LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM

Transcription

1 LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM Student Advisement E-Guidebook

2 CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM Statement of Nondiscrimination LaGuardia Community College/CUNY is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative Action Institution. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age sex, sexual orientation, transgender, marital status, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or citizenship, military or veteran status, or status as victim of domestic violence in its student admission, employment, access to programs, and administration of educational policies. No part of this pamphlet may be copied or used without written permission from the Practical Nursing Program Director and LaGuardia Community College. Revised June 2014

3 LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT Description LaGuardia Community College of the CUNY is named for Fiorello H. LaGuardia, New York City s New Deal mayor, who inspired a city of immigrants. Located at a transit hub that links Queens, the city s most ethnically diverse borough, with the world center of finance, commerce and the arts, the college provides access to higher education and serves New Yorkers of all backgrounds, ages and means. Mission LaGuardia Community College s mission is to educate and graduate one of the most diverse student populations in the country to become critical thinkers and socially responsible citizens who help to shape a rapidly evolving society. These are the foundational elements that sustain our commitment: Our Students Our students are the energizing force behind the college. They seek knowledge, skills, and credentials to transform their own lives as well as impact their families and communities. Their dedication to the journey of lifelong learning and the richness they bring to the classroom and campus life are what define LaGuardia. Our alumni take an active role in the college community by sharing their stories and resources with current students and developing lasting relationships with the college. Our Faculty & Staff Our faculty and staff are passionate professionals constantly reflecting upon their training, experience, practice, and goals to create challenging and engaging learning environments. They cherish their connections with students and enjoy learning with them and from them. Our faculty and staff are engaged in scholarly and artistic activities which evidence their intellectual excitement and rigor, their commitment to disciplinary knowledge and discovery, and their deep respect for all the communities of our city. Our Programs We offer a broad range of rigorous academic programs that promote inquiry, openness, and a willingness to take on challenges. Areas include urban studies, liberal arts, business, the sciences, health, technology, developmental education, college and transfer preparation, experiential education, continuing education classes, workforce training and Honors programs. Our leadership in technology-based learning has achieved national and international recognition. Our Community We cultivate partnerships with businesses, civic and community groups, government, and public schools to enhance the economic, cultural, and educational development of Queens and New York City and State. We aspire to set an example as advocates of sustainable practices that contribute to a healthy urban environment.

4 ADVISEMENT & CAREER INFO Academic Advisement at LaGuardia Advising at LaGuardia is a team effort designed to support you in your major from orientation through graduation. Your advisement team, made up of faculty and professional advisors, will guide you at every step during your college career. They are ready to help you: Explore your major Select introductory and advanced courses Connect you with campus support services Prepare an educational and career plan Preparing for Advisement Each semester you will take part in advising in several different ways. There will be times when you meet with an advisor individually or in a group with other students in your major. To make the most of your advising appointment prepare in advance; take the following steps. 1. Log into your Student Advisement Degree Audit (access through the CUNY Portal, and look it over. a. Review the courses you have completed and how they fit into your curriculum. b. Make a list of the courses you are ready to take in the upcoming semester. 2. Review your unofficial transcript on CUNYFirst ( -If your GPA is 3.0 or higher you re doing very well. You can ask your advisor about taking an Honor s class (GPA of 3.2 needed), joining LaGuardia s Honor Society; applying for scholarships to help fund your studies at LaGuardia and upon transfer to a senior college. -If your GPA is 2.9 or lower discuss ways to improve your grades with your advisor. 3. Fewer than 30 credits? Discuss your career plan with your advisor. If you re not sure what career you want to pursue you can start your ecareer Plan at and complete Tabs 3 and 4 before seeing your advisor. You can also attend a career planning group. 4. More than 30 credits? Discuss your transfer plans with an advisor. You can also visit Transfer Services in B-215.

5 5. Preparing for graduation? If you have 45 credits ask your advisor for a graduation check to be sure you are on track for graduation. 6. Are you concerned about financing your education? You can talk to staff in the Single Stop in C-107. If you are looking for employment you can go to Career Planning and Employment Services. 7. What else is on your mind? Make a list of questions you want to ask your advisor. You advisor may refer you to other resources on campus, so ask anything you d like! LaGuardia s ecareer Plan offers you two great tools to help you find you way. You can build your own personalized career path through the ecareer Plan. At ecareer Central you will find valuable websites and guidance on three important questions. 1. What career is right for me? 2. How do I prepare for my career? 3. How do I get a job? Click on Students who want to work with an advisor can come to room C-239W Transfer Advisement Support Transfer Services transfer@lagcc.cuny.edu (718) Room: B215 Deema Bayrakar (ACE/CUNYStart) dbayrakdar@lagcc.cuny.edu (718) Room: MB08 Advisement Support Carole Julien cjulien@lagcc.cuny.edu (718) Room: B100 Jill Janofsky jjanofsky@lagcc.cuny.edu (718) Room: B100 Jean Buckley-Lockhart jeanb@lagcc.cuny.edu (718) Room:B100 Only students enrolled in the college should contact advisement support staff. If you are not enrolled at LaGuardia Community College please contact Admission Office.

6 PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM DESCRIPTION A forty-eight (48) credit, certificate-bearing program has been organized to be rigorous, but supportive of the adult-learners from diverse cultural and literacy experiences. Beginning Fall 2009, the Practical Nursing Certificate Program will provide students with the opportunity to complete the courses of study in ten (10) months after completing the pre-clinical core educational courses. By February 2010 following the graduation of students who entered March 2009 into the original 12 month program, the 12 month Practical Nurse Certificate Program should be completely phased out by February 2010 when the class graduates. The new tenth month program will admit students only once per year each Fall I semester. The program goals of this credit-bearing Practical Nursing Program are to: Provide a course of study at the college level to qualify students who wish to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN); Provide the practical nursing program curriculum as an academic entry point on the nursing career ladder; Facilitate an articulation process that minimizes educational barriers between the Practical Nursing Program and Associate Degree in Nursing Programs as well as four-year nursing programs Support the mission of LaGuardia to enhance recruitment and retention of students by providing an opportunity for those students who are interested in nursing to move up the nursing career ladder. Enhance the applicant pool of the Associate Degree Nursing Program with wellprepared practical nursing graduates who are interested in continuing their education. The educational goals and career objectives for students completing the program are to: 1. Perform basic nursing skills utilizing the Nursing Process, operationalizing the skills and knowledge acquired in working with culturally and ethnically diverse clients. 2. Utilize critical thinking skills in formulating positive conclusions in the context of nursing practice. 3. Collaborate with other health care team members in the coordination and delivery of nursing care and services. 4. Conduct themselves in an appropriate manner as defined within the framework of the Nurse Practice Act. 5. Utilize effective communication skills in interviewing, observing, reporting and recording as they interact and develop therapeutic relationships with individuals, families and communities. 11

7 6. Provide supportive and restorative care, including case-finding, health teachings, health counseling and provision of supportive and restorative care under the supervision of a registered professional nurse, legally authorized physician, dentist or other licensed health care provider legally authorized. 7. Impart knowledge in areas of prevention of disease, maintenance of well-being and adaptation of illness. 8. Use technology in a competent, caring and safe manner in the delivery of nursing service. 9. Apply the principles of leadership in a variety of health care settings within the framework of the Nurse Practice Act. 10. Accept responsibility for own professional action and growth and facilitate the professional growth of others. End Goals Of The Practical Nursing Curriculum The curriculum prepares graduates to: 1. Perform basic nursing skills utilizing the Nursing Process. 2. Conduct themselves in an appropriate manner as defined within the framework of the Nurse Practice Act. 3. Utilize appropriate communication skills in interviewing, observing, reporting and recording. 4. Provide supportive and restorative care including case-finding, health teachings, and health counseling under the supervision of a registered professional nurse or legally authorized physician. 5. Impart knowledge in areas of prevention of disease, maintenance of well-being and adaptation of illness. 6. Apply the principles of leadership in a variety of health care settings within the framework of the Nurse Practice Act. 7. Accept responsibility for their own professional growth and facilitate the professional growth of others. 8. Utilize critical thinking skills in formulating positive conclusions as it relates to their nursing practice. 9. Successfully pass the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. 12

8 ADMISSION TO PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM Applicants to Practical Nursing Program must satisfy complete admission requirements as set by LaGuardia Community College. It is the applicant s duty to ensure that all documents are accurate. Students are admitted as Practical Nursing majors (pre-clinical phase) prior to actual application to the Practical Nursing Program (referred to as candidacy or intent to LPN; major code 431 / PRNRS-CERT). Admission and progression to the clinical phase of the Practical Nurse Program is based on rank order scoring system, once the TEAS V requirements are met. (See TEAS Test of Academic Skills V Exam) New Freshmen Applicants who have never attended college are admitted to the pre-clinical phase (PN major) provided they meet the college criteria pertaining to the admission of any new freshman applicant to LaGuardia, i.e.: possess a high school diploma or its equivalent GED (General Equivalency Diploma). Applicants who have earned a U.S. Armed Forces Institute diploma must submit proof of having earned a total score of 225 on the GED examination. Transfers from other Colleges (Advanced Standing) The practical nursing program will accepts applicants who have previously attended or graduated from another accredited college or university provided they meet the same basic requirements for new freshmen and as per the LaGuardia College requirement. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of Applicants may, upon submission of official college transcripts, receive transfer credit only for the following general education courses which are required in the Practical Nursing Program curriculum: ENG101 Composition I 3 credits MAT106 Mathematics of Medical Dosages 2 credits SSY101 General Psychology 3 credits SSY240 Developmental Psychology 3 credits SCB203 Human Biology I 4 credits SCB204 Human Biology II 4 credits **Credit for any above courses taken and passed elsewhere may be granted only if the courses are deemed comparable to those, which meet the certificate requirements of the Practical Nursing Program. The Admissions Office through the appropriate academic departments and in accordance with established college policies and procedures would determine transferable credits. 13

9 The Practical Nursing Program will follow the transfer policy of the College as it appears in the College catalog. Transfer credit for clinical phase nursing courses will not be awarded. Transfer From Other Majors Within LaGuardia (In-House Transfer) LaGuardia students enrolled in an academic program other than Practical Nursing may file for a change of major provided they have been a student at LaGuardia for at least one enhanced semester and have a minimum GPA of The candidate for a change of major must have taken 1 or more key courses and achieved a C average or better in each course and submit the following to the Practical Nursing Program Director: 1. Current copy of his/her LaGuardia transcript 2. Copy of college transcripts from schools other than LaGuardia and/or a printed copy of all grades for courses transferred to LaGuardia, if applicable 3. Completed Change of Major Form Progression Into the Clinical Phase In order to advance into nursing clinical coursework, (Application for candidacy in the PN or RN Programs), students must provide documentation in one of the following categories: 1. US Citizenship 2. Permanent residency 3. International student with F1 status 4. Granted asylum, Refuge Status, Temporary Protected Status, Withholding of Removal, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Deferred Action Status by the U.S. government. Please Note: the CUNY Citizenship and Immigration Project provide free counseling and assistance to all CUNY students who need help with their immigration status. For more information, visit: ( 14

10 TEAS OF ACADEMIC SKILLS V (ENTRANCE EXAM) The Practical Nursing Program at LaGuardia Community College have implemented a pre-nursing program admission entrance exam effective as of Spring 2013 Candidacy. This assessment exam will be required for all students who are considering entrance into the clinical phase of the Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate Program (431/PRNRS- CERT-LPN major). The pre-requisites for the major are required and will need to be completed prior to entering the program. These pre-requisites are outlined in the college catalog. This entrance exam is called the TEAS V (Test of Academic Skills V), and is administered online by Assessment Technologies Inc. (ATI). The exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions. The TEAS will take approximately 3.5 hours to complete and you will NOT be allowed to use a calculator. More information regarding the TEAS V and available practice resources can be found at The TEAS V will be offered in the Fall I and Spring I semesters. Students will be required to take the TEAS V and achieve the required score before they apply for candidacy. Students will be permitted 2 attempts at the TEAS to meet the required score. Students who do not meet the required score will need to re-schedule for the next semester. Students considering the Practical Nursing Certificate Program will be required to achieve the Basic level scores ( %). Students must register for the TEAS V exam online at The exam will take place at LaGuardia. Seats are limited and registration is done on first come first serve basis. The cost of the TEAS V is $50, which will be paid via credit/debit/pre-paid card, on-line prior to taking the exam. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Nursing Programs in the Health Sciences Department (room E-300). The dates for the Spring II 2014 sessions are: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 Wednesday, July 23, 2014 Tuesday, July 29, 2014 Wednesday, July 30, 2014 Tuesday, August 05, 2014 Wednesday, August 06, 2014 Tuesday, August 12, 2014 Wednesday, August 13, 5:30pm-9:30pm 15

11 APPLYING FOR LPN CANDIDACY LPN Candidacy occurs only ONCE an academic year. The Candidacy deadline for LPN is usually in March. Candidacy begins in the end of the Fall I semester (December). A student only has 2 attempts for Candidacy. THERE IS A DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR LPN CANDIDACY. IT IS THE STUDENT S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR FOR THIS DATE. THE STUDENT CAN ONLY REGISTER FOR CANDIDACY IN THE REGISTRAR S OFFICE IN PERSON. CHANGE OF MAJOR DOES NOT APPLY CANDIDACY. CANDIDACY (INTENT TO LPN) IS A SEPARATE PROCESS FROM CHANGE OF MAJOR. Please retain a copy of all documentations in a secure place in case of discrepancy. OVERVIEW Completion of the recommended courses includes a pre-clinical sequence, followed by two twelve-week and one six-week semesters. Clinical experience in area institutions will supplement classroom theory learning by providing nursing practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and community health care facilities. The curriculum is designed for individuals with a high school diploma or G.E.D who meet all other academic requirements of the College and the Practical Nursing Program. The curriculum moves from the simple to the complex, with each course providing foundation information necessary for successful progression to the next semester. For that reason, students must move through a prescribed curriculum and may not take courses out of sequence. Successful completion of all first semester courses is a prerequisite for enrollment in the second semester. Students will be dropped from the program for grades less than C in nursing and support courses. In addition to maintaining a grade of C in nursing and general education courses, a requirement for completion of the curriculum is satisfactory evaluation in each clinical area. Additionally, students must complete a final comprehensive nursing exam and earn a passing grade on a final dosage calculation examination that is given to confirm that exit criteria have been met for graduation and employment eligibility. 16

12 PROGRESSION INTO CLINICAL PHASE OF PN PROGRAM To be eligible for admission and progression into the clinical phase of the Practical Nursing Program, a student must meet the following requirements: 1. Satisfactory completion of all remediation courses per CUNY policy. 2. Must be registered as a pre-clinical Practical Nursing Major (major code: 431/PRNRS-CERT) and achieve the required Basic level ( %), score on the TEAS V exam before applying for LPN Candidacy. 3. Earned at least a 2.5 grade point average in each pre-clinical key courses listed below: ENG101 Composition I 3 credits SSY101 General Psychology 3 credits SCB203 Human Biology I 4 credits MAT106 Mathematics of Medical Dosages 2 credits SCB 204 Fundamentals of Human Biology II (PRE-CLINICAL COURSE) 4. Students must have successfully completed SCB204 before the start of the clinical phase of the Practical Nursing Program (May be registered for and complete the course in the 6 weeks prior to entry). 5. Obtained key Courses Cumulative GPA of The student has only 2 opportunities to apply for Candidacy. If a student drops a key course it is their responsibility to also drop (withdraw) from Candidacy. 7. Complete health screening as required by clinical affiliated agencies. 8. Attend a mandatory program orientation seminar upon acceptance into the clinical phase. While a GPA of 2.5 in the key courses is the minimum requirement for consideration, it does not guarantee progression into the clinical phase. Seats are competitive and they are determined by rank order scoring system. To maintain progression during the clinical phase of the program, a student must: 1. Complete each practical nursing course clinical and with a minimum grade of C. A minimum GPA of 2.5 must be maintained throughout the clinical phase. 2. Failure of either the theoretical, college lab or clinical practicum component of any course requires that the entire course be repeated. Permission to repeat a course in any of the first nursing semester sequence will be based on space availability. In all subsequent clinical nursing courses permission to repeat a course will be determined by the Program s Committee on Admission, Retention and Progression headed by the Program Director. 17

13 PATHWAYS The Pathways Common Core is the new general education requirement in all CUNY Colleges beginning in Fall The Common Core includes 30 credits of liberal arts courses for Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree programs. All 30 credits of the Common Core will satisfy the general education requirements at any college in CUNY. Students enrolled in an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program, will complete only a portion of the common core requirements as described above, according to the specific requirements of the program. To ensure you fully understand how the requirements of your degree program work with Pathways, please visit Student Advising Services in room B-102, or adviseme@lagcc.cuny.eduu or call (718) to schedule an appointment with an academic adviser. Learn more about Pathways on the CUNY Pathways website: Your Associates degree in Liberal Arts: Social Sciences and Humanities is made up of 60 credits, and you have a lot of flexibility in terms of what those courses are. This section outlines the guidelines for selecting your courses and lists the courses you can choose between. If you are a continuing student who did not opt in to Pathways, please refer to the appropriate catalog and speak to your advisor(s). 18

14 Your Liberal Arts degree is divided into two 30-credit sections: (1) The Common core, made up of the Required and Flexible cores (2) Program core Generally, you should fill your common core requirements first! COMMON CORE: 30 credits Required core: 12 credits This is made up of two English courses, one math class, and one science class. See page X for this list. Flexible Core: 18 credits Courses in this section are divided into five categories, and within those categories they are divided by discipline. You need one course from each of the five categories and one additional course from any of the categories. When selecting these courses, make sure that you have no more than two under the same discipline heading. The courses for these categories are listed on page X: PROGRAM CORE: 30 credits The program core is made up of 11 courses: 3 are required courses, and the remaining 8 are spread across departments to ensure you have a broad curriculum. See page X for these choices. If you are a full-time day student, you will take a four-course introductory cluster comprised of ENG101 (required core), ENG103 (program core), and two other (flexible core) classes. See page X for an introduction to learning communities. 19

15 TUTORING LaGuardia Community College offers many resources to meet your academic needs. Whether you are seeking academic help from a professor or fellow student, you have options to choose from: If you need help in a course, speak to your professor. Professors keep weekly office hours to answer student questions and can direct you to course specific tutoring services or study groups. Form a study group with classmates make new friends and get a new perspective on course material. Many academic departments have Tutoring Labs where you can receive oneon-one or group help. In addition, Information Technology Open Lab Hours are available for PC and MAC users. Writing: The Writing Center (B-200) will help you improve your writing for any class, except ESL and Reading department courses, which have their own tutoring labs. Writing Center tutors can help you get started on a research paper, teach you how to proofread, or help you correct a graded essay. No advance appointments are necessary. M-F, 9:15am-9pm. Math: The Mathematics Tutoring Center (Math Lab, MB-44) will help you with any level of math, including help with homework, courses, & projects. You can work alone or in small groups, asking tutors for assistance. M-Thr,9:15am-9:30pm. Science: The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program s (E342) Science Study Center provides free tutoring in Biological Chemistry and Chemistry. Program-%28CSTEP%29/ The Anatomy and Physiology Study Hall (E-312) is dedicated to helping Biology students achieve excellence by providing peer tutors, faculty members, anatomical models, videos and specimens, as well as offering old exams and practice bone exams.

16 Languages: The Modern Language Lab (B-206) provides lab sessions to reinforce classwork and language tutoring for day, evening, and weekend students. Students can see the MLL tutoring schedule and make an appointment for language tutoring at or in B206. Various: The Student Government Association (SGA) Study Hall (C-447) helps students with English, Accounting, Math, Reading and Science courses through one-on-one tutoring, group tutoring sessions and study skill workshops. M-Thr, 9am-7:45pm, F, 9-4:30pm Check the LAGCC website for more current updates and changes to the tutoring schedule: STUDENT SUCCESS SURVIVAL LIST Top5 recommendations! 1. Just ask Ask questions & get answers. 2. Study You should study a lot if you want to achieve your goals & do something really well. If you can obtain & maintain a great GPA, then you may be eligible for scholarships when you complete your degree. 3. Go to all of your classes & pay attention communicate with your professor & classmates to catch up on work, & avoid the domino effect of falling behind. 4. Speak with your professors & advisors In regards to your grades & academic standing before mid-semester exams & assignments! (PS, know your professors names). 5. Use Institutional resources LaGuardia has many, see page 12 developed by the LaGuardia ASAP team! [modified for this handbook]

17 KEY OFFICAL FORMS Dropping /Course Withdrawal There are two mechanisms for students to drop courses: Drop and Official Withdrawal. During the change of program period, students must log in to CUNYfirst to drop a course or courses. The course will not appear on the student s transcript. You may be responsible for part of the tuition cost, depending on how long you attended and were registered for class. If you need to withdraw from a course or the college after change of program (that is, your major), you must go to CUNYfirst, If you withdraw during the official withdrawal period, you will receive a W as a grade and will be responsible for all tuition charges. Instructions and student guides are available on: Change of Major Students who wish to change their plan/major must file the appropriate form. Changing your plan/major is an important decision and should be discussed with your advisor(s) prior to making any changes. The procedure to change your plan/major is as follows: 1. Download the form: 2. Complete the form and get appropriate signatures, if necessary 3. After you have obtained the proper signatures, return this form to the Enrollment Service Center, C Make sure you submit the form by the deadline, Census Day, as indicated on the Academic calendar **Consultation with your advisor(s) is strongly recommended prior to completing and submitting the forms listed above**

18 FINANCIAL AID Student Financial Services is committed to removing financial barriers by ensuring that all eligible students receive aid in a timely manner, in accordance with federal, state, and CUNY policies and regulations. Professional Financial Aid Advisors are available to assist students in successfully financing the cost of their education. Over fifty percent of LaGuardia students are awarded approximately $50 million in Federal, State and institutional grants annually. To view the Paying for College/Financial Aid Brochure: na ncialaidbrochure pdf Student Inquiries (C107) (718) Satisfactory Academic Progress and Eligibility for Financial Aid In order to remain eligible for federal and NY State financial aid, you must earn it by making satisfactory academic progress (SAP) towards the completion of your degree. SAP is measured by the number and the type of classes you take as well as your grade point average. SAP varies with each financial aid program that you may be receiving. %20BROCHURE.pdf Federal Financial Aid Federal regulations stipulate that a student at LaGuardia Community College may remain eligible to receive Federal Aid (Title IV) assistance upon achieving at least a "C" average, or its equivalent according to the College s retention policy, and accumulating credits towards the degree according to the following standards: A student's earned credits are equal to or greater than two-thirds of the credits the student has attempted at the institution. The credits a student has attempted are not more than 150% of the credits normally required for completion of the degree. If the above standards are not met, eligibility may be retained by meeting the following conditional standard: the credits the student has earned are equal to or greater than.875 of the total amount of credits attempted minus 21. Students who fail to meet the conditional status will lose Title IV eligibility. They may file a Financial Aid Waiver Appeal through the Academic Standing Committee. The decision of the committee is final.

19 New York State Aid (TAP) In order to be eligible for TAP, the following major requirements must be met:»students must be registered as full-time. Students should check each semester at registration to be sure they are registering for a full-time program. A major must be declared the first semester when the student registers.» Students must be making satisfactory academic progress toward their degree. In each semester that they wish to receive an award, they must successfully pass a specified number of credits and achieve a grade point average at a specified minimum level.» Students must pursue their courses at a specified level of completion. Completion means receiving any LaGuardia grade except WA, W or WU (grades of R and F are acceptable). In addition to the academic requirements described, students must also meet certain residency requirements, citizenship requirements, and financial program criteria. For a full explanation of these regulations, students should contact the Financial Aid Office. Single Stop USA has partnered with the LaGuardia Community College to provide students and their families with access to benefits and services needed to help students stay in school and graduate. Free Benefits Screening Free Tax Preparation ON CAMPUS Free Financial Services Free Legal Services The Single Stop USA program is located in the Enrollment Services Center, Room C-107 in the C-building. Our hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 9a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday s by appointment only. Contact Gina or Rhonda Mouton Our services are free to students and their families.

20 OFFICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides services for students with disabilities to ensure access to College programs. We offer personal, academic, career, and accommodations counseling, evaluation referrals, testing for learning disabilities, and adaptive/assistive technology Room: M102 Monday -Thursday 9:00am -8:00pm; Friday 9:00am-5:00pm COLLEGE RESOURCES MyLaGuardia Homepage My LaGuardia is the one-stop-shop online tool just for YOU! It is a secured site that introduces single sign-on access to all your LaGuardia applications. It also offers a variety of customized information and resources to help you manage and get the most out of your college experience. Access the following e-tools and resources: Student , eportfolio, ecareer, CUNYfirst, CUNY Portal, Degree Audit, Black Board, Library, and LaGuardia VIP using the following link: Academic Calendar LaGuardia's academic calendar consists of two enhanced 18-week semesters. Each semester is split into a 12-week session (Fall I and Spring I) and a 6-week session (Fall II and Spring II). Classes are longer and/or meet more frequently in Fall II and Spring II, since students have to complete Session I coursework in half the time. This structure provides students with the option of earning more credits per semester than a traditional academic calendar. It also allows greater flexibility and choice in designing a program of study. LaGuardia Course Catalog The College catalog is your source for academic programs and course descriptions; admission, tuition and financial aid information; rules and regulations and more. A new version of the College catalog comes out each year:

21 Scholarships Don t let finances get in the way of your education. LaGuardia Community College is proud to offer a wide-range of scholarships to assist you with the rising cost of tuition, textbooks and fees associated with attending college. Scholarships are an excellent option to help pay for college because they do not require repayment. Many of the scholarships available are based on your financial need, academic performance, community involvement, and extracurricular activities: Aid/Scholarships/ Registrar's Office The Office of the Registrar coordinates registration for all LaGuardia Community College students. (for registration inquiries): onlinereg@lagcc.cuny.edu (for all other inquiries): callcenter@lagcc.cuny.edu Bursar's Office Here you will find clear, concise information about your charges, bill and payment information. Hours of Operation: Mon., 9 am - 7 pm, Tue. & Wed., 9 am - 5 pm, Thur. 9 am - 7 pm, Fri. 9 am 4:30 pm bursar@lagcc.cuny.edu Computer Labs All Students currently taking classes at LaGuardia Community College have access to these Open Labs. To access them, you must login using your Live@LaGuardia username (FirstName.LastName) and password. Your password is your CUNYfirst ID (EMPLID) and the last two digits of the year you were born. For example, if your CUNYfirst ID is and you were born in 1993, then your Campus Password is: If you are having trouble logging on please speak to a technician in the area: -To obtain a list of all Smart Classrooms: -To obtain a list of all Computer Classrooms:

22 GRAD PATH (45+ Credits) Congratulations! You ve earned 45 credits or more at LaGuardia and graduation is close. GradPath provides you with the milestones you need to make sure you re on the right path to graduation, or to your chosen career. It will help you understand what you need to do and when you need to do it: Transfer Services Office The Office of Transfer Services is a one-stop source of information on transfer within CUNY or to other public and private four-year colleges and programs. This office sponsors many transfer events and information sessions with many area colleges and universities throughout the year. Website: Room B transfer@lagcc.cuny.edu Office of Student Development (STUDENT LIFE) Student Life works with students in both a formal and informal setting. We offer formal leadership development opportunities that help prepare students for academic and professional success; familiarizing students with current communication skills & technology; and assisting students in appreciating and promoting an environment of pluralism through engaging, out of class activities: Health & Wellness At LaGuardia Community College, your well-being is important to us. Personal wellness is a balance of your physical, emotional, social, academic, environmental and spiritual lives. All of these work together to help you achieve success as a student. the following resources will help you develop your personal wellness: Student Services The Office of Student Services offers a variety of programs and services to help you set and achieve academic and personal goals. Because we want you to have the best college experience possible, we work to connect you with campus resources:

23 Ombuds Office The Ombuds Office offers a confidential, neutral resource for students to receive assistance and voice concerns and complaints. The Student Advocate/Ombuds Officer serves as a mediator who strives to address issues and facilitates communication and resolution in a fair and equitable manner. Website: Room C mariarig@lagcc.cuny.edu Public Safety Office Our main concern is to help our College community and visitors in any way that we can. Feel free to stop by or contact us at (718) or ( 718)

24 ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT GENERAL INFORMATION Each student will be assigned a practical nursing faculty advisor under whose guidance and counsel the student plans and pursues a course of study. Each student is expected to see his/her assigned advisor for an individual conference during the semester. All faculty advisors have posted office hours when they are available to meet with students. Times other than those posted may be arranged by mutual agreement. It is the student's responsibility to make and keep the appointment. If unable to keep an appointment, a cancellation call is expected. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY Each student is responsible for his/her learning. Work completed should reflect the student's individual efforts unless group work is assigned. When there is evidence of a student cheating on examinations or written assignments, the student in question will receive an automatic zero for the examination or assignment if it is the first offense. When there is evidence of falsifying records during a clinical assignment, the student in question will receive an automatic Unsatisfactory for the clinical day if it is the first offense. When there is evidence that any of the aforementioned activities occur for a second time, the student in question will be dismissed from the Practical Nursing Certificate Program. Students who have been dismissed from the Practical Nursing Certificate Program for a violation of Academic Integrity will not be considered for readmission to the Practical Nursing Program Refer to Policy on Academic Integrity in College Catalog CLINICAL FACILITIES Students can be expected to be assigned to any health care facility in the Greater Metropolitan area. All students are required to provide their own transportation to and from these facilities. Students may be expected to submit to drug screening, as well as have a background check performed in order to comply with requirements of the clinical facilities. CONDUCT RESPONSIBILITIES AND ETHICAL BEHAVIOR Practical Nursing students are legally responsible for their own actions during clinical experiences. Students must be assigned appropriate activities and be given reasonable guidance and supervision while carrying out those activities. Inappropriate behavior and/or attitude toward faculty, health car facilities staff or peers will not be tolerated.

25 Professional obligations are a part of ethical codes that govern the behavior of the members of a profession. Ethical behavior goes beyond the actual client setting. It should be a part of one s life. In addition to practical nursing students rights, there are practical nursing students responsibilities. These responsibilities require student behavior that maintains the integrity of the profession and the safety of clients. (Further Outlined in the LPN student handbook)

26 NOTICE TO STUDENTS REGARDING CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS Current laws generally permit a state licensing board or agency to deny a license to practice nursing if the applicant has been convicted of a felony or other specified crime. Like many state licensing boards, the Office of the Professions of the New York State Education Department requires that a criminal background check be conducted prior to granting a license to practice nursing. Questions should be directed to the NYS Office of Professions: at The Nursing Program at LaGuardia Community College does not require a criminal background check, but the educational requirements include placement at one or more hospitals or other off campus clinical training sites, and these sites frequently require a student to undergo a criminal background check before the student can be placed for clinical learning experience. If, based upon the results of a criminal background check, the site determines that a student's participation in its clinical training program would not be in the best interest of the site, the site may deny that student admission to the training program. Even if the student has already begun the placement when the results are received, the site may elect to dismiss the student, regardless of the student's performance while in the training program. Each clinical training site that requires a criminal background check sets its own standards and procedures, and you may be asked by the site to pay the cost of the background check. You may also have to complete more than one criminal background checks during the course of the Nursing program at LaGuardia Community College, depending on the number of sites where you are placed and the requirements of each site. Please note that if a clinical training site determines that you may not take part in its training program based on the results of a criminal background check, you may be unable to complete your course requirements and to continue in the Nursing program. It is important for you to consider this before you enroll in the Nursing program. LaGuardia Community College has no obligation to refund your tuition or fees or to otherwise accommodate you in the event you are ineligible to complete your course requirements based on the results of a criminal background check, or if you are denied a license to practice nursing.

27 Q. What is Practical Nursing (PN)? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS A. The practice of nursing in New York State as a licensed practical nurse is defined as performing tasks and responsibilities within the framework of case-finding, health teaching, health counseling, and provision of supportive and restorative care. Q. What can Licensed Practical Nurses do? A. The nursing tasks of LPNs include, but are not limited to the following: - Administers specific medication, orally or subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, and notes time and amount on patients charts. - Provides medical treatment and personal care to patients in home settings. - Takes and records patients vital signs. - Dresses wounds, gives enemas, douches, alcohol rubs, and massages. - Observes patients and reports adverse reactions to medication or treatment to medical personnel in charge. - Bathes, dresses, and assists patients in walking and turning. - Assembles and uses such equipment as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, and oxygen suppliers. - Collects samples, such as urine, blood, and sputum, from patients for testing and performs routine laboratory tests on samples. - Sterilizes equipment and supplies, using germicides, sterilizer, or autoclave. - Records food and fluid intake and output. Q. Who supervises the LPN? A. In New York State an LPN works under the direction of a registered professional nurse or licensed physician, dentist or other licensed health care provider legally authorized under this title and in accordance with the Commissioner of Education regulations. Q. Where do LPN's work? A. LPN's provide hands-on healthcare in settings such as hospitals, doctors offices, homes and long-term care facilities such as nursing homes. Practical nurses work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses as members of the health care team. The nursing field is well suited to caring, responsible people who enjoy helping others, possess good interpersonal skills and enjoy working in a team-oriented atmosphere.

28 Q. What is the difference between an LPN and a Registered Nurse (RN)? A. Nursing is multi-level, competency-based profession. Competencies range from those at a beginning level where essential knowledge is addressed to an advanced level where knowledge is more in-depth and wide ranges of nursing actions are performed. The differences between LPN and RN are many, but can be summarized as follows: LPN: The practical nurse is educated to provide care to clients with less complex care needs and acuity as well as to clients with predictable outcomes. Practical Nurses provide care to individuals, families and groups in a variety of settings, including acute care, residential care facilities, long-term care facilities and at home. The practical nurse is responsible for applying the nursing process to meet the outcome in the overall established plan of care and communicating changes in client health status to other health care professional as required. Practical Nurses work primarily as team members in all settings. RN: The registered nurse is educated to provide care to all clients, regardless of the characteristics of the client (e.g. age, acuity, complexity and variability), or the focus of the care activity (e.g., health promotion, palliation). Registered nurses care for individuals, families, groups, populations and communities in various settings, including tertiary hospitals, acute care, residential care facilities, long-term care and public health. Registered nurses using the nursing process develop the plan of care and work as independent practitioners and team members in all settings. Q. How can I decide if Practical Nursing is for me? A. Only you can decide Practical Nursing is for you. However, persons interested in the practical nursing should posses the following characteristics/skills: - Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. - Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people. - Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. - Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively. - Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others reactions and understanding why they react as they do. - Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. - Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

29 Q. How much can I earn as an LPN? A. In May 2007, nationally, the median annual earnings of licensed practical nurses were $38,940. The lower 10-25% percent earned $ 27,370 to 32,310. Those upper 25% percent earned $45,300, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $52,160. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of licensed practical nurses in May 2007 were: Employment services $43,700 Nursing care facilities $40,550 Home health care services $40,440 General medical and surgical hospitals $37,790 Offices of physicians $34,820 Top paying industries: Activities Related to Real Estate $50,850 Computer Systems Design and Related Services $49,340 Insurance Carriers $44,180 Employment Services $43,700 Religious Organizations $43,490 In New York the average wage for this occupation ranges from a low (lower 10%) of $28, 240 to a high of $53, 750 (upper 10%), with a median of $39,270 and a mean annual salary of $41,500. depending on experience. Pay can be dramatically affected by factors such as size and type of industry, employee credentials, years of experience, etc. ( Q. What is the Job Outlook for LPNs? A. Employment of LPNs is expected to grow about as fast as average through 2014 in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general growth of health care services. Replacement needs will be a major source of job openings, as many workers leave the occupation permanently. Applicants for jobs in hospitals may face competition as the number of hospital jobs for LPNs declines; however, rapid employment growth is projected in other health care industries, with the best job opportunities occurring in nursing care facilities and in home health care services. In 2007, there were approximately 47,120 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses employed in NYS. It is estimated that in 2016 there will be 54,830 employed in NYS.