COURSE SYLLABUS
NURS 285: ALTERATIONS IN MATERNAL/CHILD
AND WOMENS HEALTH THEORY
Instructors:
Debbie Le Balch MS, RN, APN
and
Catherine Fuller MSN, RN
Fall 2009
-1Revised 08.20.09
Course Description:
Number of credits:
2 (30 clock hours)
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of the first year of nursing program
or an LPN License and admission to the 2nd year of the
program.
Co-requisites:
NURS 285 Clinical Rotations in OB/PEDS and NURS
285 Lab. Must pass the entire NURS 285 series to
continue in the program. This series of courses must be
repeated if the student is unsuccessful with any of the
four courses
Transferability of Course within Nevada:
General Elective
I. Course Description
This course, which builds on knowledge gained from Nursing 163 and 164, introduces the student to concepts of holistic
care for high-risk childbearing and pediatric patients, issues in women’s health, and alterations in family processes,
including concepts of loss and grieving. Knowledge of nursing care of these patients and their families is organized
using the framework of the nursing process and bio/psycho/social/cultural and spiritual needs.
II. Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Examine current trends in the delivery of health care for high-risk childbearing and pediatric
populations.
2. Utilize knowledge derived from the bio/psycho/social sciences, humanities and nursing to
understand threats to physiologic and psycho/social integrity commonly found in high-risk
childbearing and pediatric patients.
3. Analyze bio/psycho/social/cultural and spiritual factors that influence the high risk childbearing and
pediatric patients and their families.
4. Apply all steps of the nursing process in the classroom learning environment to organize the care
of high risk childbearing and pediatric patients.
5. Examine in-patient and community resources that influence the outcome of patient care and are
available for case management of childbearing and pediatric populations.
6. Discuss legal, ethical and cultural issues related to the high-risk
childbearing/childrearing family.
7. Identify accountable, safe, and competent professional nursing behaviors in the provision of care
for high-risk obstetric, gynecological, and pediatric populations.
8. Write a research paper in APA format utilizing research from current published journal articles on
a perinatal ethical issue.
-2Revised 08.20.09
III. Linkage of Course to Nursing Program Educational Outcomes.
Educational Program Outcomes
1. Integrate knowledge derived from the bio/psycho/social sciences, humanities, and nursing to
achieve deliberative and competent decision-making that is grounded in evidence-based practice
to achieve best practice outcomes.
2. Utilize the nursing process in a competent and caring manner to safely meet the
bio/psycho/social/cultural and spiritual needs of patients across the lifespan in a variety of health
care settings.
General Education Program Outcomes Linkage
Demonstrate college level skills in reading, writing and oral communication appropriate to their degree
and/or emphasis.
1. Understand and apply social science principles.
2. Understand the importance of cultural traditions, diversity and ethics in the modern world.
-3Revised 08.20.09
Faculty
Debbie Le Balch MS RN APN
Office Location:
Office Phone:
Email Address:
Fax:
Cell:
Cedar 211
(775) 445- 4470
lebalchd@wnc.edu
(775) 445—4443
(775) 220-1776
Catherine Fuller MSN, RN
Office Location:
Office Phone:
Email Address:
Fax:
Cell:
Cedar 209
(775) 445-3248
cafuller@wnc.edu
(775) 445—4443
(775) 671-5814
Office Hours
*On campus office hours will be posted outside offices the first week of classes
*Online office hours: A convenient time for an online chat room will be decided on between students and
instructors the first class session.
Required Textbooks
Wong, D., Perry, S., Hockenberry, M., Lowdermilk, D. & Wilson, D. (2006). Maternal Child
Nursing Care (3rd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.
Supplemental Recommended Texts
Doenges, M.E. & Moorhouse, M.F., (1999). Maternal/Newborn Plans of Care: Guidelines for
Individualizing Care. (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis
Weber, J., Kelly, J., (2003) Health Assessment in Nursing, (2nd or 3rd ed.) Philadelphia, PA:
Lippincott, William’s, Wilkins
Wong, D., Perry, S., Hockenberry, M., Lowdermilk, D. & Wilson, D. (2006). Maternal Child
Nursing Care Study Guide (3rd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.
*Any pathophysiology, diagnostic studies and drug handbook for your reference.
-4Revised 08.20.09
WEEKLY COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE
Week 1 ................................................................................ ….High Risk Newborn
Week 2 .................................................................................... High Risk Newborn
Week 3 ............................................................. The High Risk Antepartal Woman
Week 4 ............................................................. The High Risk Antepartal Woman
Week 5 ...................................................................................................... Exam 1
Week 6 ............................................................................ High Risk Post Partum
Week 7 ............................................... Preterm Labor and Obstetric Emergencies
Week 8 ..................................................... Infant/child with Respiratory Problems
Week 9 ................................................. Infant/child with Cardiovascular Problems
Week 10 ................................................................................ Child Abuse/Neglect
Week 11 ..................................................................................................... Exam 2
Week 12 .................................................. Infant/child with Genitourinary Problems
Week 13 ...................................................... Chronically and/or Terminally Ill Child
Week 14 .......................... Infant/child with Neurological/Neuromuscular Problems
Week 15 ............................................. Infant/child with Musculoskeletal Problems
Finals Week Exam 3
TEACHING-LEARNING STRATEGIES:
1. Lecture
2. Assigned Readings
3. Written Assignments
4. Collaborative planning and learning
5. Case study and discussion
6. Self-directed Inquiry
7. Expectations include pre-lecture assigned reading. Students will be
randomly called on by name to answer questions about the reading during
class.
-5Revised 08.20.09
WEB Course Requirements
This course utilizes WebCT to provide handouts and communicate with students.
Students will need to have the skills necessary to use the internet and a basic understanding
of how to download and print documents from the internet. You should also know how to use
a word processor that will save in an .rtf or .doc format to type and submit papers via the
web.
Computer Hardware/ Software Requirements for WebCT

Windows 98/Me/2000/NT4/XP or MAC System 7 or higher (Note: Other operating systems
may work based on the browser used, but no support will be offered.)

32 Mb of RAM (64 Mb recommended)

28.8 kbs Internet connection (56.6 kbs recommended)

A WebCT verified browser. (See WebCT Browser Tune-up for further information.)

A current email address (If you are currently an enrolled WNC student and wish to establish a
WNC email address, please go to: Activate Your Email Account

***For 265, 266, 266, 267 courses, we will only use your WNC e-mail or WebCT e-mail for
communication. Be sure you have official WNC e-mail accounts***
*Here is a helpful link to the WebCT tutorial that all first time WebCT students should
run through to help them become familiar with using the format of this class.
http://www.wnc.edu/online/webtut/
-6Revised 08.20.09
Methods of Evaluation (Grading)
Grading Policy
This is a graded course (A-F). See the Nursing Student Handbook and NURS 285 Course Syllabus
for additional information and grade scale.
Each student must earn a 75% average on unit examinations. Students who do not earn a 75%
average on unit examinations will not be allowed to continue in the nursing program, and will receive
the earned average of unit examinations as the grade for the course.
If a 75% average is not earned, other course assignments will not be averaged into the final grade.
Please direct any questions you may have regarding this to your nursing faculty member or the
Director of Allied Health.
Elements of the final grade include:
a.
b.
c.
Written examinations
Quizzes
Written assignments
Grading of all exams, quizzes, and written assignments is done on a point basis. A letter grade and
percent is computed from the number of points earned for each exam, quiz, or written assignment,
against the number of points possible.
3 Exams
4 Quizzes
2 Writing Assignments
53%
12%
35%
*Each exam will be worth 100 points. The first quiz will be worth 10 points and covers material from
the syllabus, each quiz thereafter will be worth 20 points. Of the 370 total points possible in combined
quiz and exam scores, the student will need 277.5 points or better to attain a passing score of 75%.
*Students will have one week from the date of receiving their grade to review and contest exam
scores and/or questions. *
*Each written assignment will be worth 100 points. The student will need150 points or better to attain
a passing score on the two written assignments.
*Overall 427.5 points out of a possible 570 are needed to pass the class.
*The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the points or testing methods (which will be
discussed with students) as needed during the course of the semester.
-7Revised 08.20.09
Ground Rules/Policies
Academic Integrity
Please refer to WNC’s policies regarding academic integrity, cheating and plagiarism found at
http://www.wnc.edu/policymanual/3-4-5.htm and in the Nursing Student Handbook under Professional
Standards.
Attendance
Attendance is required per nursing program policy.
Disability Support Services
*We encourage any student needing to request accommodations for a specific disability, counseling
and/or testing support to please meet with the DSS coordinator (445-3275) at your earliest
convenience to ensure timely and appropriate accommodations. The DSS office is located in
Bristlecone building, Room 103.
PowerPoint Presentations
PowerPoint slide presentations are presented during the course. Be forewarned, they are not a
substitute for class attendance. They are meant to be an outline, not a substitute for good notes.
This is for your benefit so you don’t have to copy down everything during class, especially names and
terms. If you only study these outlines you will fail the exams as they do not cover everything. You
are responsible for the reading assignments prior to lecture. PowerPoint outlines for note taking
are posted on the WebCt before class: You must bring a copy to class. We will post PowerPoint
slide presentations online only after lectures to encourage attendance.
Exams
Once established it is difficult to re-arrange material and exams. Please realize taking exams on
schedule is the responsibility of the student. If necessary, see the instructor for special arrangements
concerning unforeseen events.
Net Etiquette
The class discussion board is not the place to post material such as jokes that may be considered
offensive to some individuals. Please use your best judgment. Don’t put anything online that you
would not say in a regular class.
Classes may be audio taped with the expressed permission of the instructor. All materials (audio
taped included) are for individual student use only. Instruction materials are the legal possession of
Western Nevada College and are not to be distributed for any purpose other than this course.
-8Revised 08.20.09
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
Nevada Early Intervention Paper

Each student will prepare a paper detailing their observations at NEIS. The content of
the paper will be presented in APA format.

The student must read the NEIS packet handouts before attending a client evaluation
time.

The student will call NEIS (either Reno or Carson City office) to reserve a new client
evaluation time. At that time, the student will obtain the name and phone number of
the team leader performing the evaluation.
N.E.I.S Northern Nevada
2667 Enterprise Road
Reno, NV 89512
Reno Phone # (775) 688-1341
Terri Golish, Manager
N.E.I.S Northern Rural Nevada
3427 Goni Road, Suite 104
Carson City, NV 89706
Carson Phone # (775) 687-0101
Charmaine Rickard, Manager

Once the appointment is made, the student will telephone the NEIS case manager assigned
for your evaluation client the day before the new client evaluation appointment to confirm
student attendance. The student will arrive at the designated NEIS office 15 minutes before
the scheduled session to introduce self to case manager. The student is to wear comfortable
professional attire (no jeans please) with student ID. (No whites or lab coat as the
child/caregiver might be frightened). You will find this community setting to be casual, caring
and professional. (See attached dress code chart for more information).

Information needed to complete the paper will be gained through review of the chart after the
evaluation session, observation of the evaluation and interview of any NEIS team member
performing the assessment. If the child does not qualify for services, an explanation of why will
be in the paper. If the child does qualify for NEIS services, you may attend the team meeting
and include a description of which services and why in the paper. The written assignment is to
emphasize the developmental assessment process for the high risk child in a community
setting.
-9Revised 08.20.09
The Written Assignment
The written assignment is due November 24, 2009 at 0900 and is worth 100 points. You are given
clinical hours for this activity and the points earned will be applied to NURS 285 theory grade.
The written paper is to be:
A maximum of 7 double-spaced type-written pages (the paper can probably be completed in 35 pages). I don’t give extra points for being lengthy. I like short and to the point, but you should
cover all information asked for.
The format of the paper will follow APA format* and contain correct English grammar use.
Particular attention should be given to vocabulary and grammar, spelling and punctuation,
organization of ideas in the body of the text, paragraphing and sentence structure.
The paper will contain a title page and a complete reference list at the back of the paper.
Supporting citations will be appropriately documented in the body of the text. Use a reference
book on the APA format if you are not familiar with the correct use of the APA format. This
reference may be found in the WNC library. NOTE: Wikipedia is not considered a scholarly
source.
The paper must be submitted electronically via WebCt to Debbie Le Balch and in paper format
as well.
One letter grade will be subtracted from the student’s potential score for each day the assignment is
late or missing***
Paper Content:
Understanding the developmental status of the high risk pediatric patient is important knowledge for
the nurse. Using the following outline, the paper’s content will document the student’s patient’s current
developmental stage, supporting assessment data, and the applicable theories of growth and
development. The conclusion of the paper will eventually focus on the anticipated guidance you can
provide for the parent(s) to understand the next stages of growth and development for the child. If you
have any questions about this assignment, please ask for input.
- 10 Revised 08.20.09
Outline of the Pediatric Case Study
Introduction
Introduce the purpose of the paper, first impressions, etc.
Referral Process
Who made the referral, why (chief concern) and based on what evidence. Include
normal values for the addressed concern.
Demographics
A confidential summary of the patient’s demographic profile that includes the patient’s
initials, chronological age, the medial diagnosis, and immunization status, structure of the
family, placement in the family, culture, and state of extended family.
Client Evaluation Process
Process
Describe the setting/environment, persons in attendance and client evaluation
process. What tools were used?
How long was the assessment?
What were your
observations of the child, family and evaluating team?
Outcome
Describe the evaluation outcome. If the child did not qualify for services, how did the
family receive this? Were any other referrals made? Why didn’t they qualify? What
rights do they have for future evaluations? If the child did qualify for services, which ones
and why?
What rights do they have in the goal setting process? Where will these
services be offered? How is a case manager selected?
- 11 Revised 08.20.09
Research Activities
Tools
Research and explain the screening/evaluation tool(s) used in this assessment
(examples are EIDP, Denver II, Hawaii Early Learning Profile). You may interview the
professionals involved but you must also research the roles from official sources.
Roles
Identify the roles of professional staff present during the client evaluation. Describe
each role, education criteria, credentialing process and contributions to the developmental
care team. (Try looking at professional web sites for information in addition to interviewing
your team members).
N.E.I.S.
Describe this agency, its role, mission, service area, funding sources, etc… (Look for
materials at the office and State of Nevada website). No matter what health care setting you
work in, how would you make a referral to N.E.I.S. for a developmental concern?
Conclusion
Write your concluding remarks, what you learned that was valuable about this
experience and how you might use this information in your nursing practice. The content of
the paper will be graded using the following rubric for a total of 100 points.
The student is to attach a blank copy of the grading rubric behind the reference page
before submitting to instructor by the deadline date
- 12 Revised 08.20.09
Student’s Name _____________________________________________________
Nevada Early Intervention Services Paper Grading Rubric
1. The introduction contains purpose of paper, first impressions, pertinent data that confidentially
summarizes the referral process, patient history, structure of the family, cultural influences and
other demographic information.
20
15
10
5
0
Comments:
2. Description of client evaluation process, environment, persons present, tools used, outcomes
and general observations.
20
15
10
5
0
Comments:
3. Description of research findings for screening tools used, team member roles, N.E.I.S agency
and nursing referral process.
20
15
10
5
0
Comments:
4. Describes summary of experience, new knowledge gained and applications to personal
nursing practice.
20
15
10
5
0
Comments:
5. The paper is well organized with appropriate headings and sentence structure. APA format is
consistent throughout.
20
15
10
5
0
Comments:
Total score ____________ (possible points 100)
Overall Evaluation
Excellent
Very Good
Adequate
Fair
Poor
Grading Faculty _________________________________
- 13 Revised 08.20.09
Perinatal Ethics Research Paper
Each student is required to write a research paper about a perinatal ethical issue. The
paper should consist of evidence to support your thesis regarding the issue you chose
to debate. The evidence to support your conclusions (thesis) should be drawn from
current medical/nursing journal articles.
Online articles may be used for references, but should be a valid website. Wickpedia
is not a valid citation. Examples of good websites include American College of
OBGYN (ACOG), Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
(AWHONN ).
You are encouraged to use the library online databases where you can find numerous
scholarly journal articles. The librarian is very helpful with this.
Here are some suggestions for issues that you may chose to debate in the paper:

Ethical dilemmas in extreme prematurity (what gestational age should resuscitation
efforts for premature infants be instituted or withheld)

Birth control or abortion issues

Home birth safety and availability

Legality of direct entry midwives

Age related issues and infertility treatments

Treatment of drug using/addicted pregnant mothers (effects on infants)

Maternal versus fetal rights
This list is suggestions of topics only, and is not exhaustive. If you have another topic
that you would like to research and write about check with Catherine Fuller for
approval. Remember, the topic should be an issue related to perinatal ethics.
- 14 Revised 08.20.09
Content for Paper
The paper should consist of the following sections. Please utilize the three headings provided
in APA format.
Introduction
This is the section where you introduce your topic and make your thesis statement.
Argument
In this section you should provide the evidence to support your thesis. Cite specific journal
articles that support the opinion you have stated regarding the issue.
Conclusion
Sum up your paper and write any concluding remarks.
Format for Paper
The written paper is to be:
5-7 double-spaced type-written pages. Remember, no extra points for being
lengthy. Short and to the point is always better.
The student should cite 2-3 current journal articles as evidence for their
argument.
The format of the paper will follow APA format* and contain correct English
grammar use. Particular attention should be given to vocabulary and grammar,
spelling and punctuation, organization of ideas in the body of the text,
paragraphing and sentence structure.
The paper will contain a title page and a complete reference list at the back of
the paper. Supporting citations will be appropriately documented in the body of
the text. Use a reference book on the APA format if you are not familiar with the
correct use of the APA format. This reference may be found in the WNC library.
- 15 Revised 08.20.09
Due Dates and Submission of Required Work
September 22, 2009:
Reference List due date.
Submit references in APA format with a cover sheet that lists your
name, title of work [Ethics: (name of your topic)] date, etc as per
APA format.
October 13, 2009:
Thesis and Outline due date.
Submit with cover sheet as previously described.
October 27, 2009:
Final Paper due.
Please attach a copy of the grading rubric on the next page
when submitting your paper.
PLEASE NOTE:
ALL papers must be submitted electronically via WebCt to Catherine Fuller and in
paper format as well.
One letter grade will be subtracted from the student’s potential score for each day the
assignment is late or missing***
- 16 Revised 08.20.09
Student’s Name __________________________________________________ ___
Perinatal Ethics Paper Grading Rubric
1. The introduction contains the purpose of paper, and provides the reader with a logical and well
introduced thesis. This section should provide the reader with a good understanding of the
point the author is going to substantiate with the evidence from the articles.
20
15
10
5
0
Comments:
2. The Argument section of the paper contains logical and well presented ideas. The article
citations help to validate the point the student is trying to convey in the paper.
20
15
10
5
0
10
5
0
Comments:
3. The conclusion is logical and well written.
20
15
Comments:
4. The student utilizes citations from at least three journal articles to substantiate the premise of
their thesis statement.
20
15
10
5
0
Comments:
5. The paper is well organized with appropriate headings and sentence structure. APA format is
consistent throughout.
20
15
10
5
0
Comments:
Total score ____________ (possible points 100)
Overall Evaluation **
Excellent
Very Good
Adequate
Fair
Poor
Grading Faculty _________________________________
- 17 Revised 08.20.09
DRESS CODE FOR MATERNAL/CHILD SITES
REQUIRED ATTIRE
Renown L&D, Post
Partum, AntePartum
Saint Mary’s Nsy, Post
Partum
Saint Mary’s L&D,
AntePartum
***NSY, NICU at Renown
& Saint Mary’s***
X
Student Professional Facility Color
Uniform Attire
Scrubs Top
Bottoms
X
only
X
X
X
NEIS
All Immunization Clinics
(Carson City and Reno)
Head Start School
Screening
St Teresa of Avila School
Screening
Lab sessions
Simulation Lab Check-off’s
X
X
Renown Pediatrics
Name Lab
Badge Coat
X
X
X
X
Sleeves
above
elbows
X
optional X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
- 18 Revised 08.20.09