COLLEGE OF NURSING. Bachelor of Science in Nursing STUDENT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 COLLEGE OF NURSING Bachelor of Science in Nursing STUDENT HANDBOOK Fall 2012

2 Version 1.0

3 BSN STUDENT HANDBOOK The purpose of this handbook is to supplement other publications of Grand Canyon University (e.g. Academic Catalog, University Policy Handbook, Classroom Policies, and Program of Study) and to assist students in becoming acquainted with the policies and procedures of the College of Nursing. It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the content of this handbook and to follow the policies as written here and in the other GCU documents listed above. Complete the information below and submit the bottom of this page to your nursing faculty immediately upon receiving this handbook. Faculty to submit to CON Program Manager, to be placed in student file. Acknowledgement of receipt of BSN Student Handbook: I understand that I am responsible for the content and the policies as written here and in the other GCU documents listed above. Years listed on front cover: Signature: Date: Printed name: Version 1.0

4 Version 1.0

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Message from Dean of Nursing...1 II. Accreditation a. Grand Canyon University...2 b. College of Nursing...2 III. About the College of Nursing a. Description...3 b. Mission...3 c. Features...3 d. Philosophy...4 IV. BSN Pre-licensure Program a. 5 x 5 Program Model...6 b. Baccalaureate Conceptual Model...8 c. Essential Functions for BSN Nursing Students...9 d. Admission Requirements...10 e. Health and Immunization Requirements for Pre-licensure BSN...11 f. Policy for Student Drug, Nicotine, & Alcohol Screening...14 V. Academics a. Retention & Progression...17 b. Mandatory Advisement...17 c. Academic Probation...17 d. Academic Compliance...17 e. Program Withdrawal...18 f. Administrative Withdrawal...18 g. Course Completion...18 h. Total Testing exams...19 i. Math Requirements...20 j. No Rounding Policy...20 k. CON Grading Scale...20 l. Testing Policy...20 m. Professional Appearance for Formal Presentations...21 n. Originality Check Requirements Turnitin.com...22 VI. Classroom and Clinical Attendance and Participation...23 VII. Clinical Guidelines a. Clinical Probation...24 b. HIPAA Guidelines...24 c. Safety Guidelines for Pre-Licensure BSN Program...25 d. Student Uniform Attire...28 e. Medication Administration Policy...29 VIII. Re-Entry to Nursing Major Courses...30 IX. Completing the BSN pre-licensure program a. Licensure Examination b. Graduation Requirements for the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree...33 c. Professional Nurse Qualifications...33 X. College & Professional Nursing organizations a. Student Nurses Association...34 b. Nurses Christian Fellowship...34 Version 1.0

6 XI. c. Student Advisory Board...34 d. Sigma Theta Tau...34 Miscellaneous Nursing Costs and Fees a. Textbooks...36 b. Fees applied to nursing courses (lab, testing, etc.)...37 c. Student Uniform, Equipment...37 d. Drug screen Addendum New Mexico Campus Version 1.0

7 Message from the Dean of Nursing Dear Nursing Students, Welcome to Grand Canyon University! The College of Nursing has served Arizona since 1982 and over the past few years has expanded many of its programs into the online format. GCU offers the pre-licensure nursing program on its main campus in Phoenix, and at four additional sites in Arizona: St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Scottsdale Health Care in Scottsdale, A.T. Still University in Mesa, and on the campus of Tucson Medical Center (TMC) in Tucson. We also offer the program in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our pre-licensure students continue to excel on the national licensing exams and consistently score at or above the state and national level. Another popular program is designed to help nurses with their Associate degree or Diploma in Nursing to obtain a BSN. For students with an AAS or ADN, GCU will accept up to 84 transfer credits. RNs with a Diploma degree are awarded 60 credits that are applied toward their BSN. The BSN program of study is 36 credits and can be finished in four semesters. This program is offered fully online and also in cohorts offered at hospitals in selected communities. For RNs who have a baccalaureate degree in another field than nursing, we offer a bridge course to get the BSN and then move quickly into the Masters programs. Finally, GCU offers a Master of Science in Nursing program in different tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP), Nursing Leadership in the Health Care System, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Education, Health Care Informatics, Public Health, and Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Leadership. Our goal at GCU is to provide you with a solid nursing education offered within the tenants of our Christian heritage. We focus on the body-mind-spirit in health and healing. Students are challenged to integrate spiritual principles into practice when caring for patients, families, and communities. This emphasis is what we believe sets us apart from other schools. Our graduates often share how they have made a difference in a person s life because they tapped into their spiritual needs. Again, I welcome you to GCU and to the College of Nursing. I know your journey will be educationally challenging and professionally rewarding! Anne M. McNamara Ph.D., R.N. Dean and Professor of Nursing College of Nursing Version 1.0 1

8 Accreditation Grand Canyon University Accreditation Grand Canyon University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (member of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools). For further information on accreditation, contact: The Higher Learning Commission North Central Association of Colleges and Schools 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, Illinois (312) (800) College of Nursing Accreditation and Approval The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) accredits the University for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and Master of Science in Nursing degree. The Arizona State Board of Nursing approves the University for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and Master of Science in Nursing degree. The New Mexico State Board of Nursing approves the University for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Version 1.0 2

9 About the College of Nursing College of Nursing Description A quarter of a century after the College of Nursing was founded; the college continues to educate nurses through rigorous academic and clinical preparation in a tradition of valuesbased Christian education. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is offered through three programs: pre-licensure (traditional and fast track) and degree completion for already licensed and registered nurses. The pre-licensure curriculum is designed to help students assess the individual, the family and communities; utilize functional health patterns within a variety of clinical settings; formulate nursing diagnoses; plan and evaluate nursing interventions; and function as professionals within the health care team. The fast-track BSN program allows students who have fulfilled all prerequisites and co-requisites to complete a degree in approximately 20 months. Building on the baccalaureate degree, the College offers a bridge degree for already licensed and registered nurses (RN-MSN) as well as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) featuring concentrations and dual major: Family Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Leadership in the Health Care System, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Education, Health Care Informatics, Public Health, and Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Leadership. College of Nursing Mission The mission of the College of Nursing is to provide an academically challenging professional nursing education based on a liberal arts foundation to students from diverse backgrounds within an environment of Christian values and with a commitment to the enhancement of health and wellness in society. College of Nursing Features The College of Nursing (CON) offers both quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs that meet specific students career and academic needs. The College of Nursing faculty hold a master s or doctoral degree. Recognition of the spiritual needs of all persons is an integral part of caring for one s self and others. The spiritual dimension is integrated into each nursing course throughout the undergraduate and graduate curriculum. Pre-licensure students begin their supervised clinical experiences during the first semester of the nursing curriculum. Students spend up to 18 hours per week in an assigned clinical practice area learning to apply theory in direct patient care situations. Pre-licensure students complete a practicum in nursing as their last course in the curriculum. This course is designed to assist students in role transition and in gaining confidence in their practice. Graduates of the College of Nursing have a record of success on the National Council Licensure Examination RN. Development of a resume and interview skills are part of the senior studies. In today s rapidly changing health care environment, the student will value the opportunity to explore the trends in an individual capstone project. Version 1.0 3

10 College of Nursing Philosophy In concert with the mission of the University, the College of Nursing faculty affirms belief in educating nurses within a dedicated and supportive community of Christian values. The nursing programs prepare graduates to provide excellent, holistic care while encouraging a passion for achievement, a lifelong curiosity for knowledge, and pursuit of advanced professional degrees. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice guides the curriculum for the baccalaureate program. The AACN The Essentials of Master s Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Nursing Practice: Curriculum Guidelines and Program Standards for Nurse Practitioner Education, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and AACN Nursing Practitioner Primary Care Competencies in Specialty Areas, NONPF Domains and Competencies of Nurse Practitioner Practice, NACNS Statement on Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice and Education, and the National League for Nursing Competencies for Nurse Educators provide structure for the curriculum content of the graduate-level programs. The College of Nursing curriculum is designed to facilitate the students abilities to creatively respond to continuously changing health care systems throughout the world. Educational experiences are planned to meet the needs of and to empower both students and clients. Professionalism, ethical decision making, accountability, critical thinking, and effective communication are emphasized. This is achieved through the application of liberal arts constructs, science, health and nursing theories, and the values of the Christian faith within the scope of nursing knowledge and evidence-based practice. Nursing practice promotes human dignity through compassionate caring for all human beings, without consideration of their gender, age, color, creed, lifestyle, cultural background, and other visible or invisible boundaries between students, faculty, and clients. The faculty of the College of Nursing is accountable for the quality of the educational programs and for the promotion of safe and effective nursing through teaching, service, and collaboration with other professionals and consumers of care. The following statements reflect the philosophical beliefs of the faculty in relation to the concepts of health, environment, person, and nursing. HEALTH - Health is the central focus of nursing. Health is a dynamic aspect of being which incorporates physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and social dimensions. ENVIRONMENT - All humans interact with the physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and social environments in which they work, play, and live. The nursing role is to help provide healthy and safe environments so that persons may live in optimal health. PERSON - We believe that all people are accepted and loved unconditionally, as children of God. Clients are considered to be individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations. Human diversity is cherished. Spirituality is conceived as vertical and horizontal relationships with God and with humanity. These relationships give hope and meaning in life now and in the future. Version 1.0 4

11 NURSING - Baccalaureate nursing practice incorporates the roles of assessing, critical thinking, communicating, providing care, teaching, and leading. The caring professional approach includes the values of autonomy, altruism, human dignity, integrity and social justice with unconditional regard for all people. Nursing practice includes health promotion, disease prevention, early detection of health deviations, prompt and adequate treatment of the human response to acute and chronic illness, and compassionate care for those experiencing death. Masters nursing practice expands upon baccalaureate nursing concepts to include primary care practice knowledge and advanced leadership with a focus on research and quality assurance, spirituality, diversity, critical thinking, caring, and learning. The advanced professional nursing role relies on best practices and evidence-based research with a focus on evaluation of health outcomes and process. NURSING EDUCATION is theory driven. Theories are derived from the humanities, sciences, and biblical concepts. Nursing knowledge, theory, research, and health promotion are influenced by spiritual perspectives, ethical, legal, political, historical, and social influences. The faculty values excellence in teaching with an individual focus on the learner. Teaching includes a variety of methods, learning modalities, and practice situations. Faculty provides opportunities for students to give comprehensive care to diverse client populations. LEARNING environment is created and arranged to meet individual learning outcomes that are consistent with CON program outcomes. CON supports life-long learning endeavors and fosters an appreciation of diversity among traditional and non-traditional learners. Students are educated to provide, direct and evaluate client-centered care while focusing on the person as an integrated whole. Version 1.0 5

12 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure Program 5 x 5 Program Model Program Description The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure degree prepares students to function as professionals within the health care team by providing holistic, safe, and quality care for individuals, families, and communities in diverse settings. The program includes an emphasis on spirituality, communication, health promotion, and disease prevention throughout the lifespan. Professional Role Graduates of Grand Canyon University s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure program will be able to incorporate professional values to advance the nursing profession through leadership skills, political involvement, and life-long learning. Exemplify professionalism in diverse health care settings. Manage patient care within the changing environment of the health care system. Exercise professional nursing leadership and management roles in the promotion of patient safety and quality care. Participate in health care policy development to influence nursing practice and health care. Advocate for autonomy and social justice for individuals and diverse populations. Theoretical Foundation Graduates of Grand Canyon University s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure program will have acquired a body of nursing knowledge built on a theoretical foundation of liberal arts, science, and nursing concepts that will guide professional practice. Incorporate liberal arts and science studies into nursing knowledge. Comprehend nursing concepts and health theories. Understand and value the processes of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and decision making. Nursing Practice Graduates of Grand Canyon University s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure program will be able to utilize the nursing process to provide safe quality care based on best nursing practices. Utilize the nursing process to provide safe and effective care for patients across the health-illness continuum: promoting, maintaining, and restoring health; preventing disease; and facilitating a peaceful death. Implement patient care decisions based on evidence-based practice. Provide individualized education to diverse patient populations in a variety of health care settings. Demonstrate professional standards of practice. Communication/Informatics Graduates of Grand Canyon University s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure program will be able to manage information and technology to provide safe quality care in a Version 1.0 6

13 variety of settings. In addition, graduates will be able to communicate therapeutically and professionally to produce positive working relationships with patients and health care team members. Utilize patient care technology and information management systems. Communicate therapeutically with patients. Professionally communicate and collaborate with the interdisciplinary health care teams to provide safe and effective care. Holistic Patient Care Graduates of Grand Canyon University s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure program will be able to provide holistic individualized care that is sensitive to cultural and spiritual aspects of the human experience. Understand the human experience across the health-illness continuum. Assess for the spiritual needs and provide appropriate interventions for individuals, families, and groups. Provide culturally sensitive care. Preserve the integrity and human dignity in the care of all patients. Version 1.0 7

14 Version 1.0 8

15 Essential Functions for Nursing Students CATEGORIES Motor/physical strength Perceptual/sensory Math Behavioral/Interpersonal (relationships)/emotional stability ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS A nursing student must be able to: Possess the physical strength and mobility to safely carry out nursing procedures and provide routine and emergency care and treatment to patients of all ages in all assigned health care settings. Use their senses to make accurate clinical assessments and judgments. Accurately calculate medication/solution dosages and any needed information specific to patient care. Develop mature, sensitive and effective therapeutic relationships with individuals, families and groups of various social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds Adhere to GCU policies, procedures and requirements as described in the college catalog, student handbook, and course syllabi. Communication Problem solving/critical thinking Punctuality/work habits General Health Demonstrate ethical behavior, including adherence to professional nursing and student university honor codes. Communicate effectively and accurately in English using speech, reading, writing, language skills, and computer literacy. Use of appropriate nonverbal communication is also essential. Collect, analyze, prioritize, integrate, and generalize information and knowledge to make sound clinical judgments and decisions to promote positive patient outcomes. Adhere to classroom and clinical schedules. Complete classroom and clinical assignments and submit assignments in a timely manner. Work in an environment that puts one at risk for infection. Meet all health and safety requirements to perform patient care in assigned clinical facilities. Approved September 29, 2011 Version 1.0 9

16 Requirements for Admission (Pre-licensure BSN) In addition to the general Undergraduate Admission Requirements listed in the Admission Policies and Application Procedures section, the following admission requirements must be met: 1. Applications for Fall admission are considered the previous Spring semester. Applications for Spring admission are reviewed during the previous Fall semester. Applications for Summer admission are reviewed during the previous Spring semester. 2. Freshman students, who declare their intent of nursing as a major, must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0, successfully complete all prerequisite course work in order to progress to the nursing courses, and submit a letter of intent for the nursing major. 3. Acceptance into the College is determined by the College of Nursing criteria and availability of clinical spaces. 4. Transfer students may apply to the College of Nursing during the semester in which all prerequisite course work will be completed (semester prior to nursing coursework). Students must maintain a cumulative prerequisite GPA of Fast-track students must have all pre-requisites and co-requisites completed prior to beginning the fast-track program. 6. A maximum of two different prerequisite courses may be repeated only once to earn a grade of C or above. 7. TEAS Test: Minimum score 70 (math and reading). Students can take the TEAS test up to four times. (Initial test, then repeat three times.) 8. Background check (no felonies, misdemeanors will be subject to review by the college). 9. Application for a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card for the state in which student will be attending must be in progress or completed. 10. Students who are accepted and begin the program will be required to take a Drug, Nicotine & Alcohol Screening (scheduled by the CON). Certain clinical facilities include nicotine as part of their screening and will not allow students to rotate at their facility who test positive from nicotine or its byproduct, cotonine. Version

17 Health and Immunization Requirements for Pre-Licensure BSN Students Nursing students are expected to take measures to maintain their personal health so as not to jeopardize themselves or any patient with which they come in contact. Therefore, students who are accepted into the nursing program must show evidence of the College of Nursing required immunizations and diagnostic procedures as required by the clinical agencies utilized. At anytime, a student may be required to receive a medical examination if deemed necessary by the faculty for the wellbeing of the student and/or the patients/clients. Students are responsible for updating CPR, TB screening, and Tetanus booster when needed. As nursing students are in contact with clients in a variety of health situations, it is imperative that students maintain protection against communicable illnesses. In addition, students must meet agency health requirements to enter clinical course work. Students will not be allowed to participate in clinical experiences unless all agency requirements are current. Missing clinical may jeopardize a student being successful in the program. The information below indicate the specific health requirements for undergraduate admission and continuing enrollment. Guidelines are based on the Center for Disease Control guidelines, Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report. Tuberculosis (TB) For continued enrollment: Required annually. CPR card For continued enrollment: Re-certification required prior to expiration date. Initially, two-step testing will be required for all incoming students. Two-step testing is useful for the initial skin testing of adults who are going to be retested periodically, such as health care workers or nursing home residents. This two-step approach can reduce the likelihood that a boosted reaction to a subsequent TST will be misinterpreted as a recent infection. Two-step testing is a strategy used in TB screening programs to distinguish a boosted reaction (caused by TB infection that occurred many years before the skin test) from a reaction caused by recent infection. If a person has a negative reaction to an initial skin test, a second test is given 1 to 3 weeks later; a positive reaction to the second test probably represents a boosted reaction, not recent infection. An exemption from two-step testing may be granted by the CON if the student submits documentation showing a history of annual TB testing For positive skin tests, a health department clearance is required. (Contact health department.) Recent (within past 2 years) clear chest X-ray, along with a completed TB screening form from within the past year. Evaluation will be made on an individual basis. CPR certification for the Professional Rescuer or Healthcare Provider is required. Information as to the availability of courses may be obtained by calling either the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, or checking online. (Classes are sometimes called BLS/AED for Professional Rescuer or BLS/AED for Healthcare Provider or Healthcare Pro ) Other CPR courses will NOT fulfill this requirement. Online-only courses are not acceptable. Version

18 Tetanus- Diphtheria (TD) For continued enrollment: Required 10 years from date of last vaccine. Influenza (Flu) For continued enrollment: Required annually. DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card For continued enrollment: Unexpired card required. Documentation of Tetanus or Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccination administered within the past 10 years. (Tdap vaccines are accepted.) Influenza vaccine is strongly recommended annually. A waiver form is required if vaccine not received in the past year or if declined. (Form enclosed - Waiver required once, or updated vaccine status is required annually.) Arizona: The FP Clearance card must be submitted prior to beginning the program for all new students. This is not a copy of your actual fingerprints. See the Department of Public Safety for forms &/or questions: When requesting a fingerprint clearance card, please ask for a "Healthcare Student" card (which encompasses criminal and sex offender checks performed at the federal and state levels). In other words, per the Fingerprint Clearance Card application, students are to indicate that they are Health Sciences Students and Clinical Assistants (ARS ). When completing the Fingerprint Clearance Card application, please list Grand Canyon University (and its address) as the sponsoring agency. Health care Provider s Report & Physical Exam Hepatitis B MMR: Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella Varicella (Chicken Pox) A physician or other health care provider completes this form following a physical exam of the student. If the physical performed within the last six months, the form may be completed based off that exam. (Form enclosed.) Hepatitis B vaccine (3 doses) is strongly recommended. A waiver is required if vaccine not administered. (Form enclosed.) Students must show Proof of immunity (Lab evidence indicating positive MMR titers) Because of recent changes in policies, documentation of two or more MMR vaccines is not sufficient. If not immune (negative titer results), then student must be vaccinated and be re-tested at least 30 days after receiving the vaccination. If, after the second blood test, the student is still showing negative or non-reactive for immunity, no further vaccines/titer requests will be required. Students must show Proof of immunity (Lab evidence indicating positive varicella titers) Because of recent changes in policies, documentation of history of chicken pox or varicella vaccinations are not sufficient. If not immune (negative titer results), then student must be vaccinated and be re-tested at least 30 days after receiving the vaccination. If, after the second blood test, the student is still showing negative or non-reactive for immunity, no further vaccines/titer requests will be required. Version

19 Health History form Health Insurance Background check Drug Screen HIPPA form Student completes this form. Verification of the student s current health insurance coverage. (e.g., Copy of insurance card.) This information will be required at the start of each semester you are enrolled. Please note that this is only for your nursing file, and is NOT shared with other departments. Contact your Enrollment and/or Finance Counselor (FC) to learn about GCU insurance policies and costs, if you already have alternate health insurance coverage or if you are enrolling in GCU s student coverage. Failure to opt out of the GCU student insurance may result in automatic enrollment in GCU s student insurance coverage and charges to your account. Must be completed prior to acceptance to the program. No felonies, misdemeanors will be subject to review by the college. A negative drug screen is required prior to beginning first clinical experience. This will be scheduled by the College of Nursing during the first eight weeks of the semester. The student pays the cost of the drug screen (approximately $50). Refer to the detailed drug screen policy below. This will be distributed by Level I nursing instructor, to be completed prior to beginning clinical experience. Version

20 Policy for Student Drug, Nicotine & Alcohol Screening The practice of professional nursing demands that the clinician be free from the influence of any substance that would impair judgment and thinking ability. As a result, health care agencies are requiring new employees to undergo drug screening. Nursing students must also be free from impairing substances. Health care agencies and CON require drug screening of nursing students prior to their first clinical experience. In addition, CON students are subject to screening if either the faculty or preceptor suspects that the student is impaired at any time on campus, or during any health care experience or any other university or work related activity. Any student whose test is deemed positive may not be able to enroll or continue in a nursing course for a minimum period of one year. This policy is designed to identify the procedures to be followed for both types of testing as well as to outline the appeal and readmission to the program. Initial Random Drug Screening 1. First level and new transfer students will be randomly given a drug screen authorization form and a 24 hour time frame to complete a urine drug screen at one of the selected laboratory location options provided. Students may also be asked to submit to an immediate oral drug and alcohol screening test conducted by a College of Nursing faculty member. 2. Students will be required to show picture identification upon arrival. A driver s license or passport are acceptable forms of identification. 3. The cost for all screening and medical review (if deemed necessary) is the students responsibility. 4. A screen with questionable results will be sent by the lab for a medical review. Costs for review and retest will be the responsibility of the student. 5. A negative report is necessary to continue in the program of study in the College of Nursing. 6. This screen need not be repeated as long as the student maintains continuous enrollment. Continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in nursing classes during all consecutive semesters until graduation. 7. Students may be re-tested for cause or reasonable suspicion. For Cause or Reasonable Suspicion Drug, Nicotine & Alcohol Screening The College of Nursing may ask a student to submit to a drug and alcohol screening at any time faculty members feel that the student may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This includes but is not limited to the following circumstances: evidence of drugs or alcohol on or about the student s person or in the student s possession, unusual conduct on the student s part that suggests possible use or influence of drugs or alcohol, negative performance patterns, or excessive and unexplained absenteeism or tardiness. 1. Students will be asked to submit to an immediate oral drug and alcohol screening test conducted by a College of Nursing faculty member. 2. Students may also be given a drug screen authorization form and asked to immediately complete a urine drug screen at one the selected laboratory location options provided. 3. Students will be required to show picture identification upon arrival. A driver s license or passport are acceptable forms of identification. 4. The costs for all screening and medical review (if deemed necessary) are the students responsibility. Version

21 5. A screen with questionable results will be sent by the lab for a medical review. Costs for review and retest will be the responsibility of the student. 6. A negative report is necessary to continue in the program of study in the College of Nursing. 7. Students who are being screened for cause will be transported to the screening facility by a GCU established company. Faculty should contact the GCU Travel Department at Follow-up Action: Positive Screen (For Cause or Initial Drug Screen) 1. Positive drug screens (including medical review) may result in withdrawal from the nursing program for a minimum of 12 months. After this 12-month period, the student may apply for re-admission under general guidelines stated in the Academic Policy Handbook, provided there is submission of evidence of satisfactory participation in a rehabilitation program for alcohol/substance abuse. 2. Sources of evidence include: a. Documentation of completed program of rehabilitation b. Acknowledgement of continuance in a twelve step or after-care program. c. Letter from therapist or program director stating the student is deemed able to function safely in a clinical facility. The student must have a negative screen prior to being readmitted to the nursing program. The screen will be done at the direction of CON and may be periodic while the student is in a CON program. The student is responsible for all costs of screening. 3. The decision to readmit will be made by the CON faculty after review of submitted materials. As with other applications for readmission, space availability may be a determining factor for that particular semester. 4. A report will be filed with the Arizona and/or New MexicoState Board of Nursing upon withdrawal from the program consistent with the rules and regulations of the State Board of Nursing. 5. Any student who screens positive after one readmission may be permanently dismissed from the nursing program. Follow-up Action:-Cause Negative Screen 1. Students whose drug screens are negative will meet with the Associate Dean or Site Director to discuss the perceptions of impaired behavior and the implications and steps to avoid similar situations in the future. 2. A medical referral for documentation of any medical condition or treatment may be requested. 3. Students will not be counted as absent from clinical during this evaluation process. However, students will be expected to meet the clinical objectives. 4. A reasonable suspicion/cause drug screen that is positive; however, is deemed negative by a medical review officer will follow these guidelines: a. The student will meet with the Associate Dean or Site Director. b. The student may be required to undergo, at the student s expense, an evaluation for drug use/prescription drug use/impairment by a neuropsychiatrist recommended by the State Board of Nursing. c. The student will follow other recommendations deemed necessary by the Associate Dean or Site Director. d. The student will be required to provide a negative drug screen prior to returning to clinical and be subject to periodic drug screens at the student s expense. e. More than one incident of a reasonable suspicion/cause drug screen that is positive; however, deemed negative by a medical review officer may result in withdrawal from Version

22 the nursing program for a minimum of 12 months. In this case the student will follow the positive drug screening guidelines. Students who Refuse Drug Screening Students who refuse to participate in screening will be required to leave the clinical area and make an appointment with the Dean of Nursing or his/her designee. Faculty will arrange transportation home for the student by contacting the Travel Department at The student will be transported home and remain out of the clinical area until an investigation has been done and a recommendation has been made by the Dean, Associate Dean, or designee. Students who refuse screening may be subject to dismissal from the College of Nursing. The student who refuses to participate in the aforementioned rehabilitation program will not be allowed into clinical courses; therefore he/she cannot complete the nursing program. Substances Included in Screen: Amphetamines,Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cannabinoids, Cocaine metabolite, Cotonine (tobacco/nicotine), Fentanyl, Meperidine, Methadone, Opiates, Oxycodone, Phencyclidine, Propoxyphene *Please note certain clinical facilities include nicotine as part of their screening and will not allow students to rotate at their facility who test positive from nicotine or its byproduct, cotonine. Version

23 Academics Retention and Progression Students who have been accepted into the nursing program may remain as nursing students if they adhere to the following criteria: 1. Maintain continuous registration for nursing courses in the major. Traditional students: continuous registration is from Fall/Spring only, while fast-track BSN students must also maintain registration in the summer. 2. Meet the standards of Grand Canyon University as outlined in the Grand Canyon University Academic Policy Handbook. 3. Pass all portions (test, theory, and clinical) of each nursing course with a 76% or greater average. Theory grade includes the average of exams and all non-clinical assignments. Students must attain 76% or greater overall to complete the course successfully. 4. Maintain a 2.7 cumulative GPA on 4.0 scale in all nursing major courses. GPA will be calculated after the completion of each semester. 5. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to graduate. Mandatory Advisement Faculty members may request mandatory advisement sessions when students are in clinical or academic jeopardy, and/or when student behavior appears below professional standards. Satisfactory academics and/or behavioral changes must be accomplished by the end of the course in order to progress in the nursing program. It is important to maintain continuous progress and a sound knowledge base to be successful throughout the program. Academic Probation 1. A student is placed on academic probation if the student falls below the cumulative GPA of 2.7 in nursing major courses. 2. The student may be denied continued registration in the nursing program if unable to raise nursing major cumulative GPA 2.7 during the subsequent semester. 3. The student is removed from academic probation when the GPA is 2.7 or above is achieved in nursing major courses. Academic Compliance Students are responsible for understanding and following all applicable University policies and procedures. However, in some cases, a student may appeal an academically related University policy or decision, including tuition, fees or end of course grades. The appeal process is designed to offer the student the opportunity to be heard. Appeals are reviewed in the order in which they are received. All aspects of a student s situation are researched and all documentation provided is taken into consideration. After all relevant data is gathered, the appeals are routed to the appropriate determining body for decision. All requests for additional documentation will be sent to the students GCU account, as well as other addresses on file with the university. Please note if a student is asked to provide documentation, the appeal is closed until that documentation is received. Students are notified of the appeal Version

24 outcome by official letter from the University, and phone call contact. The letters are sent to the address on file with the University. If you have been academically suspended from the University please complete the Request for Reinstatement form. If you are filing an academic appeal for reasons other than reinstatement, please complete the Academic Appeals Form. Program Withdrawal Students electing to withdraw from the nursing program should discuss the situation with their academic counselor. Course instructors should not advise students on whether or not to withdraw from a course. To withdraw officially from all courses, a student must secure a Complete Withdrawal form from the Office of Academic Records, obtain all signatures indicated on the form, and participate in an exit interview. A student who officially withdraws from all courses prior to the last day to drop a course, as per the University calendar, receives a grade of W. An unofficial withdrawal results automatically in a grade of F. The University does not automatically withdraw students for non-attendance. A student withdrawing from some, but not all courses, must do so before the date specified in the Academic Calendar. Administrative Withdrawal The University reserves the right to administratively withdraw a student for the following reasons: Students who do not attend any of their registered classes within the first week of the semester may be administratively withdrawn from all classes, in both the current and subsequent semesters. Students who are brought up with Code of Conduct issues or per College-specific policy. Students who have not returned to the University in 24 months and have not provided any notification of their absence. University professors are to provide students with a written attendance policy. If a student fails to comply with a stated attendance policy, the professor may administratively withdraw the student from the course. Students are responsible for all tuition and fees. Course Completion Successful completion of nursing courses means that students must: Achieve a minimum of 76% average for the theory portion of the course. Theory grade includes the average of exams and all non-clinical assignments. Achieve a minimum of 76% average for the graded clinical portion of the course with satisfactory clinical performance. Achieve a minimum of 76% average for the exam portion of the theory grade. All assignments, including pass/fail assignments, must be completed and submitted to earn course credit. o Late assignments will be deducted 10% per day with a maximum of 3 days. o No points will be awarded for any assignment submitted three (3) days passed the due date, but submission is still required. All asterisked skills (found within the Psychomotor Skills Checklist) must be completed and signed off by a clinical faculty before the end of the course. Version

25 Failure to achieve any of these criteria will result in failure of the course. Failure to pass ALL of the benchmark assignments as designated in the individual course will result in failure of the course. Total Testing Exams Students are required to complete a minimum of one total testing exam in each of the five levels of nursing courses. On the first attempt, two (2) points are awarded for students who achieve a score at or above the Level 2 proficiency, or as otherwise assigned by the College of Nursing Faculty. If the assigned benchmark is not met during the first attempt, recommended remediation based on areas of weakness is required. Following remediation, a second attempt to meet the assigned benchmark is required. If this proficiency is met, 1 point is earned. If the benchmark is not met on the second attempt, remediation is required and no points are awarded. Failure to complete the assigned total testing exams and remediation as needed will result in a grade of incomplete for the course assigned until materials are completed (following the Incomplete policy at GCU). Incomplete grades may prevent students from progressing to the next course if that course is a prerequisite course. The following information is specific to the course/level: NUR 206B: For this course, the total testing exam of Fundamentals is assigned. This exam has a benchmark of a proficiency level 2. Remediation is as identified by the test analysis report. NUR 312: For this course, the total testing exam of Adult Medical-Surgical is assigned. This exam has a benchmark of 58%. Remediation is as identified by the test analysis report. NUR 498B: For this level the RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam is assigned. Students are required to complete the assigned Predictor Exam in the last semester of the program. No proficiency levels are used for this exam, instead, the student is required to meet a 90% probability of passing the NCLEX. If this proficiency is not met, ATIrecommended remediation based on areas of weakness will need to be completed. Attendance at the mandatory live review course is considered remediation for the first attempt. The second attempt for the Predictor Exam is scheduled after the review course is completed. If the student does not meet the probability benchmark on the second attempt, the student is required to meet with either the course instructor, Associate Dean, or other designated individual to develop and complete a remediation plan. Failure to meet with the Associate Dean or site Director and complete the assigned ATI exam and remediation as needed will result in a grade of incomplete for the course until materials are completed (following the Incomplete Policy at GCU). Incomplete grades may prevent students from graduating. The Certificate of Completion will be sent to the State Board of Nursing when the remediation is completed. Version

26 Math Requirement A medication math exam, given at the beginning of the semester for levels 2, 3, 4, and 5, and as assigned after new math content must be passed with a score of 100% prior to administering medications in the clinical setting. A retake exam is administered outside of class time for those individuals who fail the exam Remediation is required prior to any retakes. Faculty members will conduct the remediation once contacted by the student. Every attempt by faculty and student will be made to complete this competency and achieve 100% on this exam within the first three weeks of the semester. Failure to achieve 100% on the third attempt will result in course failure. For the Level 1 Medication Math Competency Exam, all Med-Math Requirements apply except: The medication math exam will be administered during Level 1 after the Level 1 medication math content has been taught. Failure to achieve 100% on the third attempt will result in failure in the course and student will not progress to the Level 1 clinical course. No Rounding Policy The GCU College of Nursing has adopted a No Rounding policy for all courses within the program. This policy states that all grades will be entered to the hundredth at their face value and not rounded (i.e., a final grade of will be entered on Web Advisor as B and not a B+). Grading Scale for CON The following grading scale will apply to all graded work as well as the student s final grade in the course. Letter Grade Point Scale Letter Grade Point Scale A C A C B D B F <72 B Testing Policy Test Time Students are allowed 1.3 min per question and 3 min per short answer question on exams. Honor Code All students will sign the following Honor Code Statement each time they take a test, either electronically or by paper and pencil. On my honor, as a Grand Canyon University Student, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work. Version

27 The Testing Environment Examinations will be administered in an environment that is conducive to success and minimizes the opportunity for academic dishonesty. 1) Students may only have a pencil and piece of blank scratch paper issued by the proctor at their desk or computer. 2) Everything brought into the room (backpacks, purses, phones, PDAs, hats, snacks, water, etc.) must be placed at the front of the room at the student s own risk. 3) All phones must be turned to silent. 4) Students may only use calculators and paper provided by GCU. 5) Faculty will actively monitor all students during examinations. 6) Students will be issued a piece of colored cardstock to use as a cover sheet while taking paper exams. 7) Talking is not allowed during the exam. 8) Each student s eyes must be on their own exam at all times. 9) Once the exam has begun students cannot approach faculty to ask questions or seek clarification about the exam. 10) Students cannot leave the room and return once the exam has begun. 11) Students may only access the test site on the computer while taking an electronic exam. Students may not minimize the site, exit the site, or use chat during the exam. 12) After completing the examination, students will leave the classroom and not return until instructed to by faculty once all students have finished the exam. 13) Students are encouraged to be present and well prepared to take all examinations. Consequences for being absent may include being given a different version of the exam. Only students with excused absences will be given the opportunity to take a make-up exam. Students must notify the instructor no less than 30 minutes prior to the start of the exam for the absence to be considered excused. Students may make up no more than one exam per course. 14) Students who are observed violating the above criteria will be asked to leave the exam, given no credit for the exam, and reported to the University Code of Conduct Committee. Professional Attire for Formal Presentations Business casual is acceptable which can be interpreted as: Women: slacks (dress pants), skirts (mid-calf to about two inches above the knee), blouses, shells, cardigans, blazers or dresses. Men: dress pants, button down shirts, polo shirts (short sleeved shirts with a collar), blazers. Do not wear: Denim material Anything that is see-through, short, tight, or shows too much skin. Flip-flops or tennis shoes. Version