Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
COURSE INFORMATION:
Course Description: Nursing 231 is a clinical course which
students are paired with RN clinical preceptors in various local and
regional health care agencies. The students have been placed in
areas of interest to them after graduation. The 6th quarter student is
ready to expand their role as a professional nurse and is expected to
function as a team member on their assigned unit. A major goal for
the student is to become clinically proficient on that unit and to
assimilate into the role of the professional nurse. Instructional
methods include: clinical practice, group discussion, clinical
seminar and reflective journaling.
Credits: 8 Quarter Credits
Class Hours/Locations:
160 clinical hours
Location to be arranged
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or above in Nursing 220 and Nursing
222, a “satisfactory” grade in Nursing 221 and Nursing 223, level C
CPR card, current TB test, Hepatitis B vaccination or waiver.
Health insurance may be required.
Linked Courses: NURS 230, 231, 232, and 264 are linked.
Failure in one course requires repeat of all concurrent courses.
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
 Professor: Becky Ellis MN, RN
 Office Hours: Wednesdays 9-12pm and Thursdays 2-4pm
 Phone: 360-992-6090
 E-mail address: bellis@clark.edu
 Mailstop: CCW 224
 Office Location: CCW 225G
 Instructor: Linda Valenzuela MPH, BSN, RN
 Office Hours: Tuesdays 9-12pm and Thursdays 2-4pm
 Phone: 360-992-6026
 E-mail address: lvalenzuela@clark.edu
 Mailstop: CCW 224
 Office Location: CCW 220H
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Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
PROGRAM OUTCOMES:
1. Knowledge: Synthesizes all previous skills and theoretical knowledge into the care of groups of patients.
2. Clinical Judgment: Synthesizes all previous knowledge using critical thinking, the Nursing Process, and
Evidence-Based Practice into the clinical decision making process. Functions as a graduate nurse
3. Caring: Incorporates principles of diversity, holism, stewardship, dignity, and respect to reflect an
environment of care.
4. Teamwork and Interprofessional collaboration: Models open communication, mutual respect and shared
decision making.
5. Professionalism: Role models professionalism in the clinical setting. Practices ethically; is accountable
for own practice and demonstrates continuing competence in nursing.
6. Patient Safety: Performs safe patient care and promotes the safety of the staff as well as the entire
nursing unit.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
ASSESSMENT OF COURSE OUTCOMES:
SUPPORTED PROGRAM OUTCOMES:
Synthesizes all previous skills and theoretical
knowledge into the management and care of
groups of patients.
Satisfactory completion of the
bolded behaviors on the evaluation
form and reflective learning
journal entries
Synthesizes all previous knowledge using
critical thinking, the Nursing Process, and
evidence based practice into the clinical
decision making process and functions as a
graduate nurse
Satisfactory completion of the
bolded behaviors on the evaluation
form and reflective learning
journal entries
Incorporates holistic nursing concepts when
providing care to the patient, family and
community
Is proficient and functions as a team member
when communicating and collaborating with
patients, families and all members of the health
care team
Role Models professionalism in the clinical
setting. Practices ethically and is accountable
for own practice and demonstrates continuing
competency in nursing.
Performs safe patient care and promotes the
safety of the staff as well as the entire nursing
unit.
Satisfactory completion of the
bolded behaviors on the evaluation
form and reflective learning
journal entries
Satisfactory completion of bolded
behaviors on the evaluation form
and reflective learning journal
entries
Satisfactory completion of bolded
behaviors on the evaluation form
and reflective learning journal
entries
Satisfactory completion of all
Bolded behaviors on the
evaluation form and reflective
Learning journal entries
~2~
Knowledge
Clinical Judgment
Knowledge
Caring
Team work and Interand Professional
Collaboration
Professionalism
Patient Safety
Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
GRADING SYSTEM:
A. The grade for NURS 231 is a Pass or Fail grading system. A passing grade is based
on the achievement of satisfactory performances in all the bolded behaviors on the
evaluation form. One or more unsatisfactory performances on any of the bolded
behaviors will result in a failing grade for NURS 231.
B. NURS 230, 231, 232, and 264 are linked courses a failure in one course requires the
student to repeat all concurrent courses.
COURSE POLICIES:
Clinical and Lab Course Policies:
1. All clinical labs are required. Arrangements for make-up work for missed labs are the responsibility of
the student in conjunction with faculty and the clinical facility.
2. It is unethical, unprofessional and cheating to: Fail to make-up missed days, Fail to inform instructor
of absences, skip a clinical day without permission from the instructor telling preceptor permission was
granted by instructor when in fact it was not. Any such behavior is unethical and unprofessional and will
be grounds for immediate disciplinary action
3. In Nursing 231, students will continue to use the ID badge issued for senior students.
4. Students will be provided with feedback either verbally or in writing from the clinical preceptor and
faculty. In the event the student's performance falls below acceptable, the student will be notified.
5. Unless a student's clinical practice is declared unsafe, the student will have until the end of the
scheduled clinical to resolve identified deficiencies. Repetition of previously documented unsatisfactory
behaviors will be viewed as failing clinical behaviors in NURS 231. A student not meeting the standard for
passing clinical will receive a clinical grade of “U” and receive a D for NURS 230 regardless of the earned
theory grade. Please see policy on unsafe clinical practice located in the student nurse handbook.
6. Assignment of the clinical grade will include input from the preceptor and the student.
7. Students are expected to use the practice lab as appropriate during the quarter to refresh prior skills
and for IV start practice. Students are expected to take advantage of any skills available in the clinical
setting.
8. Students are expected to follow the dress code as stated in the Student Handbook and that of the
facility where the clinical occurs. Sixth quarter students may wear scrubs of their choice in the clinical
setting with a Clark school Patch affixed to the sleeve or a white lab coat with the school patch sewn on the
sleeve can be worn over the scrubs.
9. Students are expected to model professional behavior and a positive attitude in the classroom and in
clinical settings.
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Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
Student Responsibilities and Medication Guidelines in the Clinical Setting
Please note that these are the goals that must all be satisfactory in order to pass this quarter.
1. Students are expected to establish goals for the day and discuss them with their preceptor and
instructor weekly.
2. Adhere to client confidentiality and practice professional boundaries.
3. Evaluate the legal responsibilities of the healthcare team. Adhere to the clinical facility, nursing
department and college policies.
4. Apply theoretical concepts in the clinical settings.
5. Utilize appropriate channels of communication for personal and professional problem solving.
6. Show respect for others in all settings
7. Safely manage a group of clients as a direct caregiver with minimum RN supervision.
8. Request assistance for new skills or skills not yet mastered. Demonstrate increasingly independent
practice
9. Demonstrate good critical thinking and problem solving.
10. Model positive attitude toward the profession of nursing.
11. Accept responsibility for own learning and behavior.
12. Attends all clinical days arrives on time and stays the entire clinical time. Notifies instructor and
preceptor is they are not going to be at clinicals.
13. Students will be well groomed and appropriately attired in the clinical setting.
15. FOLLOWS THROUGH WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT GIVEN BY
FACULTY, AND. /OR PRIMARY PRECEPTOR.
16. Students assigned to PHSWMC for their practicum may be allowed to start IV’s per hospital policy
and their nurse is willing to supervise the procedure.
Legal Concerns:
1. Verbal and telephone orders may be taken ONLY WITH YOUR PRECEPTOR ON THE
EXTENSION WITH YOU. Preceptors must co-sign any telephone or verbal orders.
2. Students may not administer any chemotherapeutic agents or experimental drugs. In some setting
students are not allowed to give IV Dilantin or Valium. Know and follow the policy of the facility.
3. You may change IV bags with common additives (potassium, vitamins) without supervision when
cleared by your preceptor. IV bags must be compared against the physician’s orders in the chart. All IV
push medications must be directly observed by a RN.
4. All insulin’s and anti-coagulants must be checked by an RN.
5. Conscious sedation will not be administered by the student. Any drug given for the purpose of
conscious sedation, i.e. IV Propofol, Fentanyl, Versed will not be administered by the student nurse.
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Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
Clinical Hours Breakdown: Total Hours required = 160 hours
Break down of Hours Clinical Hours with preceptor
= 134 or 142 hours
Hospice/Home Health
= 16 or 8 hours
Weekly Clinical Seminar
=10 hours
Total Hours
= 160 hours
Learning Activities: The student will:
 Write Weekly Goals
1. Construct three goals each clinical week.
2. New goals must be written as others are met.
3. Goals must be correctly written (i.e. Who, What, When).
4. Goals must reflect course, clinical, or personal goals.
5. Goals are to be evaluated in the journal every day.
6. Share goals with preceptor and instructor.
7. Utilize the Daily Learning Goals record for this activity.
 Reflect Upon the Clinical day utilizing a journal. The journal will:
1. Assist the student to remain focused on meeting course, clinical and personal learning goals.
2. Is private and confidential communication between student and faculty.
3. Analyze and document activities of how goals were met (clinical, personal, unit).
4. Analyze and document problems, situations, issues, and conflicts etc. encountered in the
clinical setting.
5. Address weekly goals. Were your goals met? If not, why?
 Attend and participate in weekly clinical seminars which are held every Wednesday after our theory class
from 11am-12pm or 12-1pm. The weekly Clinical Seminar is mandatory since it is considered part of
your total clinical hours.
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Fall
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
231 CLINICAL COURSE OUTCOME BEHAVIORS
Behaviors that are essential to the safe and competent practice of nursing
are identified in bold print.
At the completion of this course the graduate will:
I. KNOWLEDGE: SYNTHESIZES ALL RELEVANT THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE AND
PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR INTO PRACTICE
SYNTHESIZES ALL PREVIOUS SKILLS AND THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE INTO
THE MANAGEMENT AND CARE OF GROUPS OF PATIENTS
A. ACCURATELY ASSESSES PATIENTS’ HEALTH STATUS AND FUNCTIONAL ABILITY
IN A TIMELY MANNER
B. EVALUATES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CLIENT CARE AND NURSING THERAPIES
BASED ON CLIENT’S RESPONSE TO INTERVENTIONS AND PROGRESS TOWARD
MEETING DESIRED OUTCOMES.
C. CONSISTENTLY APPLIES THE NURSING PROCESS TO THE CARE AND
MANAGEMENT OF PATIENT CARE
D.
FORMULATES CLINICAL CARE PLANS, CARE MAPS, OR CLINICAL PATHWAYS
ACCORDING TO FACILITY PROTOCOL
E. MODIFY THE CARE PLANS, CARE MAPS, OR CLINICAL PATHWAYS ACCORDING TO
FACILITY PROTOCOL
F. EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NURSING THERAPIES BASED ON CLIENT’S
RESPONSE TO INTERVENTIONS AND PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING DESIRED
OUTCOMES
G. APPLY THEORETICAL CONCEPTS IN THE CLINICAL SETTING
H. INTEGRATE ALL PREVIOUS LEARNING AND NEW LEARNING INTO THE
MANAGEMENT OF THE CLIENT AND/OR FAMILY
I. ASSIMILATE CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL BELIEFS AND PRACTICES INTO THE
MANAGEMENT OF THE CLIENT OR FAMILY
J. MODEL MEDICAL AND SURGICAL ASEPSIS IN ALL SETTINGS
II. CLINICAL JUDGMENT: DEMONSTRATES EFFECTIVE PROBLEM SOLVING AND
DECISION MAKING.
SYNTHESIZES ALL PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE USING CRITICAL THINKING, THE
NURSING PROCESS, AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE INTO THE CLINICAL
DECISION MAKING PROCESS AND FUNCTIONS AS A GRADUATE NURSE
A. ACCEPTS AND ADJUSTS TO CHANGE
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Fall
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
B. CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATES DEVELOPMENT OF INCREASINGLY
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
C.
D.
E.
F.
REQUIRES MINIMAL SUPERVISION
DEMONSTRATES GOOD CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING
DEMONSTRATES GOOD JUDGMENT
CORRECTLY DELEGATES TO QUALIFIED STAFF APPROPRIATE TO THE CLINICAL
SETTING AND ACCORDING TO THE NURSE PRACTICE ACT
G. SUPERVISES THE PRACTICE OF OTHERS
H. EVALUATES THE PRECEPTOR, THE FACILITY, AND SELF OBJECTIVELY
I. PROVIDES POSITIVE FEEDBACK AND CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS AS
APPROPRIATE TO THE CLINICAL SETTING
J. MAKES ASSIGNMENTS BASED ON CLIENT NEED AND QUALIFICATIONS OF
AVAILABLE STAFF WHEN AVAILABLE
K. FOLLOWS THROUGH WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT GIVEN BY
FACULTY, PRIMARY CARE NURSE AND/OR PRECEPTOR
L. COMES TO CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH APPROPRIATE RESOURCES FOR THE
EXPECTED LEARNING EXPERIENCE
III. CARING: INTEGRATE PRINCIPLES OF DIVERSITY, HOLISM, STEWARDSHIP,
DIGNITY, AND RESPECT TO REFLECT AN ENVIRONMENT OF CARE.
INCORPORATES HOLISTIC NURSING CONCEPTS WHEN PROVIDING CARE TO
THE PATIENT, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY
A. COMMUNICATES CARING COMPASSION, WARMTH, RESPECT, AND GENUINE
INTEREST USING VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL SKILLS
B. TAKES BREAKS AS APPROPRIATE. RESPONDS TO PATIENT REQUESTS IN A
PRIORITIZED MANNER
C. ESTABLISHES RAPPORT WITH STAFF, CLIENTS AND PEERS
D. DEMONSTRATES RESPECT FOR EVERYONE
E. DEMONSTRATES ACCEPTING ATTITUDE OF OTHERS REGARDLESS OF THE
DIVERSITY
F. APPROPRIATELY DEMONSTRATES EMPATHY
G. ADVOCATES FOR CLIENTS AND FAMILIES IN A VARIETY OF HEALTH CARE
SETTINGS
H. UTILIZES THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS EFFECTIVELY
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Fall
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
IV. TEAMWORK AND INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION: MODELS OPEN
COMMUNICATION, MUTUAL RESPECT AND SHARED DECISION MAKING
IS PROFICIENT AND FUNCTIONS AS A TEAM MEMBER WHEN
COMMUNICATING AND COLLABORATING WITH THE PATIENTS, FAMILIES,
AND ALL MEMBERS OF THE HEALTH CARE TEAM
A. SHARES WRITTEN DAILY GOALS WITH PRECEPTOR
B. MODELS GOOD LISTENING SKILLS
C. ALL WRITTEN WORK IS CLEAR, CONCISE, AND ARTICULATE
D. ASSESSES PATIENT’S CONDITIONS AND EFFECTIVELY AND ACCURATELY
DOCUMENTS AND COMMUNICATES PERTINENT OBSERVATIONS OR CHANGES IN
PATIENT HEALTH CARE STATUS AND NEEDS TO APPROPRIATE PERSONNEL IN A
TIMELY MANNER
E. PROVIDES APPROPRIATE AND ACCURATE TEACHING TO PATIENTS, FAMILIES,
STAFF, AND PEERS
F. UTILIZES APPROPRIATE CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION FOR PERSONAL
AND PROFESSIONAL PROBLEM SOLVING
G. CLEARLY VERBALIZES CONCEPTS, THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS
H. PARTICIPATES APPROPRIATELY WITHIN THE GROUP
I. COLLABORATES WITH MULTI-DISCIPLINARY AND INTER-DISCIPLINARY HEALTH
CARE TEAMS
V. PROFESSIONALISM: ROLE MODELS PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY, ETHICAL
PRACTICES AND CONTINUING COMPETENCY IN NURSING.
ROLE MODELS PROFESSIONALISM IN THE CLINICAL SETTING
A. MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES, DOES NOT SHARE CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION
B. ACTS IN A PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL MANNER AT ALL TIMES
C. IDENTIFIES ETHICAL ISSUES AND DISCUSSES THE SITUATION
D. EVALUATES THE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN A
VARIETY OF SETTINGS
E.
F.
G.
H.
IS DEPENDABLE, PUNCTUAL, AND RELIABLE
ACTS RESPONSIBLY FOR WON PRACTICE
MODELS POSITIVE PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR EVEN WHEN OTHERS ARE NOT
QUESTIONS AND ADDRESSES THE LEGAL CONCERNS OF THE HEALTH CARE
TEAM
I. ADHERES TO THE CLINICAL FACILITY POLICY AND PROCEDURES, AND THE
NURS 231 SYLLABUS
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Fall
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
J. IS WELL GROOMED AND APPROPRIATELY ATTIRED IN THE CLINICAL
SETTING
K. ATTENDS AND/OR MAKES UP ALL CLINICAL DAYS. ARRIVES ON TIME AND
STAYS THE ENTIRE CLINICAL TIME. CONFORMS TO THE PROCEDURE FOR
REPORTING ABSENCE OR TARDINESS TO THE FACULTY
L. MAINTAINS PROFESSIONAL DEMEANOR IN THE CLINICAL SETTING
M. ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR OWN PRACTICE
N. ADHERES TO POLICY AND PRACTICES AS OUTLINED IN THE NURSING
PROGRAM HANDBOOK
O. COMPLETES THE PORTFOLIO ACCORDING TO ESTABLISHED GUIDELINES
P. CONTINUALLY SEEKS SELF-IMPROVEMENT AND NEW EXPERIENCES
Q. REFLECTIVE JOURNAL IS THOROUGH, DESCRIPTIVE OF HOW GOALS AND/OR
OUTCOMES WERE MET, INCLUDES APPROPRIATE REFLECTION AND ANALYSIS
CLINICAL LEARNING
VI. PATIENT SAFETY: MINIMIZES RISK OF HARM TO PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS
THROUGH BOTH CLINICAL SYSTEMS EFFECTIVENESS AND INDIVIDUAL
PERFORMANCE.
PERFORMS SAFE PATIENT CARE AND PROMOTES THE SAFETY OF THE
STAFF AS WELL AS THE ENTIRE NURSING UNIT.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
ORGANIZES WORK SO THAT CARE AND CHARTING ARE COMPLETED ON TIME
CONSISTENTLY PROVIDES SAFE CARE
CONSISTENTLY CORRECTS OR MODIFIES PRACTICE TO ENSURE SAFE CARE
SAFELY MANAGES A GROUP OF CLIENTS AS A DIRECT CAREGIVER
ALTERS CARE BASED UPON ASSESSMENTS
ORGANIZES CARE ACCORDING TO HIGH PRIORITIES
USES TIME EFFICIENTLY
REQUESTS APPROPRIATE ASSISTANCE FOR NEW AND/OR SKILL NOT YET
MASTERED
I. RECOGNIZES PERSONAL LIMITATIONS
J. ADMINISTERS MEDICATIONS SAFELY AND ADHERES TO ALL NURS 231,
NURSING PROGRAM AND HEALTH CARE FACILITY’S POLICIES/GUIDELINES
REGARDING SAFE MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION.
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Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
SUPPORT SERVICES:
ADA Accommodations: If you have emergency medical information which should be
shared; or if you require assistance in case the building should be evacuated; please
make an appointment to see me as soon as possible during the office hours indicated in
this syllabus. Any student with a disability who may require accommodation in order to
fully participate in this class should contact the Disability Support Services Office at
(360) 992-2314 or (360) 991-0901 (VP) or stop by GHL 137.
COLLEGE-WIDE POLICIES:
Non-discrimination Policy: Clark College affirms a commitment to freedom from
discrimination for all members of the college community. The college expressly
prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of: Race, color, national origin,
disabled veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, creed, gender
expression, Vietnam-era veteran status, religion, marital status, and presence of physical,
sensory or mental disability. The responsibility for, and the protection of, this
commitment extends to students, faculty, administration, staff, contractors, and those
who develop or participate in college programs. It encompasses every aspect of
employment and every student and community activity.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Important College-Wide Student Information: Visit www.clark.edu/cc/syllabi for
important college-wide student information.
~ 10 ~
Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
NURSING 231
CLINICAL ORIENTATION
Welcome to your leadership and advanced nursing concepts clinical. The focus this
quarter is for you to become a productive member of the health care team in the role of the
professional nurse. You will have the opportunity to work with multiple members of the health
care team. You will be expected to apply content from previous courses as well as practice
previously learned skills. You will be expected to progressively increase your knowledge and
skill in the management of groups of clients and the health care team. YOUR LEARNING IS
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. I am here to facilitate that learning.
Please remember your preceptor and instructors are your resource persons. Feel free to
ask questions. We may choose to answer questions directly or may direct you to an
appropriate source to learn the answer for yourself.
PARKING
Students are expected to park only in facility designated areas. You will need to
determine the location when you orient to each facility.
DRESS CODE
You will be expected to follow the Clark College student nursing dress code. ID
badges must be worn whenever you are in the clinical area.
ASSIGNMENTS
You will be expected to arrive at the clinical facility prior to the scheduled report time
in order to prepare your daily schedule and make appropriate staff assignments with your
preceptor. Whether or not advance preparation is required for your specialty clinical will
depend on the type of experiences available.
COMMUNICATION
Always keep your preceptor informed of your patient’s status throughout the shift.
Always consult your preceptor prior to leaving the unit for any reason. Use your preceptor as a
consultant to assist you in decision making. NEVER HESITATE TO ASK QUESTIONS.
WHEN IN DOUBT--ASK! Asking a question, even if embarrassing, is preferable to making
a mistake. You are expected to give end of shift report according to facility protocol and
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Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
within the time parameters of your clinical experience. Consult with your preceptor prior to
delegating activities to others.
TELEPHONE AND VERBAL ORDERS
Verbal and telephone orders may be taken ONLY WITH YOUR PRECEPTOR ON
THE EXTENSION OR WITH YOU. Your preceptor must cosign any telephone and/or
verbal orders. If you encounter patient/client problems that require notification of a
physician, you may call the physician to discuss the problem. Be VERY CLEAR that you are
a student. Be sure you have ALL the pertinent information regarding the situation. Anticipate
questions they may ask and have your answers ready.
TEAM WORK
Remember you are part of a team. When supervising the care of others, make yourself
available to assist as appropriate. Although the focus is leadership and management, look for
new learning experiences or those that will further expand your knowledge and skill base. If
you find yourself falling behind, consult with your preceptor. If organization proves to be
difficult for you, arrange a time when it can be discussed with your preceptor or instructor.
DOCUMENTATION
Students are required to chart according to facility policy. Charting must be complete,
organized and recorded in a timely manner. Nurses’ notes must include appropriate
assessments, any change in condition and the patient response to interventions. Recording is
done only in black ink. You may find yourself in a facility that uses computer documentation.
Be sure to request the appropriate assistance. If you are at a Legacy facility (Good Samaritan,
Salmon Creek or Emanuel) you are required to complete electronic documentation online
orientation.
CONFERENCES
You can expect to see your instructor in the clinical setting at least once during each
week of clinical. Should there be any concerns regarding your progress or interactions with
your preceptor, you can at any time request a three-way conference to resolve the problem.
We will be having clinical seminars weekly on campus. This is the forum for identifying
general nursing care /leadership problems with a focus on problem solving and critical
thinking. In order to discuss your progress towards meeting course and clinical objectives,
individual conferences will be arranged with your instructor.
ADMINISTRATION OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS
Policies regarding administration of therapeutic agents vary from facility to facility.
You are expected to review and be familiar with the policy in the clinical facilities to which
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Fall
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
you are assigned. Safe administration of therapeutic agents is expected. Students are expected
to request the appropriate assistance in administering any drug by any route when necessary.
STUDENTS MAY NOT ADMINISTER ANY CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS OR
EXPERIMENTAL DRUGS. In some facilities, students are not allowed to give IV Dilantin
or Valium. KNOW YOUR FACILITY’S POLICY.
You may change IV bags with common additives (Potassium, vitamins) without supervision
when cleared by your preceptor. IV bags must be compared against the physician’s order. Be
sure to look for changes in rates and additives. All other IV solutions must be checked with
your preceptor. ALL IV PUSH MEDICATIONS MUST BE DIRECTLY OBSERVED
BY THE RN.
You may NOT flush dialysis access devices. Feel free to accompany and watch this activity
with your preceptor. You are not permitted to work with arterial or SWAN lines without direct
RN supervision.
All Insulin and anticoagulants must be checked by an RN.
Conscious sedation will not be administered by the student. Any drug given for the
purpose of conscious sedation i.e. IV Propofol, Fentanyl, and Versed will not be
administered by the student nurse.
ERRORS OCCUR
If you make a mistake, first assess your patient for adverse effects. Immediately notify
your preceptor of the problem so that together you can determine if intervention is appropriate.
Once the patient has been cared for and is no longer at risk for injury, discuss the error with
your preceptor. Identify what led up to the mistake and why you think the error occurred so
that you can take steps to prevent similar mistakes in the future. Call your instructor to discuss
the situation and what has been done. In your Clinical Log record your error, your analysis of
why/how it happened, the consequence to your patient and how you plan to prevent this type
of error in the future.
LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES (goal ideas for day with charge))
1. Make assignments.
2. Provide patient care for an RN assignment with preceptor.
3. Make rounds with physicians as available and appropriate.
4. Transcribe orders and obtain supplies with unit secretary and/or preceptor.
5. Give end of shift or transfer report.
6. Practice new skills as available in the clinical setting.
7. Do appropriate patient and family teaching.
8. Give assistance as needed to others on the unit.
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
9. Participate in decision making with preceptor.
10. Attend meetings and conferences with preceptor.
Although you are NOT expected to go to the facility the evening before in order
to prepare, you ARE expected to establish goals for the day and week to discuss them
with your preceptor.
POINTS TO REMEMBER:
1. Don’t hold back, this is not an observational experience!
2. Keep your preceptor up to date with respect to your learning needs.
3. Do your own problem solving and request validation from preceptor.
4. Take advantage of all learning opportunities. If your preceptor asks if you want to do
something you haven’t done before, it usually means they have the time to supervise you so
go for it.
5. Confer with other health care providers.
6. Practice new and reinforce previous skills as available
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Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
Senior Practicum Experience
Clinical Overview
RATIONALE: Our health care delivery system is dynamic. The current trend is towards
greater complexity within the health care facilities. Consequently, the effective nurse
must acquire the knowledge necessary to manage groups of clients and supervise
ancillary personnel.
OBJECTIVES: The student will:

Provide patient care for an RN’s assignment with preceptor support.

Work a minimum of 4 hours with the charge nurse (team manager/”desk” nurse).

Collaborate with other health care workers.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

Orient to the facility and unit.

Consult facility policy and procedure manual.

Identify at least three weekly learning goals.

Provide care to a group of patients as appropriate.

Delegate care as appropriate.

Make client care assignments with the appropriate assistance.

Accompany preceptor to meetings/activities as appropriate.

Transcribe orders.

Analyze other RN duties and job descriptions.
EVALUATION: The student is expected to:

Satisfactorily meet N231 student goals/objectives.

Share daily goals with the preceptor and instructor.

Utilize the journal daily to evaluate your experiences and performance.

Conference with faculty and preceptor as needed.
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice

Collaborate with the preceptor.

Attend all clinical days.

Participate in class and clinical seminar
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
Self-Orientation Guide
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE FOLLOWING UNIT ROUTINES:
1. Locate the policy and procedure manuals.
2. Name of charge nurse responsible for the unit.
3. Room numbering system, bed numbering system, patient identification procedures.
4. Where report is given and the method.
5. Charting policies and procedures:
6. Unit routines.
7. Quality assurance memos and/or incident reports.
8. Emergency equipment.
9. Reference books
10. Code cart
11. Emergency suction
12. How to use telephones
13. Bedside commodes
14. Medication administration system
15. Where to pick up medications
16. Calling a cardiac or respiratory arrest
17. Parking
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
Clinical Reflective Journal Guidelines
Weekly Goals:
 Must be correctly written (i.e. Who, What, When).
 Must reflect course, clinical, or personal goals.
 Are to be evaluated in the journal every clinical day.
 Are to be shared with the preceptor and clinical instructor
The Reflective Journal:
 Will help you remain focused on meeting course, clinical and personal learning goals.
 Is a private and confidential communication between student and faculty. Please do not bring your
journal to the clinical site!
 Is used to analyze and document activities of how goals were met (clinical, personal, unit).
 Used to analyze and document problems, situations, issues, and conflicts etc. encountered in the clinical
setting.
 Used to analyze and describe how you feel about what is learned. Please reflect on both positive and
negative feelings.
Goal and Journal Grading
 Weekly goals and Journal entries will be graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory by the clinical instructor.
 Satisfactorily written goals and journal entries must be submitted for each clinical day in order to receive a
passing grade for clinical.
Goals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
 Correctly written
 Correct number of goals. Remember 3 must be written for each clinical week.
 Goals must be shared with the preceptor, daily.
 Must be available in the clinical site and must be shared with the instructor.
The Journal will be evaluated as satisfactory/unsatisfactory based on the following criteria:
 The quality and thoughtfulness of reflection upon the day, not on the quantity written.
 Evaluation of progress toward goals whether or not they were written. If a goal is not met, state why.
 The analysis of the student response to patient care, communication or management issues that arose
during the day. What suggestions would you offer to improve the outcome?
 Reflection upon what you learned. Describe your feelings and the effect on your nursing practice.
Hints:
It’s recommended that you put down your thoughts in your journal as soon as you arrive home after your clinical
shift. That way your thoughts are still fresh and you are less likely to forget important details.
N 231
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Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
Weekly Learning Goals
Name _______________________________
Date
Goals
RN
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
1.
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Instructor
Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
Nursing Signatures
Initials
Name
Initials
~ 20 ~
Name
Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
NURS 231 FINAL CLINICAL SELF-EVALUATION
Student name____________________________ Date______________
Knowledge: Describe your experience with applying content from your theory courses to your clinical
practice.
Clinical Judgment: Describe a clinical experience in which you are proud of your effective problem solving
and decision making skills.
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
Caring: Share how you have integrated principles of diversity, holism, stewardship, dignity and/or respect to
create an environment of caring and reflect on how this has changed over the course of this quarter.
Teamwork and Inter-professional Collaboration: Reflect on one of your experiences involving team-work
and communication. How were the principles of open communication, mutual respect and shared decision
making utilized or not utilized? Discuss how you have grown in this area over the course of this quarter
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Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
Professionalism: Describe your professional goals. How has your experience this quarter contributed to your
growth in the areas of personal accountability, ethical practice and competence in nursing as you work toward
these goals?
Patient Safety: Describe how your actions in your clinical experience helped to minimize the risk of harm to
patients, yourself and other providers. How have your abilities in the area of patient safety improved over the
course of this quarter?
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Fall
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
NURS 231 FINAL CLINICAL EVALUATION
SATISFACTORY
UNSATISFACTORY
DIRECTIONS: Student is to 1. Evaluate your performance. 2. Have preceptor complete the evaluation forms. 3. Submit to faculty at the
designated time. You may have more than one preceptor evaluate you.
EVALUATION CODES:
EVALUATOR CODES:
Student Name:
FACILITY:
S = student self-evaluation
P = preceptor evaluation of student
F = Faculty evaluation of student
S = satisfactory, meets objective
U = unsatisfactory, fails to meet objectives
NA=not applicable in particular clinical area
PRECEPTOR:
UNIT:
Date:
ABSENT OR LATE:
EXPECTED BEHAVIORS
I.
COMMENTS
Knowledge – Integrates relevant theoretical knowledge and
professional behavior into practice.
Synthesizes all previous skills and theoretical knowledge into the
management and care of groups of patients
A. Accurately assesses patients’ health status and functional ability in a
timely manner
B. Evaluates the effectiveness of client care and nursing therapies based
on client’s response to interventions and progress toward meeting
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S
P
F
Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
desired outcomes
Consistently applies the nursing process to the care and
management of patient care
Formulates clinical care plans, care maps, or clinical pathways
according to facility protocol
Modify the care plans, care maps, or clinical pathways according
facility protocol
Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing therapies based on client’s
response to interventions and progress towards meeting desired
outcomes
Apply theoretical concepts in the clinical setting
Integrate all previous learning and new learning into the management
of the client and/or family
Assimilate cultural and spiritual beliefs and practices into the
management of the client and family
Model medical and surgical asepsis in all settings
II. Clinical Judgment: Demonstrates effective problem solving and
decision making.
Synthesizes all previous knowledge using critical thinking, the
Nursing Process, and Evidence-Based Practice into the clinical
decision making process and functions as a graduate nurse
A. Accepts and adjusts to change
B. Consistently demonstrates development of increasingly
independent practice
C. Requires minimal supervision
D. Demonstrates good critical thinking and problem solving
E. Demonstrates good judgment
F. Correctly delegates to qualified staff appropriate to the clinical
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
setting and according to the Nurse Practice Act
Supervises the practice of others
Evaluates the preceptor, the facility, and self objectively
Provides positive feedback and constructive suggestions as
appropriate to the clinical setting
Makes assignments based on client need and qualifications of
available staff when available
Follows through with suggestions for improvement given by
faculty, primary care nurse and/or preceptor
Comes to clinical experience with appropriate resources for the
expected learning experience
III. Caring: Integrate principles of diversity, holism, stewardship, dignity,
and respect to reflect an environment of care.
Incorporates Holistic Nursing Concepts when
Providing Care to the Patient, Family, and Community
A. Communicates caring compassion, warmth, respect and genuine
interest using verbal and non-verbal skills
B. Takes breaks as appropriate. Responds to patient requests in a
prioritized manner
C. Establish rapport with staff, clients and peers
D. Demonstrates respect for everyone
E. Demonstrate an accepting attitude of others regardless of their
diversity
F. Appropriately demonstrate empathy.
G. Advocate for clients and families in a variety of health care settings.
H. Utilize therapeutic communication skills effectively.
I. Collaborates with multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary health care
teams
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
IV. Teamwork and Interprofessional Collaboration: Model open
communication, mutual respect and shared decision making
Is proficient and functions as a team member when
communicating and collaborating with patients, families and
all members of the health care team
A. Shares written daily goals with preceptor
B. Models good listening skills
C. All written work is clear, concise, and articulate
D. Assesses patients’ conditions and effectively and accurately
documents and communicates pertinent observations or changes in
patient health care status and needs to appropriate personnel in a
timely manner
E. Provides appropriate and accurate teaching to patients, families, staff,
and peers
F. Utilizes appropriate channels of communication for personal and
professional problem solving
G. Clearly verbalizes concepts, thoughts and observations
H. Participates appropriately within the group
I. Collaborates with multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary health care
teams
V. Professionalism: Demonstrate personal accountability, ethical
practices and continuing competency in nursing
Models Professionalism in the Clinical Setting
A. Maintains professional boundaries, does not share confidential
information
B. Acts in a professional and ethical manner at all times
C. Identifies ethical issues and discusses the situation
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
D. Evaluates the professional conduct of health care providers in a
variety of settings
E. Is dependable, punctual, and reliable
F. Acts responsibly for own practice
G. Models positive professional behaviors even when others are not
H. Questions and addresses the legal concerns of the health care team
I. Adheres to the clinical facility policy and procedures and the
NURS 231 syllabus
J. Is well groomed and appropriately attired in the clinical setting
K. Attends and/or makes up ALL clinical days. Arrives on time
and stays the entire clinical time. Conforms to the procedure
for reporting absence for tardiness to the faculty
L. Maintains professional demeanor in the clinical setting
M. Accepts responsibility for own practice
N. Adheres to policy and practices as outlined in the Nursing
Program Handbook
O. Completes the Portfolio according to established guidelines
P. Continually seeks self-improvement and new experience
Q. Reflective journal is thorough, descriptive of how goals and/or
outcomes were met, includes appropriate reflections and analysis
of clinical learning
VI. Patient Safety: Minimizes risk of harm to patients and providers
through both clinical systems effectiveness and individual
performance
Performs safe patient care and promotes the safety of the patient,
the staff as well as the entire nursing unit.
A. Organizes work so that care and charting are completed on time
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
B.
C.
D.
E.
Consistently provides safe care
Consistently corrects or modifies practice to ensure safe care
Safely manages a group of clients as a direct care giver
Alters care based upon assessments
F. Organizes care according to high priorities
G. Utilizes time efficiently
H. Requests appropriate assistance for new and/or skill not yet
mastered
I. Recognizes personal limitations
J. Administers medications safely and adheres to all NURS 231,
Nursing Program and Health Care Facility policies/guidelines
regarding safe medication administration.
INSTRUCTOR SIGNATURE:
DATE_____________
PRECEPTOR SIGNATURE:
DATE_____________
STUDENT SIGNATURE:
DATE______________
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GRADE:
Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
NURSING 231
Preceptor Mid-Term and PRN Evaluation of the Student
The most important practical lesson that can be given to nurses is to teach them what to observe. ~Florence Nightingale
Directions:
 Using this form, the preceptor is to complete a Mid-Term and PRN evaluation of the student. Use of examples is expected--especially for any areas of student weakness.
 The preceptor is then expected to verbally review this completed form with the student—indicating any areas of concern and ensuring the student’s daily goals are
adjusted to permit opportunity to focus upon those concerns.
 Both the student and preceptor will sign the form daily, indicating that a review has occurred.
 Students are responsible for keeping a copy of the completed evaluations to share with their clinical instructor.
 Clark College clinical instructors will be notified by the preceptor or student immediately if any serious concerns occur. If no serious concerns exist, the clinical
instructor will normally visit the clinical site every week, and will review the evaluation forms with the student and sign them.
1.
How well did the student maintain professional boundaries with patients/families/members of the health care team?
2.
Discuss student’s respect for maintaining confidentiality and adhering to HIPAA regulations?
3.
Did the student demonstrate integrity and honesty in his/her care of and relationship with the patient/families/members of the health care team?
4.
Describe the student’s communicate with the preceptor and other members of the health care team:
a. Regarding keeping the preceptor and other health care team members appraised of potential patient problems or serious changes in patient status?
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
b.
Regarding professional nature of communication?
5.
Describe student’s timeliness. (Was he/she late? Did he/she handle any necessary lateness responsibly?)
6.
Explain a situation where the student demonstrated critical thinking and effective problem solving skills.
7.
Explain the student’s ability to safely and efficiently manage the care of 3-4 patients with varying acuity levels.
a. How well was he/she able to prioritize needs?
b.
8.
9.
Explain student’s effectiveness in demonstrating time management skills
Medications:
a. Explain student’s level of knowledge of medication side effects and action of the medications that she administered.
b.
Explain the student’s adherence to safe practices when administering medications?
c.
Describe any concerns:
Describe student’s physical assessment of her patient or patients:
a. How well did student prioritize the focus of the physical assessment for her patients’ condition?
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SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
b.
How well (accurately) did the student conduct the assessment? Was it conducted in timely manner?
c.
If any abnormalities were discovered, was appropriate documentation and intervention taken?
10. Did the student accept responsibility for her/his own learning and behavior? What suggestions for improvement were offered?
11. What did you observe as important strengths of this student?
12. What are the areas where this student needs the greatest focus on improvement?
Additional comments:
Student:
Clinical Instructor:
______________________________________
Preceptor signature
___________________________
Date of clinical and review of eval.
______________________________________
Student Signature
____________________________
Date of clinical and review of eval. with preceptor
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Fall
SYLLABUS – Fall Quarter 2013
Department of Nursing
NURS 231 Professional Leadership in
Practice
______________________________________
Clinical Instructor
____________________________
Date of review with student
~ 33 ~