PREREQUISITES:
Applicants must be a licensed registered nurse, or have completed a formal program in nursing and be currently scheduled to take the NCLEX-RN exam, or the appropriate state licensure exam. We do make exceptions based on a student’s prior employment and educational experience.
COURSE OVERVIEW:
I am happy to provide you with information and instructions regarding this online Forensic Nursing course. You have a time limit to complete this introduction to Forensic Nursing online class. This time limit is 8 weeks at our Canyon College nursing school. You may study at your own pace, and can progress through this course as quickly as you desire. (If you desire our detailed Forensic Nursing Certification program, go to the Forensic Nursing Certification program at the Canyon College web site.) This is an exciting class and I am sure you will learn some of the most interesting principles related to the area of forensic science for the nurse. This course also provides education for the coroner nurse. After successful completion of the course, you will have a much greater understanding of Forensic Nursing, as well as some of the most current and pressing issues of Forensic Nursing.
It is formatted to be self-directed, along with one-on-one mentoring by your faculty. You and I communicate throughout your time spent in this important study. Communication can be by e-mail and fax.
You must be prepared to operationalize the concepts learned into the reality of today's nursing environment. The readings in the text, the analysis of case studies supplied in the text, our discussions, and your weekly assignments will assist in meeting this broad-based goal.
You will find the textbooks for this course to be of the best available for the study of Forensic Nursing. They are packed with information.
Some of the topics/ subjects covered include;
(1) Sexual Assault and
(2) Forensic Nursing opportunities.
Students are encouraged to submit questions, discuss issues, and discuss problems related to Forensic Science for the Nurse. Reading assignments from the textbooks are assigned with supporting objectives. There are weekly written responses to related questions that are to be submitted to the school instructor.
1. Forensic Nursing, by Virginia A. Lynch. Mosby (Elsevier), 2005/2006. ISBN-13: 9780323028264 ISBN: 0323028268
And
2. Health Assessment Online to Accompany Health Assessment for Nursing Practice (User Guide, Access Code and Textbook Package), 3rd Edition, by Susan F. Wilson. Mosby (Elsevier), 2004/2005. ISBN-13: 9780323033244 ISBN: 0323033245
Please order your books as soon as possible.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR: James E. Johnson, M.D.
HOW TO REACH YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
I am available to you on an ongoing basis throughout your time spent in this course. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions, concerns, issues, etc. I am here to assist you and mentor you to achieve your goals and experience success in this class.
I generally respond to requests within 1-3 business days. E-mail is the fastest and preferred method to contact me.
Again, do not hesitate to contact me. I am here for you and look forward to working with you.
EXAMINATIONS:
There is a minimum of a Midterm and Final examination for this course. There will be an objective part and an essay part. The examinations are "open" book. They thoroughly test knowledge in key areas of course content. While open book, they require thought and knowledge of the related content for successful completion.
All examinations are taken "online." When you are ready to take the examinations, please e-mail me directly and request authorization to take your exam. Please make your request at least three business days in advance of your desired date. You will receive instructions to access the examinations.
When you are ready to take the examinations, access the web site, and complete the examination. Access each exam only once. If you have difficulties, notify Student Support right away. Send a copy of your notice to your instructor. You will receive your score in one - three business days.
GRADE ASSIGNMENT FOR EXAMINATIONS:
You will receive a letter grade, based on your over all score achievement. The grading scale is as follows:
90% - 100%
= A
80% - 89%
= B
70% - 79%
= C
60% - 69%
= D
Below 60%
= F
You will receive a score and letter grade for the Midterm period and Final period. Your final course grade will be an average of the scores you achieve on all exams.
READING ASSIGNMENTS and OBJECTIVES:
You will find the objectives and assignments by clicking on this password-protected link, Objectives and Assignments. (Enrolled students will receive the password.) You are responsible for reviewing the objectives. The objectives will guide you in your learning and assist you in knowledge attainment. Your reading assignments are self-paced.
There may be other assignments for reading, case studies, and discussion throughout the class time.
WHAT TO DO:
Order your textbook immediately.
Review the chapter objectives before reading and studying each chapter or section. When you are ready, request to take your next test.
When instructed, proceed to take midterm examination.
When instructed, proceed to take final examination.
During the first week of the course, please e-mail your instructor and provide your instructor with some basic information about you, including;
your contact address (e.g. e-mail address)
your educational goals for this course
your overall goals for a career in Forensic Nursing
your past and current work experiences
any experiences you have had in health care delivery and/or forensic science
Contact your instructor any time you would like to discuss the readings, have questions, require clarifications or further explanations, etc.
Share with your instructor current event issues related to the Forensic Nurse or the Coroner Nurse that you identify in the news media, etc. In turn, your instructor may share such information with you for discussion and analysis.
