RN-BSN Program Student Handbook Spring 2014. DEPARTMENT of NURSING RN-BSN COMPLETION PROGRAM STUDENT HANDBOOK



Similar documents
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Student Handbook

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST PROGRAM WALLACE COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT HANDBOOK. Class of Linda Moore, BS, RRT Program Director H-110,

Practical Nursing Diploma Program

Department of Nursing

ROCKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE NURSING REGISTRATION, PROGRESSION, GRADING AND TESTING POLICIES FOR CORE NURSING PROCESS COURSES

College of the Redwoods

Bachelor of Science Degree In Nursing

CARING COMPETENCE. What is an Associate Degree Nursing Program?

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION FALL 2015 GENERAL INFORMATION

Pharmacy Technician Program Student Handbook Policies

STUDENT PROGRAM HANDBOOK. Medical Assistant Administrative Medical Assistant. Advanced Training Associates WELCOMES YOU

Certified Nurse Aide training

School of Health Sciences and Professional Studies. Associate Degree Nursing Program. (Registered Nursing)

academic programs Accreditation Program Description Associate of Science Nursing (ASN) Program ASN Program Admission Requirements Career Pathways

Credit Programs and Awards

Bradley University Department of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook

BSN Program NURS-3620: Fundamentals of Nursing Care Syllabus COURSE INFORMATION

Oregon Coast Community College. Medical Assistant Program Handbook

RN- BSN Program Admission and Curriculum. Accreditation Statement. Admission Criteria RN- BSN Program

Minimum Standards for the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program include:

RN - BSN Student Handbook

NURSING BETHEL COLLEGE 129. Faculty: (Dean of Nursing) Teresa L. Jodway, M.S.N. Associate Degree in Nursing Standard ADN LPN to ADN

School of Nursing and Allied Health Dean Dr. Kimberly Sharp

BAKER COLLEGE SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSING. School of NURSING NURSING PROGRAMS BETHEL COLLEGE 143

N.A.I. Central Carolina Community College Harnett Campus Nursing Assistant I Program Handbook

3. Achieve a grade of C or higher in all required general education courses.

General Admission Requirements for Traditional Track Applicants Seeking the BSN

ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING

College of the Redwoods Health Occupations (707)

General Admission Requirements for Traditional Track Applicants Seeking the BSN

CARING COMPETENCE. What is an associate degree nursing program?

CENTRAL ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Division of Nursing and Allied Health Dress Code for Classroom, Skills Lab and Clinical Experiences

N.A.I. Central Carolina Community College Nursing Assistant I Program Handbook

ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM

University of Pikeville Division of Nursing RN-to-BSN Program. Accreditation Statement

Department of Nursing. Registered Nursing. RN-to-BSN Program Track

ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT. School of Nursing and Allied Health INFORMATION PACKAGE. May 2014

CERRITOS COLLEGE HEALTH OCCUPATIONS DIVISION ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM INFORMATION PACKET

TMCC NURSING PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR FALL ADMISSION

University of Pikeville Division of Nursing RN- to- BSN Program. Accreditation Statement. Admission Criteria* RN to BSN Program

University of Arkansas at Monticello School of Nursing Application for Admission

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER SCHOOL OF NURSING. NURS WEB COURSE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE RN Fall 2015

CHAPTER SIX STANDARDS FOR NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAMS

El Camino College ADN Nursing Program

NURSING AIDE INFORMATION PACKET

Nursing. Nursing (A.S.)

NORTH CAROLINA PIEDMONT REGIONALLY INCREASING BACCALAUREATE NURSES NCP RIBN

La Roche College ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN NURSING / BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM GUIDE

Sterile Processing Technician

Rehabilitation Studies

Division of Applied Science & Technology

NURSING APPLICATION and INFORMATION GUIDE for Spring 2015 RE-ADMISSION

ADDENDUM 11/30/15 FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM POLICIES

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston Southern University College of Nursing APPLICATION CHECKLIST

To be considered for acceptance into the nursing program, students must have:

CERRITOS COLLEGE HEALTH OCCUPATIONS DIVISION ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM INFORMATION PACKET

LPN to RN ENTRY TRACK APPLICATION PACKET

HANDBOOK FOR GRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS Supplement to the Ferris State University Code of Student Community Standards

Delgado/ Charity School of Nursing Program. Associates Degree Program. Application Instructions for Spring 2015

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY - CODE A45740

NURSING. Associate of Applied Science degree. Program and Career Description:

Program Objectives and Student Responsibilities

Pharmacy Technology. Program Information and. Application

University of Pikeville Division of Nursing RN-to-BSN Program. Admission and Curriculum Information

Nursing. OCtech. Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. Nursing

PRACTICAL NURSING Technical Certificate Admission Process

SHELTON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE NURSING PROGRAM

nursing Associate of Applied Science nursing program AD2 Associate Degree nursing (ADn) program Admission Requirements

PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM ADMISSIONS HANDBOOK

JONES COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE

University of Connecticut School of Nursing. Policy on Course Syllabi

Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures

BSN STUDENT HANDBOOK Revised March 2009

SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Nursing Graduate Program. MS and Advanced Certificate Nurse Practitioner (NP) Degree Programs

Progression to the second year of the nursing program is based upon an average passing grade in nursing courses.

NURSING INFORMATION SESSION

DNP STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Year

Academic Policies. Grading Guidelines

SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOOL OF NURSING

Roanoke-Chowan Community College Associate Degree Nursing Admission Procedures

ORTHOPEDIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

BAKER COLLEGE Waiver Form - Office Copy. Coding Specialist. Associate of Applied Science Degree

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Option for Second Degree Students Spring 2013 NURSING APPLICATION PACKET

Associate Degree in Nursing Program Information

HANDBOOK FOR GRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS Supplement to the Ferris State University Code of Student Community Standards

School of Behavioral & Health Sciences Athletic Training Program Bachelor of Science

EFFECTIVE NEBRASKA HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 172 NAC 97 12/9/06 REGULATION AND LICENSURE

Shelton State Community College Health Information Technology

INTRODUCTION

PLEASE NOTE UPCOMING APPLICATION PERIOD: Effective March 2015, there will be only one application period per year.

RADFORD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSING APPLICATION PROCESS: ADMISSION TO UPPER DIVISION NURSING MAJOR

NURSING UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG D YOUVILLE COLLEGE SCHOOL OF NURSING DEGREES: B.S.N, R.N. TO B.S.N.

Purpose of Practicum/Internship. The purpose of the College s criminal justice practicum is to provide community and

School Nurse Certification Program

Dental Hygiene Program

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF NURSING COURSE SYLLABUS. COURSE TITLE: Fundamentals of Nursing COURSE NUMBER: NUR301

Texas A&M University-Commerce Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Student Handbook

Transcription:

DEPARTMENT of NURSING RN-BSN COMPLETION PROGRAM STUDENT HANDBOOK Fall 2014 2

Table of Contents Introduction... 6 Mission and Philosophy Statement... 7 Conceptual Model... 8 Assessment Goals of the University, Department, & Programs... 9 RN-BSN Completion Program Educational Objectives... 11 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Accreditation... 12 Bachelor Degree Curriculum... 13 Course of Study Curriculum Sequence... 14 Handbook Summary... 15 Admission Policy... 16 Readmission Policy... 17 Academic Progression and Retention Policy... 17 Transfer Nursing Student Policy... 17 Class and Clinical Attendance Policy.. 18 Technical Requirements for Online & Web-Enhanced Courses... 18 Course Grading Policy... 20 Classroom/Online Responsibilities... 21 Requirement for Assignments... 21 Student Dishonesty/Plagiarism... 22 Appeal Policy Grade Reduction or Academic Suspension 23 Clinical Responsibilities... 24 Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening 25 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS cont d: Student Clinical Evaluation..28 Attendance Policy.30 Dress Code Policy... 31 Other Departmental Policies... 33 Inclement Weather CPR Certification Hepatitis B Vaccination Influenza Vaccination TB Skin Test Health Insurance Equipment Food and Smoking Computer Lab Body Substance Exposure Protocol Technology Use Policy.36 Policy on Inappropriate or Unacceptable Student Conduct... 37 Substance Abuse Policy... 38 Nursing Fees and Expenses..39 Student Access to Resources... 40 Journals in the Magale Library... 41 General Student Support Services Web Links... 42 Class Officer Position and Description of Duties... 43 Student Nurse Excellence Award Description... 44 Student Nurses Association.45 Nursing Alumni Association... 46 APPENDIX Validation Form for Student Handbook... 48 Verification of Understanding ASBN Nurse Practice Act... 49 4

Release of Information Form... 50 Blackboard Use Statement Form... 51 Student Confidentiality Agreement Form... 52 TABLE OF CONTENTS cont d: Drug and Alcohol Testing Consent Form... 53 Behaviors Warranting Drug or Alcohol Screening... 54 Student Permanent Record... 55 Mental and Physical Abilities Statement Form 56 Health Insurance Policy Form...57 Hepatitis B Vaccination Declination Form 58 Influenza Vaccination Declination Form..59 Student Accident Form.60 Report of Incident... 61 Notification of Unsatisfactory Lab/Classroom Grade... 62 Notification of Unacceptable or Inappropriate Student Conduct... 63 List of Unacceptable or Inappropriate Behaviors.64 HIPPA Information... 65 ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses 68 5

INTRODUCTION Welcome to Southern Arkansas University s Nursing Program. We, the faculty, feel you have selected the most challenging, rewarding and versatile career available today. We believe that a Nurse is one who possesses considerable knowledge of the basic physical, biological, behavioral, and medical sciences, plus the ability and skill to apply this knowledge in caring for patients with common nursing problems. This requires decision-making ability and sound judgment. We dedicate our time and effort to offer you those experiences that will assist you in reaching this goal. SAU s academic nursing programs are rigorous, yet accessible to those willing to commit themselves to it. The learning experiences will be available; it is your responsibility to take advantage of them. SAU provides equal educational opportunities for all and this policy is fully implemented in all programs according to University guidelines. Revised: December 2006; August 2006, and May 2011 6

Mission Statement The Department of Nursing at Southern Arkansas University supports the mission statement, goals, and objectives of the University. The Department of Nursing is committed to demonstrating our core values by providing students with opportunities for intellectual growth through cultivating compassion, communication, and skill development for career preparation in a global environment. We strive to meet regional health care needs by preparing graduates who demonstrate basic competency as health care providers. Core Values: Quality Professionalism Innovation Caring Philosophy of the Department of Nursing The Department of Nursing clearly differentiates two types of nursing programs. They are: Associate degree nursing education prepares the graduate to function as an entry level registered nurse providing direct evidence-based care to persons as individuals and members of family/groups in a structured and unstructured health care setting. Baccalaureate nursing education prepares the graduate for entry into professional practice as a generalist who provides evidence-based care for persons as individuals, members of family/groups, and as communities in both structured and unstructured health care settings. The complexity of decision-making and accountability increases in proportion to the complexity of the client, the health care setting, and the preparation of the practitioner. The different levels of nursing education imply education increases in complexity to correspond with the expected competencies of each graduate. PERSON Each person is a physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual being, and is therefore, unique and irreplaceable. The person is continually interacting and affected by the internal and external environment. Each person is dynamic and distinct, because they have unique and common basic human needs across the life span. The person within the context of individual, family/group, or community is the recipient of nursing care. ENVIRONMENT The environment consists of internal and external elements, which are in constant interaction with the person. The internal environment is composed of physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual factors, which influence the person from within. The external environment includes the physical and social elements that are external to and interactive with 7

the person. The internal and external environments interact to produce needs unique to each person. The process the person chooses to meet those needs changes the health of the person. HEALTH Health is a dynamic state influenced by personal choices occurring in and across all environments. The health of the person is dependent upon resources available within the internal and external environment. Through collaborative efforts, health is promoted, maintained, and/or restored until the end of life. NURSING Nursing is a scientific discipline that provides holistic care for culturally diverse persons across the life span. Nursing acknowledges the dignity, worth and the right of all persons to have their health care needs provided in and across all environments through the use of nursing/research process. The practice of nursing is based on knowledge, which incorporates critical thinking, communication, therapeutic nursing interventions, professionalism, roles, and service. NURSING EDUCATION Nursing education requires a foundation in liberal education, which provides an effective base of knowledge and cognitive skills upon which to build professional and personal growth. Nursing education within the university setting offers the opportunity to interact with students from diverse educational disciplines, which provides the individual an experience to build a broader foundation, thus shaping their practice of nursing. Nursing education is a life-long process that assists individuals in developing the potential to function productively within an ever changing health care system. The use of technological resources and innovative creative teaching strategies provides optimal learning experiences. Learning occurs when the student perceives it as relevant and the information received has concurrent application. Faculty facilitate, create, and guide learning opportunities, thus enabling individuals to seek and develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes to prepare them for practice within the nursing profession. Revised: September 2005, January 2007, March 2009, August 2013, January 2014 8

8

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

10 RN-BSN Program Student Handbook Spring 2014 6. Meaningful Career Preparation: Graduates possess the knowledge and skills to be successful. Understand the role and emphasize primary care. Practice prevention and wellness care. Continue to learn and help others to learn. Act consistently to continue life-long learning to advance one s own nursing practice. Exhibit accountability, responsibility, and values for own nursing practice and lifelong learning. 7. Competencies of Effective Citizenship: Graduates are prepared to be contributing members of their communities. Revised: May 2010. January 2014 Promote healthy life-styles. Accommodate expanded accountability. Promote healthy life-styles by assisting individuals and families to maintain and promote healthy behaviors across the life span. Using leadership and management skills and knowledge of health policy and health services, improve interventions used to promote and maintain healthy life-styles of individuals, families/groups, and communities across the life span.

RN-BSN COMPLETION PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES 1. Communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues, individuals, families/groups, and communities to provide cost effective, quality nursing care. 2. Engage in critical thinking, independent judgment, and decision making while using the nursing/research process to design and evaluate the effectiveness of culturally competent care to individuals, families/groups, and communities across the life span. 3. Integrate technology to critique and apply research findings to improve nursing care in a variety of health care settings. 4. Apply appropriate knowledge and skills synthesized from the humanities, social, physical, and behavioral sciences in meeting the physiological, psychological, spiritual, and sociocultural needs of individuals, families/groups, and communities across the life span. 5. Utilize professional values, standards, statutes, and regulations governing the practice of nursing to enhance the delivery of health care to individuals, families/groups, and communities. 6. Exhibit accountability, responsibility, and values for own nursing practice and life long learning 7. Facilitate a culturally competent environment for the delivery of nursing care to individuals, families/groups, and communities 8. Use leadership and management skills and knowledge of health policy and health services to improve interventions used to promote and maintain healthy life-styles of individuals, families/groups, and communities across the life span. Revised: May 2005; November 2005 11

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing The Arkansas State Board of Nursing approves the Department of Nursing at Southern Arkansas University. The Department of Nursing offers both Associate of Science (A.D.N.) and Bachelor of Science (BSN) degrees in nursing. The Associate of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The BSN degree is a completion program for persons who are ADN or diploma RNs, and wish to obtain this advanced degree. The LPN-RN curriculum is a tract in the A.D.N. Program. All interested parties (students, graduates, and other parties associated with the program) may contact the ACEN to express any statement or concern at the following: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326, telephone: 1-404-975-5000. Curriculum A.D.N. Curriculum is accredited until 2017. LPN-RN Curriculum is a track in the A.D.N. program. RN-BSN Completion Curriculum is accredited until 2019. BSN Curriculum is accredited until 2019. Revised: May 2008, August 2009, May 2010, December 2011; August 2013, January 2014 12

Bachelor Degree Curriculum The purpose of the Bachelor Degree Program is to provide both a general education in the liberal arts and sciences, and an advanced degree in nursing. The B.S.N. program consists of four academic semesters and includes 58 hours of general education courses, 39 hours from an A.D.N. program, and 28 hours of advanced nursing courses. Clinical laboratory experiences are based in selected community hospitals and allied health agencies. 13

SAU RN BSN Curriculum Plan Suggested Plan of Study 2014-2015 Fall - Semester 1 Spring - Semester 2 ENGL 1113 Composition I 3 ENGL 1123 Composition II 3 MATH 1023 College Algebra 3 CHEM 1013/1011 College Chemistry MATH 1045 OR 1525 I/Lab 4 BIOL 2063/2061 Anatomy and Physiology 4 BIOL 2073/2071 Anatomy and 4 I/Lab Physiology II/Lab NURS 1207 Fundamentals of Nursing 7 NURS 1217 Women's Health and Care of the Neonate or NURS 1417 LPN to RN Transition 7 Total Semester Hours 17 Total Semester Hours 18 Summer Session Summer Session BIOL 3032/3022 General 4 SOC 3033 Sociology of Marriage and 3 Microbiology/Lab Family or SOC 3013 Social Problems or SOC 4073 Social Gerontology Total Semester Hours 4 Total Semester Hours 3 Fall - Semester 3 Spring - Semester 4 PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3 NURS 2207 Medical/ Surgical II 7 NURS 2017 Medical Surgical I 7 NURS 2143 Care of the Child 3 NURS 2223 Mental Health Nursing 3 NURS 2411 Pharmacology II 1 NURS 2401 Pharmacology I 1 CSCI 1053 Computer Concepts for Allied Health OR CSCI 1112/1101 Introduction to Computers/Lab 3 Total Semester Hours 14 Total Semester Hours 14 Fall - Semester 5 Spring - Semester 6 SPCH 1113 Introduction to Public 3 UL Elective 2 Speaking PHIL 2403 Introduction to Philosophy 3 SOC 3183 Statistics 3 World Literature I/II (ENGL 2213 or ENGL 2223) 3 *HIST 1003 or 1013 World History I or II OR HIST 2013 or 2023 U.S. History I or II or PSCI 2003 American 3 *HIST 1003 or 1013 World History I or II OR HIST 2013 or 2023 U.S. History I or II or PSCI 2003 American Government: National Government: National 3 Fine Arts/Humanities (ART 2013, ENGL 2213, ENGL 2223, HUM 2003, ENGL 2213, ENGL 2223, MUS 2013, THEA 2003 or Foreign Language) Total Semester Hours 12 Total Semester Hours 12 Fall - Semester 7 Spring - Semester 8 NURS 3001 Orientation for On-line RN BSN Completion Program 1 NURS 3013 Issues and Trends in Nursing 3 NURS 3003 Health Assessment 3 NURS 4015 Leadership and 5 Management NURS 3043 Introduction to Nursing 3 NURS 4113 Evidence Based Nursing 3 Research NURS 3053 The Business of Health Care 3 NURS 3502 Informatics 2 NURS 3035 Community Health Nursing 5 Total Semester Hours 15 Total Semester Hours 13 Total hours required for major 125 *Note: Must have six hours of history/government. Three hours must be World History I or II. Three Hours must be U.S. History I, U.S. History II or American Government: National 3 January 2014 14

SUMMARY Every effort has been made to ensure that the Nursing Student Handbook covers all of the policies that govern the nursing curriculum. It is your responsibility to know and abide by each of these policies located in the following pages. Those items not specifically covered in the student handbook will be addressed on an individual basis by the nursing faculty. Course specific policies are located in EACH course syllabus. You will be informed in writing (i.e., email or Blackboard postings) of any changes or revisions to the student handbook or course policy when they occur. Students are held accountable to the current policies of the student handbook. Nursing students are encouraged to make helpful, positive suggestions to be included in the handbook for themselves and future students. Any variation from the policies in this handbook must be in writing and signed by faculty making the agreement, the course coordinator and department chair. Revised: May 2010, August 2013 15

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY Department of Nursing ACADEMIC POLICIES The academic policies provided in the Department of Nursing RN-BSN Completion Program Student Handbook relate primarily to the BSN major. Students are also responsible for being familiar with other academic policies listed in the University Student Handbook. Admission Policy To meet admission requirements for the Department of Nursing, the applicant must: 1. Be admitted to Southern Arkansas University with regular or conditional admission status and maintain a 2.0 at SAU.. 2. Be a graduate from an ACEN accredited A.D.N. or diploma program in nursing, and meet general education requirements. NOTE: Students are encouraged to complete all general education requirements prior to enrolling in upper division nursing courses. Students who have completed the following nine hours of general education courses, which provide necessary pre-requisite knowledge, may be allowed enrollment for the upper division nursing courses: SPCH 1113 Speech, PHIL 2403 Philosophy, & SOC 3183 Statistics. 3. Have transcripts evaluated by nursing faculty if transferring from another college or university. NOTE: SAU Department of Nursing follows the Arkansas Nursing Articulation Model for transfer credits in nursing, however courses taken at junior colleges are not counted as part of the junior senior hours required for graduation at SAU (see University Student Handbook). 4. Complete NCSCs with a C or better. Students with Ds or Fs in these courses will not be admitted. 5. Have of the total hours earned toward graduation; no more than 25% may be D grades. 6. Possess an unencumbered state license to practice in the state in which the clinical experiences will be obtained 7. Have proof of Hepatitis B vaccination, Influenza vaccination, TB screening, and current CPR certification 8. Submit a completed Department of Nursing BSN Application Form. See www.saumag.edu\nursing website for application deadlines. Application forms may be obtained from the Nursing Department or from our website http://nursing.southernarkansasuniversity.info/ Enclose a copy of all unofficial college transcripts. Mail application and unofficial transcripts to: SAU, Department of Nursing, Attn: RN-BSN Program Application P.O. Box 9406, Magnolia, AR 71754-9406. 16

Applications may be delivered to Wharton Nursing Building, room 201A. Revised: May 2010, May 2012, January 2014 Readmission Policy To be readmitted to the Nursing Department the student must: 1. Write a letter of intent to the DEPARTMENT OF NURSING postmarked by December 1 st for the spring semester and by May 1 st if for the fall semester. The number of returning students will be limited to available space. 2. The letter, requesting readmission, is to be accompanied by an updated transcript of all college courses. Letter should include name, social security number, mailing address, working phone number and state which course you wish to re-enter and the semester you wish to re-enter the program. 3. Repeat all BSN curriculum nursing courses over 5 years old. (A student only has 6 years to complete the RN-BSN program.) 4. Have an overall GPA of 2.0 on all college courses. 5. Of the total hours earned toward graduation, no more than 25 percent may be D grades. Retention and Progression 1. For progression in the nursing major only a grade of C or better will be accepted for nursing courses. 2. Students are allowed 6 years to complete the RN-BSN program. 3. Students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher each semester during the nursing major to remain in good academic standing. 4. A student will be dismissed from the Department of Nursing when the student s behavior in any college related activity is determined to be inconsistent with professional responsibility and accountability. 5. A student will be dismissed from the Department of Nursing for unprofessional conduct that is likely to deceive, defraud, or injure clients or the public by any act, practice, or omission that fails to conform to the accepted standards of the nursing profession and indicates conscious disregard for the health and welfare of the public and the client. 6. Safety is considered basic for achievement of a satisfactory grade in a clinical course. A student who is unsafe in the clinical area may be withdrawn/failing (WF) regardless of successful achievement in other areas of the course. 7. All students are assured procedural due process as established by the Nursing Department and the University. Transfer Students with Nursing Credit Policy Students previously enrolled in another nursing program must forward a letter requesting transfer and attach copies of all unofficial college transcripts. Students who are requesting transfer from another nursing program are also required to provide a letter from the program dean/chair/director of eligibility to reenter their previous nursing program in order to be eligible for consideration in the SAU nursing program. Transfer credit will be considered on an individual basis. 17

Revised: May 2005; January 2006; March 2006; January 2007; April 2007, May 2010, April 2012 Class and Clinical Attendance Regular participation in online or web-enhanced classes is expected from each student. An individual who is absent from a class (not participating as outlined in course requirements) should contact the instructor. If a student does not contact the instructor or participate in an online or web-enhanced class for ten consecutive calendar days of instruction, the student may be administratively dropped from the class for excessive unexcused absences at the request of the instructor. If this occurs, a grade of WN (withdrawal for non-attendance under extenuating circumstances) or WF (withdrawal with failure) will be given for the course. Clinical learning experiences represent a commitment and responsibility to clients as well as essential application of knowledge. Students are expected to be present and on time for each clinical learning experience. Satisfactory demonstration of course requirements and clinical competency is necessary for successful completion of a course. Either an unsatisfactory grade or withdrawal from a course may be necessary for students who fail to complete required clinical hours and meet course objectives. A student s clinical area/unit of employment and/or wage earning job cannot count for clinical hours required in a nursing course. Clinical facilities reserve the right to ask students to participate in requirements that are mandatory by the institution and may require a fee. A student refusing to comply may be administratively withdrawn from the course. Revised: May 2005, May 2009, May 2010, May 2012 Technical Requirements for Online and Web-Enhanced Courses To complete an online degree program or take courses completely from your home computer, your computer system will need to meet some basic minimum requirements to be able to use Blackboard (SAU Home / Academics / Online Learning / Computer Requirements). System Operating System: Windows XP (32-bit), Vista (32-bit and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit), Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard, Mac OSX 10.6 Snow Leopard Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE): JRE 6 JavaScript: Enabled Cookies: Enabled Browser Windows: Internet Explorer 8 or higher, Firefox 3.6 or Firefox (Final Release Channel), Chrome (Stable Channel), Mac OS X: Firefox 3.6 or Firefox (Final Release Channel, Safari 4.0 or higher, Chrome (Stable Channel) 18

Computer Requirements Processor - 1 GHz processor Memory 512 MB of RAM Monitor Resolution - 1024 x 768 Free Hard Disk Space 5 GB Internet Connection Broadband Internet connection with minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps Java - 1.6.0_29 or higher Supported Web Browsers & Operating Systems Check the list of supported web browsers and operating systems for your Windows or Mac computer. Note that some web browsers are Certified for Blackboard use and others are Compatible: Certified fully tested and supported Compatible partially tested but should function properly Run a web browser check ( https://help.blackboard.com/enus/learn/9.1_sp_10_and_sp_11/administrator/003_browser_support_sp_11) on your computer to ensure that your web browser is compatible with Blackboard. This link is also provided on the Blackboard login page. A screenshot report example is shown below. Should a discrepancy exist between recommended and your current settings, follow the provided links to resolve it. If needed, contact the ITS HelpDesk (http://web.saumag.edu/its/helpdesk/) for further assistance. Revised: May 2009, May 2010, January 2014 19

Course Grading Policy 1. Grading: Grading* is as follows: 100%-90% = A 89% - 84% = B 83% - 78% = C 77% - 69% = D 68%-below = F *The course grade will be a composite of both components of theory and clinical and CANNOT be taken separately. The clinical experience is based on satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance; therefore, clinical will be pass/fail component of the course. All grades are final one week after which one of the following occurs on the latest date: posting in the Blackboard Grade Center or concept review for the exam. After this time, no grade changes will be made unless the faculty member has incorrectly entered the item score. A minimum grade of C is considered passing and is necessary in ALL nursing and nursing support courses to enroll in subsequent nursing courses (Comp I and II, all science courses, ). A D grade is NOT considered as passing in any nursing or nursing support course. If a student makes D or lower in any nursing or nursing support course, the course must be repeated and passed, prior to progressing in the program. ALL NURSING COURSES MUST BE TAKEN IN SEQUENCE. 2. Quiz Policy: No make-up opportunities for quizzes, classroom assignments, and/or projects toward quiz grade will be offered 3. Clinical Dismissal: Any student who performs in an unsafe* manner may be dismissed from the clinical laboratory setting. Permanent exclusion from a clinical laboratory will result in FAILURE of the course, and the student may drop in accordance with university policy. *Unsafe is defined as any measure which the student does or fails to do that may result in physical or psychological harm to the patient, the patient s family, other personnel or to the individual student. Adopted: November 1998 Revised August 2005; May 2006; January 2007, May 2010, May 2011, May 2013, January 2014 20

Classroom/Online Responsibilities: Students must: 1. Participate in discussions; ask questions when unsure about major concepts. 2. Request clarification of any information presented in reading materials, clinical labs, or lectures. 3. Perform on written and oral projects/presentations/quizzes and written materials at a minimum of 78% to maintain acceptable standing in the nursing course. 4. Submit all written materials on time or before. Late work may be accepted with a grade reduction per faculty discretion. 5. Attend local and/or regional conferences and lectures as required. When appropriate and available to enhance learning, students will be asked to attend such programs as part of the class assignment and for their professional growth. You may be asked to pay a minimal registration fee for some of these educational opportunities. 6. Demonstrate honesty and integrity including not altering or falsifying documents or cheating on examinations/quizzes or other teacher-made assignments. 7. Accept responsibility and be accountable for his or her own conduct not limited to, but including the following: a. Uphold the Technology Use Policy b. Maintaining appropriate respect and boundaries for faculty, staff, clients, preceptors and fellow students. Revised: May 2010, December 2010, January 2014 Requirements for Assignments The student will: 1. Exhibit a clear understanding of the guidelines for written work using APA FORMAT. See www.apastyle.org for assistance. 2. Submit all assignments typed and include name, date, course name and number, title of paper. 3. Demonstrate organizational ability. 4. Express ideas with clarity. Spell correctly, punctuate properly, using only standardized abbreviations, 5. Exhibit scholarship by depth and breadth of content, and extent of bibliography. 6. Show originality and creative thinking. 7. Demonstrate critical thinking, relate and correlate knowledge gained from resource materials. 8. Complete projects on schedule. 21