TACOMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM
Spring 2015
COURSE:
NURS 221 Section A, Item # 0628
Caring for the Client with Chronic Problems
CREDITS:
5 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Carolyn Dew, RN, MSN B-C
Wendy Maita, RN, MSN, MHA, CMSRN
Office: Bldg. #13, Rm 342
Phone: 253-566-5225
E-mail: cdew@tacomacc.edu
wmaita@tacomacc.edu
Office hours: Mon 1300-1500, Wed 1400-1600 (dew)
PREREQUISITES: Completion of NURS 211, NURS 212, and NURS 241
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Didactic course provides experiences for the client with chronic physical and mental disorders across
the lifespan. Emphasis is on self-awareness and a respect for the dignity of the individual. Principles of
the nursing process, growth and development, nutrition, cultural sensitivity, pharmacology, health
teaching, caring and communication are integrated throughout.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:
Potter, Patricia A. & Anne G. Perry, Fundamentals of Nursing Textbook, 8th Edition, 2013
Townsend, Mary C. Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing 6th Edition, FA Davis,
2011. (6th Edition acceptable)
LeMone, Burke, Bauldoff, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Patient Care, 5th
Ed., Pearson, 2011
Albom, Mitch, Tuesdays With Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson,
Bantam Dell Pub Group, Paperback 2002
OPTIONAL TEXTBOOKS:
Lange, Jean W. The Nurse’s Role in Promoting Optimal Health of Older Adults. FA Davis, 2012
INTERNET & COMPUTER ASSISTED INSTRUCTION (CAI):
Canvas (internet classroom) will be utilized for course management. Students are expected to have and
utilize computer Internet access for various portions of learning and evaluation. If you do not have
Internet access available to you at home, you may use the access terminals in the college computer lab
or library. It is the student’s individual responsibility to learn how to use the computer.
TEACHING METHODS:A variety of teaching methods will be used in class including lecture,
discussion and debate, directed group projects, and library or on-line research.
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MODIFICATIONS TO SYLLABUS:
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus as needed after its distribution. Students will
receive written notification in the form of an addendum to the syllabus.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES (Program Learning Outcomes)
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
WELLNESS-ILLNESS CONTINUUM
1.
Validate wellness-illness in the acute/chronically ill Complex II client. (1)
NURSING PROCESS
2.
Validate the Nursing Process for the acute/chronically ill Complex II client. (1,)
3.
Explain and illustrate the evaluation step of the nursing process. (1)
CARING:
4.
Plan caring behaviors in relation to the acute/chronically ill Complex II client. (4)
5.
Validate how self care behaviors promote learner success. (4)
6.
Plan caring behaviors in relationship to peers, faculty and facility staff. (4)
MEMBER WITHIN A DISCIPLINE
7.
Critique attributes of professional practice. (3)
8.
Demonstrate civility in the learning environment: follow directions consistently and accurately;
demonstrate receptiveness to questions, suggestions and feedback; demonstrate punctuality and
satisfactory attendance; demonstrate honesty, integrity and accountability for all actions;
demonstrate respectful positive team behavior. (3)
9.
Validate the professional and ethical competencies of a nurse. (3)
10.
Validate the methods for personal growth within the profession of nursing. (3)
MANAGER OF CARE
11.
Critique the use of clear and effective communication skills. (2, 4)
12.
Validate the AND role in a variety of health care settings in relation to accountability,
delegation and collaboration. (2)
13.
Plan for use of the tools to facilitate removal of barriers to providing care to a diverse
population. (1)
PROVIDER OF CARE
14.
Identify and illustrate core nursing knowledge to care for the acute/chronically ill Complex II
client: define the assessment and technical skills required; describe the interventions required to
maintain or improve health status of the well client (diagnostic, educational, therapeutic). (1)
15.
Identify safe, quality evidenced based care for the acute/chronically ill Complex II client:
demonstrate effective time management and prioritization; follow through on all assigned tasks
and responsibilities; protect client rights and confidentiality. (1, 3)
16.
Plan safe effective nursing care for the acute/chronically ill Complex II client utilizing tools for
implementation of nursing practice in the following diagnostic categories: elimination, hygiene,
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safety, food/fluid, activity/rest, teaching/learning, circulation, respiration, social interaction,
pain/comfort, neurosensory, ego integrity, spirituality, sexuality. (1,3)
TEACHING-LEARNING CONTINUUM
17.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills in the care of the acute/chronically ill complex II client:
organize data thoroughly; determine focus of problem and decide potential goals using a
structured process; predict strategies to solve a new problem; appraise multiple solutions and
accurately weigh their consequences. (1)
18.
Critique evidence based practice in context of nursing theory. (1)
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon Successful completion of the Associates in Applied Sciences in
Nursing Degree, students will:
Degree Learning
Outcomes
1. Use critical thinking skills to apply the nursing process in caring for
patients and their families by identifying, developing, implementing
evaluating and documenting plan of care, utilizing appropriate
technology.
CRT, COM, LWC,
IIT,
2. Demonstrate the ability to function effectively in a collaborative
multicultural environment utilizing effective interpersonal
communications both written and verbal
COK, LWC, COM
3. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct in providing safe patient
care, specifically:
RES, COM, LWC,
COK

Follows directions consistently and accurately
 Follows through on all assigned tasks and responsibilities
 Demonstrates receptiveness to questions, suggestions and
feedback
 Demonstrates punctuality, satisfactory attendance, effective
time management and prioritization
 Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and accountability for all
actions
 Demonstrates respectful positive team behavior
 Protects client rights and confidentiality
4. Applies principles of caring and effective communication in the
academic and clinical settings
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RES, COM, LWC
Degree Learning Outcomes Introductory Statement:
TCC has a responsibility to the larger community to guide its students toward becoming thoughtful,
skilled, contributing citizens. To that end, we have developed outcomes (listed below) that we expect
every degree recipient to meet. Yet much of what we hope students learn is not easily measurable, nor
is it necessarily completed when they acquire a degree here. Intellectual curiosity and creativity,
appreciation for a broad education, respect for self and others, a strong ethical conscience,
resourcefulness in the face of change - these are qualities that may take time to develop, and may be
attained beyond TCC in communities, workplaces, and other institutions of higher learning. We take
seriously our role in nurturing these qualities while students are here and we try to cultivate in our
graduates an awareness that the degree they earn here is not the end of their learning, but a beginning.
Upon completing a degree at Tacoma Community College, students will be able to:
Degree Learning Outcomes

Core of Knowledge (COK): Demonstrate a basic knowledge of each of the distribution areas
(Written Communication, Humanities, Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences and Social
Sciences; or, as applicable, specific professional/technical programs), integrate knowledge
across disciplines, and apply this knowledge to academic, occupational, civic and personal
endeavors.

Communication (COM): Listen, speak, read, and write effectively and use nonverbal and
technological means to make connections between self and others.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving (CRT): Compare, analyze, and evaluate information
and ideas, and use sound thinking skills to solve problems.

Information & Information Technology (IIT): Locate, evaluate, retrieve, and ethically use
relevant and current information of appropriate authority for both academic and personal
applications.

Living & Working Cooperatively/Valuing Differences (LWC): Respectfully acknowledge
diverse points of view, and draw upon the knowledge and experience of others to collaborate in
a multicultural and complex world.

Responsibility & Ethics (RES): Demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes responsible
and ethical behavior toward individuals, the community, and the environment.
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GRADING AND EVALUATION
The following methods will be used:
Testing:
Paper and computerized testing may include multiple choice, matching, problem solving, essay and
short answer.
ATI Content
ATI resources will be assigned throughout the quarter. A separate explanation of points will be
available on Canvas.
Writing Project
The writing project for this level of the nursing curriculum focuses on the evaluation step of the
nursing process. Assignment details and deadlines will be communicated via Canvas.
COURSE EVALUATION:
Evaluation Method
ATI Points
Writing Project
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
Final
Total Points
Points
50
50
35
35
35
25
50
280
79% must be earned on testing in order to pass the course. If the student fails to achieve the
required percentage on testing, the final grade will reflect the average of testing grades only, not
the total number of points earned in the course. (See small font section.)
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Tacoma Community College
NURSING THEORY COURSES
COURSE POLICIES
COURSE POLICIES
Additional information on course policies related to academic dishonesty, grading, and support services are included in the Nursing Student Handbook.
Nursing is a sequenced program of study. A student must successfully complete all classes at each level before promotion to the next level of course
work. Therefore, to promote success in the program, a student may be awarded a passing grade in the clinical course if unsuccessful in the corresponding
theory course, but will not be promoted to the next level of the program.
There may be changes in assignments. Any changes in grading will be announced as an addendum to the syllabus. This may be in written, electronic or
verbal form.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
This course consists of theory only. The student must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in theory in order to pass the course satisfactorily.
EVALUATION
1.
The course grade will be determined by a point system. The criteria for grade determination will be based on the following. However, if the test
score average is less than 79%, the final grade will be based on the test average only and will be less than a C (2.0) grade. No rounding up of
points will be allowed.
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
D
E
2.
AVERAGE
PERCENTAGE
95 – 100%
92 – 94%
90 – 91%
87 – 89%
85 – 86%
82 – 84%
79 – 81%
74 – 78%
73 or below
GRADE
= 4.0 =
= 3.7 =
= 3.3 =
= 3.0 =
= 2.7 =
= 2.3 =
= 2.0 =
= 1.0 =
= 0.0 =
Failure: Course failure in nursing will necessitate cessation of student progress in the nursing program. Satisfactory completion of all courses
each quarter is required to advance to the next quarter’s course.
OFFICIAL WITHDRAWAL
Students may officially withdraw from class(es) before the 30 th calendar day of the quarter following the procedures listed below: (See the Nursing
Student Handbook for further information.)
1.
Through the 10th instructional day of the quarter – complete an “add-drop” form and submit it to the Registration Center.
2.
Between the 11th instructional day and the 30 th calendar day of the quarter – complete an “add-drop” form, obtain the instructor’s signature, and
submit the form to the Registration Center.
3.
Students may not process an “add-drop” form after the 30th calendar day of the quarter. If the student requests to withdraw from the quarter after
that time, it is at the discretion of the instructor.
INCOMPLETES
An “I” (Incomplete) grade may be given at the discretion of the instructor when the student has completed a sufficient amount of course work but cannot
complete course requirements. The student must be passing the course at the time the incomplete grade is given. A contract will be developed which
contains the specific requirements to be completed, the time allowed for completion and the grade to be assigned if the contract is not completed.
LATE WORK
Every effort should be made to turn in assignments on time. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor if their work will be late. If you
contact the instructor directly 24 hours prior to the deadline, an extension may be granted. The instructor has the option of lowering the grade for the
work or giving no credit for the work.
WRITTEN WORK
Work should be typed, with correct spelling and correct use of the English language, and should include a list of works cited. Be sure to give credit to
authors when quoting and borrowing ideas.
POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
If a student is found guilty or admits to academic dishonesty, the instructor will award a failing grade on the exam, project or paper in questions, or will
assign an “E” for the course. Academic dishonesty may include:
 Cheating:
o Copying from another’s paper or allowing another to copy your paper.
o Collaborating during a test or allowing another to copy your paper.
o Using a text or other materials that are not authorized during an exam.
o Using “crib” notes for an exam.
 Plagiarism: Inclusion of someone else’s work as your own in written or oral presentations.
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 Fabrication: Intentional use of made up information with the intent to deceive.
 Academic Misconduct: Academic misconduct is the intentional violation of college policies (e.g. tampering with grades, taking part in obtaining
or distributing any part of an exam prior to the scheduled testing time). Examples include selling or giving away test answers and changing or
altering a grade on a test or in a grade book.
http://www.tacomacc.edu/abouttcc/policies/administrativeprocedureforacademicdishonesty/
EXAM POLICY
During a test, no medical dictionary or translation device is allowed with the exception of a dictionary which may be provided by the instructor. Testing
instructions will be provided verbally, in writing, or both. All students will be allowed the same amount of time and instructions, and will be held
responsible for following those instructions. The instructor will determine the scoring format(s) to be utilized for that test (e.g., Scantron, blue book,
Blackboard, etc.), and all students must utilize that format. Once the test has been turned in to the instructor, no further changes or additions will be
allowed.
Make-up Exams: Students are expected to take exams as scheduled. If absence is unavoidable, notification of the faculty is required. If faculty is not
notified prior to the exam, no credit will be given. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the faculty for an appointment to take the make-up
exam. It must be taken within one (1) week of the regular exam schedule.
There will be no opportunity to repeat an exam in the case of a poor grade on the original.
It is the student’s responsibility to address any questions specific to an exam with the course instructor. The student’s concern(s) must be in writing. A
specific test and/or test item will not be addressed after 24 hours of score notification.
END OF COURSE SURVEYS
Students will be awarded bonus course points IF 90% of all students registered for the course have completed the End of Course Survey. This will be
tracked by the primary theory instructor and the clinical Team Leader. No names will be used for identification.
Total Bonus Course Points for this course will be determined by the faculty: _3__bonus points.
ATTENDANCE/TARDINESS POLICY
Students are expected to attend class, arrive promptly. If absence is unavoidable, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain handouts, notes,
announcements, etc. Unexcused absence or habitual tardiness may result in a lower grade for participation. If you must be late to class or leave early,
please enter or exit without causing a disruption. Keep in mind that students tend to have difficulty passing courses when there are multiple absences.
See the Nursing Student Handbook for specifics about clinical absences.
CELLULAR PHONES/PAGERS
Due to the distracting nature of pagers and cellular phones, students will be required to turn these devices to a vibrate mode or entirely off during
class/lab/clinical. An option is to use a voicemail message system for the pager or phone and to pick up messages between classes. Surfing the Internet
during instructional time, is prohibited unless the student is working on in class work.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
All students will be required to conform at all times to the Essential Requirements for Nursing Students as listed in the Nursing Student Handbook.
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way they meet these requirements may vary. If you need specific academic
accommodations due to a disability, please speak with your instructor as soon as possible and the campus Access Services (566-5328). Students will be
required to present formal, written documentation of the disability from an appropriate professional. When this step has been completed, arrangements
will be made for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. Please prepare well in advance for this accommodation. Special arrangements may
be required and the instructor needs time to facilitate this activity. A student must request and provide the appropriate documentation for every course,
each quarter while in the nursing program. (See Nursing Student Handbook for specific procedures.)
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
If a student has a question or concern about a course, they should discuss this with the instructor involved. If one feels the concerns are not resolved
please contact the program level team leader or Associate Dean. Appointments with these individuals can be made by the Nursing Program Senior
Secretary, 253-566-5358. Information about additional steps can be obtained from the Associate Dean for Nursing.
PLEASE NOTE
Each student is responsible for knowing the policies relevant to grading and progression in the program as detailed in the Nursing Student Handbook.
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