Chippewa Valley Technical College
Nursing Fundamentals Syllabus
Instructor:
Kasey Carlson RN, MSN
715-858-1808 (office 217)
715-271-2222 (cell – text as well; include name and course name with message)
kschindler6@cvtc.edu – campus email (include name and course name with
message)
www.kc-courses.com/fundamentals - course web site
https://kaplanlwwtesting.kaplan.com/s_login.aspx - login for Kaplan
Office Hours
Mondays 9am – 12pm, Tuesdays 12pm – 1pm, Online Sundays 8pm – 9:30pm. Thurs/Fridays 15 min after
clinical. Also available by phone appointment
Availability: I will respond to text/email/phone messages Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm. Any messages received
outside of these hours will be answered during the next available time. Note that I am unavailable on weekends
except for Sunday night.
Course Information
Organization
Course Number
Credits
Number of Weeks
WTCS - Wisconsin Technical College System
543-101
2
16
Course Description
This VC4 course focuses on basic nursing concepts that the beginning nurse will need to provide care to diverse
patient populations. Current and historical issues impacting nursing will be explored within the scope of nursing
practice. The nursing process will be introduced as a framework for organizing the care of patients with
alterations in cognition, elimination, comfort, grief/loss, mobility, integument, and fluid/electrolyte balance.
Online test dates are announced/posted in advance for students and must be proctored. Faculty will list in syllabus
how far ahead students may work in an online course. Online courses are NOT self-paced or independent study.
Faculty will list in the syllabus use of acceptable proctors. Faculty will NOT leave tests open more than one day.
Prerequisite(s)
806-177 Gen Anatomy & Physiology (or taken concurrently) or 804-140 Basic Algebra. Restricted to students
admitted to the following program(s): 10-543-1 Nursing-Assoc Degree
Technology Requirements
1. Computer access multiple times per week (campus or home)
2. Web Browser
 Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher (high speed preferred – some applications may not run on dial up)
 Netscape 7.1 or higher
 Apple - Safari 1.0 or higher
 Older versions or alternative browsers (such as Mozilla and Opera) may be compatible, but some features
might not be available.
3. Computer/Operating System
 Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7 or Mac OS 9, Mac OS X
 256 MB of RAM, 1 GB of available hard disk space
4. Software
 Microsoft Office (Word - .doc and .docx only)
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 Adobe Acrobat Reader (http://get.adobe.com/reader/)
 Macromedia Flash Player or GOM player (http://www.gomlab.com)
 Java (http://www.java.com/en/)
5. A Professional Twitter Account – please make your username: lastname_ADNS (if your last name is long,
you may use first few letters; if your name is common (ex. Smith), include first name)
a. Username examples: SmithKar_ADNS, Skoroc_ADNS, CarlsonK_ADNS
Textbooks (although there are other editions out there, you will be tested on the material in the required
one)
Required:
TITLE: Fundamentals of Nursing
AUTHOR: Potter and Perry
EDITION: 8th
COPYRIGHT YEAR: 2013
PUBLISHER: Mosby, Incorporated
Recommended:
TITLE: Nursing Diagnosis Handbook
AUTHOR: Ackley
EDITION: 9th
COPYRIGHT YEAR: 2010
PUBLISHER: Mosby, Incorporated
Nurse’s Drug Book of your choice (please look at a bunch of different ones in the LRC…pick one that is
alphabetized not by drug category). Most recent year is better.
CVTC Core abilities this course will help you build
 Communicate effectively
 Think critically
 Behave ethically
 Cultivate cultural and global awareness
 Use science and technology
 Develop self-awareness
 Demonstrate social interaction
Competencies this course will help you master
1.
Differentiate scopes of practice within the nursing profession
2.
Maintain a safe, effective care environment
3.
Use the nursing process
4.
Use appropriate communication techniques
5.
Adapt nursing practice to meet the needs of diverse clients in a variety of settings
6.
Provide nursing care for clients and families experiencing grief and loss
7.
Provide nursing care for clients with comfort alterations
8.
Provide nursing care for clients with nutritional, fluid, and electrolytes disturbances
9.
Provide nursing care for clients with commonly occurring alterations in elimination patterns
10. Provide nursing care for clients with integumentary disorders
11. Provide nursing care for clients with infection
12. Provide nursing care for clients with cognitive and sensory impairments
13. Provide nursing care for clients with sleep/rest/mobility alterations
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How your performance will be graded
Five Unit Exams – weighted 16% each
14 Weeks of Tweets - weighted 0.5% each
4 Written Assignments – weighted 3% each
Kaplan Focused Review Tests
80%
7%
12%
1%
100%
A final percentage of 80% is required to pass the course and progress in the nursing program.
Your final grade will be assigned based on the standard CVTC Nursing Grading scale below. Since your grades
are weighted, your grades will be available for you to review at any time on E360. Exam grades will be posted
within 48 hours of the exam. It is your responsibility to review your grades periodically throughout the semester.
If your average drops below passing (80%), I strongly encourage you to contact me and discuss study strategies.
Grading scale
A
94-100
A- 92-93
B+ 90-91
B
86-89
B- 84-85
C+ 83-82
C 81-80
D 78-79
F < 78
Exams and Proctor Policy:
1. There will be five written unit exams that proctoring is required for. The questions will be based on the
learning objectives and are structured in the NCLEX format that may include multiple choice, short
answer, “hot spots”, fill in the blank, and multiple response items. Because preparing for the national
boards begins as soon as a nursing student begins nursing school, the format of the course exam questions
will help familiarize you with NCLEX format and develop the analytical thought process necessary to
pass the board exam with confidence.
2. The exams in this course are given paper/pencil format and must be proctored. Students can utilize an
instructor/ E-learning Services at the closest campus (ie Menomonie, Eau Claire, or River Falls) or a
testing center (ie Sylvan). In Eau Claire, please contact Judy Everson, E-Learning assistant, at 715830-5585 in BEC 147C or email her at jevenson2@cvtc.edu. All proctors must be approved by the
instructor and you must stay with the same location/proctor throughout the semester. You must designate
your proctor and location in the first week of the course with one of the above options. Be advised that if
you are taking more than one proctored exam on the same day, allot enough time for both exams with a
break between. Failure to pre-arrange an exam time with an approved proctor will not be acceptable as an
excuse to take the exam after the deadline.
3. Because proctors have responsibilities other than proctoring exams and there are limited amount of
computers available in some testing centers, proctor appointments must be made at least 48 hours (2
business days) in advance of the exam date. Because you have the exam dates for the entire semester, it
is strongly encouraged that you go ahead and set up all your appointments at the start of the semester.
Failure to make an appointment as stated above or failure to show-up at the scheduled time/location
(excluding absences –see below) will result in a 2% deduction from the exam score.
4. The exams must be taken on the day the exam is scheduled. In the past exams were open for 48-72
hours to offer scheduling flexibility, but unfortunately that is no longer an option due to the increased
incidents of online cheating. Please plan according to the availability of your testing center and proctor.
5. In addition, each test has a time limit that is clearly stated. If you go over this time limit, ½ point for
each minute you go over the allotted time will be deducted from your exam.
6. Rules during testing:
a. You are allowed two #2 pencils in the proctoring area.
b. No cell phones, hats, or personal belongings are allowed in the testing area.
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7. If a student will be absent for an examination due to extenuating circumstances, they must notify the
instructor before the exam and make an appointment for the make-up exam within three days. If
instructor is not notified before the exam, the student will receive a zero for that exam. In addition, if an
examination is not taken at the scheduled time, alternative test forms may be administered at the
discretion of the instructor (i.e: short answer or essay).
8. If a student fails an exam they need to schedule an appointment with the instructor to identify a plan to
foster future success.
9. If a student is failing the course by greater than 5% after the second exam, the student will be referred to
academic counseling.
10. Grading of the exams will be completed 24 hours after closing.(ie Tuesday evenings if exams are taken on
Mondays)
Exam Review
1. Individual review of exams is offered by office/chat/phone appointment for 24 hours -1 week after the
exam was taken.
2. If a student wishes to challenge a test question s/he may do so by submitting the challenge in writing to
the instructor with the rationale and source within 3 days of the exam. Sources must include the author
and page number. Credit will be given only to the person who successfully challenges.
Kaplan Integrated Testing Program (source of your Focused Review Tests)
"The Kaplan and Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Integrated Testing Program is comprised of a series of online
tests and remediation resources designed to evaluate and repair the nursing knowledge of students in an
undergraduate program leading to RN licensure. The results enable nursing school faculty to identify students
with knowledge and learning deficits in specific content areas in a timely manner so that early intervention
changes student outcomes. A comprehensive remediation program is included so early intervention improves
student outcomes. Remediation is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in multiple formats so students
can correct knowledge deficits." (Kaplan and Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Integrated Testing Program Faculty
Manual. (2008). Eighth Edition, p. 1)
1. Testing will consist of proctored and nonproctored exams that will coincide with either a clinical or
theory course in every semester of your CVTC nursing program. In the 4th semester of your CVTC
nursing program, you will have the opportunity to attend a Kaplan review course to prepare you for your
NCLEX exam for your RN licensure. The proctored exams in each course will count as 1% of your
course grade. Specifics about testing dates, rules, point breakdown, exams, remediation resources and
other information will be given to you prior to taking those exams. Refer to the handouts/online
information provided by your instructor in each course for specific details.
2. Kaplan required testing for Fundamentals will include Two Focused Review Tests
a. The online focused exams are available thru the Kaplan website from the first day you log in to
the site.
b. They are not proctored exams. Take them on your own time at home! See schedule for due
date.
c. Each test is worth 10 points
i. 5 points for taking the test (all or nothing)
ii. 5 points for remediating (all or nothing)
1. If you scored greater than 65%, you must remediate all missed questions for the 5
points
2. If you scored less than 65%, you must remediate all the test questions for the 5
points.
Assistance
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1. Students are encouraged to ask questions, use resources and monitor their progress with the instructor in
this course.
2. Any student who feels s/he may need any special assistance or accommodations for any disability should
make an appointment with the instructor.
3. If a student needs assistance with E360, s/he needs to contact Tech Support.
E360 and Website
1. This is a web enhanced course. You may access course materials via E360 and via the course web link. If
you are unable to access a link or assignment, please notify me ASAP.
2. All grades will be displayed through E360
3. All readings, lectures, study guides, and assignments will be on the course website
Attendance
1. One of the best things about online classes is that you can access the classroom whenever it is convenient
for you. The lessons and assignments are posted in eight week segments. You may work ahead but I
would not suggest more than a week at a time. Quality of work and ability to retain information decreases
if you work too far ahead.
2. Please note that participation through Twitter does account for a portion of your class grade and the only
way to participate is to be online on a regular basis. I have found that the more students participate on
the class chats - asking or answering questions, providing information and posting their assignments - the
more they enjoy the class and the better the chance of success.
3. You should plan to be online, at times convenient for your schedule, 4 out of 7 days, roughly 8 hours each
week. In summary, this is NOT a correspondence or independent study course.
Late Work
1. If a student will not be able to submit an assignment, participate on Twitter, or take a quiz due to
extenuating circumstances, they must notify the instructor before the due date to discuss other
arrangements.
2. Lack of computer access or personal computer issues will not be considered exceptional circumstances
for late work. All students should have a back-up plan in case of computer failure.
3. There are times when CVTC server is unexpectedly down. This is the only time when due dates may be
flexible. Check your CVTC email for outage notifications and plan accordingly.
4. Late penalties (if no exceptional circumstances exist and no arrangements are made):
a. Missed exam = zero points
b. Late to exam appointment/failure to make apt = 2% exam score deduction
c. Went over time allotted on exam = ½ point for each minute over
d. Missed Tweet = zero points
e. Late paper = 2% score deduction per day late (up to 3 days)
f. Missed paper = zero points
Twitter Requirements:
1. As this is an internet based course, one way to measure student participation is through the use of social
media. In order to earn full credit for participation, the student must tweet a minimum of three
substantive responses/questions to peers or instructor weekly. Participation responses to the thoughts and
ideas of other students should reflect respect and thoughtfulness. These responses should add value to the
ongoing discussion. Simple agreement or praise in response to someone else's comments do not
constitute a substantive response and will not count. A response should be about 100-140 characters.
It would be to your benefit to answer more questions or ask questions if a concept is still unclear.
2. Twitter Requirements: Everyone must create their own professional account that contains “last name
ADNS” in the name. If your last name is long, you may use first few letters; if your name is common (ex.
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Smith), include first name). Name examples: SmithKar_ADNS, Skoroc_ADNS, CarlsonK_ADNS. Please
choose an appropriate/professional username as well.
3. Personal comments about non course related topics are not allowed thus it needs to be separate from your
personal accounts.
a. Read “Twitical Thinking” under the Twitter tab on the course website
b. If you are new to Twitter, please see https://support.twitter.com/groups/31-twitter-basics#
c. Go to https://twitter.com/nsgfundies
d. Fill out the information to Follow Nursing Fundamentals.
e. Create name and username described above.
f. After verifying that you are enrolled in my course, I will accept your request to join.
g. See schedule for your first Twitter assignment.
h. All Tweets should have #NF543 which makes sure it does not end up in another feed or course.
i. It stands for nursing fundamentals, 543 is the course number
4. Beginning week 2, Tweets will start every Monday morning and run through Saturday 11pm. You may
Tweet your 3 or more times during this time period for full credit. The 3 Tweets must be on different
days for credit! It is an all or nothing grade. The first week is set up, getting to know Twitter, and a
proctor Tweet. The first week is not graded.
5. The more you participate, the more you will learn!
Written Assignments
1. Written assignments, such as the papers, must be in Word format (doc or docx) and submitted via email
to me. I will use the time stamp on the CVTC email to verify completion.
2. Send via your CVTC email to prevent it from getting in SPAM
3. Please read instructions carefully on what to name document and how to complete it. This prevents it
from being “lost”.
4. Please read instructions carefully. No points will be awarded for inability to follow directions.
Extra Credit Policy
There will be a variety of assessment methods in this course and grades will be assigned according to these
methods, therefore extra credit will not be offered.
Procrastination
Computers can be very helpful, but also very frustrating. Something that worked just fine for weeks can suddenly
stop working. There can be problems with the College network, problems with your own computer setup, or
problems with your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Given all this, it's important to do assignments earlier rather
than later. If you wait until the last hour to do a quiz experience, for instance, there may be a glitch that prevents
you from finishing. Unless it's a problem with the CVTC network (in which case you'll get more time), you will
get a penalty for that experience.
If you're a procrastinator, force yourself to read the relevant material in the text early on and then go online to
finish your work well before the assignment is due. That way, when something goes wrong (as it probably will
during the term) there will be time to correct it.
Discussion of Topics
Please note that in this class body parts, diseases/conditions, body types, and scenarios are discussed. All
scenarios and examples used in class are based off of textbooks, real events or patients anonymously. It is not to
offend or target any person within the class. If any student chooses to share any experiences or disclose
information with the group during discussion board, the topic is then open for discussion. Anything discussed
between the instructor and student in a private setting will be kept private.
My Responsibilities to You
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My role is to help you succeed as a CVTC Nursing Student and as a professional nurse. I have developed several
activities in this course to help you master key concepts for your use in patient care. I strive to help you achieve
clear understanding of the content to help you succeed as a student, as an NCLEX test-taker, and as a professional
nurse. I also strive to provide quality feedback and fairly evaluate your understanding of the material on exams
and written assignments. I am always available to you if you would like to discuss any questions or concerns you
may have; just call, drop by my office or send an e-mail and I will be glad to set up a time to meet with you.
Your Responsibilities as a Student: How to Succeed
 Learning at CVTC is “performance based.” This means that your grade for the course is based on how
well you demonstrate your understanding of course competencies (see the learning plans for each unit or
the overall Course Outcome Summary.) Many students have found it very helpful to answer all of the
learning objectives for each unit as you read the material and study for the exams. You will then
demonstrate your understanding of this material via exam questions, case studies, and other activities.
Because learning is “performance based,” your grade is not based on a “curve,” but on how well you
demonstrate understanding of the material.
 Complete the learning activities assigned. These activities are not “busy work,” but have been developed
based on learning theory and research that will help you to master the material at a high level of
understanding. Mere memorization alone of material will not help you to succeed in this course or the
CVTC nursing program; you must learn how to APPLY what you have learned to patient care scenarios
in order to provide safe, effective nursing care.
 Check your CVTC student e-mail daily. Important course and program announcements are sent via email.
 Schedule appropriate time outside of class for studying for a college-level course. This is a 2 credit
course. That means that there are 2 hours of content weekly, and you are expected to spend at least an
additional 6 hours per week reading, completing assignments, and studying for exams. Schedule at least
the same number of hours per credit hour for your other nursing courses in order to be successful in the
CVTC Nursing Program.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is a core principle of learning and scholarship. When you violate this principle, you cheat
yourself of the confidence that comes from knowing you have mastered the targeted skills and knowledge. You
also hurt all members of the learning community by falsely presenting yourself as having command of
competencies with which you are credited, thus degrading the credibility of the college, the program, and your
fellow learners who hold the same credential.
Any acts of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of "0" for that assignment or exam for you and anyone
who participated in this act. In addition, you will be referred to student services for discipline based on college
policy.
Progression Policy
Students are encouraged to be familiar with the Nursing Programs' progression policy. This policy is outlined in
the Student Handbook. Students are responsible for knowing the policies and procedures contained within this
handbook. A copy of the Student Handbook can be obtained from the Nursing Program Director and/or is
available on the Nursing Programs' website. Failure to obtain a copy of the Student Handbook and/or
unfamiliarity with the progression policy will not result in an exception to the policy.
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Student Rights Summary
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids will be available for qualified students with disabilities. Reasonable
accommodations are not mandatory when the person with the disability poses a direct threat to the health or safety of
others. If the student feels the need for an accommodation and/or service, the instructor should be notified as early as
possible at the start of the term.
Accommodations for Religious Beliefs
CVTC complies with s38.04(16), Stats, which provides for the reasonab le accommodation of a student’s sincerely
held religious beliefs. Students can request a reasonable accommodation with regard to scheduling an examination and
other academic requirements. The student request must be in writing and submitted to the instruct or five working days
prior to the date or dates of the anticipated absence. The student request will be kept confidential. Instructors will
provide a means by which a student can perform the makeup examination or other academic requirement in a timely
manner without any prejudicial effect.
Discrimination/Harassment
Discrimination/harassment is prohibited when it is based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex,
disability, age, arrest or conviction record, marital status, parental st atus, mental health, veteran’s status, pregnancy,
or sexual orientation. Discrimination means any action, policy or practice detrimental to a member of one of the above
protected groups or that limits or denies opportunities to a person or group. Sexual ha rassment is also prohibited and
is defined as severe, pervasive behavior that substantially interferes with one’s work or academic performance, or
creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive academic environment.
CVTC is committed to quality education and values YOUR success.
In fulfilling this commitment, the college is responsive to student concerns. In most cases student concerns are best resolved
through discussion with instructors. However, there may be times when you need to talk with someone else. The following
contacts are provided for your information:
Concern
Safety & Security
Complaints, incidents or grievances
dealing with discrimination,
harassment, or retaliation
Accommodations for disabilities
General student concerns, formal grade
appeals, college service complaints, or
concerns regarding other students
Complaints concerning the quality of
instruction
Contact
Carrie Hallquist, Safety, Security and Risk Manager
Business Education Center, Room 116
Contact: 715-833-6670 or Email: challquist1@cvtc.edu
Employees
Mary Casey, HR Director & Equal Opportunity Officer
Business Education Center, Room 104B
Contact: 715-852-1377 or Email: mcasey10@cvtc.edu
Students
Mike Ojibway, Diversity/Equal Opportunity Specialist
Business Education Center, Room 120F
Contact: 715-833-6343 or Email: mojibway2@cvtc.edu
Aaron Czappa, Learning Support Specialist
Business Education Center, Room 120E
Contact: 715-852-1386 or Email: aczappa@cvtc.edu
Vice President Student Services (call Trish Campbell for appt.)
Business Education Center, Room 104
Contact: 715-833-6341 or Email: pcampbell4@cvtc.edu
Deans(call Turi Miller for appt.)
Business Education Center, Room 100
Contact: 715-833-6309 or Email: tmiller@cvtc.edu
Or call 1-800-547-2882 and ask to be transferred to the appropriate contact.
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Essential Student Resources
Technology Help Center
Tech Support contains documentation about the most commonly used applications at CVTC and a collection of useful guides
and tutorials for students. Visit: https://help.cvtc.edu/TechSupport/default.aspx
CVTC Student Email
Instructors may send messages about upcoming assignments or exams, changes in class schedules, or general course
information. Your CVTC student email address is the only email supported by CVTC. Please use it for all CVTC related
email. Access your CVTC email:
1. Log into My CVTC at http://MyCVTC.cvtc.edu.
2. Click the student email link on the upper right side of the screen of the My CVTC tab.
3. Visit https://help.cvtc.edu for step-by-step guides and tutorials.
My CVTC Software
My CVTC Software allows access to Microsoft Office, course specific software, and your personal CVTC storage space (N
Drive). You may access this software anytime from any location with internet access. Access is automatic when using a
CVTC computer. Access My CVTC software off campus:
1. Login to My CVTC at http://MyCVTC.cvtc.edu.
2. Click My CVTC Software under Tools on the left side of the screen.
3. Login with your username and password.
4. You will be prompted to install software the first time you access this tool.
5. Launch your application after the software is installed.
6. Visit https://help.cvtc.edu/TechSupport/default.aspx for step-by-step guides and tutorials.
E360
E360 is a user friendly secure website where you access course materials, view tutorials, participate in discussions, and
complete tests and assignments. E360 is the platform for online and hybrid courses, as well as some web-enhanced courses.
Most, but not all, instructors use E360.
1. Log into My CVTC and click E360 under Tools on the left side of the screen.
2. E360 opens in a new window, and you will see a list of your courses.
3. Take time to explore your E360 courses.
4. Visit https://help.cvtc.edu/TechSupport/default.aspx for step-by-step guides and tutorials.
E-Learning Assistant
If you would like individual help learning how to use email, My CVTC Software, or E360, contact the E-Learning Assistant
for an appointment. Email your areas of concern and preferred meeting time(s) to: e-learningsupport@cvtc.edu.
24/7 Tech Support
Tech support provides technical support by serving as a first point-of-contact when a problem or question arises. Contact
them for computer related problems like lost passwords and technology related issues such as problems with email access:
From College Telephone: 5555
Off Campus:
715-830-5555
Email:
techsupport@cvtc.edu
Online:
https://help.cvtc.edu/TechSupport/default.aspx
Student Rights Webpage
The Student Rights webpage has information about Financial Aid, Loans, campus security and an overview of the college:
www.cvtc.edu/studentrights.
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