DNP Nursing Program. STUDENT HANDBOOK Fall 2014 Summer 2015 ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE EXECUTIVE

Transcription

1 DNP Nursing Program ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE EXECUTIVE STUDENT HANDBOOK Fall 2014 Summer 2015 Revised July 2014

2 Welcome from the Dean We are very excited to offer a post-master s DNP program in collaboration with our sister school, the University of Nevada Reno, Orvis School of Nursing. This program has been in the making for close to three years and builds on the strengths of the nursing faculty at both UNLV and UNR. It was designed to meet the learning needs of both Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Administrators in the student-friendly format of online education. We are pleased you have chosen UNLV and UNR to pursue your doctoral education. Welcome! Please take time to read this Handbook. Sincerely, Carolyn Yucha, PhD, RN, FAAN Dean Schools of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, UNLV Welcome from the DNP Coordinator As Coordinator of the DNP Program at UNLV, it is also my pleasure to welcome you to our program. I congratulate you on the achievements you have accomplished that have prepared you for this next step in your educational progression and professional career. As a DNP student, you will have the opportunity to learn from a variety of resources and people in a collaborative program bringing together faculty from major institutions in Nevada to provide you with an excellent educational program. I sincerely hope you find this Handbook helpful as you navigate through your doctoral education in the UNDNP Program. Please feel free to contact me at (702) or via carolyn.sabo@unlv.edu with any questions or concerns. Carolyn E. Sabo, RN, EdD Professor DNP Coordinator, UNLV 2 Page

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction...4 Information about Information about UNLV...4 Campus Resources...5 School of Nursing Vision, Mission and Goals...8 Mission of the UNDNP Program...8 Purpose and Description of the DNP Program...8 Statement of Degree and Goals of the UNDNP Program...9 Program of Study...10 Course Descriptions...12 DNP in Nursing Requirements...14 Credit Hours and Grade Point Average Progression and Policies Grading: UNLV and UNR Grading Scales DNP Project Courses and Course Load Requirement Fees, Expenses and Financial Assistance...20 Appeal Procedures for Graduate Students...21 Forms Required for the UNDNP at UNLV...22 Timeline from Admission to Graduation...23 Appendices Appendix 1: Proposed Doctoral Degree Program: Advanced Practice...24 Appendix 2: Proposed Doctoral Degree Program: Nurse Executive...25 Appendix 3: UNLV and UNR Academic Calendars Appendix 4: FERPA Authorization to Release Confidential Information...28 Appendix 5: Student Attestation...29 Appendix 6: Grievance Process Page

4 INTRODUCTION Welcome to the School of Nursing (SON) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. We look forward to working with you to achieve your academic and professional goals. This handbook is designed as a resource for information pertinent to the DNP Program. If you find there is additional information you believe should be added to the handbook, please contact the DNP Coordinator. We welcome your input! Additional publications students will need and find helpful are listed below: Graduate Catalog Policies regarding admission, progress, and graduation UNLV Student Conduct Code Policies regarding academic conduct at UNLV ( Guide to Preparing and Submitting a Thesis or Dissertation Resource for those completing a thesis, dissertation or DNP Project ( These important documents and others can be accessed on the Graduate College web page at or at the official UNLV website ( Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6 th Ed.(2010). This will be useful in many of your classes and in preparing you DNP Project paper. This document may be found in bookstores or online. INFORMATION ABOUT The Graduate Program in the SON maintains a listserv which is available to both master and doctoral students. Please make sure you are signed up for the listserv. Only official UNLV addresses (Rebel mail powered through G-mail) will be used for communication per UNLV policy. Every student is given a Rebel address upon official admission and enrollment at UNLV. You can forward all your Rebel mail messages to your preferred addresses if you have another account. Additionally, is the main vehicle used by the SON to provide students vital information about scholarships, announcements, class information, etc. Also, faculty and administrators frequently use to communicate with students. INFORMATION ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS Over 28,000 students enroll at UNLV's 335-acre campus. Most students are Nevada residents; however, a broad mixture of international and out-of-state students adds to the cosmopolitan flavor of the campus. UNLV is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and many academic programs have received further accreditation from independent national accrediting bodies. The SON is fully approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing ( or ). The BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( ). Academic Calendar There are three 15-week fall (early September to mid December), spring (early January to late April), and summer (mid May to late August) semesters for all SON programs. This schedule is different from the rest of the University and UNR Orvis School of Nursing. See Appendix 3 for a UNLV and UNR Calendar. 4 Page

5 CAMPUS RESOURCES Library: UNLV has state of the art library and information services to support students and faculty as they pursue knowledge and conduct research. UNLV has a total of four libraries, three of which are specialty ones (Law Library, Curriculum Library, and Architecture Library). The Lied Library ( is the main library and is most frequently used by nursing students and faculty. The Lied Library was completed in 2001, with 302,000 square feet of space and an award winning design and the latest technology. Most of the health sciences journals offer full text feature. Students can use the library s desktop document delivery service or the interlibrary loan program if you can t locate an article within the UNLV holdings. There are over 200 electronic databases (including the major ones for nursing and other health sciences disciplines such as CINAHL and Medline) that can be accessed from any on- or off-campus site with an Internet connection. The online holdings have been adapted to provide optimal support for the online student. Many library services are specifically designed to meet the needs of distance education students such as the online live chat with a librarian and desktop document delivery. Although all of the librarians are ready to help, one librarian serves as a designated liaison for SON and has special training and skills in meeting the needs of online nursing students. Students who are admitted to UNR as their home school will need to log into the UNLV library and register for a barcode that will give them internet access to the library services. Students should log into after the middle of August the year of admission. A barcode will be ed to the student that will allow access to the library journals and databases. You will need to have your NSHE number ready when you log in to register for the barcode. Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA): The GPSA offers a variety of services to graduate students including grants for research. The GPSA computer lab and lounge are located in Room 3251 of the Lied Library. All enrolled graduate students may take advantage of GPSA services. Bookstore: The University Bookstore is conveniently located behind the Student Union. Rebel Books is located on Maryland Parkway across from the University. Both bookstores have the required and recommended textbooks available for purchase. Other merchandise available includes supplies required for courses, reference materials, emblematic souvenirs, insignia clothing and a variety of sundry items. The bookstore is also the place where students will purchase their graduate regalia during their last semester of the program. Both bookstores have extended hours of operation during the first week of the semester. You can order your textbooks online at: The phone number for the University Bookstore is (702) Student Union: The Student Union cooperates with university groups to promote and coordinate a full range of programs and events adding color and life to the campus environment. It also provides the various services, conveniences and amenities that members of the university community need in their daily life on campus. The Student Union serves as a central gathering place for the entire university community, housing a cafeteria, coffee bars, game rooms, ballrooms, and lounges, as well as meeting and program areas. Offices of the Consolidated Student Government (CSUN) are located there. The campus newspaper and radio station offices are also in the Student Union. The Rebel Yell: The weekly campus newspaper, The Rebel Yell, is edited entirely by students, reflects student viewpoints and provides a listing of "happenings" on campus. The newspaper is distributed free on campus. Graduate College Office: The Graduate College is located on the 3 rd floor of the Flora Dungan Humanities Building (FDH). This office receives the application forms and transcripts for admission to the Graduate 5 Page

6 College. The Graduate College is responsible for tracking the admission, progression and graduation of students. The Graduate College deals with enrollment and registration problems and receives necessary forms that graduate students need to submit as they progress through their degree programs. Essential information for all graduate students can be accessed on the Graduate College web page at: (Phone: ) Student Enrollment and Financial Services: This office can answer questions regarding residency requirements and is responsible for the processes of registration, withdrawals, and recording graduation. The staff handles students' questions about their records and provides transcripts and enrollment certification documents (Phone: ). Career Services: The Career Services Center (CSC) is designed to educate and assist students in all majors with the career planning and job searches. Services include resume writing, self-assessment resources, and videotaping equipment. CSC is located in the Student Services Complex, Building A, Room 201 (Phone: ). Disability Resources Center: The Center is housed within Learning and Enhancement Services and provides academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. To receive services, students will need to provide to the Center appropriate documentation of their disability from a recognized professional. The Center is located in the Reynolds Student Services Complex, Building A, Room 143 (Phone: ). Counseling: The Student Psychological Service Center offers free professional counseling in the areas of personal, social and emotional concerns. Couples counseling, career development, drug and alcohol use assessment, and group counseling are also offered. These services, provided by clinical and counseling psychologists, are available to all currently enrolled students. The Center is located in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (Bldg. RWC), 3 rd floor (Phone: ). Student Health Service: The Student Health Center offers services to registered and enrolled UNLV students. The Center is located on campus at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (Bldg. RWC) on the first floor. The Center staff includes nurse practitioners, physicians, registered nurses and support personnel to provide essential health services. Services offered include health information and advice, treatment for minor illness and first aid, early detection and referral of chronic illnesses, pregnancy testing and contraception, sexually transmitted disease screening and treatment, and evaluation of substance abuse. To obtain a full list of services, call (702) In accordance with state law, all admitted students must prove immunity to tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella and others that may be specified by the State Board of Health, prior to being permitted to register for classes. Meningitis vaccines are recommended. In addition, nursing students are required to demonstrate proof of Hepatitis B vaccinations and annual tuberculosis testing. All newly admitted students are required to complete the Admission Health Report Form prior to registration for classes. For further information contact the Student Health Service at (702) All graduate nursing students are required to maintain and show proof of current health insurance, malpractice insurance, and current unencumbered license as an RN and/or Advanced Practice nurse, as applicable. Student Health Insurance: Student health insurance is available to graduate students. This plan provides services beyond those available through the Student Health Center. Optional dependent insurance is also available. Claim form and brochures may be picked up in the Health Services Office or Cashier s Office prior to the beginning of each semester. For further information contact the Student Health Service at (702) Student Financial Services: More detailed information is provided later in this document. 6 Page

7 Veteran Services: The Veterans Administration recognizes UNLV as a fully accredited institution of higher learning where qualified veterans, service persons, certain wives, widows and children may pursue their educational goals under the various chapters of the Veterans' regulations (G.I. Bill, etc.). The Veteran Services office functions primarily for certification of enrollment status to the Veterans Administration. In addition, the office attempts to help veterans with questions about eligibility, specific problems, and education benefits. The office is located in the Student Services Complex, Building A, Room 232. Phone: (702) Housing and Food Service: Dormitories provide on-campus housing for enrolled single students, or those living away from spouse or children. The Office of Campus Housing is responsible for the development of a comprehensive housing and food service program. Applications for residency may be acquired by writing to Campus Housing, through the UNLV web site or by calling (702) Applications are processed as they are received. The Hazel M. Wilson Dining Commons serves dormitory residents and other university students. Students living off campus may purchase a meal card or may pay in cash for each meal in the Dining Commons. Housing when coming to UNLV: For those who want to stay close to the SON on the Maryland (Main) Campus when coming to UNLV, one of the closest hotels (about 10 minutes walk) is Hyatt Place. There are a few other hotels next to it. Here is the contact information: Hyatt Place 4520 Paradise Road Las Vegas, NV (702) Page

8 Vision Statement UNLV SCHOOL OF NURSING VISION, MISSION AND GOALS Shape the future of nursing education, research, and practice. Mission Statement The mission of the School of Nursing is to improve human health through generating scientifically based innovations in education, research, and practice. The School of Nursing exists primarily to educate nurses at the undergraduate and graduate levels to meet the health care needs of Nevada. Goals 1. To expand undergraduate and graduate programs while assuring high quality student-centered educational programs. 2. To increase nursing research to advance the science of nursing and to support UNLV's movement toward research-extensive status. 3. To insure culturally-competent evidence-based nursing practice. 4. To develop partnerships to improve community health outcomes through teaching, research, and service activities. 5. To increase community presence and enhance the financial resources of the SON. MISSION OF THE UNDNP PROGRAM The UNDNP program meets the missions of both UNR and UNLV. It is a doctoral program that focuses on research related to evidence-based nursing practice and leadership. It is a collaborative doctoral program between UNR and UNLV preparing graduates for the delivery of quality healthcare services for local, regional, national and international communities. In addtion to nursing services, students and faculty will contribute their research to evidence-based practice and facilitate change in the healthcare system. PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION OF THE UNDNP PROGRAM The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal professional practice degree. The goal of the collaborative University of Nevada at Las Vegas and Reno, UNDNP program is to prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in clinical practice, administration, clinical teaching, and clinical research. The DNP differs from the PhD in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Science degrees, emphasizing advanced clinical practice, implementation of best practices, and evaluation of practice and care delivery models, rather than individually initiated research. The University of Nevada DNP program prepares graduates for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles to serve the health care needs of the people of Nevada, the nation, and the professional community. DNP graduates are equipped to assume a wide range of leadership roles in both direct and indirect health care settings. DNP graduates may function as specialists in their advanced practice clinical roles, nursing faculty, or as healthcare executives, or program and policy analysts. 8 Page

9 The UNDNP program offers two areas of study: the post-master s Advanced Practice option or the Nurse Executive option. The goals and objectives of the UNDNP program are as follows: STATEMENT OF GOAL AND PROGRAM OBJECTIVES OF THE UNDNP PROGRAM The goal of the UNDNP degree is to prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in clinical practice, clinical teaching, and health care analysis. UNDNP Program Objectives: At the conclusion of the University of Nevada DNP program, graduates will: 1. Provide advanced nursing care to improve patient and population health care outcomes in various direct and indirect settings. 2. Take leadership roles in the analysis, delivery, and management of nursing care and health care systems. 3. Provide evidence-based practice through the application of analytical methods, information systems technology, and clinical research. 4. Collaborate with interprofessional teams to meet the healthcare needs of culturally and ethnically diverse individuals and populations. 5. Act as change agent, leader, and advocate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health care policy as it affects populations and the nursing profession. 9 Page

10 PROGRAM OF STUDY There are two tracks for the UNDNP program: Advanced Practice and Nurse Executive. Both tracks have some shared course work. See the course schedule below for each track (courses in blue are taught by UNR; courses in red are taught by UNLV; courses in green are taught at each school and taken at the student s home school). Full Time Study Sequence YEAR 1 FALL CR YEAR 1 SPRING CR YEAR 1 SUMMER CR NURS 725 Scientific Underpinnings of the DNP in Advanced Practice 2 NURS 732R The Economics of Healthcare Delivery 3 NURS 719R Health & Public Policy for Advanced Nursing Practice 3 NURS 728 Analysis of Healthcare System NURS 729R Translational Evidence for Healthcare Systems 2 NURS 772 The Nurse as Leader 3 *NURS 788 DNP Project 3 NURS 745R Healthcare Information Systems & Technology 2 NURS 767 Collaboration, Communication, & Negotiation for the Nurse Leader Total Credits 7 Total Credits 8 Total Credits 8 NURS 763 Management Strategies for Nursing & Healthcare Systems YEAR 2 FALL YEAR 2 SPRING Nurse Executive Advanced Practice Nurse Executive Advanced Practice 3 NURS NURS 765 DNP 4 NURS GIS for Health Residency DNP Residency NURS 792 Outcomes Management & Performance Improvement in Nursing NURS 788 DNP Project 3 NURS 792 Outcomes Management & Performance Improvement in Nursing 2 NURS 788 DNP Project 3 NURS 768 DNP Forum & Role Transformation 2 NURS 788 DNP Project 2 NURS 768 DNP Forum & Role Transformation 2 NURS 788 DNP Project Total Credits 8 Total Credits 8 Total Credits 8 Total Credits Page

11 Part Time Study Sequence YEAR 1 FALL CR YEAR 1 SPRING CR YEAR 1 SUMMER CR NURS 725 Scientific Underpinnings of the DNP in Advanced Practice 2 NURS 732R The Economics of Healthcare Delivery 3 NURS 719R Health & Public Policy for Advanced Nursing Practice 3 NURS 729R Translational Evidence for Healthcare Systems 3 NURS 772 The Nurse as Leader 3 NURS 767 Collaboration, Communication, & Negotiation for the Nurse Leader Total Credits 5 Total Credits 6 Total Credits 5 YEAR 2 FALL CR YEAR 2 SPRING CR YEAR 2 SUMMER CR NURS 728 Analysis of Healthcare System NURS 792 Outcomes Management & Performance Improvement in Nursing 2 NURS 788 DNP Project 3 NURS 765 DNP Residency Executive Track / Advanced Practice Track 2 NURS 745R Healthcare Information Systems & Technology 4 Total Credits 5 Total Credits 6 Total Credits 3 NURS 763 Management Strategies for Nursing & Healthcare Systems YEAR 3 FALL YEAR 3 SPRING Nurse Executive Advanced Practice Nurse Executive Advanced Practice 3 NURS GIS for Health NURS 788 DNP Project 2 NURS 788 DNP Project 3 NURS 768 DNP Forum & Role Transformation 2 NURS 788 DNP Project 2 NURS 768 DNP Forum & Role Transformation 2 NURS 788 DNP Project Total Credits 5 Total Credits 5 Total Credits 4 Total Credits Page

12 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS NURS 719R Health and Public Policy for Advanced Practice Nursing Prepares nursing leaders to analyze and influence health policy. Defines problems, critiques potential solutions, assesses political influences, designs interventions for policy-making, and evaluates outcomes. 3 Credits NURS 725 Scientific Underpinnings of the DNP in Advanced Practice Nursing Articulates and supports a role for the nursing doctorate to prepare nurse leaders within the discipline of nursing. 2 Credits NURS 728 Analysis of Healthcare Organizations An introduction to the analysis of the health/human service organization as a particular type of complex organization. 2 Credits NURS 729R Translational Evidence for Healthcare Systems Critical analysis and synthesis of the literature and available data to determine and implement evidence-based science into healthcare practice. 3 Credits NURS 732R The Economics of Healthcare Delivery Addresses basic concepts and techniques for financial management as it relates to clinical practice, clinical teaching, and research in healthcare programs and organizations. 3 Credits NURS 745R Healthcare Information Systems and Technology Leadership models for nurse educator, advanced practice, or management roles. Mentorship, service, knowledge dissemination and impact of diversity on ethical leadership practices are included.3 Credits NURS 763 Management Strategies for Nursing and Healthcare Systems Analysis and application of human resource management, public relations, and marketing strategies for effective and efficient use of human talent to accomplish organizational goals. 3 Credits NURS 765 DNP Residency: Advanced Practice and Nurse Executive Students complete residencies to apply program concepts and develop and implement strategies for practicelevel and/or system-wide practice initiatives to improve the quality of care. 4 Credits NURS 767 Collaboration, Communication and Negotiation for the Nurse Leader The utilization of collaboration, communication and negotiation for implementation of practice models, peer review, practice guidelines, health policy, standards of care, and other scholarly products. 2 Credits 12 Page

13 NURS 768 DNP Forum and Role Transformation Students examine issues and challenges in the DNP role and skills and strategies to conceptualize, articulate, plan, and actualize a career as a nurse leader. 2 Credits NURS 772 The Nurse as Leader Leadership models as templates for nurse educator, advanced practice, or management roles and relationships: mentorship, service and knowledge dissemination as leadership activities; use of informatics as leadership resource; impact of diversity on ethical leadership practices. 3 Credits NURS 778 GIS for Health Introduces the use of epidemiologic methods and modern geographic information systems to analyze the relationships between socioeconomic, physical, geopolitical, and demographic factors and population health. 3 Credits NURS 788 DNP Project The student will complete the DNP Project design and implementation. The results will be evaluated culminating with a final written and oral defense. The course may be repeated, but only six credits may be applied to the student s program. 2 Credits NURS 792 Outcomes Management and Performance Improvement in Nursing Application of concepts of quality improvement and safety to the management of outcomes in healthcare and nursing systems to ensure delivery of quality inter-professional care. 13 Page

14 1. Credit Hours and Grade Point Average UNDNP PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS A minimum of 39 graduate credit hours is required both the Advanced Practice and Nurse Executive options. A grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained in all courses required for the DNP degree; no grade less than B is acceptable for curricular completion of the DNP Program (B minus is not acceptable). Each student, upon admission, will be assigned an advisor. The advisor (and later the Advisory Committee including the chair of the Advisory Committee, if in place) will plan the student s entire degree program of study and submit it to the Graduate College by the end of the second semester of enrollment. The degree program requires the approvals of the student, advisor, the DNP Coordinator, the appropriate academic dean, and the Graduate Dean. 2. Progression and Policies The Advisor (DNP Project Chairperson) monitors the student s progress through the program of study. In addition, the DNP Coordinator (Dr. Carolyn Sabo) will monitor the student s progress, including adherence to all established policies of the Graduate College. At any given time, the student can request a change of advisor or chair of the Advisory Committee. However, it is the student s responsibility to secure approval of an individual faculty member who agrees to serve as his or her advisor before changing the original advisor, subject to Graduate College approval. Also, it is the student s responsibility to make sure that his or her chosen advisor or chair has current full graduate faculty status at UNLV, which may be checked at: A. Progression in the program is based on the UNLV School of Nursing Policy. 1. To progress in the UNDNP program at UNLV, students must*: a. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above each semester enrolled. b. Receive a grade of B (3.00) or above in all required cognate and nursing courses. If less than a B, for example a B- (2.7) is earned, the course must be repeated. The student must be in good standing to repeat a course and any required course may be repeated only one time. c. A student may register for a course only two times. A student who has registered for the same course twice and has withdrawn, or received a grade less than B, is ineligible for readmission unless approved by the Graduate College. d. If a student fails two courses or has withdrawn from two courses or received a grade less than B in two courses he/she is ineligible for readmission unless approved by the Graduate College. e. Complete a minimum of six (6) semester credit hours in each calendar year. f. Continuously register for three (3) semester credit hours each semester while working on the DNP Project. *Students in the UNDNP program are required to abide by the policies for UNLV School of Nursing and UNR Orvis School of Nursing. Students in the UNDNP program are also required to abide by the policies of the UNLV Graduate College and University; as well as the UNR Orvis School of Nursing and UNR Graduate College. B. Probation and Separation (Dismissal): If the DNP Coordinator determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, he/she may request that the Graduate Dean separate the student from the Graduate College or place the student on probation. The DNP Coordinator will provide the student with specific requirements, including deadlines, which must be completed to be removed from probation. If the 14 Page

15 Graduate Dean approves the request, the student will be placed on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the Graduate College. A UNLV graduate student who has been dismissed for academic reasons is not eligible for admission or re-entry. The student must petition the Graduate College for academic reinstatement. Failure to make satisfactory progress may include the following: 1. Failure to complete six credits per calendar year toward the degree program. 2. Unsatisfactory grades (including incompletes, grades below a B in two courses or in the same course twice, or withdrawals). i. Unsuccessful in One Nursing Course: If a student receives less than a B in one nursing course, and it is the first occurrence, the student will be allowed to repeat the nursing course, but will be placed on probation. ii. Unsuccessful in Two Nursing Courses: If a student receives less than a B in two nursing courses with the NURS prefix (which may occur in the same semester or in different semesters), the student will be separated (dismissed) from the School of Nursing. Unsuccessful is defined as: dropping a class in which the student has an average of less than a B at the date of withdrawal from the course; failing the clinical component of a clinical course; completing the course with a grade below a B ; obtaining an F grade resulting from failure to withdraw from the course; and having an average below a B at the time of complete withdrawal from UNLV. 3. Failure to consult with the advisor when requested. 4. Failure to develop an official degree program of study. 5. Failure to establish the groundwork for an acceptable DNP Project. 6. Failure to maintain the standards of academic and professional integrity expected in a particular discipline or program. Failure to maintain these standards may result in separation (dismissal) from the School of Nursing. C. Withdrawal: 1. Withdrawal when successful and passing: if a student has been successful in previous and currently enrolled courses with a NURS prefix, the student may withdraw from the nursing course(s) provided the student has a B grade at the time of withdrawal. The nursing course(s) are repeated when available. Under these circumstances, the student is not considered unsuccessful for withdrawal from the nursing course(s). 2. Withdrawal when failing present course, but successful in other nursing courses: if a student withdraws from a nursing course when the student s grade, at the time of withdrawal, from the course is less than a B, the withdrawal will be considered an unsuccessful completion of the course. If the student has been successful in all other nursing courses, the withdrawal will be considered the student s first unsuccessful nursing course. The student will be allowed to repeat the nursing course when available. It is not necessary for the student to petition to retake the course. 3. Withdrawal when passing present course and unsuccessful in other nursing courses: if a student has been unsuccessful in a previous nursing course, and withdraws from a current nursing course with a passing grade of B at the time of withdrawal, the withdrawal will not be considered an unsuccessful course outcome. The student will be allowed to repeat the course when available. It is not necessary for the student to petition to retake the nursing course. 4. Withdrawal when failing present course and unsuccessful in other nursing courses: if a student has been unsuccessful in a previous nursing course, and withdraws from a current nursing course with a grade less than a B, the withdrawal will count as the second unsuccessful course. The student will be separated (dismissed) from the School of Nursing. 15 Page

16 5. Withdrawal from two or more nursing courses when failing: if a student withdraws from two or more nursing courses with a grade less than a B (whether in the same semester or two different semesters), the student will be separated (dismissed) from the School of Nursing. Withdrawing when failing is considered unsuccessful and two or more unsuccessful nursing course outcomes are criteria for separation (dismissal). Decisions related to grading will be determined by the faculty member according to the work the student has made available to the faculty member at the time of withdrawal. It is the student s responsibility to obtain written documentation from the course instructor to verify the passing/failing status at the time of withdrawal. If a course in which the student was unsuccessful is a prerequisite or co-requisite (requiring concurrent enrollment) to other nursing courses as identified in the current graduate college catalog, the student will not be allowed to progress in the UNDNP program. All prerequisite or co-requisites course must be successfully completed prior to progression to any course scheduled in subsequent semesters. D. Suspension from the School of Nursing: 1. Based on Unsafe or Unprofessional Conduct In addition to observation of the University regulations on classroom conduct and the statement on Academic Dishonesty, students in the School of Nursing must act in a safe and professional manner. Unsafe or unprofessional behavior in a clinical or classroom area may be grounds for immediate suspension from a nursing class, regardless of previous academic or clinical performance. If a student receives two suspension notices (either in the same semester or in different semesters) the student will be separated (dismissed) from the School of Nursing. In accordance with the School of Nursing s purposes and classroom/clinical objectives, examples of unsafe or unprofessional behavior include, but are not limited to: inadequate preparation for safe patient care; failure to seek appropriate assistance with new or unfamiliar procedures; questionable decisions based on expected knowledge level, lack of insight and understanding of own behaviors and behaviors of others; a requirement for continuous detailed supervision or direction to provide safe patient care; dishonest or unprofessional interactions with patients, families, staff, faculty or peers; engaging in practice when not mentally or physically fit; placing or leaving a patient in a hazardous condition or circumstance; and working the night shift or the previous eight hours prior to a scheduled clinical experience. These examples are in harmony with behavioral expectations of graduate nurses regulated by NRS Chapter 632. E. Confidentiality: An important part of nursing ethics is maintaining client confidentiality. As such, written work submitted to the instructor or shared with other students must never contain the client's full name. Client's problems must not be discussed with family or friends. If the School of Nursing ascertains that a client's confidentiality has been violated, the student violating the confidence will be subject to disciplinary action. Health Information Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) regulations require each student to sign a Student Confidentiality Statement prior to attending a rotation in a facility. The signed form is then given to the faculty member for placement in the student s file. Confidentiality extends to discussion of private student information with those other than the student. If discussion between faculty, staff and student in the presence of another is authorized, then a student is required to sign a Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) confidentiality release before discussion commences (appendix 4). F. Drug Screening: Drug screen is required of all incoming students prior to enrollment in the DNP program, and is only required at admission if the student maintains continuous enrollment and behaviors do not suggest the use of drugs. If the student leaves the program and subsequently returns or his/her behaviors suggest that drug use may be occurring, repeat testing will be required If there is probable cause, the student must submit to an immediate drug screen at the nearest Quest Diagnostics laboratory. If the results of the test are positive the cost of the screen will be the responsibility of the student. If the screen is negative, the cost for this 16 Page

17 screening will be borne by the clinical agency or the University. Any follow up care is the financial responsibility of the student. Drug screening test results indicating drug use can result in separation of the student from a clinical facility and the SON. Professional Liability Insurance: Students are required to carry their own professional liability insurance. Information regarding insurance companies offering professional insurance is available in the professional literature. Several insurance agencies offer malpractice insurance. The School of Nursing does not endorse any malpractice insurance agency and encourages the student to evaluate insurance agencies independently and visit the frequently asked questions (FAQ) websites. Examples of some malpractice insurance sites include: (1) Nurses Service Organization (NSO) at the following website: (2) Healthcare Providers Service Organization at: or (3) ProLiability, found at F. Student Rights: Faculty members have identified the following rights that all students have within the University and School of Nursing by virtue of their citizenship in a democratic society: a. To learn without discrimination. b. To exercise the liberty to discuss, inquire, and express opinions. c. To be evaluated fairly. d. To confidentiality. e. To have access to channels for grievance or clarification. Right to Learn Without Discrimination: Admission is open to all students who are qualified, according to admission standards, without regard to any variable that might indicate differences from the majority of students. All facilities and services utilized to enhance student learning are open to all students. Right to Exercise Liberty to Discuss, Inquire and Express Opinions: The faculty encourages free discussion, inquiry, and expression in the class and/or clinical areas. Discussion should occur in an atmosphere of civility and collegiality. The student's nursing performance must be evaluated on an academic basis and not on personal opinions or conduct unrelated to nursing. Student membership is actively promoted with voting rights equal to faculty members on all standing faculty committees except when personnel matters are discussed. Students are expected to be active members of the committee and provide faculty with both individual opinions and those of the student body they represent. The exclusion of students on the Faculty Affairs Council is by intent, while this council does use student input for example, student evaluations of faculty; which occurs at the end of each semester. In addition, students who have specific concerns about an instructor should discuss these perceptions with the Program Coordinator or Department Chair, following initial discussion with the individual faculty member. Right to be Evaluated Fairly: Criteria for evaluation, in the form of course objectives, in the class and clinical areas are provided to each student in writing at the beginning of each course. Student-teacher discussion based on written objectives of the course should occur several times during the semester. Constructive criticism should be provided early enough so that students have the opportunity to improve their performance prior to calculation of final grades. Students are expected and encouraged to identify behavior that supports their selfevaluation. Formal evaluation of progress in a clinical course is available at midterm. If students desire feedback, an appointment should be made with the course instructor prior to the eighth week of the semester. Faculty may schedule a discussion at any time. Grades may only be changed by the instructor of the course and once submitted to the Registrar s Office may not be changed unless due to clerical or computational error. 17 Page

18 Students who perceive that an academic grievance has occurred must follow the correct route of appeal as identified in the table found in Appendix 6. The appeal process must be completed in 6 months. Right to Confidentiality: Knowledge of the many facets of a student's experience (i.e. social, political, values, etc) gained through frequent interactions, is considered confidential. References are written and records are available for employers or other interested persons only if written permission is provided by the student. Permanent records are locked. Transcripts do not contain any information that is disciplinary or personal--only academic performance. Written knowledge of students political or social beliefs are not included in any student records. Students may examine the contents of their records by making an appointment to do so. A member of the staff will remain with the individual while the records are reviewed, a note will be made in the file indicating that the student has reviewed the record. G. Blood Borne Pathogen and HIPAA/FERPA Training: All DNP Program students are required to complete the mandatory online training offered at the beginning of their program. Students shall print the certificate upon completion of the online program and submit a copy to Elizabeth Gardner at the UNLV SON at elizabeth.gardner@unlv.edu. Specific directions to the appropriate website for training will be provided before orientation as a new student to the program. 3. Grading Scale of the UNLV and UNR Schools of Nursing A B D A C D B C D B C F Below 59 NOTE: The passing grade for students in graduate degree courses (600 or 700 level courses) is 83% (B) or above. The following table presents a comparison of the grading scales recognized by UNLV and UNR. Students in the UNDNP program must have a B (83%) or above to pass the courses in their program whether taken at UNLV or UNR. UNLV UNR A A A A B B B B B B C C C C C C D D D D D D F < 60 F <60 18 Page

19 3. DNP Project The DNP Project is a culmination project based on guidelines from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) DNP Essentials. This is a project completed over three semesters in the program. Students will create, present, and defend a DNP proposal in the 2 nd (full-time) or 5 th (part-time) semester while enrolled in NURS 788 for the first time. Students will complete a project and write a final paper in the subsequent semesters, culminating with defense of the project/paper in the last semester of study while enrolled in NURS 788. Students will enroll in NURS 788 for a minimum of three (3) semesters. Some students may require additional enrollments in the course to complete the DNP Project. Only six (6) credits may be applied toward the program degree. Unanimous (full) examination committee member approval of the DNP Project is required for graduation from the UNDNP program according to the individual home school Graduate College (UNLV or UNR) requirements. Students will select a chair for their DNP Project committee in the 1 st (full-time) or before the end of the 4 th (part-time) semester and be required to file the Committee Appointment Form with the DNP Coordinator when completed. This advisory committee must be formed before the student starts on the DNP Project proposal. The graduate school representative is a university-at-large member given the role of representing the graduate school, assuring compliance with graduate school regulations and procedures, and reporting any deviation from prescribed standards to the graduate college. All members of the committee must have graduate faculty status or approval of the Dean of the Graduate College. More specific information about the DNP Project will be discussed in the courses embedded in the program. 4. Courses and Course Load Requirement Students are enrolled in the UNDNP program as a cohort. The program is a 5-semester prescribed program for full-time study and 8 semesters for part-time study. Students are expected to matriculate along with their full- or part-time cohort starting from the 1 st semester until completion. In instances where students are not with their cohort for extenuating circumstances, they will need to continue to take a minimum of 3 credits per semester for both fall and spring semesters to maintain their place in the program until graduation. Students must also keep in mind the maximum amount of time that may be allowed for completion of the entire program according to Graduate College policies. A Leave of Absence may be requested by students. This is done through the Graduate College by submitting the form Application for Leave of Absence. The leave request must be approved the DNP Coordinator/Department Chair, advisor, and Dean of the SON before being forwarded to the Graduate College for final approval. It is the student s responsibility to make sure this form has been signed by all individuals and approved before taking the leave of absence. Please refer to the Graduate College website for policies and procedures related to this request and some of the issues students should be aware of before taking leave Page

20 FEES, EXPENSES AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Tuition and Fees The UNDNP program is a special program administered through the office of educational outreach. The tuition schedule is separate from the UNLV and UNR tuition schedule. Students are charged a flat rate of $ per semester hour of credit. This rate includes tuition and all fees and is the same regardless of residency status. Financial Assistance Students should check with the Office of Student Financial Services for specific scholarships/loans available. The Office of Student Financial Services can provide the necessary forms to be submitted. This office is located in the Student Services Complex, Room 232 ( ). To facilitate application the student should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the Web Scholarships available to graduate students in all disciplines: Scholarships for which all graduate students on campus may apply are identified in the Graduate Catalog. Students should check with the Graduate College web page for the latest information on Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships. Scholarships available to Students enrolled in the Graduate Program in Nursing: A number of scholarship and fellowship opportunities are available through the UNLV SON. Please review the School website for up-todate information on these opportunities ( Some of the financial assistance opportunities are: 1. Zeta Kappa Chapter at UNLV of Sigma Theta Tau International Research Scholarships: Competitive awards provided to members of the honor society for completion of research projects or as awards for winning the research poster competition. Information may be obtained from the Zeta Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International website: 2. Doctors of Nursing Practice: This is a site that may be a resource for students looking for scholarship opportunities and networking. Students may find this resource useful as they embark on the degree program and may find scholarship opportunities to fit their needs Page