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MSN Program

NURS 654 Pre-practicum
Online Course
Term

The Graduate Nursing Department seeks to promote social justice and to embrace diversity. All
program faculty, supervisors, staff, and students shall maintain respect for differences including,
but not limited to, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age religion/spirituality, ability,
socioeconomic status, and culture. Each person will be responsible and accountable for creating
and maintaining a culture of respect at every level of the program.

Pre-Requisite/Co-Requisite: NURS 653

Course Quarter Credits: 1

Faculty:
Phone:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
• Virtual office hours via collaborate/zoom; Appointment made via e-mail
• Phone appointments can be scheduled by sending an e-mail request with a list of possible dates

and times that the student is available.
Primary Contact Method:
• Messages (e-mail or voicemail) will be answered within 2 business days. When leaving a

message (by phone or email), be certain to identify yourself with your name, course
number/section, contact information and a brief description of the issue. This information will
prepare me to maximize our interaction.

Course Chair and Contact Information:
• Name: Janet F Zimmerman, MS, RN
• Email: [email protected]

Course Description: In this 40-hour practicum, the student previews the clinical research nurse
(CRN) role with a qualified preceptor. This course is required for students with less than one year of
full-time CRN practice. It is optional for experienced CRN students who want expanded learning in a
new role or setting.

Course Purpose (Within Program of Study): This course helps students new to CRN practice to
observe and transition into the role with an experienced, graduate-prepared CRN before the final,

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full practicum. In this course, the professor selects the preceptor and practicum site for students
who are new to CRN practice. Completion of NURS 663 is a requirement.

Course Overview: Scheduling of the 40 hours is negotiated between the student and the
preceptor. With assistance from the preceptor, the student prepares and implements a practicum
learning plan (LP). Using the LP, the preceptor evaluates the student during the practicum.
Students summarize their practicum observations and experiences for classmates and the
professor in classes and in an online forum.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course the student is able to:
1. Create a practicum learning plan that focuses on the role of a clinical research nurse.
2. Use the learning plan to self-assess practicum observations and experiences.
3. Summarize practicum observations and experiences in shared learning environments.

Drexel Student Learning Priorities:
Students graduating from Drexel University achieve competency in a field of study evidenced by
achievement of a set of program-specific learning outcomes. In addition to demonstrating competency
in their fields of study, students graduating from Drexel University also will demonstrate meaningful
progress in six core intellectual and practical skill areas and five experiential and applied learning areas,
achieving levels of competency in each core area appropriate to their program of study, their individual
interests, and their abilities. Learning in these core areas supports, and is integrated with, learning in
our discipline and provides the foundation for a broad education across disciplines. Available at
Provost's Website on Drexel Student Learning Priorities

Core Intellectual and Practical Skill Areas Experiential and Applied Learning Areas

1. Communication 7. Global Competence
2. Creative and Critical Thinking 8. Leadership
3. Ethical Reasoning 9. Professional Practice
4. Information Literacy 10. Research, Scholarship and Creative
5. Self-Directed Learning
6. Technology Use Expression
11. Responsible Citizenship

* The learning outcomes integrated with the course objectives for this course are in bold above.

Technical Skills
It is expected that students are proficient in the use of Microsoft Office as well as the tools and
features within the Blackboard learning management system (LMS). Microsoft Office product
training and tutorials are available for students to view. If it has been a while since you have used
Blackboard, please review the Blackboard Learn Student Orientation within Blackboard. You can
find information about Learn by browsing the Blackboard Help site. Our version of Learn is 9.1.
Blackboard also has videos for both faculty and students in the On Demand Tutorials playlist on
YouTube. Your professor will tell you what synchronous program is to be used for any virtual
classes. Please review the appropriate tutorial within Blackboard BEFORE your sessions. Your
professor will be monitoring academic integrity. Turn-it-in will be available for you to use when
writing papers. Please review the tutorials at the Turn It In website.

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Technical Standards
The goal of the College's nursing programs is to prepare every student to think critically, and
practice nursing competently and compassionately in rapidly changing practice environments. All
efforts are designed to build nursing knowledge, enhance nursing practice and patient safety,
foster professional integrity, and ultimately improve the health outcomes of patients, families, and
communities across the continuum of care. In addition, certain functional abilities are essential for
the delivery of safe, effective nursing care during clinical training activities. Therefore, the faculty
has determined that certain technical standards are requisite for admission, progression, and
graduation from the nursing programs. The Technical Standards for Nursing are available at
Technical Standards for Admission, Academic Progression and Graduation

Teaching Methods:
• Written Assignment
• Practicum
• Virtual Synchronous Class Meetings
• Asynchronous Discussions

Standards of Nursing Practice:
• American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.). Silver

Spring, MD: Author. ISBN: 978-1-55810-619-2
• Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions MSN Student Handbooks available

online: Advanced Role Student Handbook and Advanced Role Clinical Handbook
• Fowler, M. D. M. (Ed.). (2015). Guide to nursing’s social policy statement. Silver Spring, MD:

American Nurses Association. ISBN: 978-1-55810-615-4
• Fowler, M. D. M. (Ed.). (2015). Guide to the code of ethics for nurses with interpretive

statements: Development, interpretation, and application (2nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: American
Nurses Association. ISBN: 978-1-55810-603-1

E-Books/Textbooks/References/Technological Resources
Required:
There is no specific textbook for this course.
• American Nurses Association and International Association of Clinical Research Nurses. (2016).

Clinical research nursing: Scope and standards of practice. Silver Spring, MD: Author. ISBN:
9781558106758
• American Psychological Association (2009). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.
• CRN2010 Domain of Practice Committee (2009). Building the foundation for clinical research
nursing: Domain of practice for the specialty of clinical research nursing. Bethesda, MD:
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Nursing and Patient Care Services. Retrieved from
https://www.cc.nih.gov/nursing/crn/DOP_document.pdf
• Fowler, M. D. M. (Ed.). (2015). Guide to the code of ethics for nurses with interpretive
statements: Development, interpretation, and application (2nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: American
Nurses Association. ISBN: 978-1-55810-603-1
• Oncology Nursing Society. (2016). 2016 Oncology clinical trials nurse competencies. Pittsburgh,
PA: Author. Retrieved from
https://www.ons.org/sites/default/files/OCTN_Competencies_FINAL.PDF

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• Additional readings from journals and other sources will be posted throughout the course.
• See Student Handbook for Hardware and Software requirements.

Additional Requirements for This Course Include:
• Internet speeds that meet or exceed Drexel University recommendations are required for

virtual class sessions and access to Blackboard Learn.
• Computer (MAC or PC) that meets minimal requirements listed on the Online Learning

Technical Guidelines and with the ability to download various teaching/learning tools.
• External headset with noise-cancelling capability and a microphone.
• Webcam enabled computer.
• Ethernet cable connection.

Methods of Evaluation:

Assignment Wt Due Dates (specify time and EST/EDT) Course DSLPs
% Objective(s) Met
Met
Learning Plan 25 Week 1, Sat, date 1, 5, 9
1, 2

Online Practicum 75 Weekly, by Sat, dates 1, 2, 3 1, 5, 9
Reflections

Assignment Submission:
• Students must submit any assignment attachments using MSWord. Files in differing formats

that cannot be opened will be returned for reprocessing, and may be considered late if received
after the due date. If there are any questions regarding formatting of your file attachment,
please email your professor prior to the due date.

• Submission links are provided directly beneath each individual assignment description; please
use this area to submit your work. Do not submit your assignments via email. You will be
expected to use your Drexel email address for all class and school communications.

Assignment Submission Requirements:
• All quizzes are completed using the Test tool in Blackboard (Bb) under the Assignments link.

• All exams are completed using ProctorU in Bb under the Assignments link.

• A missed quiz or exam cannot be made-up. Students receive a zero for a missed quiz or exam.

• Vacations, family and social events, work schedules, and technology issues are not accepted for
a missed quiz or exam.

• For a serious, unexpected event, students must email the professor 24 hours before the start
time of the quiz or exam to explain the situation and provide documentation; a one-time
extension may be granted. In the event an extension is granted, the answer key will be withheld
until the requesting student has taken the quiz or exam.

• Students are expected to submit other assignments when due. Assignments submitted after the
due date will result in a loss of 5 points each day the assignment is late unless prior
arrangements have been made with the professor before the assignment is due. Assignments
more than 7 days late will not be accepted.

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• A missed assignment cannot be made up and alternative assignments are not available.
Students will receive a zero for a missed assignment.

• For a serious, unexpected event, students must email the professor 24 hours before the due
date of the assignment to explain the situation and provide documentation.

Grading and Feedback:
• Assignment grades and feedback are provided by the faculty member via Blackboard in My

Grades.

Students can expect to receive feedback within 5 business days of assignment submission for
most assignments. Comprehensive assignments/papers may take up to 10 business days to
grade.

Grading Scale:
The grading scale described below will be used in evaluating the theory components of all nursing
courses. The method of grade assignment will be determined by the course faculty members.

Letter Grade Numerical Grade
A+ 98-100
A 93-97
A- 90-92
B+ 88-89
B 84-87
B- 82-83
C+ 79-81
C 77-78
C- 74-76
D+ 71-73
D 69-70
F <69

Note:
• Evidence of satisfactory progress includes maintenance of a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade

point average each term. The progress of each student is reviewed each term. Failure to
maintain the minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA will result in placement on academic probation. A
student must achieve a grade of B (84) or higher in all NURS and RSCH courses (excluding
electives) in the program. A student who receives a grade below (B) in any NURS or RSCH
course (excluding electives) must repeat the course and achieve a (B) or higher.

• Students should refer to their specific program’s student handbook for detailed information

regarding grades required for progression.

• Rounding: Per program policy, only final grades will be rounded. Final grades of 0.50 or greater
will be rounded up to the next whole numeric value. Therefore, an 83.50 is the minimum grade
needed to pass this course, as this is rounded to an 84. Exam and quiz scores will not be
rounded and will be entered in the grade book to the nearest hundredth of a percent.

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ASSIGNMENT DETAILS:

1) Practicum Learning Plan (LP)
With assistance from the preceptor, the student prepares a learning plan (LP) with one goal and
two measureable outcome objectives. The learning plan is submitted to EXXAT and the assignment
link in Blackboard.

Refer to Tips for Writing Goals and Objectives from Tulane University.

Scheduling the 80 hours is negotiated between the student and the preceptor. Some students may
schedule one, 8-hour day each week, and other students may have a different timetable. The only
restrictions are that the 80 hours occur during the term and each practicum day is not less than
four hours or more than 10 hours.
The student will not collect, record, review, or analyze any data.

The student and preceptor have a copy of the LP and should refer to it each day the student is
onsite. During the practicum, there may be unexpected changes to the LP. These are explained in
the student’s online reflective forum in Blackboard.

Additional details are available in Blackboard.

Grading Rubric: Practicum Learning Plan
Students receive a score in each of the evaluative elements and added together they form the
assignment grade.

Points

Evaluative Elements 4 32 1
Meets all Mostly meets Partially meets Minimally

criteria criteria criteria meets criteria

Goal Statement

Goal is one clear, concise, (20 words max) original sentence stating the purpose of

practicum. Goal begins with a verb.

Learning Objectives

Each of the two objectives are clear, concise (20 words max), original statements. Each

objective is 1 sentence and begins with a measureable or observable verb.

Practicum Schedule

Schedule, dates, and hours/times are clear. Observations, experiences, and activities are

bulleted. Objective number is provided for each bullet.

2) Online Practicum Reflections
This assignment provides a shared learning environment that explores the advanced role specialty

of the clinical research nurse. Students summarize each practicum day before the next practicum
day starts.

Students read each other’s reflections for insights into different experiences and observations.
Students provide substantive comments, advice, or resources to each other.

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Each student will have one running thread in the forum.
Additional details are available in Blackboard.

Grading Rubric: Online Practicum Reflections
Students receive a score in each of the evaluative elements and added together they form the
grade for this assignment.

Points

Evaluative Elements 4 32 1
Meets all Mostly meets Partially meets Minimally

criteria criteria criteria meets criteria

Content

Posts are clear, to-the-point, relevant, and substantive.

Participation

Posts a summary of each day before the next practicum day starts. Contributes to all other

threads once each week. Responds to posts on own thread within 72hrs.

Spelling, Grammar

Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are correct.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
Students requesting accommodations due to a disability at Drexel University need to present a
current Accommodation Verification Letter (AVL) to faculty before accommodations can be made.
AVLs are issued by the Office of Disability Resources (ODR). For additional information, visit the
Office of Equality and Diversity's Disability Resources website or contact the Office for more
information: 215-895-1401 (V), or [email protected]

Course Drop/Add Policy:
Please refer to the University’s drop/add policies and timelines on the Provost’s Course Add/Drop
Website or contact the appropriate academic advisor. Refer to the Academic Calendars for key
dates.

Course Withdrawal:
Please refer to the University’s withdrawal policies on the Provost’s Course Withdrawal site or
contact the appropriate academic advisor. Refer to the Academic Calendars for key dates.

Academic Calendars:
Refer to the Academic Calendars for key dates.

Observance of Religious Holidays:
Drexel University supports an environment that respects the religious observances of others.
Students who feel that they will need accommodations for assignments and/or exams due to a
religious observance are required to consult the course schedule contained in the syllabus and
contact their instructor to make mutually agreed-upon arrangements. All arrangements must be
made before the end of the second week of the term. Requests made after that time may not be

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accommodated. Also see the Provost’s Office Religious Observance Statement and the Religious
Observances Calendar.

STUDENT RESPONSIBLITLES:

Financial Obligations:
• Students who do not satisfy financial obligations to the University and have been placed on

financial hold are not entitled to a final and official course grade by the Instructor.
• Official course grades are submitted by faculty through Drexel’s Banner academic information

management system.

COLLEGE POLICIES:

Academic Integrity, Plagiarism and Cheating:
• Drexel University is committed to a learning environment that embraces honesty. Faculty,

students, and administrators share responsibility for maintaining this environment of academic
honesty and integrity, accepting responsibility for all actions, personal and academic. Each
member of our community is expected to read, understand, and uphold the values identified
and described for academic integrity.
• Refer to the section on “Student Conduct and Community Standards” at the Drexel University
Handbook Website. Also see the Policy on Academic Dishonesty on the Provost’s Office
Website.

Recognizing Plagiarism Tutorial:
• All students in the College of Nursing and Health Professions must complete an online tutorial

“Recognizing Plagiarism.”
• New students need to complete this by the midterm of their first quarter attending Drexel.
• This tutorial is available via our Blackboard online learning suite. If you are not sure how to

access this tutorial contact your academic advisor.

Intellectual Honesty Certification:
All students in the College of Nursing and Health Professions are required to attest adherence to
the intellectual honesty statement. Students are required to sign the individual and/or group
statement one time at the beginning of each course. Their “one time” signature on these
statements applies to all graded assignments for that particular course.

The individual statement is as follows:

I certify that:

1. This assignment is entirely my own work, with any words and/or ideas from other sources
(print, Web, other media, other individuals groups) being properly cited in text, and placed in
a proper reference section.

2. Any material used from another assignment has been discussed with and approved by the
instructor.

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Student’s Signature: ___________________________
Course Submitted: __________
Term: __________
Date: __________

The group statement is as follows:
We certify that this assignment is presented as entirely our own intellectual work. Any words
and/or ideas from other sources (e.g. printed publications, Internet sites, electronic media,
other individuals, groups, or organizations) have been properly indicated using the
appropriate scholarly citation style required by the department or College.
We have not submitted this assignment in its entirety to satisfy the requirements of any
other course. Any parts of this assignment from other courses have been discussed
thoroughly with the faculty member before this submission so that there is an
understanding that we have used some of this work in a prior assignment.
Student’s Signature__________________________ Date ____________________
Student’s Signature__________________________ Date ____________________
Student’s Signature__________________________ Date ____________________
Student’s Signature__________________________ Date ____________________

Add or delete signatures as necessary.

Netiquette:
Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving and interacting properly online.
Each culture, (and cyberspace has its own culture), operates under a system of rules that may not
be explicitly stated but are expected and enforced all the same. When you enter any new culture
you're liable to commit a few social blunders unless you know the rules. You might offend people
without meaning to. Or you might misunderstand what others say and take offense when it's not
intended. Here are common netiquette rules expected in this course:
• Make your messages easier to read by making your paragraphs short and to the point.
• TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS CONSIDERED SHOUTING ON THE INTERNET.
• Messages in all lowercase letters can be difficult to read, instead, use normal capitalization.
• *Asterisks* surrounding a word can be used to make a stronger point.
• Be careful when using sarcasm and humor. Without face to face communications your joke may

be viewed as criticism. When being humorous, use emoticons to express humor. (tilt your head
to the left to see the emoticon smile) :-) = happy face for humor

Group Communication:
• Respect the fact that the class list is a closed discussion; do not forward mail from your

classmates to others without their permission.
• In an online forum or newsgroup, debate is welcome, but be tactful in responding to others.

Remember that there's a person (or a whole class) at the receiving end of your post.
• Keep your questions and comments relevant to the focus of the discussion group. Information

intended for an individual or small group of individuals should be emailed to those people
directly.
• If you quote a previous post (by using the reply function for example), quote only enough to
make your own point.

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• Resist the temptation to "flame" others on the list. Remember that these discussions are
"public" and meant for constructive exchanges. Treat the others on the list as you would want
them to treat you.

*Adapted from Indiana University’s Consulting http://www.indiana.edu/~icy/netiquette.html

PROGRAM AND COURSE POLICIES:

Attendance and Lateness Policies:
• If synchronous class meetings are scheduled for on-line courses, all students are expected to

attend these meetings as assigned. Students are required to notify the Professor of an absence
to a synchronized class prior to the start of class they will be absent from. This notification must
briefly explain the reason you will be absent and must be done via email.
• Each student is expected to arrive at least 5-10 minutes before the session has begun and have
completed the Blackboard Collaborate wizard run prior to the start of class.

Privacy and Accessibility Policies
The software/tools contained at this site may be used within this course. Click on the hyperlinks to
learn more about the software or program’s compliance with accessibility and privacy standards.

Changes to Syllabus:
• As a student you acknowledge receipt of this syllabus and the information herein by continuing

to attend this course. As the instructor, I reserve the right to make changes to this syllabus if
circumstances warrant such change. All major changes will be provided to you in writing.

Communication:
• Students are expected to follow the guidelines for professional communication as outlined in

the MSN Student Handbook.
• Online conduct reflects the same requirements as classroom conduct. Courtesy, politeness, and

good manners must be used when students and faculty are involved in online education and/or
communication; the same as if the interaction were to take place in person. Certain issues are
particular to online education conduct. These include assuring that written or audio discussion
and email are afforded the same civility as an on-site classroom situation.

Email:
• Students must use their Drexel email for all course related communication.
• Students are expected to check their Drexel email at least three times per week for

announcements relating to class, Communication from the professor, course and registration
information.
• A student who does not do this is in danger of not receiving important information, as this is a
major mode of communication for the College of Nursing.

Student Issues:
Students with any complaints or grievances concerning this course should consult the program
handbook for the process of addressing these issues.

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TECHNICAL ISSUES:

Online Learning Technical Guidelines:
The CNHP Online Learning Technical Guidelines are updated quarterly and provide important
information regarding minimum technological specifications and browser compatibility for
successful online learning. Students are encouraged to refer to the CNHP Online Learning Technical
Guidelines to ensure that their computers meet the minimal Online Learning Technical Guidelines
requirements.

Technical guidelines and more detailed troubleshooting/help information can be found at: Online
Learning Technical Guidelines

Blackboard:
For help with Blackboard Learn, contact Blackboard Learn at 215-895-1224.
• You can also contact the ITG at via email at [email protected]
• You can also view tutorials at the Information Resources and Technology for Drexel Learn

Website

Blackboard Collaborate:
• For help with Blackboard Collaborate

Contact the first level Blackboard Collaborate Direct Support line at 1-877-382-2293 (US &
Canada Toll-Free).
• If your issue is not resolved by the first level support please contact the Drexel Instructional
Technology Group at [email protected]
• Other issues: For help with email, passwords, or Drexel One, contact the Drexel IRT Help Desk
at 215-895-2020

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TOPICAL OUTLINE:

Module/Weeks/Dates Topics Assignments
Module 1 (Wks 1-2) Course Overview Class 1: week 1
Mon, date-Sat, date
Learning Plan: Due to EXXAT & Bb by Sat,
week 1

Post practicum reflections for each day &
before next practicum day

Module 2 (Wks 3-4) Practicum Summaries Contribute to each reflective thread weekly
Sun, date-Sat, date by Sat, date.
Class 2: Date TBD

Post practicum reflections for each day &
before next practicum day

Module 3 (Wks 5-6) Practicum Summaries Contribute to each reflective thread weekly
Sun, date-Sat, date by Sat, date.
Class 3: Date TBD

Post practicum reflections for each day &
before next practicum day

Module 4 (Wks 7-8) Practicum Summaries Contribute to each reflective thread weekly
Sun, date-Sat, date by Sat, date.
Class 4: Date TBD

Post practicum reflections for each day &
before next practicum day

Module 5 (Wks 9-10) Practicum Summaries Contribute to each reflective thread weekly
Sun, date-Sat, date by Sat, date.
Class 5: Date TBD

Post practicum reflections for each day &
before next practicum day

Contribute to each reflective thread weekly
by Sat, date.

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