Tuesday - Baylor DABSN Orientation and Foundations Notes:

Welcome to Baylor LHSON Nursing

This orientation provides essential information to help you succeed, emphasizing personal, professional, and spiritual development to fulfill your calling as a nurse. Keep the orientation recording (transcript) handy for any later questions.

Student Services: Your Support Network

Student Services, based in Dallas for nursing school, offers comprehensive navigation assistance, with additional resources in Waco. Their main goal is to provide general program and personal navigation support.

Key Student Services Personnel and Their Roles:

• Director of Student Services: Introduced her team who helps kick off the program.

• Dr. Howden: Your primary faculty contact, assists with class officer elections, and student involvement.

• Tina: Main general contact for questions and coordination.

• Lauren Noble: Dedicated career services counselor for nursing students. Aids with resumes, cover letters, mock interviews, and career fairs specifically for nursing.

• Shannon (Shan): Our care case manager. Provides mental health resources (telehealth, Sparrow House, Baylor Live 24/7, nutrition counseling, etc.), emergency assistance, referrals, and early outreach for health concerns. Reach out early to help skip long wait times; proactive referrals and check-ins can prevent bigger issues.

• Chaplain (Spiritual Life): Baylor has its own chaplain for confidential pastoral care, spiritual support, missions, and community service. The Chaplain position is currently open, so contact the main Baylor Spiritual Life Office for now. The Chaplain offers confidential support for spiritual matters. Most other faculty and staff are mandatory Title IX/Clery reporters!

Academic Structure and Program Delivery

Our accelerated 12-month program is short but intense. It requires an average of 45-50 hours per week, increasing to ~60 hours during exam weeks.

Course Types:

• Didactic (Lectures): Synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on my own time).

• Lab (Health Assessment & Professional Nursing Practice): Includes both online components and mandatory on-campus immersions.

• Clinicals: Consist of 7 rotations total at sites across Texas.

Program Schedule Layout:

1. Pre-immersion (First 5 Weeks): Daily live sessions to build our foundation.

2. Immersion: In-person labs and simulations. We will have 2 immersions this year for hands-on practice before clinicals, usually 3 days each. Immersion is a great time to meet face-to-face and bond with your cohort. There will also be a Baylor bookstore session to get gear. Expect orientation and tours, and a manual will cover housing (e.g., Home2 Suites).

3. Post-immersion: Clinical rotations begin, typically scheduled Wednesday through Saturday; Mondays and Tuesdays are often reserved for exams or live sessions.

Clinical Rotations Breakdown (Total 700 hours):

• Fall: 1 clinical rotation (your first).

• Spring: 3 rotations (Med/Surg, Mental Health, Community).

• Summer: 3 rotations (Med/Surg, another Med/Surg or similar, Childbearing/Child Rearing – OB/Peds).

• Capstone (Transition to Practice): Your final 10 shifts with a preceptor.

Clinical Logistics and Scheduling Realities:

• Models: Clinical supervision can be Group (up to 10 students with a faculty supervisor on-site), Precepted (you with a preceptor on-site, plus remote faculty supervision), or Hybrid (a mix of on-site and remote supervision).

• Realities: Clinical sites are busy onboarding new hires, so student spots might be limited. Get ready for night shifts and Saturdays, which are common for all rotations.

• Scheduling Requests: You can only ask for 1 date off using the form. It must be a major life event (e.g., immediate family wedding/graduation) and requires documentation (invitation/invite). No guarantees! You cannot request days off for work or vacations; the trimester calendar sets our breaks.

• Patient Safety: Limits on what we can do (e.g., no hanging blood). Simulations help us practice safely.

Key Resources and Tools

• Bear ID & Duo: Your Bear ID and password get you into email, Canvas, library, and Bearweb. Duo two-factor authentication is required! Set up a backup device (like another phone/tablet) for when your main one inevitably dies.

• Canvas: The Student Services Canvas course, available in the Fall, will host calendars for virtual/in-person events and student organization meetings (many meet around lunch, especially Mondays). Set up Canvas notifications, especially for announcements!

• Textbooks & Evolve: Textbooks are included in course fees! Access them fast via Baylor bookstore and Elsevier Evolve. Evolve resources include ebooks, Shadow Health (virtual simulation!), and SurePath (curated textbook resources). Instructors provide Course IDs for SurePath/Shadow Health (these are their specific resources).

  • Accessing Ebooks: Baylor bookstore sends codes a few days before classes start. Use "My Bookshelf" in Evolve. Features: highlighting, bookmarks, notes, flashcards.

  • Canvas Integration: Evolve links aren't directly in Canvas due to privacy. Use evolve.elsevier.com and MyEbooks/MyLibrary.

Uniforms, Equipment, and Identification

• Uniforms: Baylor green Landau scrubs. They recommend 2 tops & 2 pants sets.

• Attachments/Accessories: White coats for clinicals, pinning, some orientations. Lab coats and stethoscopes are in our kit.

• Shoes: Solid black or white, nonpermeable material (no big logos!).

• Undershirts: Solid black or white.

• Stethoscope: Basic adult dual-sided needed. Penlight comes in our skills kit.

• Scrub Jackets/Fleeces: Scrub jacket okay during the day. Fleeces not allowed on units (infection control!).

• Badges: Gold name tag with your name, plus one photo ID badge. Needed for immersion/clinicals. Some sites print their own.

• Skills Kit: Included in fees! 10 for shipping/handling (needs a physical address, no PO Box).

Accessibility, Accommodations, and Support Services (OLA)

• OLA (Office of Access and Learning Accommodations): For equal access accommodations (e.g., extra time on exams, private testing).

• Process: OLA must formally approve accommodations; faculty cannot directly approve them.

• Turnaround Times: Minimum 2 weeks to process, often 8-10 weeks! Plan early! If you've had accommodations before or think you'll need them, apply early with documentation. You can choose when to use them once approved.

• Nursing-Specific Considerations: OLA evaluates things like night-shift limits due to health conditions. After approval, share confidential letters with faculty and meet to discuss implementation. OLA website/contacts provided; staff are very helpful!

Tutoring and Academic Support

• Tutoring: Provided by a former student who understands nursing education. Focuses on Pathopharmacology and Human Needs. Zoom tutoring is live, not recorded. Try to attend live!

• Schedule: Times are set to fit class schedules and clinicals. Calendar updates on Canvas. Cohort-specific tutoring helps connect concepts and practice questions. You can ask the tutor directly about their approach (e.g., visuals). Availability depends on their schedule.

• Other Support: Faculty office hours, plus Tina, Shan, and Dr. Howden are also there to help.

Involvement and Student Life

• Immersion and Enrollment: Even as online students, we are Baylor Bears and get full access to all resources (telehealth, virtual Counseling Center, etc.). Digital IDs are available, physical badges are given at immersions (needed for building access and clinical sites).

• Dapson Nursing Buddies: Mentoring program started years ago. Sign up with a QR code during immersion to be paired with a mentor who's finished the second trimester for practical tips.

• Clubs: Bears for the Cure, Bears Helping Hearts, Catholic Student Nurse Association, Multicultural Student Nurses Association, Nurses Christian Fellowship. Plus veteran and first-gen groups.

• Class Officer Elections and Student Governance: Elections for President, Social Chair, Chaplain, and two Liaison roles (BSNA & MSNA). Each of the first four roles links to a school committee (e.g., President = Academic Policies Committee). We'll discuss elections more during immersion. These groups help build leadership skills, like on a hospital unit.

• Practical Guidance for Involvement: Involvement is optional, but it's a good way to build connections and support!

Time Management, Study Strategies, and Mindset for Success

• Plan Ahead: Use calendar blocking for synchronous/asynchronous classes. Make sure there’s time for studying and personal life. Daily/weekly planning prevents being overwhelmed. Include self-care and breaks. Keep a routine: stay hydrated, eat, exercise!

• Study Tips: Shorter study sessions with breaks are better than all-day marathons. Stay hydrated! (Water breaks = 10-minute walk breaks). Know your learning style (visual, auditory?) and tailor study methods (notes, flashcards, reading).

• Mindset: Stay positive! Remember why you're doing nursing (keep a visual reminder!). Don't let challenges spiral; reframe them as solvable problems. Acknowledge emotions: Nursing school is hard – highs (patient wins) and lows (tough tests). It's okay to feel overwhelmed; process those emotions instead of burying them.

• Proactive Communication: Be proactive with faculty: Email/call for office hours. Come with specific questions from readings/modules.

Quick Takeaways for Success

• Prioritize: Time management and self-care! Use scheduling apps and Canvas/Email notifications.

• Use the Support Network: Faculty, Shan, Tina, Lauren Noble, chaplain, OLA, Sparrow House. Reach out early!

• Student Handbook: Review dress code, uniform details, clinical attire. Get gear before immersion.

• Flexibility & Patience: Clinical scheduling is complex due to site capacity/onboarding.

• Final Encouragement: Congrats on getting in! This year will be huge for growth. Keep your goals in mind, balance study with well-being, and ask for help early! Look out for textbook setup sessions with Baylor Bookstore/Elsevier to ensure access codes/ebooks work. Prep for immersion and clinical logistics.

Key Numerical References to Remember

• Weekly Time Commitment (typical): 45-50 hours a week.

• Pre-Exam Weeks Workload: About 60 hours a week.

• Total Clinical Hours Across Rotations: 700 hours.

• On-Campus Immersion Duration: 3 days.

• Clinical Rotations: 7 total (1 Fall, 3 Spring, 3 Summer); Capstone = 10 shifts.

• Skills Kit Shipping: 10 dollars.

• Scrubs: Recommend 2 sets.

• Accommodations Processing: Minimum 2 weeks; often 8-10 weeks for approval.

Notable Concepts and Terms to Remember

• Shadow Health: Virtual simulation in Evolve.

• SurePath: Instructor-picked textbook resources in Evolve.

• OLA: Office of Access and Learning Accommodations.

• Bear ID & Duo: Your login and two-factor authentication.

• Immersions: On-campus, hands-on labs/simulations.

• Residency Models: Group, precepted, hybrid clinical supervision.

• Mentoring Program: Dapson Nursing Buddies.

• Student Governance: Class officers, Academic Policies Committee, etc.

Contact Pointers (Who to Ask for What!)

• General navigation/non-clinical: Director of Student Services (can ask Tina!).

• Nursing-specific questions/faculty coordination: Your faculty and Dr. Howden.

• Career help: Lauren Noble.

• Mental health/confidential: Shan (care case manager) and Sparrow House (telehealth).

• Clinical scheduling: Christine and Melissa (Clinical Placement Team).

• OLA accommodations: OLA website/contact info.

---START OF AFTERNOON NOTES---

Afternoon Welcome to Baylor LHSON Nursing!

Welcome to Baylor LHSON nursing! Keep the QR code for the shared Box folder (PowerPoints, PDFs - didactic stuff) handy. The orientation was recorded and is available on Canvas. A chapter reading guide will be coming soon to the shared folder.

Lead Faculty and Contacts:

• Dr. Lina (Angelina) Wynn: Lead faculty for NURS 3330 sections 1 & 2. Specializes in underserved populations, health promotion, diabetes/cardiometabolic issues (especially Vietnamese Americans).

  • Contact Dr. Wynn: Angelina_wynn@baylor.edu (email preferred), can also text. IMPORTANT: always state your section in emails/texts!

  • Office hours (first 5 weeks): M/W/F 9am-3pm, T/Th 3pm-5pm. Can schedule other times via QR code.

• Lab Coordinator: Dr. Liz Szabo (Navy nurse, specializes in population health - contact info given).

• Chain of Command: Your theory/lab faculty first, then Dr. Szabo (lab coord.). Know who to contact!

NURS 3330: Intro to Professional Nursing Practice

Course Overview & Structure:

• Two Parts:

  • Theory (2 credits): Online, tests either in person or remotely on campus.

  • Lab (1 credit): Online components + ~2 weeks in-person immersions.

• Total: Theory 2 cr, Lab 1 cr.

• This course connects psychomotor skills, nursing process, and nurse-patient relations. It builds on Fundamentals and Health Assessment.

• Two Canvas Shells: Theory (Potter & Perry textbook) and Lab (sims & immersions).

• Grading: Theory is 66% of our total grade, Lab is 34% (check grading section for details).

• Focus: Human Needs Framework (holistic care: body, mind, spirit). Emphasizes physiological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual needs (bolded ones are key for us). NCLEX-RN aligned! Patient safety, medication names, and critical thinking are important.

Human Needs Framework & Interdisciplinary Care:

• Holistic care = Body, Mind, Spirit. Working with an interdisciplinary team (doctors, RDs, PTs, etc.) is key.

• Four domains in the Human Needs Framework (we focus on the bolded ones: physiological, psychological, sociological, spiritual).

• Informatics/technology is big for documentation & patient data.

Course Objectives & Topics:

• Our Goals: Master nursing skills, apply nursing process, link theory to real patient care.

• Use human needs framework for holistic care.

• Act professionally in EVERYTHING we do.

• Topics follow NCLEX-RN plan. Critical thinking & clinical reasoning are huge.

• Lab Topics: Safe patient mobility, exercise, med administration, infection control, invasive skills (NG/Foley), surgical incisions, wound care.

• Teamwork & working with other professionals is important. Documentation & informatics for care planning/records.

Course Resources & Materials:

• Main Resources: Canvas, textbooks, SurePath (for practice questions).

• Required: Potter & Perry (main theory book) + SurePath (sometimes called SHP). Some other optional stuff too.

• Get VitalSource Bookshelf app for mobile textbook access.

• Remember two Canvas courses: Theory & Lab. They overlap but have separate modules.

• Med math help: live faculty sessions + Evolve/Elsevier resources. Textbook help session first week (don't miss it!).

Assessments & Grading Structure

• Grade Breakdown:

  • Theory: 66% of total grade. Midterm & Final are roughly 25-30% each. Quizzes/assignments are the rest.

  • Lab: The other 34%. This includes CPE, mini-lab check-offs, and online lab activities.

• To Pass: You must achieve all of the following:

  • Overall course average must be >= 71%.

  • Weighted exam average (Midterm + Final) must be >= 71%.

  • CPE (Clinical Practice Experience) is 22% of our grade - we MUST get at least 71% on it.

  • Mini-med lab check-off is 3%.

• Online Lab Components: Demo videos (subQ/IM injections), sterile dressing, sim labs, discussion posts. All contribute to the lab grade.

• Online Exams: Midterm & Final. Final is COMPREHENSIVE (midterm content + new stuff, with new stuff heavier).

• Final Exam: Includes BOTH theory and lab.

• Theory Exams: NCLEX-style: multiple choice, multiple select, fill-in-the-blank, short answer.

• Makeup Exams: Only for documented illness/emergencies (family death etc.) with coordinator approval (usually within a week). Might be a different format (essay, fill-in-the-blank, etc.) with 30-40% alt-format questions. Doctor's note might be needed.

• Med Math Exam:

  • Written by LHSON faculty.

  • TWO attempts during immersions.

  • MUST get at least 90%.

  • Calculators allowed.

  • Med math book with practice questions included with textbooks. Dr. Nguyen and Brown will host special coaching sessions.

• No grades are rounded! 71% means 71%, not 70.something%.

• Exam Prep: Faculty give blueprints, study guides, practice questions. SurePath quizzes are great for practice. Case studies/extra practice recommended but not mandatory.

Immersions, Labs, & Practical Skills

• Immersions: ~2 weeks intensive on-campus labs, probably late August/early September (schedule TBD). Labs are on 2nd and 3rd floors of the Sim Building.

• Online Labs: Demo videos for subQ/IM injections, sterile dressing, sim labs, critical thinking prompts.

• In-Lab Skills: CPEs & mini check-offs. The big CPE (a significant part of your grade!) requires mastery of patient safety + nursing skills in a 25-minute scenario.

• Goal: Take theory to hands-on skills and apply the nursing process in real situations.

Attendance, Participation, & Engagement

• Attendance is MANDATORY! Need to attend at least 80% of theory AND lab sessions to pass the course.

• Cameras ON for live sessions (unless brief absence). Instructors watch engagement with two screens!

• Live Sessions: T/Th.

  • Section 1: 9am-11am

  • Section 2 & 3: 11:30am-1:30pm

  • Week 4: NO live NURS 3330 sessions (optional review offered).

• Engage! Do active learning, case studies, practice questions. READ and PREP before live sessions.

Dress Code, Appearance, & Clinical Policies

• Clinical Dress Code:

  • Green scrubs (check handbook for specifics!)

  • Solid white or black undershirt

  • White or black socks, appropriate shoes

  • Badges ON at all times (white name tag + Baylor ID).

• Hair: Back. Nails: Trimmed, clean, NO polish, NOT long (infection control, sterile field!).

• Tattoos: COVERED in clinicals. Piercings: Restrictions per clinical site (check handbook).

• Long-sleeve undershirt under scrubs is okay, but check with your specific clinical site about their rules.

• Get ready for labs: purchase/ship stethoscope. Lab kit has BP cuff, penlight, other assessment/clinical tools.

• Handbook has exact medical equipment/uniform details. Check Canvas announcements for updates!

Accommodations & Student Support

• Academic Accommodations: If you need help, contact OALA (Office of Access and Learning Accommodations). Requires documentation. Check Baylor website/OLA portal. Contact OALA EARLY if you need accommodations, especially before exams!

• Support Services:

  • Baylor Telehealth: FREE medical, nutrition, women's health, mental health services. Can get referrals for in-person.

  • Sparrow House Counseling (Dallas, telehealth statewide): Helps nurses with stress, anxiety, adjustment.

  • Care Team/Student Services: For financial, insurance, and other support.

• Use your support system: faculty, staff, class officers, peers. TALK EARLY if you need help - prevents issues!

Study Strategies & Tips from Students & Faculty

• Study Tips:

  • Read chapters! Use Canvas modules as 'cliff notes' and study guides. Use the chapter reading guide to focus. Try to be prepped for class.

  • Active learning is key: case studies, practice questions, application. Don't just passively read!

  • If you're a tactile learner, labs are GREAT for skills and sequencing. USE lab time to practice & build confidence!

• Exam Prep:

  • Expect NCLEX-style questions. FOCUS on understanding/applying concepts, NOT just memorizing.

  • SurePath EEQs are super helpful practice. Faculty will give us blueprints and study guides.

  • Study small: 2-person groups or one-on-one. AVOID big 8-10 person Zoom groups. 'Teach one, learn one' method works well for skills/understanding.

• Time Management & Self-Care:

  • Make a calendar with ALL deadlines. Backwards plan for study, family, work.

  • Schedule REST days! Past cohorts say it helps test scores. Self-care is important.

  • Balance family/school. Get family support involved in planning.

• Clinicals Tips:

  • ADVOCATE for yourself. Talk to preceptors about what you know/don't know.

  • Never done a skill? Ask to observe or be guided! Plan to do it later under supervision (e.g., Foleys, blood draws).

  • Mistakes happen - learn from them! Report, reflect, prevent repeat. NEVER reuse dropped meds!

  • Build rapport with patients and preceptors. Good communication + empathy = patient safety & learning.

• Job Prep:

  • Start residency research EARLY. Not everyone does one, but planning helps after graduation.

  • Get resume/cover letter ready early. Use campus resources (Tina, Lauren Noble, Baylor One Stop) for help.

PRE-START TO-DO:

• Clinical Compliance (BEFORE trimester starts!):

  • CPR, TB test, vaccines, clearances. Make sure blue card & immunizations are current for immersions/clinicals.

• Talk to family/support network:

  • Discuss the 12-month commitment, study spaces, good internet, quiet areas.

• Get required stuff:

  • Green scrubs, lab coat, stethoscope, lab kit (shipped from bookstore). Textbooks & access codes (get digital via VitalSource if you can!).

• Orientation/Account Setup:

  • Complete 3-4 hours of Canvas cohort modules (due Sept 2!). Turn on Canvas email notifications. Download SurePath & enroll in courses.

• Scheduling:

  • Review cohort calendar, find study partners, plan around exams (midterms, finals) and lab immersions.

• Textbook/Resources Help:

  • Session on Friday before classes start, 9:30am, with bookstore/Elsevier reps. Make sure we have Evolve/Elsevier access.

• Med Math Ready:

  • Math exam during immersions (2 attempts). Bring laptop and go to math sessions.

Practical Details & FAQs

• Q: How's grading calculated?

  • A: Course Grade G = 0.66 * T + 0.34 * L.

    • Theory (T) is 66%: Midterm + Final scores + quizzes/assignments. Weighted exam average must be >= 71%.

    • Lab (L) is 34%: CPE (22%), mini med check-off (3%), online lab activities. Overall lab performance helps course grade.

• Med Math Exam: 2 attempts, need >= 90% on each. Calculator allowed. Study guide & practice questions given in packet/live sessions.

• Dress Code Details: Long-sleeve undershirts, what colors. Ink (tattoos) covered. Piercings might be restricted depending on clinical site (check handbook!).

• Materials/Shipping: Lab kit + textbook access codes shipping info provided. Expect around 15-20 total for shipping (confirm with bookstore).

• Accommodations: Contact OALA! Do it early for exam/clinical support.

• Student Support: Telehealth, Sparrow House Counseling, care team available. Info on handout/Canvas.

Important Dates & Calendar Highlights

• Canvas Opens: By Aug 29 (might be sooner!).

• First Day of Class: Sept 2 (Tuesday).

• Live Theory Sessions: T/Th (check your section time).

• Week 4: NO live NURS 3330 sessions (optional review offered).

• Immersions: ~2 weeks on-campus labs. Schedule TBD by program, labs typically 3pm-6pm (tentative).

• Midterm & Final Dates: On cohort calendar (Final is comprehensive!).

• Textbook/Resource Help Session: Friday before classes, 9:30am.

Tips from Cohort 9!

• Grace & Peer Support: HUGE. Use our cohort network, form study groups, talk to class officers!

• Stress Management: Plan rest days before exams (don't overstudy!). Balance family, work, & school.

• Clinicals: Advocate for yourself, communicate with preceptors, practice good bedside communication. Remember patient autonomy/consent.

• Career: Start researching residencies vs. direct hire. Understand hospital missions, align your goals.

• Stay Organized: List all due dates, backward plan from deadlines, keep a visible schedule for family/study.

Ethics/Professional Stuff

• Patient safety & infection control: Why we have dress code & lab policies. They reflect clinical site rules.

• Be open about personal circumstances if needed; proactive communication with faculty helps you succeed.

• Respect patient autonomy (e.g., getting consent for us to do procedures) and cultural/religious needs in clinicals.

• Fair access to accommodations & resources - the school is here to support us.

Quick Reference (Important Numbers!)

• Overall Course Grade: G = 0.66 * T + 0.34 * L (Theory = T, Lab = L)

- Need >= 71% for overall course grade AND >= 71% weighted exam average.