Perspective Student

Perspective College

Nursing Home Page

Course Information

You are registered for the following course: RNSG 1006 Nursing Refresher Course On-line. You should also be registered for the clinical based RNSG 1060 Clinical – Nursing - Registered Nurse Training. This will be the clinical/preceptorship component of the refresher program.

Prior to beginning the course you must:

1. Purchase the required textbooks
2. If your Texas Nursing license is not current you must apply for a temporary permit at http://www.bon.state.tx.us/ prior to the course (prefer receive permit before course starts. Remember it will only be effective for 6 months so plan accordingly)
3. Turn in all required documentation prior to the 1st day of class.  (signature pages must submit original)
4. Begin review of Pharmacology text in preparation for medication exam, help for the medication exam can be found under the Student Resource Page
5. Review the skills textbook, preparing you for skills and/or clinical practice.
6. Obtain current American Heart Healthcare Provider CPR through a local provider in your community if you haven't already done so
7. Obtain up-to-date immunizations as required by the college
8. Clinical skills may be practiced through the preceptorship and combination of the skills lab. It is required you complete Units 1-3 prior to beginning the skills labs and Units 1-4 prior to your clinical preceptorship. Clinical placement will be coordinated through your local course instructor/coordinator.

Computer Requirements for this Course:

NOTE: This course features streaming video. A high-speed Internet connection, such as DSL or cable modem is recommended for watching streaming video. Streaming video may be viewed over a 56K modem connection however, the video quality will be noticeably lower and the window during playback will generally be smaller. This frequently reduces the watchability of the content. If a student does not have a high speed Internet connection and is having difficulty viewing the streaming video within the course, a CD-Rom with the same video will be loaned to the student. You may request this student video CD from your online course instructor/coordinator. You will be accessing this course through Blackboard CE6.

Course Expectations:

In general the student is expected to complete the orientation unit and post test, read the required textbook reading and complete all required activities within each course unit before moving on to the next unit. Units 1-3 should be completed prior to skills lab and Units 1-4 prior to beginning preceptorship. The course units should be completed in numerical order and all unit post-tests must be passed by 80 points or more. Students should complete the entire online didactic course within 16 weeks.

There are 7 units and within each unit are content specific modules. Most modules (not all) will consist of required reading, lesson, practice, and discussion board activities. After completing each module, participate in the discussion board activity and take the unit post test, then proceed to the next unit.  For more information on the Units see the course structure.

A dosage calculation/medication examination will be given within Unit 2 and passing is a course objective. Additional pharmaceutical information will be given during each body system review.

Successful completion is defined as:

• Passing all unit post-tests by 80 points or more.
• Completing all assigned course work (discussion board assignments) by the assigned due date.
• Passing the medication dosage calculation examination by 80 points or more.
• Attending mandatory (2) skills lab days.
• Participating in group discussions on discussion board.
• Completing the required 80 hours of clinical peceptorship.

Successful Student Characteristics:
· Strong math and science background

· Motivated learner

· Well-developed study skills

· The ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing

· Ability to work with a variety of people

· Good problem solving/decision making skills

· Physical ability to lift and move patients

· Good eye/hand coordination and fine motor dexterity

· Visual acuity (normal or corrected) sufficient to enable the student to read increments on syringes

· Audio acuity (normal or corrected) sufficient to enable student to collect patient data accurately

· Students are recommended to report additional physical conditions that might effect their performance in a clinical setting; any physical, cognitive, or emotional conditions that would interfere in the safe delivery of patient care (i.e.: injured back, dyslexia, latex allergy etc.).

Preceptorship/Clinical Pre-requisites:

Since students will be engaging in patient care activities in the clinical setting, the following requirements will be addressed prior to arranging preceptorship:

1. Completion of hospital safety orientation specific to preceptorship site (will complete during skills days).

2. HIPAA training (will complete during skills days).

3. Computer training (dependent on clinical facility) that does not count for 80 hours of preceptorship

4. ID Badge (will receive during skills days)

5. Licensure verification, please send a copy of your Texas Nursing License (current or temporary)

6. Current American Heart Healthcare Provider CPR verification (Red Cross is not acceptable)

7. Current immunizations documentation

8. Background check and drug screen

9. Liability Insurance (may be purchased through through the Nursing Department)

10.  All appropriate forms completed (found on Student Resource Page)

11. Please note** Effective July 1, 2006, all students enrolled in a clinical course at CCCCD must show proof of medical insurance and provide a copy of current drivers license.

The course coordinator in your local area will work to establish placement with one of the local healthcare facilities in your area. Remember: the expectation of clinical is to perform patient care under the practice scope of your nursing license.  Students must be flexible as they will be working the preceptor's schedule.  Most preceptors work Monday through Friday 0700 until 1900, with limited weekend hours.  If the student has difficulties with this type of schedule the site coordinator needs to be made aware ASAP and accommodations will be attempted, but will NOT be guaranteed.

Preceptorship Requirements:

Preceptorship will not begin until Units 1-4 have been completed and you have successfully completed each unit post-test and the medication exam by scoring 80 points or more. It is your responsibility to demonstrate competency on each basic nursing skill listed on the Nursing Skills Completion Checklist and obtain "sign-off" from your preceptor(s). This form supports documentation for the BON.  Further information on the clinical preceptorship can be obtained on the clinical syllabus.

Preceptorship – Shift Attendance:

The student is responsible for contacting the preceptor and Coordinator/Instructor if he/she needs to cancel a scheduled shift for any reason. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that a minimum of 80 hours of clinical time is completed to earn credit for the course. The student will maintain clinical time on the Clinical Placement Log.  Minimum of 8 hours per day and must include one shift change per day.

Emergencies during Preceptorship:

In the event a student is injured (trauma or blood borne exposure), the student is to be directed to the nearest ER and the instructor/coordinator notified immediately. In the case of a possible blood borne exposure, the student must be seen by the ER physician immediately for determination of exposure level. Information regarding student insurance through your community college should be available from the course instructor/coordinator.