory component incorporates hands-on practice, while the clinical component focuses on the application of theory into practice. There will be no audio or video recording in the classroom, laboratory or at any clinical site or during any facet of the clinical experience without permission by the instructor.

 

Evaluation and Grading Policy:

Knowledge and competence will be evaluated through successful completion of objective tests and various other designated assignments. The schedule and procedures for this course are subject to change.  The instructor may modify the provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by informing the class in advance as to the changes being made.

 

Graded Assignments:

 

Weekly Discussions (Participation & Professionalism)	30%
Legislative Assignment Analysis of Nursing Organization Paper	10% 20%
Group Project	20%
Personal Philosophy of Nursing Paper	20%
TOTAL:	100%

 

 

 

 

***ANY INCIDENCE OF CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH SOUTH COLLEGE ACADEMIC HONOR CODE AND THE SOUTH COLLEGE SCHOOL OF NURSING HANDBOOK***

Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.  Grades are available on Canvas.  Any student who has a concern about their grade is responsible for approaching the instructor to discuss the concern and request faculty guidance.

Grade Calculation

THE GRADING SCALE USED BY THE SCHOOL OF NURSING FOR ALL ADMINISTERED COURSES IS AS FOLLOWS:

________________________________________________________________________

Letter Grade                           Q.P.                             Percentage Score Range                    

A                                             4.00                                         94-100%

B                                             3.00                                         87-93%

C                                             2.00                                         80-86%

D                                             1.00                                         73-79%

F                                              0.00                                         Below 73%

 

1. The score for the individual course assignment will be rounded to the hundredth decimal place.
   1. For example:

79. a score of 79.6421 would be recorded as 79.64.
80. a score of 79.6521 would be recorded as 79.70.

1. A grade of 80%, calculated on all unit exams and the final exam equally weighted is required for successful completion of all nursing courses.
   1. All exam grades are added together and divided by the number of exams (unit and final) to obtain the final exam grade.
   2. The resulting calculation must be 80% or greater for the student to progress in the nursing program.
   3. If the student achieves a test average below 80%:

1. Other class activities such as papers and presentations will not be considered in the final grade.
2. The course grade will equal the numerical value of the equally weighted exam average.

1. The exam average for determining successful completion of the course and the final course average will be rounded to the nearest whole number.
   1. For example:

79. a score of 79.4 would be recorded at 79.0
80. a score of 79.5 would be recorded as an 80.0

 

Academic Progression

For a student to progress academically, the student must meet the minimum requirements for progression as follows:

1. A numeric test average of 80% or better is required in all nursing courses to continue in the nursing program. This grade is calculated based on equally weighted written/online unit exams, and the final exam.

• All exam grades are added together and divided by the number of exams (unit and final) to obtain the final grade.
• The resulting calculation must be 80% or greater for the student to progress.
• If the calculation result is below the 80%, then the grade earned is the grade entered in the official gradebook.

2. An overall course average of 80% or better is required in all upper division nursing courses to continue in the nursing program.

• Students must achieve step 1 above with an 80% before step 2 applies.
• This grade is calculated based on the grading criteria in each course syllabus.
• Students who achieve less than an 80% overall course average in any course are ineligible to enroll in subsequent courses.

3. Students are required to pass both the clinical and laboratory components associated with the didactic content.

• Failure in any component of a nursing course requires the repeating of all components of that course.
• No credit will be given unless all components of a course are successfully completed.

4. Students requesting or receiving a grade of incomplete (“I”) in any nursing course(s) may not enroll in subsequent courses. Continued progression in the nursing major is contingent upon successful removal of the grade of “I” as described in the South College Catalog.

Participation:

Students are expected to collaboratively participate in online class discussion based on reading assignments appropriate to the topic.

Students are expected to be proactive, autonomous, and responsible for their learning experiences. Each student should be reading in pace with the lectures and completing assignments posted. If a concept in readings or assignments is unclear to a student, the student is responsible to ask questions to clarify the information as the material is being covered.

The student should contact the instructor as soon as possible if the student finds that she/he cannot meet the class’ minimum discussion requirements due to extenuating circumstances.

Students should discuss any questions related to assignments with their instructor prior to the due date. The student is responsible for clarifying any questions related to the assignments and obtaining any material missed including notes from lectures/labs.

For LPN, LPN to BSN, Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN Students:

The practical nurse certificate or diploma and the Bachelor of Science in nursing programs are offered at multiple locations. The purpose of this policy is to define the requirements/expectations for attendance to ensure uniform and consistent expectations across locations. Such uniformity and consistency are essential to improve quality, evaluate outcomes, and meet programmatic accreditation standards.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

 

Online Courses– to be counted as present and participating, students are expected to:

• Log on to Canvas at least three times a week – on different days to complete weekly assignments, assessments, discussions and/or other weekly deliverables as directed by the instructor and outlined in the syllabus.
• Participate in discussion forums. This means that, in addition to posting a response to the thread topic presented, students are expected to respond to one another, comment and answer questions from the instructor and/or other students. Substantive responses include references to literature, the textbook, current events, etc.
• Submit weekly assignments/projects
• Complete assessment if administered in that week
• Students are expected to be proactive, autonomous, and responsible for their learning experiences. Each student should be reading in pace with the lectures and completing assignments posted. If a concept in readings or assignments is unclear to a student, the student is responsible to ask questions to clarify the information as the material is being covered. The student should contact the instructor as soon as possible if the student finds that she/he cannot meet the class’ minimum discussion requirements due to extenuating circumstances.

 

Policy for Late and Missing Work:

All assignments and learning activities are due on the dates listed in the class schedule. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis. Extensions are not automatic and may not be granted depending on the circumstances in question. Proof of circumstances must be submitted. If an extension is granted, 5% of the grade is forfeited the first day. Each additional day late reduces the score by an additional 5%. No assignment will be accepted after three days late unless approved by the course coordinator.

Academic Support:

To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, South College provides Student Services to ensure that the learning environment is accessible to all of our students by providing appropriate accommodations for students with unique needs. Documentation of specific needs and disabilities is required. For more information about how to apply for academic support, refer to the Policy for Requesting Academic Adjustments section of the Student Handbook.

 

Course Withdrawal:

Students who withdraw from a course after the add/drop deadline and before then end of week 7 for 10- and 11-week courses, week 8 for 12-week courses, and week 3 for 5 week courses will receive a W (withdrawal grade).  Students who withdraw before these dates will receive the grade they earn after factoring in the total points for the course.  While the W grade does not count in the GPA calculation, it does count as an attempt in the satisfactory academic progress calculation.  To withdraw, you must notify your student success advisor, registrar, or Dean/Department Chair.

 

Using Canvas – The Classroom:

Canvas will be used as the online learning management system to compliment this course. Weekly modules will contain power points, documents, and additional resources that will align with the content covered in the classroom. You can access Canvas using the following link: https://canvas.southcollegetn.edu/login/ldap

Students are expected to access and utilize content from Canvas as assigned, and to be familiar with the content. Online courses will have additional requirements to include deadlines for discussion post participation and other activities.  These deadlines can be found in the course calendar.

For more help learning to use Canvas, please see the Canvas Student Orientation from your Canvas course list. For issues within Canvas, contact Canvas support from the “Help” menu within Canvas. For issues, specifically with your South College accounts, submit a helpdesk ticket by accessing the South College Helpdesk within the “Help” menu on Canvas, or at http://helpdesk.southcollegetn.edu.

Issues with Technology:

For more help learning to use Canvas, please see the Canvas Student Orientation from your Canvas course list. For issues within Canvas, contact Canvas support from the “Help” menu within Canvas. For issues, specifically with your South College accounts, submit a helpdesk ticket by accessing the South College Helpdesk within the “Help” menu on Canvas, or at http://helpdesk.south.edu

Issues with ExamSoft:

For help with exam soft contact:  https://learn.examsoft.com/about/examsoft-support

or call 866-429-8889

Cell Phone and Technology Use:

Cell phones and pagers are allowed in classroom or laboratory settings but must be in silent or vibrate mode. Students should not use cell phones, smart watches, tablets, or computers for non-class activities during class time. Any electronic devices, cell phones, tablets, or computers that are taken into a clinical agency must fall within acceptable clinical facility policies, which will be made available to students at the beginning of each course and may vary. Devices which are permitted by a clinical facility may not be used while delivering direct patient care. The use of electronic devices in a clinical setting must be limited to clinical preparation and research. Personal use is strictly prohibited. Additional information regarding the South College School of Nursing Social Media policy can be found in the handbook. Failure to adhere to the Cell Phone and Wireless Technology policy will result in an occurrence.

 

In the event the student is expecting an urgent call or has a sick family member at home, the student may request that the faculty member carry his/her phone. Students should also make their family aware that they can call the Nursing Office at the appropriate number below to have a message relayed in the case of an emergency

 

• Atlanta – Nursing Office 470-322-1200
• Knoxville – Parkside Nursing Office 865-288-8411
• Asheville – Nursing Office 828-398-2562
• Nashville – Nursing Office 629-802-3110

 

Discussion Thread Rubric
Discussion Criteria	5 points per thread	4 points per thread	0-3 points per thread
Understanding of Concepts	Posting reflects full understanding of concepts but does not apply them.	Posting reflects partial understanding of concepts or does not apply them.	Posting does not fully reflect understanding of concepts.
Meaningful and Respectful Dialogue with Peers	Actively and substantively responds to peers and engages in meaningful dialogue.	Responds but does not engage in meaningful dialogue.	Does not actively engage or respond to peers OR Reacts defensively or disrespectfully to feedback or questions.
Clear and logical Expression	Presents information using clear and logical language. Grammar, spelling and punctuation are accurate.	Presents information using clear and logical language. Grammar, spelling, and/or punctuation have minimal errors.	Information is unclear and difficult to follow OR Grammar spelling, and/or punctuation have multiple errors.
Participation Requirements	Posts on at least three separate days of the week Responds to a minimum of two peers in each week Posts initial response in each thread by  Wednesday (Discussion #1) and Friday  Discussion #2) of each week at 1159 PM EST Posts peer responses in each thread by Sundays of each week at 1159 PM EST	Posts less than 3 separate days of the week Posts initial response past the deadline	1st response posted after deadline OR Fewer than two peer responses per week OR Peer responses are not posted before Sunday at midnight OR Posts are not submitted on a minimum of three separate days.
Appropriate Use of Reference/Citations	Uses proper APA formatting to reference and cite information contained in post.	References source of information but does not do so within APA guidelines	No reference//citations noted

 

 

Rubric – Group Presentation

 

Students: ______________________________________________________________________

 

Assigned Health Care item ________________________________________________________

Purpose: The student group will be assigned a topic to be presented for the class. The health care item will be introduced with discussion of importance of the agenda item including major concepts of the topic, how the item became politically important, the political implications/actions/barriers involved with the item, and any new policies/research/coalition work toward meeting the goal of the item identified.

 

GRADING RUBRIC	POINTS
Part I – PRESENTATION (75 Points)
Demonstrates knowledge of how this item became politically important and identified political implications/actions/barriers (20 points)
Discussed major concepts of the healthcare topic and importance to the profession of nursing and/or health care (20 points)
Identifies a new policy, research item, or coalition aimed at supporting or refuting the effort and/or major lobbyist(s) (20 points)
Meets time limits (5 points)
Handouts/materials (5 points)
Visual appeal and professionalism of presentation (includes assessment and appropriateness of references and citations –(5 points)
Total Possible Points: 75

 

Comments:

 

Professional Nursing Organization Analysis Paper

Purpose:  The student will analyze the organizational mission, vision/philosophy, theoretical framework, and political activism of a professional nursing organization selected by the student. Further, the student shall identify and discuss the organizations impact on current political issue(s) and nursing practice.  This paper must meet the 750+ word requirement. Papers must be submitted via Turnitin

GRADING RUBRIC	POINTS
State history of the professional organization (10 points)
Discuss the mission and philosophy of the organization and its relationship to your personal philosophy of nursing (10 points)
Discuss the legislative agenda of the organization (15 points)
Demonstrate knowledge of how the organization’s legislative agenda is communicated to its members (10 points)
Identify implications for the nursing profession in relation to current political issues of the organization (15 points)
Summarize organization’s political strategies for the future (10 points)
Justify why you would or would not join this organization (10 points)
Appropriate APA format (includes grammar & spelling) (10 points)
Paper meets 750+ word requirement (5points)
Paper submitted via Turnitin (5 points)
Total Points (100 Possible)

 

Comments:

Legislative Assignment

 

Student: __________________________________    Date________________________

Purpose:  The student will identify their elected official (House of Representatives or State Senate) for their area of residence. The student will identify a health-related policy issue and write a letter to their elected official regarding their opinion about how the legislator should vote on the identified topic.

 

GRADING RUBRIC	POINTS
Identification of elected official –(State House of Representative or State Senate) and a summary of his/her most recent health care related voting history  (15 points)
Identify a current or recent health-related bill that the official has authored or is heavily supporting; include a detailed summary of the bill and any past history regarding the issue (25 points)
Letter to the legislator discussing the importance of the bill to nursing and your position on the topic (50 points)
Appropriate format (includes grammar & spelling)  (10 points)
Total Points (100 Possible)

 

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

Grading Rubric – Personal Philosophy of Nursing Paper

 

Purpose:  The student will identify his or her personal philosophy of nursing practice through defining personal view and interrelationship of the theoretical concepts of person, environment, health, and nurse.  The personal philosophy of nursing section should demonstrate how the personal beliefs of the four theoretical concepts interact to form the personal philosophy. Further, the student will discuss how his or her personal philosophy of nursing either impacts or is impacted by the policy and politics in nursing practice. It is required that the student elaborate on the personal philosophy of nursing practice as the primary focus. The paper must meet the 750+ word requirement.

GRADING RUBRIC	POINTS
Discusses impact/influence of nursing policy and politics on personal philosophy (10 points)
Define and state Personal Philosophy of Person (10 points)
Define and state Personal Philosophy of Environment  (10 points)
Define and state Personal Philosophy of Health (10 points)
Define and state Personal Philosophy of Nurse (10 points)
Personal Philosophy of Nursing Practice to utilize the definitions and interrelationships of the four listed concepts above. (25 points)
Paper meets 750+ word requirement (10 points)
Appropriate APA format (includes grammar & spelling)  (10 points)
Submitted via Turnitin (5 points)
Total Points (100 Possible)

 

COMMENTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Calendar

Week-BY-week Class/Clinical Schedule and assignments

 

Date	Topic	Assignments and Readings*
WEEK 1 July 8th – 14th	Introduction and Review of Syllabus                                          Unit 1 Ø  Frameworks for Action in Policy and Politics Ø  An Historical Perspective on Policy, Politics,   and Nursing Ø  Advocacy in Nursing and Health Care Ø  Learning the Ropes of Policy and Politics Ø  Taking Action: How I Learned the Ropes of Policy and Politics Ø  A Primer on Political Philosophy Ø  The Policy Process Ø  Health Policy Brief: Improving Care Transitions Ø  Political Analysis and Strategies Ø  Communication and Conflict Management in Health Policy Ø  Research as a Political and Policy Tool Ø  Health Services Research: Translating Research into Policy Ø  Using Research to Advance Health and Social Policies for Children Ø  Using the Power of Media to Influence Health Policy and Politics Health Policy, Politics, and Professional Ethics	Introduction Discussion #1: due by Friday, July 10th at 11:59pm EST.   Discussion 2: Locating Your Legislator. Initial posts due by Sunday, July 12th  @ 1159 pm. No peer response required for either topic this week.
WEEK 2 July 15th – 21st	Unit 3 Ø  Contemporary Issues in Government Ø  How Government Works: What You Need to Know to Influence the Process Ø  Is There a Nurse in the House? The Nurses in the U.S. Congress Ø  An Overview of Legislation and Regulation Ø  Lobbying Policymakers: Individual and Collective Strategies Ø  Taking Action: An Insider’s View of Lobbying Ø  The American Voter and the Electoral Process Ø  Political Activity: Different Rules for Government-Employed Nurses Ø  Taking Action: Anatomy of a Political Campaign Ø  Taking Action: Truth or Dare: One Nurse’s Political Campaign Ø  Political Appointments Ø  Taking Action: Influencing Policy Through an Appointment to the San Francisco Health Commission Ø  Taking Action: A Nurse in the Boardroom Nursing and the Courts Ø  Nursing Licensure and Regulation Taking Action: Nurse, Educator, and Legislator: My Journey to the Delaware General Assembly	Discussion 1: Political Participation   Discussion 2: Opinions of Lobbying Initial posts due by Wednesday (discussion #1) and Friday (discussion #2) @ 1159 pm and peer responses due by Sundays @ 1159 pm EST.
WEEK 3 July 22nd – 28th	Unit 5 Ø  Interest Groups in Health Care Policy and Politics Ø  Current Issues in Nursing Associations Ø  Professional Nursing Associations: Operationalizing Nursing Values Ø  Coalitions: A Powerful Political Strategy Ø  Taking Action: The Nursing Community Builds a Unified Voice Ø  Taking Action: The Nursing Kitchen Cabinet: Policy and Politics in Action Ø  Taking Action: Improving LGBTQ Health: Nursing Policy Can Make a Difference Ø  Taking Action: Campaign for Action Taking Action: The Nightingales Take on Big Tobacco	Discussion 1: Professional Organizations   Discussion 2: Policy & Nursing Organizations   Initial posts due by Wednesday (discussion #1) and Friday (discussion #2) @ 1159 pm and peer responses due by Sundays @ 1159 pm EST.   Legislative Assignment Due Sunday by 1159 EST
WEEK 4 July 29th – Aug. 4th	Unit 2 Ø  The Changing United States Health Care System Ø  A Primer on Health Economics of Nursing and Health Policy Ø  Financing Health Care in the United States Ø  The Affordable Care Act: Historical Context and an Introduction to the State of Health Care in the United States Ø  Health Insurance Exchanges: Expanding Access to Health Care Ø  Patient Engagement and Public Policy: Emerging New Paradigms and Roles Ø  The Marinated Mind: Why Overuse Is an Epidemic and How to Reduce It Ø  Policy Approaches to Address Health Disparities Ø  Achieving Mental Health Parity Breaking the Social Security Glass Ceiling: A Proposal to Modernize Women’s Benefits	Discussion 1: Healthcare Reform Initial posts due by Friday @ 1159 pm and peer responses due by Sundays @ 1159 pm EST. Only 1 discussion this week!
WEEK 5 Aug 5th – 11th	Unit 4 Ø  Policy and Politics in Health Care Organizations Ø  Taking Action: Nurse Leaders in the Boardroom Ø  Quality and Safety in Health Care: Policy Issues Ø  Politics and Evidence-Based Practice and Policy Ø  The Nursing Workforce Ø  Rural Health Care: Workforce Challenges and Opportunities Ø  Nurse Staffing Ratios: Policy Options Ø  The Contemporary Work Environment of Nursing Ø  Collective Strategies for Change in the Workplace Ø  Taking Action: Advocating for Nurses Injured in the Workplace Ø  Nursing Education Policy: The Unending Debate over Entry into Practice and the Continuing Debate over Doctoral Degrees The Intersection of Technology and Health Care: Policy and Practice Implications	Analysis of Professional Organization Paper Due  Sunday, by 1159 EST   Discussion 1: Nurse Advocacy Discussion 2: Entry Level Education & Shared Governance   Initial posts due by Wednesday (discussion #1) and Friday (discussion #2) @ 1159 pm and peer responses due by Sundays @ 1159 pm EST.
WEEK 6 Aug 12th – 18th	Unit 3 Ø  The Politics of the Pharmaceutical Industry Ø  Women’s Reproductive Health Policy Ø  Public Health: Promoting the Health of Populations and Communities Ø  Taking Action: Blazing a Trail…and the Bumps Along the Way—A Public Health Nurse as a Health Officer Ø  The Politics and Policy of Disaster Response and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Ø  Chronic Care Policy: Medical Homes and Primary Care Ø  Family Caregiving and Social Policy Ø  Community Health Centers: Successful Advocacy for Expanding Health Care Access Ø  Filling the Gaps: Retail Health Care Clinics and Nurse-Managed Health Centers Ø  Developing Families Ø  Dual Eligibles: Issues and Innovations Ø  Home Care and Hospice: Evolving Policy Ø  Long-Term Services and Supports Policy Issues The United States Military and Veterans Administration Health Systems: Contemporary Overview and Policy Challenges	Read Chapters 26-39 (pp.238-334)     Discussion 1: The Process of making an issue into a bill Discussion 2: Involvement in Politics – Lobbying   Initial posts due by Wednesday (discussion #1) and Friday (discussion #2) @ 1159 pm and peer responses due by Sundays @ 1159 pm EST.
WEEK 7 Aug 19th – 25th	Unit 6 Ø  Where Policy Hits the Pavement: Contemporary Issues in Communities Ø  An Introduction to Community Activism Ø  Taking Action: The Canary Coalition for Clean Air in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains and Beyond Ø  How Community-Based Organizations Are Addressing Nursing’s Role in Transforming Health Care Ø  Taking Action: From Sewage Problems to the Statehouse: Serving Communities Ø  Family and Sexual Violence: Nursing and U.S. Policy Ø  Human Trafficking: The Need for Nursing Advocacy Ø  Taking Action: A Champion of Change: For Want of a Hug Ø  Lactivism: Breastfeeding Advocacy in the United States Ø  Taking Action: Reefer Madness: The Clash of Science, Politics, and Medical Marijuana Ø  International Health and Nursing Policy and Politics Today: A Snapshot Infectious Disease: A Global Perspective	Read chapters 81-92 (pp. 642- 713)   Discussion 1: Community Activism Discussion 2: HB0234/SB0260 – Agree or Disagree? Initial posts due by Fridays @ 1159 pm and peer responses due by Sundays @ 1159 pm   Group Presentations Due Sunday by 1159 EST
WEEK 8 Aug 26th – Sept. 1st	Group Presentations House 1 & Senate 1 Presentations –  Discussion #1 House 2 & Senate 2 Presentations – Discussion #2	Group Presentation Feedback Discussions – (Groups 1 and 2) Initial posts due by Wednesday (presentation/discussion #1) and Fridays (presentation/discussion #2) @ 1159 pm and peer responses due by Sundays @ 1159 pm EST.
WEEK 9 Sept. 2nd – 8th	Group Presentations House 3 & Senate 3 Presentations –  Discussion #1 House 4 & Senate 4 Presentations – Discussion #2	Group Presentation Feedback Discussions – (Groups 3 and 4) Initial posts due by Wednesday (presentation/discussion #1) and Fridays (presentation/discussion #2) @ 1159 pm and peer responses due by Sundays @ 1159 pm EST.   Personal Philosophy of Nursing paper Due Sunday, by 1159
WEEK 10 Sept 9th – 15th	Group Presentations House 5 & Senate 5 Presentations –  Discussion #1 House 6 & Senate 6 Presentations – Discussion #2	Group Presentation Feedback Discussions – (Groups 5 and 6) Initial posts due by Wednesday (presentation/discussion #1) and Fridays (presentation/discussion #2) @ 1159 pm and peer responses due by Sundays @ 1159 pm EST.
WEEK 11 Finals Week

*In the event of extenuating circumstances, the above schedule and the procedures for this course are subject to change.

 

The instructor reserves the right to revise, alter and/or amend this syllabus, as necessary. Students will be notified in writing and/or by e-mail of any such revisions, alternation and/or amendments.  

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES IN THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR (Summer 2020)

Classes Begin	July 8, 2020
Last Day Drop/Add and Late Registration	July 14, 2020
Last day to drop without Grade Penalty (See Policies Relating to Tuition & Fees)	August 25, 2020
Student Holidays	September 7, 2020
Final Exams	September 11-17, 2020
Last Day of Quarter	September 17, 2019
Quarter Break	September 18-29, 2020

 

Course and Instructor Evaluation:

Two weeks before finals, course evaluations will be available online.Please take the time to complete the evaluation for each course. Your feedback is appreciated and necessary to ensure that South College offers the best courses and instructors to meet the needs of our students.

 

Unit & Final exams

• All students are expected to take exams as scheduled.  Students are required to notify the instructor by phone or e-mail prior to the scheduled exam time if they are not going to be present (see Section IX: Contact Methods).  Students are given instructor contact information in each course syllabi and are expected to have it available at all times.  If for any reason a student is unable to leave a message for the instructor member via the contact information provided, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the Nursing Office

• Asheville – Nursing Office 828-398-2523
• Atlanta – Nursing Office 470-322-1200
• Knoxville – Parkside Nursing Office 865-288-8411
• Nashville – Nursing Office 629-802-3110

Please remember to state you are unable to take the exam and be specific as to the course and the instructor’s name.

• Exams must be completed according to the Week-by-Week Schedule in the syllabus.  However, if an unavoidable mitigating circumstance arises preventing the student to take the exam as scheduled, the student may request a make-up exam Examples of mitigating circumstance for an excused absence or tardiness are personal illness, death or severe illness of an immediate family member, or unexpected circumstances (i.e. transportation difficulty).  In each case, documentation is required (i.e. written excuse from a health care provider, a published obituary notice, a receipt from the emergency road service/repair person, etc.).

 

• A student must be approved by the course coordinator for an alternate make-up exam.
• When a make-up exam is granted by the course coordinator due to excused absence or tardiness, the instructor will determine the date and time of any alternate make-up exam.  At the faculty’s discretion, alternative exams or formats may be used for the make-up exam, including but not limited to, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, multiple response, or essay questions.  If the student does not make up the exam on the scheduled date and time, or if the student has not made up the exam in two weeks the student will receive a zero on the examination.

 

• All electronic devices (e.g. cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistant, smart watches, or other devices) and personal belongings (e.g. book bags, purses, coats, hoodies hats) must be placed at the front, or side of the room during examination times.

 

• Only brimless hats will be allowed to be worn during administration of the exam.

 

• Editorial corrections will be given at the beginning of the exam.  If corrections to the exam are needed once the exam has started, the instructor will interrupt the exam and announce the correction.

 

• Any student who has questions during the exam must raise his/her hand and stay seated.

 

• The student must not leave his/her seat until the exam is finished, except for emergencies.

 

• The exam will be timed.  Any student who is allowed to enter late will be required to turn in his/her exam at the end of scheduled allotted time.

 

• After the exam is finished, and turned in to the instructor, the student has the following options:
  1. Return to his/her seat and remain quiet until class resumes.
  2. Leave the classroom.  If the student leaves the room, he/she may not reenter the classroom until all students have completed the exam.

 

• Faculty will have one week to review and score exams.  Student grades will be posted on the Learning Management Site within one week of each exam.

 

• Faculty reserves the right to correct any clerical error.  This may include adjustment in exam grades.

 

Exam Soft Procedures

1. Students will be given a specific time frame for downloading the exam prior to the date/time of the exam.
2. Students who have technical difficulty downloading an exam, must notify their faculty member 24 hours prior to the exam.
3. If a student fails to download the exam within the designated timeframe, they will not receive a paper exam.  They will receive a 10% reduction when they take the exam in ExamSoft.
4. Students who have not downloaded the exam within the time frame are to notify Faculty 1 hour prior to class.
5. Once entering the classroom, students are to proceed to their assigned seats if applicable.
6. The only item allowed on the desk will be the student’s computer and a pencil or pen.
7. The students will be given a piece of paper.  This paper MUST be turned into the faculty at the end of the exam.
8. Once students are situated and ready to begin the exam, the faculty member will give them the password for accessing the exam.
9. If a review option is given at the completion of the exam:
   1. The students will be given the review password at the beginning of the exam.
   2. Once a student has completed their exam. The faculty member will witness the student accessing the review.
   3. Once the student has finished the review, they are to raise their hand. The faculty member will then witness the student has uploaded the exam.
   4. The student may then leave the classroom; however, they must leave their computer on the desk.
10. If an immediate review option is not given:
    1. Once the student has completed their exam, they are to raise their hand. The faculty member will validate that the exam has been uploaded before the student leaves the classroom.
    2. The student may then leave the classroom; however, they must leave their computer on the desk.
11. If a review option is done later:
    1. The faculty will set the time for the exam review.
    2. A review password and a time limit will be given by the faculty.
    3. For face to face classes, all students will remain in the classroom during the review

 

Proprietary Content

All content presented in this course is intended for current, enrolled student use only. Content, including exams, syllabus content, lecture, and/or clinical information, may not be reproduced at any time and may not be uploaded for any purpose including to a password protected site. Recordings are allowed at the discretion of and with the permission of course faculty and can only be used by the individual recording the content.

Student Success

Students who are most successful in this course complete assignments as outlined in this syllabus, read the assigned readings in their textbook and ATI book specific for the course (where applicable), and utilize ATI to practice NCLEX style questions. They come prepared to class and clinical in order to actively participate and discuss the material being studied. Most students must study 2-3 hours per lecture hour to be successful on nursing exams. Time management is one of the most important tools for success.

Students must check their South College email and course announcements in Canvas daily.

Students who are struggling to meet course requirements should reach out to their faculty member and/or advisor as well as utilize available tutoring.

In online courses, information on the course site is constantly changing. It is recommended that the student log in to the course at least 3-4 times per week to look for new announcements, material, and peer participation in discussion forums. The student is expected to communicate with the instructor regarding any extenuating circumstances that may affect their ability to participate as expected or complete assignments/exams on time.

Professionalism and Respect

Professional appearance and behavior are an expectation in the classroom. Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the topics of the day. Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable e.g., arriving consistently late for class, cell phone use, reading non-course related materials, or social conversation during class, and will be addressed by the instructor.

You will be expected to attend and contribute to the class discussions and activities in a substantive way. Please understand that the instructors measure and evaluate your class attendance and participation through your contribution to class discussions and activities, as well as professional appearance and behavior in the classroom. Students are expected to come to class in uniform, as outlined in the student handbook.

Students entering the nursing program are expected to behave in a manner consistent with and representative of the profession of nursing. American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics (2015) Provision 1, Standard 1.5 Relationships with Colleagues and Others:

“Respect for persons extends to all individuals with whom the nurse interacts. Nurses maintain professional, respectful, and caring relationships with colleagues and are committed to fair treatment, transparency, integrity-preserving compromise, and the best resolution of conflicts. Nurses function in many roles and settings, including direct care provider, care coordinator, administrator, educator, policy maker, researcher, and consultant.

The nurse creates an ethical environment and culture of civility and kindness, treating colleagues, coworkers, employees, students, and others with dignity and respect. This standard of conduct includes an affirmative duty to act to prevent harm. Disregard for the effects of one’s actions on others, bullying, harassment, intimidation, manipulation, threats, or violence are always morally unacceptable behaviors. Nurses value the distinctive contribution of individuals or groups as they seek to achieve safe, quality patient outcomes in all settings. Additionally, they collaborate to meet the shared goals of providing compassionate, transparent, and effective health services.”