VNSG1323 – BASIC NURSING SKILLS

INSTRUCTORS:

Gainesville:  Tiffany McQuien, RN;  Brooke Banks, LVN;  Kimberly Johnson, RN.

Corinth:  Theressa Borden MSN RN;  Jill Sommerhauser RN

Bowie:  Adrienne DeMoss RN; Dial Swofford RN

Graham: Nicholas Bixby, RN (classroom) Krystian Brock, RN, Kayla Ellis, MSN RN and Laverne Jennings, LVN (Lab)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Mastery of entry level nursing skills and competencies for a variety of health care settings. Utilization of the nursing process as the foundation for all nursing interventions.

TEXTBOOKS:

ATI.  Content Mastery Series Review Module. 10th edition.

Elsevier (2022). Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing.  Williams, Patricia.  6th ed,

Vocational Nursing Student Handbook. North Central Texas College. August 2021.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Completion of training modules and viewing of training videos from the ATI website (www.atitesting.com) as assigned by your instructor.

GRADING: Average of unit examinations (six written exams/check off exam)…70%

Daily grades…………………………………………………………5%

Final Exam…………………………………………………………..25%

Remediation: Remediation assignments, as assigned by your instructor(s), will be required for a grade below 80% on any unit exam.

Laboratory Practice: Students will be given ample opportunity to practice in the skills laboratory as arranged by the instructors. Some of the time will be supervised, and the student may also be allowed unsupervised time to practice skills. Practice time should be utilized wisely as it will be limited. Each student will be required to spend a minimum of 3 hours in the lab practicing skills each week. The lab will be open 8:00am-4:00pm each Wednesday.

Laboratory Check-Offs: There will be scheduled laboratory check-offs throughout the course in order to evaluate the student’s ability to perform basic skills safely and correctly. These check-offs will consist of twenty-five (25) different skills on several different check-off days. Each skill will be timed based on the complexity of the skill. At the end of the semester, all the points earned from successfully passing the check off will be added together to equal one (1) exam grade. The check-offs will consist of the following skills:

#1 Handwashing/Isolation PPE/Sterile Gloving/Oral Care

#2 Bedmaking/bedbathing/range-of-motion/positioning/transfers

#3 Vital signs

#4 Assessments

#5 NG tube insertion and feeding/Enema/Foley Catheter

#6 Tracheostomy care and Suctioning/Sterile Dressing

#7 Parenteral and enteral medication administration

Each skill will be scored individually. There will be no more than three (3) attempts for a skills check-off. If the student successfully passed the check-off the 1^st attempt, the student will receive four (4) points. If the student fails the 1^st attempt, no points will be received and the student will be granted a 2^nd attempt with an instructor. If the student successfully passes the 2^nd attempt, the student will receive 2 points. If the student fails the 2^nd attempt, no points will be received and a 3^rd attempt will be granted at the check-off with two (2) instructors. If the student successfully passes the third attempt, zero (0) points will be received. If the student fails the 3^rd attempt, the student will be immediately dismissed from the VN program and given a failing grade. A copy of the skills point sheet is provided at the end of this syllabus.  The grade from these checkoffs will become your Clinical 1 course grade.

Written Examinations: There will be six (6) Unit examinations throughout the semester plus a Final Exam. See the Vocational Nursing Student Handbook for academic honesty, testing, and grading specifics.

 

 

 

****There will be NO late work excepted in this course. One make up exam per course is allowed per semester. The date of the make up exam will depend on the instructor’s schedule and availability. We follow Student Handbook guidelines in the Vocational Nursing program, so please be sure to look those over.

 

 

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of VNSG 1323, the student will: (DEC1,2,5,6,8,10,22,25)

• Function within nurse’s scope of practice and in accordance with the policies and procedures.
• Assume responsibility/accountability for the quality of nursing care provided to patients/families.
• Use clinical reasoning/established evidence-based policies as the basis for decision making.
• Assist in determining physical and mental health status/needs/preferences of culturally/ethically/socially diverse patients/families.
• Provide safe, compassionate, basic nursing care to assigned patients.
• Identify and report alterations in patient responses to therapeutic interventions.
• Communicate/collaborate to promote/maintain optimal health status of patients/families.
• Supervise care provided by others for whom the nurse is responsible.

STUDY SKILLS and TIME MANAGEMENT

The Adult Learner

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Identify personal areas of strength that will ensure success in the vocational nursing program
• Identify personal areas that could interfere with success in the vocational nursing program
• Discuss personal responsibility for learning and active participation in the learning process
• Identify techniques that increase the degree of concentration in learning situations
• Identify techniques that improve listening skills in learning situations
• Describe the following resources that help you stay current in vocational nursing
• Discuss the benefits of time management for an adult learner
• Define critical thinking
• Explain what is meant by learning style, the 3 major and 4 secondary learning styles
• Identify your personal learning style
• List five characteristics of the right and left side of the brain
• Describe the policies in the Vocational Nursing Student Handbook pertaining to the following:

Attendance, Violations of the policies that will result in dismissal from the program, Appropriate dress in the clinical agency, and Professional behavior

• Define the following terms: Visual, Motivation, Task, Tactual, Organization, Goal, Auditory, Schedule, Objective, Stress, Strategy, Subjective

CONTENT OUTLINE:

I Vocational Nursing Student Handbook

II Adult Learner

III Time Management

IV Learning Styles

REFERENCES: Material in Syllabus

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Dissect the word from the Latin root to determine the meaning of complex medical terminology

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

• Videos
• Textbook

Periodic quizzes will be given by the instructor and counted as daily grades.

 

 

WEEKS 1 and 2—INTRODUCTION TO NURSING AND THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

                   THE NURSING PROCESS

Learning outcomes:

•                     Define key terms
• Discuss today’s health care system, it’s components, and changes proposed.
• Identify the four areas of human needs and give an example within each level of need.
• Explain legal requirements for the practice of nursing and how they relate to a student nurse.
• Explain the use of the nursing process
• Differentiate between objective and subjective data.
• Discuss the evaluation process and how it correlates with expected outcomes.
• Use a systematic way of charting to ensure that all pertinent information has been included.
• ATI Achieve Challenges for ESL Students and ATI Classroom Skills Modules

Unit 1 Content outline

                       Chapter 1-Nursing and the Health Care System

Chapter 2-Concepts of Health, Illness, Stress, and Health Promotion

Chapter 3-Legal and Ethical Aspects of Nursing

Chapter 4-The Nursing Process and Critical Thinking

Chapter 5-Assessment, Nursing Diagnosis, and Planning

Chapter 6-Implementation and Evaluation

Chapter 7-Documentation of Nursing Care

Chapter 8-Communication and the Nurse-Patient Relationship

                      Chapter 9-Patient Teaching and Health Promotion

                       Chapter 10-Delegation, Leadership, and Time Management

 

 

Student learning activities

• View Power Points and Lecture Notes
• Read the chapters from textbook
• ATI resource as assigned

 

 

 

WEEKS 3 and 4---INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL, TRANSFERRING PATIENTS, SAFETY

                    BASIC NURSING SKILLS

Skills to master

• Hand washing
• PPE
• Sterile gloving
• Making Occupied Bed
• Bed Bath
• Restraints
• Oral Care

Learning Outcomes:

• Define the key terms
• Compare effective communication techniques with blocks to
• List and differentiate between conditions and factors that can affect learning.
• Discuss techniques of effective time management.
• Demonstrate proper hand hygiene and application of personal protective equipment.
• Demonstrate proper donning of sterile gloves.
• Discuss nursing responsibilities for environmental management.
• ATI Modules: Achieve Study Skills and Test-taking Skills

Unit 2 Content outline

                 Chapter 16-Infection Prevention and Control: Protective Mechanisms and Asepsis

                      Chapter 17-Infection Prevention and Control in the Hospital and Home

                      Chapter 18-Lifting, Moving, and Positioning Patients

                      Chapter 19-Assisting with Hygeine, Personal Care, Skin Care, and Prevention of Pressure Ulcers

                      Chapter 20-Patient Environment and Safety

                      Chapter 39-Promoting Musculoskeletal Function

Student Learning Activities

• View the Power Points and Lecture Notes
• Read chapters from textbook
• Study guide
• Review and practice the skills in the lab
• ATI resources as assigned

 

WEEKS 5 and 6—BASIC NURSING SKILLS

Skills to master

• Lifting
• Positioning
• ROM
• Transferring

Learning outcomes:

• Define the key terms
• Demonstrate proficiency at checkoffs for bathing, oral care, ROM, positioning, transfers, bedmaking and Hoyer lift.
• Identify common integumentary disorders.
• Identify the characteristics of good posture is standing, sitting, and lying positions.
• Discuss the benefits of physical exercise.
• Discuss the differences in passive and active exercise.
• Explain the different types of traction, casts, and immobilization techniques used in the healthcare setting.
• Name the different ambulatory aides available to clients
• ATI Modules: ATI Skills Modules: Infection Control and Personal Hygiene

 

Unit 3 Content outline

Chapter 18-Lifting, Moving, and Positioning Patients

Chapter 19-Assisting with Hygiene, Personal Care, Skin Care, and the Prevention of Pressure Ulcers

Chapter 39-Promoting Musculoskeletal Function

 

Student learning activities

• Review Power Points and Lecture Notes
• Read chapters from textbook
• Review skills and practice in the lab
• Study guide
• ATI resources as assigned

 

 

WEEKS 7 and 8—BASIC NURSING SKILLS

                    ASSESSMENT, VITAL SIGNS, ADDMITTING, TRANSFERRING, AND DISCHARGING PATIENTS

Skills to master

• Vital signs
• Pulse oximetry
• Physical Assessment

Learning outcomes:

• Define the key terms

• Identify and locate peripheral pulses
• Assess peripheral pulses by palpation
• Assess apical pulse by auscultation
• Demonstrate proper technique in obtaining vital signs—TPR, BP, and Pulse Oximetry—in the lab setting using the proper equipment
• Discuss the factors that may affect the vital signs
• Examine five commonly used complementary and alternative therapies.
• Identify abnormal heart and lung sounds and breathing patterns
• Explain Korotkoff sounds.
• List the purpose of the physical assessment
• Perform a head-to-toe assessment and Measure Vital Signs
• ATI Modules: ATI Skills Ambulating/Transferring/ROM

 

 

Unit 4 Content outline

Chapter 21-Measuring Vital Signs

Chapter 22-Assessing Health Status

Chapter 23-Admitting, Transferring, and Discharging Patients

Chapter 31-Pain, Comfort, and Sleep

Chapter 32-Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Student learning activities

• Read the chapter, view Power Points and Lecture Notes
• Review skills and practice in the lab
• Study guide
• ATI resources as assigned

 

 

 

 

 

WEEKS 9 and 10—BASIC NURSING SKILLS

                                BASIC NUTRITION, DIAGNOSTICS, PROMOTING ELIMINATION

Skills to master

• NG Tube Insertion and Suction
• NG Tube Feeding
• Foley Catheters
• Enema

Learning outcomes:

• Define key terms
• Plan and teach a client group a specific diet
• Utilize the Food Pyramid in planning and implementing the diet plan
• Explain the concept of parenteral nutrition
• Identify the four characteristics of urine
• Explain the procedure for maintaining intake and output for the client
• List the common factors that affect bowel elimination· Define pre- and post-op care
• Develop a teaching plan that includes pre and post-op instructions for the client
• Demonstrate proficiency in feeding a patient, inserting an NG tube, administration of an enema, and insertion of a Foley catheter on both male and female mannequins
• Identify proper placement of the NG tube.
• ATI Skills Modules: Vital Signs and Physical Assessment of an Adult

 

 

Unit 5 Content Outline

Chapter 24-Diagnostic Tests and Specimen Collection

Chapter 26-Concepts of Basic Nutrition and Cultural Considerations

Chapter 27-Diet Therapy and Assisted Feeding

Chapter 29-Promoting Urinary Elimination

Chapter 30-Promoting Bowel Elimination

Student learning activities

• Read the chapters, view Power Points and Lecture Notes
• Review skills and practice in the lab
• Study guide
• ATI resources as assigned

 

 

 

 

Week 11—ASSISTING WITH RESPIRATION AND OXYGENATION, SURGICAL PATIENT, WOUND CARE

Skills to master

• Trach Care
• Trach Suctioning

Learning outcomes:

• Define key terms
• Demonstrate proficiency in promoting respiration and oxygenation
• Identify considerations related to the perioperative patient.
• Identify factors contributing to poor respiration and oxygenation of the surgical patient
• Identify signs/symptoms of infection
• ATI Skills Modules: Pain Management

 

Unit 6 Content outline

                      Chapter 28-Assisting with Respiration and Oxygen Delivery

Chapter 37-Care of the Surgical Patient

Chapter 38-Providing Wound Care and Treating Pressure Ulcers

Student learning activities

• Read the chapters, view Power Points and Lecture Notes
• Review skills
• Study guide
• ATI resources as assigned

 

 

 

WEEKS 12 and 13:  Simulation Lab in Gainesville

                                DEVELOPMENTAL, PSYCHOSOCIAL, CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS, CARING FOR THE ELDERLY

Skills to master

• Enteral medications
• Nebulizer
• Parenteral Medications

Learning outcomes:

• Define key terms
• State Developmental aspects of caring for the patient
• State psychosocial aspects of caring for the patient
• State cultural considerations related to patient care
• State considerations in caring for the elderly patient
• ATI Skills Modules: Nasogastric Tube and Enteral Tube Feeding

 

 

Unit 7 Content Outline

Chapter 11-Growth and Development: Infancy Through Adolescence

Chapter 12-Adulthood and the Family

Chapter 14-Cultural and Spiritual Aspects of  Patient Care

Chapter 15-Loss, Grief, and the Dying Patient

Chapter 40-Common Physical Care Problems of the Elderly

Chapter 41-Common Psychosocial Care Problems of the Elderly

 

Learning outcomes:

• Define key terms
• Name the eight rights of medication administration
• Name the three checks for preventing medication errors
• Explain the proper technique for administration of eye and ear drops to adults and children
• Explain the following routes-- sublingual, buccal, rectal, vaginal, cutaneous, topical
• Explain the differences in the inhalers and aerosols
• Demonstrate reconstitution of a powder in a vial
• Correctly compute medication dosages using known formulas and techniques learned in Med-Math
• Develop a knowledge of frequently used medications by writing drug cards
• Discuss age-related issues common to medication administration
• Discuss the focus of postoperative care for the vocational nurse on the surgical unit
• Explain first-, second- and third-intention healing of wounds.
• Demonstrate proper technique in the administration of PO, IM, and subcutaneous meds.
• Correctly identify sites for IM and subcutaneous injections.
• Describe Z-tracking
• Demonstrate correct choice of needle and syringe
• Demonstrate correct technique in the mixing of insulins in one syringe
• Explain the reasons for choosing to administer a drug by the IV route
• Demonstrate reconstitution of a powder in a vial
• ATI Skills Modules: Urinary Catheter Care and Enemas

 

Content outline

Chapter 25-Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance

Chapter 33-Pharmacology and Preparation for Drug Administration

Chapter 34-Administering Oral, Topical, and Inhalant Medications

Chapter 35-Administering Intradermal, Subcutaneous, and Intramuscular Injections

Chapter 36-Administering Intravenous Solutions and Medications

Student learning activities

• Read the chapters, view Power Points and Lecture Notes
• Review skills in the lab
• Study guide
• ATI resources as assigned

 

 

 

Student Learning Activities

• Read the chapters, view Power Points and Lecture Notes
• Review skills and practice in the lab
• Study guide
• ATI resources as assigned

 

 

WEEK 14: HOLIDAY

 

WEEK 15: Final Exam Review.  Complete Outstanding Checkoffs

• ATI PN Fundamentals Exam

 

WEEK 16:  FINAL EXAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-498-6207.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).   http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx

 

 

North Central Texas College

VNSG 1323 Basic Nursing Skills - Check-off’s

Student____________________________________________________

Skill:	4 points/initials	2 points/initials	0 points/initials
Handwashing
Sterile gloving
Isolation PPE
Bedbath
Oral care
Bedmaking
Range of Motion
Positioning
Transfers
Temperature
Radial pulse
Apical pulse
Respirations
Blood Pressure
Physical Assess
Neuro Assess
Enema
Foley Cath
NG tube insertion
NG tube feeding
Trach care
Trach suctioning
Sterile Dressing
Meds – Parenteral
Meds-Nonparenteral

Final Grade __________________________

 

 

For students in this course who may have a criminal background, please be advised that the background could keep you from being licensed by the State of Texas.  If you have a question about your background and licensure, please speak with your faculty member or department chair.  You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.

 

 

COVID-19 Specific Syllabi Statements Fall 2021

 

Syllabi statement regarding potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19 or other health related crisis, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 27, 2021 and are subject to change as conditions change.

 

Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students are not required to wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. In May, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott released an Executive Order prohibiting Government entities from mandating the use of masks. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, NCTC will follow the Governor’s Executive Order for Government entities and effective immediately NCTC is no longer mandating the use of masks while on campus. This order does not mean that you cannot choose to wear a mask, rather it is no longer allowed to be mandated. These policies and procedures were updated on May 19, 2021 and are subject to change.

 

Return to Standard Attendance Protocol for Face-to-Face Meetings: In spring 2020, we faced an unprecedented situation in which all of us had to be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.

 

Faculty will:

 

• Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.

 

Students should:

• Provide notification to campus officials if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
• Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
• Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
• Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
• Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
• Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
• Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.

During the fall 2021 semester, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.

Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructor Office Hours & Teaching Schedule

Name: Theressa Borden MSN RN

Department: Vocational Nursing

Department Office Campus Location: Gainesville/Corinth

Office: Health Sciences Center Room 2411-B; Corinth Campus room 218

Email: tjborden@nctc.edu

Phone Number: 940-668-7731 x 4330

Teaching Schedule:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
	0830 to 1600	0830 to 1600

 

Office Hours:

Office Hours will be conducted in person, virtually, by phone, or by email/messaging

Please call or email for an appointment

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Admin day	In class	In class	0830 to 1600	0830 to noon

 

Basic Nursing Skills Schedule

 

Week 1                 Tue Aug 25^th: Lecture Unit 1 PPTs 1-5. 

                               

Homework due 9/1 at 0900: ATI Achieve Challenges for ESL Students and Classroom Skills Modules.

 

Week 2                 Tue Sep 1^st: Lecture Unit 1 PPTs 6-10. 

 

                                Homework due 9/8 at 0900: ATI Achieve Study Skills and Test-taking Skills Modules.

 

Week 3                 Tue Sep 8^th: Unit 1 Exam 0900.  Lecture Unit 2 PPTs 1-3. 

 

                                Homework due 9/15 at 0900:  ATI Skills: Infection Control, Personal Hygiene Modules

 

Week 4                 Tue Sep 15^th:  Lecture Unit 2 PPTs 4-6. 

 

Homework due 9/22 at 0900:  ATI Skills: Ambulating/Transferring/ROM Module

 

Week 5                 Tue Sep 22^nd: Unit 2 Exam 0900.  Lecture Unit 3 PPTs 1-2. 

 

Homework due 9/29 at 0900:  ATI Skills: Vital Signs and Physical Assessment Of An Adult Modules

 

Week 6                 Tue Sep 29^th: Lecture Unit 3 PPTs 3-5. 

 

                                Homework due 10/6 at 0900: ATI Skills: Pain Management Module

 

Week 7                 Tue Oct 6^th: Unit 3 Exam 0900.  Lecture Unit 4 PPTs 1-2. 

 

                                Homework due 10/13 at 0900: ATI Skills: Urinary Catheter Care and Enemas Modules

 

Week 8                 Tue Oct 13^th:  Lecture Unit 4 PPTs 3-5. 

 

Homework due 10/20 at 0900: ATI Skills: Nasogastric Tube and Enteral Tube Feeding Modules

 

Week 9                 Tue Oct 20^th:  Unit 4 Exam 0900.  Lecture Unit 5 PPT 1. 

 

Homework due 10/27 at 0900:  ATI Skills: Airway Management and O2 Delivery Modules

 

Week 10               Tue Oct 27^th:  Lecture Unit 5 PPTs 2-3. 

 

                                Homework due 11/3 at 0900:  ATI Skills:  Wound Care Module

 

Week 11               Tue Nov 3^rd: Unit 5 Exam 0900.  Lecture Unit 6 PPTs 1-2. 

 

                                Homework due 11/10 at 0900:  ATI Skills Med Administration Modules 1 and 2

 

Week 12               Tue Nov 10^th:  Lecture Unit 6 PPTs 3-5

 

                                Homework due 11/17 at 0900:  ATI Skills Med Administration Modules 3 and 4

 

Week 13               Tue Nov 17^th:  Unit 6 Exam 0900.  Lecture Unit 7 PPTs 1-3

                               

Homework due Nov 24^th: ATI PN Fundamentals Practice A.  May retake exam once after remediation.  Higher grade will count.  Remediation must be handwritten

 

Week 14               Tue Nov 24^th: Lecture Unit 7 PPTs 4-7

                               

Homework due 12/1 at 0900:  ATI PN Fundamentals Practice B.  May retake exam after remediation.  Higher grade will count.  Remediation must be handwritten

                               

Week 15               Tue Dec 1^st: Final Exam Review.  ATI PN Fundamentals Proctored Exam

Week 16               Tue Dec 8^th: Final Exam 0900