Assignment Outline
DISCUSSIONS - Grade Weight 15%
At the end of some modules, I am going to ask you to answer questions, do a quick assignment, or write a short reflection related to the content from that particular module. Each will be posted to the associated module and many weeks an initial post will be due Thursday of that week by 1159. You will typically be asked to respond to 2 classmates. Your responses will usually be due Sunday of that week by 1159. These are not busy work; they serve a purpose. Reflection is proven to expand your critical thinking and deepen learning. These are not long assignments, so don’t just fake the work and make stuff up. Do the work for yourself to become the best nurse you can be. You are being graded on participation, not content (although you will lose points for spelling & grammar issues, incomplete submissions, or responses that lack required components as outlined). These are also an opportunity to work on your writing and communication skills. The reason that I would like for you to do this on a discussion board, is that it gives you the opportunity to see what is resonating with your classmates but also what they might still have questions about. For any discussions, the following rules apply.
Rules for any feedback on the discussion board:
- Keep it professional (in attitude and writing skills)
- Offer constructive and useful feedback while remaining kind
- Responses should consist of substantive & meaningful content
KNOWLEDGE CHECK QUIZZES – Grade Weight 10%
Many modules will have a knowledge check quiz which covers the content being covered in the module to follow up what you have learned. Quizzes may include a variety of formats including multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer. The main goal with these is to enhance your knowledge on the content, your critical thinking, and testing skills. Use whatever materials you need to complete the quiz. You can take these quizzes as many times as desired. The highest score is what will be counted toward your grade. Be sure to take your time in understanding the material on the quizzes as it will be important for your continued progression in the course and evidence-based practice.
PRACTICE ASSIGNMENTS– Grade Weight 15%
Some modules will include assignments in relation to the module content that serve as opportunities to practice certain skills you need to develop. These differ depending on the module content and skill/s to be developed therefore grading and further instructions will be specific to each assignment and described within the module in Canvas.
SBARR ASSIGNMENTS– Grade Weight 25%
This assignment serves as the culmination of what you have learned throughout the previous modules and forms foundational skills of applying evidence to practice. As consumers of research, nurses must have a basic understanding of the literature available and critical appraisal skills for evaluating resources to apply them in practice. Critical to this process is not only the ability to analyze and assess the information but understanding how to apply it to clinical practice. You will have an opportunity to practice and deepen your skills in applying information through this SBARR assignments. This assignment utilizes the common SBAR format/process used in nursing to formulate a clinical question, find relevant information and develop evidence-based conclusions to be applied in nursing practice. Further details on these assignments and the associated grading rubric for this assignment can be found in Canvas.
LIBRARY Assignment – Grade Weight 5%
The goal is to explore what resources you have and how to use them. This is something to get comfortable and confident with so that you can do this on your own and/or know how to get help.
Evidence Based Patient Education Assignments – Grade Weight 30%
As a nurse, you provide a great deal of education to patients and their caregiver(s) throughout the healthcare continuum. These assignments are an opportunity to create evidence-based patient education and demonstrate the ability to convey pertinent information, both verbally and in writing, to a patient, their caregiver(s), and/or the community.
| Discussions | 15% |
| Knowledge Check Quizzes | 10% |
| Practice Assignments | 15% |
| Library Assignment | 5% |
| SBARR Assignments | 25% |
| Evidence-Based Patient Education Assignments | 30% |
Assignments and Weight
Evaluation of student learning will be based on the following:
Discussions 15%
Knowledge Check Quizzes 10%
Practice Assignments 15%
Library Assignment 5%
SBARR Assignments 25%
Evidence-Based Patient Education Assignments 30%
Grades
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:
| A | 100% to 94.0% |
| A- | < 94.0% to 90.0% |
| B+ | < 90.0% to 87.0% |
| B | < 87.0% to 84.0% |
| B- | < 84.0% to 80.0% |
| C+ | < 80.0% to 77.0% |
| C | < 77.0% to 74.0% |
| Failing | Less than 74% |
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.