DNP STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Year

Transcription

1 Touro University Nevada DNP Policies DNP STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Year

2 INTRODUCTION This handbook is a reference intended to provide accurate information to students and others regarding the Touro University Nevada School of Nursing. It contains information about the organization of the University, academic matters, policies and regulations, student services and student activities. The provisions of the handbook are subject to changes as a result of official actions of the administration. Such changes may be without notice and will apply to all enrolled students. The student should not consider this handbook to represent a contract between Touro University Nevada and the student. The university disclaims any misrepresentations or omissions that may have occurred as a result of error in preparation or typing. Each student must recognize that he/she is responsible for knowledge of current academic regulations, general and specific requirements, student operational policies contained in this handbook, School Policies and Procedures, university catalogs, and other official announcements and published documents of the Programs and University. THE SCHOOL OF NURSING AT TOURO UNIVERSITY NEVADA A History of the School of Nursing A regional needs assessment indicated a looming crisis in the availability of nurses to provide care in Southern Nevada for the burgeoning population, many of whom were of retirement age. A strategic plan was implemented to provide Clark County with a nursing school that would provide graduate level education for students who hold a baccalaureate degree in another discipline or for registered nurses seeking to further their education in the functional areas of nursing administration or nursing education. Efforts were begun in January 2005 to initiate the School of Nursing by hiring the school s director and by beginning the accreditation process by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), as well as the Nevada State Board of Nursing approval process. Space designated for the School of Nursing included a 3600 sq. ft. skills lab, classrooms, seminar rooms, physical assessment rooms, faculty offices, and work stations. This project was completed in November of 2005.

3 MISSION, OBJECTIVES, AND GOALS Mission Statement Characterized by scholarship and community service, the School of Nursing prepares competent and caring nurses who meet the health care needs and expectations of individuals, families, communities, and the profession. Philosophy The School of Nursing, as a constituent of Touro University Nevada, accepts responsibility for promoting the University's general purposes of teaching, research, and service. The School s philosophy builds upon concepts regarding humans, society, health, nursing, and learning. The faculty believes that: 1. The human is a holistic being who develops through continuous interaction with the environment. 2. Society is composed of individuals, families, groups, communities, and other population aggregates. Society possesses structure, values, and beliefs that influence human responses. 3. Health is a dynamic, multidimensional, measurable state of being that is influenced by the internal and external environment. 4. Nursing is a profession and an academic discipline possessing a scientific body of knowledge. 5. Learning is a dynamic, lifelong, interactive process involving sensory perception, conceptualization, and critical thinking. 6. Nursing education guides the learner to attain competencies required to practice professional nursing. 7. Nursing education at the baccalaureate level is the basis for professional practice as a nurse generalist, and should be accessible to individuals with diverse cultural, experiential, and academic backgrounds. 8. Nursing education at the master s level focuses on preparation for advanced practice through the integration of selected theoretical formulations and the expansion of knowledge and skills through critical inquiry. 9. Nursing education at the doctoral level focuses on synthesis of data and translation of research into complex practice situations. 10. Nurses prepared at each of the three academic levels are responsible for continuing their professional development to promote constructive, effective, ethical, and societal relevant modifications within the discipline of nursing. American Nurses Association Code of Ethics: The School of Nursing subscribes to the tenets identified in The Code for Nurses published by the American Nurses Association as revised in The nurse in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.

4 2. The nurse s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group or community. 3. The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety and rights of the patient. 4. The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse s obligation to provide optimum patient care. 5. The nurse owes the same duties to self as others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth. 6. The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving health care environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality health care and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action. 7. The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contribution to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development. 8. The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs. 9. The profession of nursing, as represented by associations and their members, is responsible for articulating nursing values, for maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice, and for shaping social policy. This information is a reference intended to provide accurate information. Each student is responsible for adhering to current academic regulations. Communication Students and faculty will interact and communicate using a variety of techniques, including . Faculty members maintain office hours by appointment by phone or Adobe Connect. s and phone calls are responded to within 24 hours Monday-Friday and 48 hours on weekends, except during times that TUN does not operate. Please refer to the official TUN calendar for the holiday schedule. Students will be informed of planned faculty absences. Advising Upon admission to the program each student is assigned an Academic Mentor (AM), which is traditionally referred to as a faculty advisor. The assigned AM will work with the student throughout the program. Students are required to meet with the AM at least once during each session and as requested by the AM or as deemed necessary by the student. It is the student s responsibility to keep the AM informed of any issues that might impact their ability to succeed or progress in the program of study. It is the AM s responsibility to maintain written documentation of mentoring activities in the student s academic file. Students will choose a Practice Mentor (PM), whom must meet specific guidelines and be approved by the Academic Mentor (AM), during the first DNP course.

5 School Schedule The DNP program follows the SON schedule, which is published on the TUN website. Student Evaluation The faculty of the Touro University Nevada School of Nursing is charged with the responsibility of educating students and evaluating their knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) throughout the program. The faculty reserves the right, and has the responsibility, to recommend the academic or disciplinary dismissal of a student when appropriate. Faculty members maintain the academic freedom to assign course grades that reflect student s performance within the confines of established evaluation criteria. The following grading system is used throughout the DNP program: Grade Grade Point Equivalent % A 90-92% A % B % B 80-82% B % C % C 70 72% C- 69% or 0.00 below U A cumulative GPA of 3.15 is required to progress in the program and to graduate. A grade of B (83%) or higher is required to complete a course successfully. If a student earns a grade below 83% as the final course grade for any course, the student is dismissed from the program and must reapply. If the student is accepted for readmission, they will be readmitted on academic probation and must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.15 or higher by the end of the first session following readmission. Failure to earn a cumulative GPA of 3.15 or higher by the end of the first session following readmission will result in permanent dismissal from the program. Due to the accelerated nature of the program, incomplete grades are not awarded. Withdrawing from a Course Please refer to the TUN Catalog for more information. Note that withdrawal from a course also constitutes withdrawal from the DNP program. Students wishing to reenter the program must reapply.

6 Leave of Absence A leave of absence (LOA) may be granted, at the students request, only once during the program. Students must request the LOA in writing from the Graduate Coordinator prior to the start of the session for which the leave is requested. The following restrictions apply to students granted an LOA: 1. The LOA may not exceed one semester or two sessions. 2. It is the student s responsibility to notify the Graduate Coordinator of their anticipated reentry at least two weeks prior to the session start date. 3. Students may only reenter on a space available basis and it is possible that reentry cannot be accommodated, resulting in dismissal from the program. Reapplication will be required. 4. Student s that do not reenter within one semester (two sessions) are automatically dismissed from the program and must reapply. The Graduate Coordinator will determine if the LOA is granted or not and notify the student, in writing, within five business days of receiving the request. Program Evaluation The School of Nursing and the DNP Program support a continuous self-evaluation process. It is the expectation of multiple accreditation agencies that a process to gather information is in place. Students complete a course and faculty evaluation at the end of each course throughout the program. Student responses are aggregated and anonymous. The data obtained is used to guide course and curriculum change. Letters of Reference Writing a letter of reference is at the discretion of the individual faculty member. Academic Integrity It is essential that high academic standards be maintained to support the integrity of the program and the profession. Therefore, violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. Should an issue of questionable academic integrity arise it will be addressed between the faculty member involved and the student(s) with appropriate counseling at the discretion of the faculty member involved. If the academic integrity issue is likely, the faculty member will report the issue to the Graduate Coordinator, who will convene the Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSAC) to review the issue. If the GSAC confirms a violation of academic integrity or student conduct has occurred, the follow sanctions will be assessed: First Occurrence = A grade of zero on the assignment, letter of reprimand to the student file, consultation with OASIS, and referral to the Dean of Students. Second Occurrence Within the Program = Course failure and program dismissal. If dismissed for academic integrity or code of conduct violations the student will not be allowed readmission to the School of Nursing at any point in the future. Academic Appeal

7 Students must follow the formal appeals process if they disagree with a decision or action. 1. The appeal must be in writing and submitted to the Graduate Coordinator within seven (7) calendar days of the decision or action being appealed. Appeals will not be accepted after seven (7) days. 2. Within three (3) days of receiving the appeal, the Graduate Coordinator will convene a meeting of the Graduate Faculty Council to review and decision the appeal. The decision, which is final, will be communicated to the student and the Director of the School of Nursing, in writing, within 24 hours of the Council meeting. Grievance If a student has a grievance against the School of Nursing, the student is to confer with the Director. Should this prove to be unbeneficial or the student does not feel comfortable in doing so, the student should present the grievance to the Dean of College of Health and Human Services. Should a student have a grievance against the administration (School Director, College Dean, Bursar, Registrar, Financial Aid and Admissions) the student should attempt to discuss the problem directly with the individual and if unsatisfactory, the supervisor of the person. The student is encouraged to resolve the problem at the lowest level. Appeal of a decision is always to the next level. If the grievance is elevated beyond the local institution, an appeal would be made to the Provost of Touro University Western Division. Continuous Enrollment Student s must maintain continuous enrollment, unless on an approved LOA, throughout the entire program. Failure to maintain continuous enrollment results in program dismissal. Reapplication is required. Graduation Requirements A student will be recommended for degree conferral under the following conditions: 1. Satisfactory completion of all academic requirements, including Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSAs). 2. Has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.15 or higher. 3. Has fulfilled all legal and financial obligations to Touro University Nevada. Drug Testing & Criminal Background Check Policy The School of Nursing adheres to the stipulations and guidelines of the Drug Testing Policy and Criminal Background Check Policy of TUN. See TUN Catalog for details. Tuition Refund and Withdrawal Dates Refer to the TUN Catalog and the Financial Aid office. Transfer Credit & Credit by Examination The curriculum is carefully integrated. Many courses depend on other courses to complete the learning experience. Additionally, the program values the professional growth of the student

8 which is augmented by being an integral part of the class. Transfer credit or credit by examination is not accepted. Health Insurance See TUN Catalog. Immunizations See TUN Catalog for minimum requirements. The student is required to adhere to any specific guidelines required by a facility in which the practicum experience is completed. Health Requirements See TUN Catalog. Professional Liability Insurance Students enrolled in practice courses are covered by a blanket professional liability insurance policy provided by Touro University Nevada. Student insurance does not cover the RN who is in practice outside of a course requirement. Standard Precautions The student is responsible for following OSHA Guidelines for standard precautions at all times. Professional Conduct It is the policy of the School of Nursing that students will observe confidentiality, personal integrity, and demeanor appropriate to the nursing profession. Students must comply with all HIPAA and FERPA guidelines throughout their education. Students will also be expected to behave in a way that is truthful and honest, accept responsibility for their actions, and work diligently to correct identified deficiencies. Any action that calls into question the student's behavior or potential capabilities as a student and nursing professional will be reviewed. Student Appearance The School of Nursing contends that professional demeanor is reflected in the appearance of the student. Therefore, appropriate professional dress is expected when completing the practice component, consistent with the expectations of the practice setting. Due to the potential risk of infection to patients from artificial nails, direct care providers may not wear artificial nails. Polish must be clear and clean, if worn. Attendance & Participation Students must meet attendance requirements in all DNP courses and active participation is required. Failure to meet attendance requirements will result in course failure. Failure to meet participation requirements will impact the course grade. Specific information is located in each course syllabus. Technology Students will be given an identification number upon enrollment at Touro University Nevada. Students will be given an official University address which will be used to transmit official

9 information from faculty and administration to the students. Students are required to check this account at least five days per week. Students utilize the Blackboard learning platform to access class materials, syllabi, and to participate in discussions/communications, as required. Library academic resources are accessible online. Library staff and personnel are available to assist students, however, students are expected to possess advanced library utilization skills. Reliable broadband Internet access is required at all times. At the time of publication, MAC computers are not supported by the TUN IT Department or the HelpDesk.