NURS 3310 102: Pharmacology

Course Outline and Expectations

Participation/Attendance

1. Attendance in class is an expectation.  One hundred percent (100%) attendance is expected! In case of an absence, the student shall assume all responsibility for obtaining class notes and handouts. No make-up Quizzes or Tests will be scheduled. SEE TAMIU POLICY BELOW.
2. Students MUST read the assigned chapters prior to coming to class in order to actively participate in discussions and in-class activities based on the material covered that day.
3. Students who participate in social conversations, social networking, attempting to sleep in class, and/or causing disruption of class and/or faculty concentration, WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE CLASSROOM.  The faculty member reserves the right to dismiss anyone who is disruptive and/or disrespectful.
4. Regularly scheduled breaks will be provided during the class, to prevent class disruptions students leaving the class prior to the break will be asked not to return to the classroom till the next scheduled break.

Campus/Classroom Requirements

(FALL 2024- COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS)

   In order to ensure your safety and that of others, for Fall 2024 semester you are required:

• To self-monitor each day before coming to campus and to stay at home if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19 as enumerated in the required A&M System training that you took prior to coming back to campus;

• To wear a covering over your mouth and nose at all times except when eating or drinking. There is no admission to a TAMIU building or classroom without a face covering).

• To wash your hands thoroughly and use personal hand-sanitizer frequently;

• To wipe down your work areas with provided sanitizer wipes; and, importantly,

• To maintain social distance (6’ or more) at all times. Description of face coverings and additional guidance are provided in the Face Covering & Social Distancing policy.

Academic Honesty

As a TAMIU student, you are bound by the TAMIU Honor Code to conduct yourself ethically in all your activities as a TAMIU student and to report violations of the Honor Code.  Please read carefully the following site: 

https://www.tamiu.edu/studentaffairs/pdf/judicial/Honor%20Code.pdf

Violations of the Honor Code tend to involve claiming work that is not one’s own, most commonly plagiarism in written assignments and simple cheating on exams and other types of assignments.

Course Structure

1. Introduction to Pharmacology
2. Drug calculations/Nursing Process/Homeostasis
3. Pain & Inflammation
4. Genitourinary/Men’s Health/Women’s Health
5. Complimentary therapy
6. Respiratory & Dermatologic
7. Cardiovascular
8. Gastrointestinal/Eye & Ear
9. Endocrine
10. Antimicrobial/Immunologic/anticancer
11. ANS/CNS
12. Pain and Inflammation
13. Pregnancy, Mental Health, Anesthetics
    Teaching Strategies: lecture, discussion, class activities, case studies, discussion questions, Medication calculation assignments, PowerPoints, and HESI modules .

Minimum Technical Skills Expected

It is recommended that you meet the technical requirements listed on the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ when using the learning management system (LMS) of the University.

Additional Hardware. For this class, you will need the following additional hardware: a webcam and microphone for VoiceThread discussions. Recently purchased laptops may have these built-in web cameras. If you do not have this equipment, it is recommended to purchase a stand-alone webcam, microphone or a webcam with a built-in microphone from your local electronic store or any online store.

Additional Software. You will need the following additional software: Microsoft PowerPoint for viewing lesson presentations and Microsoft Word for viewing course files and submitting assignments. TAMIU Students may access online versions of this software through their Dusty Office 365 account at https://dusty.tamiu.edu/. This site also provides students access to download the Microsoft suite for educational use. See instructions for downloading the Microsoft Office suite.

Note: Students if you do not own the required hardware, software or do not have access to internet, it will be highly challenging for you to make any progress in this class. However, my goal is to assist you to find solutions and guide you appropriately most of the required materials can either be found free of charge at TAMIU’s library, computer labs, and classrooms.  In addition, you may also purchase any of these items at any electronic store

Accommodations/Accessibility Policy

Texas A&M International University Texas A&M International University seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified persons with disabilities. This University will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal education opportunity. It is the student's responsibility to register with the Office of Student Counseling and Disability Services located in Student Center 126.  This office will contact the faculty member to recommend specific, reasonable accommodations. Faculty are prohibited from making accommodations based solely on communications from students.  They may make accommodations only when provided documentation by the Student Counseling and Disability Services office.

Student Support Resources

The University wishes to have all students succeed in their courses. To provide support to our students, an array of services in the areas of technology support, academic support, student support, and accessibility support may be found at the University. For more information, visit Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ page on University Resources and Support Services.

Student-Instructor Communication Policy and Response Time

Course Messages/Emails

1. Contact faculty Monday through Friday via phone or e-mail, between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. Any messages left after 5 pm will be considered as submitted the following day.
2. In the event that faculty cannot be reached, please leave a message, clearly defining name and phone number of the caller.
3. Preferred method of contact is through Blackboard Course Messages.  Messages will be responded to within 3 working days.

Assignments and Assessments

Please ensure that the final draft is the copy the student plans to submit. If the copy submitted into Bb is found to have plagiarism, the excuse of “it was my rough draft I accidentally submitted,” will NOT be a valid reason. The student will receive a “zero” for the assignment and the matter will be forwarded to the University for review and possible sanction or dismissal.

Feedback and Response time to Assignments and Assessments:  The faculty will grade assignments and return assignments submitted by the due date within 7-14 business days. Exams will be graded within three (3) business days.

Course Communication Guidelines (Netiquette)

There are course expectations concerning etiquette or how we should treat each other online. It is vital that we consider these values as we communicate with one another. Visit Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ web page on Netiquette for further instruction.

Technology Requirements

Computer/Technology Requirements

When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology involved in order to have a successful course. Online students will need regular access to a personal computer that runs on a broadband Internet connection.

It is recommended that you meet the technical requirements listed on the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ webpage when using the learning management system (LMS) of the University.

Additional Hardware: Webcams – You will need a webcam for the proctoring of exams in this course. Recently purchased laptops may have these built-in web cameras.  If you do not have this equipment, it is recommended to purchase a stand-alone webcam, microphone or a webcam with a built-in microphone from your local electronic store or any online store.

NOTE: Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services may check out available webcams to students on a first-come, first-served basis. To check out a webcam, please stop by Killam Library, Room 259 and request an available webcam.

Additional Software: You will need the following additional software: Microsoft PowerPoint for viewing lesson presentations and Microsoft Word for viewing course files and submitting assignments. TAMIU Students may access online versions of this software through their Dusty Office 365 account at https://dusty.tamiu.edu/. This site also provides students access to download the Microsoft suite for educational use. See instructions for downloading the Microsoft Office suite.

Note: Students, if you do not own the required hardware, software or do not have access to internet, it will be highly challenging for you to make any progress in this class. However, my goal is to assist you to find solutions and guide you appropriately most of the required materials can either be found free of charge at TAMIU’s library, computer labs, and classrooms.  In addition, you may also purchase any of these items at any electronic store.

Learning Management System (Blackboard)

Students are provided with guides on how to use the Blackboard LMS. Guides may be available at Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services' Student eLearning Tutorial Videos page or by contacting the eLearning team at elearning@tamiu.edu.

Technical Support Services

Because of the nature of distance education courses, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) computing and information services are vital to the success of online students. This webpage covers contact information for Distance Education Services (Blackboard Support), the OIT Help Desk, and E-mail support: Technical Support Services.

Covid Exposure:

1. All students should immediately discontinue all in-person class, clinical, or lab and refrain from coming to campus if they a) have a known exposure to COVID 19 without wearing proper protective equipment (PPE) b) tested positive to COVID 19 or c) have known symptoms of COVID 19. (see below for symptoms).
   • Chills or fever
   • Cough
   • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
   • Fatigue
   • Muscle or body ache
   • Headache
   • New loss of taste or smell
   • Sore Throat
   • Congestion or runny nose
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Diarrhea
2. Students are to notify nursing faculty and follow TAMIU guidelines for reporting illness to Student Health Services by calling 956-326-2235 or emailing at studenthealth@tamiu.edu.
3. Students may not return to campus or clinical until clearance by student health services is obtained.
4. If a student does incur absences due to quarantine/isolation or becomes ill with COVID the clinical absence policy outlined in each course syllabus will be followed, however if the student must withdraw or take an incomplete, they will not be penalized for this.

CSON Add, Drop, Withdraw, and Incomplete Policy:

1. No NURS course can be taken more than twice without earning a grade of “C” or better. This includes withdraw, failure or combination of both.
2. Once admitted to the nursing program any student: (1) making two F’s or (2) withdrawing from three courses will be ineligible to continue in the program.
3. See CSON Student Handbook for complete information.

Cellphones and Laptops

1. Electronic devices (Laptops, iPods, Earpieces/Bluetooth, cell phones, pagers, smart watches) will not be permitted in this course.
2. Cellular phones must be turned to OFF mode or Airplane mode (NOT VIBRATE) while in the classroom for the duration of the class. Students can be asked to leave the classroom if in violation of classroom rules.
3. Cellular phones and any type of smart watch cannot be out on the desk during class nor during tests/exams/quizzes as this WILL result in an automatic zero (0).
4. Students leaving the room to answer their cell phone are asked not to return to the classroom until the next break.

Attendance and Class Participation

1. Attendance in class is an expectation.  One hundred percent (100%) attendance is expected! In case of an absence, the student shall assume all responsibility for obtaining class notes and handouts. No make-up Quizzes or Tests will be scheduled. SEE TAMIU POLICY BELOW.
2. Students MUST read the assigned chapters prior to coming to class in order to actively participate in discussions and in-class activities based on the material covered that day.
3. Students who participate in social conversations, social networking, attempting to sleep in class, and/or causing disruption of class and/or faculty concentration, WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE CLASSROOM.  The faculty member reserves the right to dismiss anyone who is disruptive and/or disrespectful.
4. Regularly scheduled breaks will be provided during the class, to prevent class disruptions students leaving the class prior to the break will be asked not to return to the classroom till the next scheduled break.

Assignment Due Dates

1. Absolutely NO Late work will be accepted. ALL assignments not turned in by the due date will receive a grade of “0”, even if the student has completed every section of the module.
2. Computer or internet problems or problems with Blackboard do not constitute valid reasons for late work. Students should keep this in mind when completing assignments and plan accordingly. Blackboard problems should be referred to OIT.
3. Students will complete and submit all written assignments within the time frame allotted.
4. Once an assignment is submitted, it cannot be resubmitted; thus, make sure assignments are submitted to the correct drop box.

Communication

1. Open communication between students and faculty is encouraged.
2. Any student having questions regarding a grade on an assignment, tests and/or final course grade must make an appointment to see the faculty to review the matter no later than one week after the grade is received.
3. All students enrolled at TAMIU are assigned a TAMIU e-mail address. This e-mail address will be used to contact students and transmit important information. It is the students’ responsibility to check this e-mail frequently to ensure they are up to date on important university information. No other personal e-mail will be used.
4. Blackboard will be used throughout the semester and postings/information can be found on the Blackboard Course Messages for this course. It is the students’ responsibility to check their course messages frequently to ensure they are up to date on important course information.
5. Monitoring of course messages by faculty will be at least once daily Monday through Friday at any time from 9-5 PM. A response can be expected within 48 hours.

Classroom Behavior

The CSON encourages classroom discussion and academic debate as an essential intellectual activity. It is essential that students learn to express and defend their beliefs, but it is also essential that they learn to listen and respond respectfully to others whose beliefs they may not share. The CSON will always tolerate diverse, unorthodox, and unpopular points of view, but it will not tolerate condescending or insulting remarks. When students verbally abuse or ridicule and intimidate others whose views they do not agree with, they subvert the free exchange of ideas that should characterize a university classroom. If their actions are deemed by the professor to be disruptive, they will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include being involuntarily withdrawn from the class. Refer to TAMIU Student Handbook, Section 4.01 Classroom Behavior for further information.

College of Nursing and Health Science Policy for Distance Testing

Purpose: Describe the requirements for distance proctoring of exam given by faculty of the CNHS.

1. All major exams for the CNHS must be proctored; either with the faculty present or at the testing center. If given in the online format, Respondus lockdown browser must be used.
2. In the case of distance (off campus) testing, the Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor or similar product used by the university must be used.
   1. The Respondus lockdown browser is free and instructions for download can be found at https://www.tamiu.edu/distance/technology/respondus-ldb-and-monitor.shtml 
3. Standardized testing
   1. In the case of standardized exams, such as HESI or ATI, the CNHS will follow the guidelines and requirements of the standardized testing organization.
   2. When using the standardized testing via remote proctoring, the student is responsible for all costs associated with the proctoring process such as Examity or the Respondus monitor.
4. Students who have a computer that does not have a webcam or microphone, contact OIT for assistance.

Process for Testing using Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor

1. Prior to giving any exams, the faculty will provide a sample exam with Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor. A sample exam/quiz folder be set up in the Test Content area of the course for this practice exam/quiz.
2. A test date and time must be specified; this includes the date and time the test begins and ends. It is suggested all exams be given during a limited period such as less than a 6-hour window.
3. All final exams, except in online courses, must be given at the date and time specified by the university (i.e. started at exactly 9:00AM and ending exactly 11:50AM. The test must be set up in such a way that at the end of the allotted time the exam will automatically close)
4. The student’s tabletop or desk, and under the computer must be covered with a dark solid background. (suggestion is black plastic type table cloth that can be reused)
5. Prior to the exam
   1. The student must show their face and TAMIU ID on camera.
   2. The webcam must be used to show a 360-degree view of the entire room as well as under the table and chair were the student will be sitting. (The door to the room must be kept closed at all times and any interruption to the exam by opening of the door or someone entering the room will result in an automatic zero on the exam.)
   3. Student must use a mirror to show that the monitor screen, laptop, and keyboard are free of any stickers, post it notes, etc.
   4. After the student uses their cell phone to sign in it must be powered-off and set it face down on the table where it can be seen by the video camera.
   5. No wristwatches or pendants may be worn. No long sleeve shirts or sweaters may be worn. Arms up to elbows must be visible.
   6. No caps or hoodies, earphones or ear buds may be worn.
   7. Absolutely no talking during the exam either to yourself or to someone else. No music can be played during the exam.
   8. Students must not leave the exam or view of camera until the exam is submitted.
   9. All tests will require a password that will not be provided until just prior to the exam.
   10. All tests will begin and end exactly at the time specified (it will automatically shut down at the end of the testing period).
   11. Student failure to follow these guidelines will result in an automatic zero on the exam.

Support Services

To receive free tutoring in most subjects, including help with writing skills:

Academic Center of Excellence:                                                 Cowart 203 and 204 (326-2723)

To receive academic advising for freshmen, transfer students, and select others:

Advising & Retention Center:                                                                       ZSC 222 (326-2886)

To receive academic advising for all other students, by college:

A. R. Sanchez, Jr., School of Business Advising:                  WHT 204 C and 213 A (326-2483 / 2489)

College of Arts & Sciences Advising:                                        ACI 3rd floor (COASadvisors@tamiu.edu)

College of Education Advising:                                                  Pellegrino 3rd floor (326-2427 /3148)

College of Nursing & Health Sciences Advising: CNS 111 (326-3269 /3110/ 3277)

University College:                                                                                           Advising & Retention Center (see above)

To receive personal counseling:

Student Counseling Services:                                                                      Student Center 128 (326-2230)

To receive health services:

Student Health Services:                                                             Student Center 125 (326-2235)

Upon successful completion of this course, each student will:

1. Associate concepts and principles from the arts, sciences, humanities, and nursing as a foundation for the science of pharmacological nursing.
2. Describe how social, cultural, ethnic, spiritual, psychological and economic concepts affect pharmacological nursing.
3. Identify the ethical, legal, and professional principles associated with pharmacological nursing.
4. Use critical thinking when identifying therapeutic and nontherapeutic drug effects on body systems.
5. Describe pharmacological concepts and effects across the lifespan and among diverse populations, including individuals, families, and communities incorporating relevant research.
6. Discuss opportunities to apply health assessment and health promotion skills in partnership with the community.
7. Describe medication administration processes and demonstrate accurate medication calculations.

To go to the bookstore, click here.

HESI Adaptive Quizzing–SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ENROLLMENT AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEMESTER.

Final Grade Breakdown

1. Nursing students must achieve a grade of C or higher in both theory and clinical components of a course in order to pass that course and progress in the program. A grade of F in either theory or clinical components will constitute a course failure.
2. To pass a nursing course and progress in the program, a nursing student must attain an exam average (includes tests and the final) of 75% or higher.
3. To pass a nursing course and progress in the program, a nursing student must attain an overall course average of 75% or higher.
4. All grade assignments and assessments (exams, quizzes, etc.) will be calculated to the hundredth (i.e. 2 decimal points); no mathematical rounding is to occur.

Grade rounding:

Test Average

1. The weighted exam average total for the courses includes all exams and the final exam, and is calculated to two decimal places and rounded mathematically as follows:
2. Less than 0.45 round down to the next whole number (74.44 rounds down to a 74)
3. 0.45 or greater: Round up to the next whole number (75.45 rounds up to a 75)

Course Average

1. The final weighted numeric course grade is calculated to two decimal places and rounded mathematically as follows:
2. Less than 0.45 round down to the next whole number (74.44 rounds down to a 74)
3. 0.45 or greater: Round up to the next whole number (75.45 rounds up to a 75)

CNHS Online examination Policy and Guidelines: (this semester all quizzes and tests will be given online or face to face)

1. All online exams must use respondus lockdown browser and if off campus without direct faculty proctoring the student must also use the respondus webcam.
2. All students need to purchase a year-long license for Respondus. The cost is $15, and you will be able to use it in all of your classes. If you are using a Chrome book, you will need to purchase Proctorial.
3. Student instructions for purchasing and installing respondus can be found:

https://www.tamiu.edu/distance/technology/respondus-ldb-and-monitor.shtml

Process for Testing using Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor

1. Prior to giving any exams, the faculty must submit a sample exam with Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor. It is suggested that a sample exam/quiz folder be set up in the Content area of the course for this practice exam/quiz.
2. The test date and time must be specified; this includes the date and time the test begins and ends. It is suggested all exams be given during a limited period such as less than a 6-hour window.
3. All final exams, except in online courses, must be given at the date and time specified by the university (i.e. started at exactly 9:00AM and ending exactly 11:50AM. The test must be set up in such a way that at the end of the allotted time the exam will automatically close)
4. The student’s tabletop or desk, and under the computer must be covered with a dark solid background. (Suggestion is black plastic type table cloth that can be reused)

Prior to the exam

1. The student must show their face and TAMIU ID on camera.
2. The webcam must be used to show a 360-degree view of the entire room as well as under the table and chair were the student will be sitting. (The door to the room must be kept closed at all times and any interruption to the exam by opening of the door or someone entering the room will result in an automatic zero on the exam.)
3. Student must use a mirror to show that the monitor screen, laptop, and keyboard are free of any stickers, post it notes, etc.
4. After the student uses their cell phone to sign in it must be powered-off and set it face down on the table where it can be seen by the video camera.
5. No wristwatches or pendants may be worn.  No long sleeve shirts or sweaters may be worn. Arms up to elbows must be visible.
6. No caps or hoodies, earphones or ear buds may be worn.
7. Absolutely no talking during the exam either to yourself or to someone else. No music can be played during the exam.
8. Students must not leave the exam or view of camera until the exam is submitted.
9. All tests will require a password that will not be provided until just prior to the exam.
10. All tests will begin and end exactly at the time specified (it will automatically shut down at the end of the testing period).
11. Student failure to follow these guidelines will result in an automatic zero on the exam.

• Please note that every exam will contain questions related to medical calculations. Please bring a non-scientific calculator to week 2 class.  Any student making below 75 on an exam must meet with faculty within one week after obtaining results; it is the student’s responsibility to contact the faculty.