N505: Ethics in Primary Care -- Course Information

Course Description:

Bioethics in healthcare is critically discussed from both a theoretical and practical viewpoint. Various aspects of healthcare delivery related to clinical and administrative issues are discussed.

Learner Objectives: 

Participants will

1. explain how principles of bioethics are applied in primary care clinical practice;
2. systematically seach for relevant information to support bioethical decisions;
3. critically evaluate information on bioethics;
4. collaborate effectively with their teammates toward completion of a common group project;
5. participate actively by using the Web to engage in discussion and communication with one another;
6. pose thoughtful questions that stimulate further discussion;
7. develop a position paper to support an argument;
8. demonstrate respect for others by using netiquette protocol.

 Required Text:

Sugarman, Jeremy. (2000). 20 Common Problems: Ethics in Primary Care. New York: McGraw-Hill (Health Professions Division). ISBN: 0-07-063369-X. ($34.95).

 

Available from SSU Bookstore, and from Amazon. Also, I am told that it's available at a cheaper price from Medscape. See where you can get the best deal!

 

Grades:

1. Content (35%) will be graded on the basis of its clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, and new information. Primary entries and discussion responses should demonstrate a solid understanding of the topic. Postings should show that a critical mind is at work, e.g., by introducing a different interpretation to an existing idea. Finally, everything that is posted should be written in complete sentences that are well organized, grammatically correct and free of spelling errors.
2. Participation (35%) will be graded with respect to:
   • Quality: Does your message reflect critical thinking? Does it have substance? Does it contribute in some way to the thinking of others?
   • Frequency: Have you contributed to the discussion at least 3 or 4 times per week, in addition to posting your own assignment(s)?
   • Distribution: Are your messages distributed on various days throughout the week? (No "dump 'n' runs")
3. Group Project (15%) will be graded on the degree to which it answers the questions in Unit 6.
4. Collaboration (15%) on the group project will be graded by oneself as well as by one's peers on the team. Criteria include timeliness of email responses, meeting deadlines, equitably sharing the workload, cooperating, quality contributing, and willingness to negotiate.

A = outstanding work

B = better than average

C = adequate

F = unacceptable or work not done

 

Note Forums in WebCT for Nurs 505A or Nurs 505B for Questions for Instructor Student Lounge - A Place to Talk about Anything Student Resources - for URLs Suggestions for Course

Instructor:

Thomas F. Nolan, Ph.D., R.N.

Professor, Department of Nursing

Director, the Center for Teaching and Professional Development

Sonoma State University

1801 East Cotati Avenue

Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609

Office: 707-664-2830

Fax: 707-664-4463

Email: thomas.nolan@sonoma.edu

 

Discussion Facilitator:

Reverend Mark Stanger

Canon Precentor and Associate Pastor

www.gracecathedral.org

 

Expectations: It's possible--in fact likely--that you won't get a response to everything you post. This is especially true when it comes to instructor response. Participants are sometimes dismayed when they don't get a nod from an instructor about something they posted. In a course such as ours that is based on collaborative learning, we expect that people will be giving and receiving feedback to and from each other, as well as from an instructor. The truth is that there is simply too much volume in the discussion forums for an instructor to comment on everything that a student posts. However, participants will be receiving (in private email) a periodic comment and/or grade from an instructor about progress in the course so that you will know how you are doing long before the end of the course. Our roles: Mark will be a primary resource and facilitator in the assignment and discussion forums. I will be his backup and will handle grading of student assignments and participation. From time to time, we will be inviting you to volunteer to assist with facilitation. It's a great learning experience! --TN

Role of Discussion Facilitator