Instructor: Brenda Ramsey, MSN, RN

Email: ramseybk@lamarpa.edu

Phone:409-382-1047

Office Hours: As posted and by Appointment

Additional Contact Information: ​​​​Allied Health Secretary, Donna Wolfe  

​(409) 984-6356 or 1-800-477-5872​ 

A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply safe, specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional.

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.

In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1261 Clinical 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. Demonstrate the role of the beginning vocational nurse. (PSLO 1) Measured by: reading and application of nurse practice act; clinical simulations and rotation evaluations

2. Perform nursing assessments regarding the health status of the patient.

(PSLO 1: PSLO 2)Measured by: clinical simulation activities and clinical rotations

3. Participate in the communication process with clients, staff, and instructors. (PSLO 3: PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical simulation/lab activities, clinical rotations

4. Record information legibly, using appropriate terminology and spelling with assistance. (PSLO 1) Measured by: application of module exercises for medical terminology,documentation practice labs and clinical assignments

5. Respect the client’s right to privacy by protecting confidential information unless obligated or allowed by law to disclose the information. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical evaluation; case scenario discussions; exams

6. Accept responsibility for personal/professional development.(PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: discussion of reading assignments and research of current nursing literature on evidence-based practices

7. Implement nursing care according to the care plan.(PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: classroom, lab and clinical exercises on implementation of care plans based on readings and discussions

8. Evaluate the client’s responses to nursing interventions.(PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: Measured by: lab, clinical activities involving plan of care

9. State the rationale and the effects of medications and treatments. (PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical assignments based on readings and discussions

10. Accurately and completely report and document:

a. Client’s status including signs, symptoms, and responses

b. Nursing care rendered

c. Administration of treatments

d. Client’s response to medications and treatments

e. Contacts with other health care team members concerning significant events regarding client’s status

(PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical assignments; safe and ethical patient and healthcare team interactions in clinical

11. Implement measures to promote a safe environment for clients and others.(PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: use of standards of safe and effective care in interactions with patients, their families and healthcare team

12. Promote and participate in client education and counseling based on health needs. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2) Measured by: exams based on readings; observations of the implementation of plan of care in clinical setting

13. Obtain instruction and supervision as necessary when implementing nursing procedures or practices.(PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: evaluation tool criteria in clinical setting of nursing care and skill implementation

14. Notify the appropriate individual(s) when leaving a nursing assignment. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: observations in clinical setting of safe and effective student interactions with healthcare team

15. Maintain professional boundaries of the nurse-client relationship. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by:observations of implementation of nursing standard of care and professionalism with clients during clinical rotations 

16. Provide without discrimination, nursing services regardless of age, disability, economic status, gender, national origin, race, religion, or health problems of the client served. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2) Measured by: clinical observations of provision of care to all clients served while adhering to nursing standard of care

17. Implement measures to prevent exposure to infectious pathogens and communicable conditions. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical observations of the use of standard precautions during the provision of patient care

18. Conform to the uniform policies outlined in the Vocational Nursing Program Handbook. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: adherence to policies set forth in handbook regarding dress; behaviors and attitudes of VN students.

Clinical Evaluations 12/1/2026

Med-Surg. Case Study I              

Wound Care objectives              

Physical Therapy Objectives      

Computer Assignments                

vSIM Assignment              

Portfolio                    

Clinical Evaluations 12/1/2026

90 - 100 = A    80 - 89 = B    75 - 79 = C    60 - 74 = D    Below 59 = F

(S) Satisfactory                                    (U) Unsatisfactory

***If clinical performance is “U” an F is given no matter the grade on assigned clinical paperwork***

1. The grade for the clinical course consists of two components: (1) Written work/computer assignments which is given a numerical grade and (2) Clinical performance which is graded as S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). A student must achieve a minimum average of 74.5% or greater on written work and an “S” on clinical performance to pass the course. Rubrics will be utilized by the instructor for grading case studies and objectives. All clinical work is required to be turned in on the due date. Clinical work will be accepted late with a 5 point penalty for each day through day three. On day four and after, the assignment will receive a (0) zero. If a student scores less than a 75 on a case study, the student should meet with the faculty to determine strategies to improve on subsequent case studies.

2. The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in VNGS 1261:

Med-Surg. Case Study I   15% Grade

Wound Care Discussion Board Grade

Physical Therapy Objectives Grade

Computer Assignments Grade

V SIM Assignment Grade

Portfolio Grade

Totaled together for                            85% Grade

MedSurge Case Sudy and assignments           TOTAL GRADE

4. Students who are unsuccessful in the VNSG 1261 course they are required to repeat all courses VNSG 1261, VNSG 1400, VNSG 1204, VNSG 1227 and VNSG 1231.

5. Maintain a clinical portfolio. This portfolio will be kept current 

    throughout the entire program. The portfolio will include:

a. Course Schedule and Clinical Schedule

b. All course syllabi for current semester

c. Student Handbook

d. Clinical Notebook

e. Section for diagnosis, meds and lab sheets

f. Section for daily physical assessment and nurses’ notes

g. Section for specialty area objectives

h. Section for completed case studies

i. Section for computer assignments

j. Section for teaching project

k. Section for skills check-offs

l. Section for counseling notes

m. Section for clinical summary sheets

Students attending classroom, lab or clinical sessions virtually should exhibit appropriate etiquette to include at a minimum: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life; Respect faculty and peers time by being on time to scheduled exams, sessions and activities; and Present yourself in a professional manner.

Required assignments and specific dates for work to be turned in must be met by the student. Unless turned in by the deadline there will be a drop in grade for lateness. Previous arrangements between the student and instructor for late work may allow for a reduced late point penalty. Grammar and sentence structure, spelling, legibility, neatness and following directions as to organization are related to acceptable quality in both written and oral assignments.

Students should follow instructor’s office hours of M-F 0830-1530 (unless an emergency arises) and understand that cell phones are used to contact the instructor during clinical hours only for clinical purposes. All other means of communication should be through the Lamar email system.

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

Simulation: As part of the clinical rotation, all students will participate in Simulation. Students will be expected to properly demonstrate skills included in the simulation that have been successfully checked off by faculty in the VNSG courses across all levels. Each simulation experience will include a pre and post simulation assignment. Students must have completed the pre-simulation assignment prior to arriving for assigned simulation clinical. If students have not completed the pre-simulation assignment, they will be sent home, and an absence will be recorded. A clinical makeup assignment will be completed for the day. The student is responsible for setting up a time to practice and repeat any failed skill(s) that occur during simulation.

This is the clinical component of your Fundamentals of Nursing course and is an important factor to enhance your didactic learning. Schedules may be changed at the discretion of the faculty and vocational nursing coordinator. All attendance policies are in effect whether conducted online or in the classroom setting. Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success.  

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 clinicals is expected.

2. Clinical Orientation is MANDATORY for all students. Students who do not attend clinical orientation may not be allowed to attend clinical and may be dismissed from the program. 

3. A student who is absent from course activities for more than two (2) days without notification to faculty may be dropped from the program by the Program Director. A student who is absent from clinical without notification to faculty, may be withdrawn from the program by the program director. NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor prior to any absence from class or clinical. If the student is missing a clinical day, they must notify the faculty that they are unable to attend clinical. Each clinical instructor will provide contact information for the student to reach their clinical instructor; the student can call and leave a message if the instructor does not answer. If the student is unable to contact the instructor, the student should call 409-984-6356 or 1-800-477-5872, ext. 6356 and leave a message. Also, the student may email their clinical instructor.

4. A student is considered a “No Call, No Show” (NCNS) if they are absent from clinical and fail to contact the instructor prior to their scheduled arrival time. The only possible exception is if the student is physically unable to contact the faculty; in such cases; official documentation attesting to the fact will be required prior to the student’s return to clinical. Consequences: 

• A first NCNS occurrence will result in formal write-up and a mandatory meeting with the Vocational Nursing faculty.

• A second NCNS occurrence can result in dismissal from the Vocational Nursing Program.

5. Students may be required to attend seminars or workshops to meet clinical objectives. Students will be informed in advance of the requirements. They are expected to attend the entire workshop as scheduled even if it extends past the regularly scheduled clinical time.

6. The clinical instructor keeps an attendance record. Any student who is not sure about his/her status should meet with the instructor by appointment.

7. Students are expected to attend clinical in FULL CLINICAL ATTIRE; including approved clinical dress (scrubs, scrub caps, appropriate shoes, lab jacket, name badge and photo, etc) as well as required accessories. This includes keeping the “Clinical Portfolio” on hand for all clinicals, simulations, evaluations, and check-offs. Badge and photo must be worn on top right-hand side of uniform. All students and faculty may be required to wear an approved surgical face mask/N95 and must follow each facility’s screening process when entering the clinical facilities. Students and faculty may be required to wear a face shield while in patient care areas (including nursing stations etc.) and while providing direct patient care or according to facility/LSCPA’s current policy. These policies are updated regularly and may change throughout clinical. Students not adhering to dress codes; as described in Student Handbook, the syllabus, or the facility may be sent home by the instructor. This will count as a clinical absence.

8. The program director has the right to initiate the administrative withdrawal of any student whose attendance, conduct, scholastic abilities, attitude or lack of aptitude for vocational nursing makes it inadvisable for that student to continue in the program.

9. Assignments for absence(s) are listed in blackboard course VNSG 1261 under the clinical assignments tab. The student must follow instructions very carefully when submitting their assignments or it may result in a 0. 

10. Since clinical is such an important component of the VN Program, students are required to attend 100 percent of the scheduled clinical days in any given semester. An assignment will be required if the student is absent from clinical. ALL assignments must be completed satisfactorily and are required for all make up work to be counted for missed clinical time. The additional assignments for missed clinical days will not be counted towards the clinical grade average. Any student who misses any clinical days in a semester may receive an unsatisfactory (U) in the clinical course and be required to repeat both the didactic and clinical courses. Absence of the required clinical days necessitates the Standards Committee to review the student’s performance in the VN Program. Students may be allowed to continue in clinical IF they:

• Have a 75 test average in the didactic course.

• Have satisfactory written work on the clinical course.

• Are up-to-date on skills check-offs in clinical prior to the most recent absence.

11. Students who arrive greater than 15 minutes after assigned clinical time will be given a verbal warning and may not be allowed to remain. Students who arrive after assigned clinical time on two (2) occasions will receive a written counseling note and will not be allowed to remain. If the student is sent home they will be counted absent from clinical and must complete the make-up assignment.

12. It is the student’s responsibility to submit a completed ‘student excuse’ form upon the first day of return to class/clinical following an absence, tardy, or leaving class early. Failure to do so will result in a declaration of ‘no call, no show’ and may result in the student being dismissed from the program.

13. Students must be present the entire clinical day to receive credit for their attendance.

14. Lab jackets are to be worn at all times while in the skills lab.

15. Simulation/Computer Lab Assignments are mandatory. Failure to attend will result in a zero (0) for that assignment and the student being sent home with a clinical absence.   

*** The program director has the right to initiate the administrative withdrawal of any student whose attendance, conduct, scholastic abilities, attitude or lack of aptitude for vocational 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.