The objectives of the course are to provide an opportunity for the participant to:
- Recognize current philosophy, objectives and social and cultural implications of nursing.
- Review selected nursing skills and identify their evidence base for practice.
- Recognize the role of the LPN/LVN/RN in assessing clients’ needs, planning and implementing individualized care.
- Review and identify therapies, procedures, current diagnostic and treatment measures and patient care needs for selected medical and surgical conditions.
- Demonstrate dosage calculation to selected client situations.
The program is ongoing. Participants may enroll at any time.
A desktop or laptop computer is required when taking exams. iPads, iPhones, tablets, etc. are not permissible. Chromebooks are not recommended. The system requirements are:
- Windows 10, 11.
- Mac OS 10.12 or higher.
It may not be possible to access exams when using a computer operating system that is not listed above.
All course materials and theory module exams are delivered online through Desire2Learn (D2L) and Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) supported modules. The participant will complete course review and exams at a time and location of their choosing. Participants are required to have camera access on their computer when taking a module exam in the D2L. This webcam may be included in the participant’s computer or an added accessory. A webcam is not provided by SDSU and will be an additional cost to the participant. When logging in to take an exam in the course delivery system D2L, the participant will initially download the safe and free software application Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser. This application will provide participant verification and testing security measures and video the participant while an exam is taken. Once an exam is accessed, the participant’s browser will be locked to prevent other software applications or web pages to run or be accessed.
Theory Component
The theory component is based on a textbook to help direct and reinforce learning. The theory portion has been organized into 10 major instructional modules with an examination after each module. ATI products are integrated in the theory modules and include Skills, Pharmacology Made Easy and Dosage Calculation – Dimensional Analysis, with a final medication calculation test. After successful completion, the RN refresher participant is awarded 160 theory hours. Completion of theory involves successful completion of all module tests, ATI skills, ATI pharmacology, ATI dimensional analysis modules and the final medication calculation test.
Modules
Modules one through nine contain multiple choice examinations. Each examination contains 25 questions in varying formats such as true/false, multiple choice or multiple select. Two opportunities are allowed to successfully complete each module post-test with a score of 76% or greater. If a score of less than 76% is attained on post-test A, the participant will re-enter test A submission to review incorrect answers, refer to textbook content as noted in rationale and review the module material again before completing post-test B. If a score of 76% or greater is not obtained on either posttest A or B, the participant will be dismissed from the program.
ATI Skills
The 21 required ATI skills provide learning opportunities related to the requirements of a registered nurse in various clinical settings and are assigned in modules five through 10. The ATI skills provide in-depth information and visual cues for each learning experience and should be completed as assigned. ATI skills modules are designed with a pre-test, completion of learning modules, then followed by a posttest. The modules are self-paced and interactive, contain audio and video clips as well as step-by-step procedures. Case studies in the form of practice challenges are included in each module. The modules will support participant’s skill-building, apply the theoretical and evidence-based information and instill confidence in understanding of skills. Participants should allow time to complete the pretest, review the tutorial including the overview, step-by-step viewing, accepted practice components and posttest.
A post-test score of 76% or greater must be achieved on each of the 21 mandatory ATI Skills. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will retake the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved. Participants will document their test activities on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.
Participants will also complete five virtual ATI Skill scenarios: HIPAA, nutrition, blood administration pain assessment and vital signs. The participant will document time spent and date completed on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy
There are 11 modules assigned in modules five through nine. Each pharmacology module includes a welcome/introductory, lessons, activities and case study. There is one module, Introduction to Pharmacology, that must be completed in its entirety followed by as posttest. The posttest contains 25 NCLEX-style questions to assess knowledge acquisition. Participants will receive immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices to reinforce learning. Participants must receive a score of 76% or greater on the test. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will retake the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved.
Module content will be reviewed for the other 10 pharmacology modules, with no posttest required. The participant will identify one medication from the module content that they are familiar with and document it on the provided form. Participants will document their test activity, familiar medication and date on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.
Note: Review of two modules is optional – hematologic and immune system.
ATI Dosage Calculation
This ATI product is an interactive, media-rich, online tutorial that is designed to help participants learn the basics of safe medication administration. The dosage calculation series improves comprehension and critical-thinking skills in relation to safely calculating medication dosages. The seven modules include activity questions interspersed throughout the material to provide practice problems, in which the participant receives immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices along with equations to reinforce learning.
Participants must receive a 76% or greater score on each of the seven required module tests. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will re-take the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved. The participant will document their test activities on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.
Final Medication Calculation
The participant will take a Medication Calculation Test in D2L at the end of theory in module ten, and before proceeding to clinical. The test includes 10 questions that require the participant to calculate and document their answer. A practice medication calculation test is available for the participants to help prepare for the final test and may be utilized as many times as needed.
Three opportunities are allowed to successfully complete the medication calculation test with a score of 100%. The participant will take test A. If a score of less than 100% is attained on test A, the participant will reenter the submission, review questions answered incorrectly noting their rationale and review ATI modules as needed. After review, the participant will take test B. If a score of less than 100% is attained on test B, the participant will reenter the submission, review questions answered incorrectly noting their rationale and review ATI modules as needed. When participant is ready for the final attempt, test C, the participant will email instructor the date and time they request to take test C. The instructor will open test C for participant completion. If a score of less than 100% is attained on medication calculation tests A, B and C, the participant will be dismissed from the program.
Theory Overview
Module 1
Professional Concepts
- Unit A – The Profession of Nursing.
- Unit B – The Nurse’s Role In Health Care Quality and Patient Safety.
- Unit C – Values, Ethics and Legal Issues.
- Unit D – Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Care.
- Unit E – Nursing Process: Foundations for Clinical Judgement.
Module 2
Nursing Process
- Unit A – Nursing Assessment.
- Unit B – Nursing Diagnosis.
- Unit C – Outcome Identification and Planning.
- Unit D – Implementation and Evaluation.
- Unit E – Healthcare Team Communication: Documenting and Reporting.
- Unit F – Focus Studies in Leadership and Management, Delegation, Informatics.
Module 3
Healthcare Delivery Concepts
- Unit A – Health, Wellness and Integrative Healthcare.
- Unit B – Healthcare In the Community and Home.
- Unit C – Culture and Diversity.
- Unit D – Communication in the Nurse-Patient Relationship.
- Unit E – Patient Education and Health Promotion.
- Unit F – Caring for the Older Adult.
Module 4
Psychosocial Concepts
- Unit A – Self-Concept.
- Unit B – Families and Their Relationships.
- Unit C – Cognitive Processes.
- Unit D – Sexuality.
- Unit E – Stress, Coping and Adaptation.
- Unit F – Loss and Grieving.
- Unit G – Spiritual Health.
Module 5
Clinical Care Competencies - Part One
- Unit A – Safety.
- Unit B – Health Assessment.
- Unit C – Vital Signs.
- Unit D – Asepsis and Infection Control.
Module 6
Concepts Involving Protection and Movement - Part One
- Unit A – Hygiene and Self-Care.
- Unti B – Skin Integrity and Wound Health.
- Unit C – Infection Prevention and Management.
MODULE 7
Concepts Involving Protection and Movement - Part Two
- Unit A – Mobility.
- Unit B – Pain Management.
- Unit C – Sensory Perception.
Module 8
Concepts Involving Homeostasis and Regulation - Part One
- Unit A – Nutrition.
- Unit B – Urinary Elimination.
- Unit C – Bowel Elimination.
- Unit D - Sleep.
Module 9
Concepts Involving Homeostasis and Regulation - Part Two
- Unit A – Respiratory Function.
- · Unit B - Cardiac Function.
- · Unit C – Fluids, Electrolytes and Acid-Base.
Module 10
Clinical Care Competencies - Part Two
- Unit A - Medication Administration.
- Unit B - Intravenous Therapy.
Integrated Material Throughout Modules
ATI Skills
- Air-way Management.
- Blood Administration.
- Central Venous Access Devices.
- Closed-Chest Drainage.
- Concepts of Medication Administration.
- Diabetes Management.
- Enteral Tube Feedings.
- HIPAA.
- Infection Control.
- Injectable Medication Administration.
- Intravenous Therapy and Peripheral Access.
- IV Medication Administration.
- Nasogastric Intubation.
- Nutrition.
- Oral and Topical Medications.
- Oxygen Therapy.
- Pain Management.
- Physical Assessment – Adult.
- Surgical Asepsis.
- Urinary Elimination.
- Vital Signs.
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy
- Introduction to Pharmacology.
- The Neurologic System Part 1 and 2.
- The Gastrointestinal System.
- The Reproductive and Genitourinary Systems.
- The Respiratory System.
- The Cardiovascular System.
- The Endocrine System.
- Infection.
- The Musculoskeletal System.
- Pain and Inflammation.
- Optional: The Hematologic System and The Immune System.
ATI Dosage Calculation - Dimensional Analysis
- Safe Dosage.
- Medication Administration.
- Oral Medications.
- Injectable Medications.
- Powdered Medications.
- Parenteral (IV) Medications.
- Dosage by Weight.
- Optional: Pediatric Medications and Critical Care Medications.
The online theory component of the LPN independent study refresher course utilizes a textbook and online interactive ATI products. The theory portion is arranged into 10 major modules in D2L, with an examination at the end of each module. ATI activities are assigned in modules five through 10 to augment the textbook learning. Three ATI products included with the course will focus on skills, pharmacology and dosage calculation. Completion of theory involves successful completion of all D2L and ATI module tests
Theory Overview
Module 1 – Foundations and Settings.
Module 2 – Personal, Environmental Health and Safety.
Module 3 – Development Throughout the Life Cycle.
Module 4 – The Nursing Process and Focus Studies.
Module 5 – Adult Care Nursing (Part 1) and selected ATI pharmacology.
Module 6 – Adult Care Nursing (Part 2) and selected ATI pharmacology.
Module 7 – Adult Care Nursing (Part 3) and selected ATI pharmacology.
Module 8 – ATI Skills/Client Care (Part 1).
Module 9 – ATI Skills/Client Care (Part 2).
Module 10 – ATI Pharmacology and Dosage Calculation and Safe Medication Administration
Module Tests: A reading outline is provided for the participant to use to guide learning, for test preparation and may be used for testing. Modules one through nine contain multiple choice examinations. Each examination contains 25 questions in varying formats such as true/false, multiple choice or multiple select. Participants get two opportunities to successfully complete each module post-test with a score of 76% or greater. If a score of less than 76%is attained on posttest A, the participant will re-enter the test A submission to review incorrect answers, refer to textbook content as noted in rationale and review the module material again before completing posttest B. If a score of 76% or greater is not obtained on either posttest A or B, the participant will be dismissed from the program.
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy: There are eleven pharmacology modules are assigned in modules 5 through 7. Each pharmacology module includes a welcome/introductory, lessons, activities and case study. The posttest contains twenty-five NCLEX-style questions to assess knowledge acquisition.
ATI Dosage Calculation:This ATI product is an interactive, media-rich, online tutorial that is designed to help participants learn the basics of safe medication administration. The dosage calculation series improves comprehension and critical-thinking skills in relation to safely calculating medication dosages. The seven modules include activity questions interspersed throughout the material to provide practice problems, in which the participant receives immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices along with equations to reinforce learning.
Participants must receive a 76% or greater score on each of the seven required module tests. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will re-take the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved. The participant will document their test activities on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.
Final Medication Calculation: The participant will take a Medication Calculation Test in D2L at the end of theory in module ten, and before proceeding to clinical. The test includes 10 questions that require the participant to calculate and document their answer. A practice medication calculation test is available for the participants to help prepare for the final test and may be utilized as many times as needed.
Three opportunities are allowed to successfully complete the medication calculation test with a score of 100%. The participant will take test A. If a score of less than 100% is attained on test A, the participant will reenter the submission, review questions answered incorrectly noting their rationale and review ATI modules as needed. After review, the participant will take test B. If a score of less than 100% is attained on test B, the participant will reenter the submission, review questions answered incorrectly noting their rationale and review ATI modules as needed. When participant is ready for the final attempt, test C, the participant will email instructor the date and time they request to take test C. The instructor will open test C for participant completion. If a score of less than 100% is attained on medication calculation tests A, B and C, the participant will be dismissed from the program.
ATI Skills: Nineteen required ATI Skills provide learning opportunities related to the requirements of a nurse in various clinical settings and are assigned in modules 8 through 10. The ATI Skills provide in-depth information and visual cues for each learning experience. ATI Skills are designed with a pretest, completion of learning modules, then followed by a posttest. Case studies in the form of practice challenges are included with each module. The modules will support the participant’s skill-building, apply the theoretical and evidence-based information and instill confidence in the understanding of skills. Participants will also complete four virtual ATI Skill scenarios: HIPAA, nutrition, pain assessment and vital signs.
Clinical Component
Arranging for the clinical experience is the responsibility of each prospective participant. Work to secure a verbal commitment from a clinical site is required prior to requesting enrollment in the course. The prospective participant must employ professionalism in all phone or email communication with the health care site.
Prospective participants will make the initial contact to request and secure that the facility can provide a clinical experience. After a verbal commitment is achieved, enrollment in the course can begin. SDSU staff will contact the clinical site to establish the required affiliation agreement after participant enrollment.
Clinical sites must be within the United States or on a U.S. Military base in a health care setting operated by medical staff licensed within the US. Examples of SDSU accepted clinical settings include but are not limited to hospitals, nursing homes, surgery centers, urgent care centers, rehabilitation centers, home health or hospice agencies.
Hours Required
A minimum of 80 clinical hours is required for course completion. If the respective state board of nursing requires more than 80 hours, this requirement will be adhered to during the clinical experience.
License
Where required, a limited license must be obtained from the state board of nursing during the clinical component of the refresher course. The limited license allows nursing practice under the direct personal supervision of a licensed registered nurse identified as the clinical preceptor. The limited license is only valid for a specific time period and may not be used for gainful employment.
Clinical Plan and Preclinical Requirements
When preparing for clinical, the participant will submit a completed Clinical Plan to SDSU. This one-page form is reviewed and may be approved after the following preclinical requirements are uploaded and approved in the participant’s CastleBranch account. When all preclinical requirements are met, the Clinical Plan is approved and a date range for clinical hours will be set. The start date for clinical will be a minimum of 10 business days after approval, or longer if work to complete a required affiliation agreement with the site is still underway.
Pre-Clinical Requirements
- Copy of government issued photo identification card (submitted with enrollment).
- FBI background check with fingerprinting (completed with enrollment application).
- Online background check (completed with enrollment application).
- Multi-waiver release form.
- Measles (rubeola) immunity.
- Mumps immunity.
- Rubella (German measles) immunity.
- Varicella immunity.
- Hepatitis B immunity or waiver.
- TB skin test.
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis immunity.
- Influenza vaccination – required during flu season October - March.
- COVID-19 vaccination (where required).
- CPR certification for the professional rescuer/health care provider.
- Proof of personal health insurance coverage.
- Professional liability insurance.
- Drug screening (10 panel – current within three months of beginning clinical).
- Temporary permit or limited license (where required).
Participants that elect to complete only the theory portion of the course will not open a CastleBranch account to obtain the above preadmission background checks or preclinical requirements. A copy of a government-issued identification card may be submitted with the enrollment application.
Successful Course Completion
The participant must successfully pass both the theory and clinical components to complete the refresher course. Upon successful completion, a certificate will be mailed to the participant. A copy of the certificate will be sent to the participant’s board of nursing to document successful completion of the course.
If a participant is unable to successfully complete either the theory or the clinical portion, this will result in failure of the refresher course. Appeals for the opportunity to retake course exams or the clinical experience are not guaranteed and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. No participant will be allowed more than two opportunities to successfully complete clinical. Any dismissal from the course for academic reasons is appealable pursuant to University Policy 2:4.
Completion Time Frame
The participant is permitted one year to successfully pass both the theory and clinical components to complete the refresher course. If the course is not completed within the one-year deadline, the participant may purchase a one-time extension for $500. The extension adds three months for course completion. A request to extend must be received within 30 days of the course end date. After this period, re-enrollment with payment of the full program fee and background checks is required.
