CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

SYLLABUS FOR RNSG 1105

NURSING SKILLS I

Semester Hours Credit: 1

LEAD PROFESSOR:
N. Artik-Blood, RN, MSN (W, TH)
Negrgis.Artik-Blood@ctcd.edu
(254) 526-1607

Instructors: Patricia Rylander, RN, MSN

Sandra Thomason, RN, MSN
Jennifer Watts, RN, MSN
Nancy Mendoza , RN, BSN
Tina Cambell, RN, BSN

LAB MANAGER: Jack Thomason, RN, BSN

OFFICE HOURS: By Appointment

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Course Description: Study of concepts and principles essential for demonstrating competence in the
performance of nursing procedures. Topics include knowledge, judgment, skills, and professional
values within a legal/ethical framework. The concepts of communication, caring, community, and
critical thinking will be included throughout the course.

B. Required Course.

C. This course is occupationally related and serves as preparation for careers in Nursing (Associate
Degree Nursing).

D. Pre-requisites:
1. Admission to Central Texas College
2. Administrative approval.
3. RNSG 1209 – Introduction to Nursing or evaluated credit.
4. RNSG 1301 - Pharmacology

E. Co-requisites: (None for Summer Session)

1. RNSG 1413 – Foundations for Nursing Practice
2. RNSG 1115 – Health Assessment
3. RNSG 1301 – Pharmacology if not taken as a prerequisite

F. Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) and Differentiated Entry Level
Competencies (DELC)

Alphanumeric coding used throughout the syllabus denotes the integration of SCANS occupational
competencies (C) and foundation skills (F). The DELC competencies that are implemented in RNSG
1105 are also alphanumeric coded as Provider of Care (POC); Coordinator of Care (COC), and
Member of a Professional (MOP)

G. Licensing/Certification Agency: Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas (BNE).

RNSG 1105 1
II. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, Nursing Skills I, the student will:

A. Describe concepts and principles that are basic to the safe performance of nursing skills. (C1, C4, C5,
C9, C14, C16, F12, POC 1-A, 1-D, 1-E, 1-G, 2-A, 2-C, 2-H)
B. Demonstrate competence in the performance of nursing procedures. (C1, C3, C5, C11, C16, C18, C19,
POC 1-A, 1-D, 1-E, 1-I, 3-A, 3-G, 3-M)
C. Perform basic nursing skills in the care of diverse clients across the life span. (C5, C14, C15, F5, POC,
1-A1-D, 1-E, 1-K, 2-H, 4-A )
D. Use introductory communication techniques with clients, peers, and members of
the health care team. (C7, C13, F5, F6, POC 1-A, 1-D, 1-H)
E. Demonstrate personal and client safety techniques. (C9, C11, F5, F9, F11, F17, POC)
F. Provide safe, basic care for individual clients in a structured setting within the community. (C1, C4,
C9, C11, F6, F8, F13, POC 3-A, 3-D, 3-E, 3-G, 3-J, 3-M, 3-N)
G. Identify legal and ethical standards that apply while providing safe basic care.
(F13, F17, COC 2-D, MOP 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, 1-D, 1-H, 2-B, )
H. Utilize critical thinking skills to identify individual client needs. (C5, C12, C17, F7, F8, F9, POC 1-A,
1-C, 1-G,)
I. Apply the basic principles of caring (tolerance, patience, perseverance, gentleness
etc.) to the practice of nursing skills. (F5, F14, F15, F17, POC 2-A, 2-H)

III. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

A. Instructional Material for this course may be found at www.ctcd.edu/im/im_main.asp

B. Supplemental Reading: The student is encouraged to use initiative in reading current journals and other
periodicals. The Oveta Culp Library reserves a section for recommended articles.

C. Supplementary Reading: Holdings at the Oveta Culp Library reserve section.

D. Supplementary Learning: Materials (such as films, audio and videotapes, web sites, experiential group
exercises, and simulated situations) as suggested by the instructor to enhance clinical practice in
nursing.

E. References: Current professional nursing journal article readings are used to supplement dated textbook
information.

F. Audio-Visual Aids: Videotapes and other AV’s are utilized as applicable to the course content.

G. Library Resources: It is expected that all students will have a working knowledge of the Oveta Culp
Hobby Memorial Library.

H. Other Instructional Materials: Laboratory exercises as deemed appropriate to the course content.

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

A. Reading Assignment: In preparation for all lectures, it is expected that the student first read the
lecture objectives and then the assigned required reading. You may not audiotape a lecture without the
professors’s/presenter’s permission. No taping of copyrighted material will be allowed. Beepers and
cellular phones must be turned off in the classroom and clinical areas.

RNSG 1105 2
 B. Attendance Policy: RNSG 1105 adheres to the departmental attendance policy published in the
Nursing Department Student Handbook. Refer to the college catalog.

1. Classroom: If absences occur from the classroom and laboratory, it is the student’s
responsibility to obtain missed work from his/her peers. Attendance will be taken at the
beginning or end of class.
2. Attendance at Examinations: Written examinations will be given on dates noted on the
daily plan. If a student cannot attend an examination, the course coordinator/professor
must be notified at their office number or (254) 526-1890 or (254) 526-1266 before the
examination is given. It is your responsibility and a requirement to notify the professor in
advance of any absence to retain the privilege of submitting make-up work without grade
penalty. Make-up examinations may be in essay format. RNSG 1105 follows the testing
policy published in the Department of Nursing Student Handbook. A student without a
legitimate reason for an absence for an exam will be given a zero.
3. You may not audiotape a lecture without the faculty member’s/instructor’s
permission. Copyrighted materials may not be audio taped.
4. Attendance at Skill Check offs and Supervised Practices: Check offs will be on dates
noted on the RNSG 1105 daily plan. If a student cannot attend a check off or a supervised
practice, a faculty member/instructor must be notified at (254)526-1607/1487
526-1301(Summer Session) before the scheduled time for the skill check off/supervised
practice. Make-up check offs and supervised practices will be scheduled at the
convenience of the faculty member/instructor.
5. Referral to the Laboratory Manager: In RNSG 1105, the student may be referred to the
Lab Manager if unsuccessful in the scheduled skill check offs. The Lab Manager will be
available for remediation on the required nursing skills, 526-1882.

C. Submitting Written Assignments: All written assignments are to be completed independently

unless instructed otherwise. All assigned written work must be submitted at the designated time.
Late papers will receive a grade of “Unsatisfactory”.

D. Progression: A student must successfully complete RNSG 1105 and the identified co-requisite
courses in order to progress to the second semester.

E. Scholastic Honesty: The following statement is published in the Central Texas College Catalog:

“All students are required and expected to maintain the highest standards of scholastic honesty in
the preparation of all course work and during examinations. The following are considered
examples of scholastic dishonesty:
1. Plagiarism - the taking of passages from the writing of others without giving proper credit
to the sources.
2. Collusion - using another’s work as one’s own, or working together with another person in
the preparation of work, unless such joint preparation is specifically approved in advance
by the instructor.
3. Cheating - giving or receiving information on examinations.

Students guilty of scholastic dishonesty will be administratively dropped from the course with a
grade of “F” and subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and expulsion.”
In RNSG 1105, falsification of attendance records is considered a violation of scholastic
honesty.

F. Office Hours: Each professor keeps office hours for the purpose of conferring with students.
Students are encouraged to make appointments with a professor to discuss their needs and/or
problems related to RNSG 1105. Please use the phone at the reception desk to call the professor’s
office before your appointment.

RNSG 1105 3
V. EXAMINATIONS

The course grade consists of 3 multiple choice examinations. Also, there is a Pass/Fail requirement for skills
(Handwashing, Vital signs). The examination dates are listed on the daily plan. Each test has 50
questions/items. Each exam question counts as 2.5 points. The student nurse Par Score Scantron for each
examination is the only source of test answers recognized for each exam.
The students will be allowed 1.5 minutes per test item, which is up to 75 minutes for each examination.

Also,
1. Complete a falls assessment (page 13 of your learning guide) for two older adults and hand them in to
your instructor: 10 points
2. Complete a Braden scale assessment (p. 1496 and 1497 in Perry & Potter) for two older adults and hand
them in to your instructor: 10 points
3. Take 10 sets of Vital signs (p.14 of your learning guide) and hand them in to your instructor: 5 points

Attendance at Examinations: Written examinations will be administered on dates noted on the daily plan. If
a student cannot attend an examination, the instructor must be notified at 526-1487 (for M, T class) or
526- 1607 (for W, Th class) 526-1301(Summer Session) before the examination is administered.

VI. SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATIONS

A. The final grade for the course will be computed as follows:

Exam 1 31.25% 50 x 2.5p = 125p

Exam 2 31.25% 50 x 2.5p = 125p
Exam 3 31.25% 50 x 2.5p = 125p
Falls assessment, Braden scale, VS 6.25% = 25p
100% 400 points

A = 360 - 400 points (This is 90.0 - 100% of credit)

B = 320 – 359.99 points (This is 80.0 - 89.9% of credit)
C = 300 – 319.99 points (This is 75.0 - 79.9% of credit)
D = 240 – 299.99 points (This is 60.0 - 74.9% of credit)
F = 239.9 or fewer points (This is 0 - 59.9% of credit)

The Student must earn a cumulative exam grade average of 75% (281.25 points on the exams) to pass
RNSG 1105.
Grades will not be rounded up.
Total course points earned must be equal to or greater than 300 to pass RNSG 1105
The faculty reserves the right to adjust the student’s grade based upon classroom behavior/civility.

B. There will be a test review after each exam. The date, time and location will be announced.

C. SKILLS: Skill check-offs is Pass/Fail. The student will be given three opportunities to pass each
clinical skill check off. Oral presentation and written report will also be a Pass/Fail grade.
NOTE:
The student will not be able to check-off or do supervised practice on the next scheduled skill until the
previous skill has been successfully completed.

The student must independently practice skills before supervised practice.

RNSG 1105 4
 Remediation: If the student is unsuccessful on any skill attempt, the student must remediate and reschedule
the skill for the second and/or third time within 48 hours of the last attempt.
If the student chooses not to show up for an appointment for a skill check-off or supervised practice or if the
student states he/she is not ready for the check-off/practice, the student will receive a “Fail” and the missed
appointment will count as one of three opportunities to perform the skill. The third attempt of a skill may be
videotaped.
If the faculty member/instructor is not notified of the absence before the skill check off/supervised practice, a
grade of “Fail" will be assigned for that particular skill, and it counts as one of the three chances the student
has to perform the skill.

Failure to successfully complete check-off on any skill by the third attempt is grounds for course
failure.

All RNSG 1105 clinical skill check-offs and supervised practices must be completed satisfactorily
before the final examination.

D. The “Course & Testing Policy” fully explains the grading policy, exam dates and times, time
limitations, review, and challenge policy and counseling. Please refer to last page of this syllabus.

Educational Resources, Inc. (ERI) testing must be completed by the assigned due date. Failure to successfully
complete all assigned exam(s) will result in an “Incomplete” (IP) grade for the course.

The student will complete the required ERI testing for each designated RNSG course by the assigned due date and
submit the results (printout with the composite scores) to the Coordinator/Lead Professor/Designee.

The student must successfully complete the required ERI testing for each semester at or above the North American Average
Score by the last day of final exam week every semester. In courses with a clinical component (i.e. Foundations,
Transition, Clinical III), the student must successfully complete the designated ERI Exam(s) at or above the North
American Average Score by the last day of the clinical rotation.

If the composite score(s) are less than the North American Average Score, a required counseling session will be held and
documented denoting the student was not able to successfully perform on a nationally standardized exam (similar to the
NCLEX-RN®) and failure to attain at or above the ERI North American Average Score indicates that the probability of
successfully completing the testing in Semester 4 and the NCLEX-RN® is greatly reduced. A copy of the ERI Exam(s)
results will be attached to the counseling statement and placed in the student’s file.

Three ERI exams will be given during Semester 4. The Pharmacology and PreRN tests will be taken and passed over a two
(2) week period of time. The RN Assess Test will be taken at the end of the semester with three (3) attempts allowed for
passage. The RN Assess Test must be passed in order to exit the program.

In the event that the student does not meet or exceed the North American Average Score on the ERI RN Assess Test
following the three (3) attempts an “IP” will be assigned to the student (by CTC Policy) in RNSG 2341-Advanced
Concepts of Clinical Decision Making. Remediation, self-directed activities, and conferences with the designated nursing
professor will occur. Appropriate documentation will be completed. (The student may participate in ADN
Pinning/graduation as a courtesy.)

If the student is not able to meet or exceed the ERI North American Average Score during the “IP” time frame, a grade of
“F” will be assigned in RNSG 2341 (CTC Policy).

Then the student will be required to request readmission into RNSG 2341 and submit a written plan for success with
the ADN Admissions and Standards Committee.

RNSG 1105 5
VII. NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE INSTRUCTOR

A. Course Withdrawal: It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course if

circumstances prevent attendance. Any student who desires to, or must, officially withdraw from a
course after the first scheduled class meeting must file a Central Texas College Application for
Withdrawal (CTC Form 59). The withdrawal form must be signed by the student.

CTC Form 59 will be accepted at any time prior to Friday of the 6th week for RNSG 1105 during the 8 week
fall and spring semesters. The deadline for sessions of other lengths is:

16 week session Friday of the 12th week

10 week session Friday of the 8th week
5 week session Friday of the 4th week

The equivalent date (75% of the semester) will be used for sessions of other lengths. The specific last day to
withdraw is published each semester in the Schedule Bulletin.

A student who officially withdraws will be awarded the grade of “W” provided the student's attendance and
academic performance are satisfactory at the time of official withdrawal. Students must file a withdrawal
application with the College before they may be considered for withdrawal.

A student may not withdraw from a class for which the instructor has previously issued the student a grade of
“F” or “FN” for nonattendance.

B. Administrative Withdrawal: An administrative withdrawal may be initiated when the student fails to
meet College attendance requirements. The professor will assign the appropriate grade on CTC Form
59 for submission to the registrar.
C. In Progress Grade: The College Catalog states “An incomplete grade may be given in those cases
where the student has completed the majority of the course work but, because of illness, death in the
immediate family, or military orders, the student is unable to complete the requirements for a course…”
Prior approval from the professor is required before the grade of “IP” for IN Progress is recorded. A
student who merely fails to show for the final examination will receive a zero for the final and an “F”
for the course.
D. Cellular Phones and Beepers: Cellular phones and beepers will be turned off while the student is in the
classroom or laboratory. If the student is “on call” or has some other emergency, a message will be left
with the department staff and the student will be notified. The departmental phone number is (254)
526- 1890.
E. American's With Disabilities Act (ADA): Students requiring accommodations for disabilities are
responsible for notifying the instructor. Reasonable accommodations will be granted in full compliance
with federal and state law and CTC policy.

F. Instructor Discretion: The instructor reserves the right of final decision in course requirements.

G. Civility: Individuals are expected to be respectful of those participating in the learning environment.
Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

H. Inclement Weather: Information about class cancellation or delay because of inclement weather
can be obtained by listening to KNCT-FM (91.3 on the FM dial) or by calling 501-3100 (Central Texas
College Inclement Weather Information Line).

I. Support Services: The College offers a variety of Support Services to students. Please refer to the

RNSG 1105 6
 CTC website: www.ctcd.edu and click on “Support Services” from the main menu.

J. Evaluation Conference: The professor may request an evaluation conference with the student or the
student may request a conference with the professor.

K. End-of Course Evaluation: The student will be given the opportunity to evaluate the course and the
professor(s) at the end of the semester.

RNSG 1105 7
VIII. COURSE OUTLINE
Unit I. Integral Components of Client Care

A. Asepsis
B. Safety
C. Hygiene

Unit II. Promoting Physiologic Health

A. Activity and Exercise

B. Mobility and Immobility

Unit III. Assessing Health

A. Vital Signs

A detailed description of these units and associated learning activities are found in the course Learning
Guide.

IX. TEACHING LEARNING ACTIVITIES

A. Learning Guide: The Learning Guide for RNSG 1105 includes objectives and learning activities for
each of the three units of study. The student is to use this learning guide in conjunction with the daily
plan to prepare for class. The Learning Guide is available at http://moodle.ctcd.org/ctc/central (Cl, 3)

B. Auto-Tutorial: For some units of study, audio-visual materials or CAI materials are assigned. The
student will be tested over material from videos. (C18)

C. Self-directed Study: Each student enters the program with varied backgrounds, educational
preparations and rate of learning; therefore, to enhance the teaching learning process, the student is
expected to develop an attitude of self-direction in acquiring knowledge. This course is fast paced, with
new material covered daily. Class time is designed to supplement and clarify assigned learning
activities.

Please set up an appointment time with the appropriate faculty member, if further assistance is needed.
(F11, 13, 16)

D. Class Presentation: A variety of teaching methods (lecture, discussion, demonstration, guest lectures,
small group activities, audio visuals) will be utilized to present material on assigned units of study. It is
the student's responsibility to be familiar with assigned material before coming to class. (F13)

*** Central Texas College District does not discriminate in admissions or access to, or treatment or employment
in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age or
veterans status.

RNSG 1105 8
 CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
RNSG 1105 Nursing Skills I

COURSE AND TESTING POLICY

1. Exams 1, 2, &3 will consist of 50 questions weighted at 31.25% (125 points).

2. A minimum total of 300 points of a possible 400 points (75%) must be achieved in order to complete RNSG 1105
successfully. For clarification, percentage and points are as follows: Exams 1, 2, & 3 carry a total of 93.75% of the
grade or a maximum 375 points; the Falls Assessment, Braden Scale and Vital Sign assignments are worth 6.25 % of
the grade or a maximum of 25 points. There is no rounding off of the final theory average.

3. Written examinations will be given on dates noted on the daily plan. If a student cannot attend an examination, the
course coordinator/professor must be notified before the examination is given. It is your responsibility to arrange to
make up assignments missed during the absence. Students are required to notify the professor in advance of any
absence to retain the privilege of submitting make up work without grade penalty. Make-up examinations may be in
essay format. RNSG 1105 follows the testing policy published in the Department of Nursing Student Handbook. A
student without legitimate reason for an absence for an exam will be given a zero.

4. Due to the CTC class schedule and an allowance of 1.5 minutes per question, one hour fifteen minutes will be the
maximum time limit for the completion of exams

5. A test review will be provided following each exam. The date, time, and place will be announced prior to the exam.
Attendance is voluntary.

6. Challenges to test questions must be made during the review. To challenge a question during the test review, you must
write the question number and your rationale for your choice on the back of the PAR Score test result answer sheet.
These comments will be reviewed by the course professors and their decision will be final.

7. A student scoring less than 75% on any exam must make an appointment with the course professor for an exam
review and counseling. Appointments are optional for scores of 75% or greater. According to the Department policy,
individual appointments with the course professor must be made within one week of the test date for individual
review of the exam. The exam may be reviewed with the professor at a later date but the appointment must be made
within the one week time frame. No exceptions! Once a subsequent exam has been administered, no prior exam may
be reviewed or any prior test question challenged.

8. The professor reserves the right to adjust the student’s classroom grade based upon classroom
performance/behavior/civility.

I fully understand the ERI Total Testing Program policy as outlined in the syllabus.

My signature acknowledges receipt of, and understanding of, the RNSG 1105 Course & Testing Policy and receipt
of the RNSG 1105 Syllabus.

_______________________________________ ____________________________________
Printed Name Signature Date

RNSG 1105 9