ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE NURSING PROGRAM
COURSE SYLLABUS
NURS 154: INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOLOGY
1 CREDIT (1 THEORY) (15 hours)
Fall 2014
GENERAL INFORMATION
A. INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
1. Theory Instructor:
Peggy Drussel, MSN, RN
753-2020(Office)
934-3045 (Cell)
peggy.drussel@gbcnv.edu
2. Office and Hours:
Tuesday
and
Thursdays
0730-0930
AND
1700-1800
(These hours are subject to change and will be announced should this
occur.)
Health Sciences Room
Also by appointment
Please e-mail me with any questions or concerns using Web Campus.
If you have a question that needs my immediate attention, it is best to
text me, UNLESS I am in the clinical setting with other students. A
discussion board will be opened for questions from students. I
encourage you to post your questions to see if other students know the
answer. I will check the discussion board daily.
B. COURSE INFORMATION:
1. Catalog Description: Basic principles of safe and effective medication
administration and pharmacology of major drug classifications.
Principles of medication administration including aspects of best
practice for safe, quality, patient-centered care. Includes the use of
informatics and media to obtain evidenced-based drug information.
07-21-14 pd
Offered Fall Semester only.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Nursing Program.
2. Schedule:
Theory: CLASS WILL BE HELD IN LUND 111
Classroom: Tuesday 1300-1415
Dates: August 26, 2014- December 12 , 2014
COURSE OUTCOMES:
COURSE OUTCOMES
MEASUREMENTS
1. Describe the theoretical basis of
pharmacology that contributes to safe,
quality, patient-centered care incorporating
developmentally culturally appropriate
interventions.
Class participation
ATI Module transcripts
Case studies
Classroom discussions
Quizzes
Drills
2. Describe how the nurse uses critical
reasoning related to all aspects of medication
administration to promote desired patient
outcomes.
Case study
Physician order review activity
Quizzes
Drills
3. Explain teamwork to improve patient
outcomes related to medication
administration.
Classroom discussion
Quizzes
Drills
4. Explain legal aspects of medication
administration.
Classroom discussion
Narcotic control system activity
Quizzes
Drills
07-21-14 pd
5. Explain the use of information systems
technology when administering medications.
Classroom discussion
Quizzes
Drills
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:
The main method of delivery is through www.ati.com- Pharmacology Made Easy
3.0, classroom activities that will include case studies. I will be using ATI
guidelines for time needed for each module, however, I realize that students learn
at different rates. You will be spending approximately 3 hours a week on
modules. The Pharmacology Made Easy 3.0 consists of modules with categories
of drugs, safety alerts, drug information tables, drills, case studies, therapeutic
effects, and side or adverse effects. This course utilizes an online course module
component through Web Campus. We will be looking at four modules in this
course that will match up with the medications being given during your clinical
experiences this semester. Those modules will be: Introduction to Pharmacology;
Pain and Inflammation; Infection; Gastrointestinal System; The Respiratory
System; and The Musculoskeletal System. We will be using medication
templates consistently throughout the course that will be a tool for your use
throughout the nursing program. These templates are located on ATI.
THEORY EVALUATION:
Evaluation of student progress will be the successful completion of the course
outcomes that will be evaluated with module assignments, module points, case
study, in class discussions, ATI transcripts, a midterm and final exam. Exam
location will be announced. Questions will be based on utilization of critical
thinking skills and application of knowledge acquired in this course. Questions
may be multiple-choice, fill in the blank, choose all correct answers, or other
alternate formats as applicable.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:

ATI. (2013). RN pharmacology for nursing ed. 6.0. Assessment
Technologies Institute, LLC.
 Deglin, J. H. & Vallerand, A. H. (2014). Davis’s Drug Guide for Nurses.
(14th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.
 Lilley, L., Rainforth Collins, S., & Snyder, J. (2014). Pharmacology
and the Nursing Process. St. Louis, Missouri:
Elsevier/Mosby. (Not Required-Recommended Only as a
resource tool. )
 www.atitesting.com-Pharmacology Made Easy 3.0
07-21-14 pd
GRADING POLICY AND CRITERIA:
Course grade will be based on a percentage of the total possible points of theory
and clinical assignments according to the following scale:
100 - 94.00
93.99-90.00
89.99-87.00
86.99-84.00
83.99-80.00
79.99-77.00
=
=
=
=
=
=
A
AB+
B
BC+
76.00 =C (needed to pass)
75.99-70.00 = C69.99-67.00 = D+
66.99-64.00 = D
63.99-60.00 = DBelow 60.00 = F
Course work must be completed with an average of 76% or better to pass the
course.
Assessment:
Total Grade:
Theory
Module Quizzes 25 points (20% of grade)
150 points
Class Participation
Pass/Fail
Midterm Exam
(40% of grade)
100 points
Final Exam
(40% of grade)
100 points
Total Points
350 POINTS
Each module quiz will be given during class and require a 76% to pass. Two failed
quizzes require an Unsatisfactory Performance referral. (See student handbook). Midterm
and final also require a 76% to pass.
DROP/WITHDRAW POLICY:
According to GBC policy, if you do not complete the course and do not formally
withdraw by the set drop deadline, your instructor will automatically assign you a
grade of “F” for the course. The drop deadline for Fall 2014 is Monday,
October 27, 2014. If you are dismissed from the program after this date, this rule
will also apply.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
You must attend class and you must log into Web Campus once a week to access
this class. (See Student Handbook)
STUDENT CONDUCT:
Great Basin College considers academic honesty one of its highest values. A
student who obtains academic credit for work that is not the product of his or her
own effort is being dishonest and undermining the academic integrity of the
07-21-14 pd
college. Students are expected to be the sole authors of their work. Use of
another’s ideas must be accompanied by specific citation and reference. In
addition, a learner may not submit the same work for credit in more than one
course. The disciplinary consequences of plagiarism and other forms of academic
dishonest include non-acceptance of work submitted, a failing grade in the course,
and/or or other disciplinary action as outlined in Great Basin College’s Student
Conduct Policy.
ADA STATEMENT:
Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to
qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and
regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student must furnish current
verification of disability. The Director of Services for Students with Disabilities
(Julie G. Byrnes) will assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the
appropriate and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services. For
more information or further assistance, please call 775.753.2271.
MODULE
WEEK 1
Module 1
Tuesday
Aug. 26
SUBJECT
Introduction to
Pharmacology
Review ATI information
Discuss questions
Classroom content drill
Module 1 Quiz
ASSIGNMENTS
To be successful in this
course students must be
proactive by completing
all ATI Lessons as
Outlined in the Syllabus.
A quiz on each unit as
outlined at the end of the
specified class time.
Resources:
1. ATI text-Unit 1
2. Lilley text- Chapter
2, 3, & 4
3. Review ATI Lesson
for Introduction to
Pharmacology
WEEK 2
Module 1 (Continued)
Tuesday
Sept. 2
07-21-14 pd
Continued- Introduction to
Pharmacology
Review ATI information
Discuss questions
Classroom content drill
Module 1 Quiz
Resources:
1. ATI text-Unit 1
2. Lilley text- Chapter
2, 3, & 4
3. Review ATI Lesson
for Introduction to
Pharmacology
WEEK 3
Module 2
Tuesday
Sept. 9
WEEK 4
Module 2 (Continued)
Tuesday
Sept. 16
WEEK 5
Module 3
Tuesday
Sept. 23
WEEK 6
Module 3 (Continued)
Tuesday
Sept. 30
WEEK 7
MIDTERM
EXAM
Tuesday
October 7
WEEK 8
Module 4
Tuesday
October 14
WEEK 9
Module 4 (Continued)
Tuesday
October 21
07-21-14 pd
Pain and Inflammation
Review ATI information
Discuss questions
Classroom Activity
Continue: Pain and
Inflammation
Review ATI information
Discuss questions
Classroom content drill
Module 2 Quiz
Resources:
1.ATI text-Unit 9
2.Lilley text- Chapter 10, 11,
44
3.Review ATI Lesson for
Pain and Inflammation
Resources:
1.ATI text-Unit 9
2.Lilley text- Chapter 10, 11,
44
3.Review ATI Lesson for
Pain and Inflammation
Resources:
Infection
Review ATI information
Discuss questions
Classroom Activity
Continued-Infection
Review ATI information
Discuss questions
Classroom content drill
Module 3 Quiz
50 QUESTIONS
CUMULATIVE
MIDTERM
Medications Affecting the
Gastrointestinal System and
Nutrition
Review ATI information
Discuss questions
Classroom Activity
Continued Gastrointestinal
System
Review ATI information
Discuss questions
Classroom content drill
1. Review ATI Lesson for
Infection
2. ATI Phar Text- Unit 12
3. Lilley text- Part 7
Resources:
1. Review ATI Lesson for
Infection
2. ATI Phar Text- Unit 12
3. Lilley text- Part 7
REVIEW
ALL INFORMATION
FROM MODULES ONE,
TWO AND THREE TO
INCLUDE TEMPLATESNO QUESTIONS ON
MODULE 4
Resources
1. ATI Lesson for
Gastrointestinal/Nutrition
2. ATI Text- Unit 6
3. Lilley Text-Chapters
50-55
Resources
1. ATI Lesson for
Gastrointestinal/Nutrition
2. ATI Text- Unit 6
3. Lilley Text-Chapters
Module 4 Quiz
WEEK 10
Module 5
Resources
Medications Affecting the
Respiratory System
Tuesday
October 28
Review ATI information
Discuss questions
Classroom Activity
WEEK 11
Module 5 (Continued)
Continued Respiratory
System
Tuesday
Nov. 4
Review ATI information
Discuss questions
Classroom content drill
Module 5 Quiz
WEEK 12
Tuesday
November 11
WEEK 13
Module 6
Tuesday
November 18
WEEK 14
Module 6 (Continued)
Tuesday
November 25
WEEK 15
FINAL
Tuesday
Dec 2
07-21-14 pd
50-55
1. ATI Lesson for
Respiratory Medications
2. ATI Text- Unit 3
3. Lilley Text- Chapters
36 & 37
Resources
1. ATI Lesson for
Respiratory Medications
2. ATI Text- Unit 3
3. Lilley Text- Chapters
36 & 37
HOLIDAYVETERANS DAY
NO CLASS
Medication Affecting the
Musculoskeletal System
Review ATI information
Discuss questions
Classroom Activity
Continued- Musculoskeletal
System
Review ATI information
Discuss questions
Classroom content drill
Module 6 Quiz
COMPUTERIZED
CUMULATIVE FINAL
TEST- 50 questions
WORTH 100 POINTS
OVER ALL THE
MATERIALS COVERED
Resources
1. ATI Lesson for
Musculoskeletal
Medications
2. ATI Text- Unit 8
3. Lilley- Chapter12 & 13
Resources
1. ATI Lesson for
Musculoskeletal
Medications
2. ATI Text- Unit 8
3. Lilley- Chapter12 & 13
REVIEW NOTES,
TEMPLATES, AND OTHER
MATERIALS REVIEWED
DURING CLASS
POST MIDTERM
(MODULES 4, 5, & 6)
Pharmacology is a huge amount of information presented over a short period
of time. Individualize your study time for success, take a deep breath, and
you will be successful.
07-21-14 pd