Course Syllabus
VNSG 1304- Foundations of Nursing
Revision Date: January 2016
Catalog Description: Introduction to the nursing professional including history, standards of
practice, legal and ethical issues, and role of the vocational nurse. Topics include mental health,
therapeutic communication, cultural and spiritual diversity, nursing process, and holistic
awareness.
Lecture hours = 3, Lab hours = 0
Prerequisites: NURA
1301 or equivalent, BIOL 2404
Semester Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours per Week: 3
Lab Hours per Week: 0
Contact Hours per Semester: 48
State Approval Code: 51.3901
Instructional Goals and Purposes:
The purpose of this course to assist the student to make the
professional and personal adjustments necessary to become a vocational nurse.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify roles and legal ethical and professional responsibilities of a vocational nurse as a
member of the health care team in a variety of health care settings.
2. Identify characteristics of a therapeutic nurse/patient relationship.
3. Examine positive nurse/patient mental health practices emphasizing cultural and spiritual
diversity
4. Relate the history of nursing to the present day
Describe the components of the nursing process.
Specific Course Objectives (includes SCANS):
After studying all materials and resources presented in the course, the student will be able to:
MEMBER OF PROFESSION
1. Function within the nurse’s legal scope of practice and in accordance with the
policy and procedures of the employing health care institution or practice setting.
DEC #I A,B
PO# 1,2
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a) Discuss the nursing scope of practice in relation to Texas Nursing Practice
Act, including Safe Harbor, “Whistleblower” protection, delegated medical
acts, facility policies and procedures, as well as national standards and
guidelines from professional organizations.
b) Discuss federal, state, or local laws, rules, and regulations affecting
nursing practice, including nurse’s code of ethics.
2. Discuss the historical evolution and practice of vocational nursing as well as the DEC #IA,B,C
PO#1,2
issues affecting the nurse role and the delivery of culturally-sensitive care to
patients and their families.
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3. Demonstrate responsibility for continued competence in nursing practice, and
develop insight through reflection, self-evaluation, self-care, feedback, and lifelong
learning.
DEC #IA,B,CD
PO#1,2
{SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
PROVIDER OF PATIENT CENTERED CARE
4. Discuss the use of a care plan using a case scenario including assessment, planning, DEC #II A,C
PO#3,4,5,6,7
implementation and evaluation.
SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
a) Recognize the elements of a comprehensive assessment, data collection tools,
proper documentation, and components of the interview.
5. Demonstrate clinical reasoning to provide safe care to ethnically, spiritually, and
socially diverse patients.
DEC #IIA,B,C,D
PO#3,4,5,6,7
DEC #II A,D
PO#3,4,5,6,7
SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
6. Discuss criteria for setting priorities in planning and evaluation of care as well as
DEC
#IIA,B,C,D,E,F
PO#3,4,5,6,7
2
anticipating patient response to nursing interventions.
a) Differentiate between task or duties that can and cannot be delegated and how
and to whom they can be delegated.
SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
7. Discuss the implementation of infection control measures within various settings.
DEC #IIA,B,C,D
PO#3,4,5,6,7
SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
8. Discuss nutritional needs of the patient throughout the life span.
DEC #IIA,B,C,D
PO#3,4,5,6,7
SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
9. Discuss the use of teaching plans for disease prevention and health promotion
and/restoration, including cultural aspects of care for patients and their families.
DEC #II E,F,G
PO#3,4,5,6,7
SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
10. Discuss the use of written, verbal, non-verbal, and electronic modes of
communication concerning patient care, data, and the medical record, including the
maintenance of patient confidentiality according to HIPPA guidelines.
DEC #IIA,E,F,G,H
PO#3,4,5,6,7
a) Identify chain of command for communication within the organizational
framework of a facility.
b) Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the members of the interdisciplinary
health care team, including a case manager.
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11. Discuss the coping mechanisms for managing stress and identifying resources for
crisis management.
DEC #IIA,H
PO#3,4,5,6,7
SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
PATIENT SAFETY ADVOCATE
12. Define measures to promote quality and a safe environment for patients, self, and
others within regulatory parameters.
DEC #IIIA,B,E,F
PO#8,9,10
SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
13. Discuss the role of the nurse in patient safety and organizational policies; obtaining
DEC #IIIA,B,C,D,F
PO#8,9,10
3
instruction, training, or supervision when needed.
{SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
14. Discuss the federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and procedures for
infection control for patients and their families.
DEC #IIIA,B,C,D,F
PO#
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MEMBER OF THE HEALTH CARE TEAM
15. Discuss the dynamics of the nurse-patient relationship, including the role of the
nurse as a patient safety advocate.
DEC #IVA,B,C,D,E
PO#11,12,13,14
a) Discuss the rights and responsibilities of patients regarding health care,
including self-determination and right of refusal.
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16. Discuss history, basic characteristics, trends and issues in health care delivery.
DEC #IVA,B,C,D,E
PO#11,12,13,14
SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
17. Discuss the various role(s) of the family and significant others in providing
psychosocial support to the individual.
DEC #IVA,B,C,D,E
PO#11,12,13,14
SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
18. Identify characteristics of basic human needs, personality development, stress,
anxiety, crisis, and coping behaviors common to humanity.
DEC #IVA,B,C,D,E
PO#11,12,13,14
SCANS: 1Ai, 1Aii, 1Aiv, 1Av, 1Bi, 1Bii, 1Bvi, 1Bv, 1Bvi, 1Ci-1Cv, 2Ai, 2Bi, 2Biv, 2Bvi, 2Ci-2Civ}
Course Requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Regular class attendance within current attendance policies.
An average of 75% or better on course work. Absolutely no rounding
Preparation and active participation in class discussions.
Compliance with all rules and regulations as outlined in current Department of Nursing
Student Handbook and Panola College Catalog.
4
5.
6.
Current American Red Cross or American Heart Association, Health Care Provider,
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Demonstration of college-level skills following American Psychological Association
(APA) guidelines
If any student in this class has special classroom or testing needs because of a physical, learning,
or emotional condition, please contact the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Counselor in
the Administration Building, telephone 903-693-1123.
TEACHING/LEARNING STRATEGIES:
Audio-Visual Demonstration
Marker Board Library Research
Class Participation
Guest Lecturers
Lecture
Web searches
Computer Assisted Instruction
Group Discussion
Student-Teacher Conference
Group Project
Written Assignments
Grading:
The student must have an overall average grade of 75 or above in order to
successfully pass this course.
The VN Nursing Program, in accordance with policy, uses the following numerical scale in
computing test scores and written work:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 75-79.99
F = 74.99 and below
NO ROUNDING
Overall Course Grade:
6 Tests
Presentations
Discussions/Quizzes/Study Guide
85%
10%
5%
Test average must be equal to or greater than 75 to pass the course.
This work is intended as individual assignments (not shared answers or group work).
Sharing answers will be considered cheating and is grounds for dismissal.
Test Review
1. Pre-Test Review will be conducted at the discretion of the instructor.
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2. Students who achieve less than 75% on an exam must schedule an appointment with the
instructor to review the exam within one week of distribution of scores. This is a
student responsibility.
3. A student may make an appointment with the instructor to review the test within one
week of the distribution of the test scores.
4. If you challenge a test question, you must submit (Form 5.12) in writing a rationale and
reference regarding the question at the time of the test review.
5. Test questions with multiple answers will be graded on an all or none basis. No credit
will be given for partial correct answers.
Canvas:
Canvas may be used to supplement the course. You will be expected to check your email and
reply to messages as instructed. As you know, there is not enough time to review all the content
in the book. Therefore, you will be responsible for reviewing and studying selected chapters
independently.
UNIT I: Introduction to Nursing and the Nursing Process
A. Learning Objectives:
Using cases studies, discussion and role play the student will:
Identify the four components of the nursing process including assessment, CO#1,4,6
planning, implementation and evaluation and how to use a problem solving
approach to make decisions for care.
Discuss critical thinking and its application within the nursing process.
CO#2,3,4,6
Identify the purpose and components of assessment and differentiate
between a comprehensive and focused assessment.
CO#4
List standard steps carried out for all nursing procedures.
CO#3,4
Identify acceptable methods of infection control and prevention in various
environments.
CO#7,13
Identify basic safety measures for the patient and caregiver while
providing nursing care.
CO#11,12
Discuss the Nurse Practice Act and its role in nursing practice.
CO#1,6
Identify priorities in patient care using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
CO#4,5,6
Identify community resources and procedures to obtain those resources
CO#8,9,10
UNIT II: Communication, Documentation
A. Learning Objectives:
6
Using cases studies, discussion and role play the student will:
CO# 9,10
Describe the communication process, the types of communication,
communication strategies, and blocks to communication and cultural
differences in communication.
Identify role changes for the patient, communicating with instructors
and staff, life span communication, and electronic communication.
CO#9,10,16
Discuss the correlation of the nursing process to documentation.
CO#9,10
Discuss the importance of confidentiality of medical records and
patient information in relation to HIPAA.
CO#9,10
UNIT III: Nursing and the Health Care System
A. Learning Objectives:
Using cases studies, discussion and role play the student will:
Discuss the growth of nursing and the role of the vocational nurse
throughout history.
Discuss major events that influenced changes in vocational
nursing.
CO#15
CO#15
UNIT IV: Health, Illness, Health Promotion, Nutrition
A. Learning Objectives:
Using cases studies, discussion and role play the student will:
Discuss characteristics of basic human needs, personality development, stress, CO#14,17
anxiety, crisis, coping behaviors, and defense mechanisms common to
humanity.
Identify signs of chemical dependence in the nurse and proper steps of CO#1
reporting.
Explain basic psychosocial aspects of nursing interventions in order to meet CO#17
the basic needs of an individual throughout the life span.
Describe cultural and spiritual influences on patient care and how these
influence nursing practice.
CO#8,11,14
Identify the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and medical conditions
that may result from a deficiency or excess.
CO#8
Differentiate between nourished and malnourished patients and identify
specific nutritional diseases and treatments.
CO#8
7
Identify nutritional needs throughout the life span, factors that influence
nutrition and patients at risk for nutritional deficits.
CO#8
8
Project 1
Group Assignments
(Topics may be adjusted at the instructor’s discretion)
Group _1_- Food Guide Pyramid/ MY Plate for Adults and Children. Explain how the child food
guide differs from the adult. Describe changes in nutritional needs as the individual ages.
Group _2__- Describe and give examples of liquid, mechanical, and pureed diets. List
indications for use and the nursing considerations for each diet.
Group _3__- List the eight B-complex vitamins commonly recognized as nutritionally important.
Describe their functions, requirements, deficiencies/excess, and common food sources.
Group _4__- List the major minerals. Describe their functions, requirements, deficiencies/excess,
and common food sources.
Group _5__- Discuss the function of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and water in the human body.
Identify the food sources of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. List the effects which may occur as
the result of a deficiency or excess of the above.
Group _6__- Differentiate anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
Group _7_- Describe cultural influence on nutritional practice for African American, Jewish,
Mexican American, Asian, and Italian.
Group _8__- List the food sources and the possible health benefits of dietary fiber. Discuss high
fiber vs low fiber diet. List indications for use and the nursing considerations for each diet.
Group 9- Describe and give examples of Cardiac and Low sodium diets. List indications for use
and nursing considerations for each diet.
Group 10- Describe and give examples of Diabetic and Low fat diets. List indications for use and
the nursing considerations for each diet.
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Project 1 Grading Criteria
Group Assignments
Date:___________
Student being evaluated:____________________
Student performing evaluation:__________________
Group:_____________________
Grading: (0-5 pts each)
Contents
1. Required information covered
2. Organization of material
3. Met time requirement (5-10
min)
4. Visuals
5. Professionalism in
presentation
Possible
Points
50
10
10
Points
Received
10
10
Group Participation Grade
(AVG)
10
Total Project Points
100
10
Project Grade_____________________
Comments:
Project 1
Group Evaluation
Date:____________
Student Name:_______________________
Students in Group:__________
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Score
______
______
______
______
______
Beside each person’s name give a numerical score (0-5), based on the amount
of work the person put into the project.
0-no participation with the group
1.- Minimum participation
2. Some participation
3. Adequate participation
4. Exceeded expectations of the group
5. Completed all assigned tasks
This is a confidential sheet, the other members of your group will not see this
paper. Each student will only know their overall grade.
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Individual Religion/Alternative Therapy Power Point Presentation
Each student will given a topic (only one topic per student unless otherwise instructed). The
information will be presented as an individual project in power point form to the class and
instructor. The time should be no less that 5 minutes or greater than 10 minutes. See grading
sheet for criteria. Be creative and have fun!
Religions
Nazarene
Baptist
Methodist
Hinduism
Buddhism
Judaism
Muslim/Islam
Scientology
Mormon
Episcopal
Jehovah’s Witness
Assembly of God
Seventh Day Adventists
Presbyterian
Amish
Quakers
Church of Christ
Roman Catholic
Christian Scientist
Lutheran
Pentecostal
Atheists/Agnostics
Alternative Therapy
Reiki
Colonic cleansing
Therapeutic touch
OOBE-Out of body Experience
Aromatherapy
Hypnotherapy
Massage Therapy
Ayurveda
Acupuncture
Herbal Therapy
Meditation
Chiropractic Therapy
Reflexology
Sound Energy Therapy
Biofeedback
Homeopathic Medicine
Music Therapy
Yoga
Folk Medicine
Humor
Imagery
Prayer
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Student Name:___________________________________
Topic: _________________________________________
Religion Power Point Assignment Grading Sheet
Points
Possible
A. Identify a religion to be presented
a. Is religion Christian or
NonChristian (explain rationale)
b. Baptism beliefs & practices
c. Communion
d. General Beliefs/Special Rules
e. Nursing Implications
f. Professional Appearance and time
requirement.
g. Powerpoint Presentation*
h. References/Sources (3 other than
textbook)
Points
Given
Comments
10
10
10
10
10
10
30
10
*The information required for the assignment must be included within the power
point presentation. Each slide in the power point must have a heading and subject
title. The information following the subject title must be in bullet format. The
slides will be graded on content, creativity, neatness, preparedness and
organization. The student must turn in a copy of the power point along with notes
to the instructor on the assigned date. A copy of this page must be attached. No late
assignment will be accepted. The student will be responsible for presenting the
power point information to the students and instructor as required. The student
must ensure that the power point is saved in the correct format if using school
equipment to show slides. The power point presentation must be a minimum of 5
minutes with a maximum of 10 minutes.
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Student Name:___________________________________
Topic: _________________________________________
Alternative Therapy PowerPoint Assignment Grading Sheet
Points Points
Possible Given
A. Identify an alternative therapy to be
presented
a. Definition of therapy
b. Is it mind-body, whole medical,
biologically based, energy medicine, or
manipulative
c. General beliefs about therapy
d. Special rules or preparation
e. Nursing implications
f. Powerpoint Presentation*
g. Professional Appearance and time
requirement.
g. References/Sources ( 3 other than
text book)
Comments
10
10
10
10
10
30
10
10
*The information required for the assignment must be included within the power
point presentation. Each slide in the power point must have a heading and subject
title. The information following the subject title must be in bullet format. The
slides will be graded on content, creativity, neatness, preparedness and
organization. The student must turn in a copy of the power point along with notes
to the instructor on the assigned date. A copy of this page must be attached. No late
assignment will be accepted. The student will be responsible for presenting the
power point information to the students and instructor as required. The student
must ensure that the power point is saved in the correct format if using school
14
equipment to show slides. The power point presentation must be a minimum of 5
minutes with a maximum of 10 minutes.
Texts, Materials, and Supplies:
 Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing 4th Edition
 Success in Practical/Vocational Nursing From Student to Leader 7th Edition
 other materials
Other:
 For current texts and materials, use the following link to access bookstore listings:
http://www.panolacollegestore.com
 For testing services, use the following link: http://www.panola.edu/elearning/testing.html
 If any student in this class has special classroom or testing needs because of a physical learning
or emotional condition, please contact the ADA Student Coordinator in Support Services located
in the Administration Building or go to http://www.panola.edu/student-success/disability-supportservices/ for more information.
 Withdrawing from a course is the student’s responsibility. Students who do not attend class and
who do not withdraw will receive the grade earned for the course.
 Student Handbook, The Pathfinder: http://www.panola.edu/studentsuccess/documents/pathfinder.pdf
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SCANS CRITERIA
1) Foundation skills are defined in three areas: basic skills, thinking skills, and personal
qualities.
a) Basic Skills: A worker must read, write, perform arithmetic and mathematical operations, listen,
and speak effectively. These skills include:
i) Reading: locate, understand, and interpret written information in prose and in documents
such as manuals, graphs, and schedules.
ii) Writing: communicate thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing, and create
documents such as letters, directions, manuals, reports, graphs, and flow charts.
iii) Arithmetic and Mathematical Operations: perform basic computations and approach practical
problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques.
iv) Listening: receive, attend to, interpret, and respond to verbal messages and other cues.
v) Speaking: Organize ideas and communicate orally.
b) Thinking Skills: A worker must think creatively, make decisions, solve problems, visualize, know
how to learn, and reason effectively. These skills include:
i) Creative Thinking: generate new ideas.
ii) Decision Making: specify goals and constraints, generate alternatives, consider risks, and
evaluate and choose the best alternative.
iii) Problem Solving: recognize problems and devise and implement plan of action.
iv) Visualize ("Seeing Things in the Mind's Eye"): organize and process symbols, pictures,
graphs, objects, and other information.
v) Knowing How to Learn: use efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge
and skills.
vi) Reasoning: discover a rule or principle underlying the relationship between two or more
objects and apply it when solving a problem.
c) Personal Qualities: A worker must display responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, selfmanagement, integrity, and honesty.
i) Responsibility: exert a high level of effort and persevere toward goal attainment.
ii) Self-Esteem: believe in one's own self-worth and maintain a positive view of oneself.
iii) Sociability: demonstrate understanding, friendliness, adaptability, empathy, and politeness in
group settings.
iv) Self-Management: assess oneself accurately, set personal goals, monitor progress, and
exhibit self-control.
v) Integrity and Honesty: choose ethical courses of action.
2) Workplace competencies are defined in five areas: resources, interpersonal skills,
information, systems, and technology.
a) Resources: A worker must identify, organize, plan, and allocate resources effectively.
i) Time: select goal-relevant activities, rank them, allocate time, and prepare and follow
schedules.
ii) Money: Use or prepare budgets, make forecasts, keep records, and make adjustments to
meet objectives.
iii) Material and Facilities: Acquire, store, allocate, and use materials or space efficiently.
Examples: construct a decision time line chart; use computer software to plan a project; prepare a
budget; conduct a cost/benefits analysis; design an RFP process; write a job description; develop
a staffing plan.
b) Interpersonal Skills: A worker must work with others effectively.
i) Participate as a Member of a Team: contribute to group effort.
ii) Teach Others New Skills.
iii) Serve Clients/Customers: work to satisfy customer's expectations.
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iv) Exercise Leadership: communicate ideas to justify position, persuade and convince others,
responsibly challenge existing procedures and policies.
v) Negotiate: work toward agreements involving exchange of resources, resolve divergent
interests.
vi) Work with Diversity: work well with men and women from diverse backgrounds.
Examples: collaborate with a group member to solve a problem; work through a group conflict
situation, train a colleague; deal with a dissatisfied customer in person; select and use
appropriate leadership styles; use effective delegation techniques; conduct an individual or team
negotiation; demonstrate an understanding of how people from different cultural backgrounds
might behave in various situations.
c) Information: A worker must be able to acquire and use information.
i) Acquire and Evaluate Information.
ii) Organize and Maintain Information.
iii) Interpret and Communicate Information.
iv) Use Computers to Process Information.
Examples: research and collect data from various sources; develop a form to collect data;
develop an inventory record-keeping system; produce a report using graphics; make an oral
presentation using various media; use on-line computer data bases to research a report; use a
computer spreadsheet to develop a budget.
d) Systems: A worker must understand complex interrelationships.
i) Understand Systems: know how social, organizational, and technological systems work and
operate effectively with them.
ii) Monitor and Correct Performance: distinguish trends, predict impacts on system operations,
diagnose deviations in systems' performance and correct malfunctions.
iii) Improve or Design Systems: suggest modifications to existing systems and develop new or
alternative systems to improve performance.
Examples: draw and interpret an organizational chart; develop a monitoring process; choose a
situation needing improvement, break it down, examine it, propose an improvement, and
implement it.
e) Technology: A worker must be able to work with a variety of technologies.
i) Select Technology: choose procedures, tools or equipment including computers and related
technologies.
ii) Apply Technologies to Task: understand overall intent and proper procedures for setup and
operation of equipment.
iii) Maintain and Troubleshoot Equipment: Prevent, identify, or solve problems with equipment,
including computers and other technologies.
Examples: read equipment descriptions and technical specifications to select equipment to meet
needs; set up and assemble appropriate equipment from instructions; read and follow directions
for troubleshooting and repairing equipment.
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