BLINN COLLEGE ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM STUDENT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 BLINN COLLEGE ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM STUDENT HANDBOOK

2 Table of Contents Table of Contents... 2 Mission Statement... 7 Vision Statement... 7 Welcome... 8 INTRODUCTION... 9 Program Accreditation... 9 Essential Qualifications/Basic Competencies Motor Skills Sensory/Observation Communication Cognitive Behavioral/Emotional Professional Conduct Implementation of the Essential Qualifications/Basic Competencies Regular and Ongoing Evaluation of the Essential Qualifications/Basic Competencies for Progression and Graduation Liability Insurance CURRICULUM Philosophy PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Conceptual Framework Roles and Functions of the Associate Degree Nurse Associate Degree Nursing Education Course Descriptions

3 Degree Plans Generic Traditional Cohort LVN Transition Option Degree Plan Required Electronic References List of Required Textbooks and Other Materials Learning Management System RESOURCES Campus Resources Counseling Services Disability Services Non-Discrimination Statement Services for Students with Documented Disabilities Library Financial Aid Perkins Grant The Learning Center Security & Police Services Nursing Student Organizations Blinn College Nursing Student Association (BCNSA) Future Registered Nurses Club (FRNC) Nursing Honor Society Retention Services Life-long Learning Associate Degree to BSN Curriculum Transfer Information

4 Pinning Ceremony POLICIES & PROCEDURES Student Conduct Criminal Activity while enrolled in the ADN Program RAP Back Procedure Academic Integrity Professional Conduct Social Media Guidelines Substance Abuse Policy Attendance and Absences Standards Attendance Standards Absences and Excused Absences Student Health and Immunizations Infectious Disease Guidelines Follow-up to Exposure Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Requirement Auditing ADN Course(s) Directions for Auditing a Nursing Course Incompletes Dismissal Withdrawal Slow-Track Readmission Behavior Expected in the Clinical Area Dress Code

5 Students Witnessing Legal Documents Requirements for Medication Administration Dosage Calculation Exam Policy Dosage Calculation Rounding Rules for Each Exam Procedure for Clinical Make-up Days Blinn College Health Sciences Clinical Simulation Labs Interactive Video Conferencing Videoconferencing Etiquette Test Taking Procedures, Conduct, & Etiquette Written Reprimands/Contracts Student Rights and Responsibilities Policies Student Complaint Policy Written Assignments Inclement Weather Procedure Internal & External Disasters Internal Disasters External Disasters EVALUATION Assessment Technologies Institute Nursing Course Requirements Clinical Evaluation Differentiated Essential Competencies (DEC) I. Member of the Profession II. Provider of Patient-Centered Care III. Patient Safety Advocate

6 IV. Member of the Health Care Team Criteria for Unsafe Clinical Performance LICENSURE Licensure Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam

7 Blinn College Associate Degree Nursing Program Mission Statement Blinn College Blinn College is a comprehensive community college committed to educational excellence and to individual and community enhancement. ADN Program The mission of the Blinn College Associate Degree Nursing Program is to provide quality, innovative, evidence-based Nursing Education preparing Graduates for entry into the Nursing Profession. Blinn College Blinn College will be the leading educational, cultural and economic resource for our stakeholders. Vision Statement ADN Program Graduate future nurse leaders with a spirit of inquiry who will seek higher education in nursing and lifelong learning opportunities. 7

8 Dear Students: Welcome to the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program at Blinn College! August, 2014 The Associate Degree Nursing Program Student Handbook is for students who have been admitted to the Program, and is a supplement to the Blinn College Catalog. It contains important information about program policies, licensure requirements, and student services. The ADN Program has highly qualified faculty experienced in a variety of healthcare areas who work closely with students in the simulated practice laboratory and in actual clinical settings. It is through a spirit of cooperation and communication that students and faculty members share a common goal of learning and developing skills for clinical nursing practice. In nursing, clinical competence and clinical reasoning are developed through practice, determination, and application of theoretical content learned in the classroom related to actual clinical situations while in school and later in practice throughout your future career. While you are in the ADN Program you will learn how to think critically and solve clinical problems as you prepare to take the licensing board examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). We are committed to helping you graduate and become a future nurse leader with a spirit of inquiry and someone who will seek higher education and look for lifelong learning opportunities. We value your experiences here and welcome your suggestions and encourage your active participation on specific committees and in our student organizations. We look forward to working with you in the coming semesters. Sincerely, Blinn Associate Degree Nursing Faculty 8

9 INTRODUCTION Program Accreditation The Blinn College ADN Program is fully approved/accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Texas Board of Nursing (BON) (333 Guadalupe #3-460, Austin, TX 78701; phone ; fax ; and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326; Phone ; fax ); ). 9

10 Essential Qualifications/Basic Competencies for Progression and Graduation (Including Physical and Emotional Standards) Successfully completing Blinn College s ADN Program means the graduate has been educated to competently practice nursing in all healthcare settings and to apply for RN licensure. The education of a future nurse requires assimilation of knowledge, acquisition of skills, and development of judgment through patient care experiences in preparation for independent, semi-autonomous practice where making appropriate decisions is required. The curriculum requires students to engage in diverse, complex, and specific experiences essential to the acquisition and practice of essential nursing skills and functions. Unique combinations of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, physical, and social abilities are required to satisfactorily perform these functions. In addition to being essential to the successful completion of this program, these functions are necessary to ensure the health and safety of patients, fellow students, faculty and other healthcare workers. Physical and emotional health are also critical to the successful progression and completion of this Program. Physical health is defined as the ability to perform both fine and gross motor skills, being able to perform normal weight-bearing activities, and be free of communicable diseases. Emotional health is defined as reacting appropriately to stressful situations, understanding one s own ability to cope with stressful situations, and behaving appropriately within the current environment. The essential abilities necessary to acquire or demonstrate competence in a discipline as complex as nursing and needed for successful progression by nursing, (in addition to the standards of behavior and conduct set forth by Blinn College), include but are not limited to the following: Motor Skills Students should have sufficient motor function so they are able to execute movements required to provide safe effective general care and treatment to patients in all health care settings. [For example: For the safety and protection of the patients, the student must be able to perform basic life support, including CPR, and function in an emergency situation. The student must have the ability, within reasonable limits, to safely assist a patient in moving, for example, from a chair to a bed, or from a wheelchair to a commode.] - Mobility possess physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room, maneuver in small spaces and stand and walk for extensive periods of time. - Weight-Bearing possess ability to lift and manipulate and move pounds (22 Kg) sometimes daily. 10

11 Sensory/Observation Students must be able to acquire the information presented through demonstrations and experiences in the basic and nursing sciences. He or she must be able to observe a patient accurately, at a distance and close at hand, and observe and appreciate non-verbal communications when performing nursing assessments and interventions or administering medications. The student must be capable of perceiving the signs of disease and infection as manifested through physical examination. - Hearing possess auditory ability sufficient for observation and assessment. For example, hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds and cries for help. - Visual possess visual ability sufficient for observation an assessment. For example, observe patient responses to interventions. - Tactile possess tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment. For example, perform palpation, functions or physical examination and/or related therapeutic intervention, and insertions of various catheters. Communication Students must communicate effectively and sensitively with other students, faculty, staff, patients, family, and other professionals. He or she must express his or her ideas and feelings clearly and demonstrate a willingness and ability to give and receive feedback. A student must be able to: convey or exchange information at a level allowing development of a health history; identify problems presented; explain alternative solutions; and give directions during treatment and post-treatment. The student must be able to communicate effectively in oral and written forms. The student must be able to process and communicate information on the patient's status with accuracy in a timely manner to members of the health care team. The appropriate communication may also rely on the student's ability to make a correct judgment in seeking supervision and consultation in a timely manner. Cognitive Students must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize in the context of the nursing curriculum. The student must be able to quickly read and comprehend extensive written material. He or she must also be able to evaluate and apply information and engage in critical thinking in the classroom and clinical setting. Students must organize responsibilities and make appropriate decisions. - Critical Thinking/Clinical Reasoning process critical thinking and clinical reasoning ability sufficient for clinical judgment. For example, must be able to identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations. 11

12 Behavioral/Emotional Students must possess the emotional health required for the full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients and families. In addition, he or she must be able to maintain mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, students, faculty, staff and other professionals under all circumstances (with different social, intellectual, and cultural backgrounds) including highly stressful situations. The student must have the emotional stability to function effectively under stress and to adapt to an environment that may change rapidly without warning and/or in unpredictable ways. The student must be able to experience empathy for the situations and circumstances of others and effectively communicate that empathy. The student must know that his or her values, attitudes, beliefs, emotions, and experiences affect his or her perceptions and relationships with others. The student must be able and willing to examine and change his or her behavior when it interferes with productive individual or team relationships. The student must possess skills and experience necessary for effective and harmonious relationships in diverse academic and working environments. Professional Conduct Students must possess the ability to reason morally and practice nursing in an ethical manner. Students must be willing to learn and abide by professional standards of practice. Students must not engage in unprofessional conduct, and must possess attributes that include compassion, empathy, altruism, integrity, honesty, responsibility and tolerance. Students must be able to engage in patient care delivery in all settings and be able to deliver care to all patient populations including but not limited to children, adolescents, adults, developmentally disabled persons, medically compromised patients, and vulnerable adults. Content Credit: University of Washington School of Nursing, Rowan Cabarrus Community College, and Blinn s Radiologic Technology Program Implementation of the Essential Qualifications/Basic Competencies for Progression and Graduation The Essential Qualifications/Basic Competencies for Progression and Graduation are reviewed and explained in detail during New Student Orientation. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification followed by acknowledgement of receipt and their understanding. 12

13 Regular and Ongoing Evaluation of the Essential Qualifications/Basic Competencies for Progression and Graduation The student will review the Essential Qualifications/Basic Competencies at the beginning of the academic school year and each semester and self-evaluate at the end of each semester. Because of the close working relationship with the students, the Clinical Instructor, Course Coordinator, and Director of the Program will collectively be responsible for monitoring and documenting whether a student is meeting the Essential Qualifications/Basic Competencies. Formal documentation is necessary for any concerns relating to behavior in the classroom and/or clinical setting. - Problematic behavior will be documented by faculty in the student's academic file and may result in a written contract. - If there is a pattern of problematic behavior or a single, very serious lapse in the essential qualifications/basic competencies becomes evident, the following process will be followed: Warn student verbally and/or in writing their continuation in the program is in jeopardy. Warning documented by faculty and placed in student s academic file. Composing a contract: The student's instructor in consultation with the Course Coordinator (and Program Director if appropriate), will prepare an individual student contract specifically identifying what needs to be demonstrated in order to meet the essential qualifications/basic competencies and thus remain in the program. Contract is approved by the Director of the Program (and Dean of Health Sciences if appropriate): Student reads and signs the contract (signature indicates the student has read it), a copy of the contract is placed in the student's academic file until completion of the program. Contract monitored at least each semester (or more frequently if needed) by Program Director. If the contract is not upheld by the student, the student will be dismissed from the program. Liability Insurance As a component of professional responsibility and accountability, students of the Blinn ADN Program are required to have liability insurance. A portion of student fees is allocated to cover the cost of the premiums. 13

14 CURRICULUM 14

15 Philosophy The nursing faculty accepts the mission statement of Blinn College. We believe community college provides an optimal setting for Associate Degree Nursing education. Blinn College provides an atmosphere where nursing education is complemented through the study of other disciplines. The college setting allows opportunities for the student to develop in the intellectual, spiritual, psychological, social, physical, and vocational areas through diversified activities. The client is a dynamic complex person with biological, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, and developmental needs across the lifespan. The client has inherent dignity and worth and is capable of reaching the highest potential of functioning. We emphasize respect for the client within cultural and family systems, with the right to make choices. A client may be a participant in and recipient of care. The client may be an individual or family, and may also be referred to as consumer, patient, and/or resident. Health is a state of biological, psychological, sociological, cultural and spiritual well-being and not merely the absence of disease or injury. Health, as a level of wellness, varies over time and is influenced by the environment, including internal and external variables. There is constant dynamic interaction and adaptation between these variables. Alterations in health and the environment may affect the individual s ability to meet basic and developmental needs. Nursing, as an art and science, builds its unique body of knowledge upon the sciences and humanities. Nursing comprises a complex set of psychomotor, affective, and cognitive behaviors. Nursing actions may involve health promotion and maintenance, prevention of illness or injury, restoration, rehabilitation, and supportive care. Caring is an essential intentional element of nursing. A value essential to nursing includes the moral commitment toward preserving human dignity. Through therapeutic communication and the nursing process, safe, effective, individualized care is assessed, planned, implemented or delegated in a variety of structured settings within a community. This process involves the use of clinical reasoning as a basis for decision-making and problem-solving and teaching-learning. Nurses collaborate with clients and other health care professionals to assist clients with health care needs. Nurses are accountable and responsible for client safety and advocacy, as well as the quality of nursing care they provide. Graduates are prepared as novice practitioners to provide and coordinate care for clients in diverse structured settings. The associate degree nurse is capable of functioning with four interrelated roles, including member of the profession, provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, and member of the health care team. Associate degree nursing education is a dynamic process based on sciences, humanities, and nursing theory and practice. This process is designed to change cognitive, psychomotor, and affective behaviors through a progressive curriculum. Nursing education promotes development of competencies and values enabling students to become productive members of the nursing profession and society. 15

16 Instruction and evaluation are provided individually and in groups. The learning environment consists of classroom, skills laboratory, distance learning, clinical simulation, and a variety of clinical settings. The role of the faculty is to facilitate learning by providing an environment conducive to individual growth. Faculty members serve as role models of professional practice. The individual learner is responsible and accountable for achieving identified behavioral objectives. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Upon graduation, the associate degree nurse is capable of functioning within four interrelated roles. These roles include: member of the profession, provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, and member of the health care team. Upon completion of the Associate Degree Nursing Program, the graduate should be able to: I. Member of the Profession: A. Function within the nurse s legal scope of practice and in accordance with the policies and procedures of the employing health care institution or practice setting. B. Assume responsibility and accountability for the quality of nursing care provided to patients and their families. C. Participate in activities that promote the development and practice of professional nursing. D. Demonstrate responsibility for continued competence in nursing practice, and develop insight through reflection, self-analysis, self-care, and lifelong learning. II. Provider of Patient-Centered Care: A. Use clinical reasoning and knowledge based on the associate degree nursing program of study and evidence-based practice outcomes as a basis for decision making in nursing practice. B. Determine the physical and mental health status, needs, and preferences of culturally, ethnically, and socially diverse patients and their families based upon interpretation of comprehensive health assessment findings compared with evidence-based health data derived from the associate degree nursing program of study. C. Analyze assessment data to identify problems, formulate goals/outcomes, and develop plans of care for patients and their families using information from evidence-based practice in collaboration with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary health care team. D. Provide safe, compassionate, comprehensive nursing care to patients and their families through a broad array of health care services. E. Implement the plan of care for patients and their families within legal, ethical, and regulatory parameters and in consideration of disease prevention, wellness, and promotion of healthy lifestyles. F. Evaluate and report patient outcomes and responses to therapeutic interventions in comparison to benchmarks from evidence-based practice, and plan follow-up nursing care. 16

17 G. Develop, implement, and evaluate teaching plans for patients and their families to address health promotion, maintenance, and restoration. H. Coordinate human, information, and materiel resources in providing care for patients and their families. III. Patient Safety Advocate: A. Demonstrate knowledge of the Texas Nursing Practice Act and the Texas Board of Nursing Rules that emphasize safety, as well as all federal, state, and local government and accreditation organization safety requirements and standards. B. Implement measures to promote quality and a safe environment for patients, self, and others. C. Formulate goals and outcomes using evidence-based data to reduce patient risks. D. Obtain instruction, supervision, or training as needed when implementing nursing procedures or practices. E. Comply with mandatory reporting requirements of the Texas Nursing Practice Act. F. Accept and make assignments and delegate tasks that take into consideration patient safety and organizational policy. IV. Member of the Health Care Team: A. Coordinate, collaborate, and communicate with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary health care team to plan, deliver, and evaluate patient-centered care. B. Serve as a health care advocate in monitoring and promoting quality and access to health care for patients and their families. C. Refer patients and their families to resources that facilitate continuity of care; health promotion, maintenance, and restoration; and ensure confidentiality. D. Communicate and collaborate in a timely manner with members of the interdisciplinary health care team to promote and maintain optimal health status of patients and their families. E. Communicate and manage information using technology to support decision making to improve patient care. F. Assign and/or delegate nursing care to other members of the health care team based upon an analysis of patient or unit need. G. Supervise nursing care provided by others for whom the nurse is responsible by using evidence based nursing practice. (Differentiated Essential Competencies of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs Evidenced by Knowledge, Clinical Judgments, and Behaviors (DECs), Texas Board of Nursing, October 2010) 17

18 Conceptual Framework The conceptual framework of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program curriculum at Blinn College reflects the vision, mission, and philosophy statements of the College and the Program. The conceptual framework as a rationale for the curriculum is based upon the beliefs of the nursing faculty about the following major concepts: nursing, client, health, environment, roles and functions of the associate degree nurse, and associate degree nursing education. Nursing The ADN faculty shares eclectic views of nursing theory with an emphasis on caring as a key construct (Billings & Halstead, 2005). Nursing involves values and commitment, resulting in protection, enhancement, and preservation of human dignity. Nursing is caring for clients in an effort to meet obvious or anticipated needs (Watson, 1988). Nursing as a social service, must be attuned to the problems, issues, trends, and needs of a culturally diverse society (Leininger, 1991). Gordon s Functional Health Patterns (Gordon, 1987) provide a way to organize assessment data to form nursing diagnoses for planning and implementing nursing care. Client The client has needs which motivate behavior. The theories of Maslow and Erikson are incorporated in the teaching of basic needs and developmental tasks. Maslow prioritizes human needs, while Erikson explains human development across the lifespan. Maslow identified human needs in ascending order: physiologic, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. A client may have unmet needs which, according to Maslow, must be met to achieve a state of health or well-being (Maslow, 1968). Erikson s theory of psychosocial development is used as a basis for understanding clients at various stages. The theory is positively oriented and concerned with the development of a healthy ego. Erikson emphasizes that individuals must change and adapt their behavior to maintain control over their lives (Smelser & Erikson, 1980). Health Health varies over time and is more than the absence of disease or injury. Both internal and external variables influence health as a wellness state. Throughout the lifespan, a client s level of wellness varies. As health fluctuates, the client may experience challenges in meeting basic and developmental needs. Environment The environment in which a client interacts consists of surrounding conditions and influences. This environment influences a client s health, through the continuous dynamic interaction, integration, and adaptation between internal and external variables. Nurses are challenged to provide care in the client s environment. 18

19 Roles and Functions of the Associate Degree Nurse Four interrelated roles of practice have been identified for the graduate of the Associate Degree Nursing Program: member of the profession, provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, and member of the health care team. These four nursing roles define the scope, limitations, and direction of the associate degree nurse in the delivery of nursing care. Nursing care may include health promotion, prevention of illness or injury, habilitative, restorative, rehabilitative, and supportive care. Specific competencies for each of these roles have been defined previously by the Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs) (Texas Board of Nursing, 2010). Students are taught and evaluated based on these roles of the associate degree nurse. Member of the Profession As a member of the profession of nursing, the associate degree nurse exhibits behaviors that reflect commitment to the growth and development of the role and function of nursing consistent with state and national regulations and with ethical and professional standards; aspires to improve the discipline of nursing and its contribution to society; and values self-assessment and the need for lifelong learning. Provider of Patient-Centered Care The associate degree nurse accepts responsibility for the quality of nursing care and provides safe, compassionate nursing care using a systematic process of assessment, analysis, planning, intervention, and evaluation that focuses on the needs and preferences of patients and their families. The nurse incorporates professional values and ethical principles into nursing practice. The patients for ADN educated RNs include individual patients and their families. Patient Safety Advocate The associate degree nurse promotes safety in the patient and family environment by: following scope and standards of nursing practice; practicing within the parameters of individual knowledge, skills, and abilities; identifying and reporting actual and potential unsafe practices; and implementing measures to prevent harm. Member of the Health Care Team The associate degree nurse provides patient-centered care by collaborating, coordinating, and/or facilitating comprehensive care with an interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary health care team to determine and implement best practices for the patients and their families. Associate Degree Nursing Education Associate degree nursing education is a dynamic process based upon principles derived from the sciences, humanities, and evidence-based nursing practice. The process of nursing education is designed to stimulate students to seek knowledge and to develop cognitive, psychomotor, and affective behaviors as they progress from students to novice practitioners. Associate degree nursing education promotes development of competencies and attitudes that assist students to become productive members of the 19

20 healthcare delivery system. We believe associate degree nursing education must provide opportunities and experiences for individuals to develop the necessary knowledge and competencies as associate degree nursing graduates. Associate degree nursing education prepares the graduate to function as a novice practitioner, both independently and collaboratively within structured healthcare settings. Learning is a lifelong process progressing from simple to complex. The teaching-learning process is enhanced through a curriculum based on simple to complex application of fundamental concepts. The learner is responsible for achieving identified behavioral objectives. The faculty is responsible for recognizing the individual learner s diverse needs and abilities. Instruction, counseling, guidance, evaluation, and testing are provided individually or in groups and in varied formats to address the diversity of the student population. The role of the faculty member is to facilitate learning by providing a caring environment conducive to individual and professional growth. The faculty develops goal-directed learning experiences to promote clinical reasoning, effective communication skills, inquiry, accountability, self-direction, and caring. Faculty serve as role models of professional practice and ethics, define content, set limits, and establish options for learning activities. The curriculum reflects changing trends and innovations in evidence-based nursing practice within the healthcare industry. References Billings, D. & Halstead, J. (2005) Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty (2 nd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Leininger, M. M. (1991). The theory of culture care diversity and universality. New York: National League for Nursing. Gordon, M. (1987) Nursing diagnosis: Process and application. New York: McGraw-Hill. Maslow, A. H. (1962). Toward a psychology of being. Princeton, NJ: D. Van Nostrand. Smelser, N. J. & Erikson, E. H. (Eds.) (1980). Themes of work and love in adulthood. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Watson, J. (1988). Human caring as moral context for nursing for nursing education. Nursing & Health Care 9(8),

21 Course Descriptions Associate Degree Nursing (RNSG) Course descriptions for the Associate Degree Nursing Program can be found in the Blinn College Catalog. Degree Plans Blinn College Associate Degree Nursing offers degree options starting in the Fall, Spring, Summer (LVN-Transition Option) semesters, and a slow-track. Students need to refer to the official college catalog of record available online (Blinn College Catalog). This corresponds with the academic year of the student s acceptance into the ADN program. The LVN Transition option is offered on the Bryan and Schulenburg campuses. This option allows Licensed Vocational Nurses who meet specific admission criteria, to complete the ADN nursing course requirements in one calendar year. The prerequisites must be completed prior to admission. Preference is given to LVNs who have one year of clinical experience or more. The prospective student must hold a current license in the State of Texas. Students must show Computer Literacy by either high school Computer Science course(s), recent work history with word processing and/or data management programs, or college Computer Science course(s). The slow-track option is available only to students with a specific/validated need to extend the Program. This will be at the Director s discretion. ALL ADN COURSES MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN 5 CALENDAR YEARS. 21

22 Generic Traditional Cohort Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nursing 1st Year Prerequisite Semester Prefix Number Course Name Credit Hours MATH 1314 COLLEGE ALGEBRA 3 MATH 1324 or MATHEMATIC ANALYSIS I 3 BIOL 1406 GENERAL BIOLOGY I 4 BIOL 2401 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY 4 BIOL 2420 MICROBIOLOGY FOR NON-SCIENCE 4 MAJORS XXXX X3XX MUST take PSYC 2301 if taking PSYC at Blinn. OTHERWISE, take a Social/Behavioral Science elective in: HIST, GOVT, ANTH, ECON, PSYC, or SOCI - elective does not have to be taken as a pre-req. Prerequisite Semester Total Hours 18 1st Semester Prefix Number Course Name Credit Hours RNSG 1300 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan 3 RNSG 1513 Foundations for Nursing Practice 5 RNSG 1301 Pharmacology 3 HPRS 2301 Pathophysiology 3 BIOL 2402 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II 4 1 st Semester Total Hours 18 2nd Semester Prefix Number Course Name Credit Hrs RNSG 1341 Common Concepts of Adult Health 3 RNSG 1260 Clinical 2 RNSG 1144 Nursing Skills II 1 RNSG 2213 Mental Health Nursing 2 RNSG 2160 Clinical - Registered Nursing/Registered 1 Nurse RNSG 2121 Professional Nursing: Leadership and 1 Management ENGL 1301 COMPOSITION & RHETORIC 3 ENGL 1302 or COMPOSITION AND INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE 3 22

23 PSYC 2314 LIFE SPAN GROWTH AND 3 DEVELOPMENT 2 nd Semester Total Hours 16 2nd Year 1st Semester Prefix Number Course Name Credit Hours RNSG 1343 Complex Concepts of Adult Health 3 RNSG 2261 Clinical - Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 2 RNSG 1412 Nursing Care of the Childbearing and 4 Childrearing Family RNSG 2161 Clinical - Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 1 XXXX X3XX HUMANITIES ELECTIVE (ENGLISH 3 LITERATURE, PHILOSOPHY, ART, MUSIC, DRAMA, CLASSICAL LANGUAGES, CULTURAL STUDIES) 1 st Semester Total Hours 13 2nd Semester Prefix Number Course Name Credit Hours RNSG 2231 Advanced Concepts of Adult Health 2 RNSG 2263 Clinical - Nursing [R.N. Training] 2 RNSG 2363 Clinical - Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 3 2 nd Semester Total Hours 7 Total Credit Hours 72 Approved by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) March 21,

24 LVN Transition Option Degree Plan Prerequisite Semesters Prefix Number Course Name Credit Hours MATH 1314 COLLEGE ALGEBRA 3 MATH 1324 or MATHEMATIC ANALYSIS I 3 BIOL 1406 GENERAL BIOLOGY I 4 BIOL 2401 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I 4 BIOL 2420 MICROBIOLOGY FOR NON- 4 SCIENCE MAJORS BIOL 2421 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II 4 XXXX X3XX MUST take PSYC 2301 if taking PSYC at Blinn. OTHERWISE, take a Social/Behavioral Science elective in: HIST, GOVT, ANTH, ECON, PSYC, or SOCI - elective does not have to be taken as a pre-req. ENGL 1301 COMPOSITION & RHETORIC 3 ENGL 1302 or COMPOSITION AND 3 INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE PSYC 2314 LIFE SPAN GROWTH AND 3 DEVELOPMENT XXXX X3XX HUMANITIES ELECTIVE (ENGLISH 3 LITERATURE, PHILOSOPHY, ART, MUSIC, DRAMA, CLASSICAL LANGUAGES, CULTURAL STUDIES) RNSG 1300 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan 3 RNSG 1301 Pharmacology 3 HPRS 2301 Pathophysiology 3 Prerequisite Semester Total Hours 40 Summer I RNSG 1327 Transition to Professional Nursing 3 RNSG 1162 Clinical 1 Summer 10 Weeks RNSG 1144 Nursing Skills II 1 RNSG 2121 Professional Nursing: Leadership and Management 1 Summer II RNSG 2213 Mental Health Nursing 2 24

25 RNSG 2160 Clinical - Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 1 Summer Semester Total Hours 9 Fall Semester Prefix Number Course Name Credit Hours RNSG 1343 Complex Concepts of Adult Health 3 RNSG 2261 Clinical - Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 2 RNSG 1412 Nursing Care of the Childbearing and 4 Childrearing Family RNSG 2161 Clinical - Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 1 Fall Semester Total Hours 10 Spring Semester Prefix Number Course Name Credit Hours RNSG 2231 Advanced Concepts of Adult Health 2 RNSG 2263 Clinical - Nursing [R.N. Training] 2 RNSG 2363 Clinical - Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 3 Spring Semester Total Hours 7 Total Credit Hours 66 Approved by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) December

26 Required Electronic References Hand Held Device (HHD) loaded with the required electronic references for use in the clinical areas. The HHD can be a smart cellular phone or a small to medium sized personal digital device ( tablet ) The HHD should be loaded with the pre-bundled cross-referenced software package available at the Blinn College Book Store. If you already have a capable HHD, the book store can order the references specifically for your device. We recommend you purchase the required software and/or the HHD from the Blinn Book Store to avoid confusion and assure compatibility and authenticity. The required HHD and required software can be paid by financial aid (not Perkins Grant) if purchased at Blinn Book Store. The references loaded onto the HHD will be used in courses throughout your nursing program and even in your nursing career. List of Required Textbooks and Other Materials A list of required and recommended text books and other materials will be provided each semester in the course syllabus. Students are expected to purchase the required textbooks and materials. Recommended textbooks and materials are only suggested references and do not have to be purchased. Learning Management System ecampus is the learning management system used by Blinn College. It is also known as D2L (Desire 2 Learn). ecampus is utilized in the nursing program to augment traditional classes as well as the management system for internet and blended courses. Students are expected to have access to the learning management system. Students can obtain technical help as well as find tutorials at this link - ecampus. 26

27 RESOURCES 27

28 BLINN COLLEGE Campus Resources Counseling Services Counseling Services consist of academic advising, career/vocational counseling, personal counseling, as well as a variety of testing services. Information on all the services can be found on the Academic Advising and Counseling Services site. Disability Services Non-Discrimination Statement Blinn College as well as the Associate Degree Nursing Program does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, or the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by applicable federal laws and regulations. Services for Students with Documented Disabilities Students with documented disabilities must self-identify and provide current, appropriate documentation of the disability to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) prior to receiving services. Students are encouraged to contact this office as early as possible to initiate services. To meet Program objectives, students with disabilities are expected to perform all the essential functions of the nursing program with or without reasonable accommodation. The Blinn College ADN Program will work will students and make every effort to accommodate their disabilityrelated needs. Note: the Program is not required to provide requested accommodations that would fundamentally alter the essential or technical qualifications, competencies, and functions of the program nor that would entail an undue financial burden. Blinn College is dedicated to providing the least restrictive learning environment for all students. Support services for students with documented disabilities are provided on an individual basis, upon request. Information, education, referrals, and consultation about specific disabilities are available to interested parties on request. For answers to specific questions or to request an information packet, contact the Office of Disability Services on the specific campus you will be attending. Bryan Campus: (979) ; Brenham, Sealy, Schulenburg Campuses: (979) Additional information can be found at Library Blinn College has libraries at its campuses in Brenham, Bryan, and Schulenburg. Each library provides books, periodicals, reference tools, movies, electronic resources, and Internet access for student assignments, research, and recreation. The library s web site provides access to the library s online catalog, electronic subscription databases and much more. 28

29 Additional information is available on the Blinn College library web site. Students are encouraged to give input to the ADN Program s Library Resources Committee, via the Student Representatives. Suggestions may be made for purchase of books, laboratory materials/recourses and other reference materials. Financial Aid There are a number of financial aid programs available to assist students attending Blinn College. Students needing information can obtain information from the Financial Aid site. The financial aid program includes scholarships through local groups, hospitals, and organizations. In addition, the nursing department notifies students of scholarships available specifically for nursing students. The ADN Program Office can be contacted for information relating to some of these specific nursing scholarships/loans. A list of scholarships available specifically to nursing students can be found on ecampus under the Nursing Student Lounge section. Perkins Grant Perkins Grant assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis to students enrolled in Technical education programs who fall into a Special Populations Category. Assistance is available to help defray the cost of textbooks, child care and transportation. For information concerning eligibility, application procedures and deadlines, go online to The Learning Center The Bryan Learning Center and the Brenham Learning Center strive to provide support services and resources that help students achieve academic success. Security & Police Services Health Science Center Campus: Dial 911 for Immediate Police Assistance. Always notify HSC security or of all 911 calls. Bryan Campus: The Blinn College Security & Police Department is located on the first floor in the back hallway of the E Building. Emergency contact with the Blinn College Police Department can be obtained by calling Schulenburg Campus: Security on the Schulenburg campus is handled by the Schulenburg Police Department. Call or 911. Nursing Student Organizations Blinn College Nursing Student Association (BCNSA) The Blinn College Nursing Student Association (BCNSA) is an organization for professional nursing students. It operates in conjunction with the Texas Student Nurses Association (TSNA) and the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). Meetings are held monthly which offer opportunities for education, service, and socialization into the professional role. Officers are elected by the membership at the end of each academic year. A nursing faculty member serves as an advisor/sponsor for the organization. All nursing students are encouraged to become members 29

30 and participate in the local and state nursing organization, as an introduction into professional roles, activities, and service projects. Future Registered Nurses Club (FRNC) The purpose of the Future Registered Nurses Club (FRNC) is to enhance the interests and abilities of nursing students in launching their careers. The primary activity planned for the year is the Nursing Pinning Ceremony, as well as some service projects throughout the year. The Pinning Ceremony is a long-standing tradition in nursing. Its primary purposes are to welcome graduates into the profession of nursing, recognize each graduate for accomplishments during the Program, and to give the graduates the opportunity to recognize the assistance of family/friends during this time. Nursing Honor Society The National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (N-OADN), in order to promote scholarship and academic excellence in the profession of nursing has established the N-OADN Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society and has made provisions for the establishment of Institutional Honor Society Chapters. The Blinn ADN s Chapter was approved in Spring 2014 as the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Delta Nu. The objective of the N-OADN Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society shall be to recognize the academic excellence of students in the study of Associate Degree Nursing. The society shall encourage the pursuit of advance degrees in the profession of nursing as well as continuing education as a life-long professional responsibility. Additionally, the society shall participate in the recruitment of qualified individuals into the profession of nursing. Retention Services The purpose of Retention Services is to increase the numbers of students that successfully complete the Health Sciences Programs at Blinn College and become licensed or certified healthcare professionals. To achieve this outcome, Retention Services provides several different resources for Health Sciences students at Blinn. The following resources are offered through the Health Sciences Retention Services: 1. Preparation for Success Presentations: Topics such as time management, study skills, and test taking strategies are presented during orientation for incoming Health Sciences students. The presentations cover material that facilitates learning and helps improve student performance. 2. 1:1 Educational Guidance: Students meeting the following criteria will be referred by faculty for individual test analysis and 1:1 educational guidance: a. students who fail an exam in any Program s course(s), criteria for failure to be determined b. students who have failed a previous Program s course(s) and have been readmitted to the respective program c. students admitted to a Health Sciences Program with low Grade Point Average (GPAs), level to be determined 30

31 d. students admitted to a Health Sciences Program with low TEAS composite, reading, and/or math scores e. International students with identified difficulties with written or spoken English language skills, have low TOEFL scores (slightly about the minimum to be admitted to Blinn College), or have no TOEFL scores (e.g. transfers from other colleges/universities or USA high school graduates). A student must schedule an appointment with the Retention Coordinator within 5 business days after being notified that he/she meets one or more of these criteria. Appointments can be made by calling or ing the Retention Coordinator directly. Continued meetings between the student and the Retention Coordinator will be determined by student progression toward academic success. 3. Counseling/referral services: any student may self-refer to the Retention Coordinator for: a. 1:1 guidance to improve low course grades, study skills, or time management skills b. assistance with financial aid, child care, transportation, referral for personal counseling issues Life-long Learning We as a faculty believes in life-long learning as a necessary part of professional practice and responsibility (see ADN Program Philosophy). The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) sees life-long learning as such a necessary part of practice and staying current that requirements exist for continued licensure (20 hours of Continuing Education Contact Hours per licensure period, with some periods having a focused topic as a minimum requirement). See the BON web-site for specific information on continuing education requirements at Texas Nurses Association (TNA) instituted an education articulation plan several years ago to expedite a nurse's advancement along the educational ladder. Most Texas educational institutions honor this articulation plan and have made appropriate curricular plans for nurses wishing to continue their education. Blinn College has specific articulation agreements for RN to BSN with: Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), Stephen F. Austin University (SFA), Texas A&M Health Science Center-College Station (TAMHSC), Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), University of Texas-Austin (UT-Austin), UT-Brownsville, UT-Houston, and UT-Tyler. Many of you have plans for advancement in your professional careers. Most of these plans will involve either specialty certifications or advanced education. There are many good RN-BSN programs (e.g. those mentioned above and others) in the state, as well as some new RN-MSN programs (TAMU-Corpus Christi, UT Austin, UT San Antonio, UT El Paso, UTMB-Galveston, and others). There are even some offering on-line only programs (e.g. UT Arlington, Angelo State, TAMU-Corpus Christi, UT El Paso, UT-Tyler, and others). Other on-line offerings are available through the Virtual College of Texas (VCT) and E-line (collaborative effort between Delmar College and TAMU-Corpus Christi). These will be discussed to some extent during the Program. If you have specific questions, you may ask any of your faculty, and we can direct you to appropriate sources of information. Blinn s ADN Program has a Dual Degree Plan with Texas A&M s College of Nursing at the Health Science Center. The following are the current requirements: 31

32 Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Nursing Blinn Community College Associate Degree to BSN Curriculum TYPE Blinn CC Requirements Texas A&M HSC Requirements General Education ENGL 1301 or 1302 ENGL 1302 Notes MATH 1314 or 1324 MATH 1324 College algebra will not meet the BSN math requirement BIOL 1406 Not required BIOL 2401 BIOL 2401 BIOL 2402 BIOL 2402 BIOL 2420 BIOL 2420 or 2421 Social/Behavioral Science Elective PSYC 2301 or SOCI 1301 PSYC 2314 PSYC 2314 Humanities (Lang, Phil, Culture)/Creative Arts Elective 32 Lang, Phil, Culture Elective HSC requires both Lang, Phil, Cult and Creative Arts electives Proficiency in a foreign language is required to graduate from Texas A&M University. This requirement can be met by having completed two years of the same foreign language in high school, by completing 8 hours of the same foreign language at the university level, or by demonstrating proficiency in a foreign language by examination. Total General Education SCH Additional Texas A&M HSC Prerequisite Course Requirements Total Additional Prerequisite SCH Blinn Community College Associate Degree Nursing Courses 27 SCH 27 SCH of General Education credits will be accepted from Blinn College RNSG 1301 RNSG 1513 RNSG 1343 RNSG 2261 ENGL 1301,2311 or COMM 1315 Creative Arts Elective HIST 1301 HIST 1302 or 2301 BIOL 1322 CHEM 1405 or 1411 GOVT 2305 GOVT 2306 MATH 3 additional hours 25 SCH Will accept MATH 1324 College algebra will not meet this requirement RNSG 1300 is not accepted as Health Assessment is part of the BSN curriculum.

33 RNSG 2301 RNSG 1341 RNSG 1260 RNSG 1144 RNSG 2121 RNSG 2213 RNSG 2160 RNSG 1412 RNSG 2161 RNSG 2231 RNSG 2263 RNSG 2363 ADN Nursing Courses 38 SCH 38 SCH of Nursing credits will be accepted from Blinn College Texas A&M HSC Nursing Courses NURS 460 NURS 461 NURS 462 NURS 463 NURS 464 NURS 465 NURS 466 NURS 467 NURS 468 HSC Nursing Courses 30 SCH TOTALS 65 SCH 55 SCH Upon transfer of credits and completion of BSN coursework, transcript would reflect 120 hour curriculum. Transfer Information Student wanting more information regarding transferring to four year universities should visit Blinn s Transfer Information web page. Student wanting to transfer into the ADN Program need to follow the Transfer Student Application Process. Graduation Information The process for graduating from Blinn College is located at Blinn s Graduation Information web page. It is very important for all nursing students to check on all the requirements for graduation and to ensure they are met. Students can successfully complete the nursing program, but without the College conferring the Associate in Applied Science Nursing degree the student is ineligible to take the National Licensure Exam. 33

34 Pinning Ceremony The ADN Program holds a traditional Pinning Ceremony with each graduating cohort. The Pinning Ceremony is a time-honored nursing school tradition. To many this may be more meaningful than the actual graduation ceremony, since it signifies your official initiation into the brotherhood/sisterhood of nurses. The ceremony is rich with symbolism. The history of this rite of passage can be traced all the way back to the 12th century. Monks serving the sick, infirmed and injured were initiated into the Knights of the Order of the Hospital of St. John the Baptist. When vowing to serve in a ceremony, each monk was given a Maltese cross, the first badges given to those who nurse. The modern ceremony dates back to the 1860s, when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of St. George in recognition for her tireless service to the injured during the Crimean War. To share the honor, she in turn presented a medal of excellence to her brightest graduates. By 1916, the practice of pinning new graduates was standard throughout the United States. We will be honored to give you your pin when you complete this program. 34

35 POLICIES & PROCEDURES 35

36 Student Conduct As required by the Texas Board of Nursing Texas Administrative Code Rule 215.8, students may be dismissed for demonstration of the following, including, but not limited to: (1) Evidence of actual or potential harm to patients, clients, or the public; (2) Criminal behavior whether violent or non-violent, directed against persons, property or public order and decency; (3) Intemperate use, abuse of drugs or alcohol, or diagnosis of or treatment for chemical dependency, mental illness, or diminished mental capacity; and (4) The lack of good professional character as evidenced by a single incident or an integrated pattern of personal, academic, and/or occupational behaviors which indicates that an individual is unable to consistently conform his or her conduct to the requirements of the Nursing Practice Act, the Board's rules and regulations, and generally accepted standards of nursing practice including, but not limited to: behaviors indicating honesty, accountability, trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Criminal Activity while enrolled in the ADN Program RAP Back Procedure All students who have been fully accepted into Blinn College s Associate Degree Nursing Program, LVN-Transition Option Program or the Vocational Nursing Program have successfully completed the Texas Board of Nurses (BON) mandated DPS/FBI criminal background check (CBC) procedures. Once this process is completed, the BON continuously monitors students for criminal conduct and notifies the nursing programs of any legal charges incurred by a student during the enrollment period. This notification process is known as the Rap Back (Record of Arrests and Prosecutions) process. (See BON s STRATEGIC PLAN for Fiscal Years page 73 When reviewing any information concerning a student s legal infractions, the Blinn College Nursing Programs utilize the same considerations the BON takes into account when determining a person s fitness to practice nursing. These considerations are, in part: Nurses have access to persons who are physically, emotionally, and financially vulnerable and who are easily exploited by virtue of illness, injury, age, and / or cognitive ability. Nurses are also in a position to have access to privileged / confidential information concerning their patients. Therefore, criminal behavior, whether violent or 36

37 non-violent, directed against persons, property, and / or public order and decency is considered by the BON to be highly relevant to an individual s fitness to practice nursing. Nurses who commit crimes outside the workplace raise concerns about the nurse s propensity to repeat the same conduct in the patient care setting which raises further concerns about the nurse s ability to provide safe, competent care to patients. Because of this, the following processes will be strictly enforced by the Blinn College Nursing Programs: A student has two school business days to inform the student s respective Program Director if the student is arrested or charged with a criminal offense (excluding Class C misdemeanor traffic violations) committed while enrolled in the program. If the student fails to do so, the student will be dismissed from the program and not be allowed to reapply. If a student reveals criminal charges to their respective Program Director within the required time frame, the Program Director will review the charges and confer with the student and one of two things will occur: 1. The Program Director allows the student to remain in the program*. a. The student is required to file a Petition for Declaratory Order with the Texas BON. The student has five school business days to file the petition. b. If the BON issues a Declaratory Order of ineligibility, upon receipt of the order, the student will be dismissed from the program. c. A student dismissed from the program has one year to reenter the program, if space is available, at the beginning of the same course/semester from when the suspension occurred. A student who has been suspended from the program for more than one year must reapply to begin the program from the first semester of the curriculum. 2. Decision is made to suspend* the student from the Nursing Program. This decision forwarded to the Dean and Vice President of Health Sciences. a. The student is required to file a Petition for Declaratory Order with the Texas BON. The student has five school business days to file the petition. b. The student will be suspended from the program until a positive Outcome Letter from the BON is received by the student stating the student will be allowed to sit for the appropriate National Council Licensing Exam. c. A suspended student who receives a positive Outcome Letter from the BON has one year from the time the student exited the program, to reenter the program, at the 37

38 beginning of the same course/semester from when the suspension occurred if space is available and the student is accepted in a clinical program(s) that enables the student to complete the program competencies. A student who has been suspended from the program for more than one year must reapply to begin the program from the first semester of the curriculum. A suspended student who receives an Outcome Letter of ineligibility from the BON, will be dismissed from the program. All students must meet all current admission/readmission requirements. Readmission is not guaranteed. A student suspended or dismissed from one of the programs referenced in this RAP Back Procedure is not necessarily prohibited from enrolling in other academic programs at Blinn College. A student seeking to enroll in other academic courses or programs must first meet with the campus judicial officer to determine eligibility to enroll in other academic course. * The decision to retain, suspend, or dismiss a student lies with the respective Program Director (see Texas Administrative Code Title 22, Part 11, Chapters 214 and 215 Rules 214.6(i) and 215.6(i)). The Program Director will follow the policies of Blinn College (Discipline and Penalties FM Local and Discipline Procedure FMA Local), use the BON disciplinary matrix ( and the accompanying Disciplinary Guidelines for Criminal Conduct ( and the Texas Nurse Practice Act ( as guidelines for reaching a final decision. If a student is charged with a crime that, if convicted, would result in a mandatory revocation, denial, or suspension of a nursing license under the Board of Nursing s Disciplinary Guidelines for Criminal Conduct, then that student shall be suspended and follow the procedures outlined above including filing a Petition for Declaratory Order. If a student is charged with a crime that, if convicted, would not result in mandatory revocation, denial, or suspension of a nursing license, then the student shall remain in the program and follow the procedures outlined above. The Program Director shall at all times retain discretion to allow a student who may otherwise be suspended from the program to remain in the program pending receipt of a positive Outcome Letter from the BON 38

39 Academic Integrity Integrity is expected of every student in all academic work, from the beginning application process to the final application for licensure. Academic integrity means a student's submitted work must be the student's own and reflect an honest attempt to complete assigned work. Forms of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to: cheating, fabrication and falsification of information, facilitating academic dishonesty, and plagiarism. Students engaging in academic dishonesty diminish their education and bring discredit to the academic community. The faculty believes academic integrity and professional responsibility and accountability are inextricably linked. These qualities are essential to practicing nursing in a safe and ethical manner within legal parameters as stated in the Texas Board of Nursing s Nurse Practice Act and the Rules & Regulations relating to Professional Nurse Education, Licensure, & Practice (available at ). During clinical laboratory experiences, students are required to exercise confidentiality with regard to all patient and staff information, just as they will during subsequent nursing practice, in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA). The student's progress in developing professional role characteristics, including observances of legal and ethical standards, is evaluated in all clinical and simulated experiences. Any student involved in academic dishonesty in either theory or clinical courses in the Associate Degree Nursing Program will be subject to disciplinary action (see Student Conduct Student Rights and Responsibilities) and may jeopardize his/her opportunity for successful completion of the Program. Students found to have been dishonest in their application process will be subject to immediate dismissal from or non-acceptance to the ADN Program and disciplinary action by the College. Professional Conduct (also see Essential Qualification/Basic Competencies ) ADN students representing Blinn College will be expected to conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect favorably upon themselves, the Program, and the College whether on campus, in the classroom, or off campus. If a student acts in such a manner as to reflect immature judgment, disrespect for others, or dishonesty, the student will be called before the student's Instructor, course coordinator, and/or the Program Director for determination of his/her status in the Program (see Blinn College Catalog for Disciplinary Sanctions policy, as well as the Incivility Protocol policy). Professional conduct includes but is not limited to the following: college, nursing program, hospital, agency and community guidelines, rules, regulations and laws related to behavior as determined by these agencies. This includes conduct with faculty, staff, patients, other students at school, clinical, or club-sponsored events/experiences. See related Classroom Incivility Statement and Student Conduct Student Rights and Responsibilities. 39

40 Classroom Civility Statement CIVILITY STATEMENT Blinn College has adopted Civility and Civility Notification statements, and a statement of Incivility Protocol. The Civility Statement reads as follows: Members of the Blinn College community, which includes faculty, staff and students, are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all aspects of campus life. Blinn College holds all members accountable for their actions and words. Therefore, all members should commit themselves to behave in a manner that recognizes personal respect and demonstrates concern for the personal dignity, rights, and freedom of every member of the College community, including respect for College property and the physical and intellectual property of others. CIVILITY NOTIFICATION STATEMENT The Civility Notification statement reads as follows: If a student is asked to leave the classroom because of uncivil behavior, the student may not return to that class until the student arranges a conference with the instructor; it is the student s responsibility to arrange for this conference. If behavior is threatening or violent, the college police have jurisdiction and the college s Discipline Code, as outlined in the Student Handbook, takes precedence. In the case of incivility in the classroom, the college s Incivility Protocol provides for removal of the uncivil student immediately from the classroom to maintain student/teacher integrity and essential pedagogical decorum. IF THE INCIDENT IS THREATENING OR VIOLENT, BLINN COLLEGE POLICE HAVE JURISDICTION AND SHOULD BENOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY: BLINN COLLEGE DISCIPLINE CODE, AS OUTLINED IN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK, TAKES PRECEDENCE. If the incident is one of common incivility, the student removed from class must arrange a conference with his or her instructor to discuss and resolve the problem resulting from the uncivil incident before being readmitted to the class (cf., Civility Notification Statement). Examples of uncivil behavior include, but are not limited to: chronic absences and/or tardiness, use of cell phones or pagers during class/clinical, reading of materials during class that do not pertain to the class (e.g. newspaper, magazine, internet sites, social media sites, etc.), chatter with another student or students, sleeping, rudeness, frequent interruptions, monopolizing class time, loudness, obscene or abusive language (verbal or written), and substance abuse. If an ADN student is dismissed from the classroom and/or clinical area because of uncivil behavior, that behavior will be reflected in classroom and/or clinical evaluations. The student may also be asked to arrange a conference with the Program Director. Uncivil behavior in clinical may also constitute Unsafe Clinical Performance, discussed elsewhere in the ADN Student Handbook. 40

41 Social Media Guidelines Social media websites allow people to engage in both professional and personal communications. These guidelines provide standards of conduct when people associated with Blinn College (students, faculty, and staff) go online to publish, discuss, blog, share files, post user-generated video and/or audio, enter into virtual worlds, log onto social networks or any other form of user-generated media. Keep in mind, all content posted on these websites become immediately available to everyone with access and then can be shared beyond the initial intent. The original owner of the material loses control of the information forever. Future employers may use this information when making hiring/firing decisions. Protect confidential information. Do not disclose or use confidential information regarding your clinical experiences, clinical facilities, clinical staff, or clients including peers as clients in the simulated situation. Respect confidentiality and abide by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA regulations), the Texas Veterinary Licensing Act (2009), and/or other professional programs ethics and standards of practice. Removing an individual s name does not constitute proper deidentification of protected health information. Inclusion of data such as age, gender, race, diagnosis, date of evaluation, type of treatment, circumstances of injury, and/or the use of highly specific medical photographs may still allow the reader to recognize the person s identity. Respect your readers, your peers, and your faculty. You should not post any material that is obscene, defamatory, profane, libelous, threatening, harassing, abusive, hateful, or embarrassing to another person, program, and/or institution. What might be considered humorous to one person may be hurtful to another. Discourse should always be civil and respectful. Be thoughtful, transparent, and honest. You should present yourself in a mature, responsible, and professional manner. Considering anonymity should not be an option. Respond to your own mistakes. If you make an error, correct it quickly. If you modify content previously posted, make it clear you have done so. Always use your best judgment. There are consequences to what you publish online. If something makes you feel the slightest bit uncomfortable, it is suggested you do not post the information. Per Blinn College Board of Trustees policy and to avoid conflict of interest, you should not endorse products or candidates, representing Blinn College; any endorsements must be made as John Q. Citizen, RN for example. Remember, you have sole responsibility for what you post in any form of online social media. NOTE: You represent Blinn College. Any policies from the Blinn College Board of Trustees, the Allied Health Division, or the individual program(s) may specify more extensive guideline and/or consequences of infractions. REMEMBER: Any posting that could be construed as unprofessional, unethical, or under the incivility policy of the College can be grounds for dismissal from the respective program. 41

42 Substance Abuse Policy Blinn College seeks to provide educational experiences and opportunities for student development and growth, with a strong commitment to instructional excellence in an environment free of unnecessary risks to the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and patients/clients. It is the desire of the faculty to provide support for students when problems arise related to impairment of allied health student practice, either due to alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse or mental illness. For the purposes of this policy, an impaired student is defined as one whose performance endangers EITHER their own learning process or patient/client health and safety and would, if demonstrated by a Registered Nurse (RN) or other healthcare professional, be considered a violation of the Nurse Practice Act or other applicable licensure laws. Impairment may be evident in the classroom, learning laboratory, or the clinical area. Such impairment can result from: 1) AOD abuse or dependency (prescription or illicit) 2) mental illness 3) physical illnesses/conditions with psychological or physical complications/deficits. The Health Sciences Division seeks to uphold Blinn College policies regarding substance abuse, e.g. standards of conduct and unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs/alcohol (Blinn College Catalog). Because of concerns for public and patient/client safety, as well as professional and ethical responsibilities, faculty in the Health Sciences Division will identify students enrolled in Health Sciences Programs who appear to be impaired as a result of AOD abuse/dependency or physical and/or mental health problems. Consistent with professional practice and standards, any person who observes behavioral or physiological characteristics suggestive of impairment is obligated to consult with a faculty member/program Director regarding those concerns. Both the identity of the reporting individual and the identified student will be held in confidence to the maximum extent possible under applicable laws. The validity and accuracy of the information reported will then be investigated. Any of the following may be signs/symptoms/behaviors that may suggest impairment: a. Physiological characteristics of the substance abusing person including, but not limited to: *smell of alcohol on breath, other unexplained body or breath odor *flushed face, reddened eyes *diaphoresis, pallor *pupillary changes abnormal constriction or dilation *slurred speech *weight loss *sudden hyperactivity vacillating with lethargy or vice-versa *blackouts, seizures *impaired coordination psychomotor skills, gait *fine hand tremor *numerous injuries/accidents with vague or unusual explanations *declining health b. Behavioral characteristics of the substance abusing person including, but not limited to: *extreme and rapid mood changes, irritability, loss of orientation *excessive absenteeism, tardiness, frequently leaves unit/class *unusual/frequent excuses or apologies for failure to meet deadlines *isolation/withdrawal from group professionally and socially *decreased classroom and clinical productivity, fluctuating performance *inappropriate physical appearance, unkempt appearance *excessive use of mouthwash, mints, etc. 42

43 patients *arriving early and staying late at work (clinical, class) for no apparent reason *overly solicitous to administer meds (especially narcotics) for own or others *greater discrepancies in documentation of controlled substances administration *uses PRN medications more frequently with maximum PRN dosage given *alone in medication room more than others *may have many somatic complaints requiring more Rx for self If a student demonstrates characteristics of impairment while in the clinical area, the faculty member will: a. Relieve the student from the client assignment IMMEDIATELY. The student will not be left alone at any time. Another faculty member or the Program Director will be called in to help the involved faculty member with the other students in the clinical area, while the suspected student is being observed and counseled. b. Carefully document data on indicators of substance abuse cited above. Include witnesses as appropriate (e.g. staff, faculty, etc.) c. Refer the student to the Program Director for investigation of the identified signs of impairment. The student will then meet with the faculty member and the Program Director to discuss options for continuance in the Program and develop a plan for referral/treatment. The student CANNOT return to the clinical area until a contract of agreement for return to the Program is formulated by the Program Director, the Clinical Instructor, and the student. An investigation of the identified signs of impairment will be conducted and the student referred for possible treatment. Should there be questions in the mind of the student concerning the alleged offense, due process is afforded under the Drug and Alcohol Use and Abuse and the Blinn college discipline Code. Impaired practice CAN be grounds for DISMISSAL from the Program and REPORTING TO THE APPROPRIATE LICENSING AGENCY for investigation, e.g. Texas Board of Nursing, American Dental Association, etc.. The student may also be referred for FURTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTION by the College, per the Drug and Alcohol Use and Abuse and Blinn College Discipline Code, as well as those policies contained in the Blinn College Board Policy Manual, sections FLBE, readily available on the internet at Reporting to the appropriate licensing agency may result in the individual s INABILITY TO SIT FOR THE LICENSING EXAMINATION and receipt of a license. Records of the student in question, relating to suspected impaired practice, will be kept confidential, and will NOT be included in the student s official academic file. Exceptions would exist if the student comes under Blinn College s disciplinary process for violations on campus or at collegesponsored activities, or if reporting to the appropriate licensing agency is necessary. For example, Associate Degree Nursing students as well as Vocational Nursing Students will be required to submit a Declaratory Order petition to the Texas Board of Nursing. 43

44 Attendance and Absences Standards Attendance Standards Nursing is a practice discipline requiring acquisition of knowledge and practical skill development along with organizational and personal capabilities. In order to meet the Program/course objectives and to comply with accreditation standards, the nursing curriculum consists of clinical and classroom courses and experiences, which reinforce and complement each other. A critical element influencing student success is attendance in both elements. Per Blinn College policy, all faculty are required to take daily attendance in all classes with the first class meeting and ending with the final examination. Attendance in each class and laboratory session is recorded. All classroom, clinical, and simulation experiences will begin on time. Students are expected to be punctual. Because we are teaching workplace behaviors, students are expected to appropriately notify the ADN Office, the clinical instructor, and/or the clinical unit if the student finds that he/she must be absent or tardy. Your Clinical Instructor will inform you of how he/she wants to be notified. Students who miss clinical experience(s) are in jeopardy of missing opportunities to meet course objectives and subsequently achieving passing grades. Tardiness and absences may also be reflected on course evaluations and job references. Students who fail to notify appropriately for clinical absences will receive an unsatisfactory grade for the day, which could place one in jeopardy of failing a clinical course. The ADN Program adheres to the student attendance policies outlined in the Blinn College Catalog: The College District believes that class attendance is essential for student success; therefore, students are required to promptly and regularly attend all their classes. Each class meeting builds the foundation for subsequent class meetings. Without full participation and regular class attendance, students shall find themselves at a severe disadvantage for achieving success in college. Class participation shall constitute at least ten percent of the final course grade. It is the responsibility of each faculty member, in consultation with the division chair, to determine how participation is achieved in his or her class. Faculty will require students to regularly attend class and will keep a record of attendance from the first day of class and/or the first day the student s name appears on the roster through final examinations. If a student has one week s worth of unexcused absences during the semester, he/she will be sent an by the College requiring the student to contact his/her instructor and schedule a conference immediately to discuss his/her attendance issues. Should the student accumulate two weeks worth of unexcused absences, he/she will be administratively withdrawn from class. 44

45 Absences and Excused Absences There are four forms of excused absences recognized by the institution. Students need to refer to the Blinn College Catalog for the appropriate procedure for notifying faculty for those four reasons. Other absences may be excused at the discretion of the faculty member. The faculty recognizes that situational emergencies and illness may occur. In addition, jury duty may require the student to be absent. In these cases, documentation may be requested by the instructor or Program Director to verify the reason for the absence. Evidence such as a physician's note or jury summons may be requested. Students must call the instructor or the ADN Office as soon as an absence is anticipated. Students are responsible for meeting all required course assignments, i.e., papers, tests, clinical assignments, despite absence from class or clinical. This includes assignments for all absences. The student is responsible for contacting the instructor or Course Coordinator who will determine the manner in which missed assignments may be made up. Generally, there is no provision for making up clinical or simulation experiences. 45

46 Student Health and Immunizations Students must obtain a physical exam and submit it to the ADN Program Office before beginning school. Students are required to maintain current immunizations (Link to Required Immunizations). This includes yearly TB testing (or chest x-ray every three years), annual influenza vaccination (immunization within 30 days of the annual vaccine becoming available), quantitative Hepatitis B titer > 10 miu/ml, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TDAP) (booster every 10 years), and other routine childhood immunizations or proof of immunity (by titer) from these childhood diseases (varicella, measles, mumps and rubella). Students who have a history of positive tuberculosis (TB) test must show proof of adequate follow-up and/or prophylactic treatment by a physician. Students must be current on appropriate immunizations to be allowed in the clinical areas, per State law and agency policies. If a student is not current, he/she will be contracted and may not be allowed in the clinical area until the terms of the contract are completed. Meningitis vaccine requirement. MANDATORY: for all new students <22 years of age when the academic term begins. Vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to the start of the semester. All students must follow Blinn s policy regarding the Bacterial Meningitis requirements. Go to for all information. Students should be aware there is a potential risk of exposure to TB, Hepatitis B & C, HIV, and many other communicable diseases during clinical assignments. If the student elects to not be tested for HIV, a disclaimer form must be signed. Students who are known to be HIV positive have the option of nondisclosure, per Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, for the student s own protection, as well as his/her clients, it is wise to notify the Program Director, so appropriate care can be taken with selection of some clinical experiences. This information will be kept in strictest confidence by the Director. Students are oriented to safety procedures at Blinn College and at all clinical facilities, per Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and The Joint Commission standards. Students will have access to faculty within their clinical area for any additional information. It is an expectation that students will accept all types of patient assignments. Should an injury occur while in clinical, the student will be treated in accordance with Blinn College s and the clinical agency s policies and Clinical Affiliation Agreement at the student s own expense. Students are financially responsible for their personal health care/hospitalization costs incurred while participating in the ADN Program. It is strongly recommended students maintain some type of health/accident insurance for their own protection should illnesses/accidents occur. Infectious Disease Guidelines It is the intent of the Blinn College ADN Program to promote quality care and safety for clients, students, staff, and faculty. The ADN Program is in compliance with accepted policies, standards, and guidelines set forth by Blinn College, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the American College Health Association (ACHA), the American Nurses' Association (ANA), and the National League for Nursing (NLN). Students are expected to care for themselves, in order to learn and effectively care for clients. Therefore, students are asked to call in appropriately and stay home when experiencing 46

47 any of the following signs/symptoms: 1) fever F or higher 2) nausea & vomiting 3) diarrhea 4) open or weeping skin lesions 5) productive cough 6) nasal secretions 7) sore throat & hoarseness 8) red eyes or drainage from the eyes We do realize some of these signs/symptoms have non-communicable origins (e.g. allergies) the student is expected to communicate with the Instructor. The Instructor may ask for verification from the physician/healthcare provider of the origin of any of the above signs/symptoms. Due to the current issues surrounding communicable disease (e.g. hepatitis, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases [STD s], and human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]), policies and recommendations set forth in Standard Precautions are followed carefully. Students are taught Standard Precautions in the first nursing courses and content is practiced and reinforced throughout the Program. Students are responsible for using Standard Precautions at all times. Students are also responsible for any personal expenses that may occur in the event of an exposure. Students are encouraged to check their health insurance policy for coverage. If the student has no health insurance, it is recommended the student check into a special coverage policy for students. Follow-up to Exposure In the event a student becomes exposed to blood or body fluids, the following procedures are recommended (per Clinical Affiliation Agreements): Step 1: Report exposure to clinical instructor, program director, authorities in health care agency, and document the event. Step 2: Assess the clinical status of the source client. Step 3: Test the exposed individual and ask the client be tested for evidence of HIV or Hepatitis B or C as soon as possible after the exposure (e.g. in the clinical agency emergency department). Step 4: Retest if negative in 6 weeks, then at 3, 6, and 12 month intervals with a private physician. Step 5: Seek counseling throughout the experience. Step 6: Adhere to the recommendations for the prevention of transmission of any infectious disease during the testing period (90 days). Note: Confidentiality of medical records is protected, and information is shared only on a strictest "need to know" basis. Any breaches of confidentiality will be grounds for disciplinary action, per HIPAA regulations. 47

48 Note: Confidential screening for various communicable diseases can be obtained through the Brazos County Health Department. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Requirement As a part of professional responsibility and accountability, students are expected to maintain current CPR certification throughout the Program. Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare providers offered by the American Heart Association (preferred) and CPR for Professional Rescuer offered by American Red Cross are the ONLY two acceptable CPR courses. Students must bring appropriate documentation to the Program Office each academic year. If the student s certification expires at some point during the academic year, the student is responsible for renewing that certification and bringing appropriate documentation to the ADN Office. If the student is found to be lapsed on the CPR certification, the student will not be allowed to attend clinical and will receive unsatisfactory designations until the certification is completed this could jeopardize the student s ability to successfully complete the course/program. Auditing ADN Course(s) The ADN Program has established a Program policy for auditing nursing course(s), in keeping with College policy (Auditing of Courses). An audit takes place or may be suggested by the Director of the ADN Program when a non-degree-seeking student requests to audit a course or when a student is recommended to audit a course for readmission or transfer into the Program. The audited course may have already been taken by the student for a grade, which will stand, unless the student registers to officially retake the course in that case it would not be an audit. Successful audit may be considered for readmission application as evidence of compliance with recommendations from the Director. In the event of an audit, the student will pay the audit fee plus any other lab or course fees. The student will not receive a grade for the course. The student s name will not appear on the official roster for the course. Once a student has registered for an audit, he/she may not change status to a registered status and vice versa. Currently enrolled students take priority over auditing students in class spaces. Students are usually required to audit the accompanying clinical course, when auditing or retaking the theory course to help reinforce the content. A student who audits a clinical course MUST carry his/her own liability insurance. The College s umbrella insurance policy only covers those students officially registered in the course(s). Successful course audit: 1) requires permission of the Director of the ADN Program and the Dean of Health Sciences to audit a nursing course. 2) requires registration for audit and payment of audit fees. 3) includes regular attendance in recommended course components. 4) may include taking scheduled exams. 5) completion of the audited course as Satisfactory by course instructor. 48

49 Directions for Auditing a Nursing Course 1. Auditing a nursing course is different than auditing an academic course. Please read the following carefully. 2. You must successfully audit the designated RNSG course(s) with a passing score on tests and clinical performance. The score will not appear on your transcript, but will count towards your full acceptance into the Program. 3. You must show proof of having student nurse malpractice insurance prior to the first day of the audited clinical course. The National Student Nurses Association is one entity who offers professional liability insurance. 4. You must be a current Blinn student to audit a nursing class. 5. To audit a nursing course, an Audit form must be picked up from the Program s Administrative Assistant and the appropriate signatures on the audit form obtained. 6. Once all signatures are obtained, you must take the Audit form to Enrollment Services and pay the appropriate fee. 7. The Audit Form, payment receipt and proof of malpractice insurance must be presented to the Director of the ADN Program before your attendance in class is approved. 8. A receipt of payment for malpractice insurance maybe presented until the actual policy is obtained. Incompletes In the event extenuating circumstances (e.g. illness, pregnancy/delivery, military duty, accident, death in family, etc.) interfere with an individual s ability to complete a course in the assigned semester, the option of an Incomplete ( I ) is available. At the point it is agreed upon by the student, the Instructor, and/or the Director, an Incomplete is necessary, the student is given a Course Completion Contract. On the academic side, by Blinn College policy, the student must complete all course work within ninety (90) days after the beginning of the next long semester. However, due to the consecutive nature of the ADN Program, a student may be contracted to complete course work before the next course sequence in order to matriculate with their peer group. If that is not possible, the student may take the full 90 days option and advance to the next course sequence in the next semester offered. This would then constitute a Withdrawal (although temporary ) from the Program, and readmission would be on a SPACE AVAILABILITY basis. See Withdrawal Policy in this Handbook. 49

50 Dismissal A student may be dismissed from the Program for any of the following reasons: 1. Failure to achieve a grade of C in any nursing course. 2. Failure to achieve a grade of C in any required academic course, which must be completed in sequence or as prerequisite to a nursing course or courses. 3. Failure of clinical evaluation during any nursing course. 4. Inability to meet course requirements due to excessive absences. 5. Inability to meet specifically identified course requirements/competencies deemed by the teaching team as critical for successful completion of the course. 6. Unprofessional appearance or unsafe conduct in the clinical area, including but not limited to unsafe clinical practice (refer to Criteria for Unsafe Clinical Performance ). 7. Failure to comply with rules and regulations of the Program, Blinn College, or any affiliating agency. 8. Failure to obtain the required score within the set number of attempts as stated in the course syllabi on the Drug Calculations Test(s). The final decision for dismissal will be made by the Program Director after consultation with the faculty, student, Dean of Health Sciences, and the Vice President of Health Sciences. Withdrawal A student who wishes to drop a course or withdraw from the Program after registration must meet with the ADN Program Director, notify the Registrar and the Office of the Dean of Student Services, return all library books, equipment, and clear all accounts. An exit interview will be conducted with the Program Director to assure proper advisement, documentation of student records, and plans for readmission as appropriate. Please note deadlines for withdrawals with a Q noted on the academic calendar (available on Blinn s home page - printable academic calendar is subject to change). A student may be administratively withdrawn from a course for excessive absences. Refer to Attendance Standards. Slow-Track A student might need to extend the educational program due to severe mitigating circumstances. After consultation with the Program Director, the student may be put on a slow-track or extended degree plan. This will constitute a special arrangement with the Director and faculty. However, ALL nursing courses must be completed within a 5-year timeframe. Readmission Students may be readmitted to the ADN Program ONCE after withdrawal, stop-out, or failure of a course. Students who have been dismissed for unsafe clinical practice are NOT eligible for readmission. Readmission is based on SPACE AVAILABILITY and on the student s compliance with conditions/requirements established by the Director and the Admissions 50

51 Committee. Requests for readmission are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Students applying for readmission must: Apply, in writing to the Director/Admissions Committee, at least 14 days prior to the semester in which readmission is desired. Include the following information: * Semester and course(s) for which readmission is sought. * Date of withdrawal from the Program. * Primary reason(s) for withdrawal from the Program. * Understanding of the requirements for readmission at the time of withdrawal. * Ways in which recommendations at the time of withdrawal have been completed. * What has been done to improve chances for successful completion. Complete all courses in the ADN program curriculum within five (5) years from the date the student registered in the first course identified with a RNSG prefix. Demonstrate evidence of follow-through and compliance with stipulations stated in the readmission letter. Examples of stipulations may include audit or remediation in academic course work, audit or repeat of nursing course(s) previously taken, or documentation of recovery from illness. Inability to meet the readmission stipulations may be grounds for denial or permanent dismissal from the program. LVN-Transition students who are not successful (failure or stop-out) in completing one or more of the LVN-T sequence (RNSG 1327 and/or 1162) may only be reconsidered for readmission into the Semester I courses. Unsuccessful completion of either of these courses implies key pieces of information are missing and should be reviewed in the Semester I courses. The student could then compete for a spot in the next admission cycle. 51

52 Behavior Expected in the Clinical Area 1. No smoking except during assigned break in designated locations outdoors. All public buildings in Bryan/College Station are designated smoke free facilities. 2. No gum chewing, tobacco chewing, or snuff dipping in clinical areas. 3. Breaks are limited to 15 minutes (inform instructor, student team leader when appropriate, and/or assigned staff nurse before leaving and when returning to unit). 4. If given a lunch break during a clinical experience, the student is NOT to leave the clinical agency, but must eat somewhere on the premises (cafeteria, break room, café, etc.). The student may NOT leave and return to go buy something to eat. 5. The use of cellular phones for personal use is NOT allowed in the classroom or clinical areas. These are to be turned OFF during class and/or clinical. Handheld devices or smart phones are allowed & encouraged due to quick access to healthcare information. However, the phone portion of any Smartphone must be turned off (i.e., put in airplane mode ). 6. In case of an emergency, the member of a family should call the Administrative Assistant in the ADN office, who will in turn call the Instructor, who will then notify the student. 7. A student is expected to perform only those procedures in which he/she has been checked off in the skills laboratory. Any invasive procedure, even if checked off in the Skills Laboratory, must be supervised by the Clinical Instructor or his/her designee (e.g. Staff Nurse). It is the Clinical Instructor s prerogative as to which procedures the student may perform alone, depending on the course, the student s performance previously, and the student s apparent comfort/knowledge level with the skill. 8. Students are NOT permitted to take either a doctor's telephone or verbal order. The doctor should be informed of that fact and a qualified person located to accept the order. 9. Students are NOT permitted to give information about the patient's condition on the telephone. Students shall maintain patient confidentiality at all times. Client records, or portions thereof, may NOT be photocopied. Client information is to be shared only with appropriate health team members. Clients' names and identifying information are not used on school paperwork. REMEMBER: HIPAA rules, regulations, & potential penalties for violation of them!! 10. Students may NOT witness permits see Witnessing Procedure in this Handbook. 11. Students are expected to have current immunizations, CPR certification, current TB test, and liability insurance PRIOR to clinical. 12. Violators will be counseled for a lack of professionalism and/or removed from clinical; excessive violation of the above rules will be subject to further disciplinary action. 52

53 Dress Code The following dress code is required of all Blinn College ADN students in the clinical setting, during simulation experiences, and at the request of the faculty. Students may be sent home if found to not be in compliance with the Dress Code. If a student is sent home for Dress Code violations, this will result in the inability to meet clinical requirements for that day. It will also be reflected in the clinical evaluation tool. 1. Uniforms must be navy blue pants and a white top. Specifically, students must purchase the following brand and style(s). Brand Landau. Women: Men: Top SKU # 8219-WWP (4 pocket top) Bottom SKU # 8320 BNP Jacket SKU #7525 WWP (Note: this is optional) Top SKU # 7489-WWY (5 pocket top) Bottom SKU # 8550 BNP Jacket SKU #7551 WWVC (Note: this is optional) The uniform must remain clean, neat, well fitting, and without tears. Uniform should be properly pressed and hemmed. If female students wish to wear a skirt, it must be navy blue and be at least knee length. No jumpsuits, tapered knit pants, leggings, or T-shirts (as a top) are allowed. If you choose to wear a T-shirt underneath the scrub top, it must be white without pictures, logos, or any writing visible through the uniform top. With some scrub tops with large neck openings, T-shirts or undershirts are encouraged for modesty. NO low-rise pants are allowed tops and pants must meet when the student bends or reaches. 2. Blinn College ADN arm patches must be permanently affixed to the left upper sleeve of uniform and lab coat, two inches below the shoulder seam NO Velcro, tape, staples, safety pins, etc. 3. Short white lab coat may be worn over uniform and must be worn over street clothes when the student is in a clinical area. No sweat-suits, shorts, spaghetti straps, strapless tops, halter tops, or denim are to be worn when picking up clinical assignments. 4. No sweaters or fleece jackets are to be worn as uniform tops. Washable white cardigans may be worn with uniform, with the ADN patch affixed to the left upper sleeve, as above. 5. A picture student nametag must be worn any time a student is in the clinical area either in hospital, clinic, other community site or during simulation experiences. It is a professional requirement (and law) that students and nurses identify themselves as such when working with clients. 6. A watch with capability of measuring seconds, a pen that writes black ink, bandage scissors, and stethoscope are also required parts of the uniform in the clinical area, unless otherwise specified. 7. White socks may be worn with uniform slacks. If desired, students will wear white hose, without design or runs (support hose recommended). No anklets or socks may be worn with skirt uniforms. 53

54 8. Neutral color underclothes are to be worn with uniforms. There should be no patterns, colors, or designs showing through the uniform. 9. Uniform shoes must mostly white (white athletic shoes), with closed toes and heels, soft-soled, clean, polished, and with clean white shoelaces. Any clogs worn must be nursing uniform clogs with closed toes and a lip on the back to prevent slipping out of the shoe easily. If the student has questions as to the appropriateness of the shoe, double check with the clinical instructor. 10. Uniforms may be worn to class if scheduled class time follows clinical. 11. In some laboratory settings, uniforms will be required to be worn, as some labs simulate the clinical experience. 12. Appropriate, modest street clothing (NO denim, blue jeans, shorts, T-shirts, spaghetti straps, strapless tops, halter tops, or sweat suits) will be worn for specified clinical experiences. Shoes must be leather, closed toes and heels (no sandals), clean, and polished. Skirts and dresses must be of at least knee length. No tapered knit pants or leggings are allowed. No clothing that is revealing in nature will be allowed. 13. Make-up may be used in moderation. No false eyelashes are allowed. No perfume or aftershave is allowed, due to potential client allergies. 14. Hair must be neat, clean, and up off the collar or secured in a ponytail. Hair ornaments must be small and white, navy blue, or neutral colored. Students who must wear a hair covering for religious reasons may wear a white, navy blue or black one; long styles must be tucked into the uniform top. Male beards and mustaches must be kept trimmed and clean. 15. Nails must be clean, neat, and not excessively long (finger-tip length only). If one can see the nail above the finger (when the hands are viewed palm up), then the nails are too long. Because of the chance of infection transmission, acrylic nails/tips and nail polish are not allowed. 16. Students may wear wedding ring(s), simple necklace inside uniform, and stud-type earrings that are ¼ inch or smaller in size. No more than two (2) pairs of stud-type earrings on the lower lobes are acceptable. No other jewelry is allowed. 17. Ear piercing is the only body piercing that is allowed in the clinical area. If one has other obvious piercings (e.g. eyebrow, lip, nose, tongue, etc.), the ring, bar, or other ornament must be removed or the area covered with a clean bandage. 18. Visible tattoos must be covered with clothing or a clean bandage. 54

55 Students Witnessing Legal Documents From time to time, students may be asked to witness legal documents in the clinical area, e.g. surgical consents, consent for invasive procedures, birth records, consent for circumcision, vaccines, etc.. Many legal issues are involved in witnessing such forms. 1) As a general rule, students are NOT allowed to witness consents. 2) Students are NOT allowed to witness consents for invasive diagnostic procedures. 3) If a student is witness to a birth and does some of the documentation on the client s record, it must also have the attending nurse s or paramedic s signature as the primary caregiver. 4) Students may NOT pick up or sign out for blood or blood products. 5) A student s signature may NOT be the sole signature on discharge forms; a staff member must check the student s documentation and sign. 6) Students may NOT sign discharge against medical advice (AMA) forms. 55

56 Requirements for Medication Administration Medication administration is a basic competency of a Registered Nurse (RN). The policy of the Blinn ADN Program is that every student must complete didactic lecture material on pharmacotherapeutics, master medication administration skills in the clinical laboratory, and master drug calculations. The following requirements must be fulfilled: 1. Students must attend lectures on pharmacotherapeutics in RNSG 1301 and RNSG Successful completion of the Dosage Calculation Test as stated in each course s syllabus. 3. Mastery of medication administration skills will be confirmed by observations of laboratory performance. Skills performance success may determine the student s ability to administer medications in a clinical setting and/or matriculate in the ADN Program. 4. Medications given in the clinical setting are administered with supervision of the Clinical Instructors/Preceptors and validation with staff nurses. 5. Students must demonstrate the 6 Rights of Medication Administration. These are: Right Patient, Drug, Dosage, Route, Time, and Documentation. 6. Prior to administering medications in clinical settings, the student must demonstrate familiarity with the drug(s) properties, actions, usual route(s) and dose(s), expected outcomes, and side effects. Drug cards may or may not be required; see individual course syllabi or check with the Clinical Instructor for details. Clinical Instructors and/or staff nurses may question the student on these elements of medication administration to assure the student is safe to administer the medication(s) in question. 7. In specific clinical facilities, special policies regarding medication administration by students override the Blinn College ADN Program policies and these guidelines. 8. In administering narcotics or controlled substances, the Instructor/Preceptor and student will follow the guidelines of the clinical facility. In no circumstance, are the students to carry narcotic keys or be involved in the count of narcotics. Students may observe while the count is being made/documented. 9. In specialty areas (ICU, CCU, ED, OR, PACU, L&D, etc.), the student will NOT be responsible for titrating IV medications to regulate blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, or labor. The student may assess the client during these periods of medication titration, and observe the procedure. 10. In nursery and other pediatric areas, the Instructor/Preceptor shall supervise any/all medication administration, and double check students calculations of dosage. 11. NO IV chemotherapeutic agents will be given by the student. 56

57 12. NO blood products may be administered by the student. The student may monitor the client during the blood product administration process, and observe the entire process by the nurse administering the blood product. The student may NOT pick up the blood from the Blood Bank or Laboratory, NOR check the blood as one of the two designated persons. 13. ALL computed dosages must be checked by the Instructor/Staff Nurse/Preceptor. 14. Specific medications guidelines: a. Instructor/Preceptor shall monitor the preparation and administration of anticoagulant medications, digitalis preparations, intramuscular/intravenous antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics, as well as any other drugs that rapidly alter the client s hemodynamic state. b. Digitalis The student must verify a regular apical pulse rate greater than 60 beats/minute prior to administration to adults. Refer to institutional procedure/ policy for apical rate in pediatric clients. c. Insulin injections must be verified with the Instructor/Preceptor or another RN prior to administration. 15. The student who does not comply with these requirements may be sent home with an unsatisfactory clinical day, failure of a course, and/or recommendation for dismissal from the Program, as they may constitute unsafe clinical performance. (See Criteria for Unsafe Clinical Performance) 57

58 Dosage Calculation Exam Policy 1. Dimensional analysis is the only method taught throughout the Program. 2. There will be 20 questions for each exam for progression. 3. The following table outlines the courses, the number of attempts, and the minimum passing score. 4. Students not achieving the minimum score within the allotted number of attempts will not be allowed to continue in the courses listed for that semester. The student will need to drop the course listed and reapply for admission to the Program. 5. For Semester 1 students, the student not meeting the requirements as stated in the syllabus will fail the course. Semester Course # of Attempts Semester RNSG Semester 2 RNSG 1341/1260 RNSG 1144 RNSG 2213/2160 RNSG 2121 Minimum passing score Minimum score as stated in the course syllabus. Date of Exam Administration Exam Schedule as listed in the course syllabus 2 90% First Week of Class LVN T RNSG 1327/ % First Week of Class Semester 3 RNSG 1343/2261 RNSG 1412/2161 Special notes Number of tests to be determined by faculty and stated in course syllabus % First Week of Class One exam will be administered with 10 adult health items and 10 pediatric/ob items Semester 4 RNSG 2231/ % First Week of Class RNSG % Administered during preceptorship 58

59 Dosage Calculation Rounding Rules for Each Exam 1. Be as precise as possible/practical in the calculation process. If calculating using multiple formulas (i.e., ratio::proportional), round to the nearest hundredth (2 decimal places) with each step. For example, if converting pounds to kilograms, keep at least 2 decimals until you reach your solution. If calculating using dimensional analysis, do not clear your calculator when multiplying or dividing until you reach your solution. 2. Round at the end of the calculation process. If the final answer is: a. greater than 1mL, round to the tenth decimal place. Ex: 2.44 = = = 2.5 b. Less than 1mL, round to the hundredths place. Ex: = = = 0.09 c. Zeroes always Lead, never Trail. (Ex: 0.5, is correct, NOT.5 and 1 is correct, NOT 1.0 for medication purposes.) 3. Calculating Intravenous infusion rates: a. For an infusion pump, (calculated to milliliters per hour, ml/hr), round to the nearest tenth if necessary. Ex: preliminary answer = ml/hr, then show answer as 32.8mL/hr. b. For gravity drip (calculated in drops per minute, gtt/min), use the above rounding rules, and then round to the whole number. The human eye cannot calculate a fraction of a whole drop. Ex: If your preliminary answer is 20.2, show 20 gtt/min. If your preliminary answer is 20.45, show 20 gtt/min If your preliminary answer is 20.5, show 21 gtt/min. 59

60 Procedure for Clinical Make-up Days 1. General--As a general rule, clinical make-up days are not necessary and not allowed. Therefore, scheduling extra days for make-up days at the end of the semester is not necessary. 2. Specific Courses--However, in specific courses (e.g. Childbearing/Childrearing and Preceptorship) with a limited number or specified hours required of clinical experiences, the Clinical Instructor and the Teaching Team may decide a student needs to make-up one or more day(s) and/or experience(s). It is the teaching team s decision. 3. Clinical Written Work Competencies--If a student has not met the clinical paperwork competencies due to absences, the Clinical Instructor and the Teaching Team may decide to rearrange the student s schedule to eliminate off-site or adjunctive observational experiences to bring the student back to a particular unit for experience. This is completely at the discretion of the Teaching Team. 4. Drop or Incomplete--If a student has a number of absences, the Teaching Team may decide, in lieu of schedule change, to recommend the student drop or take an Incomplete in the course(s) until such time as the student can return and complete course requirements. This is decided after conference with the Program Director. 5. Excused Absences--Per the Blinn College Attendance Policy, excused absences are religious holy-days, days in which the student is representing Blinn College, and others at the discretion of the individual faculty member. The ADN Program honors personal illness, death of a family member, family crisis, and other mitigating crisis situations as excused absences. 6. Unexcused Absences Unexcused absences are those in which there was a no call- no show, car trouble, or on the day of/before an exam and may negatively affect the student s grade. Two weeks of unexcused absences will result in administrative withdrawal for excessive absences. 7. Classroom/Laboratory/Clinical Days In some courses, the schedule may include a class and a lab or clinical on the same day. These are counted as two (2) separate absences. Make-up of lab days/experiences is at the discretion of the course teaching team. 60

61 Blinn College Health Sciences Clinical Simulation Labs (BCSCL) Standard Policies and Procedures (From Simulation Policy & Procedure) Environment and Professionalism Food and Drinks are NOT permitted in the BCSCL Center except in designated areas. This policy is reflective of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines and should be strictly enforced by faculty because of safety and the need to preserve laboratory equipment and resources. Faculty, teaching assistants, and students using BCSCL classrooms will be responsible for leaving labs clean and in order prior to departing. Whenever possible, sit on chairs, rather than beds. If beds are used, please remove and fold bedspreads first and replace soiled linens as needed. Sharps should be placed in the red sharps containers near the bed or medication cart. Do not remove needles from the syringes. Do not cut, bend or recap needles. To avoid injury, please do not try to overstuff sharps container. Notify the lab faculty when the container is full. Civility Statement: Members of the Blinn College community, which includes faculty, staff, and students, are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all aspects of campus life. Blinn College holds all members accountable for their actions and words. Therefore, all members should commit themselves to behave in a manner that recognizes personal respect and demonstrates concern for the personal dignity, rights, and freedoms of every member of the College community, including respect for College property and the physical and intellectual property of others. Students who display behaviors reflecting incivility can be dismissed from the BCSCL area and must make an appointment with their instructor before returning. Reminder: students may be dismissed from their respective Program as a result of conduct that is unsafe, unethical, inappropriate or unprofessional; this includes conduct in the skills and simulation laboratory. Please refer to the Student Handbook under the section on Conduct. Confidentiality All simulation scenarios practice sessions involving students and/or recordings are considered confidential. All mannequin accessibility should be treated as a real patient (including inappropriate viewing). Discussion of scenarios or information is considered a violation of Allied Health privacy policy. All students will need to sign a confidentiality agreement and take the City-wide clinical orientation (Alpha/Beta/Gamma) course and print out successful completion for your student files. Students are expected to uphold all requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and any other federal or state laws requiring confidentiality. Students agree to report any violations to the faculty or instructor. Dress Code Students coming to the skill lab for extra practice may wear street clothes (please refer to program handbook for professional attire, i.e. nails, hair, etc.). No heels closed-toe shoes must be worn if working with sharps. Students performing mandatory clinical skills in the laboratory are expected to come prepared with uniform, stethoscope, watch, pencil and paper and other equipment per instructor and program requirements. Equipment Use All students must sign in when practicing in the lab in the attendance books located in the individual labs. Students will not be alone when working in the lab areas. A variety of task trainers and models are available for student s use. Please wash hands and wear gloves when working with all mannequins. Students must have an educator present in order to use this equipment. The models and task trainers are very expensive. Failure to comply with these policies will result in denied access to the lab. 61

62 Leave the BCSCL as a student would in clinical safe, neat and ready to use for the next person. Beds should be remade and left in the lowest position. Curtains should be folded back and bed tables are to be placed near the foot of the bed with garbage pail in place. Any basins, bedpans, urinals are to be washed, dried and put away in bedside tables. Be sure to turn off the lights and lock the door when leaving. Students and faculty are responsible for any broken, missing or used equipment. If any equipment is broken or supplies need to be restocked, please fill out a lab incident report. All sharps must be disposed of in a sharps container. Mannequins in the BCSCL are kept in the bed or are on the chairs or stored on appropriate carts. Do not move these mannequins unless it is part of the skill assignment (i.e. lifting, moving, etc.). When cleaning up after using the lab, please make sure that mannequins are returned to the bed, beds are made, and all supplies are replaced and put away. Please leave the beds in the lowest position. If for some reason the linens are soiled, please put in the appropriate laundry hamper. The BCSCL does not have a laundry service. The BCSCL Faculty and staff maintain the laundry onsite. If the linens are clean, please refold them and put them back on the linen shelf or remake beds appropriately when training, tasks or skills and simulations are complete. Over the bed tables should be placed at the foot of the bed with the garbage can. If anything is spilled on the laminate flooring, please wipe up immediately or notify BCSCL Faculty or Staff. Important points to remember: 1. Treat the mannequin with respect. Treat the scenario as a real patient interaction. Follow quality of life, confidentiality and infection control standards. 2. This is a team learning experience in a safe, non-threatening environment. Actively participate in the simulation/laboratory experience and provide support and encouragement for those around you. The student running the scenario should have everyone s respect and attention. Situations simulated in the lab are to be used as a learning tool and not to be used for humiliation of fellow students. 3. Students are to wash their hands prior to using the mannequin. Gloves will be used when working with the mannequin. 4. No mouth-to mouth respirations. 5. No felt tipped markers, ink pens, acetone, iodine, or other staining medications; no newsprint or inked lines of any kind will be placed on or near the mannequin. 6. No food or drink is allowed around the mannequin. 7. No personal use of cell phones. 8. Students coming to the skill lab for extra practice may wear street clothes. No heels closed-toe shoes must be worn if working with sharps. Students performing mandatory clinical skills in the laboratory are expected to come prepared with uniform, stethoscope, watch, pencil and paper and other equipment per instructor and program requirements. 9. After practicing skills, straighten unit/area so it is ready for the next student: o o o o o o Chairs should be replaced under the tables when leaving the area. Pick up any waste materials observed on the floor and place in trash containers. Wipe up all spills on floors. Keep beds in low position with linens straightened before leaving and side rails in upright position. Replace manikins neatly in the bed. Turn off all over bed lights, suction and simulated oxygen. 62

63 Interactive Video Conferencing Interactive Video Class Official Notice It is understood that by participating in an Interactive Video Class (IVC) your voice, physical presence, and participation in the classroom activities can and will be transmitted to other distance education sites. You also agree that your voice, presence, and participation in these activities is not a violation of our personal rights and herby release any claims of the use of such for the duration of the course. Further, you release and hold harmless Blinn College, its Board of Trustees, officers, administrators and employees from any and all liability in connection with the participation of an interactive video course. Videoconferencing Etiquette Technology allows us to communicate without ever leaving campus. As we better utilize technology to meet our communications needs, we should recognize that bridging the distance divide requires adapting the way we plan and conduct meetings. Below are tips to help us take advantage of videoconferencing technology to enhance communications and administrative effectiveness. Participants Facilitators Arrive early so video and audio can be set and everyone will be seen and heard. Sit where you can be seen. The farther from the camera you are, the less identifiable you will be to the remote site. Listen carefully. The slight transmission delay can be disconcerting and result in participants at separate locations talking over one another. Speak toward the camera. Turning away from the camera serves to distance the other conference sites even more. Speak in a moderate tone and at a normal or slightly slower pace. Project and enunciate without yelling. Pause to allow for response time to your question or comment. Avoid slang, jargon and acronyms that participants may not understand or hear clearly. Stay focused. As with a face-to-face meeting, multi-tasking is discouraged. Avoid sidebar conversations and extraneous noise that will be amplified and distracting. Stay the entire time. If you must leave, inform the facilitator before the conference. Schedule your conference through the Video Systems Coordinator at or the link from the Academic Technology webpage. Rooms availability is first-come, first-served. Alert the coordinator of a cancellation so the equipment, room and technician can be rescheduled. Create a concise agenda allowing time for discussion. Send materials to participants well in advance of the meeting. (Include this tip sheet.) Arrive early to check the room setup and familiarize yourself with the equipment. Greet each participant. Have participants introduce themselves with name and title as the meeting begins. Keep up the pace. The objective is to streamline communications and increase productivity. End the meeting on time. The equipment and room may not be available beyond the reserved time. Follow the same rules as those for participants. 63

64 Test Taking Procedures, Conduct, & Etiquette 1. At the option of the Instructor(s) there may be the following rules guidelines: seating arrangements, leaving the room, and stopping an examination for violations of the test taking policy. 2. Please sit where you will be most successful. If you are easily distracted in the Computer Lab, pick a computer on a far wall and bring earplugs. You may need to get there early to get a computer appropriate for your testing needs. For paper/pencil tests, you may need to choose your seating in a similar fashion. 3. An area will be designated for personal belongings (books, papers, backpacks, purses, phones, calculators, pagers, etc.) before students enter a testing situation. The only materials students may have at the table with them where they are taking the test are pencils to write with and the test answer sheets/scantrons for paper/pencil exams. The Faculty will distribute scratch paper to be used during the test, whether paper/pencil or computer-based. 4. No calculators allowed, unless furnished by the Instructor. For computer-based exams, the Instructor will inform the group if the drop-down calculators may be utilized. 5. Please turn all phones off during the testing period. 6. If using answer sheets/scantrons they must be covered, turned over or folded. 7. A grade of zero will be recorded and averaged into the final grade if there is evidence of verbal or nonverbal communications between students during an examination. 8. Information found on or in the vicinity of the student during a period of testing will be grounds for termination of the testing procedure. A grade of zero will be recorded and averaged into the final grade. 9. All students are to remain seated during a testing situation but should raise a hand if there is a need to communicate with the Instructor. A student may fail the exam for walking around in the classroom or Computer Lab during the test. 10. All paper/pencil tests must be handed in within the time limit. 11. Violation of the testing policy will be construed as a violation of the Student Conduct Code, and may be grounds for dismissal from the Program and/or disciplinary action by the College. 12. Students who do not call in absent or tardy appropriately for an exam will be given a grade of 0 (zero). If a student is tardy for an exam, no extra time will be given for the exam. 13. Test grades will be provided to students by either the Course Coordinator or Clinical Instructor, at the discretion of the teaching team. 14. Each student must maintain scholastic honesty at all times regardless of when an exam is given. 64

65 15. Use of Dictionary during Exams--Faculty write exams, using medical terminology and vocabulary that are expected of students at this level. The student is allowed to raise his/her hand during an exam if he/she does not know the meaning of a word. The word must not be a medical term and must be one that is not in the required reading for the course. The Instructor will then bring a dictionary to the student, observe as the word is located, and then return the dictionary to its shelf. NO extra time will be allotted on the exam for such activity. 16. Students needing ADA accommodations, refer to the Blinn College Catalog for the appropriate procedures to obtain accommodations. 65

66 Written Reprimands/Contracts Any student who fails to comply with Program policies/procedures is subject to a written reprimand. Less serious infractions may first receive a verbal warning that will be documented in the student s academic file. A more serious infraction may receive a written reprimand and/or written contract. The following are examples warranting a written reprimand: failure to comply with the ANA Standards of Ethics failure to comply with the Essential Qualifications/Basic Competencies failure to adhere to Program policies, procedures, and guidelines failure to adhere to clinical agency s policies and guidelines failure to improve previously identified deficiencies or behaviors negligence in regard to the patient s safety and welfare negligence in regard to the use and operation of equipment failure or refusal to perform clinical responsibilities as instructed unprofessional behavior The Following Behaviors may warrant a more serious reprimand including probation or dismissal from the program: disruptive behavior drinking alcohol or visible as a Blinn Student in an establishment where alcohol is primarily sold, nightclubs, bars etc. criminal activity (see RAP Back Procedure) threatening or intimidating another individual assault/sexual assault unauthorized use of drugs, alcoholic beverages, weapons, or explosives theft or falsification of records or information disruptive activities failure to comply with of confidentiality policies (patients records, diagnosis, etc.) sleeping at clinical site leaving clinical site without permission dishonesty All written reprimands will remain active and in the students academic file for the entire time the student is in the program. A maximum of five reprimands (verbal and/or written) may be received in an academic year. Any subsequent verbal and/or written reprimands may be grounds for dismissal. All serious written reprimands are subject to review by the Program Director and Dean of Health Sciences. 66

67 Depending on the severity of the offense, Blinn College will take the necessary disciplinary action against a student for an offense with a minimal penalty ranging from probation to suspension, to a more serious penalty of recommendation of dismissal from the ADN Program. Student Rights and Responsibilities Policies A student who wishes to dispute the processes regarding all policies should follow the procedures outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities: Student Complaints guidelines and from the WebSite. Student Complaint Policy The intention of the student grievance and/or complaint procedures at Blinn College is to assure every student of due process in the disposition of the grievance or complaint. While the procedure does not guarantee a result totally satisfactory to the student, the College intends for the procedure to provide sufficient options for resolution of the matter and to allow the student reasonable opportunity to communicate his/her perspective. Click here for copy of the Student Written Complaint Form. Any student who has a problem with any facet of the Program has recourse through the procedure outlined under Student Rights and Responsibilities - Student Complaints in the Board Policy Manual (and at web page Student Complaints ). In the ADN Program, each course is coordinated by one faculty member. Per a chain of command, students are encouraged to consult with the faculty member involved, then the Course Coordinator, then the Program Director before proceeding with Level Two of the procedure (meeting with the Dean of Health Sciences). 67

68 Written Assignments Written graded assignments are normally due one week after the clinical experience. Unless instructed otherwise, submit written work as a Microsoft Office Word compatible document via the drop-box in ecampus to your course/clinical instructor by 0900 hours on the due date. The formatting must be readable by the instructor. Ten percent will be deducted from the assignment s total score for each 24 hour time period the assignment is late. (i.e., the assignment is due 1 week after the clinical It s turned in at The assignment is late and will have 10 points deducted from the graded score). If a student cannot submit electronically, they must contact their clinical instructor to work out an agreeable alternative (if available). Course/Clinical instructors may modify the Due Date for an assignment on an individual student (case-by-case) basis. If done, the Due Date will be in writing and signed by both the instructor and student. Any assignment consisting of more than one document will not be considered turned in on time unless all appropriate documents are turned in. Thus, points will be deducted accordingly until the assignment is completed. 68

69 Inclement Weather Procedure (Blinn Administrative Policy Manual) Inclement weather generally refers to cold and icy or other hazardous conditions severe enough to make it impractical or dangerous to hold classes or require employees to report for duty. In the event of severe inclement weather the procedure for the ADN Program will be as follows: Student Responsibilities: 1. Each nursing student will make a reasonable decision regarding weather conditions based on listening for announcements from BLINN COLLEGE ALERT SYSTEM, radio/tv announcements, checking with Highway Patrol as to travel conditions, and checking his/her own local conditions. 2. Based on the information received, students will notify the instructor and clinical agency that they will not be in for clinical, or will be late in arriving. 3. A clinical absence due to inclement weather is classified as an excused absence. Students should use reasonable judgment. Internal & External Disasters Internal Disasters 1. Fire Drills--in the clinical area occur frequently, are mandated by The Joint Commission, and can be a good learning experience for the Health Sciences student. a. Students are expected to participate in Fire Drills, following institutional policies and guidelines. b. Students should observe the roles/functions of the Registered Nurse and other Allied Health professionals during such procedures. 2. Actual Fire a. The ADN Program's primary concern is the student's safety. b. Because students are not employees and are extra people on the units, students may not be required to remain in the institution in an actual fire emergency. c. Whether or not the students remain in the clinical area is at the discretion of the Clinical Instructor. The Clinical Instructor, in consultation with the Nurse Manager and/or the Program Director, will make that determination and give the students instructions. d. Should the Clinical Instructor decide for the students to remain on the unit, the students will be given assignments to help the staff, in keeping with the institutional policies for attending to clients' and visitors' safety. e. In the event of a fire on the students' own unit, the student is to follow directions of the Clinical Instructor and/or health professional in charge, using the following acronym: 69

70 R---Rescue clients in immediate danger A---Sound the Alarm C---Confine the fire (close doors, etc.) E---Extinguish or Evacuate 3. Other Internal Disasters/Threats--e.g. Bomb Threat a. The ADN Program's primary concern is the student's safety. b. Because students are not employees and are extra people on the units in the case of such a threat, students may not be required to remain in the institution. c. In the case of a bomb threat, students will leave the clinical area, after collaboration with the Clinical Instructor and the health professional in charge, leaving clients safe and having reported off to the nurse/allied health professional responsible for the client. d. Students and Clinical Instructor will meet at the Health Science Center campus immediately after leaving the clinical facility. e. The Clinical Instructor will be responsible for timely follow-up with the facility for "all clear", and the students and Instructor will return after the "all clear" to finish anything that needs to be finished with client care. f. In the situation of a Bomb Threat during the ADN student's Preceptorship the student is to immediately notify the Clinical Instructor on call, and a determination will be made as to whether or not the student is to remain on duty, after collaboration with the health professional in charge of the student's assignment. External Disasters 1. Disaster Drills--From time to time, students may have the opportunity to participate in an institutional or community-wide Disaster Drill. These are excellent opportunities to observe the roles/functions of healthcare professionals and see the Triage system firsthand. a. Students are expected to participate in the institutional Disaster Drill, following institutional policies and guidelines. In the case of the community-wide Disaster Drill, students may be called on to be "injured clients", in which case students are encouraged to participate. b. Students should observe the roles/functions of the Registered Nurse and other healthcare professionals during such procedures. 2. Actual Institutional Disaster Call a. The ADN Program's primary concern is the student's safety. b. Whether or not the students remain in the clinical area is at the discretion of the Clinical Instructor. The Clinical Instructor will make that determination and give the students instructions. The Program Director shall be informed as soon as possible. c. Should the Clinical Instructor decide for the students to remain on the unit, the students will be given assignments to help the staff, in keeping with the institutions' policies for attending to clients' and visitors' safety. 3. Weather-related Disasters--such as a tornado, ice storm, flood, or hurricane a. The student is to follow the "Inclement Weather Policy" in determining whether or not to attend clinical or class. 70

71 b. The ADN Program's primary concern is the student's safety. c. Faculty and the Program Director will make appropriate provisions for students' safety and taking cover when necessary in the Allied Health building. Likewise, the Clinical Instructor and institutional staff will take similar appropriate precautions in the clinical area, keeping in mind the safety of clients, visitors, and students/staff. 71

72 EVALUATION 72

73 Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) The Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) is an online, comprehensive, testing and review program, designed to provide students with various learning tools that will assist them in learning course content, identifying strengths and weaknesses, reviewing content, improving test taking abilities, and ultimately successfully passing the NCLEX-RN for professional licensure. All nursing students are required to participate in the designated assessment and review program. In addition to helping students prepare more efficiently for the licensure exam, the assessment evaluates knowledge in relation to the nursing process, critical thinking, therapeutic intervention, communication and competency skills. The assessments are written from the NCLEX-RN blueprint and are at the application level. Students will be involved in taking both non-proctored and proctored computer exams on content throughout the nursing program. The majority of the testing is administered in a computerized format. These exams are integrated within each of the nursing courses, and are further addressed by the faculty in each of the nursing courses. The student should refer to each course syllabus and/or course information packet to find the name of the exam(s) to be administered, the percentage of the course grade the ATI exam(s) is/are worth, the date the exam(s) is to be completed by and the required, if any, remediation. Each student will receive Review Modules/Content Mastery Series booklets. The Review Modules are soft-covered booklets which are unit-based, teaching guides covering nursing topics via concise summaries and key concepts in the format of: critical thinking exercises using a case study approach, open-ended questions with rationales for clinical decisions, and clinical application scenarios. This information is also available online. Student feedback about each of the exam results is provided to the students as part of the overall program. This feedback is in the form of a detailed assessment of their individual performance on the designated test and provides scores for mastery of nursing content areas, nursing process, critical thinking phases, therapeutic intervention, communication skills and cognitive levels. 73

74 Nursing Course Requirements Courses in an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program must be taken sequentially. In order to proceed to the next nursing course or next semester of nursing courses, the student must maintain at least a 2.0 ("C") grade point average (GPA) and earn a C in each nursing course, as well as in all academic courses. A cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0 is the minimum average required for graduation. The grading scale for all nursing (RNSG prefixes and HPRS 2301) courses differ from the Blinn College standard. The ADN Program uses the following scale, unless notified differently in the appropriate course syllabus (e.g. specific course exit competencies that must be achieved): A = % B = 80-89% C = 75-79% D = 60-74% F = below 60% Because theory and clinical reinforce each other and one component is necessary for learning in the other component, both the theory and clinical components of a course pair (e.g. Adult Health I theory and clinical courses, Mental Health Nursing theory and clinical courses) must be successfully completed in order to progress to the next nursing course or next semester's courses. If either the theory or clinical course is not passed, both must be repeated (the course passed will be audited), unless permission from the Program Director is achieved. Specific grading requirements and performance competencies for individual nursing courses are stated in each course syllabus. A passing grade in the Blinn College ADN Program is 75%, or "C", or better, unless otherwise stated (such as specific assignments/skills that must be passed with at least a 75% or other course requirements that must be met in order to pass). An average of will be rounded up to a 75%. All nursing theory courses require students to have at least a 75% weighted exam average in order to pass the course. This means all other graded work in a course is not calculated (for the final overall course grade) unless the weighted exam average is at least 75% or better. A weighted exam average of will be rounded up to a 75%. Dosage Calculation Exams are administered throughout the Program. See Dosage Calculation Exam Protocol. 74

75 Clinical Evaluation Each RNSG clinical course will be evaluated as stated in the respective course syllabus. Students will be given the clinical grading requirements during clinical orientation. Clinical evaluation is based from the Differentiated Essential Competencies of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs Evidenced by Knowledge, Clinical Judgments, and Behaviors (DECs). A passing clinical grade is determined by achievement of the defined level of competency for that course and a final course grade of 75% or greater. A final course grade of less than 75% and/or failure of specific assignments that must be passed, constitute a course failure and inability to matriculate to the next sequence of courses. The clinical instructor will complete a clinical evaluation form each week and confer with the student regarding clinical performance. The student will be given a place for written comments. 75

76 Differentiated Essential Competencies (DEC) Clinical Judgments and Behaviors All levels of prelicensure nursing education prepare graduates to demonstrate the Differentiated Essential Competencies of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs Evidenced by Knowledge, Clinical Judgments, and Behaviors (DECs). The competencies for each education level are based upon the preparation in the program of study. The primary role of the entry level graduate of an ADN program is to provide direct nursing care to or coordinate care for a limited number of patients in various health care settings. Such patients may have complex multiple needs with predictable or unpredictable outcomes. The entry level competencies of the ADN graduate are listed below: I. Member of the Profession As a member of the profession of nursing, the associate degree nurse exhibits behaviors that reflect commitment to the growth and development of the role and function of nursing consistent with state and national regulations and with ethical and professional standards; aspires to improve the discipline of nursing and its contribution to society; and values self-assessment and the need for lifelong learning. A. Function within the nurse s legal scope of practice and in accordance with the policies and procedures of the employing health care institution or practice setting. 1. Function within the scope of practice of the registered nurse. 2. Use a systematic approach to provide individualized, goal-directed nursing care to meet health care needs of patients and their families. 3. a. Practice according to facility policies and procedures and participate in the development of facility policies and procedures. b. Question orders, policies, and procedures that may not be in the patient s best interest. B. Assume responsibility and accountability for the quality of nursing care provided to patients and their families. 1. Pass the Nursing Jurisprudence Examination before licensure. 2. a. Provide nursing care within the parameters of professional nursing knowledge, scope of practice, education, experience, and ethical/ legal standards of care. b. Evaluate care administered by the interdisciplinary health care team. c. Advocate for standards of practice through professional memberships. 3. a. Practice nursing in a caring, nonjudgmental, nondiscriminatory manner. b. Provide culturally sensitive health care to patients and their families. c. Provide holistic care that addresses the needs of diverse individuals 76

77 across the lifespan. 4. a. Use performance and self-evaluation processes to improve individual nursing practice and professional growth. b. Evaluate the learning needs of self, peers, and others and intervene to assure quality of care. c. Apply management skills in collaboration with the interdisciplinary health care team to implement quality patient care. 5. a. Assume accountability for individual nursing practice. b. Promote accountability for quality nursing practice through participation on policy and procedure committees. c. Implement established evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. 6. a. Follow established policies and procedures. b. Question orders, policies, and procedures that may not be in the patient s best interest. c. Use nursing judgment to anticipate and prevent patient harm, including invoking Safe Harbor. 7. Use communication techniques and management skills to maintain professional boundaries between patients and individual health care team members. 8. Comply with professional appearance requirements according to organizational standards and policies. 9. Collaborate with interdisciplinary team on basic principles of quality improvement and outcome measurement. C. Participate in activities that promote the development and practice of professional nursing. 1. Analyze the historical evolution of professional nursing and the application to current issues and trends. 2. Promote collegiality among interdisciplinary health care team members. 3. a. Participate in activities individually or in groups through organizations that promote a positive image of the profession of nursing. b. Collaborate with nursing colleagues and health care organizations to promote the profession of nursing. c. Articulate the values and roles of nursing to the public. 4. Recognize roles of professional nursing organizations, regulatory agencies, and organizational committees. 77

78 5. Practice within the professional nursing role and Scope of Practice. 6. a. Serve as a positive role model for students, peers, and members of the interdisciplinary health care team. b. Participate in activities that promote consumer awareness of nursing s contribution to society. D. Demonstrate responsibility for continued competence in nursing practice, and develop insight through reflection, selfanalysis, selfcare, and lifelong learning. 1. Participate in educational activities to maintain/improve competence, knowledge, and skills. *2. Participate in nursing continuing competency activities to maintain licensure. 3. Use self-evaluation, reflection, peer evaluation, and feedback to modify and improve practice. 4. Demonstrate accountability to reassess and establish new competency when changing practice areas. 5. Demonstrate commitment to the value of lifelong learning. II. Provider of Patient-Centered Care The associate degree nurse accepts responsibility for the quality of nursing care and provides safe, compassionate nursing care using a systematic process of assessment, analysis, planning, intervention, and evaluation that focuses on the needs and preferences of patients and their families. The nurse incorporates professional values and ethical principles into nursing practice. The patients for ADN educated RNs include individual patients and their families. A. Use clinical reasoning and knowledge based on the diploma or associate degree nursing program of study and evidence-based practice outcomes as a basis for decision making in nursing practice. 1. Use clinical reasoning and nursing science as a basis for decision making in nursing practice. 2. a. Organize care based upon problem-solving and identified priorities. b. Proactively manage priorities in patient care and follow-up on clinical problems that warrant investigation with consideration of anticipated risks. 3. Use knowledge of societal and health trends and evidence-based outcomes to identify and communicate patient physical and mental health care problems. 4. Apply relevant, current nursing practice journal articles and evidence-based outcomes from research findings to practice and clinical decisions. 78

79 B. Determine the physical and mental health status, needs, and references of culturally, ethnically, and socially diverse patients and their families based upon interpretation of comprehensive health assessment findings compared with evidence-based health data derived from the diploma or associate degree nursing program of study. 1. Use structured and unstructured data collection tools to obtain patient and family history in areas of physical, psychiatric/ mental health, spiritual, cultural, familial, occupational, and environmental information, risk factors, and patient resources. 2. Perform comprehensive assessment to identify health needs and monitor changes in health status of patients and families. 3. a. Validate, report, and document comprehensive assessment data for patients and families, including physical and mental health status and needs for patients and their families. b. Evaluate the use of safe complementary health care practices. 4. Identify complex multiple health needs of patients, with consideration of signs and symptoms of decompensation of patients and families. 5. Use clinical reasoning to identify patient needs based upon analysis of health data and evidence-based practice outcomes and communicate observations. 6. Perform health screening and identify anticipated physical and mental health risks related to lifestyle and activities for prevention. 7. Interpret and analyze health data for underlying pathophysiological changes in the patient's status. 8. Incorporate multiple determinants of health when providing nursing care for patients and families. 9. Recognize that political, economic, and societal forces affect the health of patients and their families. C. Analyze assessment data to identify problems, formulate goals/ outcomes, and develop plans of care for patients and their families using information from evidencebased practice in collaboration with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary health care team. 1. Integrate knowledge from general education and sciences for the direct and indirect delivery of safe and compassionate care for patients and their families. 2. Establish short- and long-term goals and outcomes, select interventions considering cultural aspects, and establish priorities for care in collaboration with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary team. 3. a. Use current technology and evidence-based information to formulate and modify the nursing plan of care across the lifespan, including end-of-life care. b. Assist with collection of data from direct patient care to redefine 79

80 practice guidelines. 4. Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to plan for comprehensive services for patients and their families. 5. Plan, implement, and evaluate discharge planning using evidencebased guidelines in collaboration with the interdisciplinary health care team. 6. Demonstrate fiscal accountability in providing care for patients and their families. 7. Demonstrate knowledge of disease prevention and health promotion in delivery of care to patients and their families. D. Provide safe, compassionate, comprehensive nursing care to patients and their families through a broad array of health care services. 1. Assume accountability and responsibility for nursing care provided within the professional scope of practice, standards of care, and professional values. 2. a. Identify priorities and make judgments concerning the needs of multiple patients in order to organize care. b. Anticipate and interpret changes in patient status and related outcomes. c. Communicate changes in patient status to other providers. d. Manage priorities and multiple responsibilities to provide care for multiple patients. 3. a. Implement plans of care for multiple patients. b. Collaborate within and across health care settings to ensure that healthcare needs are met, including primary and preventive health care. c. Manage care for multiple patients and their families. 4. Apply management skills to assign and/or delegate nursing care to other members of the nursing team. E. Implement the plan of care for patients and their families within legal, ethical, and regulatory parameters and in consideration of disease prevention, wellness, and promotion of healthy lifestyles. 1. Implement individualized plan of care to assist patients and their families to meet physical and mental health needs. 2. a. Implement nursing interventions to promote health and rehabilitation. b. Implement nursing care to promote health and manage acute and chronic physical and mental health problems and disabilities. c. Assist patients and their families to learn skills and strategies to protect and promote health. 3. a. Adjust priorities and implement nursing interventions in rapidly- 80

81 changing and emergency patient situations. b. Participate with the interdisciplinary team to manage health care needs for patients and their families. 4. Communicate accurately and completely and document responses of patients to prescription and nonprescription medications, treatments, and procedures to other health care professionals clearly and in a timely manner. 5. a. Facilitate coping mechanisms of patients and their families during alterations in health status and end of life. b. Apply evidence-based practice outcomes to support patient and family adaptation during health crises. 6. a. Collaborate with other health care providers with treatments and procedures. b. Promote interdisciplinary team collaboration in carrying out the plan of care. c. Seek clarification as needed. d. Provide accurate and pertinent communication when transferring patient care to another provider. 7. a. Inform patient of Patient Bill of Rights. b. Evaluate and clarify patient s understanding of health care rights. c. Encourage active engagement of patients and their families in care. 8. Use interdisciplinary resources within the institution to address ethical and legal concerns. 9. Use therapeutic communication skills when interacting with and maintaining relationships with patients and their families, and other professionals. 10. Apply current technology and informatics to enhance patient care while maintaining confidentiality and promoting safety. 11. Facilitate maintenance of patient confidentiality. 12. a. Demonstrate accountability by using independent clinical judgment and established clinical guidelines to reduce risks and promote health. b. Provide nursing interventions safely and effectively using evidence-based outcomes. 13. Provide direct and indirect patient and family care in disease prevention and health promotion and/or restoration. 81

82 F. Evaluate and report patient outcomes and responses to therapeutic interventions in comparison to benchmarks from evidence-based practice, and plan follow-up nursing care. 1. a. Report changes in assessment data. b. Evaluate need to intervene to stabilize and prevent negative patient outcomes and/or to support end-of-life care. c. Evaluate patterns of behavior and changes that warrant immediate intervention. 2. a. Use standard references to compare expected and achieved outcomes of nursing care. b. Analyze patient data to compare expected and achieved outcomes for patient using evidence-based practice guidelines. 3. a. Communicate reasons and rationale for deviation from plan of care to interdisciplinary health care team. b. Use nursing knowledge to recommend revisions of plan of care with interdisciplinary team. 4. Modify plan of care based on overt or subtle shifts in patient status and outcomes. 5. a. Report and document patient s responses to nursing interventions. b. Evaluate and communicate quality and effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. c. Collaborate with interdisciplinary health care team to evaluate plan of care and to promote quality and effectiveness of care. 6. Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions based on expected patient outcomes; modify interventions to meet the changing needs of patients; and revise plan of care as a result of evaluation. G. Develop, implement, and evaluate teaching plans for patients and their families to address health promotion, maintenance, and restoration. 1. Assess learning needs of patients and their families related to risk reduction and health promotion, maintenance, and restoration. 2. a. Collaborate with the patient and interdisciplinary health care team to develop individualized teaching plans based upon developmental and health care learning needs. b. Use best practice standards and other evidence-based findings in developing and modifying teaching plans for patients and their families. 3. Develop and implement comprehensive teaching plans for health promotion, maintenance, and restoration and risk reduction for patients and their families with consideration of their support systems. 4. Evaluate learning outcomes of the patients and their families receiving instruction. 82

83 5. a. Modify teaching plans for health promotion and maintenance and self-care to accommodate patient and family differences. b. Teach health promotion and maintenance and selfcare to individuals and their families based upon teaching goals. 6. Provide patients and their families with the information needed to make choices regarding health. 7. Serve as an advocate and resource for health education and information for patients and their families. H. Coordinate human, information, and material resources in providing care for patients and their families. 1. Identify and participate in activities to improve health care delivery within the work setting. 2. Report the need for corrective action within the organization for safe patient care. 3. Collaborate with interdisciplinary health care team to select human and materiel resources that are optimal, legal, and cost effective to achieve patient-centered outcomes and meet organizational goals. 4. Use basic management and leadership skills, act as a team leader, supervise and delegate care, and contribute to shared goals. 5. a. Use management skills to delegate to licensed and unlicensed personnel. b. Demonstrate leadership role in achieving patient goals. 6. Implement established standards of care. III. Patient Safety Advocate The associate degree nurse promotes safety in the patient and family environment by: following scope and standards of nursing practice; practicing within the parameters of individual knowledge, skills, and abilities; identifying and reporting actual and potential unsafe practices; and implementing measures to prevent harm. A. Demonstrate knowledge of the Texas Nursing Practice Act and the Texas Board of Nursing Rules that emphasize safety, as well as all federal, state, and local government and accreditation organization safety requirements and standards. 1. Attain licensure. 2. Practice according to Texas Nursing Practice Act and Texas Board of Nursing rules. 3. Seek assistance if practice requires behaviors or judgments outside of individual knowledge and expertise. 4. Use standards of nursing practice to provide and evaluate patient care. 83

84 5. a. Recognize and report unsafe practices. b. Manage personnel to maintain safe practice including participation in quality improvement processes for safe patient care. 6. Participate in peer review. B. Implement measures to promote quality and a safe environment for patients, self, and others. 1. Promote a safe, effective environment conducive to the optimal health and dignity of the patients and their families. 2. Accurately identify patients. 3. a. Safely perform preventive and therapeutic procedures and nursing measures including safe patient handling. b. Safely administer medications and treatments. c. Reduce patient risk related to medication administration and treatment based on evidenced-based data. 4. Clarify any order or treatment regimen believed to be inaccurate, non-efficacious, contraindicated, or otherwise harmful to the patient. 5. Document and report reactions and untoward effects to medications, treatments, and procedures and clearly and accurately communicate the same to other health care professionals. 6. Report environmental and systems incidents and issues that affect quality and safety, promote a culture of safety, and participate in organizational initiatives that enhance a culture of safety. 7. Use evidence-based information to participate in development of interdisciplinary policies and procedures related to a safe environment including safe disposal of medications and hazardous materials. 8. Assess potential risk for patient harm related to accidents and implement measures to prevent risk of patient harm resulting from errors and preventable occurrences. 9. Inform patients regarding their plans of care and encourage participation to ensure consistency and accuracy in their care. C. Formulate goals and outcomes using evidence-based data to reduce patient risks. 1. Formulate goals and outcomes using evidence-based data to reduce the risk of health care-associated infections. 2. a. Implement measures to prevent exposure to infectious pathogens and communicable conditions. b. Anticipate risk for the patient. 3. Participate in development of policies to prevent exposure to infectious pathogens, communicable conditions, and occupational 84

85 hazards. D. Obtain instruction, supervision, or training as needed when implementing nursing procedures or practices. 1. Evaluate individual scope of practice and competency related to assigned task. 2. Seek orientation/ training for competency when encountering unfamiliar patient care situations. 3. Seek orientation/ training for competency when encountering new equipment and technology. E. Comply with mandatory reporting requirements of the Texas Nursing Practice Act. 1. Report unsafe practices of healthcare providers using appropriate channels of communication. 2. Understand Safe Harbor rules and implement when appropriate. 3. Report safety incidents and issues to the appropriate internal or external individual or committee. 4. Participate in committees that promote safety and risk management. * F. Accept and make assignments and delegate tasks that take into consideration patient safety and organizational policy. 1. Accept only those assignments that fall within individual scope of practice based on experience and educational preparation. * 2. When making assignments and delegating tasks, ensure clear communication regarding other caregivers levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities. * 3. a. When assigning and delegating nursing care, retain accountability and supervise personnel according to Texas Board of Nursing rules based on the setting to ensure patient safety. b. Implement and participate in development of organizational policies and procedures regarding assignments and delegated tasks. IV. Member of the Health Care Team The associate degree nurse provides patient-centered care by collaborating, coordinating, and/or facilitating comprehensive care with an interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary health care team to determine and implement best practices for the patients and their families. A. Coordinate, collaborate, and communicate with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary health care team to plan, deliver, and 1. Involve patients and their families in collaboration with other interdisciplinary health care team members for planning health care delivery to improve the quality of care across the lifespan. 2. a. Use strategies of cooperation, collaboration, and communication to plan, deliver, and evaluate interdisciplinary health care. 85

86 evaluate patient centered care. b. Promote the effective coordination of services to patients and their families in patient-centered health care. 3. Apply principles of evidence-based practice and methods of evaluation with the interdisciplinary team to provide quality care to patients and their families. B. Serve as a health care advocate in monitoring and promoting quality and access to health care for patients and their families. 1. a. Support the patient s right of self-determination and choice even when these choices conflict with values of the individual professional. b. Apply legal and ethical principles to advocate for patient well being and preference. 2. Identify unmet needs of patients and their families from a holistic perspective. 3. a. Act as an advocate for patient s basic needs, including following established procedures for reporting and solving institutional care problems and chain of command. b. Advocate on behalf of patients and their families with other members of the interdisciplinary health care team. c. Teach patients and families about access to reliable and valid sources of information and resources including health information. 4. a. Participate in quality improvement activities. b. Participate in professional organizations and community groups to improve the quality of health care. 5. a. Refer patients and their families to community resources. b. Serve as a member of health care and community teams to provide services to individuals and their families who experience unmet needs. C. Refer patients and their families to resources that facilitate continuity of care; health promotion, maintenance, and restoration; and ensure confidentiality. 1. a. Assess the adequacy of the support systems of patients and their families. b. Work with families to use resources to strengthen support systems. c. Identify providers and national and community resources to meet the needs of patients and their families. 2. a. Facilitate communication among patients, their families, and members of the health care team to use institutional or community resources to meet health care needs. b. Maintain confidentiality according to HIPAA guidelines. c. Promote system-wide verbal, written, and electronic confidentiality. 3. a. Advocate with other members of the interdisciplinary health care team on behalf of patients and families to procure resources for care. b. Assist patients and their families to communicate needs to their 86

87 support systems and to other health care professionals. 4. Collaborate with interdisciplinary team concerning issues and trends in health care delivery affecting public/government/private health care services, programs, and cost to patients and families. D. Communicate and collaborate in a timely manner with members of the interdisciplinary health care team to promote and maintain optimal health status of patients and their families. 1. a. Communicate changes in patient status and/or negative outcomes in patient responses to care with members of the interdisciplinary health care team. b. Follow legal guidelines in communicating changes in patient status, including chain of command and Texas Nursing Practice Act. c. Facilitate joint decision making with the interdisciplinary health care team. 2. Refer to community agencies and health care resources to provide continuity of care for patients and their families. 3. Assist the interdisciplinary health care team to implement quality, goal-directed patient care. b. Facilitate positive professional working relationships. 4. Use evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to guide critical team communications during transitions in care between providers. 5. Recognize and manage conflict through the chain of command. 6. a. Initiate and participate in nursing or interdisciplinary team meetings. b. Provide evidence-based information during interdisciplinary meetings. 7. Use change strategies in the work environment to achieve stated patient outcomes to facilitate optimum patient care. E. Communicate and manage information using technology to support decision making to improve patient care. 1. a. Identify, collect, process, and manage data in the delivery of patient care and in support of nursing practice and education. b. Evaluate credibility of sources of information, including internet sites. c. Access, review, and use electronic data to support decision making. d. Participate in quality improvement studies. 2. a. Apply knowledge of facility regulations when accessing client records. b. Protect confidentiality when using technology. c. Intervene to protect patient confidentiality when violations occur. 3. a. Use current technology and informatics to enhance 87

88 communication, support decision making, and promote improvement of patient care. b. Advocate for availability of current technology. c. Use informatics to promote health care delivery and reduce risk in patients and their families. 4. Document electronic information accurately, completely, and in a timely manner. *F. Assign and/or delegate nursing care to other members of the health care team based upon an analysis of patient or unit need. *1. a. Compare needs of patient with knowledge, skills, and abilities of assistive and licensed personnel prior to making assignments or delegating tasks. b. Assess competency level and special needs of nursing team members. c. Participate in decision making related to delegation and assigned tasks. *2. a. Assign, delegate, and monitor performance of unlicensed and licensed personnel in compliance with Texas Board of Nursing rules. b. Assign patient care based on analysis of patient or organizational need. c. Reassess competency and learning needs of team members. *3. a. Evaluate responses to delegated and assigned tasks and make revisions based on assessment. b. Plan activities to develop competency levels of team members. *G. Supervise nursing care provided by others for whom the nurse is responsible by using evidence-based nursing practice. *1. Provide staff education to members of the health care team to promote safe care. *2. Provide direction and clarification to health care team members or seek additional direction and clarification to promote safe care by health care team. *3. a. Oversee and follow through on patient care provided by health team members. b. Base assignments and delegation on team member competencies. *4. a. Ensure timely documentation by assigned health team members. b. Ensure documentation of patient care follow-up. *advanced competencies evaluated as the nurse transitions into nursing practice 88

89 Criteria for Unsafe Clinical Performance Since nursing students are legally responsible and accountable for their own acts, commission and/or omission, and nursing instructors may be held responsible and/or accountable for any acts of their students in the clinical area, it is necessary to define unsafe behavior. The examples noted below are not an inclusive list of all possible acts of unsafe clinical performance, but are examples only. Unsafe clinical behavior is demonstrated when the student: Safety Examples A. Violates or threatens the physical safety of the patient. B. Violates or threatens the psychosocial safety of the patient. C. Violates or threatens the micro-biological safety of the patient. D. Violates or threatens the chemical safety of the patient. E. Violates or threatens the thermal safety of the patient. 1. Fails to properly position patient; 2. Failure to carry out medical/nursing orders; 3. Does not appropriately utilize side rails/restraints; 4. Comes unprepared for clinical; 5. Does not wash hands appropriately when caring for clients; 6. Injures a client; 7. Functions under the influence of substances affecting performance; 8. Fails to report significant patient information in a timely fashion. 1. Repeatedly uses non-therapeutic techniques; 2. Attacks/degrades the individual's beliefs or values; 3. Calls individual by inappropriate names; 4. Identifies client by initials or name on written work. 1. Fails to recognize and correct violations of aseptic technique; 2. Does not wash hands appropriately when caring for clients. 1. Violates the "6 Rights" in administering medications; 2. Fails to accurately prepare and monitor IV infusions. 1. Fails to observe safety precautions during 0 2 therapy; 2. Burns patient with hot packs, heating lamp, etc. Nursing Process A. Inadequately and/or inaccurately assesses the patient. B. Inadequately or inaccurately plans the care for the patient C. Inadequately or inaccurately Examples 1. Unable to identify basic human needs through assessment; 2. Makes repeated faulty judgment/ decisions resulting in ineffective nursing care; 3. Fails to observe/report/chart critical patient data; 89

90 implements patient care. D. Inadequately or inaccurately evaluates patient care. Skills Violates previously mastered principles/ learning objectives in carrying out nursing care skills and/or delegated medical functions. Decision Making A. Assumes inappropriate independence in action or decisions. B. Fails to recognize own limitations, incompetence and/or legal responsibilities. Professional Accountability A. Fails to accept moral and legal responsibility for his/her own actions thereby violating professional integrity as expressed in the Code for Nurses and the Nurse Practice Act. B. Violates patient confidentiality can also be a violation of Federal Law (HIPAA) & may result in fines and/or incarceration. 4. Comes to clinical unprepared. 5. Fails to report significant patient information in a timely fashion. Examples 1. Fourth semester students unable to give IM injections; 2. Second semester student fails to obtain accurate vital signs; 3. Unable to verbalize key information previously covered in lab and/or class. Examples 1. Performs competencies not yet tested; 2. Fails to appropriately seek assistance with assessment and/or skills; 3. Supervision by a staff nurse when the Instructor has specifically stated that students are only to do specific procedures with his/her supervision; 4. Fails to report significant information in a timely fashion; 5. Accepts a verbal/ telephone order from a doctor. 1. Refuses to admit error; 2. Cannot identify own legal responsibility in specific nursing situations; 3. Fails to complete assigned nursing responsibilities. Examples 1. Fails to conduct self in professional manner; 2. Comes unprepared to clinical; 3. Falsifies or fails to report information; 4. Fails to report significant information in a timely fashion; 5. Steals or functions under the influence of substances or in an impaired state affecting performance; 6. Does not follow school/healthcare institution policies and procedures; 7. Violates Academic Dishonesty or Student Conduct Code (e.g. cheating on written work, plagiarism). 1. Shares client information on the phone; 2. Photocopies client records; 3. Shares client information with individuals outside the health team; 4. Puts client name and/or identifying information on student assignment(s). 90

91 LICENSURE 91

92 Licensure All students (especially at the beginning of their 4 th semester in the program) need to go to the BON s web site and become familiar with it. The Licensure Examination Information page explains in detail the steps to take to become eligible to take the licensure exam. All graduates seeking licensure must pass the NCLEX-RN licensure examination administered by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). The BON may refuse to admit persons to its examinations or may refuse to issue a license for any of the following reasons, in accordance with Section # (Criminal History Record Information for License Applicants) & # (Declaratory Order of License Eligibility) of the Nurse Practice Act and Rules (Good Professional Character), (Licensure of Persons with Criminal Offenses) & (Declaratory Order ) in the Rules & Regulations relating to Professional Nurse Education, Licensure & Practice, and Chapter # of the Texas Occupations Code: 1. Denial of licensure or disciplinary action (revocation, annulment, cancellation, accepted surrender, suspension, probation, fine, censure, reprimand, or other discipline) by any licensing authority in any state, country, or province. 2. Conviction of a crime; judgment of guilty by a court; plea of guilty, no contest or nolo contendere to any crime in any state/territory/country; or deferred order or adjudication (with or without guilt) for felony or misdemeanor offense(s) other than minor traffic violation. Note DUI s, DWI s, & PI s are not considered minor traffic violations and must be reported. 3. Criminal charges pending, including unresolved arrests. 4. The use of any nursing license, certificate, or diploma which has been fraudulently purchased, issued, counterfeited or materially altered. 5. The impersonation of or acting as proxy for another in any examination required by law to obtain a license as a registered nurse. 6. Addiction or treatment for use of alcohol or drugs within the past 5 years. 7. Diagnoses or treatment of some specific psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder) within the last 5 years. 8. Unprofessional or dishonorable conduct which, in the opinion of the Board, is likely to injure the public. 9. Previous issuance of any order concerning eligibility for examination or licensure by the BON. 92

93 Students who have any questions as to their eligibility for licensure are strongly encouraged to contact the Board of Nursing at: Texas Board of Nursing 333 Guadalupe, Suite #3-460 Austin, Texas (512) Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam All graduates will have to take the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination before the BON will issue an authorization to test (ATT) for the NCLEX-RN examination. A student can take this exam once they have made application to the BON for licensure. This will occur during the last semester of nursing school. There are 50 items on the nursing jurisprudence examination (NJE). You must correctly answer 75% of the questions to pass the NJE. You will have two (2) hours to complete the NJE. Displayed in the upper right hand corner of the computer screen will be a digital clock and the question number so you can monitor your progress throughout the NJE. You are permitted to access the Board of Nursing (BON) website and other resource material throughout the exam to locate the answers to questions. The NJE will run in another window, thereby leaving this window open to access reference materials on the BON website. A Passing Result will be posted and recorded to the BON system when all 50 questions are answered and a minimum of 38 questions are answered correctly. A certificate will be available for printing at the end of the examination process. Once a passing result is recorded, Board Staff will be notified and the jurisprudence exam requirement will be updated as completed in your BON file. Keep the certificate for your records. Do not mail the certificate to the BON. A Failing Result will be posted and recorded to the BON system if 13 or more of the 50 questions are answered incorrectly, or the exam is not completed in the allotted amount of time, or the connection to the exam is closed, terminated or lost. You may NOT reconnect to the test to return to the last question answered. You may, however, retake the exam after 7 business days have elapsed. Read each question carefully. There is only one correct answer for each question. You are not allowed to use the back-button to check/change a previously answered question. Resource List: The resource lists provides topics, testing subject areas and BON Rules/Regulations, NPA sections or other locations where the topic is defined. This information may be printed and used during the testing process. 93