THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DIVISION OF NURSING

  I.	Course Title:  N115 Introduction to Nursing

 II.	Course Description:

Introduction to Nursing stresses the fundamentals of nursing principles and practice related to basic health needs of individuals.  Emphasis is placed on the use of Nursing Process, critical thinking, development of beginning skills in nursing practice, and their application to simple health care needs.  Concepts of mental and physical health, interpersonal relationships, pharmacology, and nutrition are integrated throughout.  Clinical laboratory experience is provided in community health care agencies.  Four and one half lecture hours, ten and one half laboratory hours.  Prerequisite:  Successful admission to the nursing program.  Co-requisites:  BIO 211, ENG 101, PSY 101.

III.	Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course:

I.	As a PROVIDER OF CARE, the learner will be able to:

A)	Identify principles of social, physical, and biological sciences in providing care to clients with simple health care needs.

B)	Define and describe the nursing process in identifying health needs of the client.

C)	Explain how client stressors and coping mechanisms interact during adaptation to changes in health status. 

II.	As a MANAGER OF CARE, the learner will be able to:

A)	Outline steps needed to organize basic care for individual clients.

B)	Define the roles of nursing and other disciplines in providing health care to individual clients.

C)	Define the independent, dependent and interdependent components of nursing practice.

III.	As a MEMBER WITHIN THE DISCIPLINE OF NURSING, the learner will be able to:

A)	Identify own responsibility for personal and professional growth and practice.

B)	Describe the roles of nursing within the health care delivery system.

C)	Describe components of safe nursing practice within nursing's legal and ethical framework.

 IV.	Course Components:  Special Course Information

Credits: 8   
Lecture: 4.5 hours per week = 4.5 credits	
Classroom/Clinical Laboratory/Independent Study: 10.5 hours per week = 3.5 credits

A.	Classroom Lectures:  
Two 2-hour 20-minute sessions weekly, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. – Modular Classrooms.

B.	Clinical Laboratory Practice:
Ten 7.5-hour sessions per semester at W.W. Backus, Lawrence and Memorial, Windham, Middlesex, or Day Kimball Hospitals, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday sections, 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. or Thursday, 2:00 – 10:00 p.m.  Students will be required to pick up their clinical assignment from the hospital the night before starting at week 10 of the semester.

C.	College Nursing Laboratory:
During the first month, there are four 7.5-hour all day labs from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.  These are held on your assigned clinical day.  Throughout the semester each week there are also two hour labs in Room 314 and as arranged.

	D.	Independent Study:  
		Each week students will have assigned independent study modules.

  V.	Faculty: (voicemail) (E-mail) (subject to change)
	Full-Time
Anne Lamondy, M.S.N., R.N., full-time Assistant Professor and clinical faculty
	alamondy@trcc.commnet.edu
	Office:  Annex Room 19
	Phone & Voicemail:  383-5218
Lillian Rafeldt, R.N., M.A., Coordinator and full-time Assistant Professor of NRS 115	lrafeldt@trcc.commnet.edu
	Office:  Annex Room 7
	Phone & Voicemail:  383-5257
Nancy Rymut, R.N., M.S., CEN, and full-time Professor and clinical faculty
	nrymut@trcc.commnet.edu
	Office:  Annex Room 18
	Phone & Voicemail:  892-5718
Part-Time
Mary Browning, M.A., R.N., adjunct clinical faculty
Judith Dollard, M.S.N., R.N., adjunct clinical faculty
Joan Graham, B.S.N, R.N., adjunct clinical faculty
Martha Healy, M.ed., R.N., adjunct clinical faculty
Fran Lareau, M.S.N., R.N., adjunct clinical faculty
Chris Sarisley, M.S.N, R.N., adjunct clinical faculty
Kerri Sauer, M.S.N., R.N., adjunct clinical faculty
 VI.	Instructional Methods:
Lecture, discussion, small group activities, guest speakers, experiential exercises, videos, labs and clinicals.  Computerized programmed instruction and interactive video are also used.

VII.	Textbooks: (All textbooks are used in subsequent courses)

 1.	Kee, Drug Calculations Online to Accompany Clinical Calculations (5th edition) Mosby, 2004.

 2.	Kozier & Erbs, Fundamentals of Nursing, Concepts, Process and Practice (7th edition) Prentice Hall.

 3.	Kozier & Erbs Study Guide.

 4.	Kozier & Erbs Techniques in Clinical Nursing (5th edition).

 5.	Kozier & Erbs Clinical Handbook for Fundamentals of Nursing.

 6.	Wilkinson, Nursing Process and Critical thinking (3rd edition) Pearson Education, 2001.

 7.	Ulrich/Cangle, Nursing Care Planning Guides for Adults in Acute, Extended and Home Care Settings (6th edition) Elsevier, 2005.

	 8.	Cataldo, Nutrition &  Diet Therapy (6th edition) Thompson Learning, 2003.

	 9.	Select ONE version of Deglin, Davis Drug Guide for Nurses (9th edition) F.A. Davis, 2004.
				OR
Nurses Med Deck, (9th edition) F.A. Davis, 2004.

10.	Ebersole, Toward Health Aging – Human Needs and Nursing Response (6th edition) Mosby.

11.	Lehne, Pharmacology for Nursing Care (and Study Guide) (5th edition) Saunders, 2004.

12.	Mosby, Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary (6th edition) Elsevier, 2002.

13.	Varcarolis, Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (5th edition) Saunders, 2005.

14.	Pagana, Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Lab Tests (2nd edition) Mosby, 2002.

15.	Pillitteri, Maternal & Child Health Nursing (4th edition) Lippincott, 2003.

16.	Smeltzer, Brunner Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing (10th edition) Lippincott, 2004.

Optional

17.	Dillon, Patricia, Nursing Health Assessment:  Clinical Pocket Guide F. A. Davis.

18.	Dunham, How to Survive, Maybe Even Love Nursing School (2nd edition) F.A. Davis, 2001.

19.	Myers, RN Notes, Davis, 2003.

20. 	Pernell/Paulanka, Guide to Culturally Competent Health Care F.A. Davis, 2005.
 
21.	Summers, Diseases & Disorders (2nd edition) F.A. Davis, 2002.

VIII.	Course Requirements:

A)	In order to pass this course, the student must complete BOTH:
1)	The classroom theory requirements at a C level or better.  Test items are drawn from ALL learning activities, i.e., lectures, readings, audiovisual aids, labs and independent learning modules. (In order to graduate with a major in nursing, a student must have averaged a C (2.0) or better in all nursing and corequisite courses),
	AND
2)	The clinical objectives in a satisfactory manner.

From clinical, students will begin a Student Learning Portfolio:  documentation of progress in critical thinking and theory application:  components include, but are not limited to: 
			 process recording
			 pain assessment
			 nutrition assessment
			 inflammation/wound assessment
			 2 representative examples of clinical data collection form

		3)	Students who are readmitted to N115 must maintain a 75 or C+ average.

B)	Evaluation activities

Clinical:	A conference will be scheduled by the learner with his/her clinical instructor for discussion and evaluation of the student's progress at approximately halfway through and after the last week of clinical.  A clinical evaluation form will be completed by the student and instructor at these times.  Clinical performance is evaluated on the basis of how well the learner meets the objectives and achievements identified on the evaluation form.  Students must successfully meet the clinical objectives in order to pass the course. Students are responsible for self-evaluation and documentation on the student's copy of the N-115 clinical evaluation form.

		Theory:	There will be six 45 minute quizzes and one two hour final examination in Nursing 115.  Students requiring more time may work an additional 15 minutes through the class break.  Class will resume at 9:00 a.m.
                                           					Weight
6 quizzes, each worth 		12.5%	 = 75% of total grade
Final examination             	25% of total grade

The final grade for the course is averaged according to the above formula for theory and requires a satisfactory evaluation for clinical performance.

The grading criteria are:
A	92-100
A-	89-91
B+	85-88
B	82-84
B-	79-81
C+	75-78
C	70-74
D+	65-69
D	60-64
F	 0-59

The ProCalc/Metrology quiz is scheduled for Lab 6 (10/3 and 10/5).
Quiz dates are:  9/12, 9/26, 10/12, 10/31, 11/14, 12/5.
The Final Exam is on December 14, 8:00 – 10:20 a.m. 

Students will also be expected to sit for the Basics of Nursing I Exam on December 12th, 8:00-10:20 p.m.  The cost is approximately $15.00  

C)	Assignments:

The student must achieve a score of 80% or better on a paper and pencil Metrology test and 80% on a computerized ProCalc test.  Use of a calculator is not permitted for this test.  Students are not allowed to administer medications to clients in the hospital setting before successful completion of the Metrology and ProCalc quizzes.  Medication administration is an expected critical element in the clinical portion of N115.  Students may test a maximum of three times per course.  Retesting must be complete by October 31, 2005.

Students are expected to prepare for clinical experience by reading appropriate material and studying audiovisual materials, self-study materials, and procedures before coming to the clinical area for practice.  Students will make arrangements with their clinical instructor to receive the assignment the night before clinical.  From week 10 on, students will be expected to go to the hospital to get their assignments.

Selected clinical skills must be satisfactorily validated in the College laboratory by dates specified on the pertinent lab skills checklists These include:  blood pressure/vs, handwashing, complete bed bath and occupied bed, IV pumps by 9/27; intramuscular injections by 11/18; and clinical site blood glucose monitoring by 10/31.

The instructor assumes the responsibility for assessing the student's ability to safely practice on a given clinical day, including the decision for dismissal from the clinical unit.  Please refer to the Nursing Program Student Handbook pages 9-12 for further clarification.

Written assignments:	Students must satisfactorily complete all written assignments.  These papers will be graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory".  All written assignments must be handed in to your clinical instructor on or before the due date.  Assignments include clinical data collection forms, a nutrition assessment, a process recording, a pain assessment, and an inflammation/wound assessment.

D)	Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend each lecture, classroom laboratory and clinical experience.  It is the student's responsibility to notify the instructor if absence is necessary and to fulfill objectives of the experience.  All clinical absences are to be made up at the instructor's discretion.

E)	Test Make-Up Policy

If you must be absent from a scheduled test due to illness or other emergency, contact the course coordinator by 8 a.m. on the morning of the test (383-5257).  Failure to do so will result in a zero grade for that test.

Students with an approved absence from scheduled tests will be given an alternate form of the examination at a time and date convenient for the course coordinator and N115 Team.

F)	Statement on Penalty for Academic Dishonesty or Plagiarism

Refer to 2003-2005 College Catalog for policy.

G)	Additional Expected Activity Requirements

Students are expected to participate in class discussions, role-play, material review and lab practice.  Participation enhances the learning experience and allows students and instructors the opportunity to learn from each other.

Students are reminded that classroom demeanor is a vital part of participation.  Students should behave appropriately at all times and are asked to practice common courtesy, recognizing each person's right to learn in an atmosphere conducive to the learning experience.  Students who violate the rules of courtesy and/or professional demeanor will be asked to leave.

Students are required to attend all class meetings.  Tardiness and early leaves as well as absences have a direct impact on student learning.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY:

Students may withdraw, in writing, at the Registrar's Office for any reason until the end of the 10th week of classes.  From the 11th week through the end of the 13th week, a student may withdraw with the signature of the instructor or advisor.  Refer to the Nursing and College Student Handbooks and College Catalog.  Students who receive an overall unsatisfactory clinical grade at any time in the rotation will fail this course and receive a grade of F.  This course does not offer midterm theoretical warning grades.  Students with concerns about their course average are encouraged to contact the course coordinator.

DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

If you have a hidden or visible disability which may require classroom or test-taking modifications, please see the course coordinator as soon as possible.  If you have not already done so, please be sure to register with Chris Scarborough if you have a learning disability, ADD or ADHD, or Gayla Holmes in Student Services.  See also Three Rivers Community College Catalog.

INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING NEEDS:

All students will complete individual NET testing during the first week of the course and will be advised on learning approaches most appropriate for themselves.  The learner has the option of choosing which method of studying or combination of methods is most suitable for his/her learning needs.  Faculty may request completion of additional learning activities as indicated by student needs.  At the discretion of the faculty team, individual student clinical rotations may be resequenced to facilitate student learning.  Extra practice and tutoring sessions can be planned in the Nursing Laboratory at the request of the student or faculty - see attached lab referral, tutoring referral and anecdotal forms.  Study groups can be formed.  Additional reading materials can be suggested.  Audio and videotapes and computer programs, including patient simulations are available.

CLINICAL CANCELLATION DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER:

When the college is closed for reasons of inclement weather, clinical experiences will also be canceled.  When the college delays opening, clinical experiences will begin one hour later.  However, students should use discretion in traveling in poor weather conditions.  If you are unable to report to scheduled clinical experiences, be sure to notify your clinical instructor.  (The College Student Handbook and Catalog lists radio stations announcing cancellations.)  There also will be a notice of delays or cancellation on a recording at 886-0177 or 886-1931.

COURSE OVERVIEW:

Introduction to Nursing serves as a baseline to the curriculum by emphasizing health and its promotion, basic human needs and basic nursing actions.  Beginning concepts of community and mental health are also introduced.  As the course progresses the learner is introduced to some deviations from wellness in order to recognize different levels of health.  The problem solving approach is applied in meeting basic human needs and alleviating common health problems.

Nursing care focuses on meeting basic human needs through the use of therapeutic measures and nursing actions.  A learning laboratory for the purposes of demonstration, self-study, tutoring, and practice helps the learner to acquire beginning skills.  Clinical experience is provided in community facilities and general hospitals with appropriate faculty instruction.

To assist the learner in understanding physiological patient needs, Anatomy and Physiology I is a corequisite course to Introduction to Nursing.  English 101 is also a corequisite, to enable learners to achieve proficiency in written expression.  Psychology 101, the third corequisite, provides learners with knowledge of basic psychosocial principles supporting nursing practice.

LAR/mc 7/05