Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
"The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life. It provides human
beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started" (Norman Cousins).
Faculty
Kris Lambert PhD RN
Associate Professor
Office: 619-849-2937
Home: 858-527-0475 ( 0630-2200)
Cell: 858-344-6286
Email: krislambert@pointloma.edu
Office: Taylor Hall 102
Office hours: Monday, Wednesday or Friday by appointment.
Welcome to Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Psychiatric mental health nursing is about hope and recovery. Defined by the American Psychiatric Nurses
Association as "a specialty practice focused on the identification of mental health issues, prevention of mental
health problems, and the care and treatment of persons with psychiatric disorders, " psychiatric mental health
nursing reaches in to all areas of nursing practice, providing nurses with a framework to:
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establish a relationship with those in his/her care,
understand the importance of emotional and psychological wellness in healing
encourage others to learn how to take control of their health and wellness
remember the importance of hope in the process of recovery.
Hope is the overarching theme for this course. It is hope that guides recovery and hope that arouses a passion
for the possible. It is often something as simple as a kind word spoken to a man who has given up the desire to
live, that arouses him to reach out to another person and ask for help. It is hope that pushes a mother struggling
with alcohol and drug addiction to take the first step and admit that she is powerless over the substances she has
been poisoning her body with. And it is hope in the eyes of a nurse that encourages a young girl to share her
story of abuse and pain with someone that may help her feel whole again.
I welcome you to mental health nursing and look forward to sharing the passion and honor I feel in caring for
individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders. While I hope to help you learn all that you can
about mental health and mental illness, I also hope to challenge you to see past the diagnosis and remember the
person behind the illness. One way to ensure that goal is to harness the power of hope; making it a part of your
professional practice. Let the journey begin.
Theory 1
Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
Administrative Information
Catalogue Description: NSG 450 Nursing of Communities: Mental Health Focus
Focuses on the holistic understanding of the socio-cultural, psychological, and situational aspects of life that impact
the mental health of families and communities. Health and illness are seen from a complex, multi-dimensional,
meaning-centered, and critical perspective with an emphasis on the promotion of mental health and wellness. Includes
perspectives on group dynamics and socio-political systems as they impact mental health. Prerequisites: Senior
standing in Nursing program and Psychology 321, Concurrent: Nursing 451.
Note: A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in all co-requisite courses in order to progress in the program.
Credits
Placement
Course Hours
Resources
3 Semester Units
Senior Level
0830-0920 Wednesday &
eClass NSG 450
0730-0920 Friday
Required Textbooks
American Psychological Association (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association
(6th ed.). Washington D.C.: American Psychological Association.
Black, C. (2001). It will never happen to me. Bainbridge Island, WA: MAC Publishing.
Handy, M. (2010). No comfort zone: Notes on living with post traumatic stress disorder. Madison, WI: Mocassa
Press.
*Jones, J., Fitzpatrick, J., & Rogers, V. (Eds.). (2012). Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: An
Interpersonal Approach. New York, NY: Springer Publishing.
Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins. (2010). Nursing 2011 psychiatric mental health drug handbook. Philadelphia,
PA: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins.
Wissman, J. (Ed.) (2007 ). Mental health nursing: RN edition 7.0. Leawood, KS: ATI
Note: ATI Mental Health Nursing will be handed out during the first week of class.
Recommended Reading
Jamison, K. (1997). An unquiet mind: A memoir of moods and madness. New York, NY: Random House.
Kleinman, A. (1988). The illness narratives: Suffering, healing and the human condition. USA:
Basic Books.
Rhodes, L. (1995). Emptying beds: The work of an emergency psychiatric unit. Berkely, CA:
University of California Press.
Schiller, L. (1996). The quiet room: A journey out of the torment of madness. New York, NY:
Warner Books.
Young-Mason, J. (1997). The patient’s voice: Experiences of illness. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.
Theory 2
Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
Academic Accommodations
All students are expected to meet the minimum standards for this course as set by the professor. Students with
learning disabilities who may need accommodations should first discuss options and services available to them in
the Academic Support Center (ASC) during the first two weeks of the semester. Students are encouraged to discuss
their learning needs/accommodations with the professor. The ASC will contact the professor with official
notification and suggested classroom accommodations, as required by the federal law. Approved documentation to
be provided by the student and placed on file in the ASC prior to the beginning of the semester.
Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
A learned approach to the practice of nursing that reflects intellectual development in reasoning,
analysis, research, an decision-making.
Upon completion of NSG 450, students will:
 identify learning needs and accept responsibility for personal and professional growth.
 identify, appraise and manage personal feelings and responses in the therapeutic relationship
with patients.
 develop and evaluate educational goals and therapeutic approaches in the care of individuals
and families experiencing psychosocial problems.
 examine and analyze research studies on selected topics and incorporate these findings in
oral and written form in class and clinical practice.
 examine historical and current responses of society to the care of the mentally ill and the
promotion of mental health.
 appraise and critique philosophical and cultural perspectives on mental illness and their
impact on the nurse-client relationship and the nursing process.
 identify, prioritize, and evaluate patient care issues.
 generate alternative solutions and intervention to patient problems.
Therapeutic Nursing Interventions
A series of theory based, patient-centered nurse initiated actions, designed to optimize health.
These interventions are goal directed, interdisciplinary, research based, and focused on
empowering the patient to engage in their own healing process.
Upon completion of NSG 450, students will:
 define the therapeutic use of self as the cornerstone of therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.
 define and describe the value of the therapeutic use of self in the nurse-patient relationship.
 identify and utilize the components of the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship when
engaged in a therapeutic dialogue with a patient or family member.
 critically identify and appraise verbal and nonverbal behaviors in self, individuals and
groups.
 distinguish alterations in individual and family psychosocial status.
Theory 3
Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
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Formulate and evaluate an individualized plan of care based on data collected, including
nursing diagnoses, patient goals and outcomes, and nursing interventions designed to
facilitate successful patient outcomes.
select, examine and utilize evidence based interventions when developing the plan of care.
evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions towards achieving identified patient
outcomes.
develop and appraise patient centered educational opportunities using evidence based
educational techniques.
illustrate and utilize the use of the nursing process in a culturally sensitive manner in care of
patients, families, and groups.
utilize health promotion and psychiatric rehabilitation principles in the care of patients
throughout the life span
identify and evaluate resources available in the community that support mental health and
mental illness recovery.
Communication
A dynamic interactive process that transmits thoughts, ideas, and feelings through the use
of symbols which are culturally appropriate.
Upon completion of NSG 450, students will:
 contribute to the learning environment by engaging in class discussions, activities and
projects in a respectful, supportive, professional manner.
 analyze themes, patterns and meanings of communication in interactions with individuals,
their families and groups.
 examine and analyze barriers to communication in self and others.
 deconstruct, appraise and evaluate a therapeutic interaction while developing a plan for
enhancing their personal style of verbal and non-verbal communication.
 respond in a culturally appropriate manner to the communication needs and problems of
patients.
 differentiate between the therapeutic and non-therapeutic uses of self-disclosure.
 demonstrate increased skill in and use of active listening techniques.
 identify, demonstrate and appraise group communication skills in class, and therapeutic
settings.
 communicate verbal and written information with clarity, conciseness, using APA format.
 demonstrate professional email etiquette.
Spirituality
The dimension of life that provides meaning to existence; embracing a call to the ministry of
compassionate care for all people in response to God’s grace which aims to foster optimal health
and bring comfort in suffering and death.
Upon completion of NSG 450, students will:
 model Christian principles of honesty, integrity, respect and concern for the well being of
self, patients and colleagues.
Theory 4
Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
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demonstrate respect for all patients; even when there are conflicting values.
articulate and evaluate the impact of spiritual beliefs, values, and culture on an individual's
perception of the meaning of life, health, illness and death.
identify and confront issues of bias, prejudice, and discrimination in self and society in a
manner which promotes healing and understanding.
maintain honesty and integrity in class assignments and collegiate work with others.
identify, examine and evaluate ethical issues in nursing practice and research in relationship
to mental health and mental illness.
adhere to the ethical and legal standards of psychiatric/mental health nursing.
employ a holistic lens in their approach to patient care; attending to body, mind, emotions
and spiritual needs of patients.
recognize opportunities to pray with patients when appropriate.
Service
The provision of leadership in clinical practice and the socio-political environment.
Upon completion of NSG 450, students will:
 identify and explore opportunities for service in advocating for mental health for individuals
and their family members within the community.
 demonstrate and employ “Sabbath Rest” as a means of personal renewal, and true care of the
self, so that service to others is optimally achieved.
 incorporate the characteristics of a servant leader including: humility, courage, forgiveness,
discernment in the care of patients
 participate in community based service projects focused on the needs of individuals with
mental illness.
 identify and describe how they can have a positive impact on the elimination of stigma
towards individuals with mental illness.
 engage in critical, reflective practice in the context of personal and civic responsibility.
Professor/Student Commitment and Expectations
As your professor, I am committed to providing you with a rich and diverse learning environment. My goal is to
offer each one of you the chance to learn and grow from this course by offering a myriad of learning modalities;
both didactic and experiential that are meaningful and related to learning outcomes. I am also committed to
ensuring you have a safe, supportive environment to learn, ask questions, engage in discussion and reflect on new
knowledge and experience within the context of mental health nursing; with the outcome of preparing you to care
for individuals from diverse backgrounds and needs.
My expectation is that you will arrive on time, prepared to engage in a discussion of the day’s topic: offering your
own thoughts and concerns, ideas and questions based on your reading assignments and experience. I expect you to
turn in all assignments on time (a minimum of 10% will be deducted for each day an assignment is late unless prior
arrangements have been made with me). I ask that you keep an open mind while exploring topics that may
challenge your previously held beliefs. I ask that you make a commitment to the community of learners sharing the
course with you and work to support your learning and the learning of your peers.
Theory 5
Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
Course Topic Outline
What is Mental Health?
The Therapeutic Use of Self
Boundary Management
The Nursing Process
The Recovery Model
Mental Health Assessment
Crisis and Crisis Intervention
Risk Factors for Mental Illness
Systems Concepts and Working in Groups
Theories of Mental Health and Mental Illness
Introduction to Psychopharmacology
Ethical and Legal Principles
Thought Disorders
Affective Disorders
Suicide and Self-Destructive Behavior
Personality Disorders
Dissociative Disorders
Cognitive Disorders
Impulse Control Disorders
Sexual Disorders and Dysfunction
Eating Disorders
Psychological Problems of the Physically Ill Person
End of Life Care
Working with Children
Mental Health Concerns Regarding Adolescents
Issues Specific to Older Adults
Inter Familial Violence
Vulnerable Populations: The Forensic Nurse
Cultural, Ethnic and Spiritual Concepts
Horizontal Violence
Co-dependency
Self-Care
Policy, Policy Making and Politics for PMHN
Teaching Strategies
In this course, I will utilize a number of teaching strategies to improve student learning. Each strategy is
designed to address multiple learning styles and preferences. The teaching strategies employed in this course
include:
Lecture
Reflective Practice
Simulation
Case Method
Collaborative Learning
Active Learning
Inquiry Based Learning
Socratic Method
Debate
Role Play
Gaming
Discussion Boards
Evaluation Methods
1. Portfolio:
The School of Nursing has adopted "portfolios" as one method of evaluating student progress. Your
portfolio is due at the end of the semester and will be reviewed during your clinical evaluation. The
following items are to be included in your personal portfolio:
 Process Recording(s) (Signature Assignment).
 Mental Health Assessment and Plan of Care (Signature Assignment)
 Evidence Based Practice Paper
 Grand Rounds Documentation
 Therapeutic Meetings/Activities Summary
 Impact of Illness/Daily Four (1example of each)
Theory 6
Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
2. Examinations, Quizzes and ATI Proctored Test:
 (3) Exams: 100 points each
 Final Examination:
 Online Psychopharmacology Quizzes
 ATI Proctored Test
Total points:
Total points:
Total points
Total points
3. Written Assignments and Projects:
 Process Recording
 Mental Health Assessment/Plan of Care
 Evidence Based Practice Paper
 Grand Rounds Presentation
Total points
Total points:
Total points:
Total points
300*
100*
100
50
*Note: Per SON standard: 75% (cumulative) or 412.5 total points required in this category 550
50
50
100
50
250
4. Participation/Attendance
 Attendance, punctuality
 Discussion board participation
 Team/Group Work
25
100
75
200
Total points possible:
1000
Grading Scale
Grading is consistent with the grading policy in the PLNU School of Nursing Student/Faculty Handbook which
states the student will require a minimum of a C (75%) to progress.
Cumulative Grading Scores
A
A-
=
=
930-1000
900-929
B+
B
B-
=
=
=
870-899
840-869
810-839
C+
C
=
=
780-809
750-779
Exams, Quizzes, and Secured Tests
Examinations, Quizzes, and ATI Secured Test
(550 points total. Must achieve 412.5 in this category to pass the course).
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Examinations:
o
There will be three exams and a final.
o Exams will cover material in the readings as well as lectures, power points, videos, films, group
work and class activities.
o The (3) three exams will consist of 50 multiple choice / fill in the blank/true/false, short answer
and essay style questions.
o The final examination will consist of a case study and the development of a plan of care for the
patient and family described.
Theory 7
Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
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Exam #1: Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Exam#2: Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Exam #3: Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Final Exam: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 @ 07300-1000 (subject to change).
Quizzes
o Quizzes will be completed each week to reinforce the psychopharmacology component of the
course and to help students prepare for care of individuals in the clinical setting.
o Quizzes will cover medications listed on the Psychopharmacology Medication List.
o Quizzes can be accessed through eClass and should be completed prior to class each Wednesday.
o Quizzes are electronically recorded, time stamped and part of calculated into your grade total.
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ATI Testing
o The ATI Test for Mental Health will be given twice; once as an un-secured test online at the
beginning of the course (to serve as a baseline) and once as a proctored test (towards the end of
the semester) to assess your learning progress and current understanding of mental health
nursing.
o The ATI text can be used as a resource for the secured ATI Proctored test.
o Students will take the unsecured ATI test during the first two weeks of the semester.
 Results of the unsecured ATI test should be submitted electronically to Dr. Lambert by:
Friday, September 7, 2012.
 The score on the un-secured ATI test will not be counted toward your grade.
o The secured ATI Proctored Test score will be given on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 @0900 in
the Hughes Lab.
 Points will be assigned to the secured ATI Test and will be based on the cut point score.
 Results ≥ Level 3: 50 points.
 Results< Level 3: 40 points
Reading Assignments
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Students are expected to read the assigned material prior to class each day.
Students should expect to spend at least 60-90 minutes each night reading assigned material in
preparation for the daily in-class discussion/activities.
Reading assignments include assigned chapters from the textbook, journal articles and other readings
selected by the instructor.
The Socractic Method The Socratic Method will be used to discuss the assigned readings on selected
days. The principle underlying the Socratic Method is that students learn through the use of critical
thinking, reasoning, logic, and finding holes in their own theories. Through discussion, students are able
to challenge themselves to truly explore a topic, rather than merely regurgitate an answer.
Reading assignment schedule can be found at the end of the syllabus and in eClass under
ASSIGNMENTS.
Theory 8
Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
Written Assignments and Projects
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Process Recording (50 points)
o The therapeutic use of self is the cornerstone of psychiatric mental health nursing.
o Therapeutic communication refers to goal-directed conversations with patients aimed at helping
the patient sort through difficult issues and take thoughtful actions to improve their mental health
and well-being.
o The process recording is used as a method of evaluating the student’s ability to initiate and
engage in a therapeutic interaction using therapeutic communication with a patient.
o The primary learning outcome includes the opportunity for the student to deconstruct, appraise
and evaluate a therapeutic interaction with a patient while examining and analyzing their own
verbal and non-verbal communication techniques.
o The goal of the process recording is not to impress the professor with a text-book perfect
dialogue; but rather to illustrate the student’s thought process during a therapeutic interaction as
well as the ability to learn from that interaction.
o The process recording should reflect a therapeutic interaction with a patient coupled with a
thoughtful analysis of the interaction.
o See Process Recording Requirements in eClass under Course Assignments for more detailed
information on the assignments. Process Recording Assignment Guidelines; Process Recording
Template; Process Recording Rubric
o Submit the process recording to Dr. Lambert by: Friday, October 5, 2012.
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Mental Health Assessment and Plan of Care (50 points)
o Each student will complete and document a full mental status examination and mental health
assessment on a patient in the clinical setting.
o Utilizing the nursing process, the student will develop a plan of care based on the collected data.
o Students may use the template(s) provided in eClass to collect data.
o See Mental Health Assessment and Plan of Care Requirements in eClass under Course
Assignments for more detailed information on the assignment. Mental Health Assessment and
Plan of Care Guidelines; Mental Health Assessment and Plan of Care Rubric
o Mental Health Assessment and Plan of Care will be submitted via eClass to Dr. Lambert on:
Friday, October 26, 2012.
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Evidence Based Paper: (100 points),
o Within the nursing profession, it is expected that new information in the form of evidence-based
research will be incorporated into daily nursing practice. The staff nurse is a critical link in
bringing research-based changes into clinical practice.
o The evidence-based paper is the student’s opportunity to bring research-based changes into the
clinical arena by asking the question: “What is the current best practice as it relates to ……”
o Select a topic of interest (a list of topics is available if needed).
o Once the topic and question have been chosen the student will:
 Explore current research (nursing, psychology, sociology, education, medicine, and
pediatrics, etc.) to determine best practice.
 Complete a brief literature review (at least three articles) written in the last five (5) years
from peer reviewed journals that address the current best practice guidelines for the issue
chosen.
Theory 9
Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
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Review/analyze the articles.
Compare and contrast the current best practice noted in the articles with the care
observed in the clinical area.
 Identify the gaps and discuss potential solutions.
 Note: It is often easier to choose a patient and his/her treatment or a practice observed
within the milieu as your exemplar.
All papers require peer review of first draft prior to submission to Dr. Lambert for evaluation.
APA (6th edition) format; including in text citations and references is required.
Recommended length of paper: 5-8 pages.
See Evidence-Based Paper Requirements EBP Assignment under eClass Course Assignments for
more detailed information on the assignment.
Due date: Friday, November 16, 2012.
Submit the following items to Dr. Lambert:
 Peer reviewed first draft with corrections.
 Research articles.
 Final draft.
Grand Rounds Presentation: (50 points).
o Choose a mental health topic of interest to you and/or your group, something you always wanted
to learn more about for example: dissociative disorder, suicide, postpartum depression, PTSD,
delirium in the ICU, treatment modalities for individuals with bulimia, etc.
 Remember, mental health issues are found in all areas of health care.
 Consider exploring a mental health issue or treatment modality in relationship to your
particular area of interest i.e. postpartum depression/psychosis, psychosis post-op in the
ICU, anorexia/bulimia in children, the media portrayal of mental illness, complementary
and alternative approaches used in mental health, analysis of a supplementary book
related to mental illness (The Quiet Room for example), participation in a support group,
etc.
o This is a group project. Groups may consist of clinical groups or groups self-chosen consisting
of 4-8 people.
o Prepare a presentation for the class that demonstrates your ability to integrate clinical experience
and lecture materials on your given topic.
o Be creative in the presentation and selection of your selected topic, i.e. present a case study
(Grand Rounds), role play, group experience, video, play, song, etc.
o Include nursing roles, responsibilities, interventions, patient goals and expected outcomes.
 Be mindful of the nursing process and the nursing plan of care.
o Seek guidance from clinical instructor if you have any questions, concerns, etc.
o Consider preparing a handout for peers with information/summary of your topic.
o Prepare a copy of any electronic component of your presentation for Dr. Lambert.
o See Grand Rounds Requirements under Course Assignments in eClass Course Assignments for
more detailed information about the assignment.
o Presentations will be shared with fellow students and faculty on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at
0900.
Theory 10
Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
Participation and Attendance
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Attendance (25 points).
o Regular and punctual attendance at all classes is considered essential to optimum academic
achievement. Therefore, regular attendance and participation in each course are minimal
requirements to be met.
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Discussion Board Reflective Practice (100 points).
To be self aware is to be conscious of one's character, including beliefs, values, qualities, strengths and
limitations. Self-awareness is the foundational skill upon which reflective practice is built. It underpins
the entire process of reflection because it enables individuals to see themselves in a particular situation
and honestly observe how they have affected the situation and how the situation has affected them.
Reflective practice is about learning and growing from experience. Self-awareness also promotes selfcare; a vital component of a successful professional practice.
o Students will have the opportunity to learn about and engage in reflective practice as a part of
this course.
o One question will be posted each Monday on the Reflection Discussion Board on eClass.
o Each student will be responsible for posting a response to the prompt by Friday of that week.
o While posts are not graded, each post is worth 10 points (for a total of 10 posts/100 points).
o Students are encouraged to respond to one another; making supportive comments/observations.
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Team Work (75 points).
Collaborative team work is a vital component of an inquiry based, student centered approach to learning.
In the clinical arena, nurses generally work/serve as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Students will
have the opportunity to work in teams to extend their learning and to simulate an environment often
found in healthcare settings.
o Students will be assigned to a “team” for the semester.
o All group work, assignments, activities will be done within the structure of the team.
o Team members will evaluate themselves and each other; based on preparation, performance,
collaboration, etc. at the end of the semester
Academic Policies
Special Note:
 Faculty reserves the right to make necessary changes to this syllabus as the semester progresses and will
collaborate with students if changes become necessary.
 It is the student’s responsibility to maintain his/her class schedule. Should the need arise to drop this
course (personal emergencies, poor performance, etc.), the student has the responsibility to follow
through (provide the drop date meets the stated calendar deadline established by the university). Simply
ceasing to attend this course or failing to follow through to arrange for a change of registration
(add/drop) may result in a failing grade on your official transcript.
Theory 11
Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
University Policies: per PLNU Undergraduate Catalog
 “Academic dishonesty…..such acts include plagiarism, copying of class assignments and copying or
other fraudulent behavior on examination. If faculty believes a situation involving academic dishonesty
has been detected, they may assign a failing grade for that particular assignment/examination, and/or the
course.”
 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
In compliance with federal law, neither PLNU student ID nor social security number will be used in
publicly posted grades or returned sets of assignments without student written permission. This class
will meet the federal requirements by distributing all grades and papers individually. Also in compliance
with FERPA, you will be the only person given information about your progress in this class unless you
have designated others to receive it in the “Information Release” section of the student portal. For more
information on undergraduate policies, please see Policy Statements in the undergrad student catalog.
 While all students are expected to meet the minimum academic standards for completion of this course
as established by the instructor, students with disabilities may require academic accommodations. At
PLNU, Students requesting academic accommodations must file documents with the Disability
Resource Center (DRC), located in the Bond Academic Center. Once the student files documentation,
the DRC will contact the student’s instructors and provide written recommendations for reasonable and
appropriate accommodations to meet the individual learning needs of the student. This policy assists the
University in its commitment to full compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation act of 1973, the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and ADA Amendments Act of 2008, all of which
prohibit discrimination against students with disabilities and guarantees all qualified students equal
access to and benefits of PLNU programs and activities.
 Regular and punctual attendance at all classes in which a student is registered is considered essential to
optimum academic achievement. Therefore, regular attendance and participation in each course are
minimal requirements to be met. There are no allowed or excused absences except when absences are
necessitated by certain university-sponsored activities and are approved in writing by the Provost. When
ever the number of accumulated absences in a class, for any cause, exceeds ten percent of the total
number of class meetings, the faculty member has the option of filing a written report to the Vice
Provost for Academic Administration which may result in de-enrollment, pending any resolution of the
excessive absences between the faculty member and the student. If more than 20 percent of the total
number of class meetings is reported as missed (three weeks or longer in a semester-long course), the
faculty member or Vice Provost for Academic Administration may initiate the student’s de-enrollment
from the course without advance notice to the student. If the date of de-enrollment is past the last date to
withdraw from a class, the student will be assigned a grade of W or WF (no grade). There are no refunds
for courses where a de-enrollment was processed” (See catalog for full text).
 “Examinations may be deferred due only to illness or because of other equally valid conditions over
which the student hs no control.” Extenuating circumstances will be determined by the faculty of record.
 University final exam schedule: http://www..pointloma.edu/Academics/AcademicCalendar.htm. Final
exams may not be taken early and travel plans need to be made accordingly. Extenuating circumstances
will be determined by the faculty of record.
 Course grade appeal may be used when a student believes the syllabus was not followed in the grade
calculation or if it is thought that grading was done in a capricious and arbitrary manner. The appeal
policy does not include student dissatisfaction with a grade based on the faculty member’s professional
judgment. A Course Grade Appeal Form is available from the Vice Provost for Academic
Theory 12
Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing
Fall 2012 NSG 450: Nursing of the Communities; Mental Health Focus
Administration and must be filed within one year from the end of the course in which the grade was
given.
School of Nursing Policies
 Grading Scale:
The following grading scale is to be used for all exams and final course grades
93%-100% = A
90%- 92% = A87%- 90% = B+
84%- 86% = B
81%- 83% = B78%- 80% = C+
75%- 77% = C
Student must have a minimum of 75% (exams and final grade) to progress in the program
73%- 74% = C71%- 72% = D+
68%- 70% = D
Below 68% = F
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The Professor of Record has the authority to determine the schedule and re-scheduling of examinations.
All assigned course work must be completed to receive a final course grade.
Make up for clinical hours is at the discretion of the faculty. All clinical (i.e. on-campus, skills lb,
clinical sites)hours must be made up. It is the responsibility of the student ot initiate communication
regarding arrangements for make up. Failure to make up clinica hours will result in a “no credit” for the
clinical practicum and an incomplete for the co-requisite theory course.
In order to receive a passing grade int eh course, the student s must achieve an average of 75% on
testing (quizzes, tests, exams). An average test score <75% will be reflected in a maximum course grade
of C-. A grade below C (below 755) prohibits the student from continuing in the nursing program until
the course is repeated with a satisfactory grade of ≥ C.
A grade of at least a “C” in each n nursing theory, prerequisite, and/or co-requisite course is required in
order to progress to the next course level. The nursing theory and related clinical course must be taken
concurrently and the student must receive a passing grade of “credit” in the clinical course in order to
progress to the next course or level.
The use of technology will be determined at the discretion of the faculty.
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.
Theory 13