COURSE: NURS 420

BSN FALL 2016

Social Issues in Health Care

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Exploration of current nursing issues that involve interpersonal system concepts (culture, diversity,
family, and health, wellness, and illness). Special emphasis on developing a better understanding of the
sociocultural issues affecting the health of individuals, families, and communities, and the role of the
nurse in facilitating wellness and supporting autonomy within various health care settings. Students
achieve student learning outcomes by integrating knowledge, skills, and attitudes in real and/or virtual
classroom settings. 4 units - 4 theory units (40 clock hours).
Prerequisites: Admission to BSN program or permission of instructor

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of this course, students will

Professionalism
A. Demonstrate integrity and function within established guidelines, recognizing possibilities for conflict
and identifying means to resolving conflict.
B. Apply current evidence to practice by developing and identifying pertinent research questions.
Caring
A. Evaluate the effect of caregiver attitudes in the nursing practice environment.
Critical Thinking
A. Reflect upon and critique the effectiveness of clinical decisions.
B. Employ tools of critical thinking to broader issues within the healthcare system.
Excellence in Practice
A. Actively seek to improve practice by researching the literature and national standards.

CURRICULAR CONCEPTS
Concept

Exemplars

Individual-Psychosocial
Culture and Diversity

Values and Beliefs

Spirituality

Morality

Profession-Nursing Roles and Behaviors

Ethics

Ethical Dilemmas
Ethical Principles

COURSE: NURS 420

BSN FALL 2016

ABOUT THE COURSE

Faculty
Pauline Headley, MSN, RN.
Office: 215 Davidian Hall
Email: pheadley@puc.edu

Office Phone: 707-965-7622

Office Fax: 707-965-6499
Cell Phone: 707-235-9794

Office hours by appointment:

During core week: Mon & Wed: 1200-1400 & 1700-1900; Tues: 1200-1400.
Outside of core week: Mon & Wed: 1100-1400 & 1700-1900

Course Meeting Times and Location

Meeting Times See BSN Schedule for days and times
Location: Davidian Hall 212
Course Resources
Required resources
1. Levine, Carol. (2012). Taking sides: clashing views on bioethical issues. (14th ed expanded).
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Recommended resources
1. Articles from appropriate professional journals
2. Information from appropriate websites
Learning Methods
Class activities will include lecture, discussion, individual and group activities, audio-visual aids,
written assignments, and student presentations.
Evaluation of Learning
1. Papers
2. Presentation
3. Participation
4. Discussion Board

200 Points
100 Points
100 Points (Approx. Questions for presentation included)
120 Points (30 points for each DQ)

DEPARTMENT POLICIES
Grading Scale
94-100% = A
90-93% = A87-89% = B+

84-86% = B
80-83% = B77-79% = C+

75-76% = C
70-74% = C67-69% = D+

64-66% = D
60-63% = D0-59% = F

COURSE: NURS 420

BSN FALL 2016

Grades will be posted in the gradebook on Canvas.

In order to pass this course, students must:
Satisfactorily complete all assigned work
Achieve a minimum of 70% in the course (C-)
Academic Integrity
The College guidelines for Academic Integrity are adhered to in this class (refer to the College
Catalog). Academic dishonesty is taken very seriously and may result in failure to pass this course.
All cases of academic dishonesty will be referred to the Academic Dean.
Unexcused Absences
Absences which result from short-term suspensions due to violations of the principles outlined in the
Student Life Agreement will be treated as unexcused absences, and significant academic penalties may
apply as a result of such unexcused absences.
Students with Disabilities
In compliance with the equal access laws, Pacific Union College makes reasonable accommodation for
qualified students with documented disabilities. Students may have a learning disability, a chronic
illness, or a physical or psychiatric disability that may impact his or her work for this class and for which he
or she may be eligible for accommodations. If you have a verified need for an academic accommodation or
materials in an alternate media (i.e.: Braille, Large print, electronic text, etc.) per the Americans With
Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact your instructor as soon as possible.
To receive accommodations, a student needs to register with the disabilities coordinator at the Teaching
and Learning Center (707-965-7688). Please keep in mind that accommodations are not retroactive, so it is
best to register as early as possible. If a student suspects that he or she may have a learning disability, but it
is not yet diagnosed, the student should consider seeing the disabilities coordinator for a screening
appointment.
Tutoring
Each student is allowed two hours per week per course of free tutoring through The Learning Center
(TLC). Please contact: 965-7688.

COURSE POLICIES
Attendance/Participation
Attendance is required at all classes. If you miss more than one fourth of the class time, you must
withdraw from the course. This class is based on discussion, so participation is expected. Points are given
for participation.
Assignment Guidelines
Assignments are due on the date and at the time published in the syllabus and/or on Canvas. In the event
that circumstances prevent submission of an assignment on time, an extension may be granted at the
discretion of the instructor. The student must initiate any request for an extension before the date the
assignment is due. Assignments submitted late without an approved extension are subject to a 10% per
day deduction.
Assignments must be submitted in the appropriate box on Canvas.

COURSE: NURS 420

BSN FALL 2016

The Department of Nursing uses the style guide provided by the American Psychological Association
(APA) for written papers. Papers submitted for this course are expected to follow APA style for referencing
and general formatting. Details and guidelines are provided on Canvas.
AGE
Course Communication
PUC email addresses and/or Canvas will be used for communication purposes. Students are responsible for
retrieving messages sent through the PUC email system.
Disclaimer
The instructor has the right to alter or adjust the syllabus as needed. Any exceptions to this syllabus are at
the instructors discretion.
Technological Devices
Cell phones must be off during class time. Computers can be on if used for class purposes.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Demonstrate tolerance and respect for ambiguity, diversity, and multiple points of view surrounding
controversial healthcare issues.
2. Compare the various theories of ethics and the ethical decision-making processes.
3. Differentiate among the terms ethics, morals, and values.
4. Examine factors that have influenced the development of personal values.
5. Explore personal values, biases and opinions related to controversial healthcare situations.
6. Evaluate healthcare issues presented by:
a. Differentiating between fact and opinion on both sides of an issue.
b. Recognizing author/speaker bias and errors in logic.
c. Analyzing proposed cause-and-effect relationships.
d. Determining the accuracy and completeness of information presented.
e. Investigating both the pro and con side of an issue with equity
7. Examine the ethical/moral dilemmas underlying controversial healthcare issues.
8. Propose potential strategies to resolve selected healthcare issues.
9. Communicate personal values and opinions related to specific healthcare issues both orally and in writing.

ASSIGNMENTS
1. Values Paper
Write a paper that addresses the subject of personal values. The paper should address but not be limited to:
What are values? What does the term personal values mean to you?
A list of things that are so important in your life that you cant be happy without them, life would be
intolerable without them The list should include your top 6 personal values. Explain why each thing listed
is needed in order for your life to be happy, meaningful and fulfilling
Things in your life that are currently in conflict with your identified values and why
How you would rank your values in order of importance and why?
What effect does your values have on other people such as friends, family, patients
What factors have had the most influence on the development of your values
Do you think values should change as a person matures?
o What factors might cause some of your values to change in the future?
o What do you think will be important and meaningful when you reach retirement age?
How satisfied are you with your values as they are now and why?

COURSE: NURS 420

BSN FALL 2016

References are not necessary for this paper since it is about your personal values, but if used for definitions, APA
format is required. The paper is to be submitted through Canvas in the designated box. Paper is to be no more than
5-6 pages long.
Points Possible 100 (See grading rubric)
Due 11/27/16 @11:30 p.m.
2. Reflection/Reaction Paper (2)
Write a reflection/reaction paper on an issue in the textbook about which you have strong
feelings, either positive or negative it cannot be the issue you present on in class
What are the Pros and Cons surrounding this issue?
What are your personal thoughts and feelings about this issue?
What factors have influenced how you currently think and feel?
How would your current feelings/attitudes affect your interactions with friends/patients/co-workers
who have opinions and actions that differ from yours?

Minimum of two references required. Paper should be written in APA format. The paper is to be submitted through
Canvas in the designated box. Paper should be succinct and no more than 2-3 pages long.
Points Possible 50 each (See grading rubric)
Paper #1 Due 10/09/16 @11:30 p.m.
Paper #2 Due 11/06/16 @11:30 p.m.
3. Presentations
During assigned week, each student will participate in presenting material and leading the discussion on a preassigned topic. The discussions will be moderated by students and have required readings.
Presenter Group Responsibilities:
Group to provide 2 articles on the assigned topic for the other students to read (one pro and one con).
These readings are to be submitted in discussion box indicated on canvas. Submit the complete article, not
just the reference or link
Due 10/13/16 @11:30 p.m.

Do research on the topic beyond the two assigned articles submitted to the class and chapters in the
textbook. Articles must be from reputable resources and of a scholarly nature.
Develop a minimum of 12 discussion questions based on the resource materials. These questions can be
used if the discussion lags.
Present an overview of both the pro and con side of the issue. Identify values related to the issue.
Lead the discussion of the assigned topic/issue
Materials to be submitted include: Complete presentation: discussion questions, a detailed outline of
information to be covered in the discussion, notes written for leading the discussion, all resource
materials/articles, power point and/or other materials used in the presentation.
Due 10/30/16 @11:30 p.m.
Points Possible 100

Dress, professionalism, and manner of presenting will be included in the evaluation.

Participant Responsibilities:
Read chapters in textbook associated with each topic and two articles posted by presenters

COURSE: NURS 420

BSN FALL 2016

Write 1 discussion question per reading/resource (total of 3 per topic 1 from each article provided
and 1 from the textbook) Identify which resource each question is based on.
Discussion questions are to be submitted in the appropriate box on Canvas
Due - 10/30/16 @11:30 p.m.
Points Possible 5 per discussion
Points Possible 6 per set of questions
Be prepared to participate in the discussion of each topic as you are graded in this area

4. Discussion Board

Four discussion board postings are expected postings are due by 11:30p.m. Sundays on the dates
specified on Canvas and in the assignment summary.
Discussion board postings should reflect comprehensive coverage of the subject matter with a
minimum of two references used to substantiate position on each issue discussed.

After the Sunday initial postings, read most, if not all the postings of your classmates and respond to
a minimum of 2 of your classmates original posts.
o For full points, the response needs to demonstrate that you have read, understood, and
provided information to support your response and that you are actively seeking to add to your
own learning on the issue.
o The minimum two response postings to your classmates initial posts is due no later than
midnight on the Sunday following the initial postings.
Points Possible 30 (for each DQ and response to peers)

COURSE TOPICS
1. Is Informed Consent Still Central to Medical Ethics?
2. Should Truth-Telling Depend on the Patients Culture?
3. Does Direct-to-Consumer Drug Advertising Enhance Patient Choice?
4. Have Advanced Directives Failed?
5. Is Palliative Sedation Ethically Different from Active Euthanasia?
6. Should Physicians Be Allowed to Assist in Patient Suicide?
7. Is Abortion Immoral?
8. Should a Pregnant Woman Be Punished for Exposing Her Fetus to Risk?
9. Should Adolescents Be Allowed to Make Their Own Life-and-Death Decisions?
10. Is It Ethical to Use Steroids and Surgery to Stunt Disabled Childrens Growth?
11. Should Vaccination for HPV Be Mandated for Teenage Girls?
12. Is Genetic Enhancement an Unacceptable Use of Technology?
13. Do the Potential Benefits of Synthetic Biology Outweigh the Possible Risks?
14. Should New Drugs Be Given to Patients Outside Clinical Trials?
15. Does Community Consultation in Research Protect Vulnerable Groups?
16. Is It Fair to Require Individuals to Purchase Health Insurance?
17. Should There Be a Market in Human Organs?

COURSE: NURS 420

BSN FALL 2016

18. Does Military Necessity Override Medical Ethics?

19. Should Performance-Enhancing Drugs Be Banned from Sports?
20. Should Pharmacists Be Allowed to Deny Prescriptions on Grounds of Conscience?
21. Will Biomarkers for Alzheimers Disease Be a Good Tool For Life Planning?
22. Is There an Ethical Duty to Provide Health Care for All Immigrants to the United States?

Assignment Deadlines
Due Date (11:30 p.m.)

Assignment

Monday, September 25

Read Taking Sides information found in Files folder in Canvas

Sunday, October 2

Discussion Board Question #1

Sunday, October 9

Reflection/Reaction Paper #1

Thursday, October 13

Articles Submission (Pro & Con Articles for peers to read)

Sunday, October 16

Discussion Board Question #2

Sunday, October 30

Group Presentation Submissions Due

Sunday, November 6

Reflection/Reaction Paper #2

Sunday, November 13

Discussion Board Question #3

Sunday, November 27

Values Paper

Sunday, December 4

Discussion Question #4

Group presentations: Second core week!

October 31, November 1 & 2