Fall 2026
Nursing in Health and Illness I
Instructor: Melissa J. Smith, ADN, RN
Email:smithm@lamarpa.edu
Phone:409-984-6339
Office Hours: By Appointment
Additional Contact Information: Email is the best way to contact me.
Introduction to general principles of growth and development, primary health care needs of the patient across the life span, and therapeutic nursing interventions.
Donnelly-Moreno, Loretta A. Timby’s Fundamental Nursing Skills and Concepts. 13th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2022. ISBN: 978-1-9752-2077-8
Donnelly-Moreno, Loretta A., and Brigette Mosely. Timby’s Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing. 14th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2026. ISBN: 978-1-9752-6683-7
Kincheloe, Cynthia A. Introductory Mental Health Nursing. 5th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2022. ISBN: 978-1-9752-1124-0
Hatfield, Nancy T., and Cynthia A. Kincheloe. Introductory Maternity & Pediatric Nursing. 5th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2022. ISBN: 978-1-975163-78-5
Zerwekh, JoAnn (2021) Illustrated NCLEX-PN Exam- Study Guide (11th Edition) Elsevier ISBN # 978-0-3237-6002-7
Online HESI Case Studies: Course ID: 10373_jgott12_1009. Access Code: ERTDSF7UEVT3. Title: 26 Jan Admit, Q-43514 HESI Case Studies: Complete PN Collection (1 Year Version)
• Lippincott CoursePoint for Donnelly-Moreno: Timby's Fundamental Nursing Skills and Concepts, Thirteenth Edition: Your Course ID will be given to you in class.
NCLEX PN Pass Point: Please note: No other NCLEX PN Review will be accepted. You must use the NCLEX PN Pass Point access code provided to you for this class.
Any Computer program must be accessed using your LSCPA email unless otherwise instructed. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are enrolled in the proper courses for Course Point, PassPoint, Evolve HESI, and VSims. 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 computer 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.
None
Prerequisites-
BIO 2301/2101 & BIO 2302/2102 Human Anatomy and Physiology
NURA-1160 Clinical Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Assistant/Aide
NURA-1160 Clinical-Nurse Assist/Aide
NURA-1301 Nurse Aide Hlth Care Org I
NURA-1301 Nurse Aide for Health Care
HECO- 1322 Nutrition and Diet Therapy
Corequisites- VNSG 1261
To graduate from the VN program it is required that you must complete PSYC- 2314 (Lifespan Growth and Development) prior to graduation.
Students must have a minimum grade of “C” or better in every course that applies to the Vocational Nursing Program Certificate plan to graduate.
In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1400 Nursing in Health and Illness I 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. Recognize the uniqueness of the gerontological patient related to physical, mental, and emotional changes associated with the aging process. (PSLO 2) Measured by: exams, discussions based on readings; clinical rotations
2. Describe the psychosocial, growth and development, and physiological needs of patients across the life span. (PSLO 2) Measured by: case discussions and reading assignments; clinical case studies
3. Identify common, overt, actual and/or potential primary health care needs of the patient. (PSLO 2) Measured by: exams; case studies; care plans
4. Identify the basic interventions to support the patient and family during life stages including death and dying. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams; clinical simulations; clinical rotation interactions
5. Identify nursing interventions related to the effects of pharmacological agents on patients. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams; care plans; case scenarios; class and clinical discussions/interactions; simulations
6. Demonstrate competency in dosage calculations. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams; clinical medication identification.
7. Describe the underlying theories of nursing skills using principles of safety and asepsis. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical simulations; lab skills check-offs; clinical skills evaluations; discussions based on readings
8. Demonstrate satisfactory performance of nursing skills using evidenced-based principles of safety and asepsis. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: lab skills check-offs; clinical skills evaluations; discussions of most-current practices
9. Develop an understanding of the legal, ethical & professional responsibilities inherent in the role of vocational nurse. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams, discussions based on readings of nurse practice act and nurse literature
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/Orientation, Physical Assessment, Vital signs Safety Week 2: Infection Control, Practice Exam Week 3: Exam 1; Oxygen/Dx Texting/Specimen/Blood Glucose/Trach Care Week 4: Patient Education, Admission, Discharge, Transfer, Fluids, Electrolytes, Foley Week 5: Exam 2, Skin, Wound Care Week 6: Documentation/Delegation/Prioritization, Bowel, NG tube Week 7: Pain/Comfort/Sleep; Exam 3; Medication Administration Week 8: Loss & Grief, Hospice, Transplant Week 9: Growth & Development/ Infant, Toddler, Preschool Week 10: Exam 4, Growth & Development/ School Age, Adolescent Week 11: Growth & Development/ Geriatrics Week 12: Activity/Immobility Week 13: Exam 5 Week 14: Thanksgiving Week 15: HESI Week: 16: Final Exam Week Schedule subject to change at the discretion of the Program Coordinator |
Date: 09/03/2026 Practice Exam Time: 1230 Course point assignments due 9/6/26 @ 1159 PM Date: 09/10/2026 Exam I Time: 1230 Course point assignments due 9/20/26 @ 1159 PM Date: 09/24/2026 Exam II Time: 1230 Course point assignments due 10/4/26 @ 1159 PM Date: 10/09/2026 Exam III Time: 1230 Course point assignments due 10/25/26 @ 1159 PM Date: 10/29/2026 Exam IV Time: 0830 Course point assignments due 11/15/26 @ 1159 PM Date: 11/19/2026 Exam V Time: 1230 Date: 11/30/2026 HESI Time: 1230 |
Date: 12/04/2026 Final Exam Time: 1230
December 04, 2026 at 12:30 pm
90-100 = A 80-89 = B 75-79 = C 60-74 = D Below 60 = F
| 1. Examinations are based on course objectives. 2. Course content from pre-requisite courses will be included on exams, as appropriate. 3. ALL unit exams MUST be taken. Make-up exams will NOT be administered under ny circumstances other than a College sponsored event. 4. Students scheduled to miss an exam due to participation in a College sponsored event shall provide appropriate documentation to faculty in advance of the exam and are eligible to complete the missed exam. 5. If a student must miss an exam, they must contact the instructor prior to the exam or within twenty-four (24) hours of the exam. A “no-call/no-show” for an exam will result in a grade of “0”. 6. Students who miss an exam for any unvalidated reason shall receive a zero on the exam. Students may submit an appeal to this policy by presenting rationale to the Director or Coordinator of appropriate nursing program no later than two (2) business days following the exam. The student is responsible for seeking the exception from the Director or Coordinator of appropriate nursing program. 7. Students who miss an exam due to an excused reason will be provided an exception to the policy and the student will be assigned the grade made on the final exam as the grade for the missed exam. 8. If two exams are missed, the student will be given a zero for the second (2nd) missed exam. An alternative plan may be proposed at the discretion of the Director or Coordinator of appropriate nursing program and/or Chair of the Allied Health Department. The Director or Coordinator of appropriate nursing program will document all exceptions in the student’s file and notify the course leader if an exception is granted. 9. No exams will be given in advance of the scheduled date and time without approval of the Nursing Program Coordinator or Director. 10. Tests will be administered electronically. Students will be provided with- a. Exam Access Code sheet that also serves as a scratch sheet b. Exceptions for electronic testing include paper dosage tests. 11. Exams will be timed based on question format and course policy. The exam time frame will be provided on the Exam Access Code sheet. 12. Students will only receive credit for answers provided during the allotted time. Once the exam period ends from the scheduled start time, the student’s time will end and questions unanswered will be counted wrong. 13. Computer Lab: a. Students will arrive 10 minutes prior at designated location to sign-in for the exam b. Students arriving 15 minutes late or more will be sent to student success center without additional time for proctored exam c. Allied Health staff member will call student success center to inform them of the student arrival for proctored exam. d. All students must wear student ID to access the testing computer lab e. Students will not test without Valid LSCPA Id. f. All belongings (e. g., backpacks, cell phones, electronic devices) will remain in an area outside of the computer lab for the duration of the exam. g. Students are encouraged to lock valuables in their vehicles during examinations. h. The Lamar State College Port Arthur Allied Health Department is not responsible for lost or stolen items left in classrooms or hallways. i. Students are strongly encouraged to take exams as scheduled. No questions may be asked during the exam. j. Students who arrive late for an exam will not be given additional testing time. k. Students are prohibited from writing any notes on their scratch sheet of paper until the exam begins. 14. Exam Dress Code: a. Students will be subject to visual inspection by the exam proctor upon arrival to the registration and/or exam room. This includes but is not limited to inspection of the ears, hands/arms, clothing, pockets, etc. b. No head coverings of any kind are allowed, including hats, caps, beanies, or hoods. Exceptions are made for religious / cultural purposes. c. No cardigans, coats, jackets, or any other articles of clothing that may open are allowed in the exam room. Pullovers without pockets are acceptable. d. Scarves and gloves are not allowed in the exam room. 15. During the exam: a. Drinking and eating are not permitted. Hard candies such as peppermints or cough drops are allowed but must be unwrapped prior to the start of the exam. b. Electronic devices (including but not limited to phones, smartwatches, and earbuds) are prohibited during examinations. With the exception of approved earbuds for standardized testing. c. If a student’s electronic device such as cell phone, smartwatch, computer, tablet etc. goes off during an exam 5 points will be deducted from the exam and the student will receive a write-up. d. If the exam is interrupted due to technical difficulties additional time will be allotted to the exam NOTE: DO NOT wait outside of the exam room if any testing is occurring in the computer labs Violation of the testing policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including possible dismissal from the nursing program. Appropriate adjustments are made for students who meet the criteria of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 16. Test grades will not be available for a minimum of 24 hours posttest. 17. Evaluation of Examinations: After each exam, the faculty uses psychometric principles to evaluate the examination. Items missed by 50% or more of the class are reviewed. If an item is found to be flawed, the faculty may give credit for more than one answer or nullify the item. When an item is nullified, the key is changed so that all answers are credited as correct. That is, if a student answered the item as originally keyed, the student will retain the credit for the item. If a student’s answer differs from the one originally keyed, the student is credited for the nullified item. In other words, everyone gets credit for the item and no one loses credit. 18. If a student scores less than a “75” on a unit examination, the student is required to make an appointment with an instructor prior to the next examination. At that time, the student and instructor will review the examination and, with the assistance of the instructor, identify strategies to improve performance on subsequent examinations. Students are required to make an appointment prior to the day before the exam. 19. A Comprehensive Final Exam must be taken and is weighted equivalent to 20% of class average. Final exams may not be available for review by the student and final exam grades are not posted. 20. Any assignment or exam submitted without a student’s name will not receive credit. 21. Late assignment submissions will incur a late point penalty. In most courses the late penalty will be a deduction of 5 points if turned in 1 day after the assignment due date. Another 5 points will be deducted if the assignment is turned in 2 days after the assignment due date. If the assignment is turned in 3 days late a 10-point penalty will be deducted. Any assignment submitted after 3 days will be assigned a “0” for the assignment. Previous arrangements between the student and instructor for late work may allow for a reduced late point penalty, but all late submissions will have a late penalty deducted. Refer to the individual course syllabus for any variations from the late penalty deductions. The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in the course: Exam I 13% Exam II 13% Exam III 13% Exam IV 13% Exam V 13% HESI 10% Classroom/Computer Assignments 5% FINAL 20% 22. Students must have a 70% average or greater on the first 3 exams in VNSG 1400 to be eligible to participate in VNSG 1261 clinical. Classroom/Computer assignments will not be average into the test average for clinical eligibility. 23. Because VNSG 1400 Fundamentals is a mandatory Co-requisite of VNSG 1261 Clinical, in addition to having the required 70% average or greater on the first 3 exams in VNSG 1400 to be eligible to participate in VNSG 1261 clinical, a mastery of clinical skills in VNSG 1261 is also required to continue to the clinical portion of VNSG 1261. Mastery of clinical skills is a foundational requirement for success in this course and the nursing profession. To ensure students are adequately prepared for safe and effective patient care, the following guidelines apply to clinical skills practice and evaluation: Students are required to attend and actively participate in all scheduled clinical skills practices, check-off sessions, and/or skills makeup sessions. Students are required to be prepared for skills. Preparation for skills includes reviewing course materials, watching assigned skills videos, and practicing in the lab. All skills are subject to co-requisite course testing material. All students must successfully pass required clinical skills check-offs prior to participating in clinical rotations. If a student is unsuccessful on a skills check-off, they must email their instructor to schedule a time to practice in the lab. During the following week, on the day of the next scheduled skill practice, the student will first practice the new skill. The student will then get a 2-peer checkoff on the unsuccessful skill. After obtaining peer check-offs from two peers, the student will then set up an appointment with an instructor to check off on the previous week's unsuccessful skill. A failure to pass the required skills will result in the inability to advance to the clinical portion of the course. Students who are unable to advance to clinicals due to failure in meeting required competencies may be unable to meet course requirements, which could result in course failure. This policy is designed to uphold the safety of patients and the integrity of the nursing profession. Students are encouraged to utilize available resources, including scheduled practice sessions, instructor feedback, and skills lab materials, to ensure competency and success. 24. A mandatory comprehensive standardized examination (HESI) is administered at the end of the semester prior to the final exam and is weighted equivalent of 10%. 25. A minimum average of 75% in VNSG 1400 independent of all other requirements is necessary to pass the course. No grades will be rounded until the final course average; this includes weighted exam average. 26. Assignment grades will not be averaged into the final grade until till the finial grade average is 75% or better. 27. If the student is unsuccessful in any other VNSG course they are required to repeat both the VNSG 1400 course and the co-requisite course VNSG 1261 along with all other VNSG Level 1 courses (VNSG 1231; VNSG 1227; VNSG 1204) |
| Lamar State College – Port Arthur (LSCPA) is a no smoking campus. Use of tobacco products is prohibited on all LSCPA properties at any time · Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.· Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, “smart” watches, MP3 players, and laptop computers) shall not be used during examinations unless specifically allowed by the instructor.· Use of electronic devices during normal class hours distracts other students, disrupts the class, and wastes valuable time. Instructors have an obligation to reduce such disruptions.· Students should turn their phones to vibrate before they enter the classroom.· No cell phones and/or smart watches allowed during exams. |
| Fundamentals of Nursing VNSG 1400 and the clinical component of this course VNSG 1261 may consist of online & in class lectures, labs, and assignments. 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: Because poor attendance is a leading reason for termination from a job in all areas of employment, attendance at all scheduled classes is expected. 1. A student who is absent from course activities for more than three (3) days without notification to the faculty may be dropped from the program by the Program director. Students on campus but not in class are considered absent. Students who do not attend scheduled live virtual activities will be counted absent. 2. Late arrival to class is disruptive. Students who consistently arrive after the beginning of the class (3 or more times) will be counseled and a plan of corrective action determined. 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. 3. It is the student’s responsibility to notify all Level 1 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. 6356. The student should also email the faculty or call the faculty office and leave a voicemail. Failture to notify instructors will results in a declaration of a “No Call, No Show” for the number of days absent and may result in the student being dismissed from the program 4. Lab jackets are to be worn at all times while in the skills lab. 5. Simulation/Computer Lab Assignments are mandatory. Failure to attend will result in a Zero for that assignment. 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 Vocational Nursing making it inadvisable for that student to continue in the program. |
| Additional classroom policies include: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 the beginning of all classes and will 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. 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 the front of the room. I agree to 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. Should I be unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur. The following behaviors will result in the student being asked to cease the action and/or leave the classroom: Inappropriate and/or disruptive use of cell phones or other electronics 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 |
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.