ADDENDUM 11/30/15 FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM POLICIES

Transcription

1 ADDENDUM 11/30/15 FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM POLICIES Family Nurse Practitioner students are responsible for review of and compliance with all published policies and procedures, in particular those contained in the Nursing Student Guide. a. Academic Advisement 1. Each MSN, family nurse practitioner student will be assigned a faculty advisor. 2. All matriculated students will take responsibility for being in contact with their faculty advisor for review of their progress, academic advisement, and registration preparation, at least once per semester. Contact may be in person or via telephone or with the assent of the faculty advisor. Please be aware that registration may be delayed if plans have not been discussed with the faculty advisor, who may decline to authorize the registration without this information. 3. A plan of study will be completed for each MSN student and placed in the student file, with a copy provided for the student s use. Changes to the plan of study must be approved by the faculty advisor. 4. MSN students are expected to closely follow the published recommended plan of study. 5. On site nursing students are encouraged to register early for ALL nursing courses to prevent course cancellation due to insufficient enrollment. Once a class is canceled, it may not be rescheduled. Rationale: Students must initiate contact with advisors on a regular basis to assure they have accurate information for course planning as well as access to faculty for consultation and advice. Consistent contact is essential for student satisfaction and advisor accountability. Procedure/Protocol: 1. Graduate students may schedule an in office appointment with their faculty advisor via , being sure to allow several days for response time. 2. FNP students may also call Elizabeth Cross at to schedule faculty appointments or her at crosse@sacredheart.edu 3. Should an urgent issue arise when the faculty advisor is unavailable, students will be referred to the Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program.

2 b. Academic Integrity for Nursing Students The Nursing Program supports the University policy on Academic Integrity. In addition, students are not permitted to re-submit partial or entire written work which has been assigned a grade value in a previous course. Doing so constitutes self-plagiarism and violation of the Academic Integrity principle. c. Professional Behavior Standards 1. SHU nursing students are expected to consistently demonstrate the professional behaviors listed below. 2. Failure to demonstrate one or more professional behaviors may be cause for disciplinary action, including warning, probation, failure, or recommendation for dismissal from the program. 3. Students questions regarding the SHU Nursing Professional Behaviors listed below should be discussed with course faculty or faculty advisors. 4. Students are expected to uphold the ethical standards of the nursing profession. A copy of the Code of Ethics for Nurses can be found on the American Nurse Association website: Nursing Professional Behaviors THE STUDENT CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATES THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIORS IN CLASSROOM AND CLINICAL SETTINGS: RESPONSIBILITY 1. The student is punctual and dependable. 2. Completes responsibilities in a timely manner including following through with assigned or accepted responsibilities. 3. Knows and abides by relevant policies and procedures. PROFESSIONALISM 1. Is honest and demonstrates integrity in all situations. 2. Maintains personal boundaries that are appropriate for the situation.

3 3. Voices criticism and negative perspectives in an appropriate way and at appropriate times. 4. Respects those with opposing opinions. 5. Uses the established protocol as described in the Student Handbook for resolving academic questions/issues 6. Respects confidentiality. 7. Engages in self-assessment and reflection on a regular basis to promote professional growth and development. 8. Respects and responds appropriately to criticism. Uses critiques from faculty in a positive way by developing a plan of action for improvement. 9. Demonstrates sensitivity for interpersonal differences, including cultural, racial, religious, gender, age, sexual orientation & ability. 10. Dresses and presents an appearance appropriate to the situation. (Refer to Dress Code policy for details of clinical requirements). SELF-DIRECTEDNESS 1. Prepared for class/clinical sessions and assignments. 2. Identifies learning needs and implements a study plan with faculty assistance if necessary. 3. Asks relevant questions indicating interest as well as preparation for learning. 4. Independently pursues learning without being consistently dependent upon others or over utilizing any one set of resources in a way that might limit access to others. COMMUNICATION 1. Uses a volume and clarity of speech that is understandable to the listener or audience. 2. Utilizes an appropriate level and type of language for the person, group and/or situation. 3. Utilizes a tone and attitude that demonstrates respect for others and their roles. 4. Presents or discusses one s own views in a way that demonstrates respect for those with opposing viewpoints. 5. Maintains appropriate body language and non-verbal cues that demonstrate respect for others. 6. Attentive and respectful when others are speaking.

4 d. Attendance Policy 1. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classroom, clinical and related activities. 2. Most nursing courses will use the Class Participation Rubric (see Appendix) for evaluating student participation. 3. Students are responsible for all material presented in their absence and for meeting all course requirements (e.g. quizzes or presentations) that occurred in their absence. 4. Students who will be absent from any clinical experience must notify both the agency/preceptor and the course instructor at least one hour prior to start time (or if impossible, as much before the start time as possible). 5. Specific guidelines related to reporting absences from clinical assignments may be introduced by course faculty, in which case students are expected to meet those standards. 6. In cases where the absence was not previously approved or extenuating circumstances exist, opportunities to make up activities will be at the total discretion of the faculty. 7. Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated expenses to and from clinical and classroom activities. 8. Prolonged or frequent absences may make it impossible for students to achieve course objectives, resulting in a failure. 9. Mandatory attendance may be required at the discretion of the course instructor. 10. Excessive absenteeism is defined as missing two or more on-campus classes, or one eight hour intensive day. Rationale: The faculty values an active and engaged learning environment and believes that student participation is important for growth as well as the enrichment of others. Procedure/Protocol: 1. Students who anticipate an absence should discuss it with the appropriate faculty as soon as possible. 2. Students are expected to seek the missed information from other students, rather than the faculty member.

5 e. Grading Policy 1. The grading system listed in the table below is used for all nursing courses. 2. A clinical failure in a nursing course results in a course failure. 3. Graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their studies and to meet the minimum required GPA for graduation. Any course grade below a B- is unacceptable at the graduate level. 4. All course syllabi will list the evaluative components for that course, with their relative weighting related to the final course grade. 5. For Graduate students in the Family Nurse Practitioner program, the average of all examinations within a course must be a 75. Those students who achieve an average cumulative examination grade of 75 will have the final grade calculated based on course evaluation components identified in the syllabus including, tests, papers, required lab demonstrations, clinical, and other assignments. If the average course examination grade is less than 75, the final grade will be calculated solely on the cumulative exam grade, and the student will fail the course with a grade of C+ or F. SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY GRADUATE GRADING SYSTEM GRADE QP RANGE A & above A B B B C C C- Not assigned in Graduate courses D Not assigned in Graduate courses F P (Pass) Pass/Fail courses not

6 assigned in Graduate courses W (Withdrawal) 0.00 I (Incomplete) 0.00 NG (No Grade 0.00 Rationale: A consistent, published approach to grading across the Nursing programs is important to establish required standards for successful course completion, and to maximize likelihood of success on professional certification examinations. f. Program Warning, Probation & Failure 1. There will be a defined, progressive and formalized system of communication and documentation related to giving students warnings or placing them on probation that may lead to clinical and/or course failure. 2. The following behaviors or actions will generally result in students being warned or placed on probation or issued a failing grade: Actions that could have or did result in serious injury to the patient. Excessive absenteeism such as missing two or more on regular campus classes, one 8 hour intensive day, or one week of non-participation in online discussion board or related Wiki assignment. Unsuccessful achievement in one or more clinical competency categories. Lack of adherence to one or more of the Professional Behaviors outlined in the Professional Behavior Standards Policy or the Student Nurse Code of Conduct. Cumulative GPA below The following levels of progressive interventions will be used as defined below: VERBAL WARNING Will be issued for a one time or episodic infraction or violation of accepted practices, principles or standards. The warning will be documented in the student record or the estar reporting program. PROBATION Will be issued for several instances of behaviors or actions that resulted in verbal warning(s) and /or the first incidence of a serious violation of accepted practices, principles or standards. Probation may occur at any time and serves as formal notice that improvement is

7 required and faculty remain concerned with a student s potential for success. Probation does not have to be preceded by a Warning. Students remain on Probation for two semesters, after which they will be returned to regular status or moved to the Failure level and dismissed. The Dean of the College of Nursing is solely responsible for placing students on academic probation. FAILURE Results in failing the nursing course and indicates that a student has been unable to successfully meet the clinical and/or course objectives, and/or Professional Behavior Standards. Rationale: Students are learners and as such there is a potential for errors. At the same time students are expected to be prepared for clinical and class experiences, and to exhibit professional behavior as defined by the published standards and to be responsible for their actions. This policy identifies the categories of performance that singly or in combination, depending on the specifics of the situation, will result in warning, probation and/or failure. Probation is for two semesters in order to support sustained evaluation that deficiency has been rectified. Procedure/Protocol: 1. Students who receive a warning or are placed on probation will meet with their respective clinical or class instructor and complete an Action Plan to plan for improved performance. 2. Failure to complete and comply with the Action Plan will significantly increase the likelihood of clinical/course failure. 3. At the end of each semester, the Academic Standards Committee (based on recommendations from appropriate faculty) will determine whether a student is recommended to be placed on Probation, returned to regular status from probationary status (after the two semesters), or issued a clinical/course failure resulting in a recommendation to the Dean for dismissal from the program. ACADEMIC PROBATION 1. Students whose cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) falls below the stated standard of 3.0 for graduate students will be placed on academic probation for the next two semesters. 2. The Academic Standards Committee (ASC) will notify the Dean of the College of Nursing of any students with a GPA of <3.0 to be reviewed for probation. 3. Students placed on academic probation will be notified by the Dean of the College of Nursing. 4. Students who receive a C+ or C in a nursing course must repeat the course. If the student successfully repeats the course, he/she may remain in the program.

8 5. If the cumulative GPA remains below the stated standards at the end of the probationary period, the student will be recommended for dismissal from the program. Rationale: Formal notification of probation status is designed to clearly inform students that they are at risk for failure. It also serves to provide specific advisor support to increase motivation to be academically successful. Procedure/Protocol: 1. The Academic Standards Committee (ASC) identifies students whose GPAs are less than the stated standards of 3.0 for graduate students at the end of the fall and spring semesters. 2. Students placed on academic probation will be notified by the Academic Standards Committee using direct mail or communication. 3. Students are responsible for scheduling an appointment with designated faculty to discuss strategies for improvement, which may include completion of an Action Plan in collaboration with designated faculty (e.g. course faculty or faculty advisor). Students must schedule the appointment by the date as stated in the notification letter. Students who do not comply with this requirement risk dismissal from the program. g. Dismissal from Nursing Programs 1. The College of Nursing reserves the right to recommend the dismissal of a student who does not maintain a satisfactory level of scholarship, who cannot remain in the Nursing Program without detriment to the health of self or others, or who, in the judgment of the Academic Standards Committee and Nursing Director of the College of Nursing, fails to live up to University and/or professional standards and regulations. For additional details, refer to policies on Course Progression, Professional Role Behaviors and Warning, Probation, and Failure. Recommendations are forwarded to the Dean for final determination. 2. Specific cause for recommending dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program are: Failure of a second nursing course defined as C + or below (academic or clinical failure). Receipt of a C+ or below in a required or elective course that is repeated. Failure of two graduate non nursing courses (receiving a C+ or lower). A cumulative GPA below 3.0 after two consecutive semesters. Rationale: Professional behavior and academic standards are designed to uphold important values and requirements of the nursing profession to assure safe, quality practice and protection of clients.

9 Procedure/Protocol: The Academic Standards Committee will routinely review student files that may reflect any of the issues cited above and take the necessary actions. h. Course Progression 1. Matriculated students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 for graduate students throughout the entire course of study. (Refer to policies on Academic and Clinical Probation for additional information when GPAs fall below the stated standards). 2. The Academic Standards Committee reviews student progression status at mid-term and at the end of the fall and spring semesters. 3. If a student s clinical performance for any nursing course is deemed unsatisfactory, the grade for that course will be an F, regardless of any grades earned in other components of the course. Clinical failure prevents progression in nursing courses. 4. Students who receive a C+ or C in a nursing course must repeat the course. If the student successfully repeats the course, he/she may remain in the program. If the student receives a second C+ or lower, he/she will be dismissed unless an exception is approved by the Director. 5. The grading alternatives Pass/Fail are not permitted for course grades in the graduate nursing program. 6. If a student receives a failing grade (C+ or less) in a pre-requisite course students must successfully repeat the course with a B or better prior to proceeding through progression in the program. 7. If a student receives an incomplete grade in a pre-requisite course i.e., the incomplete course must be successfully completed (with a B or better) prior to proceeding through progression in the program. 8. The Academic Standards Committee will review the academic, clinical, and professional progress of all students in the program. Students who fail a nursing course will be recommended for dismissal to the Dean (see Dismissal Policy). i. School Guidelines for Test Taking Purpose: To ensure that all student s examination results are earned under comparable conditions and represent fair and accurate measurements.

10 Procedure: The following regulations are designed to help ensure a standardized testing environment and will be used by all faculty in the School of Nursing: No study aides (textbooks, notebooks, classroom notes, etc.) are allowed in the classroom. No papers, books, food, pens, purses, wallets, beepers, cell phones or any other electronic devices are allowed. No hats, scarves or coats may be worn and must be placed in the back of the room upon entry. Eating and drinking are not allowed. Unauthorized scrap paper may not be taken into the testing room. Faculty will distribute authorized scrap paper as needed. Scrap paper must be handed in before leaving the testing room. Students may not leave the room without faculty permission. Behaviors Subject to Dismissal from the Exam: Any student who engages in irregular behavior and/or does not heed the faculty s warning to discontinue inappropriate behavior may be dismissed from the exam and will not be allowed to retest. The exam will be graded as a 0. All of the following behaviors are considered to be irregular behavior: Giving or receiving assistance of any kind. Using any prohibited aids such as handheld calculators, conversion tables, dictionaries, etc. Taking any study materials (textbooks, notebooks, classroom notes, etc.) into the testing room or accessing or attempting to access such study materials at any time after the start of the examination administration, including, but not limited to, break times. Failing to follow testing regulations or the instructions of the faculty. Creating a disturbance of any kind. Copying, reconstructing or removing examination items and/or responses (in any format) or notes about the examination from the testing room or attempting to do the same. If taking a computer based examination any tampering with the operation of the computer or attempting to use it for any function other than taking the examination. If a student opens any software program other than the test (including but not limited to , Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, etc.) there will be a presumption that the student is engaged in cheating.