Instructor: Lois Holmes

Email: holmesll@lamarpa.edu

Phone: 409-984-6359 

Office Hours: As posted and by appointment

Additional Contact Information:

Introduction to the nursing profession including history, standards of practice, legal and ethical issues, and role of the vocational nurse. Topics include mental health, therapeutic communication, cultural and spiritual diversity, nursing process, and holistic awareness.

Donnelly-Moreno, L. A. (2025). Timby’s fundamental nursing skills and concepts (13th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

ISBN # 978-1-9752-2077-8

Donnelly-Moreno, L. A., & Mosely, B. (2026). Timby’s introductory medical-surgical nursing (14th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

ISBN: 978-1-9752-6683-7

Gylys, B. A., & Wedding, M. E. (2020). Medical terminology systems: A body systems approach (8th ed.). F. A. Davis Company.Kincheloe, C. A. (2024). 

ISBN-13: 978-1-7196-4927-8

Kincheloe, C. A. (2024). Introductory mental health nursing (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

ISBN # 978-1-975211-24-0

Medical Language Lab-Class Name-VNSG 1204 Fall 2026  

Class ID: FEA1D99CE5

All computer programs and course-related platforms must be accessed using the student’s LSCPA email account unless otherwise instructed. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are properly enrolled in and have access to all required course platforms and resources. Instructors will not allow submissions to be turned in from a previous course.

NOTE: We will be utilizing the access codes from the new books, purchasing an older version may result in the student being unsuccessful in Advantage assignments.  

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

• BIO 2301/2101 & 2302/2102 Human Anatomy and Physiology

• NURA-1301 Nurse Aide Health Care Organizations I

• NURA-1160 Clinical Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Assistant/Aide

To graduate from the VN program it is required that you must complete Lifespan Growth and Development (PSYC 2314) prior to graduation.      

Students must have a minimum grade of “C” or better in every course that applies to the VN Program Certificate plan to graduate.

In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1204 Foundations of Nursing assists the student to develop the particular skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success as a vocational nurse. Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Identify roles and legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of a vocational nurse as a member of the health care team in a variety of health care settings. (PSLO 1; PSLO 4)-Measured by: exams and discussions based on readings; classroom case scenarios.

2. Identify characteristics of a therapeutic nurse/client relationship. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) -Measured by: exams; case scenarios on professional boundaries.

3. Examine positive mental health practices emphasizing cultural and spiritual diversity. (PSLO 3). Measured by: cultural day activity; discussion.

4. Relate the history of nursing to the present day. (PSLO 1)-Measured by: exams based on web research, class discussions and readings.

5. Recognize the components of the nursing process related to primary nursing interventions. (PSLO 2; PSLO 3)-Measured by: exams based on readings; care plan activities; discussion of nursing process with each topic Explain Medical Terms related to the Healthcare System. (PSLO 1) Measured by: exams based on med term online module assignments; application of terminology into nursing documentation and patient interactions  

Upon completion of the Vocational Nursing Program graduates will, under the supervision of a professional licensed nurse and/or licensed physician, function in non-complex settings and should be able to:

PSLO 1. Functions within the Scope of Practice for a Vocational Nurse.

PSLO 2. Demonstrates safe, direct patient care with individuals who have predictable health care needs.

PSLO 3. Exhibits professional nursing behaviors.

PSLO 4. Cooperates with members of the interdisciplinary health care team to provide evidence-based care.

Week 1: Syllabus, 1204 Course Orientation, Medical Terminology Course Orientation - Stress & Coping, Health & Wellness

Week 2: Nursing Foundation, Test Taking, and Critical Thinking/Medical Terminology Assignments

Week 3 : Time Management and Leadership Roles/Medical Terminology Assignments

Week 4: Medical Terminology Exam 1 and VNSG 1204 Exam I/Medical Terminology Assignments

Week 5: Therapeutic Communication/Medical Terminology Assignments

Week 6: Medical Terminology Exam 2/Medical Terminology Assignments

Week 7: Critical Reasoning and Nursing Process/Medical Terminology Assignments

Week 8: Cultural Diversity/Medical Terminology Assignments

Week 9: Medical Terminology Exam 3 and VNSG 1204 Exam II/Medical Terminology Assignments

Week 10: Legal and Ethics/Medical Terminology Assignments

Week 11: Foundation of Psych/Medical Terminology Assignments

Week 12: Medical Terminology Exam 4 and VNSG 1204 Exam III/Medical Terminology Assignments

Week 13: Medical Terminology Exam 5/Medical Terminology Assignments

Week 14: Thanksgiving

Week 15: Final Preparation

Week 16: Medical Terminology Final Exam and VNSG 1204 Final Exam

Medical Terminology Assignments 09/16/26

Medical Terminology Exam 1 09/17/26

VNSG 1204 Exam I 09/17/26

Medical Terminology Assignments 09/30/26

Medical Terminology Exam 2 10/01/26

Medical Terminology Assignments 10/21/26

Medical Terminology Exam 3 10/22/26

VNSG 1204 Exam II 10/22/26

Legal and Ethics Assignment 11/01/26

Medical Terminology Assignments 11/11/26

Medical Terminology Exam 4 11/12/26

VNSG 1204 Exam III 11/12/26

Medical Terminology Assignments 11/18/26

Medical Terminology Exam 5 11/19/26

Medical Terminology Final Exam 12/08/26

VNSG 1204 Final Exam 12/08/26

Date: 12/08/26                  Med. Term Final Time: 1230

Date: 12/08/26                  1204 Final Exam Time:  1400

90 - 100 = A   80 - 89 = B   75 - 79 = C   60 - 74 = D   Below 60 = F

A minimum average of 75% in VNSG 1204 independent of all other requirements is necessary to pass the course. Daily activity grades (example: discussion board post, classroom/computer assignments, etc.) will not be included in grade calculations until 75% average on exams is achieved. No grades will be rounded until the final course average; this includes weighted exam average. 

The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in the course:

1204 Exam I                                Grade 18%

1204 Exam II                               Grade 18%

1204 Exam III                               Grade 18%

Assignment Avg. (All Med Term Exams and Assignments)Grade 10%

VNSG 1204 Final Exam                       Grade 36%    

If the student is unsuccessful in the VNSG 1204 course they are required to repeat VNSG 1231, VNSG 1227, VNSG 1261 and VNSG 1400.    

Students and faculty of the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Vocational Nursing Program are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. To assure that faculty have the opportunity to teach and students have the opportunity to benefit from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in distracting classroom behavior:

I understand that promptness is expected. I will be on time for all classes on campus or virtually and return from breaks promptly. 

• I understand that I am expected to come to theory and lab experiences prepared and present myself as a sincere, adult learner. Pre-course assignments may be required for admission into class. 

• I am expected to attend all online course sessions that occur during scheduled course times. These sessions will be scheduled in advance and may have activities during the live session that result in a grade.

• I will return phone calls and/or text messages only during scheduled breaks. 

• I will keep cell phones on vibrate in classroom and off and out of reach during testing and test reviews. In the event of an emergency, your family should contact you through AH Secretary, VN Coordinator, or Department Chair.

• I agree that on-campus computers will only be used for classroom work. 

• I agree that all information shared by other students and instructors will remain confidential. 

• I will not repeat or discuss what is shared with anyone. 

• I agree that I will not engage in ‘side-bar’ discussions. 

• I agree that I will direct my comments to faculty in charge of the classroom, clinical or lab time.

• I agree to actively participate in all discussions, activities, and exercises. 

• I agree to be open to new ideas and experiences.

• I agree to take risks and step outside of my comfort zone. 

• I agree to maintain a positive attitude. 

• I agree to give supportive feedback and make corrections without belittling anyone. 

• I agree to suspend judgment and be responsible for my actions. 

• I agree to be responsible for learning as much as I can from this experience. 

• I agree to ask for what I need from my instructors. 

• I agree to get better acquainted with my fellow students so we can all identify ways to support one another, work together as a team and develop professionally. 

• I agree to follow the guidelines and policies in the LSC-PA Vocational Nursing Student Handbook.

The following behaviors may result in the student being asked to cease the action, and/or leave the classroom session:

• inappropriate and/or disruptive use of cell phones or other electronic devices in classroom

• talking or sleeping while the instructor is giving instructions or during class discussions/presentations

• displaying a rude or negative attitude/behavior to the instructor or other students; disruptive behaviors in the classroom, skills/simulation lab, computer lab, testing environment, or clinical setting

• Counseling for repetitive tardiness.

If any of these behaviors result in the student being asked to leave the classroom or lab environment the student will receive a counseling note.

Should I be unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.

Foundations of Nursing VNSG 1204 may consist of online & in class lectures, labs, and assignments. Schedules may be changed at the discretion of the Faculty and Vocational Nursing Coordinator. Research has shown a cause-and-effect relationship between attendance and college success. All attendance policies are in effect regardless of whether conducted online or in the classroom setting. Policies for this course are described below:

1. Because poor attendance is a leading reason for termination from a job in all areas of employment, attendance at all scheduled online class sessions is expected.

2. A student who is absent from course activities for more than three (3) days without notification to faculty may be dropped from the program by the Program Director.

3. Late arrival to class is disruptive. Students who consistently arrive after the beginning of the class (2 or more times) will be counseled and a plan of corrective action determined. 

4. Class will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Students who arrive fifteen (15) minutes after the beginning of class should not enter the classroom and should wait until break to enter. 

5. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor of any absence or delay from scheduled activities PRIOR TO scheduled class sessions. If the student is unable to contact the instructor(s), the student should call 409-984-6356 or 1-800-477-5872 ext. 6366. The student should also email the faculty or call the faculty office and leave a voicemail.

6. Class is scheduled to begin at 8:30 on Thursdays unless otherwise stated.

If the student is unsuccessful in the VNSG 1204 course they are required to repeat VNSG 1231, VNSG 1227, VNSG 1261 and VNSG 1400.

The Program Director or Department Chair has the right to initiate the administrative withdrawal of any student whose attendance, conduct, scholastic abilities, attitude or lack of aptitude for registered nursing makes it inadvisable for that student to continue in the program

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.