NURS 450 02: Transition to Practice: Seminar

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NURS 450 - Transition to Practice: Seminar

2023 Spring Syllabus, Section 02, CRN 8514

Course Information

You are responsible for knowing this material, so please read carefully. Any changes will be announced in a Blackboard Announcement. You will be responsible for any changes. Your continued enrollment in this course is your implicit agreement to abide by the requirements of this class.

Times and Location

MW 9am-4pm in UND Nursing, Rm 102
F 9am-4pm in UND Nursing, Rm 108

Instructor Information

Mary Adkins

Clinical Assistant Professor

Email: mary.adkins@und.edu

Office: Office #335, CNPD Building

2023 Spring Office Hours:
TBA, by appointment

Office Phone: 701-777-4527

Cell Phone: 218-779-5501

Kaitlyn Kelly

Clinical Instructor

Email: kaitlyn.kelly@und.edu

Office: Office #347, CNPD Building

2023 Spring Office Hours:
TBA, by appointment

Office Phone: 701-777-4470

Cell Phone: 701-206-0179

Course Description

This seminar course prepares students to transition from student status to a professional nursing role. It allows the student to synthesize and integrate previous learning experiences. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse as a provider of indirect and direct care; designer, manager and coordinator of care; and member of the profession. This writing intensive course along with Clinical Practicum V, is a UND Essential Studies Capstone requirement with an emphasis on advanced communication.

This seminar course prepares students to transition from student status to a professional nursing role. It allows the student to synthesize and integrate previous learning experiences. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse as a provider of indirect and direct care; designer, manager and coordinator of care; and member of the profession. This writing intensive course along with Clinical Practicum V, is a UND Essential Studies Capstone requirement with an emphasis on advanced communication.

Credits: 2 credits Seminar

Pre-Requisites: NURS 420, NURS 430, NURS 433, NURS 403, NURS 404, NURS 406

Co-Requisites: NURS 442, NURS 441, NURS 443, NURS 453

Placement: Semester 4

Time of Course: Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Essential Studies

NURS 450 and NURS 453 are co-requisite courses that are approved as a UND Essential Studies course, meeting the Capstone and Advanced Communication requirements.  These courses ensure that baccalaureate prepared registered nurses are able to effectively communicate with patients, peers and interdisciplinary team members.  Baccalaureate prepared registered nurses must be able to: competently access information, distinguish reliable data, and convey the information in a meaningful way to a particular audience (peers, patients, families or communities).

N450 Transition to Practice-Seminar (2 credits) and N453 Clinical Practicum V Transition to Practice (3 credits) reinforce previously learned skills in communication. These courses have comprehensive expectations for class preparation (text reading, pre-class writing assignments and research of current literature pertinent to discussion topics) and participation.  Students in Nursing 450 and Nursing 453 are expected to immerse themselves in recent literature pertaining to the concepts being covered each week. Discussion of current data as well as written summaries and critiques are expected.  After completing these courses, students will be able to do the following: 1. Communicate in a professional setting with a sense of purpose. 2. Access and evaluate information for effective, efficient, and ethical use in a variety of contexts. Students are provided formative and summative feedback for assignments to improve their written and verbal skills.

As an Essential Studies capstone course, N450 serves as a culmination of a significant part of your undergraduate educational experience.  Part of what makes it an Essential Studies capstone is the way it thoughtfully and intentionally integrates multiple ES Program learning goals into the course content and activities. In this course you should strive to produce advanced-level work in the intellectual skills represented by the ES learning goals on which the course is focused.

Baccalaureate prepared registered nurses must be able to effectively communicate with and/or educate patients, peers and interdisciplinary team members.  As an Advanced Communication course, at least 1/3 of your assignments will emphasize writing and/or speaking skills, and you should expect these assignments to build on skills developed in earlier courses, such as awareness of audience and purpose, argumentation and rhetorical effectiveness, or the communication conventions associated with particular civic, academic, and professional contexts.

Oral Communication

This course addresses the Essential Studies learning goal of Oral Communication.  This means it is about presenting information (formally or informally) in various settings and to various audience sizes to achieve some purpose, such as to increase the listeners’ knowledge, to foster their understanding of a topic, or to promote a change in their attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors.  You can expect to work on these skills in this course.

Written Communication

This course addresses the Essential Studies learning goal of Written Communication.  This means it is about developing and expressing ideas in writing or with a mix of words, data, and images.  You can expect to work in different genres and styles of writing as you develop your written communication skills in this course.

Critical Inquiry and Analysis

This course addresses the Essential Studies learning goal of Critical Inquiry & Analysis.  This means it will focus on collecting and analyzing information to reach conclusions based on evidence.

More specifically, inquiry should be thought of as a systematic process of exploring issues, objects, or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions or judgments.  Analysis is the process of breaking complex topics or issues into parts to gain a better understanding.  You should expect to focus on these intellectual skills as part of this course.

Information Literacy

This course addresses the Essential Studies learning goal of Information Literacy.  This means it is about being able to find necessary information, understanding where that information comes from, and evaluating and using that information appropriately. 

More specifically, information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.  You should expect to focus on these intellectual skills as part of this course.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Integrate evidence, clinical reasoning, and patient preferences in planning, implementing and evaluating outcomes of care.
  2. Integrate theoretical nursing concepts when addressing patient and family needs.
  3. Role play interdisciplinary, family, and patient collaboration to provide holistic, patient centered care.
  4. Support, emphasize and evaluate the safety of the practice environment.
  5. Access and evaluate information for effective, efficient, and ethical use in a variety of contexts.
Topical Outline
  • Communication: professional, interprofessional, and intercultural
  • Ethics
  • Leadership
  • Clinical judgement, prioritizing care
  • Health care quality

Course Materials

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.), Washington, DC: Author.

ATI Nursing Education. (2019). Nursing leadership and management:  Review module edition 8.0, Stilwell, KS: Assessment Technologies Institute, L.L.C. 

Huber, D.L. (2018). Leadership and Nursing Care Management (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier. 

Giddens, J.F. (2017).  Concepts for nursing practice (2nd ed.). S. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Evaluation/Assessment of Learning

Learning activities will include using assigned readings, in class discussion, lecture, written assignments and various interactive learning activities. Learning will be assessed using course exams, presentations, and assignments.

Method of Evaluation

Learning activities will include using assigned readings, in class discussion, lecture, written assignments and various interactive learning activities.  Learning will be assessed using course exams, presentations, and assignments.


Grading (UG Nursing Policy 403/Procedure 403a)

Letter grades are given for nursing theory and clinical courses.  Students must earn a minimum  grad of “C” and maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 or better in all required courses in the program. 
A final grade of D or F is considered to be a course failure.
There will be no rounding up of grades for any reason
According to University policy, grades cannot be given over the telephone or discussed over e-mail

 
Grading Scale 
92.00-100% A 322-350 A
83.00-91.99% B 290.5-321.99 B
74.00-82.99% C 259-290.49 C
66.00-73.99% D 231-258.99 D
Below 65.99% F Below 231 F
Incomplete  
 
Assessment of Learning
QI Project
1. Formal Paper – 180 points
2. Oral Presentation – Pecha Kucha – 50 points		 230 points 65.7%
Assignments
1. Communication Part I – 20 points
2. Ethical Principles Quiz – 20 points
3. Leadership Quiz – 20 points
4. Communication Part II – 20 points
5. Data Analysis Assignment – 20 points
6. QI Culture Assignment – 20 points		 120 points 34.3%
Total 350 points 100%

Class Schedule

The weekly schedule for the course can be found under the 'syllabus and schedules' tab in Blackboard.

Course Policies

Expected Professional Behaviors
  1. Submits assignments on time in the manner specified by the course faculty unless prior arrangements are made with the faculty member at least 24 hours prior to the due date. Late work will not be accepted and the student will receive 0% on that assignment.
  2. Attends class as scheduled.  Students missing any course activity, without prior approval of the instructor, may lose a letter grade and receive zero professional points for that day.  For an illness and/or emergency students must notify the instructor prior to class.
  3. Provides prior notification to appropriate faculty and agency, if applicable, when he/she is unable to meet commitments, or requirements.   A three to five page paper addressing the class objectives for each topic missed using peer reviewed, credible resources is due the week following the missed class. Failure to do so will result in a zero. 
  4. Participates in classroom and experiential activities as scheduled, arriving on time and prepared.
  5. Use of electronic devices, other than for class involvement, is prohibited. If these devices are used and not related to classroom discussions/activities, professional points will be deducted at the instructor’s discretion.
  6. Communication will be conducted through UND email.  The instructor will not accept or respond to correspondence that does not come from the student’s UND email account.  Students are responsible for information sent via email and information posted on blackboard.  Course instructors will make every effort to respond to emails within 48hours.  
  7. Demonstrates caring attitude toward faculty, classmates and guest speaker(s).
  8. Accepts responsibility for one’s own actions and attitudes.
  9. Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain therapeutic relationships and appropriate professional boundaries.
  10. Demonstrates a respectful, sensitive, and non-judgmental manner when communicating with others in all forms (verbal, nonverbal, written, and electronic; includes listening and caring behaviors).  Others are defined as peers, faculty, clients, staff, guest speaker(s), and community. 
  11. Demonstrates personal and professional ethics, honesty, and integrity, integrating legal and professional practice standards.
  12. Demonstrates professional appearance and presentation.
  13. Demonstrates respect and politeness to all individuals regardless of culture, ethnicity, religion, work experience, gender, age and sexual orientation.
  14. Maintains confidentiality in conversation, electronic and written means both in and outside of the classroom.
Academic Integrity 

Academic dishonesty is defined in the UND Code of Student Life and Nursing Policy 257. This includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and collusion. In this course, there is a no tolerance policy; we uphold behaviors reflective of individual responsibility, mutual trust, professional values, and standards. Any student observing academic dishonesty is required to report the incident to the course instructor.  Infractions may result in failure of the assignment, a maximum grade achievement of “C”, and/or failure of the course.

University of North Dakota Policies & Resources

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a serious matter, and any deviations from appropriate behavior will be dealt with strongly. At the discretion of the professor, situations of concern may be dealt with as a scholastic matter or a disciplinary matter.

As a scholastic matter, the professor has the discretion to determine appropriate penalties for the student’s workload or grade, but the situation may be resolved without involving many individuals. An alternative is to treat the situation as a disciplinary matter, which can result in suspension from the University, or have lesser penalties. Be aware that I view this as a very serious matter and will have little tolerance and/or sympathy for questionable practices. A student who attempts to obtain credit for work that is not their own (whether that be on a paper, quiz, homework assignment, exam, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade for that item of work, and at the professor’s discretion, may also receive a failing grade in the course. For more information read the Code of Student Life.

Access and Opportunity, Disability Support, & Medical Services

The University of North Dakota is committed to providing equal access to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this class and your program, please contact Disability Services for Students (DSS) to engage in a confidential discussion about accommodations for the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with DSS at the start of their program. More information can be obtained by email UND.dss@UND.edu or by phone at 701.777.2664.

COVID-19

UND is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment while providing quality learning experiences for our students. COVID-19’s continued presence within our UND community may necessitate changes in classroom management as the academic year progresses. As such, UND asks students and instructors to be flexible when necessary to promote a safe environment for learning. Please do not attend an in-person class or lab if you are feeling ill, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been directed by health professionals to quarantine or isolate. If you are not able to attend class or lab, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and discuss options for making up any missed work in order to ensure your ability to succeed in the course. If you will have an extended absence due to serious illness or other uncontrollable circumstances, you may request an absence notification through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Similarly, if your instructor is ill they may need to cancel class or temporarily move your course to online delivery to ensure that you are able to complete the course successfully.  Instructors may require students to wear masks in the classroom or in the laboratory as a preventative measure designed to facilitate uninterrupted classroom engagement and to facilitate health and safety in the classroom.   If your instructor does require masks in class or in a laboratory, you are expected to comply with that request.

UND also strongly encourages all members of the University community, including students, to get vaccinated, seek out testing when needed, and model positive behavior both on- and off-campus to foster a healthy and safe learning environment for all students. Individuals who would like to discuss disability accommodations regarding masks should contact the Disability Services for Students (DSS) office at 701.777.2664 or UND.dss@UND.edu. Individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact the UND Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office at 701.777.4171 or UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu.

Religious Accommodations

UND offers religious accommodations, which are reasonable changes in the academic environment that enable a student to practice or observe a sincerely held religious belief without undue hardship on the University. Examples include time for prayer or the ability to attend religious events or observe a religious holiday. To request an accommodation, complete the student religious accommodation request form. If you have any questions, you may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office.

Pregnancy Accommodations

Students who need assistance with academic adjustments related to pregnancy or childbirth may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or Academic Affairs to learn about your options. Additional information and services may be found at Pregnancy Resources.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the University of North Dakota that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran’s status, or political belief or affiliation and the equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Concerns regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and Section 504 may be addressed to Donna Smith, Assistant Vice President for Equal Opportunity & Title IX and Title IX/ADA Coordinator, 102 Twamley Hall, 701.777.4171, UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 or any other federal agency.

Reporting of Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

If you or a friend has experienced sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, please contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or UND’s Title IX Coordinator, Donna Smith, for assistance: 701.777.4171; donna.smith@UND.edu; or visit the Title IX webpage. You may also contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX office if you or a friend has experienced discrimination or harassment based on a protected class, such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, marital or parental status, veteran's status, or political belief or affiliation.

Faculty Reporting Obligations Regarding Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

It is important for students to understand that faculty are required to share with UND’s Title IX Coordinator any incidents of sexual misconduct or of discrimination or harassment based on a protected class that they become aware of, even if those incidents occurred in the past or are disclosed as part of a class assignment. This does not mean an investigation will occur if the student does not want that, but it does allow UND to provide resources to help the student continue to be successful at UND. If you have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, you can find information about confidential support services on the Equal Opportunity & Title IX webpage..

UND Cares Program

How to Seek Help When in Distress

We know that while college is a wonderful time for most students, however, some students may struggle or have issues that arise. You may experience students in distress on campus, in your classroom, in your home, and within residence halls. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents, and other students. In addition to the support we can provide to each other, there are also professional support services available to students through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both staffs are available to consult with you about getting help or providing a friend with the help that he or she may need. For more additional information, please visit the UND Cares Program Webpage.

How to Recognize When a Student is in Distress

The term “distressed” can mean any of the following:

  • Student has significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, spending, or other daily activities.
  • Student has cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
  • Student has significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular, or social activities.
  • Student describes problems (missing class, not remembering, destructive behavior) that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
  • Student is acting withdrawn, volatile, tearful, etc.
  • Student is acting out of character or different than usual.
  • Student is talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide.
  • Student has difficulty concentrating or difficulty carrying on a normal conversation.
  • Student has excessive dependence on others for company or support.
  • Student reports feeling out of control of one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Today, the University of North Dakota rests on the ancestral lands of the Pembina and Red Lake Bands of Ojibwe and the Dakota Oyate - presently existing as composite parts of the Red Lake, Turtle Mountain, White Earth Bands, and the Dakota Tribes of Minnesota and North Dakota. We acknowledge the people who resided here for generations and recognize that the spirit of the Ojibwe and Oyate people permeate this land. As a university community, we will continue to build upon our relations with the First Nations of the State of North Dakota - the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.

Additional Resources

It is my goal to foster an environment of mutual respect in which everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions, sharing their stories, and learning about potentially heavy or personally relevant material. If, at any point, you feel like the information covered in this class elicits thoughts, feelings, or concerns that you would like to discuss further, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, or the UND Counseling Center (701-777-2127).

Further, if you experience extenuating circumstances, sexual violence, identity-based harm, or any other personal crisis during the semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to me so we can provide academic assistance and help you in this course, and put you in contact with the appropriate resources and services (if needed).