Los Angeles · West Coast University
NURS 101L Fundamentals of Nursing Skills Lab
202301SPI 2-F
202301SPI 2023 Section 2-F 01/23/2023 to 04/02/2023 Modified 01/07/2023
 Meeting Times
Class Length: 10 weeks
For every 1 hour in an instructional activity (skills lab, simulation, clinical, or real-life scenarios), it is expected that students complete
1 hour of study in preparation for course activity. Please check your Student Portal for specific course meeting times, dates, and
locations.
 Contact Information
 Course Description
This is a clinical skills laboratory course designed to teach the basic nursing skills for delivery of nursing care. This includes
performing basic skills in assessment, patient care across the admission discharge continuum, documentation, teaching, basic life
support, fire safety, and infection control. The nursing process is utilized in the management of care.
Total Course Credits:
Total Course Hours:
Lecture Hours In-Class:
2
90
0
Lab Hours:
Supervised Clinical/Practicum Hours:
Externship/Internship Hours:
0
90
0
Requisites
Corequisites: NURS 100
 Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply the nursing process during care and in the Interdisciplinary Care Plan.
2. Demonstrate professional and therapeutic communication with patients, peers, and the healthcare team.
3. Apply safety and infection control principals when practicing nursing.
4. Demonstrate competence in performing fundamental nursing skills including but not limited to sterile technique, head-to-toe
patient assessments, restraint use, wound care, NGT management, specimen collection, and medication administration.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of pain management.
6. Apply legal principles, communication skills, and computer skills to nursing documentation including physician’s orders, the
medication administration record (MAR), shift assessment forms, fall and skin risk screens, and interdisciplinary notes.
7. Assess the learning needs of patients and apply effective teaching/learning principles during patient education.
 Program Learning Outcomes
1 of 21
College of Nursing Mission Statement
The mission of the College of Nursing is to provide evidence-based and innovative nursing education to culturally diverse learners,
preparing nurses to provide quality and compassionate care responsive to the needs of the community and the global society.
College of Nursing Philosophy
The philosophy of the College of Nursing is that education is a continuous process occurring in phases throughout an individual’s
lifetime. Nurses are lifelong learners and critical thinkers.
Program Learning Outcomes
The following Program Learning Outcomes were selected to provide the essential body of knowledge and experience necessary to
educate students to move directly into their new role. For the undergraduate, this role is as professional registered nurses according to
the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2008).
(https://learn.westcoastuniversity.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-13634517_1)
1. Support professional nursing practice decisions with concepts and theories from the biological, physical, and social sciences.
2. Plan preventative and population-focused interventions with attention to effectiveness, efficiency, cost, and equity.
3. Support therapeutic nursing interventions for patients and families in a variety of healthcare and community settings using
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
evidence-based practice.
Apply nursing process and critical thinking when providing holistic, patient-centered nursing care to diverse populations.
Design healthcare education for individuals, families, and communities.
Comply with the professional standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct in practice.
Develop an effective communication style to interact with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary health team.
Model leadership when providing safe, quality nursing care, when coordinating the healthcare team, and when tasked with
oversight and accountability for care delivery.
9. Use patient care technology and information systems when providing nursing care in a variety of settings.
 Course Materials
Visit the WCU bookstore (https://bncvirtual.com/westcoastuniversity) to purchase any required materials, including publisher access
codes, as needed.
Please be aware that used textbooks may not include access codes, study guides and/or DVDs containing additional course materials
that may be required for the course. In some cases supplemental materials may be directly purchased from the publisher. However,
students will be held accountable for obtaining these materials in order to meet all course requirements.
ATI
Author: Assessment Technologies Institute (2016)
Publisher: Assessment Technologies Institute (2016)
ATI Website (http://atitesting.com/)
ATI is required throughout the program. Please see the course syllabus for specific ATI requirements in each course.
Fundamentals of Nursing
Author: Taylor, C., Lillis, C., and Lynn, P.
Publisher: Wolters Kluwer-Lippencott, Williams, and Wilkins
2 of 21
Edition: 9th
This is a required textbook from a previous or concurrent course.
Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses
Author: Vallerand, A. H., & Sanoski, C. A.
Publisher: F. A. Davis
Edition: 18th
Nursing Care Plans: Guidelines for Individualizing Client Care Across the Life
Span
Author: Doenges, M. E., Moorhouse, M. F., & Murr, A. C.
Publisher: F. A. Davis
Edition: 10th
Optional
A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests
Author: Fischbach, F., & Dunning, M. B.
Publisher: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins
Edition: 10th
Optional
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
Author: American Psychological Association
Publisher: American Psychological Association
Edition: 7th
Optional
 Evaluation
West Coast University Grading Scale
(Reflective of final course grade; see
associated policy in Catalog)
Grade
Points
WCU Grading Scale
A
4
93–100
A-
3.7
90–92
B+
3.3
87–89
B
3.0
83–86
B-
2.7
80–82
C+
2.3
76–79
C
2.0
73–75
C-
1.7
70–72
3 of 21
D+
1.3
66–69
D
1.0
63–65
D-
0.7
60–62
F
0.0
59 or below
AU
0.0
Audit
CR
0.0
Credit
P
0.0
Pass
NP
0.0
Not Passed
I
0.0
Incomplete
TC
0.0
Transfer Credit
W
0.0
Withdrawal
(Before Drop Deadline)
WF
0.0
Withdrawal
(After Drop Deadline)
Note: AU, CR, P, NP, I, TC, W, and WF are used on the Academic Record but have no point values and are not computed in theCumulative Grade Point
Average (CGPA) (http://westcoastuniversity.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/West-Coast-University-Catalog/Academic-Policies-andProcedures/Calculating-the-Cumulative-Grade-Point-Average)
A minimum passing grade is required for each course andvaries by program. Earned grades below the minimum passing grade reflect that the course
has not been successfully completed. Each academic program has unique prerequisite requirements. Please see the specific program section for
additional information.
Students should review the program specific grading scale in theUniversity Catalog. (https://westcoastuniversity.smartcatalogiq.com/current/WestCoast-University-Catalog)
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation criteria consists of Formative and Summative assessments of student learning.
Formative: Assessment that occurs throughout the course to provide feedback and support for improved performance as part of an
ongoing learning process.
Examples: Evidence-based research, presentations, case studies, specific class projects, weekly quizzes, homework assignments,
clinical or lab assignments, practice exams
4 of 21
Summative: Assessment that occurs at the conclusion of the course to determine whether student learning outcomes have been
achieved.
Examples: Final exam, term paper, or term project
Signature Assignments, where applicable, are course assignments designed to comprehensively measure student achievement of
course and program learning outcomes.
Additional Information:
All assignments are to be submitted via the online classroom in the week they are due, except where otherwise noted. Email submissions will not
be accepted. Grades and comments on graded items will be posted in the Gradebook, unless otherwise specified. All assignments submitted for
each course must be created for that particular course. Any assignment (a paper or presentation) submitted for credit in one course may not be
duplicated and submitted for credit in any other course unless approved by the faculty or noted in the syllabus.
Please review all rubrics in the course for assignment grading criteria, found under the Grades tab.
It is important that you save all of your completed assignments for your records.
Please ensure that you have saved copies of all your work on a drive such as OneDrive or a personal hard drive as you may be asked to recall these
assignments as you near the end of your program.
Criteria
Weight / Week
Assignment
Points
Due
Details
17
1, 2,
3, 4
“My ATI” Tab > “Apply” Tab > Skills Modules 3.0
Summative
ATI Skills
Modules
1 point each
Week 1:
Infection control
Pain management
Vital signs
Personal Hygiene
Airway Management
Oxygen Therapy
Week 2:
Comprehensive physical assessment of an adult
Mobility
Specimen Collection
Wound Care (Sterile Technique)
Week 3:
Bowel elimination
Enteral tube feeding
Nasogastric Tube
Nutrition
Week 4:
Concepts of Medication Administration
Oral and Topical Med Administration
Injectable Medication Administration
Must complete a minimum of 1 hour for each module. Must submit ATI report to Canvas that includes the
following to earn points towards grade. Assignment will be considered incomplete if any component is missing.
proof of minimum time spent within lesson
pre-test completed
post-test completed with a minimum grade of 76%. Minimum of 1 hour between attempts.
5 of 21
Assignment
ATI Dosage
Calculation
and Safe
Weight / Week
Points
Due Details
5
4
“My ATI” Tab > “Learn” Tab > Dosage Calculation and Safe Medication Administration 3.0
1 point each
Medication
Administration
3.0
Week 4:
Medication administration (15 min)
Safe dosage (60 min)
Injectable medications (25 min)
Powdered medications (10 min)
Oral medications (15 min)
Must submit ATI report to Canvas that includes the following to earn points towards grade. Assignment will be
considered incomplete if any component is missing.
proof of minimum time spent within lesson
post-test completed with a minimum grade of 76%. Minimum of 1 hour between attempts.
ATI
1
Pharmacology
Made Easy 4.0
4
“My ATI” Tab > “Learn” Tab > Pharmacology Made Easy 4.0
Week 4:
Introduction to Pharmacology (60 mins)
Must submit ATI report that includes the following to earn points towards grade. Assignment will be considered
incomplete if any component is missing.
proof of minimum time spent within lesson
post-test completed with a minimum grade of 76%. Minimum of 1 hour between attempts.
ATI Achieve
Module
1
5
“My ATI” Tab > “Learn” Tab > Achieve Module
Week 5
Preparing for Clinical Experiences (40 min)
Must submit ATI report that includes the following to earn points towards grade. Assignment will be considered
incomplete if any component is missing.
proof of minimum time spent within lesson
post-test completed with a minimum grade of 76%. Minimum of 1 hour between attempts.
Medication
Math Exam
100
5
20 questions. You will have 30 minutes and one attempt only.
Nursing
Process
Worksheet
100
5, 6,
7, 8
25 points each.
Complete a Nursing Process Worksheet for one patient of your choice each clinical day.
Patient Profile Pass/No 5, 6,
Database
Pass
7, 8
Form
Complete a Patient Profile Database Form outline for one patient of your choice each clinical day.
Pre-Validation Pass/No 3, 4,
Skills Activity Pass
5
Skills Pre-Validation Activities must be completed prior to class.
Week 3
Sterile Technique
Wound Dressing Change
Nasogastric Tube Insertion (to be completed during Week 3 class)
Week 4
Medication Administration
Week 5
Physical Assessment
6 of 21
Assignment
Skills
Competency
Validations
Weight / Week
Points
Due Details
240
1, 3-8 Skills Competency Validations
48 points each
Week 1
Vital Signs
Week 3
Wound Care
Nasogastric Tube Insertion
Week 4
Medication Administration
Week 5-8
Physical Assessment (will be assessed at bedside during clinicals)
*Initial Psychomotor Skills Checklist after each validation under "skills lab" column. Student to provide form and
fill out dates.
Clinical
Evaluations
Pass/No 5, 9
Pass
Clinical Evaluations
Week 5: Midterm clinical evaluation
Week 9: Final clinical evaluation
All midterm and final evaluations are to be submitted by the student after they have been completed and signed
by the student and faculty. The document to be uploaded must include all pages including any student and
faculty comments and the final grade of P/NP. Once the final evaluation form has been uploaded by the student,
the final grades may be released. If a student does not upload the evaluation forms, the student will receive an
incomplete (I) until the form has been uploaded.
Total Points
464
 Course- and Program-Specific Policies
Nursing Program or Accreditation Requirements
Nursing students may repeat no more than one failed or unsuccessfully completed course. Any nursing student who fails or
unsuccessfully completes any two courses or the same course twice, with the exception of NURS 493, will be dismissed from the
program.
NURS 493: See details in course criteria.
NURS 340/342L: A student who has completed NURS 340/342L and fails any or all courses in the subsequent terms will not
be dismissed. The student will be provided an opportunity to repeat the required coursework and any additional failures will
result in dismissal from the university.
A student who previously withdrew from a course may not subsequently withdraw from the same course. In addition, a student
who fails a course may not subsequently withdraw from the same course. In either case, if a student chooses to withdraw from a
course being repeated before successfully completing the course, the student will receive a grade of “F” in the course.
Please see the University Catalog (http://westcoastuniversity.edu/admissions/catalog.html) for more information under Course
Withdraw and Dismissal Policies.
Students should review the RN Student Handbook (https://westcoastuniversity.edu/student-affairs/student-services.html)for
more information.
All ATI assignments, if required, must be accessed within the term dates that the student is scheduled for the course, and
completed and submitted by the stated deadlines. Each student must complete and turn in ALL course assignments, as
instructed, in order to pass the course. Graded assignments cannot be resubmitted for a higher grade unless approved by the
faculty or noted in the syllabus.
7 of 21
**Each student is required to complete and turn in the End of Course Evaluation prior to sitting for the final exam. This is a
portfolio requirement that must be completed at the end of each course. The student will not be allowed to sit for the final without
having completed the evaluation for this course.
AACN Essentials of Baccalaureate Education
The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice provides an important framework for designing and
assessing baccalaureate education programs for professional nursing practice. You may access the full publication here: AACN
Essentials (http://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/BaccEssentials08.pdf)
ATI Policy
Tutorials (where applicable)
Tutorials promote acquisition and application of information related to nursing concepts and skills. Students will be required to
spend a minimum amount of time on most assigned tutorials. Times required will vary from tutorial to tutorial. Points awarded for
tutorial assignments will be based on time spent (when applicable) and completion of activities (such as pre-tests and posttests). You will submit evidence of tutorial hours and activities done to the course faculty as instructed to earn points toward the
course grade.
Practice Assessments and Focused Reviews (where applicable)
Practice assessments help students to assess learning and prepare for proctored exams. Students should take the practice
assessment the first time without prior knowledge of the questions and without looking answers up, as if it were a proctored
exam. This will result in a focused review plan that accurately reflects learning needs and helps the students to prepare for
proctored exams.
Proctored Exams and Focused Reviews (where applicable)
Proctored exams help students to assess content mastery and prepare for NCLEX-RN. The goal on these is to score at least a
Level 2 on each proctored exam. This indicates the ability to meet NCLEX-RN standards in this content area. A focused review is
always required after proctored exams.
Please see the grading criteria section of the syllabus and directions in your course regarding specific ATI directions and grading
parameters.
Completion of ATI assignments are mandatory. ATI modules are assigned throughout the BSN program.
Late and Make Up Work
Assignments and Activities (written papers, journals, blogs, projects or similar, both in class or online):
Students may be allowed to make up assignments and work missed as a result of absences with penalty. Assignments
submitted after the established due date will be penalized at 10% per day. Late assignments will not be accepted more than 3
days after the due date unless preapproval from the instructor has been obtained in writing. Be sure to contact the instructor
if you believe you must submit an assignment after the due date. Approvals outside the 3 days are generally provided for
extenuating circumstances only.
Quizzes and Tests*
It is the student’s responsibility to contact the faculty member within 48 hours of the original examination date of a quiz or test
and follow the program policies for missed work. Students will not be allowed access to a quiz or test after the due date. Students
may be able to complete a make-up quiz, test, or alternative assignment based on instructor discretion. Students who do not
contact the faculty within 48 hours of the original examination date will earn a zero.
Examinations (Midterm and Final Examinations, Proctored Examinations, Proctored Assessments, or similar)*
Students are required to be present for all examinations. If the student must miss an examination due to a compelling reason**,
the student must complete and submit the Examination Date Change Request form with the required supporting documentation
for the event to the faculty member for that course. The documentation must be submitted at least three (3) weeks in advance of
the examination. The faculty member will review and sign the request before submitting the documentation to the Dean, Director,
8 of 21
or designee for approval or denial of the request. The documentation must be submitted at the time of the request, and the
decision based on the original request is final.
Extenuating Circumstances
An extenuating circumstance is defined as an absence that is due to an unforeseeable circumstance and not a compelling reason
or scheduled event. The student must notify the faculty member of the course within 48 hours before or after the date and time
of the examination. The Dean, Director, or designee will make a determination regarding student eligibility to take an alternate
form of make-up examination. If the student is able to demonstrate extenuating circumstances (such as the inclusion of
healthcare provider documentation, a copy of obituary notice or death certificate, or a copy of police report for automobile
accidents), the Dean, Director, or designee may permit an alternate form of a make-up examination. The student may earn up to
100% on this make-up examination based on the review of the supporting documentation of the extenuating circumstances.
The make-up examination must be taken within five (5) business days of the initial examination administration or before the
date of the next class.
The make-up examination may not be the same examination but may be an alternative format such as an essay examination.
The student must take the make-up examination in a proctored environment.
If the student is not able to provide acceptable documentation for either a compelling reason or an extenuating circumstance,
the maximum score that the student may earn on the examination is 76%.
Students who do not take the examination on the scheduled make-up date or who do not contact the instructor within 48
hours of missing the examination will receive a zero score for the examination.
One form is required for each request. Any future make-up requests require a new form.
Receiving the maximum amount of points on a make-up examination will be considered only for students who provide
documentation of a compelling reason** for missing the examination or if an extenuating circumstance occurs and is
supported by documentation. This does not apply for students who miss their regularly scheduled examinations due to
student choice or error (e.g., oversleeping). The final determination for approval of a make-up examination is at the discretion
of the Academic Dean, Director, or designee.
*Course curriculum varies from course to course. Not all courses have quizzes, tests, or examinations. It is your responsibility to
review each syllabus for assignment criteria.
** A compelling reason is defined as planned events or discretionary participation in activities such as weddings or required
travel.
No work is accepted after the last scheduled class (on ground) or the last day of class
(online).
Minimum Passing Grade
The minimum passing grade in the core nursing program is a C+.
"P" or "NP" are the grades issued for all nursing clinicals, Global Studies/Symposium, and capstone courses (e.g., NURS 497 and
NURS 493)
Clinical Policies
Clinical courses have specific requirements. In addition to the requirements listed here, please review your Student Handbook and
the grading criteria in each syllabus for detailed clinical requirements.
Preparation and Evaluation
Clinical performance will be evaluated at the end of the term using the clinical evaluation tool.The clinical evaluation is kept
as a permanent record in the student file.
Evaluation of simulation performance will be based on the Simulation Learner Outcomes form and the Clinical Evaluation
Tool.
Preparation for clinical and simulation is required for all class days. Because each clinical setting has different requirements
and options for acute care, outpatient, and community experiences, clinical faculty will direct the students as to the
appropriate preparation. Course expectations include attendance and experiential learning.
9 of 21
Attendance in class lectures and clinical experiences including hospital and community rotations, simulation, and skills
laboratory is mandatory. Failure to attend, arriving late, or leaving early will impact the ability of the student to achieve course
objectives. Please see your Student Handbook for full clinical attendance policies.
In the clinical and simulation settings, students are expected to wear clean and pressed school uniforms, clean white shoes,
watches with a second hand, school ID badges, and whatever other identification the facilities require.
In community experience settings, students are expected to wear the community oxford shirt with blue blazer and blue pants.
Do not wear sandals, or backless or high-heeled shoes. Do not wear jewelry, dangling earrings, or necklaces. Do not wear
heavy perfumes or cologne. Do not wear scarves, ties, thick necklaces, or lanyards.
Worksheets, Checklists and Templates
Worksheets and templates for clinicals can be downloaded from the Canvas course.
Skills checklists should be carried by the student in skills lab. The information in the checklist is verification that skills have
been met. It is your responsibility to keep the checklist safe in order to verify you have met all clinical requirements.
Medication Math
Medication math exams are ATI Dosage Calculation Proctored Assessments in NURS 121L, 210L, 211L, 223L, 316L, 317L,
and 481L (not created by individual faculty members) and are administered through ATI in a proctored setting. Please see
the individual course syllabus for grading criteria.
Students may not administer medication in the clinical setting until after passing the course medication math exam.
Students will be given a total of 3 attempts to pass each course medication math competency exam. Students must attend
math workshop(s) and/or tutor with an instructor, and use the math resources assigned prior to second or third attempts.
Documented remediation must be presented prior to these exams. Second and third attempts will be scheduled outside of
class time. Subsequent attempts will not be given any sooner than 3 calendar days after the previous attempt.
In NURS 101L, students will be given 1 attempt to pass medication math competency exam.
Failure of the third medication math exam constitutes a failure in the clinical course for that term. In this case, the student
must also withdraw from the corresponding theory course as the clinical and theory are corequisites and must be taken and
passed together. The student may not progress in the program until the clinical course is successfully passed.
See the RN Student Handbook (https://westcoastuniversity.edu/student-affairs/student-services.html) for additional clinical
course guidelines.
Sigma Theta Tau Nurse Manager Certificate
Sigma Theta Tau Nurse Manager Certificate modules are to be completed following the ATI/STT instructions found in your
courses. You must spend a minimum of 70 hours and score 80% or above to pass and receive credit. You must submit proof of
completion and the grade to the course instructor in order to receive credit for the Nurse Manager Certificate as part of the NURS
497 portfolio.
The Nurse Manager Certificate is a requirement for the program.
 Course Outline
The Course Outline below serves as a course roadmap, displaying the topics and activities intended to be covered each week. This
schedule is subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.
Objectives reflect the teaching activities that, if engaged in, are intended to lead to specific, measurable student learning
outcomes.
Course Activities and Assignments outline the teaching strategies used and the assessment requirements that students are to
fulfill throughout the duration of the course. Instructional activities will be held in Week 10.
*Refer to the assignment rubrics in your course for specific grading criteria, if applicable.
Week
Topic
Objectives
Activities & Assignments
10 of 21
Week
Topic
Week 1
(Skills
Lab: 10
hours)
Infection Control;
Vital Signs; Pain
Management;
Oxygenation; Body
Mechanics; Safety;
Patient Hygiene
Objectives
Activities & Assignments
1. Demonstrate evidence-based nursing Reading
practice as it applies to
Taylor, C., Lynn, P., and Bartlett, J.
environmental safety and infection
Ch. 24 Asepsis and Infection Control
control.
Ch. 25 Vital Signs
2. Differentiate between standard
Ch. 27 Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness
precautions and isolation
Ch. 31 Hygiene
precautions.
Ch. 35 Comfort and Pain Management
3. Discuss isolation precautions and
Ch. 39 Oxygenation and Perfusion
identify when they are needed.
4. Compare and contrast use of clean
Content Outline
gloves and sterile gloves.
5. Adhere to infection control standards
Review course syllabus orientation to Skills Lab
during hygiene.
Receive clinical skills bag and create clinical folder
6. Adhere to infection control standards
Infection control, Hand hygiene PPE
during bathing.
QSEN environmental safety: Initial patient survey (LOC, respiratory
7. Discuss assessment as it relates to
status, signs of distress);
the nursing process.
Vital Signs. Pain management. Focused pain
8. Demonstrate patient assessment
assessment. Massage/comfort
techniques as they apply to vital
Measures proper body mechanics. Positioning and transferring
signs and pain assessments.
Administering oxygen using nasal canula, mask with humidifier, BVM.
9. Discuss pain management
Teaching a patient to perform incentive spirometry. percussion and
strategies.
vibration with proper patient positioning. therapeutic communication
10. Apply legal principles,
for patients needing suctioning, oro/nasopharyngeal suctioning. Placing
communication skills, and computer
an oral airway
skills to nursing documentation of
Therapeutic communication for patients with respiratory alterations
vital signs and pain management.
using a communication board.
11. Discuss elements of an oxygen order
Bed making (occupied and unoccupied)
and indications for different modes
Bathing and hygiene (perineal, oral, denture, hair, and nail care)
of delivery.
12. Demonstrate oxygen administration. Specific Course Activities
13. Demonstrate placement of an oral
Practice hand hygiene, donning and removing PPE (including sterile
airway.
gloves).
14. Discuss indications for
Practice conducting a pain assessment and documenting findings.
oro/nasopharyngeal suctioning, and
Discuss nonpharmacologic interventions and comfort measures for a
tracheostomy suctioning.
patient in pain and practice their application.
15. Discuss the impact of respiratory
Discuss Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pump
alterations on comfort,
Role-play therapeutic communication for a patient in pain. Practice
communication abilities, and
positioning a patient in bed.
psychosocial well-being and
Practice transferring a patient from bed to: chair, wheelchair, gurney.
strategies to support the patient.
Review Oxygenation Respiratory devices:
16. Discuss the role of a respiratory
NC, Simple Mask, NRB, VM, High Flow NC, Bipap vs. CPAP,
therapist.
ventilator, BVM, Tracheostomy, in-line suctioning
17. Demonstrate evidence-based nursing
Airway management, suctioning
practice as it applies to proper body
Making an occupied and unoccupied bed. Positioning a patient in bed
mechanics while moving patients.
during a bed bath. Providing personal care.
Use correct technique to position
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
patients (padding bony prominences
when needed).
Maintain safety when moving and
Assignments
position patients.
Demonstrate a bed bath
ATI Skills Modules
Demonstrate care of assistive
Infection control
devices such as hearing aids,
Pain management
dentures, and eyeglasses.
Vital signs
Discuss respect for patient
Personal Hygiene
privacy/modesty during, bed making,
Airway Management
bed bath, and hygiene.
Oxygen Therapy
Maintain safety when moving and
Skills Competency Validations
positioning patients.
Vital signs and pain management
Discuss seizure precautions
11 of 21
Week
Week 2
(Skills
Lab: 10
hours)
History
Topic Taking;
Physical
Assessment;
Wound Care;
Sterile Technique;
Mobility;
Restraints
Specimen
Collection
1. Discuss the difference between a
Objectives
shift assessment and an admission
history and physical.
2. Demonstrate evidence-based nursing
practice as it applies to the head-totoe assessment.
3. Discuss actual & potential problem
recognition through a history &
physical assessment as it relates to
nursing process - diagnosis,
planning.
4. Demonstrate ISBAR reporting of
abnormal assessment findings.
5. Apply legal principles,
communication skills, and computer
skills to nursing documentation of a
patient’s history and physical
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
assessment, shift assessment form,
interventions, fall risk screen, and
skin risk screen, and restraint form.
Differentiate between a routine
cardiorespiratory assessment and a
focused cardiorespiratory
assessment (heart and lung sounds,
VS, pulse oximetry, sputum, skin
color and temperature, and LOC).
Identify cardiorespiratory
abnormalities and their significance.
Discuss factors that put a patient at
risk for alterations in
cardiorespiratory status and
prevention measures (TCDBLE,
percussion/vibration, mobility, fluids,
IS, sterile technique with suctioning).
Discuss factors that put a patient at
risk for developing skin breakdown
Demonstrate a skin risk screen.
Differentiate between a routine skin
assessment and a focused skin
assessment.
12. Demonstrate a focused skin
assessment.
13. Identify abnormalities & their
significance, signs of infection,
stages of pressure ulcers.
14. Review elements of a wound care
order.
15. Demonstrate aseptic and sterile
wound care techniques.
16. Apply teaching learning principles
during patient education related to
skin and wound care.
17. Discuss the role of a WOCN.
18. Demonstrate specimen collection
(stool, clean catch urine, wound, and
sputum).
19. Discuss the implications of errors
related to specimen collection and
measures to prevent them.
Accurately label the specimen at the
bedside.
20. Apply teaching learning principles
Reading
Activities & Assignments
Taylor, C., Lynn, P., and Bartlett, J.
26 Health Assessment
32 Skin Integrity and Wound Care
33 Activity
34 Rest and Sleep
44 Sensory Functioning
Content Outline
History taking
Head-to-toe assessment (maintaining patient privacy/modesty)
Skin care: Focused skin assessment and pressure ulcer staging
Skin/Wound care: Heat and cold therapy; sterile dressing change
Specimen collection
Specific Course Activities
Assessments, documenting findings, and ISBAR reporting. therapeutic
communication during assessments.
Conducting a skin risk screen and a focused skin assessment and
documenting findings in interdisciplinary notes.
Aseptic and sterile wound care and documenting.
Teaching related to skin and wound care and documenting.
Assisting with range of motion exercises and ambulation. conducting a
fall risk screen and documenting findings. using assistive devices (e.g.,
crutches, gait belt).
Applying restraints.
Therapeutic communication during restraint use. documenting about
restraints.
Collecting and labeling specimens.
Expectorated sputum
Clean catch urine
24-hour urine collection
Stool
Wound
Clean catch urine specimen
Expectorated sputum
Assignments
ATI Skills Modules
Comprehensive physical assessment of an adult
Mobility
Specimen Collection
Wound Care
12 of 21
Week
Topic
during patient education for
Objectives
specimen collection and
cardiorespiratory management.
21. Maintain safety when assisting
Activities & Assignments
patients with
22. Use assistive devices correctly (e.g.,
cane, crutches, walker, )
23. Discuss the roles of physical
therapist and occupational therapist
24. Discuss indications for and ethics
and legalities related to restraint.
25. Discuss alternatives to restraint.
26. Review elements of a restraint order.
27. Maintain safety during restraint use.
28. Discuss physical and psychosocial
considerations during restraint use.
29. Demonstrate therapeutic
communication during restraint.
30. Discuss how the nursing process
(AAPIE) is applied during restraint
use, skin care, and respiratory
alteration.
13 of 21
Week
Topic
Week 3
(Skills
Lab: 10
hours)
Nutrition; Oral
Feedings; NGT/GT;
Bladder and Bowel
Elimination
Objectives
1. Differentiate between a nutritionist
and a registered dietitian.
2. Discuss the significance of diet
preferences, intolerances, and food
allergies.
3. Measure weight and height and
calculate BSA.
4. Discuss aspiration precautions.
5. Demonstrate feeding a patient.
6. Calculate and document patient
intake and output
7. Demonstrate safe NGT insertion and
verification of placement.
8. Discuss elements of an NGT feeding
order.
Activities & Assignments
Reading
Taylor, C., Lynn, P., and Bartlett, J.
36 Nutrition
37 Urinary Elimination
38 Bowel Elimination
Content Outline
Therapeutic communication
Nutrition
Oral feedings
Aspiration precautions
Nasogastric tube
Enteral suction and feedings
Gastric tube
Nursing process and care planning
9. Demonstrate NGT residual checks,
lavage, intermittent feeding, and
continuous feeding.
Specific Course Activities
10. Discuss elements of an NGT
Practice measuring weight and height and calculating BSA.
medication order.
Practice feeding a patient.
11. Demonstrate taking an NGT
Role-play therapeutic communication for a patient in need.
medication order over the phone.
Practice inserting and NGT
12. Demonstrate gastric tube care.
Verifying placement
13. Apply teaching learning principles
Initiating NGT suction (intermittent and continuous)
during patient education related to
Initiating NGT feedings (intermittent and continuous)
diet and gastric or nasogastric
Checking residuals, flushing, and lavage
tubes.
Calculating patient intake
14. Apply legal principles,
Practice gastric tube care.
communication skills, and computer
Practice teaching related to diet and GTs and document teaching in the
skills to nursing documentation
interdisciplinary notes.
about diets and gastric or
Practice care planning.
nasogastric tubes.
Practice medication math and NGT.
15. Discuss how the nursing process
(assessment, intervention, and
evaluation) is applied for the patient
with a gastric or nasogastric tube.
Assignments
16. Administering an enema
17. Adhere to infection control standards
ATI Skills Modules
during toileting.
Bowel elimination
18. Discuss respect for patient
Enteral tube feeding
privacy/modesty during toileting.
Nasogastric Tube
Discuss the role of UAP.
Nutrition
19. Comply with body mechanics and
Pre-Validation Activities
safety principals when assisting with
Sterile Technique
toileting.
Wound Dressing Change
20. Discuss the physician’s orders as
Nasogastric Tube Insertion (to be completed during Week 3 class)
they relate to enemas.
Skills Competency Validations
21. Correctly administer an enema and
NGT management
document administration.
Wound care
Week 4
(Skills
Lab: 10
hours)
Medication Math;
Medication
Administration and
Safety; Medication
Reconciliation; IV
Care
1. Demonstrate therapeutic
communication during medication
administration.
2. Review elements of a medication
order.
3. Discuss medication errors and
strategies to prevent them.
4. Demonstrate taking a medication
order over the phone.
5. Review the elements of medication
Reading
Taylor, C., Lynn, P., and Bartlett, J.
Ch. 29 Medications
Content Outline
Medication administration
Medication math practice
Administration Routes:
14 of 21
Week
Topic
orders (one time, routine, PRN, stat,
Objectives
sliding scale).
6. Discuss the 11 rights of medication
administration.
7. Correctly perform medication
calculations.
8. Use information in the drug guide to
safely administer oral, NGT/GT,
sublingual, inhalation, nasal, otic,
ophthalmic, transdermal/topical,
vaginal, rectal, intradermal,
subcutaneous, and intramuscular
medications.
9. Discuss the discarding of
medications, controlled substances,
and needle safety
10. Apply teaching learning principles
during patient education related to
medication administration.
11. Apply legal principles,
communication skills, and computer
skills to nursing documentation of
12.
13.
14.
15.
medication administration on the
MAR and narcotics forms.
Discuss how nursing process
(assessment, intervention, and
evaluation) is applied during
medication administration.
Correctly perform medication
calculations.
Discuss purpose of medication
reconciliation upon admission
Discuss topics regarding IV site care,
signs and symptoms of IV infiltration
Oral
Activities & Assignments
NGT/GT
Sublingual
Inhalation
Nasal
Otic
Ophthalmic
Topical/transdermal
Vaginal
Rectal
Intradermal
Subcutaneous
Intramuscular
Specific Course Activities
Practice medication math using dimensional analysis
Practice taking a medication telephone order.
Practice looking up medications in the drug guide including indications,
purpose, mechanism of action, side effects, nursing
considerations/contraindications and administration guidelines.
Practice preparing medications using a variety of equipment including
pill, pill splitter, mortar and pestle or crusher, enteric coated pill,
capsule, sublingual, ODT, lozenge, oral spray, oral syringe, inhalers,
spacers, hand held nebulizers, nasal sprays, eye and ear drops, topical
ointments, creams, patches, vaginal and rectal suppositories, ID, Subq,
IM needles and syringes, ampules, powder and liquid vials, and
carpujects.
Practice safely administering medications using the 11 rights &
checking them 3 times.
Practice various routes of medication administration.
Practice documenting medication administration on the MAR including
routine, one time/STAT, PRN, late, held, and discontinued.
Practice administering and documenting oral and IM narcotics.
Practice mixing Regular insulin with NPH insulin.
Practice administering coumadin, heparin, and insulin based on sliding
scale orders.
Practice patient teaching related to medication administration and
documenting teaching in the interdisciplinary notes.
Medication Reconciliation
IV Site Care, signs and symptoms of infiltration
Assignments
ATI Skills Modules
Concepts of Medication Administration
Oral and Topical Med Administration
Injectable Medication Administration
ATI Dosage Calculation and Safe Medication Administration Module
Medication administration
Safe dosage
Injectable medications
Powdered medications
Oral medications
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy
Introduction to Pharmacology
Pre-Validation Activities
Medication Administration
Skills Competency Validation
Medication Administration
15 of 21
Week
Topic
Week 5
Clinical
(Clinical: Orientation;
10
Competency
hours)
Validations and
Skills Checkoffs;
Medication Math
Exam
Objectives
1. Become familiar with the healthcare
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Week 6
(Clinical:
10
hours)
Clinical Practice,
Competency
Validations and
Skills Check-Offs
setting and team.
Adhere to infection control
standards.
Adhere to safety standards.
Adhere to HIPAA guidelines.
Demonstrate therapeutic and
professional communication (verbal
and nonverbal) during patient care.
Demonstrate correct use of ISBAR.
Perform assessments and complete
patient profile database form
Validation of physical assessment
Provide comfort measures.
Assist patients with hygiene.
Assist patients with
transfer/mobility.
Assist patients with nutrition and
eating.
Demonstrate knowledge of the
nursing process by completing
Nursing Process Worksheet
1. Adhere to infection control
standards.
2. Adhere to safety standards.
3. Adhere to HIPAA guidelines.
4. Demonstrate therapeutic and
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
professional communication (verbal
and nonverbal) during patient care.
Demonstrate correct use of ISBAR.
Perform assessments and complete
patient profile database form
Validation of physical assessment
Provide comfort measures.
Assist patients with hygiene.
Assist patients with
transfer/mobility.
Assist patients with nutrition and
eating.
Demonstrate knowledge of the
nursing process by completing
Nursing Process Worksheet
Activities & Assignments
Specific Course Activities
Practice skills learned in Weeks 1-4
Medication Math exam
Discuss how to complete nursing process worksheet
Discuss how to complete patient profile database form
Assignments
ATI Modules
Preparing for Clinical Experience
Pre-Validation Activity
Physical Assessment
Skills Competency Validation
Physical Assessment - each student will validate once during
Weeks 5-8
Patient Profile Database Form
Choose one patient to complete form during clinicals
Nursing Process Worksheet
Choose one patient to complete worksheet during clinicals
Medication Math Exam
Complete on campus prior to clinical rotation
Midterm Clinical Evaluation
Specific Course Activities
Practice skills learned in Weeks 1-4
Complete nursing process worksheet
Complete patient profile database form
Assignments
Patient Profile Database Form
Choose one patient to complete form during clinicals
Nursing Process Worksheet
Choose one patient to complete worksheet during clinicals
Skills Competency Validation
Physical Assessment - each student will validate once during
Weeks 5-8
16 of 21
Week
Topic
Week 7
(Clinical:
10
hours)
Clinical Practice;
Competency
Validations and
Skills Checkoffs
Objectives
1. Adhere to infection control
standards.
2. Adhere to safety standards.
3. Adhere to HIPAA guidelines.
4. Demonstrate therapeutic and
professional communication (verbal
and nonverbal) during patient care.
5. Demonstrate correct use of ISBAR.
6. Perform assessments and complete
patient profile database form
7.
8.
9.
10.
Validation of physical assessment
Provide comfort measures.
Assist patients with hygiene.
Assist patients with
transfer/mobility.
11. Assist patients with nutrition and
eating.
12. Demonstrate knowledge of the
nursing process by completing
Nursing Process Worksheet.
Week 8 Clinical Practice;
(Clinical: Competency
10
hours)
Week 9
(Skills
Lab: 10
hours)
Validations and
Skills Checkoffs
End of Life Care;
Stages of Grief;
Post-Mortem Care;
Review skills
1. Adhere to infection control
standards.
2. Adhere to safety standards.
3. Adhere to HIPAA guidelines.
4. Demonstrate therapeutic and
professional communication (verbal
and nonverbal) during patient care.
5. Demonstrate correct use of ISBAR.
6. Perform assessments and complete
patient profile database form
7. Validation of physical assessment
8. Provide comfort measures.
9. Assist patients with hygiene.
10. Assist patients with
transfer/mobility.
11. Assist patients with nutrition and
eating.
12. Demonstrate knowledge of the
nursing process by completing
Nursing Process Worksheet
1. Discuss patient and family
considerations related to end of life.
2. Describe the nurse’s role in end-oflife care.
3. Demonstrate therapeutic
communication during end-of-life
situations.
4. Discuss the Stages of Grief (KublerRoss)
5. Discuss the role of a social worker.
6. Discuss the role of hospice nurse.
7. Identify the "Code Status" of a
patient.
8. Demonstrate postmortem care
Activities & Assignments
Specific Course Activities
Practice skills learned in Weeks 1-4
Complete nursing process worksheet
Complete patient profile database form
Assignments
Patient Profile Database Form
Choose one patient to complete form during clinicals
Nursing Process Worksheet
Choose one patient to complete worksheet during clinicals
Skills Competency Validation
Physical Assessment - each student will validate once during
Weeks 5-8
Specific Course Activities
Practice skills learned in Weeks 1-4
Complete nursing process worksheet
Complete patient profile database form
Assignments
Patient Profile Database Form
Choose one patient to complete form during clinicals
Nursing Process Worksheet
Choose one patient to complete worksheet during clinicals
Skills Competency Validation
Physical Assessment - each student will validate once during
Weeks 5-8
Reading
Taylor, Lynn, Bartlett
Ch. 43 Loss, Grief, and Dying
Specific Course Activities
End-of-Life Care
Postmortem Care
Patient- and family-centered therapeutic communication during end-oflife situations.
Review skills learned in Weeks 1-4
Assignments
Final Clinical Evaluation
17 of 21
Week
Topic
Objectives
Week 10
Activities & Assignments
Will not meet with clinical instructor
Theory faculty will provide the instructional activity for this week
 Institutional Policies
University Mission
At West Coast University, we embrace a student-centric learning partnership that leads to professional success. We deliver
transformational education within a culture of integrity and personal accountability. We design market-responsive programs through
collaboration between faculty and industry professionals. We continuously pursue more effective and innovative ways through which
students develop the competencies and confidence required in a complex and changing world.
Institutional Learning Outcomes
Institutional learning outcomes are designed by the University as a whole, taking into account the role that both instruction and
student services play in contributing to a student's success. Institutional learning outcomes assume achievement of the stated
programmatic learning outcomes of one's discipline. Upon graduating from a degree program offered by West Coast University,
students will be able to:
1. Implement intellectual and practical problem solving skills through information assessment and critical thinking.
2. Demonstrate effective written communication skills.
3. Demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
4. Demonstrate computer proficiency and information literacy.
5. Describe ethical standards and legal guidelines associated with one’s chosen career field.
6. Explain why knowledge of and respect for the societal contributions of diverse cultures and perspectives is an important quality
in one’s discipline.
7. Apply professional values and ethics, knowledge of roles and responsibilities, and effective communication skills as a
contributing member of a cohesive interprofessional team.
Academic Integrity and Dishonesty
Students should review the Academic Dishonesty Policy in the University Student Handbook.
(https://westcoastuniversity.edu/current-students/student-handbooks) Students are expected to approach their academic endeavors
with the highest academic integrity. They must cite sources and submit original work. Academic honesty is central to the
institution/student partnership toward student success. Students are accountable for adhering to the Academic Integrity and
Academic Dishonesty policies in the University Student Handbook. (https://westcoastuniversity.edu/current-students/studenthandbooks)
Attendance Policy
West Coast University has a clear requirement for students to attend courses. Students should review the Attendance Policy in the
University Catalog. (https://westcoastuniversity.smartcatalogiq.com/current/West-Coast-University-Catalog/Academic-Policies-andProcedures/Attendance-Policy)
Reasonable Accommodations
West Coast University strives to provide reasonable accommodations to students who have a defined need and who follow the
appropriate steps toward seeking the accommodation. The Reasonable Accommodations Policy is found in the University Catalog
(https://westcoastuniversity.smartcatalogiq.com/current/West-Coast-University-Catalog) and the Student Handbook.
(https://westcoastuniversity.edu/current-students/student-handbooks)
Classroom Policies
18 of 21
Students are expected to dress professionally during class time as required by the Code of Conduct in the Catalog and any rules in
your programmatic handbook. No children are allowed in classes or to be unattended on campus. Use of cell phones, smart phones, or
any other electronic devices in the classroom during class time is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized use may lead to faculty member
confiscation of the device for the remainder of the class. Behavior that persistently or grossly interferes with classroom activities is
considered disruptive behavior and may be subject to disciplinary action. A student responsible for disruptive behavior may be
required to leave the class.
Viewing Grades
Points received for graded activities are posted to your course in the Learning Management System. To review scores and grades,
navigate to your course in Canvas and then select Grades from the course menu. Your grades for assignments, quizzes/exams, and
discussions will be posted three to four days after submission of the assignment and final grades will be available three to four days
after the class completes. Your program may specify different timelines for sharing grades.
Grade Rounding
At West Coast University, scores are not rounded to the whole number until the end of the term. All student assignments, quizzes, and
examinations will be rounded to the first decimal point. At the end of the terms, final course grades will be rounded to the nearest
whole point. For programs that use the exam average to determine whether other course assignments are included in the final scoring
(e.g., Nursing), the end-of-term exam average may be rounded (using the above rules) to make that determination.
WCU Quiz, Test, and Exam Policies
Quiz, test, and exam policies vary by course objectives and programmatic expectations. Some quizzes, tests, and exams utilize a
timed approach, password verification, authentication process, proctoring protocols, and academic integrity software. Students must
follow the policies as outlined in the syllabus and in accordance with the university, program, and any third-party company (i.e., ATI®)
policies. Refer to the Code of Conduct and Academic Honor Code found in the University Student Handbook. Reference the Late and
Make-Up Work policy for specifics regarding missed quizzes, tests, and exams.
Late and Make-Up Work Policy
All students are expected to submit evidence of learning as established by the academic program, which is outlined in the course
syllabus. Students are required to meet the course objectives by submitting coursework no later than the assigned due date. In order
to demonstrate achievement of the course learning outcomes, students may be allowed to submit late work. Specifics regarding late
work are listed in the program and/or course section of the course syllabus. If a student submits late coursework, the instructor, at her
or his discretion, may deny acceptance of the assignment or award partial to full credit in alignment with the program policies.
Technological issues are not an excuse for late submissions unless the problem stems from university equipment, Canvas outages, or
third-party content providers.
Missed Quizzes, Tests, and Exams
All quizzes, tests, and exams must be completed by the date they are assigned. If a quiz, test, or exam is missed due to a documented
emergency situation (e.g., death in the immediate family), it is the student's responsibility to contact the faculty member within 48
hours of the original due date and follow the program policies for missed work. Students who do not make up the quiz, test, or
assessment as scheduled or who do not contact the instructor within 48 hours will receive a zero score for that assessment.
Final Week of Term/Semester/Trimester
Quizzes, tests, and exams must be completed and assignments must be submitted no later than the last scheduled day of class
during the final week of the term/semester/trimester. In the final week, some courses will have an alternative class meeting day, time,
and room, or submission deadline. Specifics regarding the final week are listed in the course syllabus. Refer to the University
Attendance Policy for maximum absences and other details.
Technology
West Coast University utilizes the Canvas Learning Management System. Technical support for Canvas is offered 24 hours per day, 7
days per week. There are minimum system requirements to access not only Canvas but also any resources that may be posted in
Canvas or utilized in a course. Please refer to the University Student Handbook. (https://westcoastuniversity.edu/currentstudents/student-handbooks) for minimum technical requirements. For tech support options, please click on the Help link located on
the left menu navigation. Canvas can be accessed here: https://canvas.westcoastuniversity.edu
(https://canvas.westcoastuniversity.edu)
Library Information
You can access the library through the Help link located on the left menu navigation in Canvas by clicking on the WCU Resources, or
19 of 21
here: https://westcoastuniversity.edu/academics/library-resources.html (https://westcoastuniversity.edu/academics/libraryresources.html)
Course Related Policies
West Coast University has specific course related policies for overload, auditing, repeats, courses passed but not successfully
completed, add/drop and withdrawal. Please see the University Catalog
(https://westcoastuniversity.smartcatalogiq.com/current/West-Coast-University-Catalog) for course related policies.
Diversity Equity and Inclusion
West Coast University is committed to actively pursuing an environment of inclusiveness for all students, faculty, and staff from
diverse backgrounds. We value diversity defined by, but not limited to, ethnicity, culture, gender, socioeconomic class, religion,
nationality, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, learning styles, and political perspectives.
The University believes that its mission and core values are strengthened by an environment that encourages diverse perspectives
and the free exchange of ideas in an unbiased and non-prejudicial way. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help
them thrive in a culturally diverse world.
Course Delivery Modalities
West Coast University offers courses in several delivery modalities: face-to-face web enhanced, blended, and online (asynchronous,
synchronous).
Face-to-face web enhanced course is delivered entirely on campus or at a learning site (e.g., clinical, practicum, externship,
internship) and uses the institution’s Learning Management System.
Blended course is delivered with a portion that is face-to-face on campus or at a learning site (e.g., clinical, practicum, externship,
internship) and a portion that is online (asynchronous or synchronous or both) through the institution’s Learning Management
System.
Online course
Online course, synchronous course* is delivered by faculty to students using online lessons and resources in real time with
live online instruction and uses the institution's Learning Management system.
Online course, asynchronous* is delivered by faculty to students using online lessons and resources, but without live online
instruction and uses the institution's Learning Management System.
*Online courses are 100% asynchronous, 100% synchronous, or a combination of both. See course syllabus for details.
Student Responsibilities and Expectations for 100% Online Asynchronous Courses
1. Class Week: A "class week" for 100% online asynchronous learning courses starts on a Monday and ends on the following Sunday
at 11:59 PM PST.
2. Location: Online asynchronous courses are located in the Canvas learning management system. All course content and learning
resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each activity has a time frame which is listed in the course. To access
the course, login to Canvas (https://canvas.westcoastuniversity.edu) using your West Coast University username and password.
For help with Canvas, contact the Canvas 24/7 Technical Support team at 877-251-6441. Please see the WCU Student Handbook
(https://westcoastuniversity.edu/current-students/student-handbooks) for the required equipment including hardware and
software.
3. Course Structure: Online asynchronous courses are conducted in a fully asynchronous format (without live instruction). Students
are not required to be on campus for any portion of a 100% online asynchronous course. Online asynchronous courses are
engaging and enriched and include but are not limited to video content, simulations, adaptive quizzing, and self-guided and
faculty created learning resources. Courses are intuitive to navigate and timely access to faculty, peers, Student Affairs, and
Technical Support is available through a hotline, live chat, email, and links to academic resources and academic support
associates.
4. Complete Assignments: All assignments in a 100% online asynchronous course must be submitted electronically through the
Canvas learning management system unless otherwise instructed by the faculty. Please see the Evaluation section of the syllabus
for more details.
5. Grading and Attendance: 100% online asynchronous courses require Academically Related Activities (ARAs). When the course
includes participation in a discussion board, please see the rubric for grading criteria and the Course and Program Specific
Policies section of the syllabus for more details. Points received for graded activities are posted in the Canvas Gradebook. Points
are typically posted 3-4 days after submission of assignments or assessments. No late submission of assignments or
assessments are accepted after the academic term ends. Final course grades are typically available 3-4 days after the end of the
20 of 21
term. Please see the University Catalog (https://westcoastuniversity.smartcatalogiq.com/current/West-Coast-University-Catalog)
for the University attendance policy for 100% online asynchronous courses.
6. Netiquette: Interactions through written discussions and blogs, peer critique, sharing of memes, videos, and academic debate are
appropriate exercises for students to reach a higher understanding of theories, content, and variables impacting professional
decision making. While these experiences may similar to interactions students engage in on social media, it is important to
maintain academic composure and etiquette. Students are expected to maintain the highest level of netiquette in all interactions
with faculty and peers online. Online safety is important. Before commenting or posting, consider:
Would I say this to the person if we were face-to-face? If the answer is no, rewrite your reply considering your peer’s feelings,
social norms, and cultural/personal identity.
Using standard capitalization can be considered by some that all CAPS IS THE SAME AS YELLING.
Respect the privacy of others.
Delay writing during instances if you are angry, emotional, or frustrated.
Write in a professional, academic manner that does not overuse abbreviations, TXT language, and emoji’s.
Cite fully the work of others. Academic integrity is valued and expected.
Report instance of cyberbullying and inappropriate netiquette privately via email to the instructor.
Follow the “Golden Rule,” do unto others….
7. Build Rapport: If a student is having trouble keeping up with assignments or other aspects of the 100% online asynchronous
course, contact the faculty as soon as possible. Building rapport and effective relationships is key to becoming an effective
professional. Make sure to be proactive in informing the faculty when difficulties arise during the course, so that the faculty can
assist in finding a solution and providing academic support.
8. Student Services and Resources: Student services and resources are available to all students. Please see the WCU Student
Handbook (https://westcoastuniversity.edu/current-students/student-handbooks) for details. Students taking 100% online
asynchronous courses are provided comprehensive support through numerous self-guided experiences. These online
experiences provide an orientation to online learning, guide students through an overview of the Canvas learning management
system and course tour, and access to helpful mobile applications. In addition to access to technology support, online resources
provide students access to library services, electronic textbooks, research and writing help, study tools, and student success tips
to master life skills necessary for student success.
21 of 21