Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Introduction to Health Assessment (Face-to-Face)

NURS 3120-01

Course: NURS 3120-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: NURS
CRN: 32843

Course Description

This course introduces health assessment across the lifespan through development of interviewing and physical assessment skills. Learning objectives focus on developing skills to conduct a comprehensive health assessment. Must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better.

Required Texts

Required Text/Equipment

Thompson, J. M. (2022). Essential Health Assessment (2nd ed.). F.A. Davis Company

ISBN 978-1719642323

  • You must bring your text to each class with you to help with in-class assignments

Assessment tools:

  • Stethoscope
  • Penlight
  • You must bring your assessment tools to class after the date indicated on the course calendar.
Reference Texts/Resources

All other Level 1 nursing program recommended/required textbooks and related resources.

Nugent, P. M., & Vitale, B. A. (2020). Test success: Test-taking techniques for beginning nursing students (9th ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company.

Course associated ATI text:
Content Mastery Series Review Module. Fundamentals for Nursing: Edition 9.0. Stilwell, KS: Assessment Technologies Institute.

Learning Outcomes

A listing of learning outcomes for this course appears below. This content guide provides a correlation between Southern Utah University, the Department of Nursing outcomes, and the activities and assessments associated with this course. You will demonstrate your competence on various assignments. Use the feedback from these experiences to improve your understanding of the topics covered in this course.
  • Demonstrate history-taking and interviewing skills necessary for comprehensive data collection across the lifespan.
  • Demonstrate beginning level skill in the techniques of physical exam: inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
  • Differentiate between normal and abnormal assessment findings.
  • Perform complete physical assessments as appropriate for age, development, and health status.

Course Requirements

Grading Weight

Evaluation of student learning will be based on the following:

AssignmentsPercent
Course Engagement15%
Skills Demonstrations10%
Health History10%
Discussions10%
Assessments/Assignments15%
Comprehensive Open Book Group Exam20%
Head-To-Toe Assessment (Video & Documentation)20%
Total100%
Passing Grade

A cumulative score of 74% or higher is needed to successfully complete nursing courses with a passing grade. For policies regarding incomplete or withdrawal, please refer to the current nursing handbook.

Grading Scale

Grades are determined in accordance with the policy of the Department of Nursing. The grading scale is as follows:

94-100% = A80-83% = B-
90-93% = A-77-79% = C+
87-89% = B+74 -76% = C
84 -86% = BBelow 74% = Failing

The final course grade will be rounded to the nearest whole number. Starting at 74.5% and above, 0.5 and greater numbers will be rounded up (e.g., 76.5 = C+ and 76.4 = C).

Grade Disputes

If a student has a grade to dispute, the student must notify faculty within one week after the grade is posted. Disputes made at the end of the course in effort to elevate a grade will not be considered for discussion.

Description of Assignments

1. Formative Quizzes
You will have an ungraded quiz for most modules. These quizzes may cover assigned readings as well as content presented by the course instructor. The number of questions on each quiz may vary. The quizzes will be a follow up to what you have learned in class, and they will cover the subject areas from the prior week as specified on the course calendar. Each week’s quiz date & content is specified on the course calendar. It is your responsibility to bring your computer and have it ready to complete each quiz. Participation will fall under the “course engagement” section of your grade.

2. Health History – Grade Weight 10%
A comprehensive health history is to be done on an adult of choice (friend, family, fellow student, etc.). The health history is to include all components of a general health history as given on the Complete Health History Assignment form in Canvas and submitted via Canvas per due date on calendar.
Grading rubric for assignment can be found in Canvas.

3. Assessments/Assignments – Grade Weight 15%
For each of the body systems studied throughout the semester, the student will complete a focused assessment or other assignment related to the content learned that week. You must have your equipment with you and you will partner with a classmate to practice and complete this assignment. You may not partner with the same person/people more than once. Work is to be turned in before leaving class/lab during that same class period. Late assignments will be graded per the course late assignment policy listed above in this syllabus. Assessments must include the student nurse’s signature. Points will be deducted for not following assignment instructions as outlined.
As part of the weekly assessments, you will learn to give constructive feedback to your peer course colleagues as you review and comment on their work.

4. Comprehensive Open Book Group Exam – Grade Weight 20%
There will only be one exam which is a comprehensive group exam. This will be an open book group exam. The exam is time-limited and must be taken once the exam has been opened. You will have one minute per question. You will be assigned to a group on exam day.
Students are not to copy, transcribe, print, or otherwise save exam questions, even if only for personal use. Students are not to discuss the exam questions with students who have not taken the exam, including students who will take the exam in subsequent courses.

5. Head-To-Toe Assessment & Documentation – Grade Weight 20%
Students will complete a video-taped complete head-to-toe assessment on a fellow classmate. After you have completed your assessment, you will document with the form provided in Canvas. Guidelines and a grading rubric for this are provided in Canvas. Consider this a "validation" by video. Keep the assessment to less than 20 minutes total. You are expected to have the assessment memorized. You can use the laminated assessment card given to you in fundamentals and bring one blank notecard to make notes on for the documentation portion. Wear your scrubs when you are performing your assessment, and clothing that will allow your partner to complete their assessment when you are the patient. This will be discussed further in class.
As part of this assignment, you will watch and grade your own assessment via the rubric as well as one randomly assigned peer course colleague’s assessment.

6. Pre-Course Canvas Discussions – Grade Weight 10%
Engagement and preparation are key to success. Most weeks, students will engage in a discussion regarding the upcoming week’s topic in order to facilitate a meaningful review of the material and ensure proper pre-course preparation.

7. Course Engagement – Grade Weight 15%
Each of you bring an important and unique perspective to this course. Therefore, lack of engagement affects not only your learning but that of your peers. You will be awarded points for each week that you are a present and engaged in this course, this includes participation in formative quizzes. Points will be deducted for lack of participation or uncommunicated absences.

8. Skills Demonstrations – Grade Weight 10%
In your nursing practice you may have the opportunity to become a “super user.” This is your opportunity to be a skill “super user!” This assignment should also help you prepare for the head-to-toe video assessment. You will be randomly assigned peer course colleagues to demonstrate two randomly assigned skills throughout the semester. You have the choice to videotape and submit the skill video prior to the corresponding class OR perform the skill live in the corresponding class. You will indicate this on the provided spreadsheet at the beginning of the semester. These will be graded based on completion & on-time submission only.
If you choose to videotape the skill: These should be videotaped and submitted prior to the corresponding course. These DO NOT need to be taped in the lab. You DO NOT need to wear your uniform for these videos. There is no required minimum or maximum length. Submit your best take!
Note 2: Please see the list on the modules page for your randomly assigned partners and skills.

Affidavit

The syllabus is an important source of information about your course. It is the contract between the student and the instructor about expectations for learning and performance. Students are responsible for reviewing the syllabus to ensure that assignments are submitted in a timely manner and meet the specified requirements for this course as explained in the syllabus. After you have read and understand the syllabus, take the Syllabus Quiz to verify your understanding of the document. You will find a link to this in Canvas. It is required to be submitted before the rest of the course modules will display for your access.

Course Outline

Weekly Schedule
Class #
1 Foundations Part I
2 Foundations Part II 
3 Integumentary
4 Respiratory
5 HEENT Part I 
6 HEENT Part II 
7 Musculoskeletal 
8 Sensory/Neuro
9 Cardiac/ Peripheral Vascular/ Lymph 
10 ABD/GI 
11 Reproductive/ GU & Putting it all together, Head-to-Toe, Special Considerations in Health Assessment
12 Comprehensive Open Book Group Exam
13 Review 

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Instructor’s Response Time & Feedback
I encourage you to utilize the Bulletin Board as an open forum for questions about topics, homework, etc. However, if you have a specific question for me, please contact me directly. I will respond in the specified amount of time. Feedback is an important part of learning please look for feedback on your assignments that I provided in the specified amount of time.
Please note:
  • Every effort will be made to post grades within one week of the scheduled due date. Please allow at least 7 days before inquiring about grades.
  • Every effort is made to respond to emails within 2 business days. When you send emails, please make sure to include the course name (NURS 3120) in the subject line.
  • Likewise, I anticipate a response from you within 2 business days when I have sent correspondence. Please plan to check your e-mail regularly for new correspondence.
Late Policy and Submission of Coursework
Assignments are due at the time designated by faculty. Due dates/times are posted in the syllabus/course calendar. If you know you will miss a class in advance of the due date/time submit materials early IF the assignment permits. Coursework that is turned in late will be graded to the same standard as coursework that was turned in on-time. However, 10% off the maximum attainable score will be deduced for each day that the coursework is late. No late coursework will be accepted six days for more after the deadline. No coursework will be accepted after 23:59 on the last scheduled day of the semester.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance of all classes is strongly suggested. See above late policy in regard to missing coursework. This professor does not entertain reasons for missing class or course work. Everyone’s reason is valid to them, so faculty will not discern.

Additional Course Policies and Information

Teaching Strategies
A variety of teaching strategies will be used throughout this course. These may include, but are not limited to: assigned readings, lecture, videos, class discussions, presentations, group work, written assignments, guided practice, case studies, simulations, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Nursing Student Policies and Procedures
Refer to the Nursing Student Handbook posted on the SUU Department of Nursing homepage for specific policies and procedures related to program and course management and progress.
Contact/Faculty Availability
Announcements
  • Make sure you are set up to receive course announcements through Canvas. There is no excuse if important information is sent this way that you miss for any reason.
Appointments
  • If you need to meet (either in-person or on-line), we can do so by appointment or during the posted office hours.
  • Every attempt is made to be flexible to meet students’ needs. Contact the instructor if you wish to set up a mutually convenient time to discuss course issues, concerns, etc. Students should inform the professor immediately if special circumstances arise that could affect your ability to learn and/or participate in the course.
Safety and/or Risks
You are expected to manage your own transportation and assume your own risks when traveling to and from classes, labs, or clinical experiences and when performing duties in class, lab, or clinical experiences. There are inherent risks involved in travel and in lab and clinical experiences. The most obvious risks are accidents, contracting infections or other communicable diseases, or workplace violence. Please take common precautions to prevent accidents, infections and violence.
Professional Conduct
Although satisfactory academic performance is prerequisite to advancement, it is not the sole criterion in the consideration of the suitability of a student for promotion or graduation. Remember that you are in the program not just to learn nursing but to ‘become a nurse’. Appropriate professional behavior in all settings is an expectation of students in the nursing program. The Department of Nursing reserves the right to require a student to withdraw from the SUU Nursing Program if considered to be unsuited to proceed with the study or practice of nursing based upon unprofessional student behavior.
Expectations of Student Behavior
  • 1. Bring your book and assessment equipment to each class.
  • 2. Complete the course module readings and activities within the allotted time frames.
  • 3. Demonstrate an ever-increasing application of the course outcomes.
  • 4. Participate fully in collaborative work and discussions.
  • 5. Collaborate professionally with fellow learners.
  • 6. Demonstrate continual growth in:
    • critical thinking skills;
    • evidence-based practice modulated by patient-centered concerns;
    • knowledge of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment approaches;
    • sensitivity to patient and family characteristics and circumstances that affect their health and illness experiences;
    • scholarly self and peer critique; and
    • professional communication
  • 7. Cell phones and smart devices should be stored away and set on silent mode during class.
Assessment Responsibilities & Expectations
Professionalism: Student learners acting in the role of the nurse need to maintain respect and privacy of the student learner acting in the role of the patient during the practice of assessment skills.
Dress Code: The student acting as the patient will wear clothing that allows for fellow students to complete an assessment. For the recorded assessment video, the student acting in the role of nurse will wear their SUU scrubs.
Physical Interaction: Students should expect to practice the required assessments listed in the syllabus. There is a need to touch each other in a respectful way when learning how to assess the systems.
Disclosure of Personal Medical Information: Student learners will also practice mental and physical status evaluations with partners, including vital signs, etc. Practice evaluations might result in disclosure of personal medical information. If a student anticipates feeling uncomfortable with these requirements, she/he is encouraged to speak with the clinical and/or course faculty.
*Not following these standards may result in disciplinary action and/or deductions in grades.
Changes to Syllabus
The syllabus is an important source of information about your course. It is the contract between the student and the instructor about expectations for learning and performance. Students are responsible for reviewing the syllabus to ensure that assignments are submitted in a timely manner and meet the specified requirements for this course as explained in the syllabus. “Information contained in this syllabus, other than grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor” (Course Syllabus Policy 6.36, SUU). It is your responsibility to determine changes to the syllabus or assignments announced in your absence. This syllabus is subject to change anytime.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
When students use generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process for this course, students should only use these technologies to improve readability and language, or to generate a basic skeleton of ideas for assignment content. Applying these technologies should be done with careful oversight, and students should carefully review and edit the result, as AI can generate good-sounding output that can be incorrect, incomplete or biased. SUU Policy#6.33 on academic integrity should be followed when using AI. If you are unsure to what extent to use AI as part of an assignment, please reach out to me before the assignment is due.
If a student uses AI-assisted technologies, the student should disclose in their assignment the use of AI and AI-assisted technologies in the assignment by following the instructions below. This declaration does not apply to the use of basic tools for checking grammar, spelling, references etc. If there is nothing to disclose, there is no need to add a statement.
Any assignment which has been determined by the professor (using the tools provided by SUU to monitor academic integrity) to have been created using these technologies which were not disclosed by the student is subject to failure.
Disclosure instructions
Students must disclose the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process by adding this statement at the end of their assignment:
Statement: During the preparation of this work THE STUDENT(S) used [NAME TOOL /SERVICE] in order to [REASON].
Land Acknowledgement
SUU wishes to acknowledge and honor the Indigenous communities of this region as original possessors, stewards, and inhabitants of this Too’veep (land), and recognize that the University is situated on the traditional homelands of the Nung’wu (Southern Paiute People). We recognize that these lands have deeply rooted spiritual, cultural, and historical significance to the Southern Paiutes. We offer gratitude for the land itself, for the collaborative and resilient nature of the Southern Paiute people, and for the continuous opportunity to study, learn, work, and build community on their homelands here today. Consistent with the University's ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, SUU works towards building meaningful relationships with Native Nations and Indigenous communities through academic pursuits, partnerships, historical recognitions, community service, and student success efforts.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.