MIDWAY COLLEGE BACCALAUREATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM. Student Handbook

Transcription

1 MIDWAY COLLEGE BACCALAUREATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM Student Handbook Revised 2004; 2005; 2006; 2007; 2008; 2009; 2010; 2011; 2012; 2013;

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS* TITLE PAGE POLICY AGAINST UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT 3 ACCREDITATION INFORMATION.8 PROFILE OF MIDWAY COLLEGE 9 BSN MISSION STATEMENT 11 PHILOSOPHY.11 ORGANIZING FRAMEWORK OF BSN PROGRAM BSN PROGRAM OUTCOMES...17 BSN STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES...18 CURRICULUM ADMISSION CRITERIA PROGAM CRITERIA SELECTED COLLEGE POLICIES POLICIES SPECIFIC TO BSN PROGRAM COLLEGE ATTENDANCE POLICY PROGRAM FACT SHEET ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE DIRECTORY..35 APPENDIX..36 IMMUNIZATION COPY RELEASE FORM 37 EMERGENCY MEDICAL RELEASE FORM 39 BSN STUDENT SUMMATIVE EVALUATION 40 RELEASE OF INFORMATION FORM.41 BSN CHECKLIST.42 STUDENT REFERENCE AND EVALUATION.43 CURRICULUM PLANNER EMPLOYEE REIMBURSEMENT FORM STUDENT HANDBOOK RECEIPT 48 STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICSHEET

3 Midway College Policy Against Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Harassment It is the policy of Midway College to maintain a work and academic environment that is free of sexual harassment and discriminatory actions based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, sex, age, disability, or any other category protected by law. Unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment by officers, managers, faculty, supervisors, employees, students, advisors, vendors, and contractors will not be tolerated. This policy and procedures are applicable and available to faculty, staff, students, and any third parties with a relationship, contractual or otherwise, to Midway College. Further, any retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination, or retaliation against individual for cooperating with an investigation of a complaint of sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination, is similarly unlawful and will not be tolerated. Persons who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, expulsions and/or termination of the contractual relationship. I. DEFINITIONS OF UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT A. UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION Unlawful discrimination is strictly prohibited by the College and will not be tolerated. Treating an employee or student differently in the terms or conditions of his or her employment or education on the basis of the employee s or student s race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, sex, age, disability, or any other category protected by law constitutes unlawful discrimination. B. HARASSMENT Harassment is any action, oral or written expression, repeated or persistent series of actions, or expressions that are reasonably perceived as creating an intimidating, offensive, hostile or demeaning educational, employment or College living environment for a student or College employee. A hostile environment is one that interferes with an individual s ability to participate in all and any aspects of academic, professional or residential life. C. SEXUAL HARASSMENT Sexual harassment is a form of harassment and sex discrimination that is illegal under both federal and state law and is strictly prohibited by the College. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: Submission to such advances, requests or conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual s employment or academic advancement or participation in College programs or activities, or is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions affecting the individual; or Rejection of such advances, requests or conduct affects a term or condition of an individual s employment or academic advancement or participation in College programs or activities, or 3

4 is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions affecting the individual; or Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual s work, academic performance, education, or participation in College programs or activities, or of creating an intimidating, hostile work or academic environment. Sexual harassment refers to behavior that is not welcome and occurs in a variety of situation which share a common element: the inappropriate introduction of sexual activities or comments into the work or academic environment. Harassing conduct need not be motivated by sexual desire in order to constitute unlawful sexual harassment. Depending upon the circumstances and how they impact the workplace or academic environment, examples of sexual harassment include but are not limited to such conduct as the following: verbal conduct such as verbal abuse, insults, jokes, sexual innuendoes, offensive remarks about another person s clothing or body; physical conduct such as leering or ogling, obscene gestures, inappropriate touching, fondling or kissing, and coerced sexual contact; repeated unwanted social invitations, sexual flirtations, advances, propositions or unwanted requests for sexual favors; threatened, attempted, or completed physical sexual assault; indecent exposure; displaying or distributing sexually explicit drawings, pictures, or written materials; romantic involvement (even if consensual) between supervisors and subordinates that impacts the workplace and/or other individuals in areas such as assignments, advancements and benefits; romantic involvement (even if consensual) between supervisors and students they supervise that impacts the academic environment and/or other students in areas such as assignments, grades and academic benefits; and any of the above types of behavior carried out through any electronic medium, including but not limited to s, websites, chat rooms, and text messages. Sexual harassment can be perpetrated upon members of the opposite gender or one s own gender. Occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature do not normally constitute sexual harassment. Similarly, depending upon the circumstances (including the nature of course materials or the context of an action), not all verbal or physical conduct will be considered sexual in nature. See IV. EDUCATIONAL SETTING. II. RETALIATION It is a violation of this policy to retaliate against a person who has complained about discrimination or harassment, or for assisting, participating or cooperating in an investigation or grievance of a complaint hereunder. III. WRONGFUL ALLEGATIONS It is a violation of this policy to bring a knowingly false complaint under this policy. However, failure to prove a claim of sexual harassment does not alone constitute proof of a false and/or malicious accusation. IV. EDUCATIONAL SETTING The academic setting is distinct in the workplace, and the College will maintain and encourage academic freedom. Academic curriculum and pedagogical goals that serve legitimate and reasonable educational purposes do not, in and of themselves, constitute sexual harassment or 4

5 other unlawful discrimination. Those participating in the educational setting bear a responsibility to balance their professional academic responsibilities and academic freedoms with a consideration of the reasonable sensitivities of other participants. Nothing contained in this policy shall be construed to limit the legitimate and reasonable academic responsibilities and academic freedoms of the College s professional educators. V. PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING COMPLAINTS OF UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT Anyone who believes he/she has been subjected to discrimination or harassment in violation of this policy should immediately report those concerns to the Director of Human Resources, the Director of Student Affairs, instructor, chair, dean or any other member of the administration with whom you feel comfortable in making such a report. No one is required to make a complaint to the person who is the subject of the complaint. The report must be in writing. If the initial report is oral, the person to whom the report was made shall inform the complainant of the right to file a written complaint through these procedures. There is no established time frame for filing a complaint; however individuals are urged to file a complaint as soon as possible after the alleged event or offending act or behavior. It is the responsibility of all students and employees to bring to the College s attention any indication of sexual harassment and to report promptly any act or event that is believed to be a violation of this policy so that the matter can be investigated promptly and appropriate corrective action taken, if warranted. Complaints or reports shall be directed to the Director of Human Resources, 11 Pinkerton Hall, 512 E. Stephens St., Midway, KY 40347, If a College employee (faculty, staff or student employee) believes that she or he has been sexually harassed within the scope of his or her employment activities by an individual who is not a College employee or student, the College employee should report the alleged sexual harassment to her or his supervisor or to the Director of Human Resources. If a College student believes that she or he has been sexually harassed on campus by an individual who is not a College employee or student, the student should report the alleged sexual harassment to the Director of Human Resources, an instructor, chair, dean or any other member of the administration with whom the student feels comfortable. The Director of Human Resources or her/his designee is responsible for accepting and processing discrimination and harassment complaints under the College s Policy Against Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Harassment. Instructors, chairs, deans, supervisors and other members of the administration should notify the Director of Human Resources when they receive or otherwise become aware of complaints. To the extent permissible all complaints shall be treated confidentially and will be investigated by the College in an impartial, prompt, and responsible manner. Each complaint of discrimination or harassment must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis impartially with reference to the pertinent circumstances. If appropriate, a complaint may be resolved informally. Informal resolutions may be reached by direct communication between the individuals involved or with the help of mediation of a third party. However, such a strategy 5

6 may be inappropriate when the conduct is severe or when the person responsible for the alleged behavior holds a position of authority. At either Complainant s or Respondent s request any complaint will be removed from an informal resolution process to a formal investigation. Other complaints will be conducted as formal investigations, including but not necessarily limited to interviews of the Complainant, the Respondent, and witnesses, and review of documents. The rights of both parties are considered in conducting the investigation. Both parties have the right to present witnesses and other evidence on his/her behalf. Both the complainant and the respondent will be notified of the outcome of the investigation and the basis for the decision either orally or in writing. Absent extraordinary circumstances, the investigation will be completed and the parties notified of the results within 15 working days from the date the written complaint is received by the Director of Human Resources. In the event of extraordinary circumstances (to be defined by the Director of Human Resources but to include but not limited to situations with a large number of witnesses or evidence to review, non-cooperation from one or more parties or witnesses), the Complainant and Respondent shall be informed in writing of the need for an extension of time to complete the investigation not to exceed an additional 15 working days, the reasons for an extension of time, and the amount of time needed. In determining whether conduct constitutes a violation of the College s Policy Against Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Harassment, College officials will look at the record as a whole and at all of the circumstances of the situation. The Director of Human Resources or her/his designee, shall conduct the impartial formal investigation and make recommendations for appropriate corrective action and discipline as necessary to the Director of Student Affairs where the Respondent is a student and to the Provost where the Respondent is an employee or a third party who is not an employee or student of the College. Either the Director of Student Affairs or the Provost shall decide appropriate corrective action and discipline as necessary. If a violation of this policy is found, Midway will take steps to prevent further harassment and/or discrimination. If the College determines that a third party has sexually harassed a student on campus or a College employee within the scope of her or his employment, the College will take corrective action. However, individuals who are not students or employees of the College are not subject to discipline under the College s internal processes. Members of the College community are also advised that behavior that does not rise to the level of harassment or discrimination may nonetheless be unprofessional, inappropriate or disruptive in the workplace, classroom, or residence halls and could warrant appropriate corrective action and discipline. Members of the College community are expected to cooperate in investigations by designated College officials of alleged discrimination or harassment. Student complaints of harassment by other students may also be covered by certain provisions of Code of Student Conduct contained in the Midway College Student Handbook, and may be referred to the Director of Student Affairs or the Student Judiciary Board for final resolution and disciplinary action, if warranted. More complete information concerning the student judicial process, rights of the student who is the subject of the complaint, rights of the student bringing forward the complaint, and possible sanctions can be found in the Code of Student Conduct 6

7 section of the Midway College Student Handbook. VI. CONFIDENTIALITY The College will make reasonable efforts to keep all information relating to complaints under this policy confidential on a need-to-know basis, to the extent consistent with the College s legal obligations, its need to investigate allegations, and its need to take corrective and/or disciplinary actions. All participants in the grievance process or any investigation of any allegation hereunder shall respect the confidentiality of the process and violation of confidentiality on a need-to-know basis is a violation of this policy. VII. CORRECTIVE AND/OR DISCIPLINARY ACTION In the event that the investigation reveals that unlawful discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or other inappropriate or unprofessional conduct (even if not unlawful) has occurred, further action will be taken, including corrective and/or disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion in accordance with appropriate College procedures (for students see Midway College Student Handbook; for staff see Midway College Policies and Procedures, Section B15; for faculty see Midway College Policies and Procedures, Section F7 and Faculty Handbook). If a violation of this policy is found, Midway will take steps to prevent further harassment and/or discrimination. VIII. STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES In addition to the above, employees or students who believe they may have been subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment, may file a formal complaint with government agencies. Using the College s complaint process does not prohibit an employee or student from filing a complaint with these agencies. U. S. Department of Education Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Office for Civil Rights 332 W. Broadway, 7th Floor Philadelphia Office Louisville, KY Penn Square East, Suite 515 Phone: (502) The Wanamaker Building Toll-free: (800) Philadelphia, PA TDD: (502) (215) TDD: (215) U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 1801 L. Street, N.W. Washington, D.C (800)

8 ACCREDITATION Midway College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award both the Associate and Baccalaureate degree. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 1966 Southern Lane Decatur, Georgia The BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). Accreditation review information is available from the Chair of the Nursing Division. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (formerly National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) 3343 Peachtree Rd., Suite 850 Atlanta, Georgia Phone: Fax:

9 CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME...You have made an important decision to return to school to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. You enter into education now with a different perspective than you had as a first time college student; this has an impact upon the way you view learning. Through completion of general education courses you have a solid base in liberal arts which will provide the cornerstone for Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing practice. In addition, you and your peers come to this program with a broad variety of interests, skills, experiences, and motivations. However, you also share common concerns and similarities with one another about returning to school. Do not be hesitant to ask questions about your program or about Midway College. Become engaged with your classmates and your professors. Develop an open mind to accommodate creative thinking and innovation. The BSN courses are taught online and/or blended. Taking classes online may be new to you and this may be one of your concerns about returning to school. The Midway College online Learning Management System, Moodlerooms, offers an excellent tutorial to orient you to the system. The Online Support Center offers 24/7 assistances, someone is always available to help you navigate the system or help to solve any operating problems you may have. Of course, faculty is also available to assist you. Online learning does require more initiative on your part to communicate with the professors, meet deadlines, and take responsibility for your learning. With most of the BSN courses lasting just 8 weeks, the teaching and course work are conducted at an accelerated pace that demands good time management. This is especially true for those enrolled in the 12-month track curriculum plan. This handbook has been developed with the express intent of keeping you informed as a returning adult learner at Midway College. Students are responsible to know the information and policies in this handbook and in other publications of the College. Overview of Midway College Midway College is an independent, liberal arts college offering two-year, four-year and graduate degrees. The college calendar includes a fall and spring semester, evening and extension programs delivered in modular and cohort sessions, as well as online learning anytime and anywhere. The state-of-the-art Little Memorial Library holds a collection of 55,000 volumes and over 450 periodical titles. The 20,000 square-foot building includes a variety of study and reading facilities as well as an audio-visual room The Anne Hart Raymond Center for Math, Science and Technology was dedicated in October This building contains cutting-edge technology and houses the Nursing and Science Department. Our student body is comprised of students from across the United States and several foreign countries. The student population is a unique and rewarding blend of traditional-age and adult students. A uniquely personalized atmosphere is made possible by an exceptionally low student/faculty ratio. Midway College is located in the heart of the Central Kentucky Bluegrass region. Sitting atop rolling hills, the college overlooks the small town of Midway one-quarter mile away. The 200-acre campus is a short drive from Lexington, Louisville, and Cincinnati. Major airlines and interstates make traveling convenient. 9

10 Midway College has extended campuses in the following locations: Lexington, McKee, and Versailles. All statements in this publication are announcements of present policy only and are subject to change at any time without prior notice. MIDWAY COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT Midway College shapes and inspires the lives of students in Kentucky s only college for women and in coeducational undergraduate and graduate programs through a student-centered, global education that leads to rewarding careers and responsible citizenship (adopted November 7, 2013). MIDWAY COLLEGE VISION STATEMENT Midway College will become a regional, vibrant University committed to academic quality and individual achievement. MIDWAY COLLEGE VALUES Midway College fosters core values shared by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and reflect the beliefs of our founder, Dr. L.L. Pinkerton. These values include: Valuing the dignity of all people Acting with integrity and responsibility Viewing self as part of the community Living life within a global context Providing service to others Pursuing life-long learning OVERVIEW OF RN-BSN PROGRAM The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for registered nurses offers the qualified student a program of study which combines general education courses with professional nursing theory, more complex critical thinking, and non-traditional leadership practicums. Students entering the RN-BSN completion program are RNs who have previously earned either an associate degree or diploma in nursing and have a current RN license. This track consists of the upper division level course work. The BSN program may be completed in 12 months or 24 months. Consistent with the mission and goals of the college, the BSN program prepares nurses as leaders who can provide high quality, safe health care to individuals, families, groups, and populations of diverse cultures in a variety of settings. The RN-BSN students learn to apply leadership concepts, skills, and decision making to promote high quality nursing care, while providing health team coordination, oversight, and accountability for care delivery. Emphasis is placed on issues related to the older adult including promoting quality end-of-life care. The RN-BSN program is flexible to allow registered nurses the opportunity, essential to many RN-BSN students, to continue in the work force while earning a baccalaureate degree. The online/blended format courses meet 2-3 times during the course. Online courses do not meet face-to-face. However, students may schedule appointments with faculty as needed. 10

11 The RN-BSN program was developed in and approved by SACS in June The first class of BSN students matriculated in fall of Following graduation of the first BSN class, the initial NLN self-study was conducted. The program was granted initial NLN accreditation in spring The accreditation has been continuous since RN-BSN MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Midway College RN-BSN Program is to shape the practice of nursing through a student-centered, global education that inspires and empowers registered nurses as leaders, responsible citizens, professionals, and advocates for health, while preparing them for graduate education.the mission, philosophy and goals of the RN-BSN program are consistent with those of Midway College. In support of its mission, the RN-BSN Program aims to: 1. Create and maintain a flexible, student-centered intellectual environment that supports professional leadership development of RN-BSN students, 2. Integrate diversity into the curriculum so that students will confront, intellectually and critically, some of the key issues concerning gender, older adults, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion, socioeconomic status and other special populations. 3. Prepare nurse leaders with the knowledge required to think critically and analytically, communicate effectively, and provide therapeutic nursing interventions in the management of care across the lifespan. 4. Provide advising for students so that they meet their academic and professional goals. 5. Equip students with the knowledge required in their professional field and provide a foundation for graduate education. 6. Encourage development of faculty members as teachers and scholars. 7. Provide information to students regarding available nursing scholarships and refer to financial aid and business office departments as indicated. PHILOSOPHY OF THE RN-BSN PROGRAM The philosophy of the RN-BSN program, developed by the nursing faculty, reflects the values of Midway College and the beliefs of the nursing faculty. The RN-BSN curriculum is guided by the philosophy. We believe that: Professionalism and the inherent values of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice are fundamental to the discipline of nursing. Professional nursing practice is grounded in the translation of current evidence into practice. Knowledge and skills in leadership, quality improvement and patient safety are necessary to promote high quality healthcare. Communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals are critical to delivering high quality and safe patient care. 11

12 Health promotion and disease prevention at the individual and population level are necessary to improve population health. Nurses care for clients across the lifespan. Nurses incorporate professional attitudes, values, and expectations about physical and mental aging when providing patient-centered care for older adults and families. Nurses value lifelong learning to support excellence in nursing practice. ORGANIZING FRAMEWORK OF THE BSN PROGRAM The Midway College BSN faculty adopted two national nursing best practice documents/standards as the organizing framework for the RN-BSN Curriculum: The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2008) and Recommended Baccalaureate Competencies and Curricular Guidelines for Nursing Care of Older Adults (2010). The BSN faculty determined that the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2008) best reflects the future professional nursing role and the competencies for nursing care of older adults constitutes best practices in care of this population. The college and nursing leaders recognize the myriad of changes taking place in health care. Patient safety, evidence-based practice and informatics are just a few of the areas receiving intense focus. Nurses are uniquely positioned to play a key role in transforming health care delivery and influencing health care policy. In addition, nursing leaders and Midway College Nursing faculty acknowledge the importance of educating nurses to care for the increasing number of older adults. The Essentials framework was first introduced and adopted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in 1998 with a revision in The Essentials document emphasizes such concepts as patient-centered care, interprofessional teams, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, patient safety, informatics, clinical reasoning/critical thinking, genetics and genomics, cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and practice across the lifespan in an ever-changing and complex healthcare environment. The Essentials document meets the Institute of Medicine s recommendations for core knowledge needed for all healthcare professionals (AACN, 2008) Older adults constitute a majority of people who receive nursing care in the United States. Currently 13 percent of the nation s population or close to 38 million people are over 65 years of age. By the year 2050, 19 percent of people will be over 65, and close to 21 percent of the 65- and-older population will be older than 85 years of age. Also, the percentage of individuals representing ethnic and racial minorities is high in the 65-and-older population (AACN, 2010). The health status of older adults is diverse and complex. Health status is often influenced by income level, living arrangements, and need for support. Many of the ailments of older adults are represented in the 38 proposed priority areas identified as responsive to health promotion and prevention activities for Healthy People 2020 (USDHHS, 2010). A major focus of health promotion is to minimize the loss of independence associated with functional decline and illness. There is now a consensus as to what constitutes Best Practices in care of older adults. 12

13 However, the overwhelming majority of nurses practicing in this country care for older adults but have not had enhanced preparation in caring for this population. Thus, the AACN s Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2008) and Recommended Competencies and Curricular Guidelines for the Nursing Care of Older Adults (AACN, 2010) were adopted as the organizing framework for this program to better prepare graduates to care for older adults. The nine Essentials are: Essentials I: Liberal Education for Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice o A solid base in liberal education provides the cornerstone for the practice and education of nurses. Essential II: Basic Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Care and Patient Safety o Knowledge and skills in leadership, quality improvement, and patient safety are necessary to provide high quality health care. Essential III: Scholarship for Evidence Based Practice o Professional nursing practice is grounded in the translation of current evidence into one s practice. Essential IV: Information Management and Application of Patient Care Technology o Knowledge and skills in information management and patient care technology are critical in the delivery of quality patient care. Essential V: Health Care Policy, Finance, and Regulatory Environments o Healthcare policies, including financial and regulatory, directly and indirectly influences the nature and functioning of the healthcare system and thereby are important considerations in professional nursing practice. Essential VI: Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration for Improving Patient Health Outcomes o Communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals are critical to delivering high quality and safe patient care. Essential VII: Clinical Prevention and Population Health o Health promotion and disease prevention at the individual and population level are necessary to improve population health and are important components of baccalaureate generalist nursing practice Essential VIII: Professionalism and Professional Values o Professionalism and the inherent values of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice are fundamental to the discipline of nursing. Essential IX: Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice o The baccalaureate-graduate nurse is prepared to practice with patients, including individuals, families, groups, communities and populations across the lifespan and across the continuum of healthcare environments. o The baccalaureate graduate understands and respects the variations of care, the increased complexity, and the increased use of healthcare resources inherent in caring for patients. 13

14 Gerontological Nursing Competency Statements Corresponding to Essentials 1. Incorporate professional attitudes, values, and expectations about physical and mental aging in the provision of patient-centered care for older adults and their families. Corresponding to Essential VIII 2. Assess barriers for older adults in receiving, understanding, and giving of information. Corresponding to Essentials IV & IX 3. Use valid and reliable assessment tools to guide nursing practice for older adults. Corresponding to Essentials IX 4. Assess the living environment as it relates to functional, physical, cognitive, psychological, and social needs of older adults. Corresponding to Essential IX 5. Intervene to assist older adults and their support network to achieve personal goals, based on the analysis of the living environment and availability of community resources. Corresponding to Essential VII 6. Identify actual or potential mistreatment (physical, mental or financial abuse, and/or selfneglect) in older adults and refer appropriately. Corresponding to Essential V 7. Implement strategies and use online guidelines to prevent and/or identify and manage geriatric syndromes. Corresponding to Essentials IV & IX 8. Recognize and respect the variations of care, the increased complexity, and the increased use of healthcare resources inherent in caring for older adults. Corresponding to Essentials IV & IX 9. Recognize the complex interaction of acute and chronic co-morbid physical and mental conditions and associated treatments common to older adults. Corresponding to Essential IX 10. Compare models of care that promote safe, quality physical and mental health care for older adults such as PACE, NICHE, Guided Care, Culture Change, and Transitional Care Models. Corresponding to Essential II 11. Facilitate ethical, non-coercive decision making by older adults and/or families/caregivers for maintaining everyday living, receiving treatment, initiating advance directives, and implementing end-of-life care. Corresponding to Essential VIII 12. Promote adherence to the evidence-based practice of providing restraint-free care (both physical and chemical restraints). Corresponding to Essential II 13. Integrate leadership and communication techniques that foster discussion and reflection on the extent to which diversity (among nurses, nurse assistive personnel, therapists, physicians, and patients) has the potential to impact the care o older adults. Corresponding to Essential VI 14

15 14. Facilitate safe and effective transitions across levels of care, including acute, communitybased, and long-term care (e.g., home, assisted living, hospice, nursing homes) for older adults and their families. Corresponding to Essentials IV & IX 15. Plan patient-centered care with consideration for mental and physical health and well-being of informal and formal caregivers of older adults. Corresponding to Essential IX 16. Advocate for timely and appropriate palliative and hospice care for older adults with physical and cognitive impairments. Corresponding to Essentials IX 17. Implement and monitor strategies to prevent risk and promote quality and safety (e.g., falls, mediation mismanagement, pressure ulcers) in the nursing care of older adults with physical and cognitive needs. Corresponding to Essentials II & IV 18. Utilize resources/programs to promote functional, physical, and mental wellness in older adults. Corresponding to Essential VII 19. Integrate relevant theories and concepts included in a liberal education into the delivery of patient-centered care for older adults. Corresponding to Essential I The curriculum encourages students to think in greater depth, to question preconceived notions and entertain dialogue among their colleagues and faculty about the complex theoretical and conceptual basis for patient care. Course work in the RN-BSN program is built upon the technical knowledge of the practicing nurse and the liberal arts and sciences. Business, technology, liberal arts, sciences, and humanities serve an integral role in the development of the curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding of person and society. Nursing courses provide the student with theoretical and clinical content for implementation of therapeutic nursing interventions, communication, application of research evidence, and critical thinking. Therapeutic Nursing Interventions involve the nurse using theories and research evidence as a basis for implementation of the nursing process on behalf of individuals, families, groups, and populations to facilitate adaptation and to promote, maintain, and restore the public s health. Implementing therapeutic nursing interventions involves assessment, evidence-based judgments, and leadership in the coordination of care, patient advocacy, and evaluation of patient care outcomes. Communication is a dynamic process involving the exchange of information, ideas, and feelings between and among individuals and groups. Communication is influenced by interpersonal, intrapersonal, and cultural factors affecting those involved in the sending and receiving of messages. Critical Thinking is defined by the RN-BSN program as a purposeful process involving the ongoing synthesis of relevant information, examination of assumptions, identifications of patterns, prediction of outcomes, generation of options, and choice of actions with increasing independence and fair mindedness. (Adapted from Paul & Elder, 2012, 3 rd ed.). Further, this program of study is designed to prepare professional nurses to address key issues concerning gender, sexual orientations, ethnicity, race, religion, socio-economic status and other 15

16 special populations as well as to involve students in rigorous intellectual endeavors. Providing a foundation for graduate study, the emphasis of study encompasses the development of critical thinking, independent decision-making, creative problem solving abilities, refinement of written and verbal communication, self-sufficiency, leadership behaviors, moral and ethical insights, and active professional commitments. The principle of Adult Learning Theory is utilized through the curriculum. Because the learner in a BSN completion program is building on previously learned technical skills and a validated foundation of nursing knowledge, the role of the faculty is primarily that of facilitator of the nursing process and advisor for professional role/leadership development. Learning is a life-long process in which the learner acquires new knowledge, skills, understanding, and attitudes. Learning is an interactive process between the learner and the environment. How the student learns varies greatly in rate of learning and style, requiring a variety of teaching/learning strategies and activities to enhance the process. Learning is not directly observed, but can in part be inferred from behavior changes which occur as a result of experience (Knowles, Holton, & Swanson, 2011). In the learning process, the student assumes the autonomy inherent in the professional role and accepts its attendant accountability. A willingness to be receptive to new experiences in often unfamiliar and unpredictable settings is essential in the socialization to expanded professional roles. The baccalaureate learner fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in planning and coordinating high quality health care to individuals, families, and communities. Because learning is a lifelong process, a foundation must be developed to facilitate continuing self-development. Selfdevelopment implies an openness to diversity, a willingness to change, and an ability to incorporate new knowledge and understanding into one's value system. Baccalaureate education lays the foundation for graduate nursing education and continuing life-long learning. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2008). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. Washington, DC: Author American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2010). Recommended Baccalaureate Competencies and Curricular Guidelines for Nursing Care of Older Adults. Washington, DC: Author Knowles, M. Holton, E.F., & Swanson, R.A. (2011). The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource management (7 th ed.). Elsevier: New York; Routledge. Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2012). Critical thinking: Tools for taking charge of your learning and your life, 3 rd ed.). Englewood, N.J.: Prentice Hall. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, (2010). Washington, DC: Author 16

17 RN-BSN PROGRAM OUTCOMES RN-BSN Program outcomes will be measured just prior to graduation and/or within six (6) months of graduation. The outcomes are: Outcomes 1. A minimum of 75% of students will complete the program within six (6) semesters. 2. Graduates of the RN-BSN Program will indicate at least a cumulative 85% program satisfaction within the program on the Graduate Satisfaction Questionnaire (mailed to each graduate within six (6) months of graduation). 3. Employers of RN-BSN graduates will indicate 85% program satisfaction via completion of Employer Satisfaction within six (6) months of hiring new graduates. 4. A minimum of 85% of graduates will be employed in positions for which the program prepared them within six (6) months of graduation. Outcome Measures 1. Graduation Rates 2. Graduate Satisfaction Questionnaire results. 3. Employer Satisfaction Questionnaire Results. 4. Annual Job Placement Rates. 17

18 Graduates of the RN-BSN Program will: RN-BSN STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1. Facilitate evidence-based health promotion and therapeutic nursing care to individuals, families, groups and populations across the lifespan. 2. Think critically and communicate effectively to design, manage, coordinate, and evaluate client care. 3. Design culturally sensitive care to members of diverse populations. 4. Synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing, scientific, and humanistic disciplines to develop sound judgment and effective decision-making and incorporate evidence into practice. 5. Collaborate with other health care providers and community leaders to advocate for the health and well-being of the public. 6. Explore professional attitudes, values, and expectations about physical and mental aging in the design of patient-centered care for older adults and their families. 7. Implement the nursing roles of member/advocate of the profession, communicator, educator, utilizer of research, life-long learner, collaborator, manager, and leader to meet current and emerging needs of individuals, families, groups, and populations in diverse, complex health care systems. 8. Enhance the quality and safety of professional nursing within health care systems through leadership, fiscal responsibility, and knowledge of the political system. 9. Understand the importance of professional standards, values, ethical, moral, and legal aspects in nursing practice. 10. Apply developmentally appropriate teaching learning principles to promote selfsufficiency, adaptation, and environmental integration. 11. Integrate professional responsibility, accountability, and personal philosophy of nursing into caring for the health of the public. 18

19 RN-BSN Curriculum All general education courses must be completed prior to taking the BS Nursing courses. General Education Credit Hours BIO 190/191 Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab 4 BIO 198 Anatomy & Physiology II 3 BIO 225/226 Microbiology and Lab 4 BUS 3XX Business Elective, 300 or higher 3 CHM 150 Principles of Chemistry 3 COM 205 Fundamentals of Communication 3 DVS 300 Human Difference 3 ENG 101 College Writing I 3 ENG 102 College Writing II 3 ENG 3XX Writing in the Disciplines (Fulfilled by NSG 430) 0 ENV 3XX Contemporary Global ENV Issues (ENV Science, Global Ecol., Geography) 3 HUM XXX Humanities 3 MTH 140 College Algebra (MA 140/45 or higher) 3 MTH 245 Probability and Statistics 3 PHIL 301 Ethics 3 PSY 260 Human Growth and Development 3 SOC XXX Social Science (ANT, PS, PSY, SOC) 3 ADN Requirements NSG 115 Nursing I and Clinical 9 NSG 120 Nursing II and Clinical 9 NSG 210 Nursing III and Clinical 9 NSG 225 Nursing IV and Clinical 6 NSG 230 Nursing V and Clinical 4 BS Nursing Courses NSG 310 Introduction to Professional Nursing 3 NSG 330 Pathophysiology 3 NSG 340 Health Assessment and Clinical Inference 3 NSG 360 Pharmacology 3 NSG 390 Teaching and Learning 3 NSG 370 Adaptation: Advanced Concepts A/C Illness 3 NSG 410 Community Health Nursing 4 NSG 430 Nursing Research (Fulfills ENG 3xx) 3 NSG 440 Trends and Issues in Nursing 2 NSG 460 Nursing Management and Leadership 6 *Grade of C of higher in all courses required for graduation. 19

20 NURSING COMPONENT OF THE RN-BSN PROGRAM NSG 310 Introduction to Professional Nursing 3 Semester hours This course provides an overview of concepts that introduce the students to the RN-BSN nursing program and a professional level of nursing practice. Students will become familiar with the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2008) and Older Adult: Recommended Baccalaureate Competencies and Curricular Guidelines for Geriatric Nursing Care (AACN, 2010). The course includes an overview of nurse theorists, nursing research, patient safety, aging and cultural aspects, health policy, and technology. In addition, the role of professional nursing in society and in the healthcare delivery system is discussed. A BSN Leadership Portfolio and development of a personal philosophy of nursing are initiated. Prerequisites: RN licensure or ADN-BSN tract students who have successfully completed Nursing 210 with a grade of C or higher or permission of the Chair, Nursing. NSG 330 Pathophysiology 3 Semester hours This course relates normal body functioning to physiologic changes that occur in specific diseases as well as the body s ability to compensate for these changes. Major health problems across the life span and ethnic variations are discussed. In view of an aging population, particular emphasis is placed on recognizing the geriatric syndromes experienced by other adults. Assignments require literature review, seminar presentations and identification of community resources. Prerequisites: Admission to the RN-BSN program and completion of BIO190/BIO191 and BIO198 with a minimum grade of C. Other students may enroll with consent of the Chair, Nursing. NSG 340 Health Assessment and Clinical Inference 3 Semester hours This course is designed to enhance the graduate nurse s physical and psychosocial assessment skills with clients across the life span. The functional, cognitive, psychological, and social changes unique to the older client are highlighted. The use of standardized assessment instruments common to the care of older adults will be introduced. Students will begin to focus on the probability of pathological change and conditions of varying complexity. Clinical inferences are recorded using nursing diagnoses. Students are expected to participate as examiners and examinees and to obtain clients independently for final course evaluation. Prerequisites: Completion of BIO 190/191 and BIO 198 with a minimum grade of C and acceptance into the RN-BSN program or consent of the Chair, Nursing. NSG 360 Pharmacology 3 Semester hours This course equips the student with an in-depth study of major categories of drugs. The focus is on pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties with an emphasis on the vital role the professional nurse plays in the clinical application of drug therapy. Pharmacokinetics of aging, issues of polypharmacy, and use on non-prescription medications will be introduced. Also included will be costs of medications, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for medication, and issues of dosage and use of generic options. Discussion addresses the FDA drug approval process, the nurses role in pharmaceutical research, and the implications related to prescription and over-the-counter and herbal medications, and drug interactions. Additional content includes unique individual and cultural responses, pharmacological information retrieval and client 20