_______________________________North Seattle Community College_____________
Health/Medical Division
LPN Program Fall Quarter 2012
COURSE INFORMATION
Course:
Course Title:
Course Credits:
NUR130
Critical Thinking in Nursing Practice
2.0
Prerequisites:
Permission Required. Co-requisites: Concurrent enrollment in NUR 116 &
NUR 117.
Course Start Date: September 24, 2012
Course End Date: December 12, 2012
Course Location/Times: See Fall 2012 Program Calendar
Required Textbook(s):
Ackley, B. J. & Ladwig, G. B. (2011). Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An Evidence-Based
Guide to Planning Care (9th edition). Missouri: Mosby Inc., Elsevier.
&
Christensen, B. L. & Kockrow, E. O. (2011) Foundations and Adult Health Nursing. (6th ed.)
Mosby Inc. Elsevier.
Recommended Book(s):
Electronic Resource:
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor Name:
Email:
Office Hrs/Availability to students:
Office Location:
Nancy E. Whittier, RN, MN
NEWhittier@aol.com
Schedule appointment
2405A
COURSE CONTENT
Course Description:
This nursing course introduces the student to beginning critical thinking skills applicable to the
practice of nursing and will build on the theory and skills presented in NUR 116 & NUR 117 to
enable the student to apply beginning critical thinking skills to nursing problems. The course also
introduces the student to the nursing process and the application of the nursing process.
Course Goals:
1. Appreciate the importance of critical thinking skills in nursing practice.
2. Develop abilities to apply critical thinking to nursing problems in patients with conditions of
wellness and illness.
NSCC General Education Learning Outcomes and/or Related Instructional Outcomes (for
technical courses) met by course:
Outcome 1: Think critically in reading and writing.
Outcome 4: Access, evaluate, and apply information from a variety of contexts.
Topical Outline and/or Major Divisions:
1. Learning the nursing process
2. Critical thinking strategies and skills applicable to the nursing process
3. Allocation of critical thinking skills and strategies to nursing problems applying the nursing
process
4. NANDA Nursing Diagnosis
5. Documentation using SOAP, PIE, DAR and narrative styles
6. Giving nursing reports
COURSE OUTCOMES/LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Apply critical thinking concepts to nursing practice by developing care plans using
the nursing process.
2. Describe the six phases/steps of the nursing process.
3. Differentiate between subjective and objective assessment data.
4. Identify nursing diagnoses related to assessment findings.
5. Differentiate between the different types of nursing diagnosis labels.
6. Write specific, measurable, attainable, realistic patient outcomes with timelines.
7. Define evidence based practice and evidenced based nursing practice.
8. Identify and list nursing interventions directed at achieving outcomes.
9. Explain the process for evaluating and revising the nursing care plan.
10. Write nursing notes using SOAP, PIE, DAR and narrative documentation methods.
11. Discuss basic guidelines and legal guidelines for documentation of patient data.
12. Use the SBAR model in hand-off reporting and communication.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS (Expectations of students):
1.
Students will come fully prepared for class, on time, each day. School policies
for inclement weather will be followed.
2.
Due to the short nature of the course, no assignments will be accepted late, and
an absence for a scheduled presentation cannot be made up thus will result in a
“0” for the assignment.
3.
Class assignments and readings are at the discretion of the instructor to adjust
as necessary to ensure that the essential course content is covered to prepare
students for practice and the NCLEX.
4.
An excused absence is for extreme and/or contagious illness and necessitates a
medical care provider excuse. Students are responsible for all information and
handouts missed during an absence.
5.
Cell phones and pagers should be turned “off” during class time.
6.
Scented products are not allowed in the classroom per campus policies.
7.
Do your own work. Plagiarism, using the words, ideas, materials or work from
another person and infringement of copyright in any form, is grounds for failure.
Check with the library for more information on plagiarism and copyright
infringement. This is an NSCC policy.
8.
Diversity is a core value of NSCC. Our college community fosters an optimal
learning environment and climate of mutual respect. You are expected to adhere
to these practices of mutual respect and inclusion via action and language at all
times.
9.
The American with Disabilities Act requires classroom and course
accommodations because of a disability that does not disqualify you from the
nursing program per the RN Student Handbook. Accommodations require
documentation from the NSCC Educational Access/Disability Services Office at
the beginning of the quarter and needs to be shared with your instructor at the
onset of the course or as soon as a disabling situation arises and necessary
documentation is obtained.
Expectations of Instructor:
The instructor will:
1. Come prepared for class and will arrive on time or early
2. Try not to deviate from the course schedule
3. Treat you with respect in classes, listen to you and provide you with information you
need to achieve the knowledge, skill, and motivation to successfully complete the
course.
4. Respect cultural differences
Teaching and Learning Strategies include, but are not limited to:
Class Lecture
Role Playing, Discussion and Group Activities
Group Care Plan Project
CLASSROOM POLICIES AND CONDUCT
Policy on Course Withdrawal:
The instructor may initiate administrative withdrawals of students who do not come to class
during the first week of the quarter (NSCC policy states the first class session). When dropping
students who do no show, instructor will submit drop forms to the Admission/
Registration/Records/ Credentials (ARRC) office. Official withdrawal at other times of the
quarter is the responsibility of the student. Students should refer to the Academic Calendar on
NSCC’s home page for withdrawal deadlines.
Policy on Incomplete:
An incomplete indicates that the student performed at a passing level, completed most of the
course requirements, and intends to make up the missing work. Incomplete is given only at the
discretion of the instructor when the student has attended regularly, done satisfactory work, and
furnished satisfactory proof to the instructor that the work cannot be completed because of
illness or other circumstances beyond the student’s control. Coursework must be completed
during the following quarter, excluding summer quarter. If the student fails to remove the “I” by
completing coursework in the specified time period, the “I” will remain on the transcript. If the
student elects to repeat a course rather than make up the work, the “I” will remain on the
transcript. The grade earned will compute in the GPA; after receiving an “I” in a course, a
student may repeat that course only once.
Guidelines for Student Conduct: Students are expected to comply with student conduct policy
and procedures. Information on student responsibilities and rights is available at the following
websites: http://www.seattlecolleges.com/studentrules.aspx or
Intranet site: http://www.seattlecolleges.com/studentrules.aspx.
Student Complaints:
Procedures for students who feel they have a complaint relating to grades or an action by a
member of the Seattle Community College community.
Before pursing formal action, students are encouraged to first pursue an informal resolution.
Students have 15 calendar days from the end of the informal process or 90 days from the cause
of the complaint to submit a formal complaint. Contact Complaints Officer for further information:
Vice President, Student Development Services at (206) 527-3656
Americans with Disabilities Act:
NSCC has disability services. If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of
disability please provide this information to the instructor immediately.
Location: College Center Building, second floor
Phone: 527-3697 TTY: 526-0079
Website: access.northseattle.edu/services/ds.htm
Student Support Services:
Students are encouraged to seek campus support services when necessary to support their
learning and academic progress. Refer to student handbook, brochures/flyers, or college
website for information about:
Disability Services
Advising Center
Tutoring Services
Student Leadership Programs
Library
Financial Aid Office
LOFT Writing Center Plus
Admission/Registration
Records/Credentials (ARRC)
Counseling
Women’s Center
Multicultural Services Office Wellness Center
Policy on Late Work:
See course requirements (expectations of students).
Academic Honesty:
Academic honesty is highly valued at NSCC. A student must always submit work that
represents his/her original words or ideas. The student is expected to cite all relevant sources.
NSCC intranet site provides a full description. Website: northonline.northseattle.edu/sds
Academic dishonesty could involve:
1. Having a tutor or friend complete a portion of your assignment.
2. Having a reviewer make extensive revisions to an assignment.
3. Copying work submitted by another student.
4. Using information from online information services without proper citation.
Respectful and Inclusive Environment: The instructor and student share the responsibility to
foster a learning environment that is welcoming, supportive, and respectful of cultural and
individual differences. Open and respectful communication that allows for the expression of
varied opinions and multicultural perspectives encourages us to learn freely from each other.
Fragrance Policy:
Students are encouraged to refrain from wearing heavily scented products during clinical, since
some individuals may experience chemical sensitivities to fragrances that interfere with their
learning.
Computer Requirements:
If your hardware and software do not meet the computer requirements you may need to use
computers provided at your school or the public library.
Class Schedule
DATE/TIME
Thursday, 10/4
0800-1130
Week 1
TOPICS



What is critical
thinking?
Nursing process: 6
phases/steps
Step 1Assessment
PREPARATION FOR
CLASS
Review Syllabus
N130
ASSIGNMENTS
Form Groups
Assign Roles
Read Section 1
Nursing Diagnosis
Handbook, p. 1-12.
Read Chapter 6
Foundations & Adult
Health Nursing, p.
121-123 & 134-135.
Thursday, 10/11
0800-1130
Week 2


Step 2 – Diagnosis
Step 3- Outcomes
Identification
Review Section 1
Nursing Diagnosis
Handbook, p. 1-12.
Read Appendix A &
Appendix B in the
Nursing Diagnosis
Handbook
Read Chapter 6
Foundations & Adult
Working in
groups on care
plan project
Health Nursing,
p.123-128, p. 132-133
(NOC).
Thursday, 10/18
0800-1130
Week 3



Thursday, 10/25
0800-1100
Week 4


Step 4 – Planning
Interventions
Step 5 –
Implementation
Step 6- Evaluation
Review Section 1
Nursing Diagnosis
Handbook, p. 1-12.
Documenting
Nursing Process
Documenting
Nursing Notes
Read Chapter 7
Foundations & Adult
Health Nursing
Read Chapter 6
Foundations & Adult
Health Nursing, p.
129-133.
Read Nursing Notes
Handout.
Thursday, 11/1
0800-1100
Week 5

SBAR Hand-off
reporting and
communication
method
Read SBAR
Handout.
Monday 11/5
8pm
Thursday, 11/8
0800-1130
Week 6
Friday, 11/16
0800-1000
Week 7
Working in
groups on care
plan project
In Class
Assignment:
Nursing Notes
Assignment
Due.
In Class
Assignments:
SBAR
Assignments
Due.
Group Care
Plan rough
drafts due by
email.


Group Care Plan
Project
Presentations
Prepare for Group
Presentations
Group
Presentations.
Study N130 Review
Group Care
Plans Due.
FINAL EXAM
Final Exam
Course
Evaluations
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION:
Final grades are assigned according to published grading standards for course.
Methods of assessment will include:
1. Participation & Group Work
2. In Class Assignments
3. Group Care Plan Project & Presentation
4. Written Exam
GRADING CRITERIA:
Participation - 10 points for each of 6 class days = 60 points
(Exam day is exempt)
Participation will be scored in accordance with weekly attendance and active
engagement and contribution to class discussion and activities. This means coming to
class prepared to discuss the reading, ask questions and take an active part in group
work. Students are to sign in at the beginning and end of each class to verify presence.
In Class AssignmentsA. Nursing Notes- 25 points for each note type = 100 points
Each student will be given a patient scenario and will submit a written nursing note in
narrative, PIE (APIE), SOAP (IE, IER), and DAR format.
B. SBAR Scenario (Paired Assignment)- 50 points
Students will pair up to use the SBAR model (“I PASS the BATON”) in hand-off reporting
and communication. Students will be given patient scenarios to apply the SBAR model.
Each student will write out the report to be given (this will be turned in). Then each
student will practice reporting hand-off to designated partner using the patient scenarios.
C. SBAR Scenario (Individual Assignment)- 50 points
Students will be given a patient scenario and write an SBAR incorporating CUS
communication method, reporting critical clinical information to an RN. If time permits,
students will practice verbalizing this SBAR to designated partner.
D. Group Care Plan Project and Presentationa. Care Plan Project (Group Assignment) – 400 points
Students will self-select into groups of 4-5 students. Each group will be given a
patient scenario and will create a standard nursing care plan for the patient.
Students will work both in class and out of class throughout the first 6 weeks of
the course to develop the care plan.
Groups will assign a leader that will be responsible for submitting care plan drafts
and communicating with instructor.
Typed Care Plan will include:
o Definition and pathophysiology of the medical diagnosis (20)
o List the typical signs and symptoms of the medical diagnosis (20)
o List and discuss the diagnostic labs and tests for the diagnosis (30)
o Description of standard medical treatment for the diagnosis (including
medications, surgeries, procedures and treatments) (30)
o Appropriate nursing assessment questions and physical exam techniques
(30),
o A list of 4 prioritized nursing diagnoses written in NANDA format (40),
o 2 patient outcomes that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and
have timelines for each nursing diagnosis. For each diagnosis, one
patient outcome should be short term and one should be long term. (40)
o Write 3 nursing interventions for each nursing diagnosis. One intervention
for each nursing diagnosis should be a teaching intervention. Whenever
possible use evidence based (EB) or evidenced nursing based (EBN)
interventions. Label EB or EBN on the applicable interventions. (60)
o
o
o
o
Write out the rationale for each nursing intervention, using evidence
based or evidenced based nursing data whenever applicable. Label EB or
EBN on the applicable rationales. (60)
Write out evaluation criteria for each patient outcome. Discuss possible
revisions to the care plan in the event the patient outcomes are partially
met or not met. Discuss process for evaluating the care plan and revising
the care plan. (40)
APA formatted references (20)
A page listing the care plan contributions of each group member. (10)
b. Group Presentations (Professional)- 240 points
o
o
o
o
o
Each group will have 20 minutes to present care plan project
Introduce each group member to audience.
Each group member participates in group presentation of care plan
project.
Power point presentation is used to present group care plan project.
o May use other props and visual aids in addition as applicable.
Each group member demonstrates knowledge of case scenario, care
plan, and the nursing process & is able to answer questions from
audience and instructor.
E. Final Exam = (50 questions) -100points
Total points possible = 1000 points.
NSCC Grading Scale
Grades below are passing grades
A 4.0-3.9
A- 3.8-3.5
B+ 3.4-3.2
B 3.1-2.9
B- 2.8-2.5
C+ 2.4-2.2
C 2.1-2.0
4.0= 97-100%
3.9= 96%
3.8= 95%
3.7= 94%
3.6= 93%
3.5= 92%
3.4= 91%
3.3= 90%
3.2=89%
3.1= 88%
3.0=87%
2.9= 86%
2.8= 85%
2.7= 84%
2.6= 83%
2.5= 82%
2.4= 81%
2.3= 80%
2.2= 79%
2.1= 78%
2.0=77%
Excellent
Passing
Grades below are not passing
grades
Not
1.8=76%
Passing
1.7=75%
C- 1.9-1.5
1.6=74%
1.5=73%
High
Passing
D+ 1.4-1.2
D 1.1-0.9
D- 0.8-0.7
1.4= 72%
1.3=71%
1.2= 70%
1.1=69%
1.0= 68%
0.9= 67%
0.8= 66%
0.7= 65%
Satisfactory
Passing
Not
Passing
Not
Passing
E 0.0
64%-0%
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS/LABORATORY TESTS
Diagnostic/Laboratory Test
Purpose/Indications
Nursing
Implications/Education
MEDICATIONS
Medication/
Dose/Route/
Frequency
Drug
Purpose/Action Nursing
Classification
USE
implications
(how drug
(Why is drug
works)
prescribed)
Labs to
monitor
Surgeries
Procedures
Treatments
Description/Purpose
Nursing
Implications/Education
NURSING ASSESSMENT & PHYSICAL EXAM
Nursing Health History Questions
Chief Complaint
HPI (History of Present Illness)
Health History
Family History
Environmental History
Psychosocial & Cultural History
Review of Systems
Vital Signs
Physical Exam
Neurologic
Musculoskeletal
Integumentary
Respiratory
Cardiovascular
Genitourinary
Gastrointestinal
Questions & Assessment Techniques
13
NANDA approved
Nursing Diagnosis
also state "related to"
and "as evidenced by"
Patient Outcomes
List one short term
outcome & one long term
outcome
Nursing Interventions
Rationale
List 3 and one should be a
teaching intervention
List for each
intervention
Label EB or EBN as
applicable
Label EB or EBN as
applicable
Evaluation
1. Outcome met/not met; 2.
Evaluation of the plan of care
and revisions
14
NANDA approved
Nursing Diagnosis
also state "related to"
and "as evidenced by"
Patient Outcomes
List one short term
outcome & one long term
outcome
Nursing Interventions
Rationale
List 3 and one should be a
teaching intervention
List for each
intervention
Label EB or EBN as
applicable
Label EB or EBN as
applicable
Evaluation
1. Outcome met/not met; 2.
Evaluation of the plan of care
and revisions
15