TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-TEXARKANA COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

Transcription

1 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-TEXARKANA COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF NURSING MSN STUDENT HANDBOOK

2 Note: Updates to the MSN Student Handbook may periodically be made and will take precedence. All updates will be posted on: tamut. edu

3 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-TEXARKANA DEPARTMENT OF NURSING MSN STUDENT HANDBOOK Table Of Contents Welcome!... 1 Introduction To The Department Of Nursing... 2 The University And Department... 2 Mission Of Texas A&M University-Texarkana... 3 Mission Of The Master Of Science In Nursing Program... 3 Graduate Nursing Program Introduction... 4 Program Goals... 4 Master Of Science In Nursing Degree... 4 Specialty Track Options... 5 Nursing Administration... 5 Nursing Education... 5 Admission Requirements... 6 Graduate School Requirements... 6 Curriculum For Master Of Science In Nursing Tentative Worksheet... 8 Course Sequence... 9 Graduate Student Success Resources Computer Laboratory Writing Center Library Policies And Procedures Progression & Satisfactory Progress Time Limit To Program Completion Academic Dishonesty Disability Accommodation Policies Specific To Program Continuous Registration Transfer Credits/Petitions Performance Evaluation Student Evaluation Faculty Evaluation Student Advisement Overview Student Responsibility Graduate Student Representation & Memberships Graduate Student Representation On Don Committees Professional Organizations Scholarships & Financial Aid General Information Appendix Graduate Nursing Program Advising Record A&M-Texarkana Graduate Nursing Plan Of Study Graduate Nursing Student Profile... 20

4 I WELCOME I We are pleased you have chosen to attend the Graduate Nursing Program at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. We hope you will find the experience challenging and rewarding, with opportunities for growth. We will do all we can to facilitate your educational endeavor. The following pages will give you an idea of the resources which can help you achieve your goals and expand your horizons in professional nursing. Graduate students are encouraged to serve on various Department of Nursing (DON) committees. Student representatives are sought to serve on the Nursing Graduate Council Curriculum Committee. Students are also welcome to attend Faculty Association meetings. All meetings are held monthly and, with few exceptions, are open. Please feel free to attend and/or volunteer to be an official representative. You may contact the Nursing Program office at for dates, times, and locations. We welcome comments and constructive criticism. The faculty needs student input to ensure the quality and growth of the program. Please take advantage of interacting with the faculty. Everyone's schedules are hectic, but sharing is a part of the educational process and adds to our ability to evaluate and improve our program. Again, welcome, with best wishes for a productive learning experience. Your Faculty

5 I INTRODUCTION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NURSING (DON) I THE UNIVERSITY AND DEPARTMENT Founded in 1971 as an upper division university, East Texas State University (ETSU-T), located on the existing campus of Texarkana College, became a member of The Texas A&M University System in September 1996, changing its name from East Texas State University-Texarkana to Texas A&M University-Texarkana (A&M-Texarkana). Texas A&M-Texarkana continues to be the only upper division university in a nine-county area of Northeast Texas. Immediate interest was generated for a local RN to BSN Program by Texarkana College (TC) Board of Trustees, the TC ADN Advisory Board, TC faculty and students. In addition, area registered nurses, nursing organizations, regional employers and citizens strongly supported the creation of an RN to BSN Program. The Master of Science in Nursing Program (MSN) at A&M-Texarkana evolved from a needs assessment study conducted by the Northeast Texas Workforce. The study revealed the need for more nurse educators in this region. Due to limited state-funded resources, a successful quest for fund-raising for an additional faculty position was secured from private, local foundations including the foundations of the two local hospital systems in Texarkana. This support resulted in the hiring of an additional faculty member to teach in the MSN Program. The MSN Nursing Administration Program had its origin in August 2008 when A&M-Texarkana received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for the program to be offered. The first class was accepted in the fall of The baccalaureate degree in nursing and the master s degrees in nursing at Texas A&M Texarkana are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (

6 MISSION AND VISION OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-TEXARKANA Mission As a member of the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M University Texarkana is a comprehensive regional university that provides student with academically challenging, engaging, and rewarding educational experiences through quality teaching, scholarship, student support services, co-curricular programming, research, and service. Through the personal attention of our faculty and staff, students are afforded the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, abilities, and skills to become leaders in their chosen profession and to prepare for the opportunities of serving in a global environment. Vision As a comprehensive university serving Texas and the four-state region, the University will be recognized for: Attention to individual student success Excellent teaching and learning experiences Successful partnerships Commitment to regional economic, social and cultural development Expanding research agenda MISSION OF THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM The Masters in Nursing is congruent with the mission of A&M-Texarkana and builds on the RN to BSN degree program which began at this university in 2001 and was re-accredited by CCNE in 2008 for 10 years. The MSN curriculum is designed to prepare graduate students to become professional and academic leaders in nursing through educational programs, where they demonstrate higher levels of evidence based learning, communication, nursing scholarship, critical appraisal of literature (e.g. theory and research), manage healthcare policy systems and student-centered learning. Qualities essential for graduate level learning also prepare MSN students to take active responsibility for their own learning and accountability. This facilitates a higher level of critical thinking and problem solving, leadership skills and adult learning principles that enhance the community and workplace settings, in pursuit of lifelong learning.

7 GRADUATE NURSING PROGRAM INTRODUCTION The Texas A&M University-Texarkana Master of Science in Nursing Program (MSN) Administration is designed to be completed in six semesters. The Nursing Administration track prepares nurses to serve in administrative roles in healthcare settings and provide leadership in the profession. This program is designed to facilitate the integration and application of advanced administrative theory and skills. Course content includes system performance, organizational behavior, health policy, health law and ethics, resource management, and administrative issues. An administrative practicum in healthcare settings is selected in relation to individual student interests and learning needs. Graduates are academically prepared to sit for the Nurse Executive Certification Exam (NE-BC) if other requirements are met. PROGRAM GOALS The primary goal of the MSN program is to prepare students for the Nurse Administrator role in which the graduate 1. Exemplifies competence, communication, compassion, creativity, ingenuity, cultural competence and ethical decision making. 2. Utilizes advanced leadership roles in healthcare settings in planning, teaching and promoting policies for the improvement of health services and societal needs. 3. Critically analyzes appropriate knowledge and theories in academia and healthcare settings. 4. Evaluates theory and evidence based research findings to enhance advanced practice roles. 5. Articulate a plan for ongoing nursing professional role development that embraces the principles of life-long learning and integrity.

8 MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING DEGREE The curriculum for the MSN is based on standards for master's education outlined in the Essentials for Master's Education in Nursing published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2011). All courses for this degree are offered using distance learning technologies, including but not limited to, web-based and web-enhanced approaches. The administration practicum may be completed in the student's own community.

9 I ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSI Students must submit an online application for admission to the University. The application may be accessed at The MSN degree option needs to be selected when the application requests the degree being sought. In addition, the student must meet the following requirements: Graduate School Admission Requirements BSN degree from a nationally accredited institution o Minimum of 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of an undergraduate degree program required Letter of interest, commitment, and purpose for pursuing a master s degree Professional resume Supportive letters of evaluation from supervisors and professional mentors o Minimum of 2 required. Letters must be current and dated within 6 months of application. Minimum of 1 year experience as a Registered Nurse (RN). International Students o A minimum TOEFL score (paper-based 550, computer-based 213, Internet-based 79) is required of students whose native language is not English. This score must be sent directly from ETS to the Graduate Studies Office, and the test must have been taken within the two-year period prior to enrollment.

10 Graduate School Admission Process Make application to the university through the Graduate Admissions Office Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, following procedures as stated on the Graduate Admissions website Request an advising appointment by ing

11 GRADUATE STUDENT SUCCESS I Graduate students should have computer and typing skills. Students must be able to use computers for communication, to access online classes, and to write papers. Basic computer skills include: turning the computer on and off; using a mouse; practicing good body mechanics and posture; logging on to the Internet; creating favorites (also called bookmarks); downloading and uploading files; cutting and pasting; and copying and pasting. Success in graduate school also requires good writing skills and a knowledge of APA writing style and format. MS Word is the word processing program used in this program. Basic knowledge of MS Word includes the ability to create a header, change line spacing, spell check a document, create headings, change the justification, insert clip art, insert page numbers, and save and retrieve a document. Students also need to know how to attach a document to an . The Department of Nursing does not provide support for Mac computers. Students who have Macs can use them, as long as they learn how to save files in a format that can be opened by faculty. RESOURCES FOR SUCCESS Computer Laboratory: Room 251Academic Building The computer laboratory is open during each semester: 8 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. MOST Saturdays Exceptions would be the Saturdays bracketing Spring Break, for instance. When the University is open but classes are not in session, the laboratory is open: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A computer laboratory technician is generally available to answer questions and/or solve computer problems.

12 Writing Center Texas A&M University-Texarkana's Writing Center is located in UC330. Tutors in the Writing Center will assist with the following tasks: Idea Generation Paper Organization Paper Revision Tutors will not write papers for students or edit papers without assistance from the papers' writers. Tutors are not required to remain in the Writing Center beyond their assigned hours. Please respect the posted hours. Follow these tips to maximize the potential of a visit to the Writing Center: Visit the Writing Center early in the writing process. Bring the assignment's description. Bring any sources collected for the assignment. Bring a soft copy as well as a hard copy of the assignment. Success Center, Testing Center, Writing Center The Success Center provides academic support for TAMUT students, especially related to study strategies, research, scholarly writing and test-taking skills with a goal of developing successful independent learners. Assistance may be provided face-to-face or electronically, depending on assistance needed. Insert link The Testing Center provides the services of administration and proctoring of tests under certain circumstances, although most tests given within the Department of Nursing are given online. This service is available should need arise. The Writing Center has the goal of developing independent writers through learn(ing) to use language more effectively, promote self-sufficiency and provide a collaborative environment to gain confidence and abilities necessary to better articulate ideas. The services are available to online students through online tutoring sessions and podcasts. Click on this link for current information about the Writing Center

13 Library The mission of the John F. Moss and Palmer Memorial Library is to assist Texas A&M University-Texarkana and Texarkana College in fulfilling the purpose and goals of the institutions. The library collects, preserves, and provides access to information resources in both traditional and evolving technology formats; it supports instructional, research, and public service programs. The library offers timely services for faculty, administration, students, and staff and assists in educational development and lifelong learning. To access the library homepage, you may click on the following link: To access specific information about library services for graduate students, you may click on the following link:

14 I POLICIES AND PROCEDURES PROGRESSION & SATISFACTORY PROGRESS: A 3.0 (B) grade point average must be maintained in all required coursework for the Master of Science in Nursing Program. TIME LIMIT TO PROGRAM COMPLETION All credits counted toward the degree, including transfer credits, must be earned within a consecutive five-year period prior to graduation. See the A&M- Texarkana Catalog for additional information. Graduation from the program requires that the student meet all university graduation criteria. Refer to the Texas A&M Texarkana Catalog for further requirements. GRADING POLICY The grading scale for the MSN programs is A = B = C = F = 60 or below STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Students have rights that are to be respected. These rights include respect for personal feelings; freedom from indignity of any type, freedom from control by any person except as may be in accord with published rules and procedures of Texas A&M University- Texarkana or The Texas A&M University System, and conditions that allow the best use of time and talents toward educational objectives. No officer or student, regardless of position or rank, shall violate those rights; no custom, tradition or regulation in conflict will be allowed to prevail. At all times students are expected to recognize constituted authority, to conform to the ordinary rules of good conduct, to be truthful, to respect the rights of others, to protect private and public property, and to make the best use of time toward the completion of an education. The Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (The Code) is designed neither to be exhaustive nor to encompass all possible relationships between students and the institution. The Code is not rigid or unchangeable. As the relationship between students and the University grows, it may be necessary to modify the Code. It is incumbent upon students to be aware of University rules and procedures. Ignorance of these rules and procedures does not excuse students from adherence to them. Staff

15 and University officials should endeavor to inform students of University rules, regulations, and policies, whenever the circumstance is applicable. The Department of Nursing follows the policies and procedures for student conduct as outlined in the Texas A&M University Texarkana Student Code of Conduct , accessible from the Student Code of Conduct Webpage. ( DISCIPLINARY RULES AND PROCEDURES Students may be accountable to both civil and criminal authorities and to the University for acts that constitute violation of law and of this Code. Those charged with violations are subject to University disciplinary proceedings even if criminal proceedings are pending and may not challenge university proceedings on the grounds that criminal charges for the same incident have been dismissed, reduced, or are not yet adjudicated. Students and recognized student organizations are cautioned that any material posted on the Internet, including social networking sites and Internet blogs is not private or protected information. Students may be held accountable for content posted in this manner and information obtained from this source may be considered in cases of misconduct. University officers shall have the right to investigate or seek out information about conduct of suspected persons in any case involving an alleged violation of the law or University rules and procedures. However, students are required to comply with the directives of University officials in the performance of their duties. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. Students are informed that the university may draw negative inferences that may result in sanctions if they fail to answer questions during a disciplinary hearing. If a student does not appear for a meeting or hearing, the adjudication process will continue. Pending action on charges, the status of students should not be altered, nor their rights to be present on campus and to attend classes suspended, except for reasons relating to their physical or emotional safety, interim actions, and/or the well-being of the University community or University property. DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION Students with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations through the A&M-Texarkana Disability Services Office by calling Accommodation requests are addressed on a case by case basis. The physical facilities of the university have been designed and modified to allow full access to disabled students.

16 POLICIES SPECIFIC TO PROGRAM Continuous Registration Graduate students are expected to make continuous progress in their graduate programs from admission through graduation. Continuous registration is required. Exceptions may be made in the event of major illness or significant life circumstances. The student must have approval by the Director of the Nursing program prior to experiencing a lapse in attendance. TRANSFER CREDITS/PETITIONS The Department of Nursing Curriculum Committee evaluates the suitability of transfer credits. The student completes a petition for use within this committee and submits catalog course descriptions and/or syllabi if requested. Official transcripts from other schools must be sent to the A&M-Texarkana Admissions Office. A maximum of twelve (12) credit hours may be transferred with approval from the Nursing Graduate Council Curriculum Committee. Credits taken prior to admission do not automatically count toward the master's degree. FACULTY EVALUATION Texas A&M University-Texarkana graduate faculty is committed to the excellence of educated students. To that end, we are continually assessing the fit of programs, faculty and students. An ongoing faculty evaluation program is carried out, and students are asked to assess faculty performance at least once a semester. The results from these evaluations are taken seriously and incorporated into program plans for the future and into improving course offerings and teaching strategies.

17 I STUDENT ADVISEMENT I OVERVIEW A faculty advisor is assigned upon admission to the program. The advisor assists in formulating a plan of study that is feasible and best meets the student's needs. The student and faculty advisor design a degree plan to guide student progress STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY This handbook is meant to accompany the A&M-Texarkana Catalog. It is the responsibility of the individual student to become familiar with the policies and regulations of the catalog, as the responsibility for meeting all graduation requirements rests with the student. Advisement assists the student in meeting graduation goals. The student should initiate advisement sessions by contacting the assigned advisor for appointments. GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATION ON COMMITTEES AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATONS GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATION ON DEPARTMENT OF NURSING COMMITTEES Representatives of the graduate student body are recruited to attend graduate nursing program meetings, such as the Nursing Graduate Council. Meetings are held monthly. A representative will be selected in the fall of each academic year. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS The Department of Nursing highly recommends that the student maintain membership in professional organizations, including specialty groups, the ANA, and/or Sigma Theta Tau.

18 I SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID I GENERAL INFORMATION Financial assistance is available through the A&M-Texarkana Office of Financial Aid in the form of federal and state loans and grants. This link provides information about Financial Aid. Scholarships are available for Texas A&M Texarkana students, and some nursing-specific scholarships may be available. Not all scholarships depend upon the financial need criteria. Currently, scholarships are available for new students. Click this link for scholarship information and/or contact the financial aid office at for more information. It is highly recommended that application for scholarships be made each semester of the program. See the website for due dates.