NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY NURSING DEPARTMENT

Transcription

1 NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY NURSING DEPARTMENT RN-BSN PROGRAM Advisement & Policy Guide

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome and Philosophy 3 Accreditation 4 Guidelines to Determine Suitability of Candidate for Admission to the Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program 5 Student Learning Outcomes 5 Advisement.. 6 All University Requirements in English 6 All University Requirement in Mathematics 6 Bachelor of Science in Nursing 6 Course Requirements 6 Transfer Credit. 7 Nursing Major Courses in Sequence 7-8 Nursing Process and Health Promotion: Group & Community 7 Senior Thesis (Senior Seminar Implementation Project). 8 Policies of the Nursing Department 8 Waivers for Course Taken at Other College/University Campus 8 Waiver of a General Studies Requirement.. 8 Students with Disabilities 8 Student Rights & Responsibilities 9 Academic Integrity 9-11 Grading Policy 11 Re-computation of Grade 11 Probation 11 Nursing Department Probation.. 12 Guidelines for Resolving Problems 12 Grievance Procedure 12 Pass/Fail Option 12 Off-Campus Courses 12 Senior Celebration and Awards Nursing Scholarship 14 Sigma Theta Tau. 14 Student Governance 14 Reciprocal Borrowing at Participating State College Libraries Guidelines. 14 Graduation Clearance. 15 Policy Revisions. 15 Appendix A Sample Declaration of Major form Appendix B Sample Design of Transfer Evaluation Appendix C Sample Full Time Study Course Plan.. 19 Appendix D Systems Developmental Model (SDS)

3 Department of Nursing RN-BSN Program Welcome to the Department of Nursing RN-BSN program. The Department of Nursing is part of the College of Professional Studies. This policy guide was developed to assist students in the upper division program with understanding the policies of the Department and the University. It is an adjunct to the New Jersey City University s (NJCU) Undergraduate Catalog. The purpose of this policy guide is to inform you of the policies and opportunities particular to the RN to BSN Program and the Department of Nursing. It is your responsibility to become familiar with this policy guide as it provides necessary information relative to your academic career. The Nursing Department is part of the College of Professional Studies of New Jersey City University. The Department began in 1974 when it received provisional approval from the New Jersey Board of Higher Education and the New Jersey Board of Nursing to implement a program offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to registered nurses who graduated from diploma and associate degree programs. Two faculty members were hired in 1975 and the program became operational in fall At that time, additional faculty were hired, including a department Chairperson, and approximately 275 students were provisionally approved for admission. In March 1977, the New Jersey Board of Nursing granted full approval to the program. The National League for Nursing awarded initial accreditation in April 1979 and has been accredited since that time. In 2009, the department was re-accredited for a period of eight years. Most recently (2011) NJCU has established Joint Admission Agreements with Brookdale Community College, Hudson Community Colleges, Christ Hospital and Bayonne Medical Center Schools of Nursing The mission of the Nursing Department, is designed to be congruent with that of the university and the College of Professional Studies; to prepare highly competent professional nurses to address complex human needs within a multicultural environment that will improve the health of individuals, families, and communities through the discovery and dissemination of nursing knowledge and the translation of science into practice. Faculty facilitate the education of students in the art and science of nursing to provide ethical, holistic, culturally competent, evidence-based care in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team in a variety of health care settings within a constantly evolving health care environment. Students, as members of the community in which they receive their education, are stakeholders in the health and welfare of the community they will serve. The Nursing Faculty of New Jersey City University believes that professional education occurs within and is an integral part of the University and congruent with the University s aims and purposes. In keeping with this philosophy, the department, as does the University, emphasizes an urban mission, which seeks to meet the needs of a diverse, multi-cultural society. Professional education in nursing is built upon a general education in the liberal arts and the natural and social sciences. The baccalaureate degree prepares a beginning generalist and is the basis for graduate study and continuing education in nursing. Please see our Nursing Web Page to find out more about our Mission, Philosophy, and Faculty 3

4 Accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education New Jersey City University is accredited by its regional accrediting body, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the unit of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the Middle States region, which includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and several locations internationally. The Commission is a voluntary, non-governmental, membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources. It examines each institution as a whole, rather than specific programs within institutions. National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission The NJCU Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national accrediting body for all types of nursing education programs. NLNAC supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by the functions of accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which nongovernmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. Accreditation also assists in the further improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources invested, processes followed, and results achieved. The monitoring of certificate, diploma, and degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing rules, and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession. The Nursing Department has been continuously accredited since 1979 and was reaccredited by NLNAC in The department received the maximum term of eight years accreditation. Comments or concerns about the program may be directed to the NLNAC at the following address: Dr. Sharon Tanner, Executive Director The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission 61 Broadway, 33 rd Floor New York, NY Information about the NLNAC accreditation process may be found at the following website: New Jersey Board of Nursing The NJCU Nursing program has approval of the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Comments or concerns about the program may be sent to the Board of Nursing at the following address: Mr. George Hebert, Executive Director New Jersey Board of Nursing PO Box Newark, NJ (973)

5 Guidelines to Determine Suitability of Candidate for Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Applicants are required to meet the general admission criteria of New Jersey City University. Students will not be denied access to the University facilities because of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, creed, color or national origin. Admission to the RN-BSN program is restricted to Registered nurses who are graduates of diploma, associate degree programs or out of country nurses who are licensed in their country of origin. All students are required to obtain a current Registered Nurse license in the State of New Jersey prior to taking their clinical course Nursing Process and Health Promotion Groups/Community Laboratory (NURS 452). Nurses applying for admission must submit an official transcript(s) of their nursing school record and/or any other colleges to the Undergraduate Admission Department for evaluation. Copies of transcripts are placed in the student s folder in the Nursing Department. Transfer credits are determined upon evaluation of records by the Academic Advising Center, The Transcript Evaluation Office, not the Nursing Department. Note: It is the University s policy that all transcripts must be sent for evaluation. Transcripts sent after acceptance into the program as per university policy may not be accepted. Internationally educated students need to have their transcripts evaluated by an acceptable accreditation agency i.e. World Education Services and Education Credential Service and forward to the Undergraduate Admissions Department. Students may choose part-time or full-time status, depending upon the status determined upon admission to the college. A full-time student may opt to take a part-time number of credits (11 or less). A part-time student must apply for a change of status in the Advisement Center in Vodra Hall to register for full-time course load (12-17 credits). It is important to make this change from part-time to full-time in order to register for courses on time (please refer to GothicNet If a student is not registered for two semesters or takes off-campus course(s), the student must reapply (please see current NJCU Undergraduate Catalog). Students desiring readmission to the college must do so through the Admissions Office. Students are unable to register if all medical records, immunizations and or financial balances are not up to date. Student Learning Outcomes The graduate of the RN-BSN program of New Jersey City University: 1. Utilizes the nursing process in the protection, promotion, and optimization of health of individuals, families, and communities. 2. Incorporates evidence-based findings into practice. 3. Demonstrates competencies in the care of individuals, families, and communities. 4. Collaborates with clients and other members of the health care team in the planning, coordination, and provision of care. 5. Provides culturally sensitive nursing care that reflects the worth, dignity, and uniqueness of individuals and groups. 6. Applies interpersonal and technological communication effectively. 7. Demonstrates leadership behaviors. 8. Manifests personal and professional growth through role socialization as a professional nurse. 9. Synthesizes knowledge from nursing and related disciplines in the acquisition of nursing knowledge, competencies, and values for professional practice. 5

6 Advisement Advisement is an integral part of the education process and is available throughout the student s course of study. This process attempts to facilitate student progression through the program by allowing the student the opportunity to discuss curriculum sequence and individual needs. Students are expected to meet with the faculty to review their progress. Students must meet with a faculty member to determine course load, content and to have advisement holds removed so students can complete registration on-line Master course lists are online to assist students with registration. All University Requirements (AUR) In English and Mathematics The Nursing Department requires that all students have 9 credits of All University Requirements (AUR) credit. They include Fundamentals of English I and II and Mathematics. Please refer to Transcript Evaluation (see below) and current NJCU Undergraduate Catalog. English courses taken in a foreign country are not accepted for All University Requirement (AUR) English requirements. Student will receive credit in the elective area. Students must take either Fundamentals of English I and II or take the CLEP examination. All University Requirements (AUR) in Math, if not already satisfied, should be completed as one of the first courses, since it is a pre-requisite to Statistics. Courses to be taken are Fundamentals of Math or Interim Algebra. Bachelor of Science in Nursing NJCU Department of Nursing s program is an upper division program leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and is limited to Registered Nurses or NCLEX eligible students. Refer to Course Requirements A total of 128 credits are required for graduation. The transcripts of nursing students admitted to New Jersey City University with college level credits from other institutions are evaluated by the Transfer Evaluation Center of the University Advisement Center for application toward the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree requirements. A copy of the Summary of Transfer Credit Evaluation Form (Appendix A) is forwarded to the student prior to registration at the university. This form is an important tool for students to keep track and plan courses for registration each semester. Students should keep a folder for all NJCU material and bring to advisement appointments. To declare a major in Nursing, please refer to Gothic Net to obtain the appropriate form, Declaration of Major or Minor Program of Study is available at njcu.edu/sites/profstudies/content/forms.asp Transfer credit, portfolio credit and credit obtained by examination make it possible for the student to complete the program in a minimal amount of time. For a list of CLEP examinations or credit obtained by examination see 6

7 NYU School of Continuing and Professional offers credit by examination for many foreign languages see Transfer Credit Transfer credit may be granted for courses carrying a letter grade of C or better which are applicable to the student s degree requirements. Associate degree (AAS) and other college credit are evaluated course by course for transfer into NJCU. Students with an AS in nursing receive credits. Students are reminded that the University has a 10 year limitation of courses that are not a part of a degree program. All transfer credit must be submitted to Transfer Credit Evaluation Center of the University Advisement Center prior to formally beginning the program. Students who graduated from Brookdale Community College, Hudson Community College, Bayonne Medical Center or Christ Hospital Schools of Nursing are admitted under the joint admission agreements and will have additional credits transferred as per the specific articulation agreement of each institution. Nursing Major Courses in Sequence BSN Transition This is the first nursing course and students are advised to take this bridge course during the first semester. Following the successful completion of the course, the student receives 17 credits in escrow*. There is a $150 processing fee. Students are encouraged to pay this fee immediately following the completion of BSN Transitions so credits can be transferred in a timely basis for graduation clearance. *This fee does not apply to students covered under the Articulation Agreement with Brookdale Community College.(Due to the Articulation agreement with Brookdale Community College, these students receive 14 credits after taking 451 and 452 and pay the processing fee of $150.) Theoretical Basis of Nursing Students are advised to take as a co-requisite with BSN Transition. Entry to this course marks the beginning of the student s Upper Division status. Nursing Research Pre-requisites are Theoretical Basis and Statistics for the Social Sciences. Important to note: A student must have completed BSN Transition, Theoretical Basis of Nursing, Health Assessment, Research and the AUR requirements, prior to taking the senior nursing courses Nursing Process and Health Promotion: Groups and Community. Exception to this policy is made with approval of their advisor only. Additionally, the student must have a valid nursing license to practice in the state of NJ and personal malpractice insurance. These records along with a Nursing Department Health Clearance form are kept on file in the Nursing Department. These records must be submitted the semester before entering the class Nursing Process and Health Promotion Groups and Community Theory and Laboratory courses. Students should note that completing a course in Human Growth and Development satisfies the (6) credit Developmental Psychology requirement, (NJCU, PSYC 150 & 152) considering the student has completed 128 credits for graduation. Nursing Process and Health Promotion: Groups and Community These nursing courses are the senior level courses. NURS 451 course is a theoretical course and NURS 452 is a clinical course. To discuss the format of the clinical component, day or evening, 7

8 please make an appointment with your advisor. The clinical/laboratory courses are a pass/fail course. There is a dress code for clinical-blue or black pants with white shirt or blouse, black or blue comfortable walking shoes-no sneakers or sandals. * Only students admitted under the Articulation Agreement with Brookdale Community College, following the successful completion of NURS 451 &452 Nursing Process and Health Promotion: Groups and Community, will receive 14 credits in escrow*. There is a $150 processing fee. Senior Thesis (Senior Seminar Implementation Project) The final nursing courses, Senior Seminar I & II are the Department s capstone or summative course. Senior Seminar I & II may be taken with NPHP-Groups or NPHP-Community, but not prior to NURS 451 & 452. The student demonstrates in course work, the competencies and expected learning outcomes of the program. This project is completed independently by the student with a faculty mentor. Policies of the Nursing Department Students are expected to be aware of all University policies stated in the NJCU Student handbook, the Undergraduate Catalog, Master Course List Booklet and the Gothic net web page. Waivers for Courses Taken at Other College/University Campuses A NJCU student must obtain permission in writing prior to registering for a course at another college to assure transfer acceptance, entitled Application for Waiver of Major Course Requirements. Your advisor and program chair must sign this form. The acceptance of the transfer credit also depends upon the grade received by the student. No grade lower than a C will be accepted. Application for Waiver of Major Course Requirements forms are available in the Nursing Department. Waiver of a General Studies Requirement A NJCU student who wishes to substitute a non-general studies NJCU course for a general studies requirements must see a nursing advisor and submit a Waiver with the advisor s signature to the Dean of Arts and Sciences, to request the Dean s approval. If the Waiver is signed, the student must bring it to the Advisement and Testing Office in Vodra Hall. Students with Disabilities University policies will be followed. Prior to a student receiving an accommodation in any course, the student must self-disclose the disability and meet with the Office of Specialized Services (OSS). Upon review of the student s request for accommodation, OSS will determine what reasonable accommodation(s) are required and notify faculty of the accommodations required. Accepted students with disabilities should contact OSS at as soon the student is accepted. Students will not be provided any accommodation in the classroom, laboratory or clinical setting without documentation from OSS. Accommodations are effective upon the date in the documentation provided to the faculty by OSS. For more information, please review the OSS website: 8

9 Student Rights & Responsibilities 1. Students have the right to receive information on the course syllabus related to course objectives, expectations of students, grading criteria for the course, and guidelines for assignments. 2. Students have the right to practice clinical skills and receive feedback and suggestions for improvement prior to a graded evaluation. 3. Students have the right to receive feedback related to class and clinical experiences, as well as guidance and suggestions to enhance learning. 4. Students must demonstrate professional behavior, responsibility, and accountability. These include but are not limited to: a. Ensuring all pre-clinical requirements have been met prior to beginning clinical experiences and ensuring these remain current during the program. b. Ensuring all financial requirements related to continued enrollment is met. c. Attendance at all class and clinical experiences. d. Punctuality for all class and clinical experiences. e. Prompt and proper notification if the student anticipates being late or absent. f. Appropriate preparation for class activities. g. Honest and open communication with faculty, staff, and peers. h. Submission of assignments by the due date. i. Demonstration of courtesy and respect in all interactions. j. Maintenance of clients rights to dignity, privacy, and confidentiality. k. Wearing appropriate attire to class and clinical experiences. l. Consistent use of culturally sensitive, as well as educationally and developmentally appropriate language in all interactions. Students have the responsibility to participate actively in the learning process by asking questions in class, seeking out new learning experiences, and integrating theory into clinical practice. Academic Integrity Nursing, as a profession, is in the public trust. The faculty of the Nursing Department believes ethical behavior is expected in any and all situations. Students are expected to demonstrate ethical behavior and moral courage in the classroom, clinical area, and all other experiences related to the academic program. Moral courage mandates that students will come forward to report issues, despite difficulties inherent in doing so. Lying about or failing to report issues are considered equivalent in their violation of the principles of academic integrity. The faculty expects all work to be the student s own. Students who are suspected of lying, cheating, falsifying records or plagiarizing will be subject to failure on an assignment, course failure, and possible dismissal from the program, depending on the severity of the situation. Definitions and minimum consequences are guided by the Academic Integrity Policy as outlined in the NJCU Student Handbook. However, because of the nature of the profession and the public s trust in nursing, sanctions for academic dishonesty may be more stringent than those within the University. Level I Level I penalty applies to circumstances involving ignorance or inexperience on the part of the person(s) committing the violation and ordinarily include a minor portion of coursework. The imposition of these penalties is considered an academic issue and not disciplinary. 9

10 Example: Improper documentation of sources in a written assignment. Penalty: Re-work the assignment; maximum grade for the reworked assignment can be no higher than a grade of C (75). Reporting: Level I violations will be reported to the Department Chair and a note will be placed in the student s department record. Repeat violations: Evidence of a repeat offense at Level I will be considered a Level III violation. Level II Level II penalty involves incidents of a more serious nature and affect a significant aspect or portion of the course. Examples: Copying from or giving assistance to others on a mid-term, final, or other examination; plagiarizing a portion of the assignment (25% or less); using unauthorized material during an examination. Penalty: Grade of zero (0) for the assignment or examination with no possibility to make-up the assignment/examination. Assignments/Examinations with considerable weight in a course that receive a grade of zero (0) may result in course failure. Should a student fail the course, the student will not be able to progress in the program and will be required to wait until the next course offering on the campus in which the student is enrolled. Students may not transfer between campus locations to re-enroll in a course. Reporting: Violations of this level will be reported to the Department Chair as well as the Dean of the College of Professional Studies. Level II violations will be included in the student s university record. If the violation results in course failure, the student will not be able to expunge the grade of F from his/her GPA should the student re-take the course (Grade re-computation will be disallowed). Confidential copies of the report will also be sent to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Students, for informational purposes and for centralized coordination between the different colleges. Repeat violations: Evidence of a repeat offense of a Level II offense will be considered a Level III violation. Level III Level III penalties apply to offenses that are even more serious in nature and involve pervasive dishonesty on a significant portion (>25%) of coursework, such as a major paper, mid-term, final examination or other examination. Examples: Using a purchased term paper presenting the work of another as one s own; having a substitute take an examination; possessing or obtaining an examination or Textbook Publisher Test Bank without professor s authority or prior knowledge; altering a graded examination for the purposes of re-grading; falsification of any information in a patient s health record. Penalties: A failing grade in the course and dismissal from the program. A student dismissed from the program for a Level III violation will be required to re-apply to the program and is subject to the application review process. The student may be offered a seat in the program on a spaceavailable basis. Violations of this level will be reported to the Department Chair as well as the 10

11 Dean of the College of Professional Studies. Level III violations will be included in the student s university record. A student receiving a grade of F as the result of a Level III violation will not be able to expunge the grade of F from his/her GPA should the student re-take the course (Grade recomputation will be disallowed). Confidential copies of the report will also be sent to the Vice- President of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Students, for informational purposes and for centralized coordination between the different colleges. Repeat violations: Evidence of repeat offenses at Level III will result in dismissal from the program and the student will be ineligible for readmission. The above policy is based upon the NJCU Academic Integrity Policy. All written assignments are subject to review by a plagiarism detection program such as turnitin.com. Academic Grading and Requirements The standing of each student at the completion of each course is determined by the instructor and recorded at the end of each semester. The following grades and values are used: A = A- = B+ = B = B- = C+ = C = C- = F = 69 and below W (Withdrawal) IN (Incomplete) See Undergraduate Catalog for complete policy on grading. Students must achieve a minimum of C in all nursing courses and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Students who fall below the 2.5 will have their grades reviewed by the RN-BSN Coordinator. Students must have a 2.0 average minimum at time of initial admission into the program. Re-computation of Courses If a student fails a course and repeats that course, the student must fill out a re-computation form before retaking the course. (See Repeated course or grade re-computation, in NJCU Student Handbook). Probation NJCU Academic Probation, please refer to the NJCU Undergraduate Catalog. 11

12 Department of Nursing Probation A RN-BSN student, who has commenced upper division coursework must maintain a 2.5 cumulative average in nursing courses or will be placed on department probation. Upper level division begins when the student commences the first Nursing course. The student will be reviewed by the RN-BSN Coordinator to determine progression. Appeals may be brought to the Nursing Department Chair. Guidelines for Resolving Problems The department strives to create an atmosphere conducive to learning that is based on mutual respect between faculty and students. If a problem arises, the issue can usually be resolved by direct communication between the student and the professor. In order to facilitate the problemsolving process, it is suggested the student take the following steps: 1. Ask questions in class. 2. Seek help from the professor on an individual basis. 3. Speak with the professor and/or the academic advisor as soon as a significant problem or concern arises. 4. Speak with the Program Coordinator or Department Chairperson. 5. Do not ignore the situation, wait until the last minute, or expect someone else to take care of problems. If the above is not successful, the student can file an academic grievance. The NJCU procedure for filing an academic grievance can be found in the NJCU Student Handbook. Grievance Procedure NJCU Grievance Procedure (see NJCU Undergraduate Catalog). Pass/Fail Option Students at the University have the option of requesting a final grade of Pass of Fail instead of a letter grade in an elective, in a general studies course (but not an AUR course), or in an academic minor. The Pass/Fail option is limited to nine semester hours. No more than one course per semester may be elected under this option. Pass/Fail evaluations interpreted to mean a grade of Pass for satisfactory completion of course requirements. When the Pass grade is given, the semester hours assigned are indicated as earned, but the student s cumulative average remains unaffected. At the discretion of any department, certain courses within the major field can be designated Pass/Fail. Please be advised that nursing students will receive 5 credits of Pass/Fail in NURS 452 Nursing Process and Health Promotion: Groups and Community. Off-Campus Courses The University provides courses at sites throughout New Jersey in an effort to make these offerings convenient and accessible to a wide variety of learners. The Nursing Department participates in this program and offers several of the nursing courses at alternate sites. These courses are listed in the master course list or students can check with the nursing department to determine offerings each Senior Celebration 12

13 The Nursing Department hosts a reception/celebration for all RN-BSN senior students in May. At this reception, there is a presentation of awards to students (see descriptions below): Spirit of Nursing (previously awarded by the U.S. Army Corp) Students who are eligible for this award must demonstrate behaviors and competencies that include; accountability and responsibility, being a role model, providing evidence of safe and client-centered care. Reflecting the essence of Professionalism in interactions with clients, faculty and colleagues and this student demonstrates the highest levels of competency in the practice and art of nursing Nursing Model Process Award Students who are eligible for this award must: have a GPA minimum of 3.0 and demonstrate an outstanding ability to utilize the Nursing Process and the SDS model with; individuals, families, and communities. This is evident by application of the Nursing model in the Community Paper and/or Reflective logs. Faculty Recognition Award Students who are eligible for this award must: have a GPA minimum of 2.3, show a strong dedication to Nursing, exhibit advocacy skills and participate in the activities above and beyond the course requirements (a student who goes the extra mile). Leadership Award Students who are eligible for this award must: present with competencies that reflect strong potential for leadership through the qualities of acting as a change agent in interactions with diverse clients and communities, colleagues ( affiliating agencies), fellow students and faculty and staff. This is usually evident in NPHP clinical experiences, leadership assignment, participation on department committees or department or university sponsored activities i.e. health fair). Perseverance Award Recognizes a student who preservers with challenges in mastering the accomplishment of the RN- BSN program. Communication Award Students who are eligible for this award must effectively utilize communication theory with Clients (individual evidence: process recording). The student may also show evidence in the community paper with specific evidence based interactions relate to communication. Dr. Eileen Gardner Award (given in honor of deceased faculty member) Recognizes excellence, commitment and leadership in Nursing. Nursing Research Award Students who are eligible for this award must: have a grade point average of 3.0 and have taken or in the process of completing the Nursing Research course with a minimum of a B grade). The student should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the Research Process. In addition, the student will provide consistent evidence for practice (in papers, projects). This student also shows potential for graduate work. 13

14 Global Health Award Given in Recognition for the Vision of improving the Health of the People of the world through a Humanitarian Trip to Provide Professional Health Care in a Nurse Managed Clinic(s). Community Leadership Award Students who are eligible for this award must: show evidence of providing outstanding health promotion and education to the community. These candidates are usually Health Fair (or similar Health Promotion activities) stand-outs organizers, contact persons, arranging for promotion activities; contacting outside groups, collaborating with other university departments or offices. Nursing Scholarship Each academic year, money is budgeted for nursing scholarships. Students need to discuss with the RN-BSN Coordinator. The RN-BSN program and the Kappa Eta Chapter award a scholarship, The Dr. Eileen Gardner Scholarship, of $500 at the Senior Celebration, in the spring of each academic year. Sigma Theta Tau Sigma Theta Tau is the national honor society of nursing. The NJCU Department of Nursing sponsors the Kappa Eta Chapter. Each spring, the chapter inducts junior and senior nursing students and community leaders into the chapter. Criteria include cumulative grades in the upper 35% of the class, strong leadership abilities and community involvement. Additionally, Sigma Theta Tau, Kappa Eta Chapter, presents the Martha A. Flynn award for nursing excellence at the yearly Induction Ceremony. Students requesting additional information on the Kappa Eta Chapter should see Dr. Patricia Joffe, Chapter advisor/counselor and Sigma Theta Tau International Student Governance Students interested in sharing the governance of the Nursing Department should see the Chairperson. Students are invited to participate in the Department s standing committees. Minutes are available to students upon request. Students maybe invited to participate in focus groups as part of our systematic program evaluation Reciprocal borrowing at Participating State College Libraries Guidelines 1. Students of participating State Colleges (New Jersey City University, Kean University of New Jersey, Montclair State University, Ramapo College of New Jersey an the William Paterson University) can borrow books from other Northern New State College/Universities Consortium-members respective libraries. 2. The Gothic ID card bearing a current validation sticker and barcode form the home campus must be presented to afford a student the privilege of borrowing books from other Consortiummember State Colleges libraries. 3. A student must be in good standing at her/his institution, i.e., no overdue books or pending fines and/or fees, to utilize this program. This information will be revealed at any of the libraries when the barcode appearing on a student I.D. is read into the system. 4. The distinct borrowing regulations of each campus must be reviewed. 14

15 Graduation Clearance (see NJCU Undergraduate Catalog) PLEASE NOTE: IT IS THE STUDENT S RESPONSIBILITY TO APPLY FOR GRADUATION A senior eligible for graduation must complete the Intent to Graduate form, currently available online: The student must adhere to these dates: (a) June 15, if the student expects to complete all requirements by the end of the summer session; (b)september 30 th, if the student expects to complete all requirements by the end of the fall semester; and (c)december 9 th, if the student expects to complete all requirements by the end of the spring semester. Check with the graduation clearance office for any changes in dates and the current Master Course List. Policy Revisions This Handbook supplements the New Jersey City University Student Handbook and includes specific policies related to the RN-BSN program. The policies contained herein are subject to change at any time as deemed necessary by the Nursing Department. Students will be notified of changes by faculty announcements, through updates on the department website, memorandums and/or in course syllabi. 15

16 APPENDIX A 16

17 Appendix B 17

18 18

19 Appendix C Course Requirements (sample design for full time students entering in the fall semester) First Semester Credits BSN Transition 3 Theoretical Basis of Nursing 3 Cultural Paradigms of Nursing 3 Statistics 3 Offered on one day, in a condensed format Winter Semester Health Assessment 3 Second Semester Nursing Research 3 Nursing Process and Health Promotion Laboratory (452) 5 Nursing Process and Health Promotion Theory (451) 5 Offered on two days ( Nursing Process and Health Promotion NURS 451, (theory) will be on one day and the laboratory of Nursing Process and Health Promotion, NURS 452 will be offered on another day) Summer I Leadership 3 Senior Seminar I 2 Summer II Cultural Anthropology/Sociology of The Family 3 Senior Seminar II 2 You must earn a total of 128 credits to qualify for the BSN. The above course sequence allows full-time students to finish the program in one year if all prerequisites are met. The program may be taken part time and a faculty member will work with each student to create an individualized curriculum plan 19

20 Appendix D Organizing Framework- Systems Developmental Stress Model (SDS) The Organizing Framework for the RN-BSN program of the New Jersey City University, Nursing Department, is developed from the philosophy, purpose and objectives of the program. The major concepts which reflect the organizing framework of this curriculum are the person, the environment, health and nursing. The major theoretical bases from which these concepts are approached are systems, developmental and stress theories. Because the organizing framework of this curriculum is implemented through a systemdevelopmental-stress, model, it is first necessary to briefly examine the theoretical bases of this model before describing the majoring concepts as they are reflected by these theories. Systems theory contributes the idea that the organism is a unified whole, which is more than the sum of the parts. Systems can be viewed dynamically synchronically, or diachronically. Systems continually shift their structures as they adapt to internal or external conditions. Organisms are in constant and significant interactions with their environments. The organism and environment are energy fields which re-pattern following mutual, simultaneous interaction; self regulation is directed toward achieving increasing complexity of organization, not towards achieving equilibrium. The system s ability to remain itself while undergoing continuous change is a characteristic of its self-regulatory ability. Health and illness are inevitable dimensions of a person s life. In terms of stress theory one must consider the individual systemic structure and function and place on the developmental continuum to assess the actual impact of stressors. Stress theory assumes a biological, cellular basis of life, building up to higher levels of systems. In using systems and developmental theories, the basic stress approach may be modified to allow for individual psychodynamic and systems characteristics. Because this model incorporates developmental theory it includes the elements of time. In addition, developmental theory includes the idea of what is expected at the various stages of the life process. Representative theorists include Von Bertalanffy and Rogers for systems theory, Freud, Erickson, Sullivan, and Piaget for developmental theory and Selye for stress theory. The concept of person involves the holistic nature of people and organisms as an open system in constant mutual interaction. People are bio-psycho-social beings who evolve along developmental continua in a sequential, unidirectional manner. Although the person s potential is a genetically determined to degree, it is not fixed at birth. There is an inherent directness in life and a person strives to fulfill themselves as they pass through expectable stages of the life process. Attributes of person such as abstraction, language, thoughts, and emotion play an important role in the re-patterning of the human field. Persons must be viewed holistically and are more than the sum of their parts. They are capable of developing towards states of increased order, organization, differentiation, and complexity as they interact with internal and external stressors. Stress is necessary for the life and growth of person. The person as an open system uses self-regulatory mechanisms to maintain the systems in a steady state and make constant adjustments between environment demands and internal adoptive capacities. To facilitate study, the person as a system moving through space-time may be examined according to the following subsystems: biologic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, non human environmental, and socio-cultural. This interruption of the process of the person as system moving through space-time does not negate the holistic view of persons. Additional theoretical formulations which provide the means for approaching the concept of the person are group, role and family theories. 20

21 The concept of environment is integral in understanding all factors which influence open systems. The environment is the aggregate of biologic, interpersonal, cultural social, non-human, and universal influences upon person in their ever-changing interactions. Environment is critical in the development and evolution of open systems and the adaptations the systems make to stressors in the continuous mutual interaction between environment and systems. The human field repatterned in interaction with the environment and environmental factors is examined if the repatterning is to be understood and altered.. The concept of health must be understood as a dynamic state of persons as open systems whose self-regulatory mechanism attempt to maintain the system in a steady state. Health is viewed on a continuum and is related to the developmental level of and stressors acting upon the person at any given point in space-time. There are fluctuations in levels of wellness of persons and intensification of the stress state may lead to exhaustion of the adaptive capacity of the organism, thus requiring negative feedback to return the system to a steady state. The health of persons is dependent upon environmental stressors and supports, the person s developmental level and previous experiences with maturational and situational crises, and the person s ability to maintain a steady state through self-regulatory activities. The concept of nursing involves the understanding that nurse-person relationships are open systems which move through predictable phases and where the nurse assists the person in the maintenance of a steady state by manipulation of environmental factors which alter stressors affecting levels of wellness. Nursing s activities are directed toward helping persons of all age groups maximize their potential for high level wellness and functioning. The scope of nursing extends to any area where persons are found and the focus of nursing is the health of persons as individuals, as families, as group members, and as members of society. The nursing process is the method through which the systems-developmental-stress model is implemented. The steps of this process are assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning (outcomes), implementation, and evaluation. In implementing the nursing model through the use of the nursing process, the nurse analyzes client subsystems according to stressors affecting the client and the subsequent or potential adaptations or maladaptations. The nurse is concerned with the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of the integrity of the person s biological, intrapersonal, interpersonal, non-human environmental and socio-cultural dimensions and the interactions of these dimensions throughout the life cycle. The level of wellness of the individual fluctuates at any point in space-time according to internal and external demands and, depending upon the degree of threat of the integrity of the system, may necessitate nursing interventions to manipulate the factors in the person or environment which would promote or restore integrity, thereby facilitating the individual s return to an optimum of wellness. Using the first step of the nursing process, assessment of the structure and function of each of the person s dimensions is done, including a nursing examination of the patterns of the client s life process appropriate to the developmental phase of that individual, and the reaction of the person as a whole. The assessment phase of the nursing process is concluded with the nursing diagnoses. After establishing the nursing diagnoses, the planning phase of the nursing process is begun. Client outcomes are formulated in conjunction with client In the implementation phase, nursing interventions that have been planned according to priority and based upon theoretical rationales formulated in the assessment and planning phases are carried 21

22 our in keeping with client-nurse outcomes to promote, maintain and/or restore the level of wellness that is optimum for that client at that time. The evaluation phase of the nursing process includes the measurement of the degree to which the stated outcomes have been met, including client-nurse responses to the implemented interventions. If the outcomes have not been met or new data has altered planned interventions, a reformulation of the original plan, including additional assessment, must be done with an analysis of the reasons for success or failure. The phases of the nursing process are not viewed statically; the process is fluid, with overlapping of phases, and continual movement back and forth from one phase to another. The assessment phase of the nursing process is outlined as follows according to the systemsdevelopmental-stress model: Demographic Data 1. Age, Sex, Birthplace The Biological Sub-system 1. cardiovascular 2. gastrointestinal 3. genitourinary 4. integumentory 5. motor-skeleton 6. neurological 7. respiratory 8. endocrine 9. immunologic 10. biorhythmic 11. other The Intrapersonal Sub-system 1. developmental level (expected vs. observed) 2. self and body image 3. mood and affect 4. orientation and level of awareness 5. thought content and processes 6. apparent level of intelligence 7. psychodynamic issues 8. client perception of problem 9. coping patterns The Interpersonal Sub-system 1. communication style 2. interaction style 3. family perceptions of client problem 4. recent life changes related to interpersonal subsystem 5. other relationships 22

23 The Non-Human Environmental Sub-system 1. locale 2. home environment 3. Immediate environment (home, agency, etc.) 4. pets and valued objects Socio-cultural Subsystems 1. spiritual values 2. ethnic or cultural background 3. economic status 4. value system 5. occupational status and history 6. institutional relationships 7. social network (cultural) 23