Allegany College of Maryland

This course reviews the relationship of nursing history to present day nursing practice. Current trends are considered in terms of their impact on roles and practice. Problems, roles and responsibilities of graduate nurses are discussed. Emphasis is on the transition from student to graduate. Consideration is given to the ethical and legal responsibilities of nurses in today's world. The changing health care system, current issues and future trends are discussed. Management/leadership concepts are discussed and concurrent selected clinical experiences are provided in Nursing 215.

Nursing in Society is a lecture/seminar course in which students are encouraged to analyze issues and trends in nursing education and practice. A historical background is designed to

give perspective to nursing problems today and to assist students to form a clear individual philosophy of nursing. Problems and issues are identified and methods of solution are proposed using a participative approach. Nursing education and practice are discussed in terms of present day realities.

Discussion, short papers, and case studies are teaching methods utilized in this course.

Clinical experiences are selected at the end of the semester to allow the student to become more independent as the students refine their ability to utilize the nursing process and to apply the way needs are organized and prioritized according to Maslow and Erickson. Emphasis is placed on leadership skills.

Course Prerequisites: To be taken concurrently with Nursing 215.

Course Textbook:.

Cherry, Barbara and Jacob, Susan R. Contemporary Nursing - Issues, Trends, and Management, Fourth edition, St. Louis: Mosby 2008.

Course Outcomes:

1. Implement methods to promote a successful transition from student to

graduate nurse.

2. Explain the dynamics of history that have formed the current image and affected the

role of nursing.

3. Identify selected nursing theories and discuss their main points.

4. Describe challenges facing health care that impact the delivery of nursing care.

5. Discuss the role of the nurse in ethical and legal issues health care issues.

6. Identify the role of the state boards of nursing in governing the profession of nursing.

7. Describe role of nurse in quality and performance improvement.

8. Determine cultural and spiritual beliefs of clients and how they may impact health care.

9. Demonstrate effective nursing management skills.

Unit Objectives:

1. Relate the history of nursing to the understanding of nursing problems today.

2. Define nursing.

3. Define health and illness

4. List the formal characteristics of a profession.

5. Compare the changing role of women and the professional status of nursing

6. Discuss the Code of Ethics of the American Nurses Association

7. Identify the procedure for licensure by examination and/or endorsement

8. Discuss the Nurse Practice Act of Maryland and its effect on nursing education and

practice.

9. Compare and contrast diploma, associate degree and baccalaureate programs in

nursing.

10. Cite the evolution of the "Entry into Practice" issue

11. Examine the guidelines for writing a professional resume

12. List the functions of the registered nurse

13. Develop your philosophy of nursing

14. Establish career goals.

15. State the purposes of the professional organizations for nurses

16. Compare and contrast responses to selected situations which involve ethical/moral

decisions.

17. Identify several means of professional growth and development

18. Describe some of the current issues effecting nursing today

19. Describe the various types of management.

20. Identify several different styles of management in the clinical setting.

21. Apply effective communication skills in the leadership role.

22. Demonstrate effective conflict management with peers.

23. Implement appropriate priority-setting with a team of patients.

24. Delegate tasks successfully to members of your team.

Technical Requirements:

BEFORE THE COURSE STARTS
Technical Requirements

Please be sure that your computer systems meets the following technical requirements before you enroll in the course.

If you have never taken an online course before, this course will be different for you. Our primary means of communication will be through the Internet, therefore, you should be comfortable with using the Internet and email.

You are expected to have basic computer and Internet literacy skills. This includes the ability to work comfortably in a browser, send and receive email with attachments, use a search engine, and create and modify documents in MS Word. Technical requirements include:

1 - You need a personal computer with access to the Internet.

2 – You will need to provide your own email account.

Allegany College does not provide email accounts to students. If you don’t already have an email account given to you from your Internet Service Provider please get a free email account by going to www.yahoo.com, www.juno.com, or www.hotmail.com.

3- You will need web browsing software.

For optimal performance, it is recommended that you use a high-speed Internet connection such as T1, ISDN, or cable modem. However, 56K modems are acceptable.

Course activities (assignments, reviews, exercises, quizzes and exams) are accessed through web browsing software such as Microsoft^Ò Internet Explorer or Netscape^Ò Navigator. You will use the browser to login to software called Blackboard. The instructor will assign you a username and password to enable you to access the Blackboard software.

Supported web browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) version 5.0 or higher, Netscape Communicator version 4.5x or higher, or Netscape Navigator version 4.5x or higher.

If you use America Online (AOL) for web access, you will need the AOL version 4.0 or higher client and the Internet Explorer 5.0 browser. If you use earlier versions of the AOL client with earlier versions of Internet Explorer, you will have difficulty accessing many Blackboard features.

For best results with AOL:

· Connect to the Internet using AOL version 4.0 or higher.

· Open a private chat within AOL (this allows the AOL client to remain open, without asking if you wish to disconnect while minimized).

· Minimize AOL.

· Launch a recommended browser.

Web Browser settings:

Enable Java and set the cache to reload every time.

Internet Explorer (IE) 5.0 and higher

· Select Tools -> Internet Options.

· Select the Advanced tab.

· Locate Microsoft VM.

· Make sure the Java console enabled and Java logging enabled boxes are checked.

· Click OK.

· Restart your computer if you checked the Java console enabled box.

Netscape Communicator or Navigator 4.5 and higher

· Select Edit -> Preferences.

· Select Advanced.

· Make sure the Enable Java and Enable. JavaScript boxes are checked.

· Click OK.

Internet Explorer (IE) 5.0 and higher

· Select Tools -> Internet Options.

· Select the Advanced tab.

· Locate Microsoft VM.

· Make sure the Java console enabled and Java logging enabled boxes are checked.

· Click OK.

· Restart your computer if you checked the Java console enabled box.

Netscape Communicator or Navigator 4.5 and higher

· Select Edit -> Preferences.

· Select Advanced.

· Make sure the Enable Java and Enable. JavaScript boxes are checked.

· Click OK.

Set Cache to Always Reload a Page

Internet Explorer (IE) 5.0 and higher

· Select Tools -> Internet Options.

· Select the General tab.

· Select Settings from Temporary Internet Files.

· Select the Every visit to the page radio button.

· Click OK.

Netscape Communicator or Navigator 4.5 and higher

· Select Edit -> Preferences.

· Click the + sign next to the Advanced tab to see more options.

· Select Cache.

· Select the Every time radio button at the bottom.

· Click OK.

Please note: Technical difficulties do occur during a semester. However, technical difficulties do not excuse late or incomplete assignments.

How the Course is Conducted:

Welcome to the online version of Nursing in Society. This introductory page is intended to help you to get started. Since there will be no face-to-face class lecture, it is imperative that you are conscientious, motivated and self-disciplined. The premise of the course is that given a good book and a little help, you can learn without having to attend lectures at a fixed time during the day. While the course is very flexible in terms of when you put in the time, you can expect to average about the same amount of time as a normal lecture course -- about four hours total a week per credit. Note also that the course is NOT self-paced. Assignments are due by specific dates. You may work ahead if you like, but you may not “work behind”.

A list of all assignments and their due dates is included in the course calendar located in the course information tab in blackboard. I will NOT remind you of when assignments are due. You are expected to refer to this and to complete all assignments on time. If you have difficulty with the assignments or have any questions, please contact me and I will be happy to assist you.

You will have opportunities to interact with other students enrolled in the course. Students are encouraged to communicate with other students in the course by email, by use of the discussion board or by phone. Interacting with other students in the course will enhance your learning experience.

Getting Started:

You may start on the course as soon as you register, based upon the assignments indicated in the syllabus. As soon as you register for the course you should send me an email. Without your email address, I have no way of contacting you. This must be done no later than the end of the second week of class, but the sooner the better. My email address is fleibfreid@allegany.edu. Please be sure to send me the email from the account you will be using throughout the course.

Please include in the subject line “Nursing in Society-Enrollment”.
In the body of the email include:

Your full name

Your full mailing address

Your e-mail address

Your preferred contact phone number

Grading:

For the first section of the course:

Completion of the two orientation assignments 5 points

Each discussion board – 15 points 285 points

Resume and cover letter 35 points

Test one 35 points

Leadership portion: To be announced

Course Requirements:

1. Attendance and participation in class or web discussion and clinical activities

2. Written assignments:

a. Resume and cover letter

b. Discussion board

There will be a 2 point daily penalty for work submitted after the deadline time and date.

3. Computer programs as assigned

4. Review video entitled “Test Taking Skills” – Available from your instructor.

5. The HESI exit exam (a comprehensive exam comparable to NCLEX) will be administered by the third week of the fourth semester. A score of 900 or higher will not require remediation. Students scoring below this will be required to meet with faculty to discuss an individualized remediation plan. Another exam will be administered to all students prior to preceptorship and the successful completion of Nursing 215 and Nursing 204 requirements to date. A score of 900 or higher will be required to achieve a passing grade for Nursing 215 and Nursing 204 on this exam and no remediation requirement. Students scoring between 850 and 899 will be required to meet with faculty to develop an individualized remediation plan. This plan must be completed satisfactorily prior to graduation in order to receive a passing grade for Nursing 215 and Nursing 204. Students scoring less than an 850 will be required to meet with faculty to develop an individualized remediation plan and a third HESI test at the student expense will be administered prior to the end of the semester. Students who score less than 850 will be given the opportunity on two subsequent HESI exams, within 60 business days of the semester ending, before receiving a passing grade for Nursing 215 and Nursing 204 and being permitted to graduate from the program. If a passing score is not obtained a failing grade for Nursing 215 and Nursing 204 will be given.

6. All students are required to have a passport size photo taken for your permanent file and for the licensing application for most states. Please check your state requirements before having pictures taken.

7. The hospital generally schedules a luncheon/dinner for graduating students. Attendance is required. This gives you a chance to explore career opportunities at these institutions

Contacting me:

If you need to speak to me by phone please call my office number at (301) 784-5567. My office hours vary, but I am almost always in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the day. If this is not convenient for you please send me an email and we can arrange a phone meeting at a mutually convenient time.
You may contact me by email at fleibfreid@allegany.edu

E-mail Policy:

Always use the following guidelines when sending e-mail to me.

In the subject area, enter “Nursing in Society” and clearly identify the topic of your e-mail:

Example:    Nursing in Society – Question about …
                    Nursing in Society – Comments about….
                    Nursing in Society – Homework

I receive a lot of email. If you fail to put the word “Nursing in Society” in your subject line it is possible that I may overlook your email. I check my email daily during weekdays. If your question requires a lengthy explanation/response from me, I will respond within twenty- four hours. If your e-mail is a quick question or comment, I will respond as soon as I read it.

Please send me e-mail from the account that you will use for this course

Submission of assignments:

Unless otherwise stated, all assignments that are submitted to me should be in the format of a MS Word document file. IMPORTANT: Every document should have a header within the document that includes your name, course name, page number, and number of total pages in the document.

Files should be submitted using the digital drop box in Blackboard. In the event that blackboard is not working (for example, the Blackboard server goes down) and the due date is looming, you should submit the file as an email attachment along with a note describing the problem. If both Blackboard and email are down, send a fax to me at (301) 784-5016 indicating that you are experiencing a problem and supply a brief explanation of the problem. If your assignment is short (5 pages or less), you may also fax the assignment to me at that time

Rules of Conduct for Participation in the Discussion Board:

Students are encouraged to communicate with each other using the discussion board feature of Blackboard. Just because you cannot physically be in the same room as your classmates doesn’t mean you can’t communicate with them! The discussion board is provided so that students can get to know each other and discuss topics that are related to the course content. It can be a valuable source of information and support. However, please note that all messages are “public”, i.e. available for everyone in the class to view. When posting messages on the discussion board please keep comments on a positive note and avoid “flaming” (verbally attacking someone else). Please provide feedback to other students in a kind and constructive manner. Also be careful about posting personal information about yourself that you would not normally provide to an acquaintance.

Student Conduct and Plagiarism:

As a reminder, the college has a policy on academic dishonesty. You are expected to abide by the policy as defined in the college catalog and the Nursing Policy Book.

Plagiarism is passing off someone else’s work or idea as your own. Academic Dishonesty also includes failure on your part to keep your current and past assignments out of the hands of other students who may misinterpret their origins. To receive credit for quantitative assignments, please show all calculations. It is also suggested that you keep a record and/or rough draft of written or other work until you have received your final grade.

On-line Student Study Guidelines:

Make a study schedule and stick to it! Maintain self-discipline and avoid procrastinating--don't "put it off" or wait until the last minute to do your work.
Create a private space where you can study so that you're not distracted or interrupted frequently.
Get the support of your colleagues, friends, and family. While they go off and have fun, you may have to study.
Understand assignments and write them down (or print off the course calendar located in the course information tab ) to avoid forgetting something.
Buy the required text READ IT!! You CANNOT be successful in this course without reading and studying from the textbook.
Be able to communicate through writing as this is the primary vehicle you'll be using to "talk" with your classmates and professors, as well as when you complete assignments to be handed in to the instructor.
Participate! Think before you contribute your ideas, comments, and perspectives on the subject you are studying and read what your classmates have to say. Be respectful of differing opinions as there is rarely only one way to do anything. Give positive feedback freely and negative feedback with kindness.
Be open-minded about sharing life, work, and educational experiences as part of the learning experience. When you're online with your classmates, be open and friendly. You'll discover you'll know more about your online classmates than you ever knew about your in-person classmates.
Communicate effectively with instructors--be willing to ask questions and "speak up" if you're having a problem. Remember, instructors can't see you or read your mind!
Try to apply everything you learn as you learn it, or if you can't apply it, try "teaching" it to someone else. These techniques will help you remember the information more easily.

CELEBRATE when you complete a course! You've worked hard and you deserve a time to relax and be proud!