Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Student Handbook

Transcription

1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Student Handbook Spring 2015

2 Table of Contents Introduction... 5 Mission and Philosophy Statement... 6 Conceptual Model... 8 Assessment Goals of the University, Nursing Department, and BSN Programs... 9 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.. 11 Bachelor Degree Curriculum Sequence Handbook Summary Admission Policy Retention and Progression Policy.15 Readmission Policy Check-off Policy for Returning Students Transfer Student with Nursing Credit Policy Calculation of Nursing Curriculum Support Courses GPA Organization of Learning Experiences Course Grading Policy Classroom Responsibilities Requirements for Assignments 23 Academic Integrity Policy Appeal Policy...25 Clinical Responsibilities Criminal Background Check & Drug Screening Arkansas State Board of Nursing Nurse Practice Act..31 Student Clinical Evaluation

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS cont d: Attendance Policy.35 Dress Code Policy.36 Other Departmental Policies...38 Inclement Weather CPR Certification Hepatitis B Vaccination Influenza Vaccination TB Skin Test Health Insurance Equipment Food and Smoking Computer Lab Body Substance Exposure Protocol Social Media Policy...41 Technology Use Policy.44 Math Policy...45 Policy on Inappropriate or Unacceptable Student Conduct Substance Abuse Policy Nursing Fees and Expenses...48 Student Access to Resources...49 General Student Support Services Web Links..50 Class Officer Positions and Descriptions of Duties..51 Student Nurse Excellence Award Descriptions.55 Student Nurses Association 56 SNA STAR Award 57 Nursing Alumni Chapter 59 APPENDIX: Validation for Student Handbook Form Verification Understanding Nurse Practice Act. 62 3

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS cont d: Release of Information Form Blackboard Use Statement Form...64 Student Confidentiality Agreement Form.. 65 Drug and Alcohol Testing Consent Form...66 Behaviors Warranting Drug or Alcohol Screening Mental and Physical Abilities Statement Form.. 68 Health Insurance Policy.. 69 Hepatitis B Vaccination Declination Form.70 Influenza Vaccination Declination Form 71 Update of Health Status...72 Student Accident Form...73 Report of Incident Form Plagiarism and Cheating..74 Notification of Unsatisfactory Lab/Classroom Grade Form...75 Notification of Inappropriate or Unacceptable Student Conduct 76 List of Unacceptable and/or Inappropriate Behaviors.77 HIPPA.78 ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses..81 4

5 INTRODUCTION Welcome to Southern Arkansas University s Nursing Program. We, the faculty, feel you have selected the most challenging, rewarding, and versatile career available today. We believe that a Nurse is one who possesses considerable knowledge of the basic physical, biological, behavioral, and medical sciences, plus the ability and skill to apply this knowledge in caring for patients with common nursing problems. This requires decision-making ability and sound judgment. We dedicate our time and effort to offer you those experiences that will assist you in reaching this goal. SAU s academic nursing programs are rigorous, yet accessible to those willing to commit themselves to it. The learning experiences will be available; it is your responsibility to take advantage of them. SAU provides equal educational opportunities for all, and this policy is fully implemented in all programs according to University guidelines. Revised:May2011 5

6 Mission Statement The Department of Nursing at Southern Arkansas University supports the mission statement, goals, and objectives of the University. The Department of Nursing is committed to demonstrating our core values by providing students with opportunities for intellectual growth through cultivating compassion, communication, and skill development for career preparation in a global environment. We strive to meet regional health care needs by preparing graduates who demonstrate basic competency as health care providers. Core Values: Quality, Professionalism, Innovation, Caring Philosophy of the Department of Nursing The Department of Nursing clearly differentiates two types of nursing programs. They are: Associate degree nursing education prepares the graduate to function as an entry level registered nurse providing direct evidence-based care to persons as individuals and members of family/groups in a structured and unstructured health care setting. Baccalaureate nursing education prepares the graduate for entry into professional practice as a generalist who provides evidence-based care for persons as individuals, members of family/groups, and as communities in both structured and unstructured health care settings. The complexity of decision-making and accountability increases in proportion to the complexity of the client, the health care setting, and the preparation of the practitioner. The different levels of nursing education imply education increases in complexity to correspond with the expected competencies of each graduate. PERSON Each person is a physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual being, and is therefore, unique and irreplaceable. The person is continually interacting and affected by the internal and external environment. Each person is dynamic and distinct, because they have unique and common basic human needs across the life span. The person within the context of individual, family/group, or community is the recipient of nursing care. ENVIRONMENT The environment consists of internal and external elements, which are in constant interaction with the person. The internal environment is composed of physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual factors, which influence the person from within. The external environment includes the physical and social elements that are external to and interactive with the person. The internal and external environments interact to produce needs unique to each person. The process the person chooses to meet those needs changes the health of the person. HEALTH Health is a dynamic state influenced by personal choices occurring in and across all environments. The health of the person is dependent upon resources available within the internal and external environment. Through collaborative efforts, health is promoted, maintained, and/or restored until the end of life. 6

7 NURSING Nursing is a scientific discipline that provides holistic care for culturally diverse persons across the life span. Nursing acknowledges the dignity, worth and the right of all persons to have their health care needs provided in and across all environments through the use of nursing/research process. The practice of nursing is based on knowledge, which incorporates critical thinking, communication, therapeutic nursing interventions, professionalism, roles, and service. NURSING EDUCATION Nursing education requires a foundation in liberal education, which provides an effective base of knowledge and cognitive skills upon which to build professional and personal growth. Nursing education within the university setting offers the opportunity to interact with students from diverse educational disciplines, which provides the individual an experience to build a broader foundation, thus shaping their practice of nursing. Nursing education is a life-long process that assists individuals in developing the potential to function productively within an ever changing health care system. The use of technological resources and innovative creative teaching strategies provides optimal learning experiences. Learning occurs when the student perceives it as relevant and the information received has concurrent application. Faculty facilitate, create, and guide learning opportunities, thus enabling individuals to seek and develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes to prepare them for practice within the nursing profession. Adopted: March 2009, Revised August

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9 ASSESSMENT GOALS OF SAU, NURSING DEPARTMENT A.D.N. PROGRAM AND B.S.N. PROGRAMS SAU Goals (North Central Association) 1. Communication: Graduates will communicate effectively. 2. Critical Thinking: Graduates possess the knowledge and skills to be successful. 3. Technology: Graduates use technology effectively. 4. Integrative Learning Graduates utilize appropriate quantitative skills in making decisions. 5. Global awareness: Graduates understand their own and other societies and cultures. Department of Nursing Goals Involve patients and families in the decisionmaking processes Access and use communications and technology effectively and appropriately. Provide evidence-based, clinically competent, contemporary care. Access and use communications and technology effectively and appropriately. Manage information. Care for community s health. Expand access of effective care. Develop outcome measures to assure comprehensive, safe, and professional nursing care. Improve the healthcare system operations and accountability. Understand the role of the physical environment. Participate in a racially and culturally diverse society. Associate Degree Program Outcomes (Terminal Outcomes) Demonstrate appropriate communication techniques with colleagues, other members of the health care team, individuals, and families. Demonstrate the ability to critically think using the nursing process in the delivery of health care to individuals and family across the life span. Demonstrate the use of appropriate technology in a variety of health care settings. Use appropriate quantitative skills in meeting the physiological, psychological, spiritual, and sociocultural needs of individuals and families across the life span. Provide culturally competent care to diverse individuals and families across the life span. Baccalaureate Degree Program Outcomes (Terminal Outcomes) Communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues, individuals, families/groups, and communities to provide cost effective, quality nursing care. Engage in critical thinking, independent judgment, and decision making while using the nursing/research process to design and evaluate the effectiveness of culturally competent care to individuals, families/groups, and communities across the life span. Integrate technology to critique and apply research findings to improve nursing care in a variety of health care settings. Apply appropriate knowledge and skills synthesized from the humanities, social, physical, and behavioral sciences in meeting the physiological, psychological, spiritual, and sociocultural needs of individuals, families/groups, and communities across the life span. Utilize professional values, standards, statutes, and regulations governing the practice of nursing to enhance the delivery of health care to individuals, families/groups, and communities. Facilitate a culturally competent environment for the delivery of nursing care to individuals, families/groups, and communities. 9

10 6. Meaningful Career Preparation: Graduates possess the knowledge and skills to be successful. Understand the role and emphasize primary care. Practice prevention and wellness care. Continue to learn and help others to learn. Act consistently to continue life-long learning to advance one s own nursing practice. Exhibit accountability, responsibility, and values for own nursing practice and lifelong learning. 7. Competencies of Effective Citizenship: Graduates are prepared to be contributing members of their communities. Revised: May 2010 Promote healthy lifestyles. Accommodate expanded accountability. Promote healthy lifestyles by assisting individuals and families to maintain and promote healthy behaviors across the life span. Using leadership and management skills and knowledge of health policy and health services, improve interventions used to promote and maintain healthy life-styles of individuals, families/groups, and communities across the life span. 10

11 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing The Arkansas State Board of Nursing approves the Department of Nursing at Southern Arkansas University. The Department of Nursing offers both Associate of Science (A.D.N.) and Bachelor of Science (BSN) degrees in nursing. The Associate of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The LPN-RN curriculum is a tract in the A.D.N. Program. All interested parties (students, graduates, and other parties associated with the program) may contact the ACEN to express any statement or concern at the following: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326, telephone: Curriculum A.D.N. Curriculum is accredited until LPN-RN Curriculum is a track in the A.D.N. program. RN-BSN Completion Curriculum is accredited until BSN Curriculum is accredited until Revised: May 2010, December 2011; August

12 Curriculum Sequence for BSN Program The purpose of the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Program is to provide both a general education in the liberal arts and sciences and nursing. The B.S.N. program consists of eight academic semesters and includes 35 hours of general education courses, 23 hours of other courses, and 60 hours credit in nursing courses. Clinical laboratory experiences are based in selected community hospitals and allied health agencies. Fall Semester 1 Spring Semester 2 GSTD 1002 Freshman Seminar 2 ENGL 1123 Composition II 3 ENGL 1113 Composition I 3 HIST 1003 or 1013 World History I or II 3 Math 1023 College Algebra 3 PHIL 2403 Philosophy 3 HIST 2013 or 2023 U.S. History I or II 3 Foreign Language 3 SPCH 1113 Speech 3 HS 1403 Health Science OR SOC 1003 Gen. Anthro OR ECON 2103 Microeco. Princ. OR GEOG 2003 Intro to Geography OR PSCI 2003 Am. Gov. OR SOC 2003 Intro. Soc. Revised: May 2010, February 2011, May 2011, May 2012, September 2012, December 2012; December PHED 1501 plus one semester hr From PHED Total Semester Hours 17 Total Semester Hours Fall Semester 3 Spring Semester 4 ENGL 2213 Lit I or 3 BIOL 2003 Nutrition & Diet 3 ENGL 2223 Literature II CHEM 1011/1013 College Chemistry 4 BIOL 2071/2073 Anatomy & Physiology 4 II BIOL 2061/2063 Anatomy & Physiology 4 SOC 3183 Statistics 3 I PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3 BIOL 3022/3032 Microbiology 4 ART 2013 Art Appreciation or HUM 3 PSYC 3223 Developmental Psychology Film Appreciation or MUS 2013 Music Appreciation Total Semester Hours 17 Total Semester Hours 17 Fall Semester 5 Spring Semester 6 NURS 3093 Techniques of Health 3 NURS 3403 Nursing Research for 3 Assessment Evidence Based Practice NURS 3203 Pharmacology 3 NURS 3303 Pathophysiology for Nurses 3 NURS 3206 Nursing Care I 6 NURS 3103 Gerontological Nursing 3 Foundations NURS 3083 Foundations of Mental 3 NURS 3306 Nursing Care II Acute 6 Health Nursing Care Total Semester Hours 15 Total Semester Hours 15 Fall Semester 7 Spring Semester 8 NURS 4093 Contemporary Issues and 3 NURS 4302 Nursing Informatics 2 Ethics in Nursing NURS 4207 Nursing Care III 7 NURS 4205 Leadership & Management 5 Childbearing/Pediatrics in Nursing Practice NURS 4306 Nursing Care IV Complex 6 Care NURS 4105 Foundations of Community 5 NURS 4012 Synthesis of Nursing 2 Health Nursing Concepts Total Semester Hours 15 Total Semester Hours 15 Degree hours: 120 hours 12

13 SUMMARY Every effort has been made to ensure that the Nursing Student Handbook covers all of the policies that govern the nursing curriculum. It is your responsibility to know and abide by each of these policies located on the following pages. Those items not specifically covered in the student handbook will be addressed on an individual basis by the nursing faculty. Course specific policies are located in EACH course syllabus. You will be informed in writing (i.e., or Blackboard postings) of any changes or revisions to the student handbook or course policy when they occur. Students are held accountable to the current policies of the student handbook. Nursing students are encouraged to make helpful, positive suggestions to be included in the handbook for themselves and future students. Any variation from the policies in this handbook must be in writing and signed by faculty making the agreement, the course coordinator and department chair. Name (Print) Date Signature Revised: May 2010, August 2013, September

14 Southern Arkansas University Department of Nursing ACADEMIC POLICIES The academic policies provided in the Department of Nursing Handbook relate primarily to the BSN major. Students are also responsible for being familiar with other academic policies listed in the University Student Handbook. Admission Policy Application Requirements for Admission to BSN Program: To be considered for admission into the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program the student must: 1. Be admitted to SAU with regular or conditional admission status and maintain a 2.0 at SAU. 2. TEAS pre-admission examination 3. Transfer students currently enrolled in other universities at the time of application will be considered for admission into the nursing program if the following documents are on file in the SAU Office of Admissions: completed SAU application form; valid ACT or SAT scores; completed high school transcript or GED scores; college transcripts through the previous semester; and required immunization records. International students must contact the International Student Services Office. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to the Department of Nursing. 4. Recognize that priority ranking will be given to students who have successfully completed all non-nursing support courses for the degree. 5. Have a minimum 2.6 GPA (Grade Point Average) in Nursing Curriculum Support Courses (NCSCs). The GPA for admission to the department will be calculated based on NCSCs completed at the time of application. 6. Complete NCSCs with a C or better. Students with Ds or Fs in these courses will not be admitted. 7. Students repeating a (NCSC) more than 3 times will not be accepted into the program 8. Have proof of Hepatitis B vaccination, TB screening, and current American Heart Association CPR certification. 9. Understand travel will be required to clinical sites in Southwest and Central Arkansas as well as North Louisiana. 10. Realize if an injury occurs in the clinical setting, the student is responsible for all applicable costs related to the injury. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance. Information concerning health insurance available for SAU students may be accessed at the following website: 9. Submit a completed Department of Nursing Application Form. See website for application deadlines. 10. Obtain application forms from the Department of Nursing or from our website Enclose a copy of all unofficial college transcripts. Mail application and unofficial transcripts to SAU, Department of Nursing, Attn: BSN- Application, P.O. Box 9406, Magnolia, AR Applications may be hand delivered to Wharton Nursing Building, room 201A. Created: October 2009 ; December 2013 Revised: May 2010, May 2012, December

15 Retention and Progression Policy Once admitted to the nursing program, the student: 1. Must make a C or better in ALL nursing and nursing support courses each semester to progress to the next semester in nursing. Any student with a D in a course applying toward the nursing degree will not be allowed to proceed until that specific course has been repeated and passed with a C or better. 2. Must perform satisfactorily in all clinical labs to progress to the next semester. 3. Is limited to ONE re-enrollment into the program. A student who does not successfully complete the course for any of the following reasons and then chooses to return to the nursing program has utilized their ONE re-enrollment opportunity. Receives a grade of D or F in the nursing course and then chooses to return to the nursing program. OR Withdraws/drops from a nursing course prior to completion of the semester and receives a W for any reason (See Returning Student Policy and Appeal Policy). If a student has withdrawn from a nursing course/nursing program because of a call to active military duty, this student may return to the program when active duty is completed by sending a letter requesting readmission to the Department of Nursing (See Returning Student Policy). If at any time one of these students withdraws or fails and then returns to the program, this is considered the student s one re-enrollment as outlined in the paragraph above. 5. Is assured procedural due process as established by the Nursing Department and the University. 6. Standardized exams will be administered in courses throughout the curriculum with weight to be determined by course faculty. Due to the nature of professional training in the field of nursing, successful completion of academic courses provides only a partial indication of student competency. Therefore, all students in the nursing program are required to pass a standardized comprehensive computerized exam with a performance score of 78% or higher in order to fulfill NURS 4012 Synthesis course requirements. A. Students will have four (4) attempts to pass the computerized comprehensive standardized exam with a minimum performance score of 78% and obtain a final course grade of 78% or better. B. The first exam will be administered to students enrolled in NURS 4012 Synthesis during the twelfth week of the course. The student s standardized exam score will be used as the student s final exam grade for NURS 4012 Synthesis if the minimum performance score of 78% is obtained. C. Students with performance scores below 78% on the first exam will be required to retest. Retesting takes place during final exam week. The 15

16 student s computerized comprehensive standardized exam score will be used as the student s final exam grade for NURS 4012 Synthesis. D. Students with performance scores less than 78% on the second attempt will receive a D grade in the course and will not graduate. In order to take the third exam, the student must present documentation of completion of a NCLEX Review Course to the Department Chair within seven (7) weeks after the end of the semester. The third exam must be scheduled within eight (8) weeks after the end of the semester with the department Chair. E. Students with performance scores less than 78% after the third attempt will be required to complete the National Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing and provide proof of employment as a LPN for at least three months with additional remediation efforts prior to the fourth exam attempt. Additional remediation efforts will be agreed upon by the department Chair and the student. F. Upon passing the standardized comprehensive exam, the course grade will be recalculated. The student must reapply for graduation in order to graduate on the next scheduled SAU graduation date. G. Students who fail to achieve a passing performance score after four (4) attempts will have exhibited a lack of an appropriate level of preparedness for taking the NCLEX - RN examination and will not pass the course. However, students may reapply to the LPN to RN tract of the ADN program. Created: October 2009 Revised: May 2010, May 2012, September 2012, December

17 Southern Arkansas University Department of Nursing Readmission Policy Students are not automatically eligible to repeat a nursing course the next time a course is offered. Students who need to repeat any first-semester nursing course must 1. Re-apply to the BSN Program according to the deadline and application guidelines posted on the Department of Nursing s website, to be eligible for consideration to be readmitted to the fall class. All BSN students who need to repeat a nursing class, after successfully completing the first semester course(s), must to adhere to the requirements listed below. 1. Write or (preferred method) a letter of intent to the DEPARTMENT OF NURSING, ATTN: Skills Lab Coordinator, by November 1 st for spring semesters and by April 1 st for fall semesters. The number of returning students will be limited to available space. The letter or must include the following information: a. Name (the one used while in the nursing program) b. SAU Student ID number c. Current mailing address and working phone number d. Any resolution for the problem(s) that previously resulted in the need to withdraw from or failure to achieve a satisfactory grade in the last nursing course or nursing curriculum support course. 2. Include with the letter or send directly to the Skills Lab Coordinator an updated transcript of all college courses. 3. Must repeat all BSN curriculum nursing courses over five years old. 4. Provide documentation of completion of courses toward the nursing degree. This includes all science courses (A&P I/Lab, A&P II/Lab, Microbiology/Lab, Chemistry/Lab, Nutrition and Diet). 5. Have a C or better in all nursing and nursing curriculum support courses that apply toward the nursing degree. 6. Attend the pre-scheduled exam and check-off on the date and time assigned by the Skills Lab Coordinator. A successful exam and check-off must be completed for continuation in the program. (See Check-off Policy for Returning Students) Created: October 2009 Revised: May 2010, May 2012, April 2013, may

18 CHECK-OFF POLICY FOR RETURNING STUDENTS Students re-entering a BSN nursing clinical course must pass a comprehensive check-off prior to being allowed to proceed to the clinical area as stated in the Readmission Policy (see pg. 17). A skills packet with review materials will be provided to each student by the Skills Lab Coordinator. There is a two (2) hour time limit for successful completion of both components of the check-off. The check-off contains two (2) components: 1. A written exam* o Incorporates common medication information, medication dosage calculations, medication administration skills, and general nursing skills. The written exam is given first. Upon successful completion of the exam with a 78% or better, the student may advance to the skills check-off component. 2. Skills check-off* o Performance of any or all basic nursing skills included in the Skills Review Packet. The Skills Lab Coordinator determines the skills to be performed; therefore, the student should be prepared to perform all skills. A student advances to this component ONLY AFTER successful completion of the written exam. The skills must be adequately performed to the satisfaction of the Skills Lab Coordinator, who determines whether the student has successfully passed or failed the check-off. *The student is only allowed one (1) failure of either of the two components. If two failures occur, the student is considered unprepared for re-entry and will be administratively dropped from the nursing program. Examples: (a) If the student fails the written exam on the first attempt, then both the second written exam attempt PLUS the first skills check-off must be successful for the student to remain in the program. In this situation, the one fail allowance occurs with the written component. (b) If the student passes the written exam on the first attempt, but fails the first attempt of the check-off, the student must then pass the second skills check-off attempt to remain in the program. In this situation, the one fail allowance occurs with the skills check-off component. Created: October 2009 Revised: December

19 Southern Arkansas University Department of Nursing Transfer Students with Nursing Credit Policy Those students previously enrolled in another Registered Nurse program are considered to be a Transfer Nursing Student. Transfer requests are considered on an individual basis. Applicants for SAU s Nursing Program must forward a letter requesting transfer, a Transfer Nursing Student application, and attach copies of all unofficial college transcripts. Applicants who are requesting transfer from another nursing program are also required to provide a letter from the program dean/chair/director of eligibility to reenter their previous nursing program in order to be eligible for consideration in the SAU nursing program. If an applicant has failed any nursing course(s) the request for transfer is classified as an academic reentry request, and readmission policies apply (See Readmission Policy, pg. 17). If an applicant has failed more than one nursing course they are not eligible for consideration for entry into the SAU nursing program. Transfer equivalency information for Nursing Curriculum Support Courses can be accessed through Transfer students will be required to pass and perform a comprehensive check-off with a pass/fail rate for entry into any clinical course. (Transfer students entering the first semester of the nursing program are not required to complete a re-entry skills check-off.) Each student will be allowed two (2) attempts to pass the skills check-off. If the student still has not passed, the student will be offered the option of either enrolling in NURS 3206: Nursing Care Foundations, NURS 3203 Pharmacology, NURS 3093 Techniques of Health Assessment, and NURS 3103 Gerontological Nursing to begin the program or to return again the next semester to attempt to pass the check-off and be accepted into the program at the level last completed at the previous school. A packet will be given to the student to review NECESSARY skills prior to the checkoff. (See pg. 18) Created: October 2009 Revised: May 2010, December

20 Calculation of Nursing Curriculum Support Course (NCSC) GPA A minimum 2.6 NCSC GPA is required to enter the applicant pool for the nursing program. The following guidelines are used to calculate NCSC GPA: 1. Applicants who receive a course waiver will be noted as receiving an A. (Example: The applicant who does not have to take Composition I due to a high ACT or SAT score will record an A for Composition I.) 2. Transfer courses that are in compliance with SAU s Articulation Agreement will be calculated into the NCSC GPA. Courses not identified as transferable by the course title and SAU s Articulation Agreement will not be included in the NCSC GPA and will require completion of a substitution form by the student s nursing faculty advisor during the first semester of nursing course work. 3. D and F grades in NCSCs are recorded and calculated. 4. The most recent grade in repeated courses will be used for calculation of NCSC GPA. 5. Applicants repeating a (NCSC) more than 3 times will not be entered into the applicant pool. 6. The Department follows SAU policies regarding academic clemency. October 2009 ; December

21 ORGANIZATION OF LEARNING EXPERIENCES Each learning experience is designed to assist you in some way to meet the defined course objectives. Throughout the nursing education experience you may be exposed to the following: 1. General lecture sessions. These are large class meeting, which may include general announcements, instructor lectures, group presentations, special guest lecturers, and examinations/quizzes. 2. Small group sessions. These are small group meetings utilized for theory discussion and student participation. 3. Computer sessions. Computer lab time will be assigned per the class coordinator according to the class schedule. THE DEPARTMENT OF NURSING ADHERES TO THE UNIVERSITY POLICY REGARDING COMPUTER WORK AND PLAGIARISM. 4. Clinical laboratory sessions. The amount of time spent in clinical lab varies according to the nursing course. The laboratory facilities may include hospitals, mental health centers, doctor s offices, nursing homes, county health departments, and other designated health agencies. Each faculty member has no more than ten students in the clinical setting. Each clinical lab situation usually begins with a pre-conference, when general instructions are given, the clinical focus is determined, and individual student preparation is defined. The clinical lab session is usually concluded with a post-conference where students share experiences of the day. 5. Campus laboratory sessions. The amount of time spent in the campus lab varies according to the nursing course. The campus lab is held in the nursing building. These sessions are generally used to teach nursing techniques and skills. The sessions consist of orientation, discussion, and demonstration of skills and techniques by the faculty, with return demonstration by the student using patient care simulators. 6. Exam sessions. Unit exams will be given covering material from lecture, group sessions, campus labs, clinical labs, and computer sessions. Exams consist of, but are not limited to, multiple choice, true/false, short answer, listing, discussion, and essay. Dosage calculations are included on each exam. When using a computerized answer form, students will not be allowed to make additions or corrections once the form is turned in to the faculty member. Only the marks/answers provided on the computerized answer form will be accepted. Marks that are omitted (e.g. left blank, skipped), mismarked (e.g. student marks A instead of B ), or improperly marked (e.g. circle not completely bubbled in) are no exceptions. 7. Independent Study: Students are expected to complete the reading and written assignments as indicated in each unit of study. Additions and/or changes in these assignments may be made from time to time when necessary. 8. Distance Education: The Department of Nursing adheres to the University policy. Revised: May

22 COURSE GRADING POLICY 1. Grading: Grading* is as follows: 100%-90% = A 89%-84% = B 83% - 78% = C 77% -69% = D 68%-below = F *The course grade will be a composite of both components of theory and clinical and CANNOT be taken separately. The clinical experience is based on satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance; therefore, clinical will be pass/fail component of the course. All grades are final one week after which one of the following occurs on the latest date: posting in the Blackboard Grade Center or concept review for the exam. After this time, no grade changes will be made unless the faculty member has incorrectly entered the item score. A minimum grade of C is considered passing and is necessary in ALL nursing and nursing support courses to enroll in subsequent nursing courses (Comp I and II, all science courses...). A D grade is NOT considered as passing in any nursing or nursing support course. If a student makes D or lower in any nursing or nursing support course, the course must be repeated and passed, prior to progressing in the program. ALL NURSING COURSES MUST BE TAKEN IN SEQUENCE. 2. MAKE-UP EXAM POLICY: Format is dependent on individual faculty preference. Exam questions may be multiple choice, essay, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, or other format. Make-up exams will be given in the event of necessary absence (i.e., personal illness or death in the family) that occurs on the date of a regularly scheduled examination. The student must: Notify the appropriate faculty prior to the scheduled exam, and Schedule the make-up exam with the appropriate faculty within 1 week of the missed exam. Make-up exams will be completed within one week of the absence prior to the start of the next class time. In the event the student does not schedule or complete a make-up exam within one week s time, a zero will be assigned for that exam. The exam will be of equivalent credit to the exam missed. Exam Review: Appointments to review an exam must be scheduled with the instructor within five working days, not including the date of the exam. For example, if the exam is taken at 9:00 AM Wednesday, the student must make their request by 5:00 PM the following Wednesday. After that week, access to the exam will not be allowed. 3. QUIZ POLICY: No make-up opportunities for quizzes, classroom assignments, and/or projects toward quiz grade will be offered. In-class quiz opportunities missed due to required attendance at official university functions (including but not limited to participation in university sporting events, military service, and activities related to scholarships) will be exempt from the grade. 22

23 4. CLINICAL DISMISSAL: Any student who performs in an unsafe* manner may be dismissed from the clinical laboratory setting. Permanent exclusion from the clinical laboratory will result in FAILURE of the course, and the student will be dropped in accordance with University policy. *Unsafe is defined as any measure which the student does or fails to do that may result in physical or psychological harm to the patient, the patient s family, other personnel, or to the individual student. Created: October 2009 Revised: May 2010, May 2011, May 2013 CLASSROOM RESPONSIBILITIES: Students must: 1. Participate in discussion; ask questions when unsure about major concepts. 2. Request clarification of any information presented in reading materials, learning labs, or lectures. 3. Perform on written and oral examinations and written materials at a minimum of 78% to maintain acceptable standing in the course. All computerized answer forms and test booklets must be turned in at the completion of the exam and /or test review. Failure to return the exam to the instructor prior to leaving the classroom will result in the student receiving a 0 grade on the exam. 4. Submit all written materials on time or before. Late work will not be accepted for a grade. However, under extenuating circumstances, partial credit may be awarded at the faculty member s discretion. 5. Attend local and/or regional conferences and lectures as required. When appropriate and available to enhance learning, students will be asked to attend such programs as part of the class assignment and for their professional growth. You may be asked to pay a minimal registration fee for some of these educational opportunities. 6. Demonstrate honesty and integrity including not altering or falsifying documents or cheating on examinations/quizzes or other teacher-made assignments. 7. Accept responsibility and be accountable for his or her own conduct not limited to, but including the following: A. Cell Phones are to be turned OFF or turned to vibrate during class time. It is NOT appropriate behavior to answer the phone during class. Appropriate breaks are given during lecture time to return phone calls without interrupting fellow students and faculty. B. All caps/hats are to be removed IN THE CLASSROOM. C. No children are to be brought to class or left unattended in Wharton Nursing Building while the adult is attending class or participating in campus lab/skills lab. ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE PAID FOR THE COURSE WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM. D. Maintaining appropriate respect and boundaries for faculty, staff, and fellow students. 23

24 REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSIGNMENTS: The student will: 1. Exhibit a clear understanding of the guidelines for written work using APA FORMAT. See for assistance. 2. Demonstrate organizational ability. 3. Express ideas with clarity. Spell correctly, punctuate properly, and write legibly and neatly. 4. Exhibit scholarship by depth and breadth of content and extent of bibliography. 5. Show originality and creative thinking. 6. Demonstrate critical thinking, relate and correlate knowledge gained from resource materials. 7. Complete projects on schedule. Revised: May 2010 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY: The faculty believes that honesty is a hallmark of professionalism, and academic dishonesty is viewed in the nursing department as unprofessional conduct and will not be tolerated. The faculty follows the University Student Handbook policy (p.34) for academic integrity. Excerpts from this policy are below. PLAGIARISM: According to the SAU catalog, plagiarism is the act of taking and or using the ideas, work, and/or writings of another person as one s own. Plagiarism is not acceptable for any required written work. Any student who plagiarizes maybe subject to receiving a zero on written work, may fail the course, and may be dismissed from the program (See University Student Handbook). Students should use the following guidelines when referencing material: 1. The use of exact words from the writings of another requires direct quoting and an appropriate reference using scientific notations. 2. Paraphrasing is defined as a restatement of a text, passage or work, but not the use of the original writer s exact words. Paraphrasing requires an appropriate reference using scientific notation. 3. Tables, photographs, models, figures, and illustrations as well as written text constitutes works of another and must be footnoted. 4. Inaccurate information on footnotes and scientific notations, while not falling within the definition of plagiarism, constitutes questionable writing methods and is negatively sanctioned on grading. 24

25 Discipline for Plagiarism or Cheating: Each instructor will decide on a case-by-case basis what penalty will be given to the student for his or her academic misconduct; such penalties are described in the table below. Infraction Automatic Penalties Possible Penalties unless exonerated by appeal First 1. Referral to Academic Integrity Workshop 2. Instructor sanction 1. Permanent record in Registrar s Office 2. Meeting with college Second Third 1. All of the above 2. Meeting with college dean dean 1. Permanent record in Registrar s Office 2. Referral to Academic Integrity Council for University sanction 1. Permanent record in Registrar s Office 2. Referral to Academic Integrity Council for University sanction Instructor imposed sanctions for plagiarism or cheating may also include, but is not limited to: 1. Requiring student(s) to rewrite/retake a graded item. The grade may be lowered. 2. Giving the student(s) a failing grade on the graded item. 3. Giving the student(s) a failing grade on the graded item and filing documentation of the offense in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. 4. Giving the student(s) a failing grade in the course (F or W) and filing documentation of the offense in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. 5. Recommending University sanctions, including disciplinary suspension, dismissal, or expulsion from the University. Appeal Policy Students may appeal an action of a faculty member under the Academic Integrity Policy if the penalty involves a course grade reduction or a recommendation for academic suspension from the University. The appeal will be filed with the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The respective school Grade Appeals Committee will review appeals involving grades. The Academic Suspension Appeals Committee will review appeals involving suspension. Created: October 2009 Revised: May 2010; December

26 CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The student must: 1. Maintain professional ANA Code of Ethics standards. ( Keep patient information confidential (See HIPPA policy). 2. Perform safely in all areas of patient care. Discuss areas of uncertainty of nursing care with the faculty PRIOR to entering the patient care area. 3. Appear in clinical area on time and follow the Uniform Regulations Policy. 4. Secure clinical assignment per course instructions and come to the clinical experience with the required written work and be prepared to administer the anticipated nursing care. 5. Be responsible for his or her own nursing care behavior. Each student is expected to be able to perform all activities taught in the nursing course. 6. Secure the consultation and/or assistance of the clinical instructor in the nursing care situations where you are unsure and/or inexperienced. Make a specific time arrangement with the faculty member. 7. Realize that the clinical laboratory is a learning experience rather than a work experience. As with any learning experience the process must occur within the learner. Students are encouraged to seek out learning opportunities in the clinical setting. 8. Demonstrate an appropriate knowledge base in implementing patient care by integrating and applying theoretical and general educational content. 9. Share learning experiences in post-conference. Fellow students rely on learning from each other s experiences. 10. Evaluate own learning experiences and progress. Students are expected to take initiative in seeking learning experiences. 11. Share information at regular intervals with fellow students when multiple assignments are made. 12. Arrange for an individual conference time with the appropriate faculty member for assistance in problem areas. 13. Provide care with respect for human dignity and uniqueness of the client without regard to social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of the health problem. 14. Not misrepresent educational or professional status. 15. Sign name within chart as required by facility protocol. Student Ashley Pratt would sign her name as A. Pratt, NS. Students will be instructed by clinical facility regarding the requirements of each clinical site to add the SAU initials to the student signature. If the facility requires the school initials to be added to the student signature the required signature would be A. Pratt, NS, SAU. (continued next page) 26

27 CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES (cont.): 16. Complete the Certified Background Check and Drug Screening. (See next page.) 17. Purchase and maintain personal health insurance. 18. Adhere to the Technology Use Policy. Created: October 2009 Revised: May 2010, December

28 Southern Arkansas University Department of Nursing Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening Information To comply with mandates from clinical agencies utilized by the SAU Department of Nursing (DON), students enrolled in all DON programs are required at the initial semester of enrollment in a clinical course and yearly thereafter to have criminal background checks, driving history record checks, and urine drug screens in order to remain enrolled in any DON course. Failure to comply with background and drug screening mandates will result in immediate administrative dismissal from the program. Re-entry into the program is based upon evidence of drug counseling and/or rehabilitation, negative drug screen, and agreement to submit to drug screening at random times at the student s expense. Fall semester: September 1 st is the deadline for providing proof, to the clinical course coordinator, of starting the process of the background check and drug screen (unless otherwise specified in a course syllabus/calendar). September 15 th is the deadline for providing proof of completion of background check and drug screen to the clinical course coordinator. Spring semester dates respectively are February 1 st and February 15 th. INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING YOUR BACKGROUND CHECK and DRUG SCREENING FOR A CLINICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM Southern Arkansas University Nursing Background Check and Drug Screen Background checks and drug screening are required on incoming students to ensure the safety of the patients treated by students in the clinical education program. You will be required to order your background check and complete the drug screening in sufficient time for it to be reviewed by the program coordinator or associated hospital prior to starting your clinical rotation. A background check typically takes 3-5 normal business days to complete, and turnaround time of the drug screening results is determined by a variety of factors. The background checks are conducted by PreCheck, Inc., a firm specializing in background checks for healthcare workers. The drug screening service is conducted through escreen/pembrooke. Your order must be placed online through StudentCheck. Go to and select your School and Program from the drop down menus for School and Program. It is important that you select your school worded as below and choose the appropriate program. Arkansas Residents Magnolia, Camden, El Dorado, etc., should select Southern Arkansas University Nursing Arkansas Students Only Louisiana/Texas Residents Louisiana and Texas should select Southern Arkansas University Nursing Texas and Louisiana students Complete all required fields as prompted and hit Continue to enter your payment information. The payment can be made securely online with a credit or debit card. You can also pay by money order, but that will delay processing your background check until the money order is received by mail at the PreCheck office. Texas residents will pay $ and New Mexico residents will pay $ Residents in all other states will pay $ For your records, you will be provided a receipt and confirmation page of background check and drug screening through PreCheck, Inc. Drug Screening Instructions: 28

29 For students in Magnolia, Camden, & El Dorado (Paper Chain of Custody) 1. You must provide a copy of the receipt to your school to receive a chain of custody form to submit for drug testing at one of the collection sites listed below: Magnolia Regional Medical Center Occupational Medicine Ouachita County Medical Center 101 Hospital Dr. 101 Thompson Ave 638 California Ave SW Magnolia, AR El Dorado, AR Camden, AR Ph Ph Ph For student in Texas or Louisiana Using ecoc (Online Chain of Custody) You must pre-register for a drug screen and generate your Chain of Custody Form before heading to a collection lab. If you pay by credit card, you will complete this process during the ordering process and will be directed to choose the collection site closest to your location. If you are paying by money order, you will be ed instructions to generate your Chain of Custody Form and obtain your drug screen once payment has been received. Note on Drug Screen Collection Appointments: Collection sites have different policies on setting up appointments for drug screening. For your convenience, we recommend calling your chosen collection site ahead of time to set up an appointment. It is also your responsibility to obtain necessary forms (if applicable), pre-register, and complete the drug screen within the time frame required by the school. PreCheck will not use your information for any other purposes other than a background check. Your credit will not be investigated, and your name will not be given out to any business. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Does PreCheck need every street address where I have lived over the past 7 years? No. Just the city and state. What do I do if I selected the wrong school, program, or need to correct some other information entered? Please StudentCheck@PreCheck.com with the details. How long does the background check take to complete? Most reports are completed within 3-5 business weekdays. How long does the drug screening take to complete? Screening can be impacted by a variety of factors. Do I get a copy of the background report? Yes. Log on to and click on Check Status, and enter your SSN and DOB. If your report is complete, you may click on the application number to download and print a copy. This feature is good for 90 days after submittal. After 90 days, you will be charged $14.95 for a copy of your report, and will need to contact PreCheck directly to request this. Do I get a copy of the drug screening? Your school or clinical site may have a designated administrator who receives results via fax or through e-results; however, if they direct you to contact PreCheck please your name, request, and the last 4 digits of your SSN to studentcheck@precheck.com. We will advise you of whether we house the results. 29