Galen College of Nursing
Course Syllabus
Course Information:
Course Name Concepts of Aging and Chronic Illness in Nursing
Course Number NUR 257
Course Section Number 02D02
Quarter Credit Hours 6 Quarter Credit Hours: [3 theory; 1 lab; 2 clinical]
Contact Hours Twelve weeks: [36 theory; 24 lab; 72 clinical]
Prerequisites NUR 230 or NUR 231
Co-requisites N/A
Course Location See Student Self Service for information. Select Academics > Schedule.
Times and locations are subject to change.
Course Meeting Days/Times
Engaged lectures, seminars, multimedia, internet, textbooks, written
Methods of Instruction assignments, small group work, and faculty-supervised learning laboratory
practice.
Faculty reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this course
Changes to Syllabus syllabus. Learners will be notified in writing of any changes in a timely
fashion.
Faculty Information:
Faculty Joe Mercado MSN-Ed., RN
Office Location Zoom – by Appointment ONLY
Zoom – by Appointment – check Calendly link:
Office Hours
https://calendly.com/jmercado-jls
Phone Number(s) 813-435-9612
Email Address (Preferred method of contact)
Course Catalog Description:
This course focuses on the care of patients experiencing chronic disruptions in health. Gerontology, principles of
chronic health disorders and nursing care of the aging will be explored in a variety of healthcare settings. Learners
will study concepts of the nursing care of patients and families experiencing chronic illness and pain as well as
patients and families experiencing the grieving process. In addition, emphasis will be provided on the role of the
registered nurse in health promotion, rehabilitation, maintenance, and restoration of health of individuals and
families across the life span. Clinical experiences offer learners the opportunity to use established professional
standards, guidelines, competencies, and best practices to provide safe, patient-centered care in a variety of
healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed upon the physical and developmental needs of the older adult.
Galen College of Nursing – NUR 257 Syllabus Template – Version 4-1 1
,Textbooks & Resources:
Ignatavicius, D. D., Rebar, C. R., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2024). Medical-
surgical nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and collaborative care (11th
ed.). Elsevier. 9780323878265
Required Textbook(s) Silvestri, L. A., & Silvestri, A. E. (2023). Saunders comprehensive review for the
NCLEX-RN® examination (9th ed.). Elsevier. 9780323795302
Touhy. T. A. & Jett K. F. (2022). Ebersole And Hess' Gerontological Nursing &
Healthy Aging, (6th Edition). Elsevier. 9780323698030
Horntvedt, T. (2023). Dimensional analysis: Calculating dosage safely (3rd
ed.). F.A. Davis. 9781719646284
Recommended Textbook(s)
Vallerand, A. H., & Sanoski, C. A. (n.d.). Davis’s drug guide for nurses (Current
ed.). F. A. Davis.
Additional Information:
Student Portal https://my.galencollege.edu/
Galen Website www.galencollege.edu
For a current edition of the Student Catalog students may visit either the
Student Catalog
Galen website or the myGalen student portal.
For 24/7 technical support with Canvas, you can contact our Canvas
Helpdesk:
- If you are already logged in to Canvas, press the “Help” button on the
bottom left of the screen and make your selection (Phone, Support Ticket,
Chat).
Canvas 24/7 Help Line
- If you are not logged in to Canvas, you can access the same support
options with the following information:
• By Telephone: (855) 680-0125
• By support ticket: http://help.instructure.com
• By chat: https://cases.canvaslms.com/liveagentchat?chattype=student
• By email:
Courses are augmented on the web utilizing the Canvas Learning
Management System. On the first day of class, students will be oriented to
the learning system. Students will access the course syllabus and content
Web-Enhanced Access
through this network. https://classroom.galencollege.edu. This network will
also provide access to student course grades, a means to submit
assignments, and handouts the faculty may post for you.
Galen College of Nursing – NUR 257 Syllabus Template – Version 4-1 2
,Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs):
1. Safe, Patient-Centered Care – Provide safe, patient-centered nursing care using evidence-based practice while
managing multiple patients.
2. Caring Behaviors – Integrate caring behaviors when managing nursing care for diverse patients, families, and
communities.
3. Communication – Integrate effective communication skills to promote safety and support decision making
while managing patient care.
4. Clinical Judgment – Incorporate clinical judgment to ensure quality outcomes when managing patient care.
5. Collaboration – Participate in collaborative relationships to improve patient outcomes when managing nursing
care for diverse patients, families, and communities.
6. Leadership – Integrate leadership skills in a variety of healthcare settings when managing care for diverse
patient populations.
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs):
1. Demonstrate safe patient-centered nursing care using evidence-based practice for patients with chronic or age-
related problems. (PSLO 1)
2. Demonstrate caring behaviors when providing nursing care for patients with chronic or age-related problems.
(PSLO 2)
3. Demonstrate effective communication skills to promote safety and support decision making when caring for
patients with chronic or age-related problems. (PSLO 3)
4. Apply clinical judgment to ensure quality outcomes when providing care to patients with chronic or age-related
problems. (PSLO 4)
5. Determine collaborative relationships needed to provide and improve patient care for patients with chronic or
age-related problems. (PSLO 5)
6. Develop leadership skills required to provide care for patients with, chronic or age-related problems. (PSLO 6)
Course Requirements:
1. Achieve a minimum cumulative course average of 74%.
2. Achieve a score of at least 90% on the dosage calculation test.
3. Achieve a “Satisfactory” on each lab reflective journal.
4. Achieve a “Pass” on the teaching plan in clinical.
5. Achieve a “Satisfactory” on the SPICES Assessment and Reflection in clinical.
6. Achieve a “Pass” on the clinical packet.
7. Achieve a “Satisfactory” on the clinical evaluation.
Galen College of Nursing – NUR 257 Syllabus Template – Version 4-1 3
, Final Course Grade Determination & Exam/Assignment Schedule:
Unit/Week
Theory Weight Date Administered
Administered
Exam 1 25% 3 For exam dates:
Exam 2 25% 6 https://colss-
Exam 3 25% 9 prod.ec.galencollege.edu/Student
Final Exam 4 25% 11/12 Go to: Academics -> Schedule.
Total 100%
Learners much achieve a minimum cumulative course average of 74% to pass the course.
Laboratory Dosage Unit/Week
Requirement Date Administered
Calculation Test Administered
Attempt 1: 4 Attempt 1: As assigned
Pass / Fail
Dosage Calculation Test Attempt 2: TBD Attempt 2: As needed
(Pass = 90%)
Attempt 3: TBD Attempt 3: As needed
Learners must achieve a score of at least 90% within three attempts to meet the requirements and pass the course.
Laboratory Written
Requirement Unit/Week Due Date Due
Assignments
End of Week 5
Lab Reflective Journal 2 Day 7 11:59 ET
End of Week 10
Learners must “Pass” each written assignment to meet the requirements and pass the course.
Clinical Packets Requirement Unit/Week Due Date Due
Pass/Fail
A total of one (1)
satisfactory clinical
packet is required to
Clinical Packet (1) As Assigned As Assigned
pass. The packet
submitted must have a
physical assessment and
narrative note
satisfactory or better.
Clinical Written
Requirement Unit/Week Due Date Due
Assignments
Teaching Plan (1) Pass/Fail As Assigned As Assigned
Pass/Fail
SPICES Assessment (1) As Assigned As Assigned
(Pass = 74 %)
Clinical – Evaluation Requirement Unit/Week Due Date Due
Satisfactory (S) /
Clinical Evaluation As Assigned As Assigned
Unsatisfactory (U)
Learners must “Pass” each written assignment and achieve a satisfactory (“S”) in the clinical evaluation to meet the requirements
and pass the course.
Galen College of Nursing – NUR 257 Syllabus Template – Version 4-1 4
Course Syllabus
Course Information:
Course Name Concepts of Aging and Chronic Illness in Nursing
Course Number NUR 257
Course Section Number 02D02
Quarter Credit Hours 6 Quarter Credit Hours: [3 theory; 1 lab; 2 clinical]
Contact Hours Twelve weeks: [36 theory; 24 lab; 72 clinical]
Prerequisites NUR 230 or NUR 231
Co-requisites N/A
Course Location See Student Self Service for information. Select Academics > Schedule.
Times and locations are subject to change.
Course Meeting Days/Times
Engaged lectures, seminars, multimedia, internet, textbooks, written
Methods of Instruction assignments, small group work, and faculty-supervised learning laboratory
practice.
Faculty reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this course
Changes to Syllabus syllabus. Learners will be notified in writing of any changes in a timely
fashion.
Faculty Information:
Faculty Joe Mercado MSN-Ed., RN
Office Location Zoom – by Appointment ONLY
Zoom – by Appointment – check Calendly link:
Office Hours
https://calendly.com/jmercado-jls
Phone Number(s) 813-435-9612
Email Address (Preferred method of contact)
Course Catalog Description:
This course focuses on the care of patients experiencing chronic disruptions in health. Gerontology, principles of
chronic health disorders and nursing care of the aging will be explored in a variety of healthcare settings. Learners
will study concepts of the nursing care of patients and families experiencing chronic illness and pain as well as
patients and families experiencing the grieving process. In addition, emphasis will be provided on the role of the
registered nurse in health promotion, rehabilitation, maintenance, and restoration of health of individuals and
families across the life span. Clinical experiences offer learners the opportunity to use established professional
standards, guidelines, competencies, and best practices to provide safe, patient-centered care in a variety of
healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed upon the physical and developmental needs of the older adult.
Galen College of Nursing – NUR 257 Syllabus Template – Version 4-1 1
,Textbooks & Resources:
Ignatavicius, D. D., Rebar, C. R., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2024). Medical-
surgical nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and collaborative care (11th
ed.). Elsevier. 9780323878265
Required Textbook(s) Silvestri, L. A., & Silvestri, A. E. (2023). Saunders comprehensive review for the
NCLEX-RN® examination (9th ed.). Elsevier. 9780323795302
Touhy. T. A. & Jett K. F. (2022). Ebersole And Hess' Gerontological Nursing &
Healthy Aging, (6th Edition). Elsevier. 9780323698030
Horntvedt, T. (2023). Dimensional analysis: Calculating dosage safely (3rd
ed.). F.A. Davis. 9781719646284
Recommended Textbook(s)
Vallerand, A. H., & Sanoski, C. A. (n.d.). Davis’s drug guide for nurses (Current
ed.). F. A. Davis.
Additional Information:
Student Portal https://my.galencollege.edu/
Galen Website www.galencollege.edu
For a current edition of the Student Catalog students may visit either the
Student Catalog
Galen website or the myGalen student portal.
For 24/7 technical support with Canvas, you can contact our Canvas
Helpdesk:
- If you are already logged in to Canvas, press the “Help” button on the
bottom left of the screen and make your selection (Phone, Support Ticket,
Chat).
Canvas 24/7 Help Line
- If you are not logged in to Canvas, you can access the same support
options with the following information:
• By Telephone: (855) 680-0125
• By support ticket: http://help.instructure.com
• By chat: https://cases.canvaslms.com/liveagentchat?chattype=student
• By email:
Courses are augmented on the web utilizing the Canvas Learning
Management System. On the first day of class, students will be oriented to
the learning system. Students will access the course syllabus and content
Web-Enhanced Access
through this network. https://classroom.galencollege.edu. This network will
also provide access to student course grades, a means to submit
assignments, and handouts the faculty may post for you.
Galen College of Nursing – NUR 257 Syllabus Template – Version 4-1 2
,Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs):
1. Safe, Patient-Centered Care – Provide safe, patient-centered nursing care using evidence-based practice while
managing multiple patients.
2. Caring Behaviors – Integrate caring behaviors when managing nursing care for diverse patients, families, and
communities.
3. Communication – Integrate effective communication skills to promote safety and support decision making
while managing patient care.
4. Clinical Judgment – Incorporate clinical judgment to ensure quality outcomes when managing patient care.
5. Collaboration – Participate in collaborative relationships to improve patient outcomes when managing nursing
care for diverse patients, families, and communities.
6. Leadership – Integrate leadership skills in a variety of healthcare settings when managing care for diverse
patient populations.
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs):
1. Demonstrate safe patient-centered nursing care using evidence-based practice for patients with chronic or age-
related problems. (PSLO 1)
2. Demonstrate caring behaviors when providing nursing care for patients with chronic or age-related problems.
(PSLO 2)
3. Demonstrate effective communication skills to promote safety and support decision making when caring for
patients with chronic or age-related problems. (PSLO 3)
4. Apply clinical judgment to ensure quality outcomes when providing care to patients with chronic or age-related
problems. (PSLO 4)
5. Determine collaborative relationships needed to provide and improve patient care for patients with chronic or
age-related problems. (PSLO 5)
6. Develop leadership skills required to provide care for patients with, chronic or age-related problems. (PSLO 6)
Course Requirements:
1. Achieve a minimum cumulative course average of 74%.
2. Achieve a score of at least 90% on the dosage calculation test.
3. Achieve a “Satisfactory” on each lab reflective journal.
4. Achieve a “Pass” on the teaching plan in clinical.
5. Achieve a “Satisfactory” on the SPICES Assessment and Reflection in clinical.
6. Achieve a “Pass” on the clinical packet.
7. Achieve a “Satisfactory” on the clinical evaluation.
Galen College of Nursing – NUR 257 Syllabus Template – Version 4-1 3
, Final Course Grade Determination & Exam/Assignment Schedule:
Unit/Week
Theory Weight Date Administered
Administered
Exam 1 25% 3 For exam dates:
Exam 2 25% 6 https://colss-
Exam 3 25% 9 prod.ec.galencollege.edu/Student
Final Exam 4 25% 11/12 Go to: Academics -> Schedule.
Total 100%
Learners much achieve a minimum cumulative course average of 74% to pass the course.
Laboratory Dosage Unit/Week
Requirement Date Administered
Calculation Test Administered
Attempt 1: 4 Attempt 1: As assigned
Pass / Fail
Dosage Calculation Test Attempt 2: TBD Attempt 2: As needed
(Pass = 90%)
Attempt 3: TBD Attempt 3: As needed
Learners must achieve a score of at least 90% within three attempts to meet the requirements and pass the course.
Laboratory Written
Requirement Unit/Week Due Date Due
Assignments
End of Week 5
Lab Reflective Journal 2 Day 7 11:59 ET
End of Week 10
Learners must “Pass” each written assignment to meet the requirements and pass the course.
Clinical Packets Requirement Unit/Week Due Date Due
Pass/Fail
A total of one (1)
satisfactory clinical
packet is required to
Clinical Packet (1) As Assigned As Assigned
pass. The packet
submitted must have a
physical assessment and
narrative note
satisfactory or better.
Clinical Written
Requirement Unit/Week Due Date Due
Assignments
Teaching Plan (1) Pass/Fail As Assigned As Assigned
Pass/Fail
SPICES Assessment (1) As Assigned As Assigned
(Pass = 74 %)
Clinical – Evaluation Requirement Unit/Week Due Date Due
Satisfactory (S) /
Clinical Evaluation As Assigned As Assigned
Unsatisfactory (U)
Learners must “Pass” each written assignment and achieve a satisfactory (“S”) in the clinical evaluation to meet the requirements
and pass the course.
Galen College of Nursing – NUR 257 Syllabus Template – Version 4-1 4
