NURS 3614 201: Adult Health Nursing I

GenAI Policy

In this course, students may leverage generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, writing tools) to assist with assignments specified by the instructor. The use of GenAI is intended to support [specific learning objectives, e.g., critical analysis, creative thinking, or productivity in content creation], with the following guidelines in place to ensure academic integrity:

Permissible Uses: Students are welcome to use AI tools for tasks such as brainstorming, creating outlines, exploring different perspectives on a topic, data visualization, data analysis or drafting ideas. However, for assignments requiring critical analysis or personal reflections, AI tools are not permitted unless explicitly allowed by instructor.

Documentation of AI Use: For each assignment where GenAI is utilized, please provide:

• Tool Used: Specify the AI application or tool (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot).
• Purpose: Describe how GenAI contributed to your work (e.g., idea generation, grammar improvement).
• Evaluation: Reflect briefly on the AI output’s accuracy and relevance.
• Integration: Explain how you incorporated and refined the GenAI content into your final submission.

Students are responsible for maintaining academic integrity by ensuring all GenAI use is properly documented and credited. When AI contributes significantly to the development of an assignment, students are required to cite the tool in APA format (e.g., “ChatGPT, OpenAI”). This citation should explain how the tool was used.

Students are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all content submitted, as AI-generated content may contain inaccuracies. Review and verify all information independently.

Failure to disclose the use of GenAI tools or presenting AI-generated content as one’s original work constitutes academic misconduct and may result in disciplinary action.

COURSE POLICIES:

1. Electronic devices: To minimize interruptions, cellular phones must be turned off (vibration mode is not acceptable), while in the classroom, and or testing rooms for the duration of the class.  Students will be asked to leave the classroom if in violation of classroom rules.  Cellular phones cannot be out on the desk tops during class nor during tests/exams/quizzes as this will result in an automatic zero (0).

Other electronic devices (i.e., iPods, ear pieces/bluetooth, pagers, and smart watches) are not allowed in the classroom or during exams. iPads and laptops may be allowed at the discretion of the faculty.

2. Calculators: Simple calculators may be allowed in class; however must be simple, and unable to save data; no scientific models allowed, and none with a cover. Cell phones will not be used as a calculator during class assignments/quizzes or tests.

3. Attendance: Attendance in class, lab, and clinical arenas is an expectation.  One hundred percent (100%) attendance is expected. In case of an absence, the student shall contact the instructor prior to the scheduled class time and assume all responsibility for obtaining class notes and handouts.

4.    Class disruptions: Students who participate in social conversations, attempt to sleep in class, or cause disruption of class will be asked to leave the classroom.  The instructor reserves the right to dismiss anyone who is disruptive and/or disrespectful.

5.    Pop quizzes: Quizzes (which may include calculations) may be given at any time during classroom instruction.

6.   All written work becomes the property of the School of Nursing.  Written work will not be returned.  Written work is considered to be the student’s own product and prepared with authorized assistance.  Plagiarism is NOT accepted and is grounds for a failing grade “F” in the course.  Papers generally will be graded and made available to students no later than two weeks after the due date of the project.  Students will be notified of test/exam grade within one week following the test/exam date, barring any unforeseen complications.  If the assignment is due in the drop box, watch for the date and time.

CLINICAL POLICIES:

1. Purpose: The clinical experience is to provide an opportunity to integrate theory into practice. Students will be placed in a variety of settings where they will focus on specific activities as indicated by specific clinical assignments. You are reminded that at all times you are in an assigned clinical area you represent the Canseco School of Nursing at Texas A&M International University to that agency and to the community.
2. Clinical Evaluation Tool: This is completed by the student and faculty throughout the clinical experience. Based on Clinical Objectives, student will be evaluated as “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory.”

Clinical Objectives: 

A. MEMBER OF THE PROFESSION

• Practice nursing care within the sociolegal scope as outlined by TBON and other state/federal regulations.
• Direct any changes in client’s condition to assigned registered nurse and clinical instructor
• Tailor nursing care as per client’s religious and sociocultural preferences
• Provide appropriate feedback to impromptu assignments given during clinical practicum
• Proactively query for community resources available to client upon discharge
• Restructure their patient care based on feedback provided by instructor or assigned RN
• Plan for case(s) using evidenced based models to guide nursing care
• Recognize and verbalize own strengths and weaknesses

B. PROVIDER OF PATIENT CENTERED CARE

• Utilize personal knowledge, evidenced-based concepts, and theories to clinical practice
• Apply the nursing process to promote the care of the client
• Decipher key findings from the health history and physical assessment to create initial nursing plan of care
• Utilize diagnostic test result(s) and evolving assessment findings to modify plan of care
• Formulate nursing problems based on all assessment data
• Communicate with client and staff in a professional manner
• Introduce him/herself, explain their objective, and request permission to proceed with plan of care
• Evaluate intervention(s) to assess achievement of goal(s)

C. PATIENT SAFETY ADVOCATE

• Initiate proper safety mechanisms to protect patient and colleagues against a suspected contagion
• Correctly identifies the purpose, SE, potential AE, & contraindications of handled medications
• Exercises all “patient rights” regarding medication administration
• Implements nursing interventions to lessen the burden of prescribed treatment(s)
• Request guidance when necessary to ensure safe and efficient execution of nursing skills
• Offer patient the least invasive treatment option to bring about a desired outcome
• Voices limitations in scope of practice related to the skillset of the registered nurse
• Voice statutes protecting RN from unjust assignments

D. MEMBER OF THE HEALTH CARE TEAM

• Compare and contrast the role and scope of the RN with other members of the interdisciplinary team
• Facilitate referral to community resources
• Timely update and provide substantive input regarding client’s status to requesting party (ies).
• Identify other discipline(s) that could participate in the care of client to expedite a desired outcome
• Correctly verbalize chain-of-command within setting
• Verbalize duties that could be delegated to staff
• Play the role of “coordinator of care” and assume responsibility for all aspects of client’s care
• Advocate for the client’s voiced and unvoiced needs

Clinical Hour Breakdown: This course has a total of 126 hours of clinical. This course has both a theory and clinical components. Throughout the semester the clinical sites, dates and times are subject to change; this is based on faculty/preceptor/ agency availability as well as to provide students with optimal clinical experiences.

12 hours: Computer activities (separate from didactic; computer activities with planned clinical objectives which may include virtual clinical excursions VCEs), interactive tutorials, and learning modules that are carried out as student assignments)

14 hours: Nursing Skills Lab (including low- and medium-fidelity situations that include skill sets, task training, and return demonstration, and may mimic the clinical environment)

12 hours: Simulation Lab experiences (high-fidelity simulated clinical situations that include orientation, learning objectives, and simulation experiences in a realistic patient scenario guided by trained faculty and followed by a debriefing and evaluation of student performance)

88 hours: Direct Patient Care

Total Hours: 126

New Skills introduced in this course:

1. Advanced health assessment on patients in the acute setting.
2. Advanced oxygenation (tracheostomy stoma care/suctioning)
3. Total parenteral nutrition
4. Observation of pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative patients and care of post-surgical patients
5. Observation and care of patients with wounds

Clinical Activities: Students will be required to pass drug calculation quiz and perform medication administration skill  before being permitted to perform clinical rotations in the hospital. Required clinical paperwork will be graded as pass/fail. A student must pass the clinical component of a course in order to pass the course.

Written assignments:

Care plans: Students will complete a care plan for 2 patients during the course of the semester.

Care Plan and Assessment.  Assignments should be done by each student individually, not as a group. All assignments are important.  All assignments must be submitted through designated Drop Boxes, not via email. No late assignments will be accepted.  These assignments are due as scheduled by the lead instructor/and clinical instructors.  Written assignments will be graded with comments and available to students within one week.

The student must obtain a grade of satisfactory on at least 1 of the 2 physical assessments and 1 of the 2 care plans that will be assigned. In the event that the student does not achieve at least 1 satisfactory care plan, the student will receive a clinical failure. Specialty rotation written assignments will count as clinical assignments. In the event that the student does not achieve a minimum of 1 satisfactory grade, the student will receive a clinical failure.   Expectations of these assignments are included on Blackboard.

Simulation Activities: All students will actively participate in Simulation activities and these hours will count towards clinical hours. Students will be required to complete an assignment prior, during and post the simulation activity and are expected to be prepared on the day of simulation. These assignments may be worked on as a group; however, each student will be required to include their name on the section that the student completed. Students will not be allowed to participate in simulation activities if the required assignment is not completed. Any Simulation missed by the student will need to be made up in order to receive proper clinical hours for the course. Simulation attire is according to the faculty; however, proper uniform attire must be worn which includes proper name tag.   Simulation Surveys will be required to be completed prior to being dismissed for the clinical day and to earn credit for simulation hours.

*CALA: (Computer Assisted Learning Activities/In-class activities)

1. Students will be assigned assignments through HESI and ATI.  Assignments must be completed by the assigned due date. Deadline to purchase HESI is 2/16/ 2025. Failure to make the HESI payment by the due date will result in a HOLD being placed in the student’s file.

c.  Students should check their Blackboard course messages daily.

d.    Students are expected to use the EVOLVE Resources available through the EVOLVE website and that are free of cost.  https://evolve.elsevier.com/ Students will need to register on the publisher website to have access to the resources.

Case Presentations, Article/Video Reviews: Students may be assigned case studies/Article Reviews/Video Reviews. These assignments will be worked on in groups and will be presented/discussed in class. Attendance is expected of all students during presentations/discussions since this will be counted as clinical time. Failure for a student to be present will be considered a clinical absence and the student will be expected to complete a case study/assignment (at the discretion of the faculty) independently to complete clinical hours.

Clinical Evaluation Progress Form:  In addition to the clinical assignments (care plans and specialty unit assignments) students will be evaluated in the clinical setting using the following form:

Each student begins clinical with 100 points. To pass clinical must maintain 75 points

*You automatically lose (100%) all points if you make an unsupervised medication error or provide unsupervised care that is harmful to client/patient and this will result in course failure.

1. Synthesize knowledge from the arts, humanities, sciences, and other disciplines in developing a framework for nursing knowledge and practice.
2. Explore the effect of variations in health status, developmental processes, values, beliefs and attitudes, culture, history, and environment on nursing care needs.
3. Use critical thinking, clinical judgment/decision making, problem-solving, and the research process in the development of nursing knowledge and practice.
4. Assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate evidenced-based and culturally - appropriate safe nursing care with patients, families, populations and communities.
5. Evaluate utilization of health promotion strategies in the development of nursing practice.
6. Develop professional nursing practice frameworks and roles, including the provider of patient-centered care, health care team member/collaborator, leader/manager, educator, scholar, patient-safety advocate, activist, mentor, and entrepreneur.
7. Evaluate the impact of evolving technological, socioeconomic, political and demographic changes on nursing practice and health care systems.
8. Adhere to legal and ethical principles in the development of professional nursing practice.
9. Articulate a commitment to life-long learning.
10. Participate in nursing- and health-related services

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Apply concepts and principles from the arts, sciences, humanities, and nursing when making practice decisions for stable adults and their families. (1,3,4)
2. Incorporate social, cultural, ethnic, spiritual, psychological, and economic factors when providing nursing care to stable adults. (2,4,7,8)
3. Use critical thinking, evidence-based knowledge, and interdisciplinary collaboration to develop holistic plans of care for stable adults. (1,2,3,4,6,9)
4. Provide accurate, safe, and holistic nursing care to stable adults within ethical, legal, and professional nursing boundaries. (2,3,4,6,8)
5. Incorporate relevant research when discussing the delivery of holistic nursing care among diverse populations with stable illnesses, including individuals, families, and communities. (2,3,4,5,6,9,10)
6. Identify opportunities within the community to provide health teaching and promotion for adults. (2,3,5,6,7,10)

Content Outline: Content to include, but not limited to the following Medical-Surgical Concepts:  

Professional Nursing, Wellness to Illness Continuum, Illness, End of Life, Alterations in Endocrine Function, Alterations in Gas Exchange, Alterations in Digestion and Bowel Elimination, Alterations in Kidney Function and Elimination, Alterations in Hematologic Function, Disrupted Homeostasis, Alterations in Immunity and Inflammatory Process, Cancer, Alterations in Mobility, Alterations in Cognition, Alterations in Neurologic Function, Alterations in Spinal Cord Function, Alterations in Sensory Perception, Alterations in Cardiovascular Function and Perfusion, Alterations in Sexual Function, Alterations in Tissue Integrity, and Caring for the Surgical Client.

Caputi, Linda, (2022). Think Like a Nurse: The Caputi Method for Learning Clinical Judgment(First ed.). Chicago, IL: Windy City Publishers. ISBN:978-1-953294-20-3.
Gulanick, M., Myers, J. L. (2017). Nursing Care Plans: Diagnoses, Interventions, & Outcomes (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO; Elsevier, Inc. ISBN:9780323428187

1. Nursing drug reference (current hard copy or electronic resource)
2. Medical dictionary
3. Simple calculator
4. Nursing Research Guide URL: http://tamiu.libguides.com/nursing (http://tamiu.libguides.com/nursing%20/) is a comprehensive resource to aidnursing students and faculty on use of library resources in nursing, medicine and health. It includes links to databases, books, videos and otheronline resources and also includes some tutorial material. A new subscription to UpToDate, the evidence-based clinical decision resource, isfeatured on the home page of the Nursing Research Guide. There students will find a link to this resource and to online video tutorials to get them

Teaching Strategies:  Lecture, Active classroom discussion, PowerPoint, Adaptive quizzing, questions, text book assignments, self-study, study groups, observation, demonstration, computer-assisted instruction, independent reading, group experiences, case studies, evidence-based article reviews, video case presentations, simulation, and supervised clinical practice. Note: TOP HAT will NOT be used this semester for this course.

Minimum Computer/Technology Requirements:

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. 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.

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.

(Hospital rotation care plans with medication sheets/history and physical assessment, Simulations, Specialty Unit Assignments, Computerized Simulations, Case Studies/Concept maps, Article/Video Reviews)

***Clinical assignment must meet a minimum standard to pass this course. If you do not successfully meet the minimum standard you are not passing the course, regardless of your overall course average or exam average.

*HESI Exit Exam:  At the end of the semester students will be required to take the Proctored standardized course exams. The score on this exam will count as a grade and will count for 10% of the course grade. Grading for this exam will be as follows:  850 or greater: 100. Students scoring below the benchmark of 850 will receive the conversion score that is assigned by HESI as the grade of record on the gradebook.

Students will receive review packets based on their performance on the HESI exam. These packets will be counted as an assignment for the course and will count as 5% of the course grade. All students will be required to complete the review packets by the due date assigned by course faculty. Failure to complete the review packets will result in the student receiving an Incomplete Grade for the course. Information regarding the Incomplete, Withdraw, and Dismissal process can be found in the TAMIU BSN Handbook https://www.tamiu.edu/conhs/documents/handbooks/bsnhandbook.pdf

Students will be assigned weekly NCLEX style questions as part of their assignments. These questions will help prepare students for the end of course and end of program standardized exams and for NCLEX. These questions will be assigned a percentage of the total weight of the course grade.

All students who score 80% or below on any periodical exam of a nursing course will be given a Learning Contract from faculty. A Learning Contract is created to facilitate student success the course and in the BSN program. Failure to comply with the requirements listed in the Learning Contract signed both by faculty and student will result to an Incomplete Grade and will prevent a student from progressing to the next academic semester.

College of Nursing and Health Sciences Policies:

I.          CNHS Grading and Grade Rounding:

1.    The CSON has adopted a grading scale in line with other Texas schools of nursing:

A = 90 - 100                      B = 80 - 89                   C = 75 – 79                  F- 74 and below

2.    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.

3.    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.

4.    To pass a nursing course and progress in the program, a nursing student must attain an overall course average of 75% or higher.

5.    All grade assignments and assessment (exams, quizzes, etc.) will be calculated to the hundredth (i.e. 2 decimal points); no mathematical rounding is to occur.

6.   Grade rounding:

Test Average

a. 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:

b. Less than 0.45 round down to the next whole number (74.44 rounds down to a 74)

c. 0.45 or greater: Round up to the next whole number (75.45 rounds up to a 75)

Course Average

a. The final weighted numeric course grade is calculated to two decimal places and rounded mathematically as follows:

b. Less than 0.45 round down to the next whole number (74.44 rounds down to a 74)

c. 0.45 or greater: Round up to the next whole number (75.45 rounds up to a 75)

II.         CNHS Examination Policy and Guidelines: (this semester all quizzes and tests must be given online)

All online exams must use respondus lockdown browser and if off campus without direct faculty proctoring the student must also use the respondus webcam.

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.

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 (In the event that on-line testing is required)

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.

III.   Nametag/Dress/Appearance: All students must follow the dress code policies. See CONHS BSN Handbook. All ID badges from clinical facilities must be current.

IV.   Student Health Requirements: Students must meet the clinical health and CPR requirements prior to going to the clinical setting. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the inability to attend clinical and a Clinical F day will be given. See CONHS BSN Handbook.

V.   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

1. 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.
2. Students may not return to campus or clinical until clearance by student health services is obtained.
3. 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. 

VI.   Lab/Clinical Absences: Clinical hours are required to provide students the opportunities to obtain knowledge and skills to function safely as a professional nurse. Punctuality is expected in the professional workplace. Important information affecting client care is communicated to the students at the start of the clinical experience. Therefore, tardiness for clinical/lab/simulation experience jeopardizes the student ability to give safe nursing care. Lab, simulation and case study experiences are considered clinical experiences.  See CONHS BSN Handbook.

VII.  Clinical “F” Day: Unacceptable nursing practice in the clinical setting or unexcused clinical absence is grounds for receiving a clinical fail day, also known as an “F” Day. A clinical setting is any activity for which the student receives clinical hours. A student who receives three (3) clinical “F” days in any clinical course will receive a grade of F for that course. See CONHS BSN Handbook.

VIII. Criminal background checks or drug screens: As part of this clinical rotation, the CSON adheres to the policies of all clinical facilities with which the SON affiliated with for student clinical learning experiences. As part of this clinical rotation, clinical facility policies may require criminal background checks and/or random drug screen to be conducted on persons interacting with their clients. This documentation will be submitted to the requesting agencies as per their policy. See CONHS BSN Handbook.

IX.   Unsafe Clinical Performance/Patient Safety: Any act, omission or commission that may result in harm to the patient is considered unsafe clinical practice. Any student who jeopardizes patient safety will be sent home from clinical and receive a clinical F for that day. See CONHS BSN Handbook.

X.    Confidentiality: Nurses are entrusted with a great deal of personal information about their community, populations and individuals to plan comprehensive care. The student role requires that some of this information be shared with faculty and other students in a clinical conference setting. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) regulations provides federal protections for personal health information held by covered entities and gives patients an array of rights with respect to that information. Students and faculty share the burden of carefully protecting the privacy of all persons concerned. See CONHS BSN Handbook.

XI.   Electronic devices/Social Networking: Strict HIPPA guidelines will be enforced. Cell phones or other electronic devices are not permitted in the clinical setting. Cell phones are not allowed on your person during the clinical experience. The CSON has memorandum of understanding agreement with every clinical institution to adhere to their policies. See CONHS BSN Handbook.