NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF NURSING RN-BSN PROGRAM

Transcription

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

2 Table of Contents Department of Nursing RN-BSN Program... 3 Accreditation... 4 Guidelines to Determine Suitable of Candidate for Admissionto the Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program... 5 Student Learning Outcomes... 5 Advisement... 6 All University Requirements in English and Mathematics... 6 Bachelor of Science in Nursing... 6 Course Requirements... 6 Transfer Credit... 7 Nursing Major Courses in Sequence... 7 Nursing Process and Heatlh Promotion: Groups and Community... 8 Senior Thesis I & II (Senior Seminar Implementation Project)... 8 Clinical Requirements... 8 Policies of the Nursing Department Waivers for Courses Taken at Other College/University Campuses Waivers of a General Studies Requirement Students with Disabilities Student Rights and Responsibilities Academic Integrity Academic Grading and Requirements Re-computation of Courses Probation Department of Nursing Probation Guidelines for Resolving Problems Grievance Procedure Off-Campus Courses Senior Celebration and Awards Nursing Scholarship Sigma Theta Tau Student Governance Reciprocal Borrowing at Participating State College Libraries Guidelines Graduation Clearance School Closures Policy Revisions Appendix A Sample Design of Transfer Evaluation Appendix B Sample Full Time Study Course Plan Appendix C Systems Developmental Stress Model (SDS)... 22

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

4 Accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education New Jersey City University is accredited by its regional accrediting body, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the unit of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the Middle States region, which includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and several locations internationally. The Commission is a voluntary, non-governmental, membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources. It examines each institution as a whole, rather than specific programs within institutions. National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission The NJCU Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission in Nursing Education (ACEN) formerly known as: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). This accreditation is recognized by the Department of Education as the national accrediting body for all types of nursing education programs. ACEN supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by the functions of accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. Accreditation also assists in the further improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources invested, processes followed, and results achieved. The monitoring of certificate, diploma, and degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing rules, and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession. The Nursing Department has been continuously accredited since 1979 and was reaccredited by ACEN in The department received the maximum term of eight years accreditation. Comments or concerns about the program may be directed to the NLNAC at the following address: Dr. Sharon Tanner, Executive Director Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850 Atlanta, Georgia Information about the ACEN accreditation process may be found at the following website: New Jersey Board of Nursing The NJCU Nursing program has approval of the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Comments or concerns about the program may be sent to the Board of Nursing at the following address: Mr. George Hebert, Executive Director New Jersey Board of Nursing PO Box Newark, NJ (973)

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

6 Advisement Advisement is an integral part of the education process and is available throughout the student s course of study. This process attempts to facilitate student progression through the program by allowing the student the opportunity to discuss curriculum sequence and individual needs. Students are expected to meet with the faculty to review their progress. Students must meet with a faculty member to determine sequencing of course load, content and to have advisement holds removed so students can complete registration on-line Master course lists are on-line through the Registrar s Website, under the title of major course listings, Undergraduate course listings to assist students with availability of course offerings. All University Requirements (AUR) In English and Mathematics The Nursing Department requires that all students have 9 credits of All University Requirements (AUR) credit. They include Fundamentals of English I and II and Mathematics. Please refer to Transcript Evaluation (see below) and current NJCU Undergraduate Catalogue. English courses taken in a foreign country are not accepted for All University Requirement (AUR) English requirements. The student will receive credit in the elective area for an English course taken in a foreign country. Students must take either Fundamentals of English I and II or pass the CLEP examination. All University Requirements (AUR) in Math, if not already satisfied, should be completed as one of the first courses since it is a pre-requisite to Statistics. Courses to be taken are Fundamentals of Math (MATH 102) or Intermediate Algebra (MATH 112). Bachelor of Science in Nursing NJCU Department of Nursing s program is an upper division program leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and is limited to Registered Nurses or NCLEX eligible students. Refer to Course Requirements A total of 128 credits are required for the BSN degree. The transcripts of nursing students admitted to New Jersey City University with college level credits from other institutions are evaluated by the Transfer Evaluation Center of the University Advisement Center for application toward the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree requirements. This form is an important tool for students to keep track and plan courses for registration each semester. To declare your major in Nursing, please refer to Gothic Net to obtain the appropriate form, Declaration of Major or Minor Program of Study is available at Transfer credit, portfolio credit and credit obtained by examination make it possible for the student to complete the program in an expedited time frame.

7 For a list of CLEP examinations or credit obtained by examination see NYU School of Continuing and Professional offers credit by examination for many foreign languages see Transfer Credit Transfer credit may be granted for courses carrying a letter grade of C or better which are applicable to the student s degree requirements. Applied Associate degree (AAS) and other college credit are evaluated course by course for transfer into NJCU. Students with an AS in nursing receive credits. Students are reminded that the University has a 10 year limitation of courses however each student with this limitation will be evaluated on a case by case basis. All transfer credit must be submitted to Transfer Credit Evaluation Center of the University Advisement Center prior to formally beginning the program. Students who graduated from Brookdale Community College, Essex County College, Hudson County Community College, CarePoint Health School of Nursing, or Passaic County Community College are admitted under the joint admission agreements and will have additional credits transferred (refer to specific documents). Nursing Major Courses in Sequence BSN Transitions This is the first nursing course and students are advised to take this bridge course during the first semester. Following the successful completion of this course, the student receives 17 credits in escrow*. The Articulation Agreement with Brookdale Community College states Brookdale students receive 14 credits prior to taking Nursing Process and Health Promotion NURS 451 and NURS 452. To process the escrow credits, students must pay a processing fee of $150. Theoretical Basis of Nursing Students are advised to take Theoritical Basis of Nursing as a corequisite with NURS 357 BSN Transitions. Nursing Research Pre-requisites are BSN Transitions, Theoretical Basis of Nursing and Statistics for the Social Sciences. Important to note: A student must have completed BSN Transitions, Theoretical Basis of Nursing, Health Assessment, Research and the AUR requirements, prior to taking the senior nursing courses Nursing Process and Health Promotion: Groups and Community. Exception to this policy is made with approval of their advisor only. Additionally, the student must have a valid nursing license to practice in the state of NJ and personal malpractice insurance to enter the courses of Nursing Process and Health Promotion NURS 451 and NURS 452. These records along with a physical examination record and immunization record are kept on file in the Nursing Department. These records must be submitted through Immunization Tracker prior to the semester of Nursing Process and Health Promotion Groups and Community Theory and Laboratory courses. Students should note that completing a course in Human Growth and Development satisfies the (6) credit Developmental Psychology requirement, (NJCU: PSYC 150 & PSYC 152) considering the student has completed 128 credits for graduation.

8 Nursing Process and Health Promotion: Groups and Community These nursing courses are the senior level courses. NURS 451 course is a theoretical course and NURS 452 is a clinical course. To discuss the format of the clinical component, day or evening, please make an appointment with your advisor. The clinical/laboratory courses are a pass/fail basis. There is a dress code for clinicalblue or black pants with white shirt or blouse, black or blue comfortable walking shoes-no sneakers or sandals. All medical documents must be uploaded to the Immunization Tracker website prior to the start of clinical. Senior Seminar Implementation Project Senior Thesis I & II These final nursing courses are the Department s capstone or summative course. There is a Senior Seminar I and II courses. It can be taken with NPHP-Groups or NPHP-Community (NURS 451 and NURS 452) but not prior. The student demonstrates in course work the competencies and expected learning outcomes of the program. This project is completed independently by the student with a faculty mentor. Clinical Requirements In order to participate in any clinical course, students must submit proof through Immunization Tracker (aka CertifiedBackground together with CertifiedProfile) of the following: (Adam Safeguard) (American Heart Association) Health Insurance Current New Jersey Nursing License Documentation of all requirements is due two weeks prior to the start of the semester in which the student is enrolled in Nursing Process & Health Promotion NURS 452. Students who fail to submit required documents before the designated date, two weeks prior to the start of the semester will not be permitted to attend clinical experiences until missing documents are submitted. All attendance policies continue to apply. Criminal Background Check All students are required to undergo a criminal background check prior to beginning clinical rotations and must use Verified Credentials, Inc. ( to provide the service. Students who are aware of an issue that may emerge as a result of the check are encouraged to speak privately with the Department Chairperson. Only the Department Chairperson has access to the student s background check report. Information relevant to the background check will be provided to the clinical agency as aggregate data only and will not identify any student by name. The student is responsible for the fees to Verified Credentials, Inc. Liability Insurance Professional liability insurance in the amount of $1 million/$3 million is required for all students. Information on where to purchase liability insurance will be provided during orientation; a copy of the policy must be submitted. The student is responsible for the costs associated with purchase of malpractice insurance.

9 Cardiopulmonary (CPR) Certification The American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers is required. Courses leading to this certification are available at many area hospitals and community agencies. Students must maintain active CPR certification for the duration of the program. If CPR certification expires during the course of the program, the student will be barred from clinical experiences until the certification is renewed. There is no grace period for expirations. It is the student s responsibility to maintain currency with CPR throughout the program. The student is responsible for costs associated with CPR certification. Note: American Red Cross CPR or any other issuer of CPR certification will not be accepted. Required Health Information Due to the nature of required experiences in Nursing Process and Health Promotion NURS 452, the Nursing Department has health and immunization requirements in addition to those of the University. Health information must be provided on the NJCU Health and Wellness Center Form. This form is available from the Health and Wellness Center or online at: immunization_requirements.asp The form must be completed by a physician or other qualified health care provider (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant). Forms must be submitted to the Nursing Department with a copy submitted to the Health and Wellness Center. Students are responsible to provide the Nursing Department and the Health and Wellness Center with required health documents. In addition to the University requirements, nursing students are required to have: entation of a physical exam (form available online) -step Tuberculin testing (PPD) with results less than 3 months prior to NURS 452 and annually thereafter -OR- -ray and TB Questionnaire for students known to be PPD positive o are currently undergoing Hepatitis B immunization are required to sign a waiver for Incomplete Hepatitis B Series and are required to complete the vaccination series as recommended by the CDC. Additional immunizations if required by the clinical agency (ie. Influenza) Drug Screen if required by the clinical agency Influenza Vaccine In the event test results for immunity to Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella or Hepatitis B indicate a student is not immune or immunity is equivocal, the student must undergo repeat vaccination as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and obtain repeat titers four weeks after completing the vaccination. Students who fail to comply with these requirements will not be cleared for entry into the clinical setting. Students who have a medical contraindication to revaccination are required to provide documentation that a contraindication exists and the duration of the contraindication. This documentation must be provided by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

10 If needed, students may contact their local county Health Department for assistance with obtaining vaccinations. Students who fail to submit the required elements by the date specified will be barred from the classroom, laboratory and clinical setting until all requirements are met. Each day the student misses a laboratory or clinical experience due to lack of required materials it will count as a clinical absence. Students missing class are subject to the attendance policy. Cardiopulmonary (CPR) Certification The American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers is required. Courses leading to this certification are available at many area hospitals and community agencies. Students must maintain active CPR certification for the duration of the program. If CPR certification expires during the course of the program, the student will be barred from clinical experiences until the certification is renewed. There is no grace period for expirations. It is the student s responsibility to maintain currency with CPR throughout the program. The student is responsible for costs associated with CPR certification. Note: American Red Cross CPR or any other issuer of CPR certification will be accepted. Health and Immunization Requirements Due to the nature of required experiences in the community setting, the Nursing Department has health and immunization requirements in addition to those of the University. Health information must be provided on the NJCU Health and Wellness Center Form. This form is available from the Health and Wellness Center or online at: immunization_requirements.asp Policies of the Nursing Department Students are expected to be aware of all University policies stated in the NJCU Student handbook, the Undergraduate Catalog, Master Course List and the Gothic net web page. Waivers for Courses Taken at Other College/University Campuses A NJCU student must obtain permission in writing prior to registering for a course at another college to assure transfer acceptance, entitled Application for Waiver of Major Course Requirements. Your advisor and program chair must sign this form. The acceptance of the transfer credit also depends upon the grade received by the student. No grade lower than a C will be accepted. Application for Waiver of Major Course Requirements forms are available in the Nursing Department. Waiver of a General Studies Requirement A NJCU student who wishes to substitute a non-general studies NJCU course for a general studies requirements must see a nursing advisor and submit a Waiver with the advisor s signature to the Dean of Arts and Sciences, to request the Dean s approval. Upon signature, the student must bring the form to the Advisement and Testing Office in Vodra Hall. Declaration of Nursing Major To declare your nursing major, please refer to the web instructions for the process of your major through Gothic Net:

11 Students with Disabilities University policies will be followed. Prior to a student receiving an accommodation in any course, the student must self-disclose the disability and meet with the Office of Specialized Services. Upon review of the student s request for accommodation, OSS will determine what reasonable accommodation(s) are required and notify faculty of the accommodations required. Accepted students with disabilities should contact OSS at as soon the student is accepted. Students will not be provided any accommodation in the classroom, laboratory or clinical setting without documentation from OSS. Accommodations are effective upon the date in the documentation provided to the faculty by OSS. For more information, please review the OSS website: Student Rights and Responsibilities 1. Students have the right to receive information on the course syllabus related to course objectives, expectations of students, grading criteria for the course, and guidelines for assignments. 2. Students have the right to practice clinical skills and receive feedback and suggestions for improvement prior to a graded evaluation. 3. Students have the right to receive feedback related to class and clinical experiences, as well as guidance and suggestions to enhance learning. 4. Students must demonstrate professional behavior, responsibility, and accountability. These include but are not limited to: a. Ensuring all pre-clinical requirements have been met prior to beginning clinical experiences and ensuring these remain current during the program. b. Ensuring all financial requirements related to continued enrollment is met. c. Attendance at all class and clinical experiences. d. Punctuality for all class and clinical experiences. e. Prompt and proper notification if the student anticipates being late or absent. f. Appropriate preparation for class activities. g. Honest and open communication with faculty, staff, and peers. h. Submission of assignments by the due date. i. Demonstration of courtesy and respect in all interactions. j. Maintenance of clients rights to dignity, privacy, and confidentiality. k. Wearing appropriate attire to class and clinical experiences. l. Consistent use of culturally sensitive, as well as educationally and developmentally appropriate language in all interactions. Students have the responsibility to participate actively in the learning process by asking questions in class, seeking out new learning experiences, and integrating theory into clinical practice. Academic Integrity Nursing, as a profession, is in the public trust. The faculty of the Nursing Department believes ethical behavior is expected in any and all situations. Students are expected to demonstrate ethical behavior and moral courage in the classroom, clinical area, and all other experiences related to the

12 academic program. Moral courage mandates that students will come forward to report issues, despite difficulties inherent in doing so. Lying about or failing to report issues are considered equivalent in their violation of the principles of academic integrity. The faculty expects all work to be the student s own. Students who are suspected of lying, cheating, falsifying records or plagiarizing will be subject to failure on an assignment, course failure, and possible dismissal from the program, depending on the severity of the situation. Definitions and minimum consequences are guided by the Academic Integrity Policy as outlined in the NJCU Student Handbook. However, because of the nature of the profession and the public s trust in nursing, sanctions for academic dishonesty may be more stringent than those within the University. Level I Level I penalty applies to circumstances involving ignorance or inexperience on the part of the person(s) committing the violation and ordinarily include a minor portion of coursework. The imposition of these penalties is considered an academic issue and not disciplinary. Example: Improper documentation of sources in a written assignment. Penalty: Re-work the assignment; maximum grade for the reworked assignment can be no higher than a grade of C (75). Reporting: Level I violations will be reported to the Department Chair and a note will be placed in the student s department record. Repeat violations: Evidence of a repeat offense at Level I will be considered a Level III violation. Level II Level II penalty involves incidents of a more serious nature and affect a significant aspect or portion of the course. Examples: Copying from or giving assistance to others on a mid-term, final, or other examination; plagiarizing a portion of the assignment (25% or less); using unauthorized material during an examination. Penalty: Grade of zero (0) for the assignment or examination with no possibility to make-up the assignment/examination. Assignments/Examinations with considerable weight in a course that receive a grade of zero (0) may result in course failure. Should a student fail the course, the student will not be able to progress in the program and will be required to wait until the next course offering on the campus in which the student is enrolled. Students may not transfer between campus locations to re-enroll in a course. Reporting: Violations of this level will be reported to the Department Chair as well as the Dean of the College of Professional Studies. Level II violations will be included in the student s university record. If the violation results in course failure, the student will not be able to expunge the grade of F from his/her GPA should the student re-take the course (Grade re-computation will be disallowed). Confidential copies of the report will also be sent to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Students, for informational purposes and for centralized coordination between the different colleges.

13 Repeat violations: Evidence of a repeat offense of a Level II offense will be considered a Level III violation. Level III Level III penalties apply to offenses that are even more serious in nature and involve pervasive dishonesty on a significant portion (greater than 25%) of coursework, such as a major paper, midterm, final examination or other examination. Examples: Using a purchased term paper presenting the work of another as one s own; having a substitute take an examination; possessing or obtaining an examination or Textbook Publisher Test Bank without professor s authority or prior knowledge; altering a graded examination for the purposes of re-grading; falsification of any information in a patient s health record. Penalties: A failing grade in the course and dismissal from the program. A student dismissed from the program for a Level III violation will be required to re-apply to the program and is subject to the application review process. The student may be offered a seat in the program on a spaceavailable basis. Violations of this level will be reported to the Department Chair as well as the Dean of the College of Professional Studies. Level III violations will be included in the student s university record. A student receiving a grade of F as the result of a Level III violation will not be able to expunge the grade of F from his/her GPA should the student re-take the course (Grade recomputation will be disallowed). Confidential copies of the report will also be sent to the Vice- President of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Students, for informational purposes and for centralized coordination between the different colleges. Repeat violations: Evidence of repeat offenses at Level III will result in dismissal from the program and the student will be ineligible for readmission. The above policy is based upon the NJCU Academic Integrity Policy. All written assignments are subject to review by a plagiarism detection program such as turnitin.com. Academic Grading and Requirements The standing of each student at the completion of each course is determined by the instructor and recorded at the end of each semester. The following grades and values are used: A = A- = B+ = B = B- = C+ = C = F = 72 and below W (Withdrawal) IN (Incomplete)

14 See Undergraduate Catalog for complete policy on grading. Students must achieve a minimum of C in all nursing courses and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Students who fall below the 2.5 will have their grades reviewed by the RN-BSN Coordinator. Students must have a 2.0 average minimum at time of initial admission into the program. Pass/Fail Option Students at the University have the option of requesting a final grade of Pass or Fail instead of a letter grade in an elective, in a general studies course (but not an AUR course), or in an academic minor. The Pass/Fail option is limited to nine semester hours. No more than one course per semester may be elected under this option. Pass/Fail evaluations interpreted to mean a grade of Pass for satisfactory completion of course requirements. When the Pass grade is given, the semester hours assigned are indicated as earned, but the student s cumulative average remains unaffected. At the discretion of any department, certain courses within the major field can be designated Pass/Fail. Please be advised that nursing students will receive 5 credits of Pass/Fail in NURS 452 Nursing Process and Health Promotion: Groups and Community. Re-computation of Courses If a student fails a course and repeats that course, the student must fill out a re-computation form before retaking the course. (See Repeated course or grade re-computation, in NJCU Student Handbook). Probation NJCU Academic Probation, please refer to the NJCU Student Handbook. Department of Nursing Probation A RN-BSN student, who has commenced upper division coursework must maintain a 2.5 cumulative average in nursing courses or will be placed on department probation. Upper level division begins when the student commences the first Nursing course. The student will be reviewed by the RN-BSN Coordinator to determine progression. Appeals may be brought to the Nursing Department Chair. Guidelines for Resolving Problems The department strives to create an atmosphere conducive to learning that is based on mutual respect between faculty and students. If a problem arises, the issue can usually be resolved by direct communication between the student and the professor. In order to facilitate the problemsolving process, it is suggested the student take the following steps: 1. Ask questions in class. 2. Seek help from the professor on an individual basis. 3. Speak with the professor and/or the academic advisor as soon as a significant problem or concern arises. 4. Speak with the Program Coordinator or Department Chairperson.

15 5. Do not ignore the situation, wait until the last minute, or expect someone else to take care of problems. If the above is not successful, the student can file an academic grievance. The NJCU procedure for filing an academic grievance can be found in the NJCU Student Handbook. Grievance Procedure NJCU Grievance Procedure (refer to NJCU Student Handbook, pp ) Off-Campus Courses The University provides courses at sites throughout New Jersey in an effort to make these offerings convenient and accessible to a wide variety of learners. The Nursing Department participates in this program and offers several of the nursing courses at alternate sites. These courses are listed in the master course list or students can check with the nursing department to determine offerings each semester. Senior Celebration and Awards Spirit of Nursing (previously awarded by the U.S. Army Corp) Students who are eligible for this award must demonstrate behaviors and competencies that include; Accountability and responsibility, being a role model, providing evidence of safe and client-centered care. Reflecting the essence of professionalism in interactions with clients, faculty and colleagues and this student demonstrations of the highest levels of competency in the practice and art of nursing Nursing Model Process Award Students who are eligible for this award must: have a GPA minimum of 3.0 and demonstrate an outstanding ability to utilize the Nursing Process and the SDS model with; individuals, families, and communities. This is evident by application of the Nursing model in the Community Paper and/or Reflective logs. Faculty Recognition Award Students who are eligible for this award must: have a GPA minimum of 2.3, show a strong dedication to Nursing, exhibit advocacy skills and participate in the activities above and beyond the course requirements (a student who goes the extra mile). Leadership Award Students who are eligible for this award must: present with competencies that reflect strong potential for leadership through the qualities of acting as a change agent in interactions with diverse clients and communities, colleagues ( affiliating agencies), fellow students and faculty and staff. This is usually evident in NPHP clinical experiences, leadership assignment, participation on department committees or department or university sponsored activities i.e.; health fair.

16 Perseverance Award Recognizes a student who preservers with challenges in mastering the accomplishment of the RN- BSN program. Communication Award Students who are eligible for this award must effectively utilize communication theory withclients (individual evidence: process recording). The student may also show evidence in the community paper with specific evidence based interactions relate to communication. Dr. Eileen Gardner Award (given in honor of deceased faculty member) Recognizes excellence, commitment and leadership in Nursing. Nursing Research Award Students who are eligible for this award must: have a grade point average of 3.0 and have taken or in the process of completing the Nursing Research course.. The student should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the Research Process. In addition, the student will provide consistent evidence for practice (papers, projects). This student also shows potential for graduate work. Global Health Award Given in Recognition for the Vision of improving the Health of the People of the world through a Humanitarian Trip to Provide Professional Health Care in a Nurse Managed Clinic(s). Community Leadership Award Students who are eligible for this award must: show evidence of providing outstanding health promotion and education to the community. These candidates are usually Health Fair (or similar Health Promotion activities) stand-outs organizers, contact persons, arranging for promotion activities; contacting outside groups, collaborating with other university departments or offices. Nursing Scholarship The RN-BSN program and the Kappa Eta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau (Refer to description below) awards one scholarship, The Dr. Eileen Gardner Scholarship, of $500 at the Senior Celebration, in the Spring of each academic year to a student that is in good academic standing and demonstrates a financial need. Sigma Theta Tau Sigma Theta Tau is the national honor society of nursing. The NJCU Department of Nursing sponsors the Kappa Eta Chapter. Each spring, the chapter inducts junior and senior nursing students and community leaders into the chapter. Criteria include cumulative grades in the upper 35% of the class, strong leadership abilities and community involvement. Additionally, Sigma Theta Tau, Kappa Eta Chapter, presents the Martha A. Flynn award for nursing excellence at the yearly Induction Ceremony. Students requesting additional information on the Kappa Eta Chapter should see Dr. Patricia Joffe, Chapter advisor/counselor and Sigma Theta Tau International

17 Student Governance Students interested in sharing the governance of the Nursing Department should see the Chairperson. Students are invited to participate in the Nursing Department s standing committees. Minutes from department meetings are available to students upon request. Students maybe invited to participate in focus groups held each semester as part of our systematic program evaluation. Reciprocal borrowing at Participating State College Libraries Guidelines Students of participating State Colleges (New Jersey City University, Kean University of New Jersey, Montclair State University, Ramapo College of New Jersey an the William Paterson University) can borrow books from other Northern New State College/Universities Consortiummembers respective libraries. The Gothic ID card bearing a current validation sticker and barcode form the home campus must be presented to afford a student the privilege of borrowing books from other Consortium-member State Colleges libraries. A student must be in good standing at her/his institution, i.e., no overdue books or pending fines and/or fees, to utilize this program. This information will be revealed at any of the libraries when the barcode appearing on a student I.D. is read into the system. The distinct borrowing regulations of each campus must be reviewed. Graduation Clearance (see Undergraduate Catalog) A senior, eligible for graduation, must complete the online Intent To Graduate Form by logging onto GothicNet. Under My Menu, click on Students, and click on Student Center, under Other Academics, click on Apply for Graduation. The student must adhere to these dates: (a) May 19 to June 12, if the student expects to complete all course requirements by the end of the summer sessions; (b) August 1 to September 30, if the student expects to complete all course requirements by the end of the fall semester; and (c) November 1 to December 12, if the student expects to complete all course requirements by the end of the spring semester. Check with the graduation clearance office for any changes in dates and the current Master Course List. School Closures School closures will be posted on the New Jersey City University website and will be announced on the main University telephone number. Students are strongly advised to subscribe to the Gothic Alert system which provides up to date messages via , phone and text message related to school closings.

18 Clinical absences due to weather conditions when the university has not officially closed must be made up, consistent with the policy on clinical absences. Cancellation of clinical due to inclement weather will not adversely affect student grading and will not count as a clinical absence provided the day is made up. Students are responsible for determining if classes have been cancelled due to inclement weather and for checking with the instructor if there is a question about class cancellation. Policy Revisions This Handbook supplements the New Jersey City University Student Handbook and includes specific policies related to the RN-BSN program. The policies contained herein are subject to change at any time as deemed necessary by the Nursing Department. Students will be notified of changes by faculty announcements, through updates on the department website, memorandums and/or in course syllabi.

19 Appendix A

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