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NURS-210 - Medical-Surgical Nursing: Clinical Reasoning in Practice - Josie Perrone, MSN, FNP-C

Course:Medical-Surgical Nursing: Clinical Reasoning in Practice
Professor:Josie Perrone, MSN, FNP-C
Email:josette.perrone@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • 12 Week

Introduction

Photo of me fully gowned in PPE—mask, gown, gloves, and face shield—during a shift in the emergency department at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. A moment I’ll never forget.

Hello and welcome to Medical-Surgical Nursing! I’m thrilled to be your instructor. My professional background includes many years as an emergency department nurse and clinical instructor for nursing students at College of the Canyons. Whether this is your first online course or you’ve taken several, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Our focus will be on clinical reasoning, nursing care planning, and safe, evidence-based interventions for patients with complex medical conditions.

Course Description

In this course, you will build on foundational nursing knowledge to assess, plan, and implement care for adult patients with common and complex health issues. You will apply clinical reasoning and critical thinking to develop individualized, patient-centered care plans. Topics include cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and endocrine conditions, with an emphasis on pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing assessments, and interventions.

What to Expect in this Course

This is a 16-week fully online course. Each week, you will complete:

  • Recorded lectures or narrated slide presentations

  • Case study-based assignments and clinical reasoning exercises

  • Weekly quizzes

  • Participation in discussion boards simulating SBAR reports or shift change

  • Evidence-based care planning and critical thinking activities

You’ll spend about 6–10 hours per week engaging with course materials and completing assignments. Modules open every Sunday and assignments are due on Wednesdays and Sundays. You are expected to log into Canvas multiple times per week. Students who do not complete the first week’s assignments by Sunday at 11:59 PM may be dropped.

Types of Assessments

Assessments

Students will complete:

  • Weekly quizzes on lecture and reading content

  • Clinical judgment case studies

  • Discussion boards and care plan reviews

  • Concept maps

  • No proctored exams are required.

Textbook Information

Textbook:
Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care by Ignatavicius, Workman, Rebar (10th Edition).
ISBN: 9780323612425. Available for purchase or rental through the COC bookstore or online retailers.

Technology Requirements:

  • Reliable internet access

  • Laptop or desktop computer

  • Webcam and microphone for virtual check-ins or video assignments

  • Word processing software (Microsoft Word, Google Docs)

Canvas Login Info:
Access the course through Canvas at: https://cv.canyons.edu
Use your MyCanyons login credentials. If you’re new to Canvas, user guides are available on the login page or through Online Education.

Other Relevant Course Information

If you are waitlisted and wish to add, please email me with your full name, student ID, and a brief statement of interest. I will respond with an add code if space is available.

To be successful, please complete the Week 1 module and discussion post by the first Sunday at 11:59 PM. If you anticipate any access issues, contact me right away so we can work out a solution together.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 06/18/2025 Sub#: 1941 Sub ID: 197036