Credits:  3 credits (3,0)
Faculty:  Lynn M. Gimpel-Kabke RN, MSN, CNS
Prerequisites:  Sophomore standing.  Not open to nursing majors.
 

Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the health care system with analysis of the issues an trends affecting the provision of health care services.  Focus will be on current and future health care systems, roles of providers and consumers, and factors influencing the provision of health care services. 

Course Objectives:
1.   Describe the goals, structure, and functions of the health care system.
2.   Discuss factors influencing change in the health care system. 
3.   Describe the roles of health care providers within the health care system.
4.   Examine issues inherent in the health care delivery system.
5.   Contrast the educational programs for preparing health care personnel.
6.   Describe the rights and responsibilities of the consumer of health care.
7.   Discuss issues of ethical concern for health care providers.
8.   Describe effective communication techniques and its effect on quality health care.
9.   Identify risk management in health care delivery.  
10. Compare the advantages an disadvantages of health care delivery models for various health 
      care agencies.
11.  Analyze the concept of organizational culture.
 

Textbook:
      Textbook to be announced

     American Psychological Association. (1995).  Publication manual of the American
     Psychological Association (4th ed.).  Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

      Internet access required.
 

Course Requirements:
1.   Participation in all class activities, discussions, and study group sessions are mandatory.
2.   Students are expected to complete all assigned reading(s) in textbooks, assigned articles, 
      computer program assignments, and/or other assignments prior to each class.  Students are
      expected to come to class prepared to discuss the scheduled topic and actively participate in 
      all classroom sessions.  
3.   Class attendance and participation is required.  Unexcused absences on test or presentation 
      days will result in a zero on that test or presentation.  For an excused absence, the professor
      must be notified in advance and must approve the absence.

                    Lynn Kabke:  Work  906-635-2819
                                          Home  906-635-1866

4.   Students are expected to comply with the University statement regarding academic honesty 
      (see LSSU Catalogue).  Any evidence of plagiarism will be investigated.
5.   All assignments are to be typed and double spaced.  Required reference for papers is the 
      Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), 4th edition, 1994. 
6.   Please make a copy of all work submitted to the professor.  Turn in both the copy and the 
      original in a folder.  The original will be graded and returned to the student.  The copy will be  
      retained in the department files.  Student papers will be submitted, in a folder with the 
      Professor’s name on it, via the student drop box in the Department of Nursing's office.
7.   Assignments are due on designated dates.  Late papers will receive a zero grade unless other 
      arrangements have been approved by the Professor.  All assignments must be turned and
      satisfactory/unsatisfactory assignments must be completed at a satisfactory level to pass the 
      course. 
 

Other:
1.   The course syllabus represents the best estimate and projection of the course content, scope, 
      and sequence.  In the case of extenuating circumstances, events, and the discretion of the
      professor, the course syllabi is subject to change.
 

Teaching-Learning Expectations:
1.   Methods of instruction include:  small group work, lecture for selected material, discussion, 
      videos, computer programs, debate, and guest speakers.
2.   The student is expected to possess the following skills/behaviors on entry:
      a.  Takes initiative to seek out information, conducting own searches and using the library for 
           information regularly.
      b.  Respect other student's views on topic, especially when they conflict with your own 
           views/beliefs.
      c.  Ability to identify similarities, differences and major concepts about and issue.
 

Grading Criteria:
Midterm interview paper                   20%
Written Paper                                   25%
Presentation of Paper                        15%
Final Exam                                        30%
Class Participation                             10%
Interview reports                               S/U

Satisfactory attainment of all course objectives is required.  
 

Interview Reports:
The student will schedule interviews with two health care professionals from two different health care settings.  The Professor will provide a generic interview report form for the student's use during the interview.  Students will be given release time from lecture to conduct these interviews.  The information gathered from these interviews will be the basis for the written Midterm Interview Paper (see below).  These interviews must be conducted during week 1-6 of the semester.  A copy of the students interview reports are to be submitted to the Professor.
 

Midterm Interview Paper:
No midterm exam will be given.  Instead, the student will submit a written Midterm Interview paper.  The paper will consist of a comparison and evaluation of the interviews and health care agencies selected.  The paper will be no longer than 10 written pages.  Specific content criteria for this paper will be handed out during class time.  APA format is required.
 

Concept Paper:
Each student will submit a paper addressing a health care concept.  The student must do a computer literature search in the library to obtain current research and information on the topic.  The written paper must contain a broad representation of the information available in the literature and internet.  The text of the paper will be at least 7 pages, but no more than 10 pages.  This paper is due the 12 week of the semester.  APA format is required.   

Presentation of Concept Paper:
Each student will present a summary of his/her paper as scheduled by the professor and students.  Presentation of the papers will be during class time.  Grading of presentations will include peer evaluations.  The peer evaluation will be worth 10% of the final grade received on the presentation.  The length of the presentations will be 20 minutes.   
 

World News:
The first 10-15 minutes of each class will be devoted to world news.  During this time students are expected to present current health care issues occurring in the news, whether it is local, national, or global.