Approved:

Reviewed: 3/18
Revised: 12/19

CIZIK SCHOOL OF NURSING

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-HOUSTON HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER

N6195W FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER I

SYLLABUS

Kala Christopherson DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C (Course Lead)

Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Cizik School of Nursing
Department of Graduate Studies
6901 Bertner, Room 680
Houston, TX 77030
Office Telephone: (713) 500-2032
Email: Kala.A.Christopherson@uth.tmc.edu

Ramaswamy, Padmavathy PhD, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Cizik School of Nursing
Department of Graduate Studies
6901 Bertner, Room 784
Office Telephone: (713) 500-2039
Email: Padmavathy.Ramaswamy@uth.tmc.edu

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CIZIK SCHOOL OF NURSING

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER@HOUSTON
DEPARTMENT OF GRADUATE STUDIES

Course Title: FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER II

Course Number: N6195W Didactic

Course Description: N6195 This is the second course of a three-course sequence that will prepare the
Family Nurse Practitioner student for the management of acute and chronic health problems encountered
in the primary care of patients across the lifespan. The students' focus is on the domains and competencies
of the family nurse practitioner as direct provider of primary health care. The course provides a
systematic approach to the assessment, diagnosis, and management of common acute and chronic
illnesses. Students begin to synthesize information from the core courses into a plan of care and explore
factors that impact health status and the utilization of community resources.

Prerequisites: N6194, N6194 B, N6151, N6152, N6152B, N6551, N5529, Graduate standing, and
consent of instructor
Co-requisite: N6195 B
Credit Hours: Three Semester Credit Hours (Online)

Faculty: Kala Christopherson DNP, MSN, RN, FNP-C (Course Lead)

Ramaswamy, Padmavathy PhD, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Academic Coach

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Olivia Fitch, PhD.

Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing & Academic Success Coach
Email: Olivia.M.Fitch@uth.tmc.edu
Tutor/Research Assistant
Dr. Irshad Prasla, MD.
Email. Irshad.Prasla@uth.tmc.edu

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student will have had the opportunity to:

1. Refine clinical reasoning skills in planning, implementing and evaluating patient care for
common health problems occurring in individuals across the lifespan (M 1; E 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9;
C3, 4, 7, 9)

2. Integrate family theoretical frameworks in the approach to advanced practice care for clients
across the lifespan. (M 3; E 6, 7, 8, 9; C 3, 4, 5, 7, 9)

3. Identify community resources to assist with planning for and providing care for individuals,
families, and groups. (M 3; E 6, 7, 8, 9; C 3, 4, 5, 7, 9)

4. Evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion and preventive practice activities for an identified
population

5. Critically evaluate the scope of practice of the family nurse practitioner in the primary care
setting. (M1, 2,: E1,3,4,5,6,7,8:C2,3,4,6,9)

6. Demonstrate effective and professional written and oral communication skills. (M1,4; E2,3,5,8,9;
C2,3,4,5,7,9)

Methods of Instruction Teaching strategies include learner centered learning activities such as, online
lecture and discussion, interactive assignments, case presentations, group presentations, film analysis,
audiovisual materials, computer-assisted instruction both synchronous and asynchronous, family and
developmental assessments across the lifespan.

Course Evaluation:

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Grading

Exam 1 17%

Exam 2 17%

Exam 3 17%

Exam 4 17%

Final Exam 20%

Course Assignments 12% Module activities, quizzes,

case studies, and unit
activities

Total 100%

Grading Scale
90- 100 = A
80- 89.9 = B
70- 79.9 = C**
60– 69.9 = D**
< 70= F**
** This is not a passing grade. Grades are NOT rounded.

Be Aware:
*An exam score average of at least 80% must be obtained to successfully pass the course.
(The 5 unweighted exams scores are added together and the total is divided by 5. Result
must be 80% or higher) (This refers to the unweighted exam scores only and is separate
from the course grade). If a student receives a 79.99 or lower on their exam average, a C
will be assigned to their grade regardless of the course total. Both the exam average and
course average must be 80% or above to pass the course.

EXAMINATIONS:

Examinations will be based on all class learning materials and content, including presentations, handouts,
reading assignments, online module content, and learning objectives.

There will be NO early exams or make-up exams. In the event of an examination excused absence, the
final exam will count 37% (the original grading percentage plus that of the missed examination). Students
are permitted one excused absence from an examination, and the final examination is mandatory. There is
no make-up exam. Missing the final exam will result in a grade of ‘0’. There is no excused absence from
the final exam. There are no make-up exams.

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In the event of an expected/unexpected absence, the student will notify the instructor 24 hours before the
start of the exam to receive an excused absence. Failure to notify faculty promptly will result in an
unexcused absence, and the student will earn the score of zero for the exam.

Excused Absence examples:

● death of immediate family member

● death of a spouse
● hospitalized child with physician’s note
● illness with physician’s note
● MVA on the way to school (police report)
Not considered excused:
● Vacation
● Unprepared for exam (not ready to take it)
● Computer issues
● Connectivity issues

All examinations may be cumulative to the date of the test based on content from both the N6194 and the
N6195 content, and the final will be comprehensive.

If a student arrives late to the examination test room on the day of an exam, the student will only be
allowed to take the exam in the remaining test time; no additional time will be allowed. Any student that
arrives 15 minutes or later will not be allowed to sit for the exam. During the exam the only item
allowed on the desk is your school ID. This means no cell phones, water bottles or any other items.

(see School of Nursing Policy Number S1020)

● Any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty is subject to discipline. Penalties may
include but are not limited to failure on the assignment, failure in the course, suspension from the
program, or expulsion from the school. Note that there is zero tolerance for academic dishonesty.
● Reconstruction of the course exams either individually or within a group OR participation in any
activity which gives students an unfair advantage over other students is prohibited. Students
found guilty will be subject to disciplinary action.

Honor Lock: Secure virtual exam option.

Students may take the exams on campus or off campus using Honor Lock. See Canvas for more
information.

UTHealth Houston CIZIK SCHOOL OF NURSING

TESTING Guideline for On-Campus MSN Based Testing

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All testing within the School of Nursing (SON) at UTHealth Houston follows the testing
guidelines outlined in the SON Student Handbook in order to provide fair and consistent testing
for all students taking examinations on campus. Any breach of the testing guideline will be dealt
with according to SON HOOP Policy 186 Student Conduct and Discipline
https://www.uth.edu/hoop/policy.htm?id=1448220 which may include academic consequences
ranging from falling examination grades to possible expulsion (permanent separation from the
institution).

Audience ● This information is intended for UTHealth MSN CIZIK SON students with
examinations on campus at SON.

Rationale ● Testing guidelines are established to create fair and optimal conditions for all
students to demonstrate their knowledge through testing. Professional
conduct is demonstrated through compliance with the standards for behavior
in the testing environment identified below.

Academic ● Students are expected to abide by the Hoop policy 186 Student Conduct and
Integrity Discipline in all testing situations.

● Academic dishonesty is a serious breach of academic integrity and will be

dealt with according to HOOP Policy 186.

Testing Students must have two forms of approved ID (see course syllabus) for
Room testing for admission to the testing room. Once checked in, the badge should
Procedure be placed face up on the desk.
s
1. All belongings must be placed at the front, back, or against wall as directed
by course faculty of the testing room prior to the testing session. Students
are required to remove any caps and scarves, except religious garments, and
leave them with their belongings. However, faculty reserves the right to
inspect any personal belongings of the student during testing.

2. The faculty and/or proctor will provide blank paper if they are permitted.

3. All electronic devices (cell phones/pager/iPad, smart watch, etc.) must be

set to the off position and placed with belongings. Any students found to
have an electronic device in their possession during an examination will
receive a zero grade for that examination.

4. Students will be seated as directed by faculty and/ or proctors.

5. All test materials are private and students are responsible for not placing a
test/answer sheet/positioning computer screen where it can be viewed by

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another student. Attempts to see other students’ work or sharing one’s own
work will be considered as evidence of academic dishonesty.

6. Students are strongly encouraged to take care of all comfort needs prior to
entering the testing room.

7. Students are responsible for knowing their log-on information, uploading

their exam, and following exam instructions outlined by the faculty.

8. If students have questions regarding test items, comments should be

submitted in accordance to faculty directions.

9. Students will not be allowed back into the testing room after they have
completed their test and are expected to leave the testing area/ hallways as a
consideration to those still testing.

10. The proctors will collect all scratch paper, if used.

11. No food or drink is allowed unless permission is obtained from the faculty.

12. Children are not allowed in the building during the exam, classes, or labs.

Punctualit ● For scheduled tests, additional testing time will not be provided in the event
y of tardiness.

● The faculty will follow procedures as outlined in the course syllabus.

Absence ● Refer to the course syllabus in the event of an absence from an exam.
from
Exams

Make-up ● Refer to the course syllabus for makeup-exam policies.

Exams

Test ● Refer to the course syllabus for the testing schedule.

Schedulin
g

Deferral of ● Refer to the course syllabus for final exam policies.

Final
Exams

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UT-Health reserves the right to change policies and procedures affecting students. Please refer to the Student
Handbook and HOOP policies for latest policies and procedures.
Approved by Masters Council: 11/10/2017

Course Assignments

Participation:
Much of the course is online and available for your review at your convenience. There may be times
when attendance is required. It is the philosophy of this faculty that students must be present in class,
synchronously or asynchronously online to learn from others through social interactions. Students who
miss a component assignment required online or class day will not receive the full participation for the
course.

LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY: Late assignments are not accepted in 6195 and late or non-submissions
will receive a score of a zero (0), which includes graded module assignments (weekly case challenge and
quizzes). There will be no makeup assignments.

Email

Students are responsible for checking their email at regular intervals for announcements. Email
should be checked daily Monday through Friday. Email may only be sent through the UTHSC
Houston CSON email system. No personal email is acceptable for communication.

Required textbooks:

1. Dunphy, L., Winland-Brown, J., Porter, B., & Thomas, D. (2019). Primary care: Art and
science of advanced practice nursing (5th ed). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.
2. Kliegman, R., Stanton, B., St Geme, J., & Schor, N. (2020). Nelson textbook of
pediatrics: Volumes 1 and 2. (21st Ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier.
3. Casanova, R., Chuang, A., Goepfert, A., Hueppchen, N,. & Weiss, P. (2019). Beckmann
& Ling’s obstetrics and gynecology (8th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
4. Hatcher, R., Trussell, J., Nelson, A. Cates, W., Kowal, D., & Policar M. (2019).
Contraceptive technology(21st ed). Atlanta, GA: Ardent Media.
5. Habif, T. (2015) Clinical dermatology: A color guide to diagnosis and therapy.
Philadelphia: Elsevier.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

1. Hollier, A. (2018). Clinical guidelines in primary care (3rd Ed). APEA.

OTHER TEXTS

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All other textbooks required in FNP1, Advanced Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, Physical Exam
and Differential Diagnosis, & Advanced Pharmacology.

PROFESSIONALISM

Students are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism at all times in academic and clinical
settings, and in written communications with faculty, peers and colleagues. Faculty will address
observation of, or complaints about a student’s lack of professionalism or incivility to others.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course faculty offers students the opportunity to be successful in academic studies. It is possible that
personal events and learning styles can interfere with one’s ability to learn and therefore maintain passing
grades in a course. Throughout the semester, the student is responsible to track progression of his/her
grades. In the event that the student has difficulty with assignments or falls below a passing grade, the
student has the responsibility to contact faculty and determine a plan to maintain passing grades. In the
event of any academic difficulty, resources are available in the School of Nursing to help the student
achieve. The student can consider the following:

1. Contact course faculty to discuss academic progress.

2. Contact the student’s academic advisor.
3. Work with the UT Health SON’s Graduation Coach on test taking and/ or writing
skills.
4. Contact the free student assistance and counseling services at
http://publicaffairs.uth.tmc.edu/worklife/index.html. Click on the “contact us” button
or the student can call 713.500.3327 or e-mail: uteapmgmt@uth.tmc.edu.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Students are expected to be above reproach in all scholastic activities. Students who engage in academic
dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including failure in the course and dismissal from the
university. “Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the
submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or part to another person,
taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the
attempt to commit such acts.” (The University of Texas System Regents Rules and Regulations, Series
50101, Number 2, Subsection 2.2).

STATEMENT ON PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is using another person’s work or ideas without giving credit. Plagiarism is dishonest
because it misrepresents the work of another as your own. This includes both copying the work verbatim

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or re-phrasing the ideas of another without properly acknowledging the source. When preparing work for
course requirements, such as papers, care plans, take home examinations, etc., students must be careful to
differentiate between their ideas and language and information derived from other sources. Sources
include but are not limited to published and unpublished materials, the Internet and information and
opinions gained directly from other people including faculty or other students. Whenever ideas or facts
are obtained from a student’s reading and research, the sources must be properly cited according to
standards set by the School of Nursing and contained in the current edition of Publication Manual of the
American Psychological Association.
Plagiarism is considered a violation of academic integrity and professional honesty. Students who are
found to have plagiarized may be subject to disciplinary action. Penalties may include but are not limited
to failure on the assignment, failure in the course, suspension from the program or expulsion from the
school.
Collaboration in the completion of written assignments is prohibited unless explicitly permitted by the
instructor. Students must acknowledge any collaboration and its extent in all submitted course work.
Adapted from Harvard Extension College, the University of Houston (Central Campus) and the
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. 6/20/03

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION
An attempt will be made to provide reasonable academic accommodations to students that request
them in accordance with 504/ADA guidelines. See the UTHealth Disability Accommodation policy
for details. Please provide disability accommodation documentation to the course section faculty the
first week of the semester in order to guarantee separate testing room facilities.

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