Doctor of Nursing Practice Student Handbook

Transcription

1 Doctor of Nursing Practice Student Handbook

2 About this handbook: This Student Handbook is designed to provide students seeking a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree with helpful information and resources, and as such is designed for currently enrolled DNP students. Other degree programs within the School of Nursing have separate handbooks. In addition to the contents of this handbook, students should also be familiar with the content and policies in the Gardner-Webb University Graduate Catalog. It is sometimes necessary to make changes in the Student Handbook during the academic year. Any changes will be communicated to all currently enrolled students. 2

3 Table of Contents 1. Gardner-Webb University School of Nursing History Mission Statement Philosophy Theoretical Definitions of Philosophical Concepts Goals Programs Program Accreditation Professional Standards School of Nursing Contact Information Academic Program Doctor of Nursing Practice Program DNP Student Learning Outcomes DNP Program Outcomes DNP Curriculum Core Module Leadership Module Management and Leadership Specialty Education Specialty Capstone Module Curriculum of Full-time Study for the DNP Program Curriculum of Part-time Study for the DNP Program DNP Courses DNP Academic Procedures Academic Advisement Conflict Resolution Curriculum Associated Expectations of Student Dismissal from the Program Electronic Device Usage during Practicum and Class Electronic Mail Emergency Situations Graduation Application Procedure Information Technology Competencies Name and Address Changes Non-discrimination Nursing Practice in a Practicum Setting Safe Practice Confidentiality and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Professional Liability Insurance

4 4.15 Schedule Changes Withdrawal from Courses Permission for Photography Recognition and SON Awards DNP Academic Policies Appeals Policy Attendance Policy Classroom and Practicum Behavior Policy Classroom Behavior Practicum Experience Behavior Practicum/Capstone Facility Requirements Grading and Progression Policy Practicum Hours for the DNP Honesty Policy Professional Netiquette Social Networking Policy Student Resources: School of Nursing Student Organizations Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Phi Upsilon Student Resources: Gardner-Webb University Graduate Assistantships Textbook Procurement Support Services Library Noel Program for Students with Disabilities Writing Center 27 Appendices Appendix A: Confidentiality Commitment Appendix B: Consent Form Appendix C: Graduate Assistant Application

5 Gardner-Webb University School of Nursing The School of Nursing (SON) is an integral part of Gardner-Webb University (GWU). The SON mission, philosophy and outcomes are congruent with and support the value statements of GWU. The SON and GWU are committed to providing superior education grounded in the Liberal Arts to prepare graduates to make significant contributions for God and Humanity. GWU respects the value and individuality of every student and provides an environment that promotes a strong work ethic, Christian heritage and values, team work and personal accountability. 1.1 History Nursing education at GWU began in 1965 with the establishment of the Associate Degree Nursing program under the direction of Mrs. Grace C. Lee, who became the first program director. The GWU Nursing Department became the School of Nursing in 1995 with Dr. Shirley Toney serving as the first Dean. The School of Nursing currently houses five programs of study. In 1982 the RN to BSN completion program was established. The program was named the Davis Nursing Program in 1995 after becoming affiliated with the Davis Hospital Foundation. A Master of Science in Nursing program with tracks in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration was established in 2000, with the addition of the Family Nurse Practitioner track in In 2010 the Traditional BSN and DNP programs were added. 1.2 Mission Statement The mission of the School of Nursing is to enhance the health status of the global community by preparing individuals to practice holistic and professional nursing through the provision of student centered programs of study for a diverse student population that promotes academic excellence within a Christian, private, liberal arts setting utilizing teamwork and community engagement. 1.3 Philosophy The faculty of the School of Nursing functions within the framework of the purpose and value statements of Gardner-Webb University which focus on providing high quality education within a Christian, private, liberal arts setting. The School of Nursing philosophy represents a framework 5

6 of overarching beliefs of the nursing faculty that lays the foundation for individual program philosophy, goals, and organizing concepts. The philosophy of the School of Nursing consists of basic beliefs regarding expected outcomes of nursing education at all levels. The nurse is an independent provider of nursing care, a manager of nursing care and a member of the interdisciplinary team. Health is the person s previous, current, and future state of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual functioning. Environment encompasses all previous, current, and future phenomena that impact the well-being of the person. The faculty is committed to providing nursing education that is consistent with best practice and that builds upon previous knowledge. The following competencies for nursing practice are derived from current professional standards and utilized as the basis of nursing education at Gardner-Webb University. 1.4 Theoretical Definitions of Philosophical Concepts (1) Patient Centered Care Patient Centered Care is based on the belief in the individuality, uniqueness, and worth of all people, each one a creation of God. Nurses provide relationship-centered care to promote and enhance human flourishing. The addition of principles, concepts, and theories of nursing, generated by nursing research, culminates in a program of studies that enables the student to utilize a conceptual basis for clinical prevention and population health. (2) Nursing Practice Nursing Practice involves the delivery of patient-centered care to individuals, families, communities, and populations across the lifespan and in diverse healthcare settings. Nursing practice requires nursing judgment and nursing intervention in the provision of direct and indirect patient-centered care. (3) Evidence-Based Practice Evidence-Based Practice reflects a scientific and liberal arts foundation for best nursing practice through the application of research. A spirit of inquiry utilizing the knowledge and science of research (through process, evaluation, and synthesis) is required to translate scholarship into practice to improve patient care. (4) Personal and Professional Development Personal and Professional Development promotes social and intellectual growth and fosters an attitude that values the lifelong process of the development of professional values and social responsibility. Emphasis is placed on supporting the development in assuming roles consistent with the profession of nursing. In accordance with our beliefs supporting career mobility, Gardner-Webb University offers programs of nursing education that promote opportunities for individuals to enter and advance within the profession of nursing. (5) Collaboration Collaboration requires teamwork evidenced by shared responsibility built on a reciprocal relationship. The nurse is an active participant in interdisciplinary collaboration between and among caregivers, consumers of care, and healthcare agencies and systems. (6) Quality Improvement Quality Improvement is the continual evaluation and re-assessment of quantitative and qualitative data to improve the quality of care and patient safety as an integral part of the health care system. Nurses participate in the interdisciplinary process of quality improvement designed to make changes leading to better patient outcomes, system performance and professional development. (7) Nursing Informatics 6

7 Nursing Informatics integrates nursing science, computer science and information science to manage and communicate data, information and knowledge in nursing practice. Nursing practice requires the use and integration of healthcare technology to provide specific insights into the health experience(s) of individuals, cultures and societies. (8) Organization and System Leadership Organization and System Leadership is the articulation of a vision through a transformative process designed to shift priorities and create followers. Utilizing the principles of leadership, nurses design health care policy, advocate for patients, manage personnel, and plan for change in the healthcare context and environment. 1.5 Goals (1) Establish liberal arts educational environment based on Christian values fostering academic excellence, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. (2) Provide student-centered programs of study based on current national competencies of nursing practice to meet the global health care needs of individuals, groups and communities in which holistic nursing practice, Christian caring, critical thinking, and professionalism are modeled. (3) Engage in partnerships with community health care facilities in the provision of service learning opportunities for students that include patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. (4) Graduate a diverse population of students who are prepared to practice patient-centered nursing care that is culturally competent, holistic and professional within the context of a global environment in a manner that influences nursing and health care policy and practice. 1.6 Programs Today, the SON consists of five programs of study: the Associate Degree in Nursing program (ADN), the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN), the Davis Nursing Program (RN to BSN), the Master of Science in Nursing program (MSN), and the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program (DNP). The ADN and BSN programs prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) as both programs are fully approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The ADN program can be completed in two years and the BSN program can be completed in four years on the main campus in Boiling Springs. The RN to BSN program can be completed in one to two years through distance learning delivery. The MSN program prepares graduate nurses in the areas of Nursing Administration, Nursing Education and Family Nurse Practitioner. Post-Master s certificate programs in Nursing Administration, Nursing Education and Family Nurse Practitioner are also available for the MSN prepared registered nurse. The DNP program prepares doctoral nurses in the specialty areas of Advanced Practice Leadership and Educational Leadership and can be completed in two years through an executive format. 1.7 Program Accreditation 7

8 All programs in the School of Nursing are nationally accredited. Accreditation has been maintained by the nursing programs at GWU beginning with the provisional accreditation of the ADN program in 1968 and full accreditation in Since that time, the ADN program has maintained continuous accreditation. The RN to BSN program received initial accreditation in 1985 and has since maintained continuous accreditation. The MSN program received initial accreditation in 2002 with continued accreditation since that time. Initial accreditation was obtained for the traditional BSN program in Initial accreditation was obtained for the DNP program in Accreditation is maintained through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) located at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326, phone: ; additional information may be found on the ACEN website: Professional Standards The curricula content for the programs within the SON are guided by the following professional standards: (1) North Carolina Administrative Code Title 21. (2) South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 40-Professions and Occupations, Chapter 33 Nurses, Article 1 Nurse Practice Act. (3) The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. (4) The AACN Essentials of Master s Education in Nursing. (5) The AACN Essentials of Master s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing. (6) The AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. (7) The Institute of Medicine (IOM) Core Competencies for Health Professionals from Health Professions Education: A Bridge to Quality. (8) The Quality and Safety Education for Nursing (QSEN) Quality and Safety in Nursing: A Competency Approach to Improving Outcomes. (9) The National League for Nursing (NLN) Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Practical/Vocational, Diploma, Associate Degree, Baccalaureate, Master s, Practice Doctorate, and Research Doctorate Programs in Nursing. (10) The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies. 8

9 School of Nursing Contact Information School of Nursing School of Nursing Statesville Campus 110 South Main Street 1714 Wilkesboro Road, NC Campus Box 7309 PO Box 908 Boiling Springs, NC Statesville, NC Phone: Phone: Fax: Fax: Faculty and Staff Sharon Starr, PhD, RN Dean, School of Nursing Associate Professor 9 Cindy Miller, PhD, RN Chair, Graduate Nursing Programs Professor

10 Elliott Hall 111 Elliott Hall Tracy Arnold, DNP, RN Janet Arthurs, EdD, RN Asst. Professor Associate Professor Elliott Hall 310 Lindsay Hall Janie Carlton, EdD, RN Anna Hamrick, DNP, FNP-C, ACHPN Professor Asst. Prof. /Director, FNP Program Statesville Campus E jcarlton@gardner-webb.edu ashamrick@gardner-webb.edu Candice Rome, DNP, RN Frances Sparti, DNP, APRN, CDE Assistant Professor/Chair BSN Program Associate Professor Elliott Hall 212 Dover Chapel crome@gardner-webb.edu fsparti@gardner-webb.edu Lugene Moore Susan Jenkins Administrative Assistant Coordinator of Student Records Elliott Hall 110 Elliott Hall jlmoore@gardner-webb.edu sjenkin2@gardner-webb.edu 3.1 Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Academic Program The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program provides superior graduate education by developing nursing leaders through meaningful intellectual thought, critical analysis and transformation of evidence to practice. The post-masters DNP students will have the opportunity to add to a diverse community of learning and be prepared to make significant contributions to healthcare in a global community. Specifically, the DNP Program serves to: (1) Prepare advanced practice nurses educationally prepared with a master's degree to become leaders in evidence-based practice in a variety of healthcare, business, government, and educational organizations. 10

11 (2) Engage students in innovative, scholarly evidence-based practice inquiry in their chosen field of nursing. (3) Provide DNP graduates with the necessary skills to become competent in translating research into practice, evaluating evidence, applying research in decision making, and implementing innovations to improve health and healthcare outcomes. (4) Prepare students to make contributions to the knowledge and practice of nursing, meet demands of the increasing complexity of the healthcare system, improve the quality of patient care delivery and outcomes, and influence health care policy. 3.2 DNP Student Learning Outcomes Student learning outcomes for the DNP Program are derived from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (2006). As a post-masters program, these outcomes build upon the Master of Science in Nursing Program learning outcomes. Student learning outcomes for the DNP Program are: Essential I: Scientific Underpinnings for Practice Essential III: Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice (1) Utilize scientific and theoretical knowledge from nursing and other disciplines to develop new practice approaches reflective of the highest level of nursing practice. Essential II: Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement and Systems Thinking Essential V: Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care (2) Develop care delivery approaches at the institutional, local, state, federal, and/or international level based on knowledge of the principles of business, finance, economics, and healthcare policy to improve health care outcomes for patient populations. Essential IV: Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care Technology for the Improvement and Transformation of Health Care (3) Incorporate information technology within practice and healthcare and education systems to improve healthcare outcomes. Essential VI: Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes (4) Lead healthcare teams to create change in health care and complex healthcare delivery systems. Essential VII: Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving the Nation s Health Essential VIII: Advanced Nursing Practice (5) Develop programmatic interventions to address health promotion/disease prevention efforts, improve health status/access patterns, and/or address gaps in care of individuals, aggregates, or populations based on the analysis of epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental, and other appropriate scientific data related to individual, aggregate, and population health. 11

12 3.3 DNP Program Outcomes The DNP program seeks to meet the following program outcomes: Meet educational needs of eligible students holding valid license to practice as a registered nurse who desire to pursue doctoral nursing education at a small, private, liberal arts, Christian university. Graduate no less than 70% of students entering the program within 1.5 times the length of the program. Eighty percent of graduates will: o o o Express satisfaction with the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. Be involved in role-related Professional Practice one year following graduation. Demonstrate satisfactory nursing practice to their employers. Maintain continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. 3.4 DNP Curriculum Core Module (1) NURS 700 Theoretical and Conceptual Foundation for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 SH) (2) NURS 702 Nursing Inquiry for Evidence-Based Practice (3 SH) (3) NURS 703 Advanced Statistics: Multivariate Analysis (3 SH) (4) NURS 704 Leadership in Development and Analysis of Health Care Policy (3 SH) (5) NURS 705 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Informatics (3 SH) (6) NURS 708 Epidemiology and Disease Control (3 SH) Leadership Module Management and Leadership Specialty (1) NURS 710 Advanced Healthcare Economics and Finance (3 SH) (2) NURS 715 Management Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing (3 SH) OR Education Specialty* (1) NURS 707 Advanced Curriculum Theory and Development in Nursing (3 SH) (2) NURS 715 Management Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing (3SH) Capstone Module 12

13 (1) NURS 711 Professional Internship/Practice Immersion Experience (6 SH) (2) NURS 712 Capstone Project (6 SH) *Students admitted to the Education Specialty without 9 semester hours of Nursing Education courses or five years of experience in Nursing Education must take NURS 600 or NURS

14 3.5 Curriculum of Full-time Study for the DNP Program Summer 2014 Fall 2014 Spring 2015 Year 1 NURS 700 Theoretical and Conceptual Foundation for Advanced Nursing Practice NURS 702 Nursing Inquiry for Evidence- Based Practice 3 NURS 703 Advanced Statistics: Multivariate Analysis 3 NURS 704 Leadership in Development and Analysis of Health Care Policy 3 NURS 705 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Informatics 3 NURS 711 Professional Internship/Practice Immersion Experience 3 3 Summer 2015 Fall 2015 Spring 2016 Year 2 NURS 708 Epidemiology and Disease Control Management and Leadership Specialty 3 NURS 710 Advanced Healthcare Economics and Finance 3 NURS 715 Management Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 NURS 711 Professional Internship/Practice Immersion Experience 3 NURS 712 Capstone Project Education Specialty 3 NURS 712 Capstone Project 3 Year 2 NURS 708 Epidemiology and Disease Control NURS 711 Professional Internship/Practice Immersion Experience 3 NURS 707 Advanced Curriculum Theory and Development in Nursing 3 NURS 712 Capstone Project 3 NURS 715 Management Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 NURS 712 Capstone Project 14

15 3.6 Curriculum of Part-time Study for the DNP Program Summer 2014 Fall 2014 Spring 2015 Year 1 Year 2 NURS 700 Theoretical & Conceptual Foundation for Advanced Nursing Practice 3 NURS 704 Leadership in Development and Analysis of Health Care Policy 3 NURS 705 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Informatics Summer 2015 Fall 2015 Spring 2016 NURS 702 Nursing Inquiry for Evidence- Based Practice 3 NURS 703 Advanced Statistics: Multivariate Analysis Management and Leadership Specialty 3 NURS 715 Management Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing Summer 2016 Fall 2016 Spring Year 3 NURS 708 Epidemiology and Disease Control 3 NURS 710 Advanced Healthcare Economics and Finance 3 NURS 711 Professional Internship/Practice Immersion Experience 3 Summer 2017 Fall 2017 Spring 2018 Year 4 NURS 711 Professional Internship/Practice Immersion Experience 3 NURS 712 Capstone Project Education Specialty 3 NURS 712 Capstone Project 3 Year 3 Summer 2016 Fall 2016 Spring 2017 NURS 708 Epidemiology and Disease Control 3 NURS 707 Advanced Curriculum Theory and Development in Nursing 3 NURS 711 Professional Internship/Practice Immersion Experience Summer 2017 Fall 2017 Spring Year 4 NURS 711 Professional Internship/Practice Immersion Experience 3 NURS 712 Capstone Project 3 NURS 712 Capstone Project 3 15

16 3.7 DNP Courses NURS 700 Theoretical and Conceptual Foundation for Advanced Nursing Practice 3 semester hours Exploration and inquiry into the theories underlying advanced nursing practice. Focuses on synthesizing and integrating theoretical perspectives to guide practice in a defined healthcarerelated area. NURS 702 Nursing Inquiry for Evidence-Based Practice 3 semester hours Critical analysis of nursing research and methodological approaches utilized in health care. Utilization of computer information systems as a method of inquiry into nursing research in order to describe, analyze, problem solve, and initiate change to provide evidence-based practice in a variety of settings. NURS 703 Advanced Statistics: Multivariate Analysis 3 semester hours Introduction to advanced multivariate research design and data analysis procedures necessary for research in the health sciences. Emphasis will be on the use of scientific approaches to analyze population data to better understand determinants of health and illness. Prerequisites: NURS 700, 702. NURS 704 Leadership in Development and Analysis of Health Care Policy 3 semester hours Analysis of health care policies and legal issues from philosophical and scholarly nursing practice perspectives including the knowledge, skills, and approaches to support advocacy and policy development and revision. Methods for evaluating policy and designing related interventions to influence policy making and implementation will be explored. Pre-requisite: NURS 700. NURS 705 Theoretical Foundation of Nursing Informatics 3 semester hours Exploration of the integration of informatics knowledge, skills, and attitudes to support culturally sensitive, evidence-based practice at the leadership level. Pre-requisite: NURS 704. NURS 707 Advanced Curriculum Theory and Development in Nursing 3 semester hours 16

17 Exploration of past and present issues and trends related to curriculum theory and development and the effects of political, social, and economic influences that impact nursing education at the local and national level. Pre-requisite: NURS 708. NURS 708 Epidemiology and Disease Control 3 semester hours Analysis of epidemiological, bio-statistical, environmental, and other appropriate scientific data related to individual, aggregate, and population health. Pre-requisite: NURS 705. NURS 710 Advanced Healthcare Economics and Finance 3 semester hours Application of principles of finance, business, economics and health policy in the development and evaluation of healthcare delivery approaches. Challenges and issues facing the nurse administrator in a contemporary healthcare environment are examined. Prerequisite: NURS 708. NURS 711 Professional Internship/Practice Immersion Experience Experiential application of advanced knowledge in a practice setting. Students complete practicum hours toward fulfillment of the 1000 hours required for completion of the DNP degree, 400 of which must be completed in the DNP program. This three semester hour course must be taken twice for a total of six semester hours. Pre-requisites: NURS 700, 702, 703, 704. NURS 712 Capstone Project Translation of research into practice to improve healthcare outcomes for a group, population or community. Students complete practicum hours toward fulfillment of the 1000 hours required for completion of the DNP degree, 400 of which must be completed in the DNP Program. This three semester hour course must be taken twice for a total of six semester hours. Culminates in a written scholarly project suitable for publication. Pre-requisites: NURS 708, 711. NURS 713 Capstone Project Continuation 3 semester hours Capstone Project continuation for students who have completed the required credit hours for the DNP degree, but have not yet successfully completed the Capstone Project requirement as described in NURS 712. Students who do not complete their Capstone Project requirement by the end of NURS 712 will be required to register for this course each semester until the Capstone Project requirement is met. Pre-requisite: NURS 712. NURS 715 Management Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 semester hours Exploration of management theory and leadership principles as they apply to advanced practice nursing in a variety of practice environments. Pre-requisite: NURS

18 4.1 Academic Advisement DNP Academic Procedures Students are registered for their first semester of courses upon admission. Students are expected to review the required course of study for their concentration at the time of enrollment. In subsequent semesters students are responsible for contacting their assigned Academic Advisor who will advise them on the courses being offered the next semester, the courses they need, and their PIN. Students are responsible for registering for their classes utilizing their PIN through WebbConnect. Advising takes place once each semester prior to registration beginning. Students are advised in the Fall for Spring registration and in the Spring for Summer and Fall. The advisor will review the student record and anticipate possible areas of concern or discussion based on the student s work and grade point average. The final responsibility for meeting degree requirements rests with the student. Students can get a degree evaluation online through WebbConnect to assess their ongoing progress toward degree completion. 4.2 Conflict Resolution If a student encounters conflicts or concerns in a nursing class or practice area, the student should first approach the faculty member involved in the class or practice experience. If an acceptable resolution is not achieved, the student should follow the hierarchical listing below: (1) Course Instructor (2) Chair of the Program (3) Dean, School of Nursing (4) Associate Provost for Schools 18

19 4.3 Curriculum Associated Expectations of Students All written work for courses must be submitted following the guidelines in the latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Nursing students, because of their participation in the lives of others, are expected to follow the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics. Students are expected to consult with a faculty member when encountering ethical questions or concerns in practice. 4.4 Dismissal from the Program The nursing faculty reserves the right to dismiss from the program any student who fails to meet academic and/or non-academic criteria which include behavioral, attitudinal, ethical, and/or practice standards. Further, students who present physical or emotional problems which conflict with safety essential to nursing practice and do not respond to appropriate treatment or counseling within a reasonable period of time will be dismissed from the program. Students will be dismissed if they demonstrate behavior that is a threat to public health and safety. Unsatisfactory behavior may consist of a pattern of behavior or performance or a single incident, depending on the incident. Dismissal may occur at any point in any course in the program which includes immediate dismissal if indicated. 4.5 Electronic Device Usage during Practicum and Class The following guidelines apply: (1) Professional behavior and proper technology etiquette should be observed at all times when using cell phones, ipads, PDAs, laptops or other electronic devices. (2) Students who violate patient privacy with an electronic device will be subject to HIPAA infractions of the clinical agency. (3) Students who violate the privacy of others with an electronic device will be subject to dismissal from the program. 4.6 Electronic Mail Most communication between faculty members and students occurs via . Faculty will contact students at their GWU address and through the Blackboard course messages. Students should check their GWU and Blackboard course messages several times each week. Do not share your passwords with others. 4.7 Emergency Situations Students should inform family, friends, babysitters, day care facilities, and/or school teachers of their class schedules during the week of intensive class meetings for notification in case of emergency. 4.8 Graduation Application Procedure All students must apply for graduation (done through WebbConnect) the semester before they complete degree requirements. The procedure and the dates for submission are posted under academics and registrar services. A graduation fee accompanies application submission. It is the responsibility of the student to apply for graduation at the appropriate time. Students who fail to 19

20 meet graduation requirements in the semester for which they submit a graduation application must contact their advisor and the registrar s office. 4.9 Information Technology Competencies Competency Placement Student Outcome Use basic Send-receive Send attachments Pre-requisite Students will utilize in communication with peers, faculty, and advisors. Word processing Pre-requisite Students will utilize a word processing program to complete written assignments. Internet Pre-requisite Students will utilize an internet browser to access and retrieve information. Advanced Internet Blackboard Distance Learning System Electronic Presentations Slides Speaker Notes 4.10 Name and Address Changes Online courses Pre-requisite Student will utilize Blackboard Learning Systems to participate in discussion groups, online testing, and various course assignments. Student will utilize electronic media (PowerPoint, etc.) to support presentations if applicable and appropriate to course content. Students need to keep both the University and the SON informed about changes in their name, address and telephone number. Students should immediately notify the registrar s office of changes Non-Discrimination GWU admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin Nursing Practice in a Practicum Setting The faculty members of the SON have an academic, legal and ethical responsibility to prepare graduates who are competent as well as safe to protect the public and health care community from unsafe nursing practice. It is within that context that students can be disciplined or dismissed from the SON for practice or behavior which threatens or has the potential to threaten the safety of a client, family member, another student, faculty member or health care provider. 20

21 Safe Practice During the capstone project implementation or while obtaining practicum hours, safe nursing practice must be maintained and upheld. The student should adhere to the following at all times: (1) Practice within the scope of the appropriate, current Nurse Practice Act. (2) Practice within the rules and regulations of affiliating health care agencies and educational facilities. (3) Practice within the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics. (4) Maintain accountability for actions and written and verbal communication Confidentiality and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Consistent with ethical practice, it is imperative that nursing students maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding patients in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, Public Law Failure to adhere to this policy could result in dismissal from the program and legal action (Refer to Appendix A). During implementation of the capstone project or while obtaining practicum hours, DNP students must maintain confidentiality of sensitive information related to an institution, personnel, students, etc. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in dismissal from the program Professional Liability Insurance All students are charged for group professional liability insurance. The group policy carried by the SON provides student professional liability coverage that applies while in practicum experiences related to nursing courses (NURS 711 and 712) Schedule Changes An academic calendar is provided for each nursing course. It is the student's responsibility to follow the schedule as planned. The date, time, and location of learning experiences are subject to unavoidable changes due to inclement weather or other events. If necessary to change the schedule, students will be notified as soon as possible Withdrawal from Courses Students should withdraw from courses after consultation with their advisor. Students who must withdraw from courses should proceed through the official withdrawal process as stated in the GWU Graduate Catalog. Otherwise, grades of F will be assigned Permission for Photography 21

22 Gardner-Webb University uses students photographs in various publications. Students agreeing to have their photographs used for this purpose must sign a form indicating their agreement. The student s signature gives GWU the unrestricted right to use and publish photographs for editorial, trade, advertising, and any other purpose and in any manner and medium, and to alter and composite the same without restriction and without the student s inspection or approval. Additionally, the student s signature releases GWU and legal representatives from any liability and any claims relating to said photographs (See Appendix B) Recognition and SON Awards An academic ceremony is held annually in May before graduation. At that time the SON will recognize the DNP student with the most outstanding capstone project. 5.1 Appeals Policy DNP Academic Policies Students wishing to appeal a grade or policy must adhere to the policy as outlined in the Graduate Catalog. Students should first inform the course instructor, then the Chair of Graduate Programs, and finally the Dean of the SON of their intent to appeal a grade or policy as soon as possible following their decision to do so. The SON faculty and staff are available to assist the student in the appeal process as necessary. Students are required to be present for the intensive face-to-face sessions scheduled at the beginning of each semester. In the case of extreme extenuating circumstances a student may file an appeal to be absent from a part of the session. A letter of appeal accompanied by supporting evidence of the circumstances must be submitted to the Chair of the Graduate Programs. Appeals will be reviewed by the graduate faculty with decisions made on a case by case basis. If the appeal is granted the course professor will inform the student of the procedure for making up any missed work. If a student does not attend a scheduled intensive face-to-face session and has not been granted permission through the appeal process, that student may be dismissed from the 22

23 program. 5.2 Attendance Policy A student is expected to be present for the intensive face-to-face sessions scheduled at the beginning of each semester. For the online portion of the class, in accordance with Gardner- Webb s academic regulations, a student must attend at least 75% of scheduled classes in order to receive credit for that class. In an online class, each week s attendance is determined by activity in the class, and an absence of activity during any week (as established by the professor) will count as an absence for the purposes of measuring attendance. Activity includes , discussion board postings, assignments submitted, and assessments completed. A lack of activity will cause the student to be reported as not attending and will result in an administrative withdrawal and the assignment of a grade of F. Refer to the current Graduate Catalog for other general information related to class attendance. Planned absences from assignment obligations for official business or foreseeable personal circumstances must be negotiated with the professor prior to the absence and plans made for any work missed. The student should contact the faculty member as soon as the need becomes known. This should be done before the learning activity occurs. The faculty member will advise the student of the assignment and the time span for make-up work. Make-up work and any associated penalties are under the discretion of the professor and will be explained in the course syllabus. The student is expected to initiate the process and contact the professor at the first opportunity. Make-up will depend upon the reason for missing the work, whether the student followed protocol regarding contacting the professor, nature of the missed work and availability of necessary resources. The form of make-up will be assigned by the professor. 5.3 Classroom and Practicum Behavior Policy Classroom Behavior Students are expected to arrive at all intensive sessions promptly and fully prepared to achieve maximum benefit from class time. In preparation for class, students are expected to invest time in reading, writing, research, and performance of other activities that may enable them to achieve course objectives successfully. Students should come prepared to ask and answer questions about the material included in each class to achieve understanding of concepts and principles presented and discussed. Use of cell phones or other electronic devices is prohibited during class time unless instructor instigated or approved. Students disrupting class or hindering fellow students from achieving maximum learning may be requested to leave the classroom Practicum Experience Behavior Students are expected to exhibit professional behavior at all times during practicum experiences. Any student demonstrating unprofessional behavior may be removed from a practicum site and may receive a failing grade for the course. 23

24 5.4 Practicum/Capstone Facility Requirements The GWU SON is required to comply with the regulations of the North Carolina State Board of Nursing (NCBON) and The Joint Commission (TJC) for student placement in healthcare facilities that require drug screening and criminal background checks for all healthcare workers, volunteers, students, and faculty. The SON must also comply with all regulations imposed by academic and other institutions. As a condition of participation in practicum/capstone educational experiences, each student will be required to identify and meet all requirements of participating facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, such things as OSHA requirements, vaccinations, criminal background checks, drug screening, etc. All costs incurred are the student s responsibility. 5.5 Grading and Progression Policy Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for policies on grading, probation, suspension, and dismissal. Students in the DNP Program who do not complete their capstone project by the end of the second NURS 712 course must be continually enrolled in NURS 713 until the capstone project is completed. Students have up to 7 years to complete their program of study. Students may be enrolled in the program on a full time (six semester hours each semester) or part time (three semester hours each semester) basis. Once a student assumes part time status, that student must remain part time for the remainder of the program. A student who begins the program full time but changes to part time must continue to be enrolled part time for the remainder of the program. This student must also recognize that because classes are scheduled for a cohort, there may be some semesters in which a DNP class will not be available. Any student who withdraws from the program for any reason is not guaranteed automatic readmission to the DNP program. The student must apply for readmission and applications will be considered on a case by case basis. 5.6 Practicum Hours for the DNP In order to meet the requirements for the DNP degree, students must complete a minimum of 1,000 practicum hours. Hours in practicum experiences completed post-baccalaureate as part of a supervised academic program are counted toward meeting this requirement. Hours in supervised practice completed post-master s degree are counted toward meeting the required hours. Supervised practice hours in a clinical or administrative position are calculated as 30 hours of practice for each 40 hour work week. Supervised hours in academia are calculated as 30 hours per week (Fall and Spring are considered to be 15 week semesters and Summer is considered to be a 10 week semester). Students may continue to accumulate supervised hours toward meeting the 1,000 hour requirement up until enrollment in the first NURS 711 course. A minimum of 400 hours must be completed in the DNP program (during NURS 711 and 712). 5.7 Honesty Policy 24

25 As a community of scholars founded upon the ideals of Christianity, Gardner-Webb University expects its students to develop and display a strong sense of academic integrity. As in any community, this institution must be governed by regulations; and like the laws of any community, these rules function best when they are fully understood, accepted and cherished by each and every individual member of the community. The School of Nursing adheres to and supports the Academic Honesty Policy of the institution. This Policy is written in the University Catalogs and is posted in the classrooms. Students in the School of Nursing may be asked to sign a statement about academic honesty when completing tests, papers and other assignments. The SON supports the Graduate Program s Code of Academic Integrity which governs the responsibility of students in the various graduate programs of Gardner-Webb University to maintain integrity in academic work, defines violations of the standards, describes procedures for handling alleged violations of the standards, and lists applicable penalties. This information is found on the GWU website (Academics>Graduate Catalog>Academic Honesty>Graduate Programs Code of Academic Integrity). All students are expected to be aware of the definition of plagiarism. 5.8 Professional Netiquette A goal of the School of Nursing is to create a positive learning community. Professional netiquette is required for all online activity, including such things as communication, completion of assignments, and participation in online discussions. Professors reserve the right to deny course access to any student who fails to comply with standards of professional netiquette. 5.9 Social Networking Policy GWU is an advocate of social networking (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and electronic communication. However, these venues provide an opportunity for possible serious ramifications in regard to breaches in professionalism and confidentiality. The following guidelines should help students to use this technology appropriately: (1) Be thoughtful of how you present yourself. Do not post inappropriate pictures/videos that can be misunderstood or misinterpreted by others. All interactions and communications on social networking sites should be respectful, responsible and accountable. There is a value on sharing your opinions; however, be aware of your communications. You can be sued for libel or slander and belonging to certain groups may be a negative reflection on you. (2) Adhere to professional standards of conduct. Do not post anything referring to a patient, facility or university- even without identification. Students are held responsible for adhering to policies related to HIPAA and Patient Confidentiality. Obtain written consent before posting copyrighted material. (3) Be aware of risks to your privacy and safety. Restrict access to your personal information and do not post detailed personal information. (4) Never use your GWU address or passwords on social networking sites. Be aware of computer security risks. 25

26 (5) If the SON faculty is aware that inappropriate communications or images are posted, serious implications can result, which includes but is not limited to dismissal from the SON. Students will be held accountable for the proper use of all social networking sites. (6) SON faculty must maintain a professional relationship with all students enrolled in any GWU nursing program. To achieve this, faculty will not communicate, correspond with, or friend any current GWU SON students on a social networking site. Student Resources: School of Nursing 6.1 Student Organizations 26

27 6.1.1 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Phi Upsilon Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) is dedicated to improving the health of people worldwide through increasing the scientific base of nursing practice. Its members are nursing scholars committed to the pursuit of excellence in clinical practice, education, research, and leadership. STTI believes that broadening the base of nursing knowledge through knowledge development, dissemination, and use offers great promise for promoting a healthier populace. Sigma Theta Tau was founded in 1922 by six nursing students at Indiana University. The founders chose the name from the initials of the Greek words Storge, Tharsos, and Time meaning, love, courage, and honor. GWU SON s chapter of STTI, Phi Upsilon, was established in For students meeting eligibility requirements, invitations to join the Phi Upsilon Chapter of STTI will be distributed during the spring semester. Additional information regarding membership may be obtained from a faculty advisor or organizational officers. 27

28 Student Resources: Gardner-Webb University 7.1 Graduate Assistantships Gardner-Webb University has a limited number of on-campus assistantships available for which you may apply (see Appendix C). Each assistantship provides tuition remission for up to 18 graduate hours per year as well as a grant for $5500, for a full-year contract (fall, spring, and summer terms). The annual graduate student parking permit is also issued without charge to graduate assistants. The duties of a graduate assistant are as follows: (1) Work twenty hours per week for forty weeks performing duties as assigned. (2) Follow the academic schedule in service related to assistantships (unless a different but equivalent schedule is arranged by the supervisor at the time of hiring). (3) Do not accept additional work responsibilities assigned by any other department of the university. (4) Fill out an evaluation form yearly. Graduate assistants are expected to be committed to the Christian principles and values on which the university is based. In order to be eligible for this award, you must be a provisionally or fully admitted graduate student ( applicant status is not sufficient) carrying a full academic load (at least one course each semester, including summer terms). The departments select the recipients of these assistantships. Outside employment must not interfere with performance of duties of the graduate assistantship and may be a factor in hiring decisions. 7.2 Textbook Procurement Graduate textbooks may be ordered online or picked up at the Campus Shop at Boiling Springs prior to class. The procedure for ordering textbooks from the Campus Shop is found on the GWU website (Student Life>Campus Bookstore). For questions contact the Campus Shop at Support Services Library The Dover Library on the main campus at Boiling Springs and the Davis Library at the Statesville Campus serve library needs for all GWU students. Articles and books may be obtained directly from both libraries or obtained through interlibrary loan. GWU has agreements with many libraries that are convenient to off-campus students and a variety of data bases available. 28