UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE

College of Nursing
UWS NSG 341 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
Collaborative Nursing Program Course
Course Syllabus
Fall, 2012
Faculty
Dr. James A. Bockeloh, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Clinical Instructor
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
College of Nursing, Room 522
1921 E. Hartford Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Office: 414-229-5556
Fax: 414-229-6474
Cell/Home: 262-880-6415
Email: Bockeloh@uwm.edu
Office Hours: Monday, 4:30-5:30 PM, Froedtert Hospital
Other hours by appointment
Class Location and Schedule
Monday evenings, 6:00 9:50 PM
Froedtert Hospital, Helfaer Auditorium
Capsule Statement
Concepts and theories pertinent to professional nursing practice are developed
and historical, legal, cultural, economic, and social factors that influence nursing
and health care delivery are analyzed.
Credits: 4
Prerequisites
Admission to the Collaborative Nursing Program
Course Description
Selected concepts and theories pertinent to the practice of professional nursing
are developed. Historical, legal, cultural, economic, and social factors that
influence nursing and health care delivery are analyzed. Various philosophical
perspectives upon professional nursing practice are considered. Nursing theories
are addressed as frameworks for practice. Strategies are discussed for analyzing
and managing ethical dilemmas in nursing and health care.

Course Objectives
1. Demonstrate understanding of professional nursing practice
2. Articulate a personal philosophy of nursing
3. Develop a commitment to enact a theory-based practice
4. Evaluate factors that create dilemmas in nursing/health care
5. Critically examine the importance of diverse cultural, historical, legal, and
economic influences in nursing practice and the health care industry
Required Texts:
American Psychological Association, (2010). Publication manual of the
American psychological association, 6th ed. Chicago: American
Psychological Association.
Blais, K.K., et. al., (2010). Professional nursing practice: Concepts and
perspectives, 6th ed. NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN-10: 0135080908 ISBN-13:
978-0135080900
George, J.B., (2010). Nursing theories: The base for professional nursing
practice, 6th ed. NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN-10: 0135135834 | ISBN-13: 9780135135839
Other course materials are posted on the D2L site.
Course Requirements:
Class Participation
Course Assignments
Theory Presentation
Final Course Paper

20%
30%
20%
30%

Class Participation: Based on attendance and participation in discussion and inclass activities.
Course Assignments: A variety of short exercises and activities will be required in
the course. Guidelines for assignments are posted on the D2L course site.
Theory Presentation: Small group/pair presentation of a selected nursing theory.
Guidelines are posted on the D2L website.
Course Final Theory and Practice Paper: A comprehensive paper integrating
concepts and theories presented in the course is required. Guidelines are posted
on the D2L website.
Student Expectations:

Attend class weekly.

Notify faculty BEFORE class if unable to attend.
2

Come prepared for class. You should expect to spend 6 to 8 hours per week
preparing for this course. Course preparation includes completing the
assigned readings, accessing the PowerPoint handouts on D2L, and
completing the weekly and course assignments.
Bring course materials (e.g. materials posted on D2L) to each class session.
Be on time and stay for the entire class session.
Actively participate in class lectures, discussions, and activities.
Respect peers, guests and faculty.
Give thoughtful feedback.
Turn off cell phones and pagers during class.
Use laptops during class only for course-related note taking or group
activities.
Help to maintain a clean classroom.
Check your UWM email account and D2L course site for announcements at
least 2 times per week and as needed.

Grading Scale
95 - 100 % = A
93 - 94 % = A91 - 92 % = B+
87 - 90 % = B

85 - 86 % = B83 - 84 % = C+
79 - 82 % = C
77 - 78 % = C-

75 - 76 % = D+
72 - 74 % = D
70 - 71 % = D<70 %
=F

Academic Conduct
UWM and the College of Nursing expect each student to be honest in academic
performance in all aspects of academic work. Refer to the following website for
additional information regarding expectations for academic conduct and
behaviors that are considered to be academic dishonesty and misconduct:
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/OSL/DOS/conduct.html
Academic conduct includes behaviors relating to:
Correct procedures for citing sources of information, word, and ideas
Ways to properly credit collaborative work with project team or study group
members
Strategies for planning and preparing for exams, papers, projects and
presentations
A useful link to avoid plagiarism is http://guides.library.uwm.edu/plagiarism

Class Schedule Fall, 2012

Date

Topic

Readings

Sept 10

Introduction to the Course

Nursing As a Profession

Sept 17

Professional Nursing Roles

Donley & Flaherty 2012 article (on

D2L, or email instructor to have
copy emailed)
Blais, Chapters 2 and 17

Sept 24

Historical Foundations of
Professional Nursing

Blais, Chapter 3

October 1

Theoretical Foundations of
Professional Nursing

Blais, Chapter 6
George (2002), Chapter 1

October 8

Theoretical Foundations as a Base

for Professional Practice

George (2002), Chapters 2 & 24

October 15

Nursing Theories
Presentations

October 22

Nursing Theories
Presentations

George Chapters TBD

*Philosophy of Nursing paper
due*
George Chapters TBD

October 29

Nursing Theories
Presentations

George Chapters TBD

Nov 5

Ethical Foundations of Professional

Nursing

Blais, Chapter 4

Nov 12

Legal Foundations of Professional

Nursing Practice

Blais, Chapter 5

Nov 19

Spiritual and Cultural Diversity

Nov 26

Technology and Informatics;

The Nurse as Political Advocate

Blais, Chapters 21 & 22

George (2002), Chapter 21
Blais, Chapter 16
Blais, Chapter 11

Dec 3

Health Care Economics

Blais, Chapter 18

Dec 10

The Future of Professional Nursing

Course & Teacher Evaluations

*Final Paper Due*

Note:
If UWM closes for evening classes, then this class is cancelled. UWM announcements
for evening classes are usually made before 4:30 PM. Check the UWM website for
announcements.

University Policies and Procedures

Academic Misconduct
he University has a responsibility to promote academic honesty and integrity and to develop procedures to deal effectively with
instances of academic dishonesty. Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, for the
appropriate citation of sources, and for respect of others academic endeavors. (UWM Faculty Document #1686)
Accommodation for Religious Observances
Students will be allowed to complete examinations or other requirements that are missed because of a religious observance. (UWM
Faculty Document #1853)
Complaint Procedure
Students may direct complaints to the head of the academic unit or department in which the complaint occurs. If the complaint
allegedly violates a specific university policy, it may be directed to the head of the department or academic unit in which the
complaining occurred or to the appropriate university office responsible for enforcing the policy. All complaints should be directed to
the Professor first. If you are unsatisfied with results of this meeting, then the next step is to go to the Course Coordinator. If you are
unsatisfied with the results of this meeting, then the final step is to go to the Director, Undergraduate program.
Discriminatory Conduct Policy
The University will not tolerate discriminatory conduct as defined: 1) intentional conduct, either verbal or physical by a member of
the faculty, staff or student body, which 2) occurs on property under the jurisdiction of the Regents or under circumstances where an
affiliation with UWM is significant in the occurrence; and 3) is predicated on considerations of any of the following: race, color,
national origin, creed, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or other status protected under the law; and 4) which
has the purpose and effect of adversely affecting any aspect or condition of an individual's education, employment, housing or
participation in a university activity. (UWM Faculty Document #1670) Please be respectful of yourself, your peers, and the
Professor. Disciplinary action for Non-Academic misconduct will be filed for anyone violating this policy.
Financial Obligation
The submission of your registration form and your subsequent assignment to classes obligates you to pay the fee-tuition for those
classes or to withdraw your registration in writing no later than the date specified by the university. It is important to both you and the
University to make payment on time. A complete description of UWM Fee Facts may be obtained from the Department of Enrollment
Services.
Grade Appeal Procedure
A student may appeal a grade on the grounds that it is based on a capricious or arbitrary decision of the course instructor. Such an
appeal shall follow the established procedures adopted by the department, college, or school in which the course resides. These
procedures are available in writing from the respective Director, Undergraduate Program, or the Academic Dean of the School.
(UWM Faculty Document #1243)
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, UWM students should listen to local radio and television stations to ascertain whether the campus
has been closed. The campus will be specifically identified if classes have been cancelled. Even when classes are canceled,
University offices and services remain available, unless the Governor closes the entire University.
Incompleteness
A notation of Incomplete may be given in lieu of a final grade to a student who has carried a subject successfully until the end of a
semester, but who, because of illness or other unusual and substantiated cause beyond the student's control, has been unable to take or
complete the final examination or to complete some limited amount of term work. An incomplete is not given unless you prove to the
instructor that you were prevented from completing course requirements for just cause as indicated above. (UWM Faculty Document
#1558 and #1602)
Participation by students with Disabilities
If you need special accommodations in order to meet any of the requirements of this course, please contact me as soon as possible.
Safety
Safety techniques and strategies are described in a School of Nursing Brochure distributed to all nursing students in Spring 1994 and
subsequently to new students. Copies are available in the Office of Student Affairs.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is reprehensible and will not be tolerated by the University. It subverts the mission of the University
and threatens the careers, educational experience, and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. The University will not
tolerate behavior between or among members of the University community, which creates an unacceptable working
environment. (UWM Faculty Document #1605)