Nursing Program Orientation: Fundamentals, Skills, Informatics, and Administrative Guidelines
Fundamentals recap
Opening note: class starts today; next week there are classes on Monday and Wednesday with tests and lectures; no clinical components for fundamentals.
Instructors: three instructors for fundamentals and skills mix — myself, Dr. Paul, and Miss Mason. If you haven’t met Miss Mason yet, she’ll be the course lead.
Skills course overview (4 hours per week):
You will spend 4 ext{ hours} in the skills lab each week.
In the past, lectures in class were followed by practicing the same content in the skills lab; now fundamentals and skills align more closely, and both reference the same platforms (CoursePoint Plus, LWW).
There is no formal test in skills, but you have prework to complete before coming to class to maximize in-class practice.
The aim is to hit the ground running in the skills lab with close instructor guidance to pinpoint errors and assess skill performance.
Prework expectations for everyone starting tomorrow: read readings, watch short videos, take quizzes, and come prepared.
Learner expectation: you are expected to be an adult learner, self-engaged and responsible; if reminders are needed repeatedly, it indicates not meeting expectations.
Prework deadline: by 08:00 on the first day for those starting tomorrow.
CoursePoint Plus access and color groups:
I previously sent a code for CoursePoint Plus; it ties to your color group, which is used to place you in your CRM and is usually alphabetical (color has no relation to appearance).
You’ll be working one-on-one with an instructor based on your color group/CRM.
Skills locker: next week you’ll receive a locker in the skills lab to store supplies and equipment; the equipment needed for labs will be placed in your locker (the cost is included in fees).
First-day pass may be allowed if you arrive late by necessity (e.g., using a walker), but after that you must hit the ground running.
Miss will assign you based on color groups/CRMs; lockers will be labeled with your name.
You can store your backpack and other items in the locker; keep the same locker combination throughout the semester (do not reset daily).
If supplies aren’t fully in the locker yet, they’ll be added; operation specialists can help with access and master keys, though ideally you keep the same combination.
Instructors and placement:
Four full-time instructors (including myself) plus four adjuncts will be involved.
You’ll be assigned to one instructor (or adjunct) per block, and Blackboard will show your instructor and color group for each block.
Example blocks: Block One (CRN based on your list), Room 301, instructors like Miss Strebich or Miss Costello; blocks are mapped to rooms and instructors, with two blocks sharing 301.
Skills lab attire and professionalism:
Daily dress: full uniform; hair up; one stud per ear (spacers allowed); ensure uniform is ironed (not wrinkled).
If you bought a lab T-shirt, you can wear it with scrub pants when/where appropriate; otherwise, wear full uniform.
Professional courtesy: address instructors by their last name with “Miss/Mr.” (e.g., Miss Garrett, Miss Costello, Doctor Hall). You may be corrected for not following this.
CoursePoint Plus vs. other platforms:
In CoursePoint Plus for fundamentals and skills: start with content, not immediately jumping to assignments.
Do not rely solely on the narrow set of tasks; ensure you understand the broader safety and learning objectives.
Fundamentals/Essentials platforms emphasize short, focused content with links to other classes; readings are not overly long.
Example navigation: go to chapter 1, view prep view, prelecture quiz, ebook, objectives, etc.; dates are listed, and due dates appear in the module.
Skills module structure (CoursePoint Plus):
Do not default to the assignment tab first; review the skill overview (the why behind the skill, potential unexpected situations, key knowledge).
If there’s a video, watch it; there may also be a quiz.
Checklists will be used in class (you may bring digital or printed copies, or access them via your own device).
Not all checklists are posted in CoursePoint Plus immediately; module details and checklists are consolidated in Blackboard (Module One, etc.).
Each module lists learning objectives, prework, skill overviews, videos, quizzes, and due dates; the spreadsheet also contains the corresponding tasks and dates.
Getting around the platform and calendars:
You’ll find related items in Blackboard under Online Classroom with module layouts.
There will be a skills calendar with dates and expectations; you’ll see the calendar in tomorrow’s overview.
Color cohorts, scheduling, and rooms:
Ensure you’re in the correct color cohort in LWW with the code provided; the code aligns with color groups and cohort assignments.
Dress and be prepared for the first day; uniform is required; scrubs and potential T-shirt depending on what you’ve purchased.
You may need to check both Blackboard and LWW for the most up-to-date information.
OARS accommodations and testing logistics:
If you have registered for OARS accommodations, you must inform the instructor two days before a test if you plan to test in the classroom instead of the testing center.
If you choose not to use accommodations for a test, inform the instructor at least by the deadline (e.g., for Fundamentals on Monday cohort, inform by Wednesday night or Thursday 8:00).
If you don’t indicate you’re using accommodations consistently, expectations should still be met; the team will accommodate when needed.
Advising and progress checks:
Assigned advisers: Miss Nardi or Miss Foreman (alphabet-based assignment); a second full-time faculty member serves as an adviser.
You meet with your adviser each semester to review planned hours, current performance, scholarship status, etc.
Advising memos are provided; you may receive a small prize if you have the right adviser.
Degree Works is the central tool to view your progress; access via Self-Service → Degree Works.
Doctor Hall will usually issue a memo around October; advisers will reach out to schedule appointments; continuous follow-up is expected.
FERPA forms and release of information:
FERPA release and release of information to clinical agencies are required for clinical placement and letters of recommendation.
You may choose to waive the right to review letters of recommendation (or not); if you waive, letters are sent without your prior review; if not, you can review the letter before it’s sent.
There is a formal process for requesting letters of recommendation, which can take longer; plan ahead.
The FERPA release also covers sharing information with clinical agencies when you request references or recommendations.
The policy emphasizes that these releases are for sharing student information with clinical sites and for formal recommendations; it’s not for family inquiries.
White Coat ceremony:
The ceremony is scheduled for September 20, 10:00–12:00, at Reynolds Auditorium.
Dress code and seating details will be emailed; family and friends may attend but seating is limited.
A demonstration on donning the white coat will be provided on stage.
Study abroad opportunities:
One interprofessional study abroad opportunity in May (Costa Rica) with OT; limited seats; information and interest form will be provided.
The trip lasts about eleven days (San Jose to Nicoya, blue zone, and back via Liberia) with intensive clinical exposure and interprofessional learning; this is not a casual trip.
Prework is required to participate; an informational session will be held in September.
Eligibility requires passing pediatrics (as you’ll work with pediatric patients during the trip) and meeting clinical hour requirements; hours exceed state board minimums due to interprofessional activity.
DocuCare and informatics (Ms. Vines and Dr. Dotson):
DocuCare has been upgraded and is no longer included in inclusive access; it must be purchased separately (the subscription can last two years if you already own the prior version).
You’ll use DocuCare in multiple classes (informatics, older adults, and skills); access codes are class-specific (one code per class: informatics, older adults, skills).
DocuCare is integrated into the learning platform: you log into DocuCare via the same GEAR/point system and see due items for the next seven days; you can also view upcoming assignments.
In informatics, you’ll learn through a hands-on orientation, navigating patient charts, demographics, assessments, notes, and care plans; you can create a clinical chart and document vitals and other data as practice.
Cohorts: Informatics (Cohort B) starts with orientation, module one on the first class; Older Adults (Cohort A) begins with the same approach; you won’t attend both informatics and older adult in the same term, but you’ll cycle between them across the semester.
If you’re not in Ms. Vines’ class but need help with DocuCare, you can email for assistance; the goal is to ensure everyone can engage with informatics to succeed.
ATI modules and other pharmacology content:
Pharmacology uses ATI Pharmacology Made Easy 5.0, continuing from Pharm 1; prework is due before the first class; Cohort A meets on Wednesdays 9:00–10:50; Cohort B meets on Mondays 9:00–10:50.
Older Adults class has separate scheduling (Cohort A meets 1:30–3:50 PM on Mondays/Wednesdays; clinicals on Tuesdays/Thursdays with variable times).
4 Rs of professional conduct (in Older Adults section):
Respect: treat everyone with respect and expect the same in return.
Resourceful: use critical thinking and available resources; dig deeper and look up unfamiliar terms; case studies help.
Resilience: recognizing the two-year program is challenging but manageable; take it one step at a time.
Responsible: act as professionals; seek help early if you’re struggling; we’re here to support you.
Homework and course setup reminders:
Everyone should have completed the UCA handbook signature for 2025–26; complete the FERPA and release forms as applicable.
Acknowledging that multiple forms may be present; keep track of what’s required for clinical sites and for letters of recommendation.
Additional notes on preparation and classroom culture:
We emphasize professional behavior and a supportive learning environment; the goal is to prepare you for clinical settings and your future nursing career.
If you have questions, ask early; we want you to succeed and avoid last-minute struggles.
Summary of key practical actions for the near term:
Confirm your color cohort in LWW and gain CoursePoint Plus access; register your color cohort correctly to match your CRM.
Complete prework for Skills and Fundamentals and wear the proper uniform on day one.
Ensure DocuCare access (with the appropriate code), especially if you’re in informatics, older adults, or skills.
Review FERPA and the release of information forms; decide whether you waive the right to review letters.
Prepare for White Coat Ceremony details and the Costa Rica study abroad interest form.
Key dates and numbers (quick reference)
Skills lab: 4 ext{ hours per week}
First day prework deadline: 08:00
White Coat Ceremony: September hinspace 20, 10:00–12:00, Reynolds Auditorium
Flu shot policy: delinquency by November hinspace 1 results in clinical pull
Informatics module start: orientation first; Module 1 due in Week 1 for Cohort B; four nursing modules with tests (retakes allowed, highest grade counts)
Costa Rica study abroad: interprofessional May trip; approximately eleven days
Cohort schedules (examples):
Informatics: Cohort B meets Monday/Wednesday 2:00–3:50 PM (example); Older Adults: Cohort A meets Monday/Wednesday 1:30–3:50 PM (example)
Pharmacology: Cohort A Wednesday 9:00–10:50; Cohort B Monday 9:00–10:50
Abbreviations and platforms mentioned
LWW: Learning platform (course content linking fundamentals and skills)
CoursePoint Plus: platform for course readings, videos, quizzes, and skill checklists
Blackboard: institutional LMS used for modules, calendars, and additional materials
DocuCare: electronic health record simulation software used in informatics, older adults, and skills
ExamSoft/Examplify: exam software; ensure updates and device readiness before download
Degree Works: degree audit system for degree progress and advising
FERPA: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; governs release of information and letters of recommendation
OARS: accommodations for testing and et al.
ATI: nursing education modules used in informatics/Pharmacology/older adult paths
CRM: Course Registration/Management group (internal scheduling and alignment with cohorts)
CRN: Course Reference Number used for block and cohort assignments
Ethical, philosophical, and practical implications
Professional identity and ethics: the White Coat ceremony symbolizes entry into the nursing profession, emphasizing core values of compassion, professionalism, and ethical practice.
Equity and access: accommodations (OARS) and FERPA provisions require thoughtful planning and communication; early discussion helps ensure equal opportunity to learn and demonstrate competency.
Accountability and autonomy: adult learner expectations promote self-motivation, self-regulation, and accountability for preparation and outcomes.
Interprofessional learning: Costa Rica study abroad highlights interprofessional collaboration (nursing with OT) and the importance of teamwork in patient care.
Resource management: lockers and equipment require responsible handling and organization; professional attire and behavior reinforce readiness for clinical environments.
4 Rs recap: Respect, Resourceful, Resilience, Responsible.
If you’d like, I can tailor this into a condensed study aid focused on the most likely exam topics (e.g., platform navigation, prework expectations, and key policies).