Nursing Degree Program Requirements and Regulations

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAM IN NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK *Subject to change

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3 This handbook is produced by the faculty and staff of the Nursing Education Program. Its purpose is to support your transition to the role of BSN student within the Nursing Program at UMA. It is designed to provide you with specific information relative to this particular Bachelors of Science degree program and your participation in it. It should be used in conjunction with the general student handbook and UMA Catalog. Since it is your responsibility to be aware of the policies and procedures which regulate the administration of the program, and to adhere to them fully, we hope this handbook will provide you with easy access to this information. Please remember that this is your handbook. Keep it handy and use it to your best advantage. If you have questions about any of its content, please talk it over with your advisor or stop by the College Office. If you have any comments or suggestions for the handbook, please feel free to offer them. Please refer to the University of Maine at Augusta s Student Handbook ( for the following policies of relevance to students in the Nursing Program. Address/Name Change Policy Class cancellation and or Declaration of Administrative Leave due to Weather or other Classroom Behavior Emergency Situations (School Closing Policy) Drug Policy Equal Opportunity Policy Policy on Children and Guests in the Classroom Sexual Harassments Policy Student Academic Grievance Policy Student Academic Integrity Code Student Conduct Code University Policy on Alcohol and Illegal Drugs

4 ACCREDITATION UMA s RN-BS in Nursing program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) For more information about the accreditation process please visit ACEN at:

5 UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAM NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK Students enrolled in the BS in Nursing Degree Program at UMA are required to adhere to the policies of the Nursing Education Program. Students may obtain a copy of the current handbook each academic semester enrolled in nursing courses as posted on Blackboard course sites and the BS in Nursing website. It is the student s responsibility to read, understand and comply with all nursing program policies. Reviewed/Revised 5/17/13

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7 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Faculty and Staff List.. 1 Student Services Vision and Mission of the Nursing Program Philosophy of the Nursing Program Admission Requirements. 5 Student Learning/BS Program Outcomes Immunization, CPR Policy, Background Check for Clinical Attendance Meeting Your Advisor BS in Nursing Progression Toward Graduation Policy.. 11 Nursing Program of Study Progression Summary.. 12 Grading and Examination Policies for all Nursing Courses Add/Drop and Withdrawal Policies 14 Academic Honesty: Statement of Policy and Procedure. 15 Civility Statement.. 16 Behavioral Impairment.. 17 Guidelines for Student Representation/Participation in Faculty Meetings. 18 Professional Attire.. 19 Protection of Privacy Transfer of Nursing Course Credit Policy.. 21 Appendix A: American Databank: Immunization & Background Check Information

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9 FACULTY AND STAFF LIST NAME/LOCATION Brenda McAleer Rm 140 Jewett Hall Lynne King Rm 235 Randall Center Carey S Clark Rm 234 Randall Center Jo-Ann Cole Rm 260 Civic Center Nursing Office Rm 236 Randall Center CONTACT INFORMATION Associate Provost Dean, College of Professional Studies (207) Academic Program Coordinator Professor (207) lking@maine.edu BS Program Assistant Professor (207) carey.clark@maine.edu Lecturer in Nursing (207) jcole@maine.edu (207)

10 STUDENT SERVICES WHAT WHOM TO SEE LOCATION PHONE NUMBER Absences Classroom Exam Clinical Instructor See Previous Page Academic Advising Staff Randall Center Nursing Office Administrative Specialist Rm 236 Randall Center Books Bookstore Randall Center Difficulties Personal Academic Disability Accommodations Counseling or Nursing Advisor Nursing Advisor or Learning Support Services Learning Support Services Jewett Hall Randall Center/Civic Center/Jewett Hall 195 Jewett Hall or See previous page Jewett Hall Dropping a Course Nursing Advisor See Previous Page Financial Aid Financial Aid Office Robinson Hall Grades: Course Instructor Automated: Clinical Appeals Instructor Academic Program Coordinator Independent Study Nursing Advisor See Previous Page Insurance Student Services Robinson Hall Lost and found Information Desk Randall Center Readmission Admissions Office Robinson Hall Registration Nursing Advisor See Previous Page Scholarships Financial Aid Office Robinson Hall Transcripts Registrar s Office Robinson Hall Transfer Credit Registrar s Office Robinson Hall or Tutoring 195 Jewett Hall Withdrawal Nursing Advisor See Previous Page 2

11 VISION AND MISSION OF THE NURSING PROGRAM Vision: The University of Maine at Augusta Nursing Education Program will be the leader in educating caring, professional nurses. Accepted: 1/27/11 Mission Statement: The University of Maine at Augusta Nursing Education Program fulfills current and future nursing care needs of diverse populations by educating students to become professional nurses and sustain caring nursing practices. The Nursing Education Program is delivered using contemporary technology to traditional, non-traditional and place bound students. Faculty guide and facilitate Associate and Bachelor of Nursing students learning by: Using innovative, evidence-based teaching modalities. Modeling competent, caring nursing practices. Encouraging and supporting life-long learning. Prepares students for the acquisition of advanced degrees. The nursing faculty of University of Maine at Augusta is committed to advancing nursing practice through living and teaching core values of: Integrity Respect and caring for oneself and human kind. Holism Nursing Excellence Professionalism Honoring Diversity Leadership Accepted: 2/3/11 Reviewed: 5/22/14 3

12 PHILOSOPHY OF THE NURSING PROGRAM The Nursing Program faculty believes that an individual is a holistic being with basic human needs aligning with Abraham Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs. Basic Human Needs are fundamental physiologic, psychological, social, and spiritual requirements for the well-being and health of an individual. Health is a dynamic state in which individuals adapt to internal and external environments to strive for optimal well-being and quality of life. Health incorporates human needs, developmental processes, and the ability to maximize individual potential. Each person has the right to participate in decisions which affect health. The Nursing Faculty embraces the philosophy of Relationship Centered Care, which is the intentional cultivation of relationships. Relationship Centered Care encompasses the values of respect for dignity and uniqueness of others, valuing diversity, integrity, humility, mutual trust, self-determination, empathy and the capacity for grace and empowerment. Values and Beliefs about Nursing Nursing is a caring profession with a goal of assisting clients to achieve an individual level of wellness through a holistic caring approach. The client enters the health care delivery system for assistance in managing health needs. The profession requires clinical reasoning skills in order to make sound nursing care decisions, which incorporate accountability and integrity. Professional nursing actions are also based on a body of knowledge that is the integration of theory from the arts, humanities, physical sciences, and caring-humanistic sciences. Values and Beliefs about Nursing Education Consistent with UMA's strong commitment to the adult learner, the Nursing Program has incorporated the principles of adult education in its curriculum. Learning is a linked effort of faculty and students that fosters life-long self-directed learning, critical thinking skills, and personal and professional growth. Learning is a continuous process, which involves the student s intellect, feelings, values, interests, and past experiences. The role of the faculty member is that of experienced teacher, facilitator, resource person, the role model of care and self-care, and the architect of a climate for learning. Faculty and students become partners in the relationship centered educational experience. The Associate Degree Nursing Program prepares graduates for entry level nursing positions and for baccalaureate level studies by providing a foundation in general studies, sciences, nursing, and use of technologies. The ASN graduate is prepared to provide and manage holistic, caring, evidence-based nursing care of clients across the life-span, in a variety of structured settings. The graduate is prepared to function collaboratively as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team. At the Bachelor s level of education, an integral educational framework approach is utilized to further examine the health potential of self, patients, and communities, while enhancing the students understanding of healing and holism. The Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Program prepares registered nurses for leadership roles in nursing, while supporting their ability to create caring-healing sustainable holistic nursing practices. This is achieved through the practices of selfreflection and self-care. Students are offered the opportunity to explore holistic-healing elective courses, which can be utilized in various practice settings. The BSN graduate has enhanced opportunities for career growth and is prepared for and encouraged to pursue graduate level studies. Educational Delivery Modalities In fulfilling our commitment to students learning needs, and in response to continual changes in healthcare, the faculty are committed to the integration of technology throughout the curriculum. The ASN and BSN curricula are delivered via a variety of contemporary learning platforms, including hybrid, web-based, traditional, and simulation. Ultimately, the UMA nursing graduate is prepared to utilize nursing theory, technology, and evidenced-based knowledge in the provision of holistic relationship centered care to the client, family, and the global community, with flexibility to adapt to the changing nature of health care and health care roles. Reviewed: 5/22/14 4

13 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The BS in Nursing degree program requires students to meet the following prerequisites in addition to UMA s general admission standards: Student must hold an Associate of Science degree in Nursing (A.S.) from a regionally accredited institution. Must hold an active RN license Minimum GPA of 2.50 In order to promote seamless transfer from the AS in Nursing degree to the BS in Nursing program, recent graduates may be admitted to the program conditionally, without the RN license, however students must pass the NCLEX licensure exam within one semester of entering the BS program. Students who fail to attain licensure will not be permitted to continue taking NUR designated courses. Students may continue taking the General Education courses at UMA. Upon verification of an active RN licensure students may resume taking nursing courses. AS in Nursing graduates who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement for nursing have the option of applying to UMA in the Liberal Studies program. Courses can be taken to meet the Nursing program s General Education requirements in order to increase the GPA. Once the GPA reaches 2.50, students who otherwise meet admission requirements, may change to the major of nursing. Reviewed: 5/22/14 5

14 STUDENT LEARNING/BS PROGRAM OUTCOMES Upon completion of the BS in Nursing Program the learner will: 1. Demonstrate holistic-relationship centered nursing care in diverse healthcare settings. 2. Use best current evidence to provide safe and effective holistic nursing care. 3. Use critical thinking skills to assess cultural, ethical, legal, and safety concerns with diverse client populations across the lifespan. 4. Utilize technology and information to monitor outcomes of holistic care and to improve the quality and safety of healthcare systems. 5. Develop one's professional identity with an ability to partner within an interdisciplinary team in order to continuously improve care. 6. Effectively communicate through technological, written, and verbal modalities. 7. Demonstrate transformative leadership skills in influencing healthcare delivery systems. 8. Demonstrate competency with self-care-healing modalities in order to create sustainable caring-healing practices. 9. Create a plan for continued professional development and commitment to life-long learning. 10. Develop health promotion and illness prevention skills for patients and communities via contemporary approaches to wellness through the coaching role of the nurse. Reviewed: 5/22/14 6

15 IMMUNIZATION, HEALTH HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAM, CPR CERTIFICATION, HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY Rationale Students must provide documentation of required immunizations, health history and exam, CPR certification, and health insurance prior to the start of first day of class in NUR clinical courses. This policy is in compliance with required immunizations, health history and physical exam, CPR certification and Health Insurance coverage specified by clinical facilities with which UMA is under contract. The documentation must be kept current and updated each semester. Immunization documentation for the Nursing Program is in addition to the University of Maine at Augusta required documentation of immunizations. *Please note that all of the above applies to both ASN and RN-BSN students except that RN-BSN students are not required to complete the health history and exam. UMA s Nursing Program requires all students to register with American DataBank for tracking of immunizations, Health status, CPR certification and health insurance. There is an annual $30.00 fee for this service which must be paid with a credit card. All immunization records are kept with the American DataBank, and a copy of the records are submitted to the health care agencies upon request when students are assigned for clinical placements. Students must renew the subscription with American DataBank annually each fall ($30.00 annual fee) while in the Nursing Program. Students are responsible for updating their personal immunization, CPR and health insurance records as they come due. Failure to do so will result in an inability to attend clinical learning sessions. Required Immunizations: Tuberculosis: Measles/Mumps/Rubella: Diphtheria/Tetanus: Hepatitis B: Varicella: Flu Vaccine PPD/Mantoux TB test Must be updated yearly prior to the expiration date Documentation of positive measles, mumps and rubella titers OR Documentation of 2 live MMR vaccines administered after the age of 12 months Basic series of three doses of DPT and boosters of DT every 10 years or equivalent immunization of pertussis. Completion of Hepatitis B series of 3 immunizations Documentation of positive Varicella titer OR Documentation of 2 live Varicella vaccinations after the age of 5 OR Documentation of 1 live Varicella vaccination before the age of 5 An annual flu vaccine may be required by clinical facilities in which students have clinical practice. Students who opt out of the annual flu vaccine will need to abide by the policies for practice in the assigned clinical facility. 7

16 Student Compliance with Immunization, Health History and Physical Exam Procedure: 1. Log in to American DataBank and follow the instructions for entering clinical requirements. 2. Create your Immunization Tracking System Account as directed on the American DataBank website. 3. Process your payment by submitting credit card information. 4. Download all necessary forms. Appropriate forms and documentation must be completed, scanned and uploaded to your tracking system profile in American DataBank. Forms to download and complete include the Immunization Tracking Form, the Immunization Release Form, the Health History Form, the Physical Examination Form and the Health Insurance Form. You will need to make an appointment with your health care provider to obtain immunization records, health history and physical examination information. Please be sure to make arrangements with your health care provider for the necessary physical exam and health history records in a time frame for completion prior to the start of NUR courses. 5. Manage your Immunization Records and Health Care Screening Records. You will be required to scan and upload all immunization and health care records to your tracking system profile. Please follow the instructions given on the American DataBank website. Student compliance with CPR Certification: Documentation of American Heart Association Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider (must include infant, child, and adult CPR) must be kept current during the nursing program. Recertification must be completed prior to expiration date on card. Documentation of certification and/or recertification must be recorded through American DataBank services. Procedure: 1. Obtain CPR certification as described above. 2. Upload a copy of the front and back of the CPR certification card to American DataBank for processing. Student Compliance with Health Insurance documentation: Students must have current and active health insurance while attending the University of Maine at Augusta Nursing Program. Proof of health insurance coverage must be documented and tracked through American DataBank services. Procedure: 1. Provide a copy of the front and back of your insurance card or a letter stating your coverage from your provider or place of employment to American DataBank for processing. This information must be updated yearly. 2. Complete the Health Insurance Form in relation to your Insurance Coverage. This form is completed one time while attending the UMA Nursing Program. Submit a copy of the completed form to American DataBank for processing. Reviewed / Revised May

17 CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK POLICY Rationale Prior to starting a clinical rotation with a contracted clinical facility students are required to undergo a criminal background check to enhance patient safety. This is in compliance with clinical facilities with which UMA is under contact. Policy Each student enrolled in the UMA Nursing Program will be required to undergo a criminal record background check though a provider designated by the program coordinator. No other background check than the one required by UMA will be accepted by any of the clinical affiliates. Each student is responsible for obtaining and paying for the background check. This process must be completed prior to the student s first day of class in NUR courses. A student will not be allowed into clinical until the results of the background check are available. The student understands and agrees that the information obtained through the background check process will be available to the University and its host clinical agencies. The University will communicate the findings of the background check to the host clinical facility in which the student is assigned. In some circumstances, students may not be accepted at clinical agencies and, therefore, would not be able to meet program requirements. Although the Nursing Program will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in clinical experiences, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be permitted to work at that facility. Students may be asked to complete additional background checks as required by host facilities. Background checks are required every 24 months and upon readmission to the program. Students are responsible for reporting any change in status to their criminal record to the clinical agency to which they are currently assigned. Prospective and current students with a criminal history are responsible for contacting the Maine State Board of Nursing to determine their licensing eligibility. Procedure: Student Compliance with Criminal Background Check Process 1. Log in to American Data Bank at least 12 weeks prior to the start of your first NUR clinical course. 2. Select Begin your Background Check 3. Provide the required information. 4. The student will assume the cost of the federal background check (approximately $30.00). All costs are paid to the website above. 5. As soon as you receive the FBI fingerprint kit follow the instructions and submit the completed kit. Do not wait to complete this part of the process. Federal background checks can take up to 12 weeks for completion from the date of acceptable fingerprint submission. 6. Upon completion of the background check, ADB will send a copy of the results to both the student and the NUR program administrator. 7. Students are encouraged to review their results for inaccuracies and contact American Data Bank to discuss necessary corrections. Reviewed / Revised May

18 MEETING YOUR ADVISOR Upon admission, each student at UMA is assigned a faculty member from the Nursing Education Program to act as her/his advisor. The purpose of this role is to: 1. assist students in selecting course work to satisfy program requirements and registering for those courses; 2. assist students in planning and tracking course requirements for degree progression (see BS in Nursing Progression Toward Graduation Policy); 3. provide career planning assistance, information and referral; 4. refer students to other college support services; and 5. assist the student in productive problem-solving for personal and academic concerns. A list of course requirements for completing the Nursing Program are found on the most current checksheet available at Students are required to contact their advisor for registration, add-drop changes, or to initiate the process for withdrawal from a course or the program. Faculty advising is vital for correct course selection, which will ensure your academic experience at UMA is both successful and timely. To contact your advisor, refer to Mainestreet or your advisor. All appointments for advising are made directly with the faculty member. The advising staff at UMA is also available to support your progression through the program: Reviewed and revised 12/18/12 Reviewed: 5/22/14 10

19 BS in NURSING PROGRESSION TOWARD GRADUATION POLICY The Bachelor s of Science degree with a major in Nursing has the following degree requirements for graduation: Minimum of 120 credit hours Writing intensive (W) course Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.50 Minimum GPA in the major: Credit hours of Residency courses 9 Credits of upper-level ( ) major residency courses Refer to the current UMA catalog for further information regarding Graduation policy. Reviewed: 5/22/14 11

20 Nursing Program of Study Progression Summary Name: Advisor: This form is to assist students in planning and tracking course requirements for degree progression. Using the BS in Nursing current catalog checklist, please complete the program of study form planning course progression and submit form to your nursing faculty advisor prior to or during the first semester of enrollment in the program. The BS in Nursing progression toward graduation policy, as stated in the BS in Nursing student handbook requires that students meet with their faculty advisor the semester prior to expected graduation to ensure that all degree requirements are met. An electronic or paper copy of this completed form must be provided to the faculty member at each advising session. Subject UMA's Core Education (33 credits) Course Semester Credit Grade Comments Nursing Course Requirements (33 Credits) Subject Course Semester Credit Grade Communications Introduction to Health NUR 225 Informatics College Writing ENG 101 Health Assessment NUR 301 Throughout the Lifespan Fine Arts or Humanities MAT 100 or Mathematics higher Introduction to Psychology PSY 100 Human Development PSY 308 Introduction to Sociology SOC 101 Fundamentals of BIO 110 or Biology Equivalent Anatomy and BIO 210 or Physiology Equivalent BIO 321 or Microbiology equivalent Other (not satisfied courses/gened) Pharmacology for Nurses Conceptual Basis of Professional Nursing NUR 302 NUR 304 Nursing Research NUR 352 Concepts of Community NUR 355 Health - Lecture Community Health - Clinical Leadership and Management Senior Seminar Any 300 or 400 Level Nursing Elective Any 300 or 400 Level Nursing Elective NUR 356 NUR 410 NUR 499W General Education Requirements (18 credits) Subject Course Semester Credit Grade Comments English Writing Intensive course ENG 103W Fine Arts Humanities Elementary Statistics Introduction to Human Nutrition MAT 115 BIO 104 Pathophysiology BIO 345 CUM GPA Current Credits Advisor Signature: 12

21 GRADING AND EXAMINATION POLICIES FOR ALL NURSING COURSES 1. SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF ALL NUR COURSES: In order to progress through the nursing courses and graduate from the Nursing Program, a student must achieve at least a C (76% or above) for each NUR designated course. In determining theory grades, the following scale is used: A = A- = B+ = B = B- = C+ = C = D+ = D = F = 64 and below 2. PROGRESSION: In addition to earning a minimum grade of a C (not C- ) in all nursing courses, a student also must earn a minimum grade of C (not C- ) in the following courses: MAT and BIO 3. All prerequisites to each NUR designated course must be either met prior to the start of that course or may be taken concurrently with permission of instructor. 4. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.50 in the major (Nursing) courses in order to meet graduation requirements. Reviewed: 5/22/14 13

22 ADD/DROP AND WITHDRAWAL POLICIES Refer to UMA handbook ADD/DROP POLICY: Students are not allowed to add a course after the regular add period as listed in the course schedule for that semester. Students should consult with the instructor for the course or their academic advisor before making the decision to drop a course. Students who wish to drop a course can do so through MaineStreet, unless the course they plan to drop is the only course they are enrolled in for the semester. Students who want to withdraw from all courses for the semester should contact the Enrollment Services Center, their University College Center, or the Registrar s Office. During the first nine weeks of a semester, a student who drops a course will be assigned a grade of W (withdrew). During the last six weeks of the semester, faculty will assign either a W or WF (withdrew failing) grade, depending on the student s performance in the course. W grades are not computed into the grade point average. WARNING: Failure to withdraw officially from courses when a student stops attending class may result in failing grades of "F" or "L". Contact: academic advisor, Registrar s Office, Enrollment Services Center, or center student services coordinator. Add Period: Courses may still be added prior to the end of the second week, providing the student has attended either the first or second class and has the instructor's approval. Add/Drop and Withdrawal Policies: In accordance with Federal regulations, financial assistance may be adjusted for aid recipients who reduce credit hours, withdraw during the semester, do not academically complete the semester, or receive external contributions (such as third party sponsorship, scholarships, waivers, etc.). A portion of his/her financial aid will be refunded to the Title IV programs as required by the U.S. Department of Education. Such financial aid calculations due to changes in information used in the calculation of aid award may result in the student owing a balance to the University. Failure to report outside assistance may result in the need to repay financial aid funds. New and returning students are governed by the same withdrawal and add/drop policy as set forth below: For purposes of calculating full tuition adjustments, the attendance period begins on the opening day of scheduled campus classes, includes weekends, holidays, and snow days, and ends on the date the student notifies the registrar/records office in writing that s/he is withdrawing. Withdrawal is defined as students who give official notification of their withdrawal to the University after a semester/session begins. (The student is withdrawing from all classes and leaving the University.) Dropping courses is defined as a reduction in course load while remaining enrolled in the University. (The student drops one or more courses but not all courses.) Semester/Session 11 Weeks or Longer Cancellation prior to the first day of semester/session Withdrawal /drop prior to the end of first week Withdrawal/drop prior to the end of second week Withdrawal prior to the end of third week Withdrawal prior to the end of fourth week Withdrawal prior to the end of fifth week Withdrawal prior to the end of eighth week Withdrawal after eighth week 0% Reviewed: 5/22/ % tuition and fees 100% tuition and fees 100% tuition and fees 50% tuition and fees 50% tuition and fees 50% tuition and fees 25% tuition and fees

23 ACADEMIC HONESTY: STATEMENT OF POLICY AND PROCEDURE DEFINITION ACADEMIC HONESTY refers to the adherence to ethical standards which keep faith with the integrity of various academic processes which measure student performance such as examinations, written work and all other formal representations made by students. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY refers to any violation of the principles underlying academic honesty. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following: 1. Plagiarism -- the submission of another s work as one s own, without adequate attribution. 2. Cheating -- the act or attempted act of deception by which a student seeks to misrepresent that he/she has mastered information on an academic exercise that he/she has not mastered. 3. Fabrication -- the use of invented information or the falsification of research or other findings in an academic exercise. 4. Knowingly supplying false information to Employees in pursuit of their official duties, to a Committee in the course of a disciplinary proceeding, or knowingly causing false information to be thus supplied. 5. Tampering with, destroying or falsifying official records. 6. Commission of any act(s) identified as violations under the University of Maine Student Conduct Code. PROCEDURE Any faculty member who encounters an alleged incident of academic dishonesty by a student shall: 1. Discreetly discuss the matter with the student so that each person s position is clearly understood. 2. Inform the Academic Coordinator in writing of the alleged violation, the timbre of the discussion, and recommendations for any further action if any. 3. If, upon the completion of this discussion, and in consultation with the Academic Coordinator, the faculty member feels that corrective action stronger than an admonition is warranted, that faculty member may prescribe corrective action according to the gravity and circumstances of the offense. Prescriptive actions may consist of: a. requiring the student to repeat the violated work assignment; b. assigning the student a failing grade ranging from 0-64 for the violated work; c. issuing a grade of F for the course-resulting in the student being dismissed from the Nursing Program; and/or d. referring the student to the Conduct Officer at UMA for possible violation of the Student Conduct Code. Such violations could result in probation, suspension or dismissal from the University. The latter course of action requires notification of Academic Coordinator and Provost in writing by the instructor. 4. Any student who feels unfairly treated has the right to appeal following the official academic appeals procedures. Reviewed: 5/22/14 15

24 CIVILITY STATEMENT The mission and philosophy of the UMA Nursing Program are fully aligned with the promotion of a healthy and caring environment, where both faculty and students can engage in co-creating a learning community. A caring-healing environment in nursing education is essential to creating a sustainable community of scholarly caring. Caring-healing environments consist of committing to treating self and each other with mutual respect and kindness. A goal for the nursing program is that all members of the community understand and commit to an environment that fosters approachable interaction. However, in order for learning to flourish, communications between members must always be courteous and considerate. So that all members of the community share a common understanding of what are not caring-healing behaviors, the following is a definition of incivility followed by guidelines for caring-healing behaviors. Uncivil behaviors are disrespectful and devalue the person targeted. Behaviors and language that cause emotional harm and violates the dignity of an individual or group constitutes incivility. Some examples of uncivil behaviors include but are not limited to the use of demeaning language, yelling, gossiping, intimidation, instigating, inflammatory written communication, rudeness, ostracizing, non-supporting or any other disrespectful action. The intentionality of harm may be less apparent in lower intensity incivility, which is offensive behavior, with overt or covert intent to harm the recipient and with disregard of established workplace standards for mutually respectful behavior. The following are guiding principles to create and sustain a caring-healing environment. Members of the community: support and maintain an interpersonally safe and caring environment in which all members can engage in respectful and caring dialogue. Recognize that learning to trust each other is foundational to a caring-healing environment. engage in deliberate, authentic and reflective ways of being. recognize how one s internal and external environments affect the health of a learning community. recognize the essential need of authentic relationships within a community of learning and healthy environments. recognize that to learn about true caring is to practice it with each other. value and honor the appearance of vulnerability and understand it as a call for growth and wholeness. foster an environment of kindness, courtesy, dignity and inclusiveness through our words, tone and demeanor. are responsible and accountable for his/her own actions and words. consciously appreciate and honor the diversity of everyone in the learning community. maintain a stance of approachability and value all dialogue that is constructive and conducive to learning. subscribe to the generally acceptable use of netiquette. * *Rules of etiquette that apply when communicating over computer networks, especially the internet. Revised 12/8/11 Reviewed: 5/22/14 16

25 BEHAVIORAL IMPAIRMENT Nursing requires that the practitioner maintain cognitive and affective clarity for the provision of safe client care. It is essential that judgment, memory, knowledge, and problem-solving capability not be compromised so that the best interests of the clients, students, university and clinical agency can be served. With the above belief in mind the following policy has been adopted by the UMA s Nursing Education Program for students: If, in the professional judgment of the instructor, a student s behavior, appearance, and/or performance indicate impairment the student will be removed immediately from any clinical responsibilities and told she/he has been placed on probation. The decision for probation could be made anytime during clinical hours, that is, from arrival at the agency to the post conference meeting. The student will not attend clinical until after the probationary process is completed. A referral to the University of Maine at Augusta Behavioral Intervention Team may be initiated if necessary. Revised 5/17/2012 Reviewed: 5/22/14 17

26 GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT REPRESENTATION/PARTICIPATION IN FACULTY MEETINGS Purpose - The purpose of student participation in faculty meetings is to promote quality nursing education through information sharing and mutual decision-making as appropriate. The student can also look upon this experience as an opportunity to apply his or her knowledge of leadership and planned change. Process - Nursing students are selected as student representatives to the faculty meetings as follows: 1. A representative from the BS in Nursing program may volunteer to attend BSN Program and Curriculum meetings. This need not be the same individual. 2. Student representatives will attend the portion of the meetings when non-confidential issues are discussed. 3. Agenda items should be submitted one (1) week prior to the scheduled meetings as follows: a. Program/curriculum items to the Academic Coordinator. 4. If a student group wishes to meet with the full Nursing faculty, a meeting of mutual convenience will be arranged through the Nursing Office. Participation Guideline - Students and faculty will come prepared to meetings with constructive contributions and/or concerns, which will be presented and discussed in the meeting. 1. Student leaders should utilize the following format to guide them in instituting changes in the Nursing Education Program policies/curriculum: a. Before issues are presented to the faculty at meetings, a substantial sampling of peers is advised b. An objective or goal should be established c. A plan is developed to reach the goal. 2. Student concerns/discussion will be the first agenda item for each meeting. Following completion of student business, students remain at the meeting unless confidential items are to be addressed. 3. A formal vehicle for communicating the results of the meeting must be maintained, e.g., printed reports to all students, verbal reports in class or via Blackboard announcements. 4. For guidance in this process, the student may seek help from the Academic Coordinator, Advisor or Course Instructor. Reviewed: 5/22/14 18

27 PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE The UMA BS in Nursing community health rotation attire requirement is that students in this setting should follow their clinical agency s specific dress code standards. Students may not wear jeans, shorts, sweats, tank tops, t-shirts, or immodest clothing. Hygiene - appropriate bathing and toileting are required; no perfume/cologne or heavily scented cosmetics should be worn; no colored nail polish or artificial nails; hair should be off the uniform and assisted by hair pins as needed; beards and mustaches neatly trimmed. Jewelry As per facility policy. Body Art (tattoos and other) - That depict nudity, profanity, violence or otherwise deemed offensive, must be covered or per facility policy, as to not be visible in the clinical facility setting. Other - students must wear a name pin in clinical unless directed otherwise by the clinical instructor. Reviewed and revised 12/18/12 Reviewed: 5/22/14 19

28 PROTECTION OF PRIVACY 1. Students are expected to maintain confidentiality, and ensure privacy regarding identity of their patients, and patients' families. 2. The privacy rights of other health professionals, health agencies (hospitals, clinics, physician s offices), fellow students, and faculty must also be respected. HIPPA regulations apply to all students. 3. Nursing students protect the privacy rights of others in conversation as well as in written assignments. a. Patients identities, diagnoses and related care data are not discussed outside the clinical area except in specific learning situations with the instructor. b. Information related to patients (former and present) should not be discussed outside of the clinical area. c. Patient privacy is further protected in written assignments by the deletion of initials, names, addresses, geographical locations and ID numbers (social security, medical record, etc.). d. Computer generated client data forms must have names, telephone numbers, addresses, dates of birth, medical diagnoses, and social security numbers removed prior to leaving clinical agency. If more restricted, agency policy takes precedence. e. The privacy of other people, health professionals and health agencies is protected as stated in #3 a, b and c above. 4. Failure to adhere to the above stated policies at any time will result in disciplinary action which may include dismissal from the Nursing Program. Reviewed: 5/22/14 20

29 TRANSFER OF NURSING COURSE CREDIT POLICY Students admitted to the BS in Nursing Program may be given credit for comparable baccalaureate level nursing courses that have been completed within the previous 10 years. For course work completed over 10 years, students may elect to request a course substitution/waiver or complete a portfolio assessment per UMA guidelines. Reviewed: 5/22/14 21

30 Appendix A American Databank: Background Check and Immunization Information 22

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