Instructional Program Review Program: Practical Nursing Prepared by: Patricia Orender/Melody Corso/ Approved by: Tracy Hickman Date Submitted: 12/15/2014, Resubmitted 2/9/2015
Purpose of Program Review Program review is part of Florida Gateway College s (FGC) ongoing institutional effectiveness process to achieve its mission and goals through strategic planning, research, evaluation, and the use of information and data to guide decisions and actions. Educational programs, administrative, and education and student support departments are systematically reviewed as part of the process. The purpose of program review is to improve student learning, support the curriculum, and provide useful information to inform institutional decisions. The quality of education, efficiency of services and processes, adequacy of institutional resources, and achievement of goals and objectives are evaluated. The results of evaluation are analyzed and actions are taken to address areas that need improvement. There are two parts to the Program Review Process: Comprehensive Program Review, occurring approximately every five years, focuses on each area s courses, pedagogy, assessment plan, and future goals and objectives related to the improvement of student learning. Annual Program Review Update asks each area to address its needs for resources (faculty, space, equipment, etc.) and to provide a report on outcomes assessment activities for the prior year. SACS CS 3.4.1: The institution demonstrates that each educational program for which academic credit is awarded (a) is approved by the faculty and the administration, and (b) establishes and evaluates program and learning outcomes. SACS CS 3.4.10: The institution places primary responsibility for the content, quality, and effectiveness of the curriculum with its faculty SACS Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1 The institution identifies expected outcomes, assesses the extent to which it achieves these outcomes, and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of the results in each of the following areas: 3.3.1.1 educational programs, to include student learning outcomes 3.3.1.2 administrative support services 3.3.1.3 academic and student support services 3.3.1.4 research within its mission, if appropriate 3.3.1.5 community/public service within its mission, if appropriate. (Institutional Effectiveness) Contact: Department of Research and Institutional Effectiveness Becky van Hoek, Coordinator of Planning & Accreditation Ext. 4491 rebecca.vanhoek@fgc.edu Page 2 of 18
The Program Review should reflect the consensus of the faculty and staff within the program or department. It is meant to provide a broad understanding of current trends related to student learning and how the program or department serves to meet the overall mission and goals of Florida Gateway College. 1. Overview Mission: The mission of the Practical Nursing Program at Florida Gateway College is to prepare students to become practical nurses and to become knowledgeable, safe and reliable nurses for employment in the community Program Goals: Florida Gateway College Practical Nursing program goals are to continue to achieve pass rates greater than 95%, increase size of program from 30 to 45 students, reinstitute on-line learning for students, and consider national accreditation through Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Program Functions The function of the Practical Nursing program is to prepare students for NCLEX upon graduation and employment as licensed practical nurses. Degrees and Certificates Awarded: At the end of the 12 month practical nursing program the graduates will receive a certificate of completion from Florida Gateway College. The students can then sit for the Board of Nursing exam to become licensed practical nurses. Course Delivery Methods Course delivery methods are traditional classroom methods. The delivery of instruction is varied to embrace all learning styles. Methods of instruction include: lecture and discussion, use of the required text, small groups, audio visual, PowerPoint, written assignments, projects, simulation experiences, selected current articles, evolve case studies, clinical experience and hands on classroom activities. Learning activities, developed to meet the student learning outcomes, are incorporated throughout the program and provide an opportunity for enhanced learning of concepts. The activities are designed to match developmental needs as the student progresses from the novice to advanced learner. Learning activities are diverse and are developed to address the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of learning. The use of Blackboard augments the communication process as the student is able to access assignments, additional learning resources, and ongoing announcements while outside of the Page 3 of 18
clinical and/or classroom environment. Currently due to Federal Financial Aid restrictions all on-line methods have been reverted to classroom instruction. Special Admission Requirements: (If applicable) Be a high school graduate or have a GED, and submit application to Florida Gateway College, be exempted from preparatory classes in English, Reading and Math, Score at least 70 or higher on the Practical Nurse Entrance Test (PNET) or the Registered Nurse Entrance Exam (RNET), and complete the supplemental application for the Practical Nursing program by application deadline Specialized Accreditation Body and Status: (If applicable) Florida Gateway College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SASCOC). Florida Gateway College Practical Nursing program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing (1964), 4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN C02, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252, (850) 245-4158. Industry Certification: (If applicable) Licensed Practical Nursing license Page 4 of 18
Curriculum SACS CS 3.4.10: The institution places primary responsibility for the content, quality, and effectiveness of the curriculum with its faculty What is the process for the development, evaluation, and improvement of the curriculum? Courses are continually evaluated and modified based on feedback from students, community and evidence-based best practice findings. Ongoing curriculum review for each course is conducted each semester. Faculty members participate in evaluating the appropriateness of content, delivery methods, learning activities and evaluative methods. Unit exam scores, final exam scores, and evaluations of student clinical performance are used to support the need for ongoing curriculum review and revision. Program composite scores utilizing the HESI Testing Services provide additional resource to support the need for curriculum revision. The curriculum is formally reviewed by all faculty members on a yearly basis for adequacy and appropriateness of classroom content and clinical experiences. The focus is to identify areas of curriculum weakness. Student learning outcomes are used as a basis for the review for rigor and currency. Assessment of the relationship of program to student learning outcomes is also conducted. Findings are used to improve the quality of nursing education. How do you ensure that the number of credit hours is appropriate for your program-including general education credit hours? The Florida Department of Education provides coherent and rigorous curriculum frameworks for Licensed Practical Nurses. Florida Gateway College Practical Nursing program strictly adheres to this curriculum framework. Page 5 of 18
Adequate Facilities/Equipment/ Support Services Describe the resources in the following areas and indicate whether or not they meet the needs of the program. Briefly describe insufficiencies in any area. Classroom Space: Practical Nursing students use a classroom in The Medical Technology Building (103). The classroom capacity is 50 students. Tables that seat two students and individual cushioned ergonomic chairs are set up for student use during class. Laboratory Space: The students have access to the practice lab before and after classes. The lab is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM, Friday by appointment only until 4:30 PM, in the Fall and Spring terms. In the Summer term, the lab is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM. Nursing labs and check-off rooms are shared by the associate degree and practical nursing students. Ten bed set-ups are maintained in the large lab along with one in each check-off room. The simulation lab is only available to the students on an assigned simulation scenario basis. The students participate in at least one simulation per semester with an additional Labor and Delivery simulation during the semester they are taking their Maternal Infant course. Nursing and Health Science current simulation lab houses 13 human-patient simulators. The simulators are from pre-birth across the lifespan. The simulation lab is used primarily by nursing students engaging in simulated clinical experiences approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Nursing and Health Sciences is currently awaiting the opening of the new simulation facility in Spring of 2015 on the Florida Gateway College campus. The new facility will open up opportunities for the practical nursing students to have more simulation experiences throughout each semester. The wireless technology on campus allows instructors to bring the simulators to the classrooms for mini simulations that reinforce lecture material. Office Space: Practical Nursing faculty have private offices to council students and are available to current and perspective students 30 minutes prior to and after classes and during set office hours. Each faculty office is equipped with desk units, which include storage shelves, file cabinet, bookshelf and computer. Each computer is linked to the campus main frame, which provides access to the internet, e-mail, student information services and Microsoft Office. Overall Physical Environment: The Medical Technology Building (103) is 32,303 net square feet. The staff, faculty and students of the various Nursing and Health Sciences programs all share the building. Classrooms and student success-lab are mutually used by nursing and students in the other Health Sciences programs. Equipment: Class and labs are set up with symposium with computer, DVD player, and Elmo for displaying information to students. Surround sound and two projectors are available in the Practical Nursing classroom to improve visual and auditory methods of teaching. Technology: Practical Nursing students have the advantage of wireless access on campus. Technical support for students and faculty including personnel, equipment, and software. Page 6 of 18
Describe interactions/collaborations with other college departments and programs. Briefly describe insufficiencies with collaborations. Library: Practical nursing faculty review references and resources for students annually with library staff. Practical Nursing students are oriented to the library and databases and provided instruction and guides for effectively using them at the beginning of the Practical Nursing program. In the course of this instruction, they also learn about plagiarism, how to cite references, and how to utilize the Web for additional research. Library instruction is tailored to the practical nursing program. Practical Nursing instructors are involved in the selection of all library materials that support their program. Occasionally the instructors have classes in the library facility. Advising: Meet with advising department as needed to update staff on Practical Nursing Application packet changes. Available for questions throughout program. Admissions: Communicates with admissions department prior to Practical Nursing class selections regarding high school transcripts. Towards the end of 12 month program graduation applications are completed and program degree evaluations are performed. Registration: Frequently communicates with Registrar regarding Practical Nursing program student selection. Emails and phone calls to department so student registration occurs smoothly from semester to semester during the 12 month long program. Course substitution forms, change of major forms, and TABE exemption forms are filled out for students and department as needed. Other Programs: Interacts with all other Nursing and Health Sciences programs in learning and service projects. Other: Page 7 of 18
2. Student Success SACS CS 3.4.1: The institution demonstrates that each educational program for which academic credit is awarded (a) is approved by the faculty and the administration, and (b) establishes and evaluates program and learning outcomes. SACS Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1 The institution identifies expected outcomes, assesses the extent to which it achieves these outcomes, and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of the results in each of the following areas: 3.3.1.1 educational programs, to include student learning outcomes 3.3.1.2 administrative support services 3.3.1.3 academic and student support services 3.3.1.4 research within its mission, if appropriate 3.3.1.5 community/public service within its mission, if appropriate. (Institutional Effectiveness) Outcomes Assessment Community/Public Service Outcomes Assessment Describe the community/public services your program provides. Include services provided to external customers as well as college faculty and staff. How do you assess their effectiveness? How do you use the results of assessment? Community/Public Service Great Strides of Columbia County Cystic Fibrosis Walk Baker County School Screenings Intended Outcome Student Learning Learning will be facilitated about genetic childhood disorder and the effects on family and community A Pediatric outreach for students to better prepare them in working with pediatric clients. Intended Outcome Community Service Prepare practical nursing students for professional role in healthcare upon completion of program Prepare practical nursing students for professional role in healthcare upon completion of program Assessment/Effectiveness Measure/Results The amount of students attending varies each year. Letter of thanks from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Learning achieved regarding disease process and living with disease and how it affects family dynamics Survey of Baker County School Board office and students in joint event/learning achieved Letter of thanks scanned and attached. Page 8 of 18
Community Health Fairs Community outreach for students to screen health fair attendee s vital signs and breast cancer knowledge. Prepare practical nursing students for professional role in healthcare upon completion of program The amount of students attending varies each year, usually 4 to 6 students each health fair. Survey facility where health fair is performed and students in joint event/ learning achieved Page 9 of 18
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Summarize the results of learning outcomes assessment and how the results will be used to improve learning. This can include program improvements related to results of faculty developed Learning Enhancement Plans. Program Outcomes/Goals Students will demonstrate the ability to provide personal patient care Students will demonstrate the ability to perform nursing procedures Students will demonstrate the ability to apply principles of infection control Students will demonstrate the ability to administer medications Student Learning Outcomes Students will demonstrate mastery of the nursing skills for promoting personal hygiene Students will demonstrate skill in planning and performing nursing interventions which meet basic needs of the patient. 1. Demonstrate an understanding of medical and surgical asepsis in the care of patients. 2. Practice universal precautions according to CDC guidelines for prevention and spread of infectious disease including AIDS. Students will Demonstrate mastery of the safe preparation and administration of medications skills. Assessment Measures Each student will complete the skill checklist with _90 %accuracy Each student will complete the skill checklist with _90 %accuracy Each student will complete the skill checklist with _90 %accuracy Each student will complete the skill checklist with _90 %accuracy Results 100% of completing students were able to demonstrate personal patient hygiene. 100% of completing students were able to demonstrate nursing procedures and interventions to meet basic needs of patients. 100% of completing students were able to apply principles of infection control by understanding and following medical and surgical asepsis. 100% of students practice universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment during program. 100% of the completers master the ability to administer medications safely. Use of the results Maintain current teaching practices and evaluation of instructors and students Maintain current teaching practices and evaluation of instructors and students Maintain current teaching practices and evaluation of instructors and students Maintain current teaching practices and evaluation of instructors and students Page 10 of 18
Program Outcomes Assessment The practical nursing program will continue to have a retention rate above 80%. Program Success / Completers Expected Results Results Use of Results 2012-13 retention is 94.6%, 2011-2012 retention is 94 %, 2010-2011 retention is 94.6% and 2009-2010 retention is 93%. Program looks at semester attrition rates and evaluates classes with higher attrition rates, content and instructional methods. To maintain NCLEX licensure exam performance above the State and National Average Industry Certification/Licensure Exam Performance (If Applicable) Expected Results Results Use of Results Graduation pass rates for the previous year s class for first time takers, 2014 was 100%, 2013 was 97%, 2012 was 87%, 2011 was 92%, 2010 was 92%. Evaluate program for quality instruction and any areas for updating Job Placement Rates (If Applicable) Expected Results Results Use of Results 100% job placement All graduates that passed NCLEX and hold LPN license find job placement without difficulty. Practical Nursing program monitors local facilities need for LPNs. Executive director of Nursing and Health Sciences makes visits to area high schools for recruitment. Practical Nursing faculty member serves on Baker County High School Advisory board. Practical Nursing program participates in high school career pathway visits on campus from area Student Recruitment (If Applicable) Expected Results Results Use of Results Applications to the practical nursing program averaged 87 per year for the admission classes of 2009, 2012, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Currently enrolling 30 students per year. Practical Nursing Program, Executive Director of Nursing and Health Sciences and Vice President of Occupational programs at Florida Gateway College monitors recruitment and average applications for admissions each year Page 11 of 18
high schools throughout the year. Practical Nursing program was represented on campus for College Night to answer questions regarding program and admission. Information sessions held several times a year for interested students wanting program information. Comments on program outcomes assessment: Program outcomes are evaluated using a variety of methods. These methodologies reflect established professional and practice competencies, and measure the achievement of program outcomes. Program success is evaluated with HESI Testing Services test results in which students are tested at the end of each Semester of the program with content or concept specific comprehensive tests. HESI Testing is believed to prepare students for success with the national licensing examination, the NCLEX Exam. Practical Nursing student success rate on the NCLEX Exam is interpreted as an indicator of program strength and adequacy. Each year the Florida Gateway College Practical Nursing program surpasses the state and national board rates with the 2014 NCLEX pass rates at 100%. Upon exiting from the program, graduating students are surveyed for satisfaction with the program in meeting their learning needs and expectations. Lastly, surveys of employer satisfaction with graduated students are carried out yearly with agencies in order to determine the adequacy with which the program prepared students to be successful practitioners in the health care community. Page 12 of 18
3. Qualified Faculty/Staff List faculty/staff; indicate status - full-time/part-time, courses taught, position, and their qualifications. Indicate the program coordinator. Name FT/PT Courses Taught or Position Patricia Orender RN FT All PN Courses Joanna McLaughlin RN FT All PN Courses Qualifications BSN BSN Verify official credentialing documentation is on file in HR Nursing Experience Nursing Experience List professional development of faculty/staff: Name Professional Development, Awards, Recognition Patricia Orender All CEUs are up to date, Attends the Association of Practical Nursing Educators of Florida annually, Currently enrolled in her last semester of MSN program at University of South Alabama for Clinical Nurse Specialist Adult/Geriatrics. Facilitated several End of Life conference out break sections for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) of North Florida/ South Georgia (NF/SG), Received the National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award in 2013 from University of Texas, Austin. Faculty attends professional development workshops throughout year. Joanna McLaughlin All CEUs are up to date, Presently enrolled in her second semester at University of Florida in the Doctor of Nurse Practice program for Neonatology. Faculty attends professional development workshops throughout year. Describe the faculty evaluation process: Page 13 of 18
Faculty and clinical adjuncts are observed by coordinator of Practical Nursing program in the classroom and in the clinical setting. End of semester surveys are completed by current students on each full time faculty member and adjunct clinical instructor. Annual evaluations are performed on faculty and by the Executive Director of Nursing and Health Sciences. Page 14 of 18
4. Summary Response to previous review Summarize the status of objectives identified in the last program review. Yes, previous objectives in the last program review have been met. List major events/accomplishments since the last program review. Three out of the four objectives were met since last program review. Accreditation had not been achieved. Since the last review the Practical Nursing program has accomplished many positive changes. To begin with an increase in simulation/technology use in the classroom to foster learning has occurred. Collaboration between practical nursing and other health science programs to increase learning, critical thinking, delegating and team work has been put into place. On-line learning has been put into place for three courses with great success and positive student feedback. Currently financial aid restrictions on seat time inhibit on-line courses. Service learning activities have been instilled within the program. Active learning opportunities have been put into each scheduled classroom lecture with flipped classroom techniques beginning. Flipped classroom techniques include students reading and doing modules ahead of time and being prepared to do activities that facilitate learning rather than lecture by instructor. Improving assessment techniques by adding rubrics to assignments within courses. Strengths and Weaknesses Considering the information provided above, evaluate the program s strengths and weaknesses. Include results from student learning outcomes assessment, adequacy of facilities and equipment, qualified faculty and staff, major accomplishments, and achievement of goals and objectives. Strengths: This program has many strengths. College facilities, technology, clinical site availability and equipment is outstanding, program has qualified faculty that are advancing current degrees, three out of four previous program goals have been achieved, and NCLEX pass rates continue to exceed state and national averages. Challenges In 2014 federal financial aid funding restricted on-line courses for vocational programs. Students desire on-line component and program flexibility. On-line education re-instilled in practical nursing program may be a challenge but a desired outcome. Page 15 of 18
What is happening external to the college (e.g., in the community, with technology, industry demand for graduates, legislation, etc.) that might affect what you do in the future as a program? The college continues to see a demand for nursing and health related programs due to the nations aging population. Practical Nurses job demand continues to rise in the State of Florida. Applicants are searching for professions were job growth and available positions are available that will financially benefit their families. State legislation has passed statue to open more nursing programs state wide to meet the demands within the state. Due to these external factors an increase for practical nursing program enrollment would be seen in the future for Florida Gateway College. What is happening internally at the college (e.g., changing student demographics, declining enrollment) that might affect what you do in the future as a program? No internal changes at Florida Gateway College that would affect program. 5. Recommendations for improvement Based on the information in this report, briefly summarize your recommendations for improvement. Maintain or increase NCLEX-PN pass rate at 95% or higher. This percentage is above state and national averages and will be monitored by quarterly NCLEX results. Increase critical thinking skills of practical nursing students upon graduation. Critical thinking skills will be evaluated by HESI scores. Increase simulation and active learning opportunities during offered classes each semester. At the end of each semester, simulation and active learning experiences will be evaluated by faculty and enrolled students. Increase on-line offered classes within the Practical Nursing program. In 2014 federal financial aid funding restricted on-line courses for vocational programs. Students desire on-line component and program flexibility. On-line education re-instilled in practical nursing program may be a challenge but a desired outcome. Page 16 of 18
6. Future Plans Student Learning Student Learning Outcomes: Identify student learning outcomes for targeted assessment over the next 5 years. Learning Outcome Assessment and Related Courses Expected Results Provide personal patient care Improve area of client care, All PN courses Perform nursing procedures Improved lab skills, All PN courses Apply principles of infection Improved lab skills, All PN control courses Administer medications No medication errors, All PN courses Service Learning: Identify service learning projects Completes Course Complete check offs with 100% mastery Complete check offs with 100% mastery No medication errors Service Learning Activity Assessment and Related Courses Expected Results Columbia County Great Strides Walk Baker County School Screenings Community Health Fairs Learning will be facilitated about genetic childhood disorder and the effects on family and community. Medical Surgical Nursing Across the Lifespan 1 and 2 PN 0381C, PN 0382C A Pediatric outreach for students to better prepare them in working with pediatric clients. Medical Surgical Nursing Across the Lifespan 1 and 2 PN 0381C, PN 0382C Community outreach for students to screen vital signs of attendees at health fairs. Basic Nursing PN 0001C The practical nursing student able to discuss the effect of Cystic Fibrosis in the patient, family and community The practical nursing student was able to understand the importance of school screenings in pediatric population. The practical nursing student was able to describe the importance of health fairs in the community. Page 17 of 18
Action Plan Based on the program goals and the summary of strengths and weaknesses, develop an action plan. The action plan should focus on objectives and outcomes that will improve student learning and strengthen program processes. Action Plan Objectives What do you want to do? Continue to achieve board pass rates greater than 95% Offer 3 of the Practical Nursing theory classes online Increase practical nursing program from 30 to 45 students Expected Outcome What do you expect to happen? NCLEX Pass rates will be 95% or greater Three nursing theory courses will be offered in an on-line format Courses will be Basic Nutrition, Human Development Across the Life Span and Transition to Practice Practical Nursing program will be able to accept 45 students Assessment Measure/Standard How will you know if you are successful? Monitor NCLEX quarterly reports Three practical nursing courses were offered in an on-line format. Program admission cap changed from 30 to 45 students Tasks/Activities What are you going to do to achieve the outcome? Monitor curriculum Request college to follow through with lobbying capabilities to change federal funding regarding PSAV program Hire one additional full time practical nursing faculty Timeline When will you do it? End of each semester (April, July, and December) Responsibility Who will do it? PN faculty, adjunct clinical faculty 2 years Administration of college 1 year Executive Director of Nursing and Health Science, Vice President of Occupational Programs, College admissions, human resources, and PN faculty Page 18 of 18