Semester Three Nursing Orientation and Guidelines (Comprehensive notes)
Course materials and setup
Semester three focused nursing program with three basic textbooks: Maternal Child Concepts for Nursing Practice by Giddens; plus a broader set of resources listed in Canvas. Some students may prefer a physical copy; a paper copy is acceptable and encouraged for easy reading.
Updated Nursing Student Handbook accessible in Canvas courses (didactic and clinical sections). One ethical agreement is at the end for signature; all students have one week to complete the agreement process.
The handbook and resources emphasize the use of the college’s general website and student services for support; keep contact numbers handy.
Safe Medicaid information and policy reside in the clinical Canvas course; expect updates to handles on clinical procedures and documentation.
Textbook and resource access and updates are part of the course administration; if there are issues with access, contact the instructor or the Canvas help resources.
General expectation: textbooks, resources, and the handbook form the knowledge foundation; use them to connect concepts across maternity, pediatric, and mental health units.
Key concepts and course structure
Semester three emphasizes implementation of learned material through clinical practice and mentorship, combining theory with practical decision-making.
Theory and clinical experiences are integrated: you will rotate through maternity, medical (basic medical-nursing concepts), pediatrics, and mental health across the semester.
Topics to cover include: ethics, professional behavior, clinical attire, and patient care standards.
Emphasis on self-management and balance: balance study time with life responsibilities; plan ahead to prevent stress and burnout.
Ethics, professionalism, and conduct
You will sign one ethical agreement at the end of the handbook; the process requires completing it within one week.
Public sharing of patient information or any identifying data is strictly prohibited; maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
Dress code and professional appearance are required in all clinical settings and campus-related activities.
No sharing of equipment or information that could compromise patient care; maintain privacy and professional boundaries in all settings.
If any issues arise in a clinical setting, approach the supervising faculty for resolution rather than trying to handle alone.
Breaks and professional conduct: maintain civility with peers; avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior during lectures and clinical sessions.
Dress code and appearance
Nursing student attire is expected to be professional and consistent with the program’s standards.
Approved navy blue nursing student association gear and one approved navy blue sweatshirt are acceptable.
Avoid bright, flashy colors or expensive patterns that could be distracting in clinical environments.
Hair should be neat and professional; long hair should be secured to prevent contamination or safety issues during patient care.
Mentoring, attendance, and course logistics
Mentoring: you are expected to meet with faculty at least once per semester; use drop boxes provided for submissions and take screenshots of scores to verify completion.
Attendance: two rubrics are used to sign in—one at the beginning of class and another after the break.
Use of devices: bring your own devices (laptops, tablets) for presentations and note-taking; bring chargers and be prepared with extension cords if available.
PBSC institutional email (PBSC.edu) is used for official communications; ensure it is active and checked regularly.
Canvas and IT support: use Canvas help or the college help desk for technical issues; live support is available.
Net tickets: online cohorts and online discussions require professional behavior; treat online interactions with the same rigor as in-person.
Grading, assessments, and progression
Exam structure: six unit exams, each worth 10%, totaling 60% of the course grade.
Final exam: worth 20% of the course grade.
Overall exam component: 60% (unit exams) + 20% (final) = 80% of the grade based on exams.
Non-exam components (participation, assignments, HESI score) contribute the remaining 20%.
Passing threshold: a final course grade must reach at least 74.5% (Canvas rounds 74.5 up to 75%). If the unit exam average is below 74.5, the additional components cannot compensate.
Grading formula (conceptual):
Let U be the average percentage on the six unit exams:
Let F be the final exam percentage.
Let P be the percentage from participation, assignments, and HESI.
Course grade:
Grade rounding: Canvas automatically rounds any grade of 74.5 or higher up to the next whole number (e.g., 74.5 → 75).
Midterms, finals, and makeups: if a regular CAT/Litter exam is missed, the makeup is an essay format and must be completed within one week.
Examination locations: exams are distributed in the nursing computer lab; show college ID (PBSC) to verify identity; driver’s licenses are not acceptable as IDs.
Cheating policy: do not use or present someone else’s identity for exams; this kind of misconduct is strictly prohibited and will be addressed.
Passport, assignments, and rubrics
Passports: due before midnight of your next class; plan ahead and pace yourself across the semester to avoid last-minute stress.
Rubrics: there is a standardized rubric for group projects and case discussions; there is a two-point reference requirement for citations/references.
References: include reference sources for knowledge claims; even when using a textbook, note the textbook as the reference to maximize points.
Case maps and knowledge application: ensure case maps are grounded in textbook materials and core nursing concepts.
Deadlines vs due dates: the term used may shift between “due date” and “deadline”; plan to submit on or before the deadline to avoid penalties and stress.
Clinicals, Safe Medicaid, and rotations
Safe Medicaid policy: located in the clinical Canvas course; it is a separate, structured module for clinical practice.
Scheduling: Safe Medicaid sessions start at 09:00 on assigned days (Wednesday or Thursday) and are held in rooms designated by the clinical faculty; arrive 10–15 minutes early to locate your room and faculty.
Group assignments: sections are divided into groups A and B; group A typically meets Wednesday; group B typically meets Thursday; times can vary by group and by day.
Exams for Safe Medicaid: some days include an exam (e.g., 09:30 for certain groups); ensure you know your section and exam time.
Clinical rotations: you will be assigned to maternity and pediatrics; locations and clinical placements are posted in the clinical Canvas course and the clinical schedule.
Orientation: new clinical faculty orientation occurs; you will be oriented to your unit and hospital specifics; you’ll meet your supervising clinical instructor.
EVOLVE and ISBAR: clinical activities include SIM charts and ISBAR documentation; you will complete two SIM charts and document patient interactions using ISBAR.
Hours and documentation: log hours carefully; there is a performance improvement plan to track hours and ensure compliance; you may need physician or NP notes after injuries or medical issues before returning to clinical rotations.
Absences and makeup days: notify your clinical supervisor and instructor of any absence; makeup days are scheduled around the midterm evaluations and near final evaluations; you may have a half-day in hospitals for evaluations.
Equipment and tools: bring your clinical tools of the trade; be prepared for hospital ports and unit-specific requirements; dress code applies in clinical settings as well as on campus.
Service-learning component: due December 5 via the Canvas prompt; involves patient-facing activities (no patient identifiers); you will submit photographs or screenshots of ISBAR or portfolio entries rather than retyping detailed notes.
Simulation schedule: the new simulation lab is opening; simulations will be posted in the clinical course; you will do three simulations this semester; OB simulations will require a pre-simulation quiz (about 10 questions) with no fixed due date; bring a screenshot of quiz completion to the session.
Simulation logistics: simulations occur in the ETA Building; expect a state-of-the-art simulation environment; some simulations may occur in the previous space if the new lab is not fully ready; a monitor will indicate which simulation is in which room.
Feedback: after each simulation, you will complete a QR code feedback survey on the experience.
Simulation content: simulations are built on prior knowledge, with two new concepts this semester (including addiction in some modules); there will be an OB math component for pediatrics scenarios; expect additional activities in Safe Medicaid for pediatrics.
Study resources and personal development
Additional nursing resources module in Canvas (third or fourth module from the top): contains tools for prioritization, with videos and guidance on how to approach priority questions; printable ABCs strategies and guidance on what to look for in the questions to identify the correct answer.
Self-care: emphasize caring for yourself as a nursing professional; when you take care of your mind and body, you perform better in clinical settings.
Time management and deadlines: deadlines exist for quizzes, passports, and tasks; plan ahead and avoid last-minute cramming.
Study strategies: prioritize why questions and underlying mechanisms (the why) behind clinical decisions; engage in discussions to build understanding.
Resources for further help: if you’re struggling, use the course’s resources, instructors, peers, and the student services to establish a support system.
Special opportunities and globalization
Berlin study abroad program: next year in spring during spring break; a globalization in nursing initiative offering insights into German health care, nursing education, and hospital systems.
Credits and transcript: program participation may be recorded under GEA 2952 (Globalization in Nursing) on the transcript and resume; it’s an opportunity to gain international exposure and compare health care delivery systems.
Eligibility: all students are eligible to apply; the itinerary includes nursing schools, hospitals, and health system tours in Germany; results can enhance resumes and professional profiles.
Administrative and support details
IT and access issues: Canvas help and PBSC IT support available; contact help desks or live support when needed; ensure you have functioning access to Evolve, ISBAR, and simulation modules.
CompTIA and licenses: there are reminders about expiration and renewal of licenses or key credentials; instructors will guide you on renewal steps and process.
Orientation and welcome messages: faculty will welcome you to the semester; emphasis on teamwork, professional growth, and using every opportunity to learn from clinical experiences.
Community and service learning: opportunities exist to contribute to local health fairs, nursing homes, clinics, and community organizations; all activities must involve patient care or direct patient education; you should operate within the county and under school supervision for any service activities.
Administrative reminders: keep track of sections, schedules, and times; verify your Canvas section code (e.g., NUR 2261-2-4-5-6) and your assigned group; stay aware of where you will take exams, attend Safe Medicaid sessions, and where your clinicals are located.
Final reminders: stay focused, manage stress, and use the yellow form during discussions to keep talks organized and ensure everyone has a chance to contribute without interrupting others.
Quick strategic tips for success in Semester Three
Start now: begin researching and preparing for assignments early; use the two SIM charts at the start of the semester as practice.
Read and reference: always include references for your concept maps and assignments; cite textbook sources when possible.
Ask questions: understanding the why behind procedures improves outcomes and exam performance.
Plan breaks and balance: manage workload with scheduled breaks to prevent burnout.
Maintain professional communications: use PBSC email and Canvas for all communications; keep a professional tone in all messages.
Prepare for clinicals: know your section, days, times, and the location of your clinical site; arrive early with required gear and documentation; be ready to adapt to unit-specific requirements.
Notable upcoming dates and items mentioned
Ethical agreement: signed at the end of the handbook; one week to complete.
Passport deadlines: due before the next class; exact dates depend on schedule.
Safe Medicaid start times: typically 09:00 on assigned days; first day orientation in the designated rooms with clinical faculty.
Simulation lab opening: new lab being opened; expect updated spaces and new equipment; simulation schedules posted in the clinical course; OB simulations require a pre-simulation quiz.
Berlin study abroad: scheduled for next spring break; participants can gain global nursing perspectives and add to their transcript.
If you have questions or concerns about any of these items, reach out to your clinical faculty or the course coordinators. The list above covers the major and minor points discussed in the orientation and aims to prepare you for a successful Semester Three.