Department of Nursing. Baccalaureate Student Handbook. (BSN and RN-BSN)

Transcription

1 Department of Nursing Baccalaureate Student Handbook (BSN and RN-BSN) Department of Nursing James Madison University MSC /15/2012

2 Table of Contents PROGRAM OVERVIEW... 4 NURSING DEPARTMENT MISSION AND PURPOSES... 6 PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES... 6 ADVISING AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES BSN: ADVISING ASSISTANCE HOW TO APPLY TO NURSING: FAQ'S ABOUT ADMISSION TO NURSING CURRICULUM GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES NURSING PREREQUISITES BSN CORE COURSE SEQUENCE & COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: PROGRAM ENTRY BEFORE FALL BSN CORE COURSE SEQUENCE & COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: PROGRAM ENTRY ON/AFTER FALL ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.23 NURSING ELECTIVES CHRONIC ILLNESS MINOR RN-BSN: CURRICULUM RN-BSN: COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ACADEMIC PROGRESSION, READMISSION, GRADING AND GRADUATION RN-BSN PROGRESSION POLICIES CLINICAL LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS NURSING INDEPENDENT STUDIES GUIDELINES NCLEX PREPARATION APPLICATION FOR THE BSN DEGREE ACADEMIC COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES TECHNICAL STANDARDS PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE POLICIES RESPONSIBILITIES TO PRACTICUM SITES HEALTH RELATED POLICIES EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN AND POLICIES FOR BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS NURSING STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS JMU CHAPTER OF THE VIRGINIA NURSING STUDENT ASSOCIATION (VNSA) PI MU AT-LARGE CHAPTER OF SIGMA THETA TAU INTERNATIONAL NURSING HONOR SOCIETY FINANCIAL COSTS AND ASSISTANCE /15/2012

3 PROGRAM COSTS FINANCIAL RESOURCES SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS HENLEY SCHOLARSHIP MCHONE SCHOLARSHIP THE MARCIA DAKE NURSING SCHOLARSHIP MARY R. WAPLES SCHOLARSHIP DEPARTMENT OF NURSING OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD RMH MARCIA A. DAKE AWARD FOR CLINICAL EXCELLENCE OUTSTANDING SENIOR PEER AWARD THE VICTORIA F. ALCANTARA 10 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT IN NURSING RN-BSN SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS FARRELL SCHOLARSHIP /15/2012

4 PROGRAM OVERVIEW BSN: NURSING AT JMU Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the America Association of colleges of Nursing (ACCN). Fully approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing. Leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN). Qualifies the graduate to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Classes of 60 to 90 students in each cohort and a low (>1:10) faculty to student ratio. RN-BSN classes with a web-enhanced curriculum. BEING A NURSE MEANS... Making a Difference in Peoples' lives by: Analyzing health and illness problems and deciding what to do Caring for people using knowledge, technology and skills Caring for people who need help to manage their health or illness Teaching people about their health and illness HAVING CAREER CHOICES Nurses are highly marketable nationwide. Nurses can choose a practice specialty, for example: o Pediatrics o Psychiatric Care o Women's Health o Cancer Care o Elder Care o Surgical Care Nurses can work in different settings, for example: o Critical Care o Home Care o Trauma Care o Clinics o Hospice o Community Agencies Nurses can choose among roles, for example: o Staff Nurse o Case Management o Educator 8/15/2012

5 o o Patient Advocate Consultant As a graduate of the JMU Nursing Program you will be prepared to practice as a registered nurse to provide nursing care to clients in a variety of settings. The program enjoys a strong positive reputation. JMU graduates perform well on the state licensure exam and have a wide choice of career options. Graduates move quickly into positions for responsibility and leadership. The following are examples of career directions: Community and rural hospitals Major medical centers and university teaching hospitals Primary and tertiary care centers Ambulatory treatment centers Home Health agencies Community health agencies School nursing Occupational health nursing Military nursing Flight nursing Trauma Center BSN & RN-BSN: TEACHING METHODS In Nursing, students learn knowledge, practice skills, and apply these to "real life" practice experiences. Learning activities are varied, innovative and up-to-date. Classroom: Classroom teaching is focused on learner centered activities that facilitate the application of knowledge and develop the clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills of students. Learning activities include case study analysis and discussions, computer assisted learning, role-play, and group activities. Advanced classroom technology allows faculty to use multimedia resources to enrich learning. Online: In addition to face-to-face classes, online opportunities enrich the learning environment and stimulate creative thinking. Examples of these activities include blackboard discussion board, webquests, adobe presenter slide presentations, blog development and online testing. Skills Laboratories: State of the art equipment and laboratories and high fidelity and low fidelity simulation learning experiences allow students to learn physical examination skills, nursing procedures (for example, how to give an injection or start an IV), clinical decision making and technical skills (for example, how to use IV pumps and suction equipment). Practicum: Students apply knowledge to practice in a wide variety of health care agencies that include Hospitals, Outpatient Clinics, Home Health Agencies, the Health Department, Schools, Long-term Care Facilities and Rehabilitation Centers to name a few. 8/15/2012

6 Student-Faculty Interaction: Supportive student/professor relationships are key to successful learning. A low professor to student ratio, a faculty open-door policy and close working relationships with faculty help students to develop their full personal and professional potential. You will be assigned a faculty advisor who will be available to assist you with program planning, problem solving and career exploration. NURSING DEPARTMENT MISSION AND PURPOSES The primary mission of the nursing department is to provide quality, professional undergraduate and graduate nursing education that prepares nursing leaders to influence a changing profession, society, health care system, and global health needs. Purposes: In order to support and accomplish this mission the nursing faculty has identified the following purposes: 1. Prepare nursing professionals who provide culturally competent, holistic, evidencebased nursing care to individuals, families, aggregates, and communities in a wide variety of settings. 2. Promote a community of learning that models professional values and lifelong professional development for both faculty and students. 3. Promote service-learning activities that include collaborative, interdisciplinary initiatives and partnerships between nursing education and the practice arena to meet the future health needs of consumers. 4. Conduct research and creative scholarship to generate nursing knowledge and disseminate that knowledge though collaboration, publication, and presentations. PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES BSN & RN-BSN The JMU Nursing faculty is committed to nursing education grounded in the arts, sciences and humanities, meeting professional standards for nursing education and practice. Nursing is a humanistic profession that enhances the quality of life by promoting health and preventing illness through the effective delivery of coordinated health care. Nursing knowledge is advanced through thinking critically, engaging in scholarship, and applying knowledge to the delivery of nursing care. The values of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice are the foundation for professional nursing practice. Through community collaboration graduates are prepared to assume multiple roles to impact the profession, health care systems, and communities. The graduate of the JMU baccalaureate nursing program will be able to demonstrate: Health Promotion/Illness Care: 8/15/2012

7 Provide health protection and promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, illness care, rehabilitation, and end of life care to clients within a holistic framework in a variety of settings. Rationale: Graduates will be generalists who offer a service, nursing care, within the context of the nursing process (see Critical Thinking). Includes assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation for actual and potential health needs for clients (individuals, families, aggregates, and communities). Health is a dynamic and individual state of being that includes wellness and illness. Health Protection describes the regulatory and environmental measures used to enforce protective strategies for specified population groups. Health Promotion describes strategies designed to increase the physical, social, and emotional health, growth, and development of individuals, families, and communities. Risk Reduction is the application of selected interventions to control or reduce risk factors and minimize the incidence of associated disease and premature mortality. Disease Prevention is behavior directed toward reducing the threat of illness, disease, or complications. Illness Care describes the care given to a client who is experiencing an illness of disease process. Rehabilitation is the process of restoring a person s ability to achieve the maximum self-care in physical and psychological fitness after a disabling injury or illness. End of Life Care describes palliative and bereavement care for terminally ill individuals and their families. Critical Thinking: Synthesize knowledge, skills, and technology from the established practice and science of nursing, the biological and psychosocial sciences, and the humanities to engage in critical thinking, clinical reasoning and the nursing process in the care of clients. Rationale: Nursing involves the evaluation and integration of theory, principles, and technology from science, using clinical skills. Critical Thinking is defined as purposeful, reflective thought process that guides what to believe and do. Levels of critical thinking progress from: 1. The discrimination of factors that influence or affect common clinical situations; 2. The ability to interpret the significance of multidirectional and interrelated factors that affect clinical decision-making; 3. The ability to engage in complex clinical reasoning that leads to predictions, proactive decisions, and influences change. Critical thinking is foundational to the nursing process, or the nursing decision-making process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Therapeutic Relationships: Develop caring relationships with clients that are sensitive to diverse personal, socio-cultural, and environmental characteristics, which encourage clients to assume primary responsibility for health care decisions, and in which the nurse functions as advocate and advisor. Rationale: This criterion elaborates the expectation that graduates will establish caring relationships nurses in caring relationships respect and incorporate the culture, values and 8/15/2012

8 beliefs of clients when planning care. This relationship implies that clients and their families have primary responsibility for their own health care decisions. Communication: Use effective communication and information technology to communicate interpersonal and health care information. Rationale: Communication refers to an interactive process of giving and receiving written, verbal and/or nonverbal messages which convey information, feeling, attitude, and ideas in a social context. Professional Role Development: Enhance professional role development. Rationale: Role development is the development of a professional identity and the enactment of functions of a professional nurse. These include nurse as provider, coordinator, and advocate of care. The graduate will be a member of a profession which actively participates at all levels within the health care system. The nursing professional influences the process of health policy formation along with its impact on nursing and the health care delivery system. All professional nurses must display characteristics of leadership and engage in leading and managing activities, either at the bedside or in other positions of responsibility within organizations and communities. Ethical and Professional Self Development: Engage in activities to promote self-awareness, self-growth, ethical accountability, and legal responsibility in the practice of nursing. Rationale: This criterion articulates the ethical and legal accountabilities we expect of a graduate. Self-awareness means that graduates have insight into their own values, strengths, and needs; self-growth refers to the idea that graduates value ongoing learning and professional service; accountability means being responsible for ones own behavior and the consequences of that behavior; and responsibility implies that the nurse will practice according to societal expectations, professional standards of practice, and the legal parameters of licensure. Scholarship: Contribute to excellence in nursing practice by identifying and critiquing research evidence and integrating it with clinical practice, client preference, cost-benefit, and existing resources. 8/15/2012

9 Rationale: In the scholarship of discovery students are involved in assembling and evaluating evidence through high quality integrative reviews. The scholarship of integration involves the synthesis and critique of existing knowledge across disciplines. The scholarship of application involves developing competence in practice that is evidence-based. 8/15/2012

10 ADVISING AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES BSN: ADVISING ASSISTANCE Students often need information or have questions about nursing that they need help to answer. The following are suggestions on who to contact when the student needs assistance or advising: Department Administrative Staff The administrative staff can be reached at They can answer questions about processes and procedures when the student applies to enter the nursing program. Advising In the freshman spring semester, the student will be assigned to the Academic Advisor for nursing, who is their point of contact until the student enters the nursing program. Once the student is accepted to the nursing program they will be assigned a faculty advisor. Both their Academic Advisor and their faculty advisor can assist them with any questions related to the following: Progression into and through the major Students may have questions centering around scheduling and/or transferring General Education and pre-requisite courses. Student understanding about and fit with the major Students may have questions related to understanding what a career in nursing means, what they will be prepared to do, and how they will be marketable. Students may want to understand nursing in relation to other disciplines. The Academic Counselor or faculty advisor should be able to articulate and direct students to information about other health and human service majors at JMU. Career planning Students may seek advice about options and directions to take in nursing. They may seek counseling about advanced practice options and graduate programs. Students may seek counsel related to personal and interpersonal difficulties that have an impact on the academic experience. Students may seek counsel related to difficulty with time management, organization, study skills, or academic achievement. Undergraduate (BSN) Program Director Students may contact the BSN Program Director at , if they have unresolved advising issues or questions after they have contacted their Academic Advisor or faculty advisor. Students are asked to please seek assistance first from their Academic Advisor or faculty advisor. 8/15/

11 HOW TO APPLY TO NURSING: TRADITIONAL BSN STUDENTS Courses in the Nursing major span 4 semesters (2 academic years) and normally begin in the fifth semester at JMU. Any student who is interested in seeking a BSN degree in nursing should follow these steps: Apply to James Madison University and accept an offer of admission. Admission to the nursing program is contingent on admission to James Madison University. An application to JMU can be obtained from the University's Office of Admissions at Deadlines for regular university admission are January 15 for the fall semester. Transfer applications are due by March 1 for fall admission, October 15 for spring term and February 1 for summer term. Information concerning university costs, tuition, financial aid and housing is in the JMU catalog. Copies are available from the JMU bookstore at Declare Nursing as major After declaring Nursing as a major, the student will be assigned a nursing faculty advisor or nursing academic counselor who can answer their questions and help to plan their course of academic study. If the student is changing their major to nursing, they should complete a Change of Major form. Complete a BSN Admission Application to the Nursing Program Admission to the Nursing program is competitive. Admission is based on all student qualifications but GPA is a strong consideration. You must apply and be fully admitted to the nursing program to begin taking nursing courses. To be considered for admission: A completed BSN Admission Application and official college transcripts must be received by the dates posted on the website for spring or fall admission, Students must reapply each admission cycle for consideration. NOTE: The Department will respond only to applications that are complete from students who have been admitted to James Madison University. To be considered for full admission to the nursing major, you must: Be a declared nursing major Have earned a cumulative GPA of at least (declared nursing majors prior to fall 2012) or (all declared nursing majors on/after fall 2012) as verified by your academic record 8/15/

12 Complete 36 academic credits by the end of the fall semester (to be considered for the following fall) or by the end of spring semester (to be considered for the following spring). Complete the following nursing pre-requisite courses (or approved equivalents) with a grade of C- or higher: CHEM 120, MATH 220, and at least two of the required biology courses (BIO 270, BIO 280 or BIO 290) Be sure to review the departmental website at for detailed admission information. Any exceptions to these requirements are at the discretion of the BSN Program Director and/or Department Head. If the student has further questions and wishes to schedule an appointment or would like a hard copy of the information packet and BSN Admission Application, contact the main nursing office at FAQ'S ABOUT ADMISSION TO NURSING BSN: Can I send the BSN Admission Application before I am admitted to JMU? Please do not send your BSN Admission Application to JMU prior to being admitted. We encourage you to submit the BSN Admission Application and transcripts when you have completed at least 25 credit hours. I would like to transfer to JMU and enter the nursing program. How should I proceed? If you plan to take courses elsewhere before you come to JMU, you should enroll in courses that will transfer to JMU as equivalent to the required nursing Prerequisite Courses. As soon as you are admitted to JMU, you can request a transfer analysis from the JMU Registrar s Office. This analysis will allow you to determine whether you need additional General Education courses and Nursing Prerequisite courses, and when you can be ready to enter the nursing program. Please, visit our BSN website Transfer student section for further information, I m a student in the Virginia Community College System. If I am admitted to JMU, will I also be guaranteed admission to nursing? Admission to JMU does not guarantee admission to nursing. If you are a student in the VCCS who plans to transfer to the JMU Nursing Program, you should consult the Transfer Guide for VCCS and Richard Bland College on the JMU website. If you complete an Associate in Science Degree in the VCCS, you do not need to complete General Education courses at JMU. 8/15/

13 However, you do need to complete the courses that are listed in the transfer guide as equivalent to each of the nursing Prerequisite Courses at JMU. You can take these prerequisites either at JMU or in the VCCS. If you do not earn an Associate in Science degree in the VCCS, you will need to complete both General Education requirements and the Nursing Prerequisite Courses before you can enter the nursing program. You can use the Transfer Guide for VCCS and Richard Bland College to help you determine which courses will best prepare you for transfer to JMU. It also is a good idea for transfer students to contact the Department of Nursing to schedule an appointment with the Academic Advisor for further planning. Please, visit our BSN website Transfer student section for further information, Is there ever a wait list? Students are selected for each class competitively. Once students are notified of their admission offer and have accepted the offer, their place in the program is guaranteed. If a student does not accept the offer of admission, another student will be selected to be offered admission into the program. Students who are not admitted and wish to be considered for subsequent semesters, must reapply. What happens to me if my GPA is lower than the required admission GPA? Students whose GPA falls below the required GPA prior to enrollment in nursing are normally classified as Not Now Qualified. We maintain your student records and keep you in our data base. When your GPA reaches the required minimum GPA, you can reapply to the program for the next admission cycle. What is repeat-forgive? The Repeat Forgive credit option is recommended for failed courses. However, you only get two the entire time you are at JMU, so they need to be used wisely. It is a good idea to use repeat forgive if you receive a D or lower in a course that is prerequisite to nursing. Repeat Forgive substitutes the repeat grade for the failing grade in your GPA. It is a good idea to discuss repeat forgive decisions with your advisor. HOW TO APPLY TO NURSING: RN-BSN STUDENTS Students enter the 3 semester (full-time) or 5 semester (part-time) program in the fall semester of each academic year. Any student who is interested in seeking an RN-BSN degree in nursing should follow these steps: 8/15/

14 Apply to James Madison University and accept an offer of admission. Initial enrollment in nursing courses is contingent upon meeting all pre-requisite requirements. An application to JMU can be obtained from the University s Office of Admissions at or online. Deadline for online University transfer admission is March 1 for fall semester. However, admission remains open until the class is full. Information concerning university costs, tuition, financial aid, and housing is in the JMU catalog and copies are available from the JMU bookstore at or online. Students should place the notation RN-BSN in the top right-hand corner of the JMU application page and submit applications to the attention of: Linda Gorton, JMU Admissions. If submitting the application online, refer to the RN-BSN program in the opening sentence of the personal statement. Complete an RN-BSN Supplemental Application to the Nursing Program Students must complete an RN-BSN supplemental application and be accepted into the nursing program. Students should be directed to the department website, for detailed information regarding the program, the application process as well as to acquire downloadable forms. Alternately, students can obtain a hard copy of the information packet (containing the supplemental application) from the secretary in the nursing office. While the application deadline into the program is May 1 st, applications will be accepted until the class is filled. General Admission Requirements into the RN-BSN Nursing Program Admission to the RN-BSN program is competitive. To be considered for admission to the program, prospective students must: Hold an Associate Degree in Nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher Hold a current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license Complete general education and pre-requisite courses with a grade of C- or better. General education courses must be completed prior to graduation and are not considered pre-requisite to nursing courses. Be employed as an RN for a minimum of six months or plan to practice concurrently with the RN-BSN program. Ability to meet the department s technical standards for nursing practice which are posted on the nursing website. 8/15/

15 Graduates of foreign nursing schools, who are licensed outside of the United States, are required to pass the Qualifying Exam of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (COGFNS) prior to application and include the exam report with their application materials. TOEFL scores greater than 570 are required for international applicants. RN-BSN: FAQ s About Admission to Nursing and Where to Receive Information Can I send the RN-BSN Supplemental Application before I am admitted to JMU? Yes, this can be done simultaneously. It is preferred that students be in contact with the RN- BSN program coordinator, to discuss the program and receive general academic advising prior to making application. This helps to not only inform the student so that they can best determine fit with the program but gives valuable advice regarding additional courses that may be needed and the time frame of recommended application to the program. If I need additional courses to complete General Education requirements for at BSN degree at JMU, can I complete those elsewhere and transfer them into JMU? As a general rule, if applicants have graduated from a Virginia Community College with an associate s degree in nursing, they will receive 40 transfer credits toward their BSN. Up to 37credit hours will also be granted for upper level nursing courses taken within the community college system as well as for work-related experience as a licensed RN. The remaining 13 credit hours of general education credits required for a baccalaureate degree must be completed from the following: JMU General Education Cluster 2 9 credits JMU General Education Cluster 4 4 credits These courses can either be taken at JMU or the Virginia Community College System equivalents may be taken at any local community college of choice. For VCCS equivalents, please refer to the JMU general education website ( and the VCCS website ( These courses are not pre-requisite to beginning in the nursing program but must be completed prior to graduation from JMU. Once admitted into the JMU, any course that is taken elsewhere must receive prior approval from the registrar. Students must complete a Permission to Transfer form which can be found on the Registrar s website. 8/15/

16 Thirty additional credit hours will be taken at JMU as nursing credit which will complete the 120 credit hours for graduation from the RN-BSN program of study in nursing. Where do I obtain a parking permit? Parking permits may be purchased online at or at the Parking Deck on 381 Bluestone Drive (behind the football stadium). Be sure to do this prior to coming on campus for classes and be familiar with where you as a commuting student are allowed park.tickets are expensive. What is a JAC card and where do I obtain one? The JMU Access Card (JAC) is the most important and most often used card on campus. It will be required for use as your university ID card for registration and other important tasks. You may also deposit money on this card and use it as if it were cash in most campus locations and also at many community restaurants. It is useful for vending machine purchases, copy center costs, meal purchases on campus, etc. You may obtain your JAC card at Warren Hall. You may also add money to your JAC card at select locations on campus. Please refer the following website for more specific directions: You will also find that Warren Hall has many other services (registrar, cashier, post-office) so check it out while you are there! Where do I purchase textbooks? Text book lists are available through the RN-BSN program coordinator or the nursing department secretary. Texts can be purchased at the campus bookstore flanking the football stadium on Blue Stone Drive. As a student you will also be able to purchase nice computer systems through the bookstore as well. Textbooks can also be purchased as used books and online through many off-campus sources. How do I find my way around campus? Maps are available online at 8/15/

17 CURRICULUM BSN JMU offers a 4-year program leading to a Bachelor of Nursing degree. During the first 2 years students complete the General Education Program and the Prerequisite Courses. Students must earn a C- or higher in all prerequisite courses before they can begin junior nursing classes. Students begin courses in the 4-Semester Nursing Program usually at the beginning of the junior year. The 2-year nursing program of study includes 59 credit hours of core nursing courses and 2 required credit hours of Nursing Elective Courses. Nursing electives can be taken anytime in the freshman through senior year. BSN: FRESHMAN AND SOPHOMORE YEAR CURRICULUM GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES Cluster Course Title Hours Cluster 1 Skills for the 21st Century 9 Cluster 2 Arts and Humanities 9 Cluster 3 The Natural World (1) 10 Cluster 4 Social & Cultural Processes 7 Cluster 5 Individuals in the Human Community 6 NURSING PREREQUISITES Course Number Course Title Hours Chem 120 Concepts of Chemistry (1),(2),(4) 3 Math 220 Elementary Statistics (1),(3) 3 Bio 270 Human Physiology (1) 4 Bio 280 Allied Health Microbiology 4 8/15/

18 Bio 290 Human Anatomy 4 Nutr 280 Nutrition for Wellness 3 GPsyc 160 Life Span Human Development 3 Total Hours: Must have at least 59 credits including Gen Ed courses and Gen Ed electives. (1) Note: Cluster 3 contains CHEM 120, MATH 220, and BIO 270 (2) CHEM 120 must be taken prior to or with BIO 270 (3) MATH 220 must be taken prior to or with BIO 270 (4) CHEM120 must be taker prior to BIO 280 NURSING CORE COURSE SEQUENCES BSN: ABOUT THE PROGRAM Classroom courses Varied practicum activities Health Assessment & Skills labs Simulation Lab Experiences Learning: Theory, Skills, Application BSN Curriculum: Program entry on/before spring 2012 Semester 1 Course Number Course Title Hours Nursing 330 The Professional Nurse 2 Nursing 331 Adult Health I 6 Nursing 332 Psych/Mental Health Nursing 3 Nursing 333 Health Assessment 3 Nursing 370 Practicum: Gerontology 1 Total Hours: 15 8/15/

19 Semester 2 Course Number Course Title Hours Nursing 340 The Nurse Researcher 3 Nursing 341 Nursing Care of Children & Families 3 Nursing 380 Advanced Skills Lab 2 Nursing 381 Practicum: Acute/Adult Health I 3 Nursing 382 Practicum: Nursing Care of Children & Families 2 Nursing 383 Practicum: Psych/ mental Health Nursing 1 Total Hours: 14 Semester 3 Course Number Course Title Hours Nursing 430 The Nurse Leader 2 Nursing 431 Adult Health II 6 Nursing 432 Women s Health 3 Nursing 433 Community Health: Health Assessment of Vulnerable Populations in the Community 2 Nursing 470 Practicum: Community as Client 2 Total Hours: 15 8/15/

20 Semester 4 Course Number Course Title Hours Nursing 440 Transition to Practice 3 Nursing 480 Practicum: Capstone 6 Nursing 481 Practicum: Acute Adult Health II 1 Nursing 482 Practicum: Home Health Case Management 1 Nursing 483 Practicum: Women health 1 Electives Nursing Classes 2 Total Hours: 14 Total credits = 61 (including Sophomore level NSG course and nursing elective credits.) BSN Course Descriptions for Program Entry on/before Spring 2012 NSG 330. The Professional Nurse. (2 credits). This course provides an overview of the concepts, definitions and character of professional nursing practice within the context of ethical and legal realities of the current healthcare delivery system and of professional nursing practice. The course explores the historical development of nursing as a profession. It promotes self analysis and socialization as a professional nurse, and an understanding of the role and processes for professional nursing practice. It also begins to prepare the student for success in the nursing program and NCLEX testing. The beginning phases of career management are examined. NSG 331. Adult Health I. (6 credits). This course focuses on the integration of pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts and principles of nursing process, health promotion, risk reduction, clinical decision making, and collaborative management of care of adults across the life span experiencing moderate to severe health alterations. NSG 332. Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. (3 credits). This course examines the pathophysiology and psychosocial manifestations and the psychopharmacological and psychiatric health nursing treatment of selected mental illness. 8/15/

21 Analysis of the role and practice of psychiatric mental health nursing both as a nursing specialty and as an integral facet of general nursing are emphasized. NSG 333. Health Assessment. (3 credits). The health assessment course is designed to develop knowledge and skills necessary to gather, organize and present relevant health data. Emphasis is placed on systematic strategies, frameworks and skills used to conduct both comprehensive and need-specific health assessments for individuals in the context of their family and community. NSG 340. The Nurse Researcher. (3 credits). This course explores the research process and utilization of research and theory in evidencebased professional practice. It also explores the dissemination and utilization of research in nursing practice. Students learn to critique the nursing and healthcare literature in order to answer a research question that would impact nursing practice. NSG 341. Nursing Care of Children and Their Families. (3 credits). This course applies the nursing process to the care of well, acutely and chronically ill, and special needs children and their families within the context of their environment. Emphasis is on anatomical, physiological and developmental differences among neonates, infants, children and adolescents that influence care. Theory, research, evidenced based practice and critical thinking are foundations. NSG 370. NSG Practicum: Gerontology. (1 credit). Through interactions with older adults, students develop health and developmental assessment skills, and the nursing intervention skills of teaching and therapeutic communication. Emphasis is on holistic developmental assessment of individuals in a family and community context. NSG 380. Advanced Skills Lab. (2 credits). In this laboratory course, students learn additional psychomotor, cognitive and affective skills that are foundational to nursing practice. Focuses of the course include acute care skills, strategies to manage stress, alternative health techniques and therapeutic group processes. NSG 381. NSG Practicum: Acute Adult Health I. (3 credits). Students apply concepts, principles, theories and skills in the nursing care of adults experiencing moderate to severe challenges to health. In hospital settings, students are exposed to a wide variety of clinical skills gaining beginning practice in planning and facilitating nursing care for clients and their families. NSG 382. NSG Practicum: Nursing Care of Children and Their Families. (2 credits). Students apply concepts, principles, theories and skills in the nursing care of children experiencing moderate to severe challenges to health. In hospital settings, students are exposed to a wide variety of clinical skills gaining beginning practice in planning and facilitating nursing care for children and their families. 8/15/

22 NSG 383. NSG Practicum: Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. (1 credit). In this practicum students apply knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial manifestations, and the psychopharmacological and psychiatric mental health nursing treatment of selected mental illnesses through psychosocial nursing care of persons diagnosed with psychiatric disorders in the clinical treatment setting. Analysis of the role and practice of psychiatric mental health nursing both as a nursing specialty and as an integral facet of general nursing are emphasized. NSG 430. The Nurse Leader. (2 credits). This course examines leadership in the context of professional nursing practice including leadership theory, interdisciplinary collaboration, conflict management, change theory, and delegation of client care. Areas of focus include the US healthcare system, healthcare delivery, health policy and political advocacy, ethics in nursing practice, and career development. NSG 431. Adult Health II. (6 credits). This course is a continuation of Adult Health I and focuses on the integration of pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts and principles of nursing process, health promotion, risk reduction, clinical decision making and collaborative management of care for adults across the life span experiencing moderate to severe and complex health alterations. NSG 432. Women s Health. (3 credits). This course focuses on synthesis of concepts and principles utilized in health promotion, risk reduction, clinical decision-making and management of women s health care. Focuses include women s health issues, perinatal care of mothers and infants and gynecological health. NSG 433. Community Health: Health Assessment of Vulnerable Populations in the Community. (2 credits). In Part I of this course, students develop the knowledge, skills and ability to conduct and interpret systematic assessments of vulnerable aggregates in community settings. The impact of increasing societal changes and cultural diversity of vulnerability across the life span will be emphasized. Theoretical concepts of health promotion and disease prevention of vulnerable populations will be presented emphasizing Health People 2010 objectives. Part II of the course will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to gather, organize and present relevant data on target populations and entire community assessments. The influence of political, socioeconomic and ecological issues on the health of populations is examined. NSG 440. Transition to Practice. (3 credits). This course explores current factors that impact the transition from student to the licensed professional nurse. Content includes NCLEX preparation, simulation, career planning, and trends/opportunities in healthcare. Theories related to organizational management, risk management, nursing care delivery and quality and safety are examined. NSG 470. NSG Practicum: Community as Client. (2 credits). This practicum provides a framework for identifying, analyzing and planning for healthcare 8/15/

23 needs of vulnerable populations based on the objectives of Health People The concepts of community as client and population- focused practice are presented with an emphasis on understanding the relationship between individual, family and community needs. Students will use the nursing process to perform community-focused assessment and service learning interventions while applying concepts of health promotion, disease prevention and health education to the care of vulnerable groups. NSG 480. NSG Practicum: Capstone. (6 credits). An in-depth focused practicum experience for JMU senior nursing students. The purpose of the capstone experience is to help students gain confidence in time management, critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, documentation and psychomotor skills under the direct supervision of clinical preceptors. NSG 481. NSG Practicum: The Nurse Leader. (1 credit). This course provides the student with the opportunity to apply leadership and management principles in acute and chronic healthcare settings with a focus on safe and efficient, quality patient care. A team-based approach will be used by students to oversee the care coordination of a group of patients and provide direct patient care as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. NSG 482. NSG Practicum: Home Health Case Management. (1 credit). In this setting, students are provided an opportunity to learn and apply case management concepts. Students provide nursing care in the home for persons and families experiencing chronic illness. Using a case management theoretical framework, students coordinate and deliver services through visits with agency nurse case managers with direct care giving responsibilities. Issues of chronic illness, coping and extended care are explored. NSG 483. NSG Practicum: Women s Health. (1 credit). Working in teams, students coordinate and provide nursing care for women and their families experiencing childbirth or gynecological treatment. Students observe and experience a variety of nursing roles, engage in peer performance appraisal, and promote staff and peer professional development. The application of research findings to practice is emphasized. BSN CURRICULUM: PROGRAM ENTRY ON/AFTER FALL 2012 *2 credits of nursing electives must be completed prior to graduation Semester 1: NSG 350 Foundations of Nursing 3 NSG 351 Health Assessment 3 NSG 352 Clinical Applications & Reasoning in Nursing Care I 4 NSG 352L Clinical Applications & Reasoning in Nursing Care I Clinical 2 NSG 353 Pharmacology 3 Total: 15 8/15/

24 Semester 2: NSG 354 The Art & Science of Nursing 2 NSG 355 Women's Health 3 NSG 355L Women's Health Clinical 1 NSG 356 Clinical Applications & Reasoning in Nursing 4 Care II NSG 356L Clinical Applications & Reasoning in Nursing 2 Care II Clinical NSG 357 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing 3 NSG 357L Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Clinical 1 Total: 16 Semester 3: NSG 450 Nursing Research 3 NSG 451 Child Health 3 NSG 451L Child Health Clinical 2 NSG 452 Clinical Applications & Reasoning in Nursing 4 Care III NSG 453 Population-Centered Care in the Community 2 NSG 453L Population-Centered Care in the Community Clinical 2 Total: 16 Semester 4: NSG 454 Transition to Practice 3 NSG 454L Transition to Practice Clinical 2 NSG 455 Informatics 2 NSG 456 Capstone 5 Total: 12 Total credits = 61 (including nursing elective credits) BSN Course Descriptions for program entry on/after Fall 2012 NSG 350. Foundations of Nursing. 3 credits. Offered every semester. This course provides an overview of foundational principles of professional nursing practice. Students will be introduced to the evolution of nursing, basic nursing theory and knowledge, and beginning concepts. This course promotes self-analysis and socialization into the role of the professional nurse. NSG 351. Health Assessment. 3 credits. Offered every semester. This course develops knowledge and skills necessary to gather, organize, and present relevant health data that includes wellness and illness considerations across the life cycle. Emphasis is placed on systematic strategies, frameworks, and skills used to conduct both comprehensive 8/15/

25 and need-specific health assessments for individuals in the context of their family and community. Prerequisite: Formal acceptance into the Nursing Program. NSG 352. Clinical Applications and Reasoning In Nursing Care I. 4 credits. Offered every semester. Through didactic learning, students learn theories, rationale, and principles underlying the application of acute care skills in nursing practice. In the laboratory, students will practice and demonstrate mastery of selected skills. In the clinical setting, students will apply knowledge through clinical reasoning in planning and facilitating nursing care for patients and their families. Corequisite: NSG 352L. Prerequisite: Formal acceptance into the Nursing Program. NSG 352L. Clinical Applications and Reasoning In Nursing Care I Clinical. 2 credits. Offered every semester. Through didactic learning, students learn theories, rationale, and principles underlying the application of acute care skills in nursing practice. In the laboratory, students will practice and demonstrate mastery of selected skills. In the clinical setting, students will apply knowledge through clinical reasoning in planning and facilitating nursing care for patients and their families. Corequisite: NSG 352. Prerequisite: Formal acceptance into the Nursing Program. NSG 353. Pharmacology. 3 credits. Offered every semester. This course is a comprehensive examination of the principles of pharmacology. An emphasis will be placed on the mechanisms of actions, adverse effects, dosage calculations, drug interactions and implications for nursing practice. NSG 354. The Art & Science of Nursing. 2 credits. Offered every semester beginning spring This course is designed to provide an overview of current issues relevant to the art and science of the practicing nurse. This course will provide the student with a concentrated focus on the role of the professional nurse and the nursing profession. The course explores nursing theory, health care models of practice, diversity issues, as well as legal and ethical realities within the healthcare delivery system. NSG 355. Women's Health. 3 credits. Offered every semester beginning spring This course promotes synthesis of concepts and principles utilized in health promotion, risk reduction and critical reasoning in the management of women's health care. Areas of focus include women's health issues, perinatal care of mothers and infants, and gynecological health. Clinical experiences provide students with opportunities to apply evidence based practice for women/newborn/family units of diverse cultural backgrounds. Corequisite: NSG 355L. Prerequisites: NSG 350, NSG 351, NSG 352, NSG 352L and NSG /15/

26 NSG 355L. Women's Health Clinical. 1 credit. Offered every semester beginning spring This course promotes synthesis of concepts and principles utilized in health promotion, risk reduction and critical reasoning in the management of women's health care. Areas of focus include women's health issues, perinatal care of mothers and infants, and gynecological health. Clinical experiences provide students with opportunities to apply evidence based practice for women/newborn/family units of diverse cultural backgrounds. Corequisite: NSG 355. Prerequisites: NSG 350, NSG 351, NSG 352, NSG 352L and NSG 353. NSG 356. Clinical Applications and Reasoning In Nursing Care II. 4 credits. Offered every semester beginning spring This course focuses on pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts and principles of nursing process, health promotion, risk reduction, clinical decision making, and collaborative management of care for adults experiencing moderate to severe health alterations. Students will apply concepts, theories and skills in the nursing care of adults. Corequisite: NSG 356L. Prerequisites: NSG 350, NSG 351, NSG 352, NSG 352L and NSG 353. NSG 356L. Clinical Applications and Reasoning In Nursing Care II Clinical. 2 credits. Offered every semester beginning spring This course focuses on pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts and principles of nursing process, health promotion, risk reduction, clinical decision making, and collaborative management of care for adults experiencing moderate to severe health alterations. Students will apply concepts, theories and skills in the nursing care of adults. Corequisite: NSG 356. Prerequisites: NSG 350, NSG 351, NSG 352, NSG 352L and NSG 353. NSG 357. Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. 3 credits. Offered every semester beginning spring This course examines the pathophysiology, psychosocial manifestations, psychopharmacological and psychiatric mental health nursing treatment of selected mental illnesses. Analysis of the role and practice of psychiatric mental health nursing both as a nursing specialty and as an integral facet of general nursing are emphasized. Corequisite: NSG 357L. Prerequisites: NSG 350, NSG 351, NSG 352, NSG 352L and NSG 353. NSG 357L. Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Clinical. 1 credit. Offered every semester beginning spring This course examines the pathophysiology, psychosocial manifestations, psychopharmacological and psychiatric mental health nursing treatment of selected mental illnesses. Analysis of the role and practice of psychiatric mental health nursing both as a nursing specialty and as an integral facet of general nursing are emphasized. Corequisite: NSG 357. Prerequisites: NSG 350, NSG 351, NSG 352, NSG 352L and NSG 353. NSG 450. Nursing Research. 3 credits. Offered every semester. This course explores the research process and utilization of research and theory in evidence 8/15/

27 based professional nursing practice. It also explores the dissemination and utilization of research in nursing practice. Students learn to critique healthcare literature in order to answer a research question that would impact nursing practice. Prerequisite: Formal acceptance into the Nursing Program. NSG 451. Child Health. 3 credits. Offered every semester. This course promotes the development of knowledge, skills and the ability to care for children including those with acute and chronic illnesses/conditions. Learning will focus on the unique healthcare needs of children with emphasis on family centered care. Students will apply knowledge through clinical reasoning in planning and facilitating nursing care for children and families. Corequisite: NSG 451L. Prerequisites: NSG 355, NSG 355L, NSG 356, NSG 356L, NSG 357 and NSG 357L. NSG 451L. Child Health Clinical. 2 credits. Offered every semester. This course explores current factors that impact the transition from student to the licensed professional nurse. The student will have the opportunity to examine and apply leadership and management principles in acute and chronic healthcare settings with a focus on safe, ethical, and quality patient care. Students will use an interprofessional approach to coordinate care for a group of patients. Corequisite: NSG 451. Prerequisites: NSG 355, NSG 355L, NSG 356, NSG 356L, NSG 357, NSG 357L, NSG 450, NSG 451, NSG 451L, NSG 452, NSG 453 and NSG 453L. NSG 452. Clinical Applications and Reasoning in Nursing Care III. 4 credits. Offered every semester. This course focuses on the integration of complex pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts and principles for adults experiencing moderate to severe health alterations. Students will apply the nursing process to promote health and safety, to augment clinical reasoning and clinical decision making, and to integrate interprofessional collaboration in the care of patients. Prerequisites: NSG 352, NSG 352L, NSG 356 and NSG 356L. NSG 453. Population-Centered Care in the Community. 2 credits. Offered every semester. In this course, students develop the knowledge, skills, and ability to conduct and interpret systematic assessments of families and vulnerable groups in community settings. The impact of increasing societal and cultural changes across the life span will be emphasized. Theoretical concepts of community-based health promotion and disease prevention of vulnerable populations will be presented emphasizing Healthy People 2020 objectives. Corequisite: NSG 453L. Prerequisites: NSG 355, NSG 355L, NSG 356, NSG 356L, NSG 357 and NSG 357L. NSG 453L. Population-Centered Care in the Community Clinical. 2 credits. Offered every semester. In this course, students develop the knowledge, skills, and ability to conduct and interpret 8/15/

28 systematic assessments of families and vulnerable groups in community settings. The impact of increasing societal and cultural changes across the life span will be emphasized. Theoretical concepts of community-based health promotion and disease prevention of vulnerable populations will be presented emphasizing Healthy People 2020 objectives. Corequisite: NSG 453. Prerequisites: NSG 355, NSG 355L, NSG 356, NSG 356L, NSG 357 and NSG 357L. NSG 454. Transition to Practice. 3 credits. Offered every semester. This course explores current factors that impact the transition from student to the licensed professional nurse. The student will have the opportunity to examine and apply leadership and management principles in acute and chronic healthcare settings with a focus on safe, ethical, and quality patient care. Students will use an interprofessional approach to coordinate care for a group of patients. Corequisite: NSG 454L. Prerequisites: NSG 355, NSG 355L, NSG 356, NSG 356L, NSG 357, NSG 357L, NSG 450, NSG 451, NSG 451L, NSG 452, NSG 453 and NSG 453L. NSG 454L. Transition to Practice Clinical. 2 credits. Offered every semester. This course explores current factors that impact the transition from student to the licensed professional nurse. The student will have the opportunity to examine and apply leadership and management principles in acute and chronic healthcare settings with a focus on safe, ethical, and quality patient care. Students will use an interprofessional approach to coordinate care for a group of patients. Corequisite: NSG 454. Prerequisites: NSG 355, NSG 355L, NSG 356, NSG 356L, NSG 357, NSG 357L, NSG 450, NSG 451, NSG 451L, NSG 452, NSG 453 and NSG 453L. NSG 455. Nursing Informatics. 2 credits. Offered every semester. This course explores nursing informatics and technology applications in health care. Emphasis is on preparing entry level nurses with core nursing informatics competencies. A major theme is the use of information systems and technologies to improve the quality and safety of patient care in a changing health care environment. Students will develop their nursing informatics knowledge and skills through reading, discussions, exploration, and utilization of electronic modalities. Prerequisite: Formal acceptance into the Nursing Program. NSG 456. Capstone. 5 credits. Offered every semester. This course is a focused nursing practicum under the direct supervision of clinical nurse preceptors. The purpose of the capstone experience is to facilitate student development in time management, critical thinking, assessment, clinical reasoning, documentation and psychomotor skills. Prerequisites: NSG 355, NSG 355L, NSG 356, NSG 356L, NSG 357, NSG 357L, NSG 450, NSG 451, NSG 451L, NSG 452, NSG 453 and NSG 453L. 8/15/

29 NSG/HHS 460. Healthcare Informatics. 2 credits. This course focuses on the nature and functions of present and future application of health care informatics. Emphasis is on preparing current and future health care professionals to plan, design, collaborate with other health care disciplines, and utilize healthcare informatics for effective health care delivery, health organizational management and improved client outcomes. Prerequisite: Admission to RN-BSN program. 8/15/

30 NSG 310. Helping Persons in Pain. (2 credits). This course, open to students from all majors, is an examination of pain, its impact on people, causes, treatments and the role of health professionals. Emphasis is placed on understanding how people experience pain and its effect on quality of life. (counts towards Chronic Illness Minor) NSG 311. End of Life Care. (1 credit). Offered spring. Classroom-based exploration of the care of people at the end of life from a multidisciplinary, holistic perspective. Learning activities include guest speakers, critique of assigned readings, essay and case studies. Students from any related health care major, first year students through seniors are welcome. (counts towards Chronic Illness Minor) NSG 312. Understanding Cancer. (1 credit). This elective course, open to students from all majors, is a non-technical and practical examination for cancer and its causes, prevention, treatments, and impact on people. Emphasis is placed on understanding how people experience and survive cancer. This course is tailored to include cancer-related topics that are of interest to students. NSG 313. Issues and Applications of Family Caregiving. (1-2 credits). Offered fall, spring and summer. Students from any major engage in service learning with clients and staff of Caregivers Community Network, a program of information, companion care, and support for family caregivers. Hours are flexible and activities are tailored to student interests. (counts towards Chronic Illness Minor) NSG/HTH/HHS/SOWK 314. Rural Health: An Interdisciplinary Approach. (3 credits). Offered May. Students study, observe and participate in interdisciplinary assessment, planning and delivery of community-based primary health care in partnership with residents and agencies of a host rural county. Learning activities will emphasize rural culture, rural health care and interdisciplinary practice. NSG 317. History of Nursing. (1 credit). An elective nursing course that explores fundamental aspects of nursing history including pertinent nursing founders and leaders as well as examination of the many influences that have shaped the nursing profession. Review of nursing within its historical context provides an opportunity to consider changes for the future. NSG 318. Prenatal care: Caring for Mom from Conception to Delivery. (1 credit). This course is designed to develop an understanding of the need for prenatal care. Prenatal care helps reduce the incidence of the perinatal illness, disability and death by providing health advice and identifying and managing medical and psychosocial conditions and risk factors that can affect the health of the pregnant woman and her child. The course will focus on a healthy lifestyle for the pregnant woman and the knowledge base she will need to implement that 8/15/

31 healthy life style. Emphasis is placed on nutrition, exercise, diet and antenatal testing that is a part of prenatal care. NSG 319. Infants, Children and Adolescents. (1 credit). This elective course, open to students from all majors, explores select contemporary topics about infants, children and adolescents. This course is tailored to include topics which are of interest to the students and have a significant impact on the infant, child or adolescent. Topics will be studied from varied viewpoints and how the topic impacts the infant, child, and/or adolescent and their family. NSG 320. Diabetes Education. (1 credit). Based on the chronic illness model component of patient self-management, this course focuses on the use of an innovative teaching strategy for diabetic education. Working in teams students will utilize conversation maps to learn about Diabetes Mellitus Type II, gestational diabetes and patient education. (counts towards Chronic Illness Minor) NSG 321. Client Education. (1 credit). The student will explore and apply learning theory and teaching strategies to improve health care education. Factors are analyzed to design and develop client education materials using available technologies to teach clients to maintain optimal health, prevent acute or chronic disease and disability. Student-developed materials will assist clients to increase independence and improve their quality of life. Students will explore evaluation strategies to measure teaching effectiveness. (counts towards Chronic Illness Minor) NSG 322, Integrative Health Care (1 credit. This course examines the principles, practices and outcomes of complementary therapies and alternative healing that are widely used in the general population. The integration of alternative and conventional health practices will be examined. Ethical, legal and professional issues will be explored. NSG 323. Cardiovascular Health and Illness. (1 credit.) In this course risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease will be highlighted. Lifestyle changes, prevention and treatment strategies will be reviewed. Students will learn effective skills for teaching patients about cardiovascular health and illness. Students will have the opportunity to review case studies identifying risk factors and learn successful teaching strategies. The course will emphasize and promote student and patient understanding of cardiovascular disease. 8/15/

32 NURSING ELECTIVES Nursing electives are open to students from all majors. Two or three Nursing credit elective courses are offered each semester and students may take as many as they choose. Two credits of nursing elective are required for the nursing major. EXAMPLES of elective course topics include the following: NSG 311 End of Life Care - 1 credit NSG 313 Issues and Applications of Family Caregiving credits NSG 317 Nursing History - 1 credit NSG 323 Cardiovascular Health and Illness 1 credit NSG 490 Issues of Family Violence 1 credit NSG 490 Behavioral and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents 2 credits CHRONIC ILLNESS MINOR DESCRIPTION: The interdisciplinary minor in chronic illness prepares students from any major to understand and respond to the impacts of chronic illness on the individual, family, the health care system, and society. Knowledge and strategies to address the prevention and the management of chronic illness across its trajectory will enhance the skills and abilities of students who plan to practice in any profession. The minor is open to all undergraduate students at JMU. The minor requires a minimum of 18 credits with no more than 6 credits in the student s major counting toward the minor. STEPS TO DECLARE CHRONIC ILLNESS MINOR 1. Consult with your academic advisor regarding the feasibility of your workload to complete the minor in addition to your major requirements. 2. Contact the Registrar and complete the Change or Declaration of Major Form. 3. How to Declare a Minor at JMU CONTACT INFORMATION: Christina Lam, Coordinator Burruss 224 CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CHRONIC ILLNESS MINOR NSG 390. The Impact of Chronic Illness. (3 credits) This course will explore core concepts of chronic illness across the lifespan from an interdisciplinary perspective. Epidemiology, economics, ethics, culture, family and policy will be emphasized. These topics and concepts will be related to model(s) of chronic care. (counts towards Chronic Illness Minor) 8/15/

33 NSG 391. Living Successfully with Chronic Illness. (3 credits) This course will examine models and strategies that aid individuals to live successfully with chronic illness. An interdisciplinary evidence-based approach will be used to investigate how outcomes may be improved through the individual s integration of lifestyle changes within the context of culture and family. (counts towards Chronic Illness Minor) ADDITIONAL REQUIRED CREDITS: Select 12 credits from the following courses. Students completing the Nursing Major should select 6 credits. EXED 306: Lifespan Issues for Individuals with Disabilities (3 credit hours) GERN SOCI 280: Social Gerontology (3 credit hours) GERN 305: Programs and Services for the Elderly (3 credit hours) NSG 310: Helping Persons in Pain (2 credit hours) NSG 311: End of Life Care (1 credit hour) NSG 313: Issues and Applications of Family Caregiving (1-2 credit hours) NSG 320: Innovative Diabetes Health Education (1 credit hour) NSG 321: Introduction to Client Education (2 credit hours) NSG 490: Special Topics * (1-2 credit hours) PSYC 304: Death and Dying: Thanatology (3 credit hours) SOWK 332: Community Mental Health Practice (3 credit hours) SOWK 442: Social Work in Health Care (3 credit hours) NSG 322: Integrative Health Care(1 credit) HHS 490: Exploring Universality and Diversity in Promoting Health (4 credits, Study Abroad in Costa Rica) NSG 329: Best Practices in Diabetes Care (2 credits) NSG 326: Care and Consideration for Children with Special needs (1 credit) NSG 328: Life, Death and the Dash Between (1 credit) NSG 490: Ethical Decision Making: An Interprofessional Approach (1 credit) NSG 490: Understanding Sexuality Across the Health-Illness Continuum (2 credits) NSG 323: Cardiovascular Health and Illness (1 credit) NSG 490: Healthcare Headlines (1 credit) NSG 490: Environmental Health and You (2 credits) NSG 490: Introduction to Serious Mental Illness (1 credit) NSG 490: Behavioral and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents (2 credits) *Special topic courses or other courses not listed can be applied to the minor with the approval of the minor coordinator. Courses must have a strong correlation with chronic illness. 8/15/

34 RN-BSN: CURRICULUM Students will complete a total of 30 credit hours of nursing courses once admitted into the RN- BSN program. Within the 30 credit hours of nursing courses, 3 credits are graduate level credits that may be transferred as elective (cognate) credits into most MSN program. Full-Time Enrollment (3 semesters) Fall Semester Spring Semester Courses Credit Courses Credit Hours Hours Nsg 333 Health Assessment* 3 Nsg 461 Pathophysiology * 4 Nsg 462 Issues in Contemporary Nursing 3 Nsg 464 Intro to Nursing Research 3 Nsg 463 Professional Role Transition 3 Nsg 460 Healthcare Informatics 2 Nsg 325 Concepts in Aging 3 Nsg 471 Leadership and Management Summer Semester Nsg 469 Community Health Nursing 4 Nsg 466 Community Health Practicum 1 5 Part-Time Enrollment (5 Semesters) Fall Semester (1 st year) Spring Semester (1 st year) Courses Credit Courses Credit Hours Hours Nsg 333 Health Assessment * 3 Nsg 461 Pathophsiology * 4 Nsg 462 Issues in Contemporary Nursing 3 Nsg 464 Intro to Research /15/

35 Summer Semester (1 st year) Fall Semester (2 nd year) Nsg 469 Community Health Nursing 4 Nsg 325 Concepts in Aging 3 Nsg 466 Community Health Practicum 1 Nsg 463 Professional Role Transition Spring Semester (2 nd year) Nsg 460 Healthcare Informatics 2 Nsg 471 Leadership and Management 4 6 * Health Assessment may be challenged by taking a comprehensive written examination and practice exam. Pathophysiology may be challenged by taking a comprehensive written examination. CHALLENGE BY EXAM Within the RN-BSN nursing curriculum, students may opt to challenge Health Assessment (333) or Pathophysiology (461). With both courses, a written cumulative examination is required and a score of 70 or better must be achieved in order to receive credit for the course. A Challenge by Exam form is available on the JMU Registrar website for students to complete; a fee of $25 is required. Health Assessment (333) also requires a face-face faculty graded physical exam (PE) to be completed with a grade of 70 or better. Students must pass both the written and the PE examinations in order to pass the course. Challenge exams for Health Assessment will be given each summer prior to the beginning of the fall semester and in January, prior to the beginning of spring semester for Pathophysiology. If interested in the challenge by exam option, please see the program coordinator for guidelines. 8/15/

36 RN-BSN: COURSE DESCRIPTIONS NSG 325. Concepts In Aging (3 credits). Examines the physiological, psychosocial, cognitive, legal and ethical aspects of aging within a care coordination context. A focus is on the issues that surround the concepts of aging and how the ethical aspects of care relate to the utilization of resources. NSG 333. Health Assessment (3 credits). The first health assessment course is designed to develop knowledge and skills necessary to gather, organize and present relevant health data. Emphasis is placed on systematic strategies, frameworks and skills used to conduct both comprehensive and need-specific health assessments for individuals in the context of their family and community. NSG/HHS 460. Healthcare Informatics (2 credits). This course focuses on the nature and functions of present and future application of healthcare informatics. Emphasis is on preparing current and future healthcare professionals to plan, design, collaborate with other healthcare disciplines, and utilize healthcare informatics for effective healthcare delivery, health organizational management and improved client outcomes. NSG 461. Pathophysiology And Pharmacology (4 credits). This course, offered for RN-BSN program students, provides an examination of complex physiologic responses and clinical sequel in major body systems in relation to pathologic processes. Emphasis is place upon physiologic compensation and defense response. Pharmacologic management of pathology is investigated. Prerequisite: Admission to the RN-BSN program NSG 462. Issues In Contemporary Nursing Practice (3 credits). This course, offered for RN- BSN program students, examines issues and trends of greatest concern to professional nursing practice today. Historical, societal, political and economic influences and future trends will be explored. Legal and ethical dimensions of nursing will be discussed. Prerequisite: Admission to the RN-BSN program. NSG 463. Professional Role Transition (3 credits). This course, for RN-BSN students, provides an expansion of concepts/theories from the student s initial education into the BSN program. Nursing as a profession, including professional socialization, historical review, nursing theory, leadership and management roles as well as coping strategies for role stress will be explored. Prerequisite: Admission to the RN-BSN program. NSG 464. Introduction To Nursing Research (3 credits). This course, designed for RN-BSN students, will focus on the study of research methods that generate quantitative and qualitative data. Students will examine the research process with an emphasis on critique of research methodologies and application of research findings to nursing practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the RN-BSN program. 8/15/

37 NSG 466. Community Health Practicum (1 credits). This practicum, for RN-BSN students, transitions practice into the BSN role through mentored clinical experiences at selected community sites. Emphasis is on collaborative nursing care with individuals, families, and groups within the community. Experiences include concepts of health promotion and disease prevention and management of acute or chronic illness. Prerequisite: Admission to the RN-BSN program. NSG 469. Caring For The Public s Health: Community Health Nursing (4 credits). This web-enhanced course provides RN-BSN-MSN students a perspective of professional nursing at the community level of practice. Course content will provide an overview of specific issues and societal concerns that affect community health nursing practice including historical impact of public health, epidemiology, health promotion and disease prevention, vulnerable populations, communicable disease risk and prevention, and the diversity of the role of the community health nurse. Prerequisite: Admission to the RN-BSN program. NSG 471. Leadership and Management In Health Care. (4 credits). This course, offered for the RN-BSN program, focuses on healthcare organizations, leadership theories and management style, organizational change, quality management, fiscal and economic issues, personnel management, and accreditation standards. Prerequisite: NSG /15/

38 ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Social Media Policy Students will not discuss or post any identifiable information about faculty, peers, patients, family members or any clinical facility on any unapproved electronic venue (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, blogs, cell phones, etc.). In addition, students will not leave or save any patient, family, faculty, clinical facility or student information on any open access desktop or hard drive. Violation of this policy may result in academic penalty. ACADEMIC PROGRESSION, READMISSION, GRADING AND GRADUATION BSN TAKING AND RETAKING PREREQUISITE COURSES: Prerequisite courses completed at other institutions prior to coming to JMU and which are accepted for transfer to JMU according to normal University procedures, are accepted by the Nursing Department to meet departmental requirements. Students are, however, encouraged to complete prerequisite courses at JMU. If a student receives a grade lower than a C- in any prerequisite course taken at JMU he/she is required to repeat the course at JMU in order to raise the grade and meet departmental requirements. ENROLLMENT IN NURSING COURSES: Initial enrollment in nursing courses is contingent upon meeting all general admission requirements. Students enter the 4-semester program in the fall or spring semester. PROGRESSION POLICIES: 1. Students are not required to maintain a minimum GPA in the nursing program. However, nursing students must earn a grade of C- or better in all nursing courses. A grade of D or F is considered a failure. 2. A student who receives a grade of less than a C- in a nursing course for the first time must seek departmental approval to repeat the course. Courses must be retaken when they are next scheduled in the curriculum and as space allows) If a grade of C- or better is achieved when the first failed course is repeated, the student will be allowed to continue in the nursing program. 3. A student who receives a second grade of less than a C-, in a nursing course repeated or taken for the first time, will not be allowed to continue in the program. Students will not have the option of repeating failed courses following a second failure. 8/15/

39 4. In some courses students must average a passing grade on the multiple-choice exams in order to pass the course. Scores for other course activities will contribute to the course grade when a weighted exam average of 70% or higher has been achieved. When the weighted in-class exam average is less than 70%, this average will constitute the course grade. 5. A satisfactory clinical performance using the performance evaluation tool is mandatory for a passing grade. A student may fail a practicum course and receive a grade of less than a C- because of unsatisfactory clinical performance. Depending upon the type and seriousness of the problem, the student may be put on probation or asked to withdraw from the course and/or program prior to the end of a semester. Unsatisfactory performance occurs when the student: Consistently fails to meet clinical objectives. Does not take initiative and/or takes initiative inappropriately, thereby endangering client's safety and well-being. Is insensitive to client's needs. Is consistently unable to develop communication skills and form therapeutic relationships with clients, families and coworkers, even with guidance. Frequently exhibits negligent behavior causing potential irreversible damage to the client. Violates professional ethics through behaviors such as: o Carelessness with client confidentiality. o Inconsistency in complying with agency policies. o Failure to recognize implications of behavior for the professional role. o Violation of therapeutic nurse/client relationship. o Gross violation of agency policies. o Consistently fails to meet obligations. o Inability or unwillingness to acknowledge errors or areas of weakness, even when identified by the faculty. RE-ADMISSION POLICY: When a student withdraws from the nursing program for personal, performance, or academic reasons, re-admission will be considered on the basis of space available in the courses to be taken and evidence that problems have been appropriately resolved. The student must: 1. Submit a request in writing to the BSN Program Coordinator during the semester prior to the semester of desired enrollment. Re-admission is not automatic and priority is not necessarily given on the basis of previous enrollment. A personal interview with the Coordinator is required prior to re-admission. 2. Students must complete the nursing program within 3 years of enrolling in the first required nursing course. Students applying for readmission may, at the discretion of faculty, be required to validate knowledge by examination or by repeating nursing courses. 8/15/

40 GRADING SCALE: The following scale is used for all course final grades in the Department of Nursing. The grading policy is consistent with that of the university. The department of nursing will use plus and minus grades and no grade will be rounded upward. The scale is as follows: A to 100 C to A to C to minimum passing B to D to B to D to B to D to C to F and lower INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY: NOTE: The Department of Nursing policy regarding incomplete grades is different than the JMU policy. James Madison University requires an incomplete ( I ) grade to be completed by the end of the next regular semester. However, because nursing progression policies do not allow students to continue in the program with a course grade lower than a C-, nursing does not allow an I grade to continue an entire semester. An I given for a fall semester course must be satisfactorily completed within the first 2 weeks of the spring semester or the student will not be allowed to continue in the remaining courses for the semester. An I given for a spring semester course must be completed by the end of May. Faculty will give an I only for illness or other compelling reasons that they clearly document. Unsatisfactory work is not a basis for an incomplete grade. The faculty member and student must agree on a feasible plan to complete the course work. When a faculty member assigns a grade of I they communicate to the program coordinator and/or department head: Rationale for assigning the I Conditions for course completion Date(s) for accomplishing each condition and for completing the course. 8/15/

41 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: All requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) must be met. In addition a grade of C- or better must be earned in each nursing course. RN-BSN PROGRESSION POLICIES 1. Students are not required to maintain a minimum GPA in the nursing program. However nursing students must earn a grade of C- or better in all nursing courses. A grade of D or F is considered a failure in the course. Students must be aware that if they desire to continue into the MSN program, a GPA of 2.8 is required for admission. 2. A student who receives a grade of less than a C- in a nursing course for the first time must seek approval to repeat the course from the program coordinator. The student must earn a C- or better on the first repeated course. A student who receives a second grade of less than a C-, in a nursing course repeated or taken for the first time, will not be allowed to continue in the program. 3. In practicum courses, satisfactory clinical performance is mandatory in order to receive a passing grade. Practicum evaluations will be primarily done by the designated preceptor at the clinical agency but may also involve faculty input and evaluation. Unsatisfactory performance occurs when the student: Consistently fails to meet prescribed clinical objectives Lacks initiative in seeking challenging learning opportunities Endangers client safety or well-being Is insensitive to the needs of the client, or agency in which practicum is being fulfilled Demonstrates inappropriate conduct or is unprofessional Violates professional ethics through behaviors such as: o Carelessness with client confidentiality o Inconsistency in complying with agency policies. o Failure to recognize implications of behavior for the professional role. o Violation of therapeutic nurse/client relationship. o Gross violation of agency policies. o Consistently fails to meet obligations. o Inability or unwillingness to acknowledge errors or areas of weakness, even when identified by the preceptor or faculty 8/15/

42 RE-ADMISSION POLICY: When a student withdraws from the nursing program for personal, performance, or academic reasons, re-admission will be considered on the basis of space available in the courses to be taken and evidence that problems have been appropriately resolved. The student must: 1. Submit a request in writing to the Nursing Department Head or program coordinator (RN-BSN) during the semester prior to the semester of desired enrollment. Readmission is not automatic and priority is not necessarily given on the basis of previous enrollment. 2. When the student left the program due to unsatisfactory performance in the program, the student seeking readmission must: o Acknowledge responsibility and accountability for the problem that resulted in dismissal. o Show evidence of initiative to correct the problem. For example, activities that promote academic growth and insight while not enrolled in the program Documentation to demonstrate readiness to perform beyond the minimal standard if readmitted may be provided through medical or counseling reports; letters of recommendation; new grade reports; employment records; special projects or volunteer work; evidence of academic remediation, and/or statement of personal goals and a plan of action. 3. Complete nursing courses in existence at the time of re-entry. Students applying for readmission after a lapse of three or more years, may, at the discretion of faculty, be required to validate knowledge by examination or by repeating nursing courses. GRADING SCALE: The following scale is used for all course final grades in the Department of Nursing. The grading policy is consistent with that of the university. The department of nursing will use plus and minus grades and no grade will be rounded upward. The scale is as follows: A to 100 C to A to C to minimum passing B to D to B to D to B to D to C to F and lower 8/15/

43 INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY: NOTE: The Department of Nursing policy regarding incomplete grades is different than the JMU policy. James Madison University requires an incomplete ( I ) grade to be completed by the end of the next regular semester. However, because nursing progression policies do not allow students to continue in the program with a course grade lower than a C-, nursing does not allow an I grade to continue an entire semester. An I given for a fall semester course must be satisfactorily completed within the first 2 weeks of the spring semester or the student will not be allowed to continue in the remaining courses for the semester. An I given for a spring semester course must be completed by the end of May. Faculty will give an I only for illness or other compelling reasons that they clearly document. Unsatisfactory work is not a basis for an incomplete grade. The faculty member and student must agree on a feasible plan to complete the course work. When a faculty member assigns a grade of I they communicate to the program coordinator and/or department head: Rationale for assigning the I Conditions for course completion Date(s) for accomplishing each condition and for completing the course. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: All requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) must be met. In addition a grade of C- or better must be earned in each nursing course. Please see the registrar website for deadlines to apply for graduation as well as the graduation check-list. CLINICAL LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS BSN & RN-BSN Nursing students attending lab based activities in any course will be in compliance with individual course directed lab guidelines and policies and furthermore will abide by the following JMU Nursing Department lab policies and procedures: 1. Food and Drink: NO FOOD OR DRINK are allowed into the lab environment. 2. Student Supervision: A student will not be admitted to a lab without direct supervision by a nursing faculty member or a faculty delegated graduate assistant. 8/15/

44 3. Use of Equipment: All equipment used in the lab will be in accordance with the expected/intended use of the piece of equipment. 4. Taking Equipment from the Lab: No lab equipment is to be removed from a lab without the consent of a lab instructor, as this is the sole property of JMU s nursing department. 5. Use of Hi Fidelity Patient Simulators: a. Computers with simulators: Students may not use the laptop computers that are connected to hi-fidelity patient simulators. b. Simulator Skin care: i. No Betadine or other dye is to be used in direct contact with any simulators skin. ii. No tape will be left on the skin of a mannequin for a time exceeding a lab. 6. Hand washing: In order to protect equipment, students must wash hands prior to each lab. 7. Electronic Devices: a. Cell phones must be turned off in all labs. b. All other hand held technological devices are to be used in the lab only when instructed by course instructor. 8. Lab Safety: In the event of damage to laboratory property or personal injury, the Laboratory Coordinator must be notified immediately. 9. Photography: No photographs or videos are allowed to be taken in the labs without prior approval from the Laboratory Coordinator. 8/15/

45 NURSING INDEPENDENT STUDIES GUIDELINES BSN DEFINITION AND PURPOSE: An independent study is an out-of class, self-directed learning experience undertaken by a student with faculty guidance and supervision that provides opportunity for in-depth individual scholarly exploration. It can be an endeavor undertaken by one student or a group of students. Independent studies offer students the opportunity for exploring areas of personal interest in greater depth than is possible in the nursing courses within the curriculum. They also provide opportunity for developing responsibility in regard to scholarly pursuits and may be used to acquire elective credits or as a means of enhancing the student's academic program. Independent studies may include research or projects, as well as observational and practicum experiences. The primary responsibility rests with the student for making arrangements for any such experiences projected to be a part of the independent study, but consultation with the faculty member is required. FACULTY ROLE: Considerable independence is required on the part of the student in planning for and implementing an independent study. It is an academic course and as such necessitates approval and evaluation by a faculty member. The faculty member exercises professional judgment in determining the adequacy and appropriateness of the proposal including its purposes, activities and evaluation. It is anticipated that the faculty will provide guidance in the development of the proposal and throughout its implementation. PROCEDURE: While planning and evaluation must be done in conjunction with a faculty member, independent studies are primarily implemented in an independent manner. Objectives for the experience along with specific activities and methods of evaluation must be identified by the student and approved by the faculty member and department head. Independent studies may be done for varying amounts of credit but normally are for 1 or 2 credit hours. One credit hour involves approximately 45 hours of involvement on the part of the student. The steps in the process of setting up an independent study are outlined below: 1. Student expresses interest to either the department head or a faculty member. The expectations are explained to the student. Permission to register for an independent study may be denied when in the opinion of the faculty member or department head, it is inappropriate in light of the student's overall performance or other program requirements. 2. The student identifies a faculty member they would like to work with on the project and discusses their ideas for the project with them to determine their interest and willingness to serve as an advisor. 8/15/

46 3. In order to register for an independent study the student must secure a faculty member willing to work with them on the project. Faculty members have the right to decline requests for an independent study on the basis of their time constraints and other responsibilities. 4. The student secures a copy of the guidelines and form for an independent study and develops a proposal for their study that includes all components as outlined. [Proposal Form] 5. After completing the proposal a second meeting is held with the faculty advisor to secure approval. This discussion should include specific discussion of objectives, activities, means of evaluation, number of credits, etc. 6. After receiving initial approval from the faculty advisor, the student completes the independent study proposal form. Approval is achieved through securing the signatures of the faculty member and the department head on the form. The signature of the faculty member means that she/he agrees to provide guidance to the student during the implementation of the independent study project. The department head's signature indicates approval of the plan as described. Copies of the signed form are given to the department head, the faculty advisor and the student. The student is responsible to keep a copy for his/her own record. 7. An index number for the course is secured from the department head and then the student registers in the normal manner. 8. The student and faculty advisor are expected to maintain contact regarding the implementation of the study periodically throughout the semester or summer. The responsibility for maintaining this contact lies with the student. 9. The faculty member determines whether the study has been successfully completed and gives a grade accordingly. 8/15/

47 INDEPENDENT STUDENT PROPOSAL DEPARTMENT OF NURSING JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY Student Name Faculty Advisor Topic Semester/Yea r Number of Credits I. Brief Description of the Proposed Educational Experience II. Objectives for the Independent Study 8/15/

48 III. Proposed Learning Activities, Time Frames, etc. IV. Proposed Plan (Methods) for Review and Evaluation Signatures Student Faculty Advisor Department Head Date Date Date 8/15/

49 TESTING POLICIES BSN The following testing procedures and policies pertain throughout the nursing curriculum Design Part 1: Exam Construction Exams will be designed following the NCLEX-RN Exam Plan (2004) and Morrison, Smith, and Britt s (2006) Critical thinking and exam item writing guidelines. The majority of questions will be at the application level or higher levels of cognitive ability following Bloom s taxonomy (1956). Question designs will include multiple-choice, multiple-choice with more than one right answer, fill-in-the-blank, and/or asking the student to identify an area on a picture or graph. Most exams will be timed according to NCLEX policies. One to 1.36 minutes per question is allowed. This is usually plenty of time for most students to complete the exams. An example is a 50 question exam may be given 1 hour and 8 minutes of time. Absenteeism Part II: Exam Administration All exams are to be taken as scheduled. If a student misses an exam, the faculty must be notified by phone or prior to the exam unless there is an extreme emergency. Failure to make previous arrangements and missing a scheduled exam will result in a zero for that exam. Students will not be permitted to demonstrate a pattern of missing scheduled exams in a course. Exams missed for any reason will be reported to the program director. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the faculty to schedule a make-up exam. A student who misses an exam should make up the exam within 3 days of the missed exam. An alternate form of the exam will be administered to those students who miss an exam. Room Regulations Books, rulers, laptops, purses/wallets, calculator/pencil cases, food items, hats, all electronic devices, calculator, papers of any kind, recording or photographic devices are not allowed during an exam unless otherwise specified by the faculty. Cell phones or pager must be turned off or they will be confiscated. No phone calls may be made or taken during the exam. Any of these items must be stored elsewhere or placed in the front of the room at the student s own risk. Only the materials allowed by the faculty for the given exam such as a #2 pencil may be kept with the student. Approved items such as English dictionary (non-electronic), scantron answer sheets, and exam booklet are provided by the faculty. Children are not allowed in the room during an exam. 8/15/

50 Cheating. All students are to abide by the James Madison University Honor Code. The Honor Code Pledge should be written on each exam for the student to sign (see ). It reads: On my honor, as a student, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work. If the exam is given electronically the faculty will have an alternative pledge form. Failure to sign the pledge will result in a zero for that exam. Any cheating (including the use of unauthorized materials during testing) is considered scholastic dishonesty. Refer to the JMU Student Handbook for disciplinary policies and procedures. A student may be dismissed from the exam if: notes or any of the prohibited aids; give or receive help during the exam; attempt to take the exam for someone else; fail to follow the faculty's instructions after being warned; work on one section of the exam during the time allotted for another section; uses behavior that significantly interferes with or disrupts testing; attempt to copy exam materials; or, remove exam materials from the room. Dismissal from an exam is not limited to the above reasons. Because there is an obligation to report scores that accurately reflect the performance of each student, exam administration and exam security standards have been designed to assure that all students are given the same opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and to prevent some students from gaining an unfair advantage over others because of testing misconduct. All testing irregularities as well as exam scores believed to be earned under unusual or nonstandard circumstances are routinely reviewed according to JMU Honor Code policies. Exam taking. For timed exams, the faculty will write a start, stop, and return time on the board. Going in and out of a testing area is disruptive. When the student has finished the exam, the student may leave the room after turning in the exam, but must not return until the stated time. When students are taking a paper-pencil exam, they must mark answers on the scantrons. Students may use the exam booklet for scratch work, but will not receive credit for any responses written on it. The exam booklet must be turned in with the scantron when the student is finished taking the exam. Failure to do so will be an automatic failure of the exam, which may include other disciplinary actions. A student may not leave the testing area until they are finished or if the faculty dismisses them. There are no bathroom breaks during an exam. All questions regarding the exam must be asked prior to the start of the exam. The faculty will not answer questions during an exam regarding item content. The faculty will actively proctor/observe all students during an exam. 8/15/

51 Exam Reviews After exams have been graded, the faculty may schedule times when the exam will be reviewed. This is optional for each course and for each student to attend. Make-up for missing the scheduled review is NOT an option, unless approved by the faculty. The purpose of the review is for the student s benefit to see where personal errors were made, where further study is needed, and as is useful as a learning tool. Scantrons will not be returned to the student. If the student feels there may be an error on the scantron, the faculty may review the exam. Only the exam booklet the student used may be viewed in the review. NO notes may be taken during the review. Books, rulers, laptops, purses/wallets, calculator/pencil cases, food items, hats, personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular phone or pager, calculator, papers of any kind, recording or photographic devices are not allowed during an exam review, unless otherwise specified by the faculty. If the student has issues about a question, they may complete a Student Test Item Protest Form on their time and return it to the faculty within a week following the review. They may not copy the question to be scrutinized. No exam will be reviewed within two weeks of the final exam. Special Considerations It is expected that the student will register with the Office of Disability Services, obtain objective and credible confirmation of the relevant condition(s) and prescribed accommodations prior to the start of the semester, and contact the Faculty Course Coordinator prior to the start of the course to allow enough time to effect the prescribed, reasonable accommodations by the 2 nd week of class. (see JMU Student Handbook on J or Office of Disability Services at ) NCLEX PREPARATION BSN Students will be required to take nationally normed tests throughout the curriculum that are linked to courses, and to make a satisfactory score on such tests. In the last semester of the curriculum, students will be required to take a comprehensive exam and to make a satisfactory score on such an exam prior to graduation/taking the licensing exam. APPLICATION FOR THE BSN DEGREE In the semester prior to graduation: Students should visit the registrar s website to access all graduation related information and forms for completion. 8/15/

52 The necessary form "Application for a Bachelor's Degree" is obtained from the Records Office by the student. It is then filled out by the student. The student should then bring the following to the academic advisor: The completed "Application for a Bachelor's Degree". An unofficial transcript and academic advisement report (from e-campus). The academic advisor checks a) that Nursing Program graduation requirements have been satisfied, b) if a minor or second-major is claimed, it is already filled out and signed. The academic advisor signs the form. The student delivers the form to Department Office. When students deliver the application and transcript to the Department Office, it is immediately checked for the advisor's signature. If not present, the student is sent with the form to the advisor to obtain the signature. The nursing advisor checks that the graduation requirements have been satisfied and the department head signs the application. One copy is on file in the nursing department. Each student is responsible for turning in the original signed application to the registrar's office. ACADEMIC COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES BSN & RN-BSN The nursing department operates within university policies for grade review and complaints relative to sexual harassment or discrimination. These policies can be found in the university catalog and web site. The following are guidelines to address any area of concern or conflict within the nursing program. Complaints may be related to course requirements or the outcomes of a course, department policies or procedures, the way a given situation was handled, etc. 1. The nursing faculty endorses direct and honest dialogue in seeking conflict resolution. It is committed to hearing student perspectives in areas of disagreement or conflict. 2. Students are expected to demonstrate responsible, accountable, and professional behavior in seeking to resolve conflict. This includes the use of open and direct communication with persons with whom one has differences. 3. Students with concerns or complaints related to course work or outcomes, scheduling, department policies or the way a situation was handled, are invited to discuss their concerns in the following manner: o The concern should first be discussed with the individual(s) involved on a one to one, face-to-face basis. The purpose of this discussion is to listen to each other and to reach a consensus or resolution on the issue of concern. This may involve a student(s) and faculty member(s), or student(s) and the BSN program director. o If the concern cannot be resolved between the parties directly involved they should be discussed with the department head who will offer to arrange for a face-to-face conversation with all parties present (student(s) and faculty member(s)) if deemed appropriate. If the concern involves a course issue the 8/15/

53 entire course team can meet with the student(s). Written materials may be submitted by or requested from the student for assistance in clarifying the issue. o If after conversation with the department head and all parties involved, the concern or issue is not satisfactorily resolved, the student may file a formal complaint and/or initiate a grievance procedure, following university policy and procedures. In a formal complaint the student is expected to provide data documenting the concern in writing, and to specify the action being requested. The formal complaint must be in writing in the form of a letter sent to the department head, with copies to all persons concerned. 4. If the outcome of this process is not satisfactory, the student has the option of appealing to the Dean of the College. 5. Records of informal complaints are retained by the parties involved at their discretion and may be entered into the student's file. TECHNICAL STANDARDS Technical standards are basic physical, cognitive, and psychosocial skills and abilities that are required for nursing practice. The following standards were developed to guide students to make an informed decision regarding nursing as a career. In order to complete the nursing curriculum and enter practice as a registered professional nurse, all students must possess abilities and skills in the areas of sensation, communication, motor function and behavioral proficiency. The following skills are required. AUDITORY: A STUDENT MUST POSSESS AUDITORY ABILITY TO MONITOR AND ASSESS HEALTH NEEDS. THIS INCLUDES (BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO) THE ABILITY TO: Hear and interpret information a patient is communicating verbally Hear auscultory sounds using a stethoscope. Hear auditory signals from technical equipment. Hear cries for help. Communicate over the telephone. VISUAL ACUITY: A STUDENT MUST POSSESS VISUAL ABILITY SUFFICIENT FOR OBSERVATION AND ASSESSMENT NECESSARY TO PROVIDE NURSING CARE. THIS INCLUDES (BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO) THE ABILITY TO: See drainage on dressings and drainage of body fluids. Note fluid levels, for example, in collection devices, syringes, and infusion devices. Read gauges (such as a sphygmomanometer) that monitor patient progress. See to administer treatments such as I.V. fluids and oxygen. Observe changes in patient skin color. Assess movements of patients. Observe patient behavior, which is necessary in a rehabilitation or psychiatric setting. 8/15/

54 TACTILE: A STUDENT MUST POSSESS TACTILE ABILITY SUFFICIENT TO PERFORM A PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF A PATIENT AND TO PERFORM PROCEDURES NECESSARY FOR NURSING CARE. THIS INCLUDES (BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO) THE ABILITY TO: Perform palpation and other functions necessary for a physical examination. Assess texture, shape, size, temperature and vibration. Perform therapeutic functions such as inserting a urinary catheter or I.V., changing dressings, and giving medications. Collect specimens necessary for assessment of the patient. SENSE OF SMELL: IT IS DESIRABLE THAT A STUDENT POSSESS A SENSE OF SMELL ACUTE ENOUGH TO DETECT STRONG ODORS THAT MAY INDICATE A CHANGE IN A PATIENT S CONDITION. EXAMPLES INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO) THE ABILITY TO SMELL: A purulent wound. Ketones on a patient s breath. Body fluids that have a strong odor. Smoke or other Olfactory indicator of environmental danger. COMMUNICATION: A STUDENT MUST BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE IN ENGLISH EFFECTIVELY AND SENSITIVELY WITH CLIENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS, AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HEALTH CARE TEAM. THIS INCLUDES EXPRESSIVE AND RECEPTIVE MODES OF VERBAL, NONVERBAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION. EXAMPLES INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO) THE ABILITY TO: Explain treatment procedures. Initiate health teaching. Document nursing assessment, nursing action, and client/family responses. Read patient documentation and important medical literature. Give an accurate report of patient information to other health care professionals and members of the client s health care team. MOTOR FUNCTION: A STUDENT MUST HAVE SUFFICIENT MOTOR FUNCTION, NEUROMUSCULAR STRENGTH AND COORDINATION TO EFFECTIVELY PERFORM THE ACTIVITIES REQUIRED OF A NURSE. EXAMPLES INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO) THE ABILITY TO: Transfer clients from wheelchair to bed and from bed to stretcher. Elicit information from clients by: o Palpation o Auscultation o Percussion Manipulate diagnostic instruments to adequately perform all aspects of a physical assessment. 8/15/

55 Perform CPR. Administer intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and oral medications. Manipulate life support devices. Apply pressure to stop bleeding. GROSS AND FINE MOTOR COORDINATION: A STUDENT MUST HAVE SUFFICIENT GROSS AND FINE MOTOR COORDINATION TO: Move about in patient care environments. Perform treatments and procedures. Calibrate and use equipment. Navigate stairs or other non-handicapped accessible client settings. STAMINA: A STUDENT MUST HAVE SUFFICIENT STAMINA TO SIT, STAND AND MOVE WITHIN THE CLASSROOM, SKILLS LAB, ACUTE CARE NURSING UNITS, OPERATING ROOMS AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS FOR PERIODS OF TIME AS LONG AS TEN HOURS AT A TIME. BEHAVIORAL: A STUDENT MUST POSSESS THE ABILITY TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS. FACTORS INCLUDED IN THIS REQUIREMENT ARE THE ABILITY TO: Act ethically. Exercise sound clinical judgment. Be compassionate. Develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with clients. Complete all responsibilities attendant to the care of clients. EMOTIONAL HEALTH: A STUDENT MUST POSSESS THE EMOTIONAL HEALTH REQUIRED FOR FULL UTILIZATION OF HIS OR HER INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES INCLUDING THE ABILITY TO: Prioritize competing demands. Function in stressful circumstances. Tolerate physically taxing workloads. Adjust to changing circumstances. 8/15/

56 PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE POLICIES BSN & RN-BSN Dress Code and Uniforms: Uniforms must be ordered through NOVA Uniforms. PURCHASE A UNIFORM The following dress code guidelines are reflective of agency policies. As guests in practicum agencies, students are expected to convey dignity and respect through their dress and behavior. The JMU nursing student uniform is worn for practicum experiences in designated settings. Nursing insignias, or uniforms are NOT to be worn when students work as paid employees of any agency or institution. The uniform for nursing students is a 3-pocket unisex V-neck dark purple short-sleeved scrub shirt with white scrub pants. A white long-sleeved T-Shirt is appropriate to wear under the dark purple scrub shirt during cold weather months. A JMU insignia MUST be sewn on the upper left side of the shirt worn at all times. The department will provide a nursing student photo ID badge The nursing student photo ID is to be worn with the uniform, lab coat and street clothes when in a practicum experience. Alternately, an agency may require students to wear their agency ID. A lab coat with the nursing insignia on the left sleeve, may be worn in lieu of the uniform at designated times. Appropriate street clothes (no jeans, shorts, short skirts, or tank tops) must be worn with the lab coat in practicum settings. Clothing must cover the torso and undergarments should never be visible, either directly or through thin material. All uniforms must be purchased through Flagstaff Uniform, Inc. (see website link). White hose or white socks for pants with low-heeled, closed-toed (no holes), comfortable, white, walking shoes are to be worn with the uniform. Tennis shoes or sneakers are acceptable but must be white and not have any bold loops or insignias. Standard nursing clogs that are secure on your feet may be worn. Low heeled, nonwhite shoes may be worn with lab coats Students are required to purchase a JMU Nursing polo shirt to be worn in designated psychiatric and non-acute practicum settings along with neat, professional street slacks or mid-knee length skirt (no jeans, shorts, cropped pants, or short skirts), closed toe, closed heel, professional street shoes, and name pin, instead of a lab coat or uniform. Jewelry must be simple and in good taste. Only one pair or less of stud-type or small loop earrings may be worn in the ear lobe(s). A simple ring worn on the ring finger of each hand may be worn. No other jewelry is allowed. A watch with a sweep second hand is required. 8/15/

57 Body art and body piercing jewelry other than earrings may not be visible. Tongue bars, brow, or nose jewelry may not be worn during practicum experiences. Nails are to be short in length and well-groomed. Unchipped clear or pale shades of nail polish may be worn. Artificial nails are not allowed during practicum experiences for safety reasons. Hair must be arranged away from the face and neck. Long hair must be pulled back away from the face. Conservative hair ornaments are to be used as needed. No bandannas are to be used during practicum experiences. Males are to be neatly shaven, mustaches and beards clipped neatly. Perfume is not to be worn during practicum experiences. In all practicum settings, the practicum instructor will make the final decision about each student s professional appearance. If you are not properly attired, you may be sent off the practicum unit, which may negatively impact your course grade. RN-BSN Students: o Dress will be dictated by individual preceptor/institution requirements. When appropriate, scrub uniforms may be worn along with JMU student name tag. Lab coat with JMU student name tag will be required in community settings and nonhospital practicum settings. EQUIPMENT: Students are responsible to secure the following equipment for use in practicum courses: 1. Analogu watch with a sweep second hand 2. Bandage scissors 3. Dual head stethoscope (with bell and diaphragm) 4. Aneroid sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff), preferably Latex-Free 5. Penlight 6. Kelly clamps An equipment kit has been created by the Pi Mu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society for the student s purchase. Contact Claudia O Neill at [email protected] if interested in purchasing a kit. Required equipment is also available at uniform stores and in the campus bookstore. The above equipment is optional but available for RN-BSN students as needed. Individualized practicum experiences will dictate necessary equipment. MEDICATION CALCULATION AND SAFETY TEST (MCAST) The Medication Calculation and Safety Test (MCAST) will be administered every semester beginning with NSG 352L. There will be a written component of twenty-five single-item questions developed by nursing faculty. 8/15/

58 The currently adopted medication calculation textbook will be used as the reference book for conversion amounts, rounding and as the standard resource for both students and faculty. The MCAST examination will be completed by the students at the beginning of every semester, including summer sessions. A time period of 1 hour is allotted for the student to complete the test. The time allotted for the first attempt is included in the course clinical hours subsequent attempts are on the student s own time. A grade of 92% on the written test is required to pass the test. No partial credit is given for an incorrect answer. The test grade is recorded on the student s clinical course PET. The MCAST is given in NSG 352L (Clinical Applications & Reasoning in Nursing Care I Clinical) for semester 1; NSG 356L (Clinical Applications & Reasoning in Nursing Care II Clinical) for semester 2; NSG 451L (Child Health Clinical) for semester 3; and NSG 454L (Transition to Practice Clinical) for semester 4. If the test is failed, the student will continue to take a different version of the test until a grade of 92% is achieved, to a maximum of three (3) attempts. At least 48 hours must elapse between each retake. Different tests are to be administered for each attempt. The student is required to drop the course after the third failure. The student may not administer medications in the clinical setting until the MCAST is passed. The ability to administer medications may affect the student s clinical evaluation. A remediation assignment (e.g., attendance at remediation session, computer lab assignments, etc.) must be completed by the student prior to taking the second and third tests as directed by the instructor. The date and time for each re-test is determined by the course coordinators. LIABILITY INSURANCE: JMU through the State of Virginia provides malpractice coverage to the amount required in The Code of Virginia. Coverage is per occurrence for each individual student and covers student practice that is an assigned course-related activity. It will NOT cover student work outside course experiences (eg. as an aide, a volunteer, or a summer extern). Students may purchase additional insurance beyond the state's policy. Two carriers are Nurses Service Organization ( and Nurses Protection Group ( TRANSPORTATION: All nursing practicum courses involve experiences in hospitals and other health care agencies in diverse settings including home visits. These settings include, but are not limited to Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Page County, Augusta County, Winchester and Charlottesville. There may be occasional experiences in more distant places such as Richmond, or Washington, DC. Students are responsible for all arrangements and expenses for travel to practicum sites and other educational experiences. Students need a car accessible to them; car-pooling may be possible, but cannot be relied on for all required experiences. Some experiences 8/15/

59 require travel in the morning before sunrise or late evening after sundown, so reliable transportation is needed. Even in the best circumstances, there are dangers inherent in travel. Students are expected to know who to call and what steps to take in the event of a vehicle breakdown or other emergency. In inclement weather, course faculty make decisions about cancellation of practicum experiences. Each course syllabus contains an inclement weather policy. Students are expected to call faculty to discuss weather conditions before traveling if there are questions of safety. Because our primary concern is the safety of the student, if there is a question about safety, students are asked NOT to travel. Students often carpool to practicum sites. The faculty recommends that you NOT use your personal vehicle to transport clients; most agencies have a similar policy. It is recommended that you check with your insurance agent for clarity about your coverage for such situations. POTENTIAL INJURY: Persons under stress from physical or emotional ill health often direct feelings on persons in the environment. Students are in settings (community agencies, institutions and homes) where agitation, hostility, anger, sexually inappropriate and other unpredictable behavior can occur and students must learn strategies for dealing with problem behavior. When making home visits the student should be particularly alert to risks related to the consumption of alcohol, drugs or other substances, dogs or other factors that might be a threat to safety. They should be aware of locations that call for special alertness; note lighting, open spaces, shrubs or other structures that might impair vision. The student should be sure someone knows when and where they are going. The student is encouraged not to take risks and may go in pairs as a safety measure. When the student feels uncomfortable with what is happening with a client they are responsible to inform the faculty and/or agency personnel so resolution can be found. PREPARATION FOR PROVISION OF CARE AND SERVICES: Nursing students provide services including direct care to individuals, groups and communities in practicum experiences and are liable for all actions taken. Students are expected to provide safe, appropriate, knowledge-based care that meets ethical and legal standards. The well-being of clients is the priority responsibility and students are expected to prepare for all practicum experiences as directed. Unprepared students may be removed from the practicum with or without the option of making it up. EXPECTATION OF COMPETENT BEHAVIOR AND PERFORMANCE: Physical or mental inability to perform practicum responsibilities - If a student has sustained an injury (e.g. broken bone), illness, or disability after entry into the nursing program that prevents the student from meeting the objectives of a practicum course, 8/15/

60 the student may need to withdraw from the course. The practicum instructor will determine: o Whether course objectives can be met within the time frame of the course. o Whether the student is able to receive an incomplete (I) in the course and satisfy requirements within 3 weeks of the end of the semester; or o Whether the student will need to withdraw and re-take the course when the problem is resolved. This will affect student progression within the program Unsatisfactory or unsafe behaviors - may result in clinical probation or removal from the course (and subsequent failure of the course) at the discretion of the faculty practicum instructor. When a student is placed on clinical probation, the faculty instructor will document the incident or pattern of behavior. The instructor, program coordinator and student will meet to discuss the incident and to establish specific re-evaluation criteria and behavioral goals that will be put in writing and signed by the student and faculty member. Following clinical probation, subsequent unsatisfactory performance in the practicum or laboratory setting will result in faculty review and possible failure of the course. SEE BELOW POLICY. 8/15/

61 JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF NURSING Notice of Clinical Probation Students who demonstrate irresponsible, unprofessional, or unsafe behavior in clinical practice may be placed on probation. Depending upon the type and seriousness of the problem, the student may be put on probation or asked to withdraw from the course and/or program prior to the end of a semester. Unsatisfactory performance leading to probation occurs when the student: Consistently fails to meet clinical objectives. Does not take initiative and/or takes initiative inappropriately, thereby endangering client's safety and well-being. Is insensitive to client's needs. Is consistently unable to develop communication skills and form therapeutic relationships with clients, families and coworkers, even with guidance. Frequently exhibits negligent behavior causing potential irreversible damage to the client. Violates professional ethics through behaviors such as: O Carelessness with client confidentiality. o Inconsistency in complying with agency policies. o Failure to recognize implications of behavior for the professional role. o Violation of therapeutic nurse/client relationship. o Gross violation of agency policies. o Consistently fails to meet obligations. o Inability or unwillingness to acknowledge errors or areas of weakness, even when identified by the faculty. This form is used to document student practicum performance issues leading to probation. The faculty member consults with the program coordinator and meets jointly with the coordinator and student to negotiate a contract and contract time frame for student improvement. Probation will be effective during the semester it is started and for at least one additional semester. During that time the student must meet contract goals and all practicum objectives. A copy of the probationary action is placed in the student file in the nursing office. 8/15/

62 JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF NURSING Notice of Clinical Probation will be on clinical probation as of (date) until (date) for. Description of the Incident or Pattern of behavior: Re-evaluation Criteria (step-by-step goals): Satisfactory and safe performance must be demonstrated by from this date forward. Any further unsatisfactory performance in the clinical or laboratory setting will result in a faculty review and possible failure of courses and/or dismissal from the nursing program. This documentation will become a part of the student's nursing school record. The signing of this document indicates that the parties involved understand cause for probation and the steps necessary to successfully complete the courses involved and /or the program. Student Signature: Date: Instructor Signature: Date: 8/15/

63 RESPONSIBILITIES TO PRACTICUM SITES The Nursing Department contracts with agencies for practicum courses and both students and faculty are guests in these agencies. Many agencies require that we provide them with documentation relative to CPR certification, criminal record, professional liability insurance, results of TB testing, Urine Drug Screen, etc.; the information you provide for us may be shared with them. In addition to other policies relative to practicum experiences, the following expectations relate specifically to practicum sites and personnel: Students are expected to act in act in a responsible, respectful manner in all interactions with clients and staff. Nursing students are expected to comply with written policies and procedures governing nursing practice in the practicum agency or institution, including policies and procedures regarding hazardous material, standard precautions and health requirements. HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act- "The Department of Health and Human Services and all other health care agencies must insure that their customers (ex: clients, insured individuals, providers and health plans) that the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of electronic protected health information they collect, maintain, use, or transmit is protected." APA ref (Federal Register, 2003, p1). During the first sophomore nursing course orientation week, students will view the JMU Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training tutorial videotape and successfully pass a written test to demonstrate knowledge and establish legal accountability for compliance with HIPAA regulations. Individual practicum sites may require students to attend their own HIPAA training sessions in addition to the JMU HIPAA training. Students are responsible to notify both the faculty and appropriate agency personnel if they will be absent from an assigned experience due to illness, weather or other reasons. When students miss practicum experiences as an excused absence (for reasons including inclement weather, death of a family member or illness) the student must make up the practicum experience in some manner. The practicum faculty instructor will determine how the student is to make up the experience, in collaboration with the course coordinator and department head as needed. All information and personal data gained in practicum experiences must be treated confidentially. Nursing students are expected to dress in accordance with nursing department policy and as acceptable to the agency. If a student is injured during any practicum experience, the designated agency procedure is to be followed. 8/15/

64 EMPLOYMENT: If employed by a health care agency while a student is in the nursing program, students are expected to perform only those functions defined in the job descriptions for positions they are filling. Such employment is independent of their status as a JMU nursing student. HEALTH RELATED POLICIES BSN & RN-BSN: Practicum courses involve real people and health care situations. Students are in contact with persons of all ages in diverse settings with potential exposure to many kinds of illness. This puts students at potential risk. Students can also be a risk to others, including coworkers and clients. For their protection and that of coworkers and clients, the Department of Nursing has established the following policies. Required Practicum Documentation for All Programs Clinical agencies require the Department of Nursing to provide student documentation before they will allow students in any nursing program to begin practicum experiences. Therefore, it is critical for all students to provide this documentation to the Department in a timely manner. Most documentation is due prior to the first practicum experience and is collected just one time. Several items require annual updates. DUE DATES for required practicum documentation: July 1 when a fall practicum course is scheduled. Students who have not provided requested documentation to the Department of Nursing by July 15 will be administratively dropped from their fall practicum courses. December 1 when a spring practicum course is scheduled. Students who have not provided requested documentation to the Department of Nursing by December 15 will be administratively dropped from their spring practicum courses. April 1 when a May or summer practicum course is scheduled. Students who have not provided requested documentation to the Department of Nursing by April 15 will be administratively dropped from their May or summer practicum courses. Requirements Prior to First Practicum Semester Documentation is required for each item on the checklist. Items are described in greater detail on the following pages. 8/15/

65 Practicum Documentation Checklist Provide the following prior to the first practicum course Immunization Tracker Account (Ordered from certifiedbackground.com) All clinical documentation is to be uploaded to this account. Beginning with incoming Spring 2011 students. 10 Panel Drug Screen and Criminal Background Check Ordered from certifiedbackground.com Health Record Form Varicella Documentation of titer and vaccine if titer is negative. Having had varicella as a child does NOT waive the titer Hepatitis B Documentation of vaccination series or a signed waiver form Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Documentation of vaccine or titer Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis (TDAP) Documentation of vaccine unless you provide documentation of having had a tetanus vaccine during the past two years 2 Step TB Skin Test (PPD-S) prior to beginning the Sophomore level nursing course, or before beginning a practicum or residency course in the RN-BSN and MSN program. (Not necessary if you have documented annual employment TB testing within the past 5 years.) The two step process is only done ONCE. Immunization Tracker Account (Ordered from certifiedbackground.com) All clinical documentation is to be uploaded to this account. Signed Notice of Reportable Conditions Form Current CPR Certification 8/15/

66 Practicum Documentation Checklist Provide the following prior to the first practicum course Signed Statement of Ethical Responsibility and Assumption of Risk Form Annual Requirements: Practicum Documentation Annual Update TB (PPD) : Single PPD required annually following the initial 2-Step TB Test Current CPR Certification For students beginning the Nursing program Spring 2011 and later: Completed documentation needs to be uploaded by you to your Immunization Tracker Account. For students who began the program prior to Spring 2011 Send updated documentation as needed to: Nursing Department, 820 Madison Drive, MSC 4305, Harrisonburg, VA Student personal health record: Complete the Health Record Form, along with the Health Evaluation Form, OR provide an alternate health evaluation from your provider that provides the same information. Varicella (chickenpox): Students must provide documentation of either 1) Varicella vaccination or 2) Blood serology (titer) indicating immunity. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Measles (Rubeola): Students must provide documentation of either 1) Rubeola (measles) immunization with live virus vaccine on or after 15 months of age and a booster on or after 4 years of age; or 2) positive blood titer. Documentation must include the date and results. If blood serology (titer) does not indicate immunity, the student must be immunized. Some agencies may require updated information about immunity levels. Mumps: Students must provide documentation of either: 1) immunization on or after 15 months of age and a booster on or after 4 years of age; or 2) a positive blood serology (titer). Rubella: Students must provide documentation of either: 1) immunization (with live virus vaccine on or after the student s first birthday) or 2) a positive blood serology (titer). Documentation must 8/15/

67 include the date and results. If blood serology (titer) does not indicate immunity, the student must be immunized. Hepatitis B Vaccine: Nursing students experience some risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens including hepatitis and are required to have the Hepatitis B vaccine series or a titer showing whether immunity is present OR to sign a statement (Hepatitis B Waiver Form, available from the department) declining the vaccine and titer. The series involves three injections over a 6-month period. The second injection follows 1-2 months after the first, with the third 4-6 months after the first dose. The titer is drawn 1-6 months after the completion of the vaccine series. The series and titer are available through the JMU Health Center. TETANUS/DIPHTHERIA/PERTUSSIS (TDAP): STUDENTS AGE < 65 WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED A TDAP BOOSTER WITHIN 10 YEARS AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A TETANUS BOOSTER WITHIN THE LAST TWO YEARS MUST RECEIVE A TDAP BOOSTER. TB Testing: A negative two-step tuberculin skin test using purified protein derivative (PPD) is required initially, (unless documented annual TB testing within the past 5 years). A two step test is defined as the application and reading of two consecutive PPD tests. The second PPD should be administered 1-3 weeks after the first. Students are required to have an annual TB test after their initial 2-Step TB. If the skin test is positive a chest x-ray and follow up with a health care provider are required. TB testing can occur at any healthcare facility, but is available at the JMU Student Health Center. Documentation includes written confirmation of the results of the skin test (and chest x-ray if indicated). Students must provide certification that they are free of active tuberculosis prior to practicum activities. Students with a known positive TB skin test who have had a chest x-ray within the past 2 years are not required to have additional chest x-rays if verification of both the skin test and the chest x-ray results are provided to the nursing department. Students with a positive skin test whose x-rays are satisfactory will need additional chest x-rays only if they are exposed to TB or have symptoms that might indicate TB. IMMUNIZATION TRACKER: STUDENTS MUST ORDER A DRUG SCREEN, BACKGROUND CHECK, AND IMMUNIZATION TRACKER ACCOUNT THROUGH CERTIFIEDBACKGROUND.COM. DRUG SCREEN: THE RESULTS, POSTED ON CERTIFIED BACKGROUND.COM S SECURE WEBSITE, MUST INDICATE A NEGATIVE DRUG SCREEN. STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO PROVIDE A NEGATIVE TEST MAY BE UNABLE TO CONTINUE IN THE PROGRAM. STUDENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO HAVE A DRUG TEST AT ANY POINT IF REQUESTED BY CLINICAL AGENCY PERSONNEL OR BY A PRACTICUM FACULTY MEMBER. Criminal Background Check: The results, posted on Certified Background.com s secure website, must be negative. Students who have a positive background check may be unable to continue in the program. 8/15/

68 Ordering Through CertifiedBackground.com (BSN Students): 1. Go to and click on "students" 2. In the Package Code box, enter the package code that is needed: a. ae48va - Background Check / Drug Test / Immunization Tracker Package Virginia Residents b. ae48us Background Check / Drug Test / Immunization Tracker Package Non-Virginia Residents 3. Select a method of payment: Visa, MasterCard or money order. Retrieving Results: Once you submit the order, you will receive a secure password to view the results of your criminal background check and drug test. The Nursing Department will receive results from CertifiedBackground.com. A physician contracted by the company will follow up with students on any questionable drug screen results. If you receive a call from the company physician after submitting your test, you should reply promptly during the physician s office hours. Students with a positive drug test may not enroll or continue in practicum activities. For more information contact CertifiedBackground.com at or [email protected] Reportable Conditions: Students must sign the Student s Notice of Reportable Conditions form. In compliance with established policies governing employee/student health in clinical agencies, students are required to report the following conditions to the Nursing Department before entering a practicum agency: a. Acute diarrheal illness (severe) with other symptoms (i.e., fever, abdominal cramps, bleeding, etc.), or diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours b. Orofacial herpes simplex virus or herpetic whitlow c. Diagnosed streptococcal infection d. Skin lesions that are infected and draining, especially on exposed body parts e. Acute upper respiratory (URI) or severe influenza with a temperature above 100 F, purulent sputum, pertussis f. Active infection with/or exposure to: i. Hepatitis (jaundice) ii. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) iii. Measles (if not immune) iv. Mumps (if not immune) v. Rubella (if not immune) vi. Varicella Zoster (chicken pox/shingles) virus (if not immune) vii. Tuberculosis viii. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) 8/15/

69 ix. Any communicable disease if the student is unsure of immunity g. Needle stick/sharps accident, parenteral/mucous membrane or nonintact skin exposure to patient s blood or body fluids containing visible blood. h. Diagnosed with a positive culture, which prevents or limits the student s ability to render client care The faculty member may require students to demonstrate that they are free of symptoms or other evidence of contagious illness, or to provide written approval of their health care provider, before they return to the practicum site to care for patients. CPR Certification: All students must provide the Department of Nursing with a copy of the card validating that the student is currently certified in health care provider level of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and AED for both adults and children. Students must maintain current certification throughout the program. CPR courses are offered through many local community agencies including rescue squads, chapters of the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, hospitals, wellness centers, the JMU University Recreation Center, as well as through health courses at JMU. Statement of Ethical Accountability and Assumption of Risk: All students read, sign, and return this form to the Department of Nursing indicating they understand and agree with the statement. IMPORTANT NOTE: BE SURE TO MAKE AND KEEP PERSONAL COPIES OF ALL HEALTH FORMS, AS YOU MAY NEED THESE FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO OR OTHER PURPOSES. EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN AND POLICIES FOR BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS INTRODUCTION: In order to minimize and prevent the exposure of nursing students, faculty, and clients to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), the Department of Nursing has adopted the following policy and exposure control plan to provide education, prevent exposure and contamination, and provide appropriate follow-up should exposure occur. This policy and exposure control plan conforms to and is not in conflict with the requirements of local, state and federal laws and the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for prevention and transmission of HIV/HBV, James Madison University and the clinical sites utilized in the nursing program. It is the responsibility of each nursing student to be familiar with the provisions of this policy and to operate accordingly. 8/15/

70 The OSHA/VOSH Blood Borne Pathogens Standard was issued to reduce the occupational transmission of infections caused by microorganisms sometimes found in human blood and certain other potentially infectious materials. Although a variety of harmful microorganisms may be transmitted through contact with infected human blood, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have been shown to be responsible for infecting workers who were exposed to human blood and certain other body fluids containing these viruses, through routes like needle-stick injuries and by direct contact of mucous membranes and non-intact skin with contaminated blood/materials, in the course of their work. Occupational transmission of HBV occurs much more often than transmission of HIV. Although HIV is rarely transmitted following occupational exposure incidents, the lethal nature of HIV requires that all possible measures be used to prevent exposure of workers. METHODS OF COMPLIANCE: 1. Standard Precautions: Standard precautions are based on the fact that the existence of pathogens cannot be known in all situations. In some instances, patients harboring blood-borne infections may never be identified as representing a potential infectious risk. In settings such as outpatient clinics, identification of patients who present a potential infectious risk is impractical if not impossible. Because one can never be sure who might be infectious, STANDARD PRECAUTIONS are recommended for all patient contacts. These precautions should minimize the risk of transmission of blood-borne infections. Therefore, all blood or other potentially infectious materials are to be handled as if they are contaminated by a blood-borne pathogen. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. Laboratory specimens from all patients must be treated as infectious. 2. Engineering and Work Practice Controls: The use of appropriate practices are outlined and followed as specified in the individual practicum settings utilized to eliminate or minimize exposure. Where occupational exposure remains after institution of these controls, personal protective equipment is also used. 3. Hand-washing and Other General Hygiene Measures: Hand-washing is a primary infection control measure which is protective of both the employee and the patient and must be diligently practiced. Students shall wash hands thoroughly using soap and water or other approved antibacterial waterless hand sanitizer whenever hands become contaminated and as soon as possible after removing gloves or other personal protective equipment. When other skin areas or mucous membranes come in contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials, the skin shall be washed with soap and water, and the mucous membranes flushed with water, as soon as possible. Appropriate hand-washing facilities are available in clinical facilities and in the nursing skills center. Blood and body fluid spills should be cleaned up promptly. Gloves should be worn and the area decontaminated according to institutional policy. If not specified, a freshly made solution of one part chlorine bleach to 9 parts water can be used. 4. Sharps Management: Needles, especially contaminated needles and other contaminated sharps, should not be bent, recapped or removed. Shearing or breaking of 8/15/

71 contaminated needles is prohibited. Contaminated disposable sharps shall be discarded, as soon as possible after use, in the disposable sharps containers. In practicum settings procedures are followed as outlined for sharps use and disposal. In the campus-based nursing skills center appropriate containers (closable, puncture resistant, labeled or color-coded, and leak-proof on sides and bottom, and maintained upright throughout use) for the disposal of sharps are provided as a protective mechanism even though sharps are used for practice on oranges, manikins, etc. and do not involve use with human subjects. Nearly full containers are to be promptly disposed of (or emptied and decontaminated in the case of reusable sharps) and replaced. In the skills center the disposal of sharps containers is the responsibility of the skills center coordinator. 5. Personal Protective Equipment: Personal protective equipment is available and is to be used according to the specifications of the individual clinical site being utilized. Students are expected to wear personal protective equipment when doing procedures in which exposure of the skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes to blood or other body fluids is likely. The articles to be worn will depend on the expected exposure. o Protection for Hands: Gloves should be worn when handling body secretions; when contact with blood or other potentially infectious bodily fluids and mucous membranes or non-intact skin is likely; when handling soiled items or surfaces; and when performing venipuncture or giving parental medications. Gloves should be changed after direct contact with each patient. Environmental contamination should be prevented by removing gloves as soon as possible after contamination. Gloves should not be washed and reused. Hands should be washed after gloves are removed. Gloves should be replaced as soon as feasible when contaminated, torn, punctured, or when their ability to function as a barrier is compromised. o Protection for Eyes/Nose/Mouth: Masks and protective eyewear are not routinely indicated. In many instances, personal eyeglasses will provide adequate eye protection. Students shall wear masks in combination with eye protection devices (goggles or glasses with solid side shields) or chin-length face shields whenever splashes, spray, splatter, or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious materials may be generated and eye, nose, or mouth contamination can be reasonably anticipated. When suctioning intubated patients or caring for patients with productive coughs, e.g., during a sputum induction procedure, protection with masks and eyewear shall be used. o Protection for the Body: Gowns are not routinely necessary, but a variety of garments including gowns, aprons, lab coats, clinic jackets, etc. are to be worn when soiling of clothes with blood or other body fluids is likely. Surgical caps or hoods and/or shoe covers or boots shall be worn in instances when gross contamination can reasonably be anticipated. If penetrated by blood or other potentially infectious material, the garments should be removed as soon as possible and placed in a designated container for laundering or disposal. o Laundry: Linen soiled with blood or other body fluids are to be placed in bags designed and marked for that purpose as specified in the given institution. 8/15/

72 Contaminated laundry shall be handled as little as possible with a minimum of agitation. Wet contaminated laundry which may soak-through or cause leakage from bag or containers must be placed in bags or containers which prevent soakthrough and/or leakage of fluids to the exterior. 6. Regulated Wastes and Communication of Hazards: Disposal of waste materials regulated by this standard is to be handled according to institutional policy. The presence of hazardous materials is to be identified according to accepted procedures of the given institution. PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP OF EXPOSURE INCIDENTS: 1. An exposure incident refers to specific contact of eye, mouth, or other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious material. A significant occupational exposure is defined as: o A needle stick or cut caused by a needle or other sharp that was actually or potentially contaminated with blood or other body fluid. o A mucous membrane (i.e., splash to the eye or mouth) exposure to blood or other body fluid. o A cutaneous exposure involving large amounts of blood or prolonged contact with blood, especially when the exposed skin was chapped, abraded, or afflicted with dermatitis. 2. Immediate antiseptic procedures should be followed after possible or accidental exposure and the CDC guidelines for occupational exposure should be followed. 3. A student has an ethical duty to report any incident that exposed him/herself or a patient to the risk of transmission of a blood borne disease and is ethically obligated to be tested for HIV when the patient is exposed to a provider's blood. 4. Incidents of student exposure are to be reported immediately to the faculty member responsible for the specific experience. The faculty member in turn reports the incident to both the facility where the incident occurred, and the JMU BSN program director. Documentation of the exposure incident is to be submitted within 24 hours to the BSN program director and should include: route(s) of exposure; circumstances under which the exposure occurred; identification and documentation of the source individual if feasible; and follow up steps taken. When an exposure is reported that individual will follow the facility exposure plan for testing and evaluation. 5. Students having an exposure incident in a clinical agency without an established protocol should return to the university and follow university procedures. Students will be responsible for payment of any necessary medical testing or care. PREVENTION EDUCATION: Nursing students receive both printed and oral information and instructions. This information covers blood borne pathogens, standard precautions for blood and body infections in accordance with applicable CDC guidelines, Hepatitis B Vaccination, specific protection and exposure control procedures, warning labels, personal health habits, HIV prevention and risk 8/15/

73 behaviors, procedures for incidents of exposure and post-exposure follow-up. This basic education includes information regarding potential infectious hazards inherent in the educational program and is the responsibility of the Course Coordinator of their first nursing practicum class. These instructions are reinforced and expanded throughout the nursing program. RN-BSN and Graduate student who have received instruction on universal precautions must sign a document stating they have completed this training. Students are expected to utilize universal precautions in all their practicum experiences. In addition to operating from this overall premise, additional expectations as outlined in individual agencies or institutions are also followed. 8/15/

74 NURSING STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS BSN & RN-BSN: NURSING STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS JMU CHAPTER OF THE VIRGINIA NURSING STUDENT ASSOCIATION (VNSA) Go to VNSA Website NSA is a constituent of the National students Nurses' Association, Inc. (NSNA). National conferences are held periodically to bring nursing students together to examine issues related the nursing field. By attending these conferences it is possible to become politically active on the National level. The JMU chapter is a link to the state and national organization. JMU s chapter has been very active at the local, state and national levels and has consistently won many state awards for its community service and chapter excellence. PURPOSE Develop student interest and involvement in professional organizations Provide programs and activities that contribute to the profession and to student goals Enhance student learning and professional development MEMBERSHIP Any student declaring a nursing major, freshman through senior level including RN-BSN students Requires NSNA dues and nominal chapter dues Monthly meeting and special events To join, please contact Dr. Sandra Annan or Mrs.. Melissa Leisen, faculty advisors, for more information. OFFICERS All members are eligible for office and may be nominated by self or another member 8/15/

75 PI MU AT-LARGE CHAPTER OF SIGMA THETA TAU INTERNATIONAL NURSING HONOR SOCIETY Go Pi Mu At-Large Web site: Pi Mu at-large shares the mission of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society of Nursing: To foster excellence, scholarship, and leadership in nursing to improve health care worldwide. The chapter's local mission is to enhance nursing scholarship, leadership, and networking among students, faculty, and nursing professionals in the Shenandoah Valley. Senior students who have a GPA of at least 3.0 or higher, rank in the upper 35% of their graduating class, and have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement and academic integrity are invited to become Full Members of the Pi Mu Chapter. Membership applications are accepted any time, but new member inductions occur in the early Fall and Spring. RN-BSN students may join as community leaders upon admission to the nursing program. Membership is encouraged as a demonstration of professional role development. PURPOSE Recognize superior achievement Recognize leadership potential Promote high professional standards Encourage creativity and scholarship Enhance committed to the profession Further information about the Honor Society is available from Carroll Ward [email protected], faculty advisor. 8/15/

76 FINANCIAL COSTS AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COSTS BSN BSN & RN-BSN Nursing Student Handbook The Financial Aid Office considers expenses on this list in determining financial need and eligibility levels for nursing students. This is the list of estimated expenses to assist the student in submitting financial aid applications. Please note that students often can car-pool for practicum activities, however they still often need their own transportation. Some copying expenses are optional, as syllabi and many resources are made available electronically to students. There are professional conventions locally that are low or no cost. However, the following expenses are reasonable anticipated costs Item Junior Year Senior Year Transportation for practicum (gas, parking, etc.) $500 $500 Laboratory supplies $160 EVOLVE/NCLEX preparation materials est. $600 Text Books (include required and recommended) $1800 $400 Course Syllabi and Copying Costs $150 $150 Expenses for Presentations & Special Projects $100 $100 Uniforms, Lab Coats, etc. $250 Equipment (stethoscope, sphygmomanometer) $125 NSNA/VNSA Membership Fees $45 $45 Nursing Class Dues $50 $50 Attendance at Professional Conventions/Workshops $140 $140 School Pin $50-$180 8/15/

77 Identification Badge $10 Immunizations, Titers, CPR, Background Check & Drug Testing $200 $100 Total $4130 $1535-$1665 8/15/

78 FINANCIAL RESOURCES BSN: There are financial resources designed specifically for nursing students. In addition to the following description of sources of financial assistance, students are notified of new information via as it arrives. Materials and applications, when available, may be obtained from the nursing department office or found on designated bulletin boards. Institutional Scholarship and Loan Programs: Hospitals and other institutions often offer monetary assistance to students in return for a work commitment following graduation. These are excellent offers if the student knows where they would like to work. If the student is interested they should contact the institution directly and ask about programs for nursing students. Most of these programs fund only the junior and senior years. Federal Loan Programs: Excellent federal loans specifically for nursing students are available at a low rate of interest. No interest is payable while in school and for nine (9) months post-graduation. Repayment can be deferred or canceled depending upon employment following graduation. Eligibility depends on the student s financial need status. The financial aid office has applications. Whitehead Scholarships: The Whitehead Foundation provides significant money annually to the JMU Nursing program for distribution to students with financial need. It is need-based as determined by the Financial Aid Office, and the student must file a financial aid form with them. Eligibility requires that the student be from designated southern states. If the student qualifies on the basis of geography and financial need they will automatically be considered for this award. Military Scholarship and Loan Programs: All branches of the military (Air Force, Army, Navy, and ROTC) offer programs for nursing students. The student should contact the branch of their choice to explore these programs. The Nursing Department has informational materials and phone numbers for contact. FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS The Veterans Administration Scholarship Program is a very good, but highly competitive scholarship program that involves commitment for employment following graduation. The Indian Health Service has a less competitive but excellent scholarship program as well. National Student Nurses Association: The NSNA Foundation awards scholarships annually to NSNA members. Information about these scholarships can be secured through the JMU Chapter of VNSA or directly from NSNA. Virginia League for Nursing: The VLN offers several smaller scholarships annually. Other Nursing Department Scholarships: There are two small need-based scholarships designed for persons with specific unmet financial need, the Henley and 8/15/

79 McHone Scholarships, for which the nursing department makes awards to a junior and senior each year. You can secure an application from the Nursing Department in the spring, complete, and return the completed application to the Nursing Department. SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS BSN & RN-BSN INTRODUCTION TO THE SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS PROGRAM The nursing department has a variety of scholarships and awards for students. Some are rewards for academic or practicum performance while others are primarily need-based. These awards are described in detail below. CAMPUSRN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM CampusRN has launched a new scholarship program in conjunction with the creation of the CampusRN state edition network. This nationwide scholarship program is the most comprehensive of its kind for nursing programs and nursing students because it features scholarship winners from six different regions across the country in which CampusRN has launched state edition sites. CampusRN will award six $2500 scholarships to a needy and deserving nursing student in each region. The deadline for applications is April 1st, students can apply for the scholarship program at: NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS Whitehead Scholarships: A lump-sum scholarship fund for nursing students is given to the nursing department by the Whitehead Foundation on an annual basis. They are need-based scholarships for Christian females from southern states. The financial aid office determines need eligibility and awards are made by the Nursing Department Head. No application is needed and all eligible students are considered. Awards are made to students at the sophomore, junior and senior levels. The amount of individual awards is based on the total donation from the Whitehead Foundation, the number of eligible students, and the level of need. Larger awards are made to upper level students. Students on academic suspension, probation, or warning are not eligible for this scholarship. Henley Scholarship McHone Scholarship 8/15/

80 SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS THAT ARE HONORS/AWARDS All applications or nominations are April 1. See the nursing website for additional information regarding scholarships ( OTHER HELPFUL LINKS Search here for scholarships for nursing students. Nursing Student Loan program provides long-term, low-interest rate loans to full-time financially needy students pursuing BSN. HRSA nursing program scholarships, loans, and loan repayments for nursing students. Lists scholarships and grants at its website including category for nursing students. 8/15/

81 HENLEY SCHOLARSHIP BSN CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION/NOMINATION A. THE AWARD 1. The Henley family established The Henley Scholarship, an endowed scholarship, in 1983 in memory of their mother, Gloria Jane Hollowell Henley. Mrs. Henley was a juvenile diabetic who had several amputations, was on a kidney machine and died of heart failure. She was very fond of music and a music scholarship was established in their church. A scholarship was also established at another college for a handicapped student. Mrs. Henley's son, a student at JMU, recalled his mother's love for the nurses who cared for her and suggested to his father that a scholarship in her memory be established for a nursing student at JMU. Mr. Henley established the scholarship in honor of his wife and because of her love for children and education. 2. This need-based scholarship is given annually to a junior or rising senior nursing student. It is awarded through applications or nominations submitted to the Nursing Department Head. B. PROCEDURE FOR NOMINATION 1. Complete the nomination form indicating your choice for the award, and return to Department Secretary in the department office no later than March Substantiate your nomination/application concisely and specifically. Responses are evaluated according to quality of written presentation, and the breadth and adequacy of documentation of need. C. CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD 1. Junior or Senior Nursing Student experiencing financial need but who may or may not have official financial need as determined by the financial aid office. 2. Satisfactory academic performance. 3. Interest and commitment to serving persons with handicaps or who have special needs. 8/15/

82 HENLEY SCHOLARSHIP NOMINATION FORM Nominee s Name Class Year Status (check one) Junior Senior Rationale and Documentation in Support of Nomination/Application Cumulative GPA Nursing GPA Documentation of Financial Hardship Statement of Interest/Commitment to Persons Who Have Handicaps or Particular Need Nomination Made By (check one) Self Peer Faculty Date of Nomination Signature of Person Submitting Nomination 8/15/

83 MCHONE SCHOLARSHIP BSN CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION/NOMINATION A. THE AWARD 1. The McHone Scholarship was established as the Albert B. and Gladys C. McHone Endowment in 1985 in honor of Mrs. McHone, a registered nurse who has provided significant service to persons in many parts of Virginia. While primarily need based, this scholarship has flexibility and is awarded in collaboration with a son, Mr. James C. McHone. 2. This Scholarship is given to a junior or rising senior-nursing student. It is awarded through applications or nominations submitted to the Nursing Department Head. PROCEDURE FOR NOMINATION 1. Complete the nomination form indicating your choice for the award, and return to Department Secretary in the department office no later than March Substantiate your nomination/application concisely and specifically. Responses are evaluated according to quality of written presentation, and the breadth and adequacy of documentation of need. C. CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD 1. Junior or Senior Nursing Student who is experiencing financial hardship but may or may not have official financial need as determined by the financial aid office. 2. Satisfactory academic performance. 8/15/

84 McHONE SCHOLARSHIP NOMINATION FORM Nominee s Name Class Year Status (check one) Junior Senior Rationale and Documentation in Support of Nomination/Application Cumulative GPA Nursing GPA Documentation of Financial Hardship Nomination Made By (check one) Self Peer Faculty Date of Nomination Signature of Person Submitting Nomination 8/15/

85 THE MARCIA DAKE NURSING SCHOLARSHIP BSN CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION/NOMINATION A. THE AWARD This scholarship was established in 1991 and was named in honor of Marcia Dake, first Dean of the College of Nursing. It requires an application or nomination and is a competitive scholarship to be used for educational purposes. Awards are made to students at the Junior or rising Senior level. Nominations/applications are reviewed according to the designated criteria and the decision is made by vote of the nursing faculty in collaboration with the department head. B. PROCEDURE FOR NOMINATION 1. Complete the nomination form indicating your choice for the award, and return to Department Secretary in the department office no later than March Substantiate the application/nomination with concise, specific rationale. C. CRITERIA 1. Outstanding academic achievement and recognition (including information about cumulative GPA). 2. Exceptional leadership and involvement. 3. Significant service to the university, college, nursing department and nursing community as well as potential for contribution to the profession of nursing and the nursing department. 4. Personal justification of need. 8/15/

86 THE MARCIA DAKE NURSING SCHOLARHIP NOMINATION FORM Nominee s Name Nominee is Junior or rising Senior expected to graduate(enter month and year) Rationale and Documentation in Support of Nomination/Application Cumulative GPA Nursing GPA Evidence of Outstanding Academic Achievement (awards for scholarship or achievement, published article, research, etc.) Evidence of Leadership and Involvement (organizational membership, leadership and committee roles) Additional Documentation of Service to the University, College, Department of Nursing and/or Nursing Community and the Potential for Contribution to the Nursing Profession Nomination Made By (check one) Self Peer Faculty Date of Nomination Signature of Person Submitting Nomination 8/15/

87 MARY R. WAPLES SCHOLARSHIP BSN CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION/NOMINATION A. THE AWARD 1. The Mary R. Waples Scholarship was established in 1988 by Mary Waples, college nurse at JMU from , worker for the American Red Cross, and enthusiastic supporter of the JMU nursing program since its beginning. This scholarship is not needbased but is viewed as an award. 2. This Scholarship is given to a rising senior nursing student. Nursing students or faculty can make nominations. Students may nominate themselves or be nominated other students. Nominations/applications are reviewed according to the designated criteria and the decision is made by vote of the nursing faculty in collaboration with the department head. B. PROCEDURE FOR NOMINATION 1. Complete the nomination form indicating your choice for the award, and return to Department Secretary in the department office no later than March Substantiate your nomination/application concisely and specifically. Responses are evaluated according to quality of written presentation, and the breadth and adequacy of documentation. Document active involvement with specific examples and include time frame and degree of involvement for each area. If desired, submit a letter of support from a supervisor or person knowledgeable about the quality and degree of participation. C. CRITERIA 1. Rising senior nursing student 2. Successful academic achievement including cumulative GPA 3. Community Service: Includes activities outside the University system, within the University system, and both within and outside nursing. Consideration is given to the quality of substantiation and both the degree and quality of involvement. 4. Leadership/Organizational Involvement: Includes activities both within the campus and beyond and within and outside nursing. Involvement may be general, university, college, department of nursing, etc. Roles might include officers, committees, special projects/events, and participation as a member. Extent, nature and quality of involvement should be documented and evidenced. 8/15/

88 MARY WAPLES SCHOLARSHIP NOMINATION FORM Nominee s Name Nominee is Rising Senior Expected to Graduate (enter month and year) Rationale and Documentation in Support of Nomination/Application Cumulative GPA Nursing GPA Documentation of Community Service Documentation of Leadership and/or Organizational Involvement Nomination Made By (check one) Self Peer Faculty Date of Nomination Signature of Person Submitting Nomination 8/15/

89 DEPARTMENT OF NURSING OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD BSN CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION/NOMINATION A. THE AWARD This award is given to a senior nursing student each year at the Pinning Ceremony. It is considered the top faculty award. Nominations for the Outstanding Student Award are solicited from and voting resides with the nursing faculty. All full-time and part-time faculty are encouraged to make nominations. After nominations are received, all faculty are given the opportunity to vote. B. PROCEDURE FOR NOMINATION Substantiate your nomination with brief but specific rationale. C. CRITERIA 1. Areas to consider in making your nomination include the following: The promotion of nursing (commitment, marketing, professional image and membership in professional organizations). Evidence of the active pursuit of knowledge (conscientious effort, research/scholarly activities, creative, positive attitude toward learning and intellectual curiosity). University and community involvement (professional nursing, college, interdisciplinary, university and community volunteerism). The Caring Dimension (interpersonal skills, sensitivity to others, collaboration and flexibility). Application of nursing process within a clinical setting (assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation). 8/15/

90 DEPARTMENT OF NURSING OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD NOMINATION FORM Nominee s Name Nominee is Senior Expected to Graduate (enter month and year) Rationale and Documentation in Support of Nomination/Application Cumulative GPA Nursing GPA Rationale for Nomination Signature of Faculty Submitting Nomination 8/15/

91 RMH MARCIA A. DAKE AWARD FOR CLINICAL EXCELLENCE BSN CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION/NOMINATION A. THE AWARD This award is given by RMH each year to a senior nursing student at the Pinning Ceremony. Nominations are solicited from both senior nursing students and all full-time and part-time nursing faculty. After nominations are received, faculty vote on the nominees and make the recommendation to hospital personnel. B. PROCEDURE FOR NOMINATION 1. Complete the nomination form indicating your choice for the award, and return to Department Secretary in the department office no later than March Substantiate your nomination with brief but specific rationale. C. CRITERIA 1. The criteria for selection are: Displays clinical excellence Reflects compassion, caring and respect for human dignity in relationships with clients, co-workers and others Demonstrates a high level of professional integrity Evidences creativity and independence Is an outstanding leader 8/15/2012

92 ROCKINGHAM MEMORIAL HOSPITAL MARCIA A. DAKE AWARD FOR CLINICAL EXCELLENCE NOMINATION FORM Nominee s Name Nominee is Senior Expected to Graduate (enter month and year) Rationale and Documentation in Support of Nomination/Application Cumulative GPA Nursing GPA Rationale for Nomination Nomination Made By (check one) Peer Faculty Date of Nomination Signature of Person Submitting Nomination 8/15/2012

93 OUTSTANDING SENIOR PEER AWARD BSN CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION/NOMINATION A. THE AWARD The Outstanding Senior Peer Award is awarded each year to a senior nursing student at the Pinning Ceremony. Nominations are solicited from the senior class. Voting by the class occurs after all nominations are secured. Students are asked NOT to nominate themselves for this award, but are urged to nominate one of their peers who they feel closely models the criteria listed below. The department head, who serves as advisor to the Nursing Student Council oversees the voting process and counts the votes with the chair of the student affairs committee. B. PROCEDURE FOR NOMINATION 1. Write a brief paragraph or statement about the individual you have selected with rationale for your choosing this person. Give examples and be specific. 2. Complete the nomination form indicating your choice for the award, and return to Department Secretary in the department office no later than March 1. C. CRITERIA 1. The Criteria for the Outstanding Senior Peer Award are as follows: Balances academics with outside interests such as family, church, athletics, department activities and/or clubs. Exhibits personable qualities such as friendliness, humor, optimism, etc. Offers support to classmates and faculty. Initiates change or improvement in areas of outside interest as listed in # 1 above. Promotes nursing in a professional and holistic manner. Exemplifies a healthy lifestyle by incorporating exercise, stress management and a wellbalanced diet into everyday activities. Consistently participates in class activities such as potluck dinners, seasonal parties, classroom discussion, etc. 8/15/2012

94 OUTSTANDING SENIOR PEER AWARD NOMINATION FORM Nominee s Name Nominee is Senior Expected to Graduate (enter month and year) Rationale and Documentation in Support of Nomination/Application Rationale for Nomination Signature of Peer Submitting Nomination Date of Nomination 8/15/2012

95 THE VICTORIA F. ALCANTARA 10 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT IN NURSING BSN CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION/NOMINATION A. THE AWARD 1. The Victoria F. Alcantara 10 Memorial Scholarship has been established in memory of Victoria, a member of the Class of A nursing major and member of the alpha Kappa Delta Phi sorority, Victoria lost her life on January 25, 2009 following an automobile accident on her way to a nursing seminar, just days short of her 21 st birthday. Victoria was a model student and trusted fried and, she was passionate in her work as a student in the Department of Nursing. 2. The alpha Kappa Delta Phi members, in collaboration with Victoria s family, friends and fellow students honor her legacy at JMU through this scholarship in her memory. B. PROCEDURE FOR NOMINATION This award is given to one or two outstanding nursing students each year. Nominations for the Victoria F. Alcantara 10 Memorial Scholarship are solicited from and voting resides with the nursing faculty. All full-time and part-time faculty are encouraged to make nominations. After nominations are received, all faculty are given the opportunity to vote. C. CRITERIA Student must be accepted in to the Nursing program of JMU Student must demonstrate excellence within the Nursing department Student must have a GPA of 3.25 or higher Student must have been at JMU at least four semesters prior to being considered for this scholarship 8/15/2012

96 The Victoria F. Alcantara Memorial Scholarship Endowment in Nursing NOMINATION FORM Nominee s Name Nominee is Expected to Graduate (enter month and year) Rationale and Documentation in Support of Nomination/Application Cumulative GPA Nursing GPA Rationale for Nomination Date of Nomination Signature of Person Submitting Nomination 8/15/2012

97 RN-BSN SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS Farrell Scholarship Dr. Francis (JMU 82) and Mary Carter Farrell (JMU 84) established the endowed Farrell Scholarship in 2004 in honor of their parents, Frank and Eva Farrell. Mrs. Eva Farrell, a registered nurse, was widowed at age 42 with seven children. Following graduation as a nurse, she did not practice during 20 years as a homemaker. In 1977 she returned to nursing and practiced for 20 years, becoming a supervisor prior to her retirement from Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Dr. Farrell was impressed that the skills, values, and knowledge base his mother received as a young nursing student allowed her to begin a nursing career at 47 years of age. Award Criteria: Registered nurse with an Associate Degree who has gained admission to James Madison University RN to BSN program as a full-time student Demonstration of excellence in and commitment to nursing practice Self-reported financial need Procedure for Nomination: 1. Complete the application form and return to the Department of Nursing by March Substantiate your application concisely and specifically. Responses are evaluated according to quality of written presentation, and the breadth and adequacy of documentation of need. 3. Attach a current resume to the application. 8/15/2012

98 FARRELL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM Submit the completed application along with a current resume to the JMU Department of Nursing Applicant s Name (Printed) Date Cumulative GPA Briefly describe your professional practice accomplishments (Can attach additional page if needed) Explain your short-term and long-term professional goals, including your goals for learning in the program and following graduation from the program Describe the nature of your financial need Applicant Signature 8/15/2012