Main Content

NURS432

The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.

NURS 432: Nursing Management of Human Resources [3SH (3, 0)]: Human resource management and related factors in nursing service organizations. Prerequisites: current and valid RN license for RN to BS majors.

Key to Semester Hour Designation: 3 SH (3,0) = 3 Semester Hours
3 semester hours in lecture, 0 semester hours in lab/clinical
Each semester hour in lecture = 50 minutes contact
Each semester hour in lab/clinical = 3 hours (or 180 minutes) contact

Therefore, this 3-credit course would meet for three (3) 50-minute lecture periods and zero (0) hours of clinical hours per week over a semester.


Overview | Topical Outline | Objectives | Materials |Technical Requirements | Course Requirements and Grading | Course Schedule | Academic Integrity | Policies


Overview

This course introduces the student to principles of human resource management. The student will explore the human resource development, labor standards and laws, employment, allocating staff resources, staffing, performance issues, and conflict management as it relates to managing people. Upon completion of the course, the student will have a basic understanding and working knowledge of the laws, concepts and methodologies utilized by the nurse leader in health care settings today.

Topical Outline

  • Lesson 1: Recruiting and Selecting Staff; Legality of Hiring
  • Lesson 2: Staffing, Scheduling
  • Lesson 3: Retention and Turnover, Incivility
  • Lesson 4: Motivational Theories and Staff Development
  • Lesson 5: Performance Appraisals
  • Lesson 6: Conflict Management, Coaching, Discipline and Termination, Impaired Nurses
  • Lesson 7: Collective Bargaining, Contracts, Unions

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to do the following:

  • Identify the components of human resource systems.
  • Describe labor standards and laws governing the management of human resources.
  • Discuss the process for the recruitment and retention of staff.
  • Discuss the role of the nurse manager to effectively staff for the delivery of patient care.
  • Discuss the role of the nurse manager for the orientation and ongoing development of staff performance.
  • Identify the process for effective management of staff performance problems.
  • Describe the elements of collective bargaining and management of a unionized staff.
Evaluation Methods (Dependent on Site)

Evaluation methods may include quizzes, examinations, written assignments, simulations, reflective journaling, care planning, and mid-course and final clinical performance evaluations.

Required Course Materials

Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.

NOTE: Course textbook (required and recommended) selections are dependent on program faculty and campus site. The College of Nursing uses the current APA Manual criteria for all written assignments. The APA manual is listed as an optional material for purchase. Recommended APA formatting resources are available in the course for reference.

Using the Library

Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can

  • access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
  • borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
  • get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
  • much more. 

You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service.  The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.

Technical Requirements

Technical Requirements and Help
Operating System

Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. 

To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications.

Browser

Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using.

Please note that Canvas does not support the use of Internet Explorer. Students and instructors should choose a different browser to use.   

To determine if your browser is supported, please review the list of Canvas Supported Browsers.


Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites.
Additional Canvas Requirements For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications.
Additional Software

All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Students will need a PDF reader, such as Adobe Reader.

Hardware

Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution
Audio: Microphone, Speakers
Camera (optional, recommended): Standard webcam - many courses may require a webcam for assignments or exam proctoring software.

Mobile Device (optional) The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements.
Help If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.


Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)

During the semester you will receive information about completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.

Additional Software

You will be required to view various PowerPoint presentations throughout the course. If you choose to download the presentations and you don't have Microsoft's PowerPoint software on your machine, you will need to download the PowerPoint Viewer. You will need this viewer especially if you are using a Mac. To download Microsoft's PowerPoint Viewer go to Microsoft's Download Center.

One of the benefits of being a registered Penn State student is that you are eligible to receive educational discounts on many software titles. If you are interested in learning more about purchasing software through our affiliate vendor, please visit the Buying Software section of the Course Materials page.

Technical Support

If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.

For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!

Course Requirements and Grading

 

Lesson Assignments/Points
Course Requirements and Grading
Lesson 1
  • Recruitment and Selection Process - discussion and essay (20 points)
  • Selective Interviewing - interview questions and essay (20 points)
  • Family Medical Leave Act Essay (15 points)
Lesson 2
  • Article Reviews - discussion (non-graded, 5 extra points for participation)
  • Staffing Analysis Essay (35 points)
Lesson 3
  • Retention and Managing Turnover - discussion and website posting (25 points)
  • Healthy Work Environment - Impact of Workplace Incivility Essay (25 points)
Lesson 4
  • Motivational Theories - reading, review presentation, and short essay (20 points)
  • Analysis of GN Orientation - essay (25 points)
  • Staff Development - discussion forum posting (15 points)
Lesson 5
  • Performance Appraisals - "Questions That Challenge You" (30 points)
Lesson 6
  • Handling Difficult People - reading, review presentation, and essay (15 points)
  • Case Studies: Employee Problems - complete case study (20 points)
  • Impaired Nurses - reading, website review, and essay (15 points)
Lesson 7
  • Nursing and Unions - review article/websites and discussion (20 points)
Total:
300 points

 

 

Grading Requirement

Students must achieve a letter grade of C or better (based on the Nese CON grading scale) in both theory and clinical components of all nursing courses in order to pass the course and progress in the nursing program. The faculty of record is responsible for assigning the final grade the student earns in the course and for ensuring the grade is recorded into the official University grade reporting system (LionPATH).

Letter Grade
Percentage
ROSS AND CAROL NESE COLLEGE OF NURSING GRADING SCALE
A
94-100
A-
90-93
B+
87-89
B
83-86
B-
80-82
C+
77-79
C
75-76
D
68-74
F
Below 68

A student must achieve a minimal final course grade of 75% for successful completion of the course. Each individual examination score is reported to the hundredth place, e.g. 92.76, and not rounded up. Only the final course grade will be rounded up. A final course grade of X.50 will be rounded to the next highest whole number (example 72.50 = 73). A final course grade of X .49 would not round up (example 72.49 = 72).

If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.

For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.

Please refer to the University Registrar's information about University grading policies.

Assignment Policies
ACADEMIC SUCCESS:

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is committed to the academic success of every student so that they can fulfill their academic goals. Students are ultimately responsible for seeking assistance if experiencing academic difficulty and are encouraged to reach out to the course instructor, academic advisor, and/or the Director for Undergraduate Nursing Education for resources to aid with academic success. Students are encouraged to seek assistance early and use internal and external resources, such as tutoring, as necessary for success.

ACADEMIC PROGRESSION:

Students are expected to progress through the program in a timely manner in compliance with an individualized plan of study. One of the responsibilities of the RN to BSN Student Admissions and Standards Sub-Committee is to monitor the academic progression of students in the nursing program. The committee believes that the student is ultimately responsible for seeking assistance when experiencing academic difficulty. However, the student may need to know that their progress is being monitored and that the faculty is committed to helping the student achieve success. This plan for early identification and follow-up of students experiencing academic difficulty is designed to ensure that students are well informed about strategies for success, including university resources and assistance. Detailed information is available in the student handbook.

MAKE-UP OF ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment dates are scheduled and specified in the syllabus; therefore, it is expected that students will adjust their schedules to accommodate for assessment completion. Recognizing, however, that one cannot plan to avoid severe illness, family death, or a few other limited circumstances, make-up assessments and extended completion times will be given in exceptional circumstances.

Failure to communicate the absence before the assessment due date will result in a 10% deduction of the assessment score. The 10% penalty is calculated from the assessment's total possible points, not from the grade achieved on the assessment. (For example, if a student scored 80/100 on an assessment, 10 points will be deducted for failure to communicate the absence and the student would earn a 70/100 for the assessment.)

A plan for making up the assessment must be completed within ten days of the due date unless an alternative plan is developed with the faculty. If there is no communication received from the student within ten (10) days, the student may receive a zero on the assessment.

Course Schedule

Course length:
  • Spring and Fall Semesters: 16 weeks
  • Summer Semester: 13 weeks

Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please refer to Graduation at the Chaiken Center for Student Success.

Unit / Lesson Activity
Course Schedule
Getting Started
  • You must first agree to the Academic Integrity Statement before you gain access to the course lessons. See the Academic Integrity Statement on the Lessons tab.
  • Complete the Getting Started lesson and associated tasks.

Lesson 1: Recruiting and Selecting Staff; Legality of Hiring

  • Read: two articles on HR departments and nurse recruitment
  • Assignment: Recruitment and Selection Process - discussion and essay
  • Assignment: Selective Interviewing - interview questions and essay
  • Assignment: Family Medical Leave Act Essay
Lesson 2: Staffing, Scheduling
  • Read: Chapter 16 in the textbook
  • Practice Questions: The Staffing Plan
  • Practice Questions: Understanding the Central Responsibilities of the Nurse Manager--Putting it All Together
  • Assignment: Article Reviews - discussion (non-graded, 5 extra points for participation)
  • Assignment: Staffing Analysis Essay
Lesson 3: Retention and Turnover, Incivility
  • Read: Chapter 20 - Reducing Turnover, Retaining Staff (textbook)
  • Read: Chapter 21 pg. 282 (textbook) and website link
  • Assignment: Retention and Managing Turnover - discussion and website posting
  • Assignment: Healthy Work Environment - Impact of Workplace Incivility Essay
Lesson 4: Motivational Theories and Staff Development
  • Assignment: Motivational Theories - reading, review presentation, and short essay
  • Assignment: Analysis of GN Orientation - essay
  • Read: From Novice to Expert - Competency Theory - reading and website reviews
  • Assignment: Staff Development - discussion forum posting
Lesson 5: Performance Appraisals
  • Read: Performance Appraisal - reading and website review
  • Assignment: Performance Appraisals - "Questions That Challenge You"
Lesson 6: Conflict Management, Coaching, Discipline and Termination, Impaired Nurses
  • Assignment: Handling Difficult People - reading, review presentation, and essay
  • Assignment: Case Studies: Employee Problems - complete case study
  • Assignment: Impaired Nurses - reading, website review, and essay
Lesson 7: Collective Bargaining, Contracts, Unions
  • Read: Chapter 23 - Handling Collective-Bargaining Issues (textbook)
  • Read: History of the Labor Movement in America - review website
  • Assignment: Nursing and Unions - review article/websites and discussion

 

 

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity free from fraud and deceptions and is an educational objective of this institution. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

  • cheating,
  • plagiarizing,
  • fabricating of information or citations,
  • facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others,
  • having unauthorized possession of examinations,
  • making copies in any manner of exams or papers,
  • submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, and
  • tampering with the academic work of other students.

At the beginning of each course, it is the responsibility of the instructor to provide a statement clarifying the application of academic integrity criteria to that course. A student charged with academic dishonesty will be given oral or written notice of the charge by the instructor. If students believe they have been falsely accused, they should seek redress through normal discussion with the instructor, department head, dean, or campus executive officer. If the instructor believes that the infraction is sufficiently serious to warrant referral of the case to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response, or if the instructor will award a final grade of “F” in the course because of the infraction, the student and instructor will be afforded formal due process (review Academic Integrity information, policy, and procedure on the College of Nursing website).

How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, procedure requires an instructor to notify a student of suspected dishonesty before filing a charge and recommended sanction with the college. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If a disciplinary sanction also is recommended, the case will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response..

All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us.

Additionally, World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and others, as well as a civil community.

For More Information on Academic Integrity at Penn State

Please see the Academic Integrity Chart for specific college contact information or visit one of the following URLs:

Course Policies

Registration Status
Registration Status

All students in "Registration Not Complete" status must resolve issues before the first day of clinical or before the 10th day after classes begin, whichever comes first. Students who do not complete registration will not be able to remain in nursing clinical courses. University policy on completing registration can be found at the Office of the University Registrar.

Attendance, Student Responsibilities, and Conduct
  1. Attendance and participation in all scheduled classes is expected and will be monitored. Excessive absence can seriously affect a student’s success in passing this course.
  2. If an assessment event (examination, quiz, presentation or other form of assessment for grading) will be missed due to an unavoidable absence, the student must contact the instructor prior to the scheduled assessment event. (See Make-Up of Assessment Methods)
    1. Requests for missing class or an evaluative event due to reasons that are based on false claims may be considered violations of the policy on Academic Integrity and/or the Student Ethical Behavior Guidelines.
  3. Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
  4. Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
  5. If extra credit assignments are offered, they must be offered to all students and should not be used to boost the grade of an individual student.
  6. Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
  7. For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the Senate Committee on Student Life Policy on Managing Classroom Disruption will be followed.
Additional Course Policies

For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.


Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.


Senate approval: 2003
Revised: 2007, Fall 2008, Fall 2011



Top of page