Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program Years 1 & 2 BSN Student Guide & Policies 2012-2013 Okanagan College Science, Technology, Health & Social Development Portfolio Adapted with permission from the University of British Columbia Okanagan School of Nursing; Revised Sept 2011; July 2012 This document is on the home page for the BSN program and in the College Online Calendar. The on-line version will be updated as needed and will be considered the most current.
Table of Contents Program Information/Options... 3 BSN Program Curriculum Overview... 4 BSN Student Guidelines... 5 A. Professional Conduct in the Nursing Program... 5 Guidelines for Professionalism in the Nursing Program... 6 Communicating Professionally in the BSN Program at Okanagan College... 8 B. Nursing Practice Experiences... 9 C. Practice Placement... 10 D. Evaluation of Nursing Practice... 12 Guidelines for Use of Health Lab... 15 BSN Program Specialized Skill List... 17 Okanagan College & BSN Program Policies... 19 STUDENT RESOURCES... 33 Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Poster Presentations!!... 35 The College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC) Student Representatives Program at Okanagan College... 37 BSN Program Psychomotor Skills List... 38 2
Program Information/Options At the present time, the Okanagan College Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers the curriculum of the Collaboration for Academic Education in Nursing (CAEN) in B.C. in partnership with UBC Okanagan. UBC Okanagan has three programs: 1. Degree Program: The degree (BSN) program comprises eight academic study semesters and three summer sessions of consolidated nursing practice. Graduates of this degree program are fully prepared to write the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE) in order to obtain registration to practice in BC as a Registered Nurse. Okanagan College (OC) BSN students complete years one and two of the degree program and will have guaranteed transfer to years three and four of the BSN program at UBC Okanagan. Admission to the Nursing program at UBC's Okanagan Campus cannot be guaranteed for students who take a leave after completing the first two years of the program at Okanagan College. 2. LPN Access: Licensed Practical Nurses may be admitted through the Access program. This program involves specific admission criteria and a course of study that serves as a bridging orientation to the nursing program. Students, who successfully complete the access program offered in the first term of year two of the program, will continue to complete the ongoing requirements for the BSN degree and be fully prepared to write the CRNE examinations in order to obtain registration to practice in BC as a Registered Nurse. Okanagan College may offer an LPN Access program in the future. 3. Degree Completion for RNs: This option provides Registered Nurses with access to a program of studies leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Diploma graduates from other Collaborative Academic Education Programs in BC may be admitted directly into semester six of the BSN program. Graduates from other programs may be admitted to the RN Bridge-In semester, which prepares students for entry into semester six of the BSN program. All students must complete 45 credits of study. Further description of the UBC Okanagan Nursing program can be found in the UBC Okanagan website at http://web.ubc.ca/okanagan/nursing/welcome.html and the calendar at www.ubc.ca/okanagan/calendar. 3
BSN Program Curriculum Overview Years 1 & 2 Semester One Semester Two Consolidated Practice Experience NSGU 111 Health and Healing I: Living Health (3) NSGU 121 Health and Healing II: Health Indicators (3) NSGU 130 Consolidated Practice Experience I (2) (60 hours) NSGU 112 Professional Practice I: Introduction to the Profession of Nursing (3) NSGU 113 Relational Practice I: Self and Others (3) NSGU 114 Nursing Practice I: Introduction to Nursing Practice (3) BIOL 131 Anatomy & Physiology (3) English (3) Total credits - 18 NSGU 122 Professional Practice II: Introduction to the Discipline of Nursing (3) NSGU 124 Nursing Practice II: Coming to Know the Client (6) BIOL 133 Anatomy & Physiology (3) English (3) Total credits - 18 Hours for Semesters One, Two & CPE I: Practice Hours 231 Seminar Hours 78 Total credits - 2 Semester Three Semester Four Consolidated Practice Experience NSGU 211 Health & Healing III: Health Challenges/Healing Initiatives (3) NSGU 213 Relational Practice II: Creating Health-promoting Relationships (3) NSGU 214 Nursing Practice III: Promoting Health and Healing (6) BIOL 231 Health Sciences I: Pathophysiology (3) NSGU 221 Health & Healing IV: Health Challenges/Healing Initiatives (3) NSGU 224 Nursing Practice IV: Promoting Health and Healing (6) BIOL 235 Health Sciences II: Pathophysiology (3) NSGU 230 Consolidated Practice Experience II (4) (180 hours) Hours for Semesters Three, Four & CPE II: Practice Hours 518 Seminar Hours 78 Total credits 15 Total credits - 12 Total credits - 4 4
BSN Student Guidelines Important information relative to college policies is found on Okanagan College s web page: click Quick Links, College Calendar, General Academic Regulations and Policies. It is the responsibility of the student to access the current College Calendar online and to become familiar with relevant college and BSN program policies. A. Professional Conduct in the Nursing Program Preamble: The BSN Program at Okanagan College values a collaborative learning environment that supports diversity, empowerment and creativity. Emphasis is placed on the quality of relationships experienced in our education program as outlined in the BSN Student Guide & Policies. The learning environment is fostered by people working together in cooperative, caring ways. Refer to the Professional Conduct Policy in this guide. As professional nurses and nursing students, our ways of being are guided by the Professional Standards for RNs and Nurse Practitioners (CRNBC, 2012). The guidelines for professionalism in the nursing program are based on the CRNBC Standards and are intended to clarify the parameters of professional relationships in all learning environments wherever the student is present as a nursing student. These expectations of student conduct are in addition to the Professional Conduct Policy identified in the Okanagan College BSN Student Guide & Policies. Students must at all times adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Canadian Nurses Association and act in conformity with the College of Registered Nurses of BC (CRNBC) Professional Standards. Each student is expected to recognize his or her own limitations, act responsibly at all times, and take responsibility for ensuring continued competency and learning. A student may be required to withdraw from a practice placement if the above expectations are not met, or when medical and/or other problems interfere with satisfactory performance. Students will be denied their experience if the preparatory work is deemed unsatisfactory or if the Dean of Science, Technology & Health Portfolio determines that their participation in practice puts the receiving agency or its clients at unreasonable risk. Process to be followed when unprofessional conduct is observed: First occurrence: the unprofessional conduct will be explored with the student with the aim of promoting quality relationships. The student will be informed if this incident or a repetition of any unprofessional conduct results in documentation to the student file. In the BSN program, a Student Progress Note (SPN) and/or a learning contract are examples of documentation. Subsequent occurrence(s): the unprofessional conduct will be addressed by further discussion with the student and the occurrence will be documented in the student file with a copy provided to the student and BSN Program Chair.
Repeated occurrence: the BSN Program Chair will review the student s file, and in consultation with the Associate Dean, Science, Technology, Health & Social Development Portfolio, will determine the need to intervene further. The expectations outlined in this policy about the professional conduct expected of the nursing student and of the Registered Nurse is a topic of discussion in all nursing courses. Professional Practice I (NSGU 112) and Professional Practice II (NSGU 122) will provide nursing students with an opportunity to explore the concept of professional conduct in depth. Clarification of unprofessional conduct Conduct that impedes professional relationships may include, but is not limited to: In the learning environment: Behaviours that are demeaning toward others Disrespectful behaviour Defence-arousing behaviour Attention-seeking behaviour Lack of attention when others are speaking Gossip/repetition of rumours Breach of confidentiality Lack of regard for the start, break, and closure times of classes Attire that draws undue attention or is provocative to others Failure to honour diversity Failure to take ownership of the responsibility to meet professional and educational expectations Dishonesty In oral and written communication: Over-familiarity Use of first name without permission Not following e-mail etiquette Phone messages that lack respectful tone and content Guidelines for Professionalism in the Nursing Program Standard 1: Responsibility and Accountability: Maintains standards of nursing practice and professional conduct determined by CRNBC and the practice setting. The Nursing Student: Is accountable and takes responsibility for own learning and professional conduct. Is accountable and takes responsibility for own projects and written work. Works collaboratively and cooperatively in groups. Is accountable and takes responsibility for own share of group work. Comes prepared for class. Actively participates in a manner that is supportive of own learning needs and group learning needs. Engages constructively in the learning process. 6
Standard 2: Specialized Body of Knowledge: Bases practice on the best evidence from nursing science and other sciences and humanities. The Nursing Student: Applies knowledge of professional values, ethics and ways of being to all learning experiences. Standard 3: Competent Application of Knowledge: Makes decisions about actual or potential problems and strengths, plans and performs interventions, and evaluates outcomes. The Nursing Student: Demonstrates objectivity, critical thinking, and respect for diversity of values, beliefs, and opinions of others in the learning community. Offers constructive critique and input into the change process for the Nursing Program. Uses a problem-solving approach to clarify and resolve issues or concerns that may arise in their learning experiences. Is encouraged to seek the professor s guidance when clarifying issues or concerns. Standard 4: Code of Ethics: Adheres to the ethical standards of the nursing profession. The Nursing Student demonstrates: Dignity and Respect o Gives to, and receives feedback from, peers, professors, and guests in ways that demonstrate respect, honesty, and sensitivity. o Is respectful, civil and courteous to peers, professors, classroom guests, and the health care team. o Maintains a professional approach in oral and written communications. o Promotes integrity of self and others when engaging in professional relationships. o Supports group members in establishing a respectful learning environment. Confidentiality o Applies the principles of confidentiality in dealing with information about patients and peers. Justice o Follows Okanagan College policies for dealing with student rights issues o Follows formal communication procedures for requesting individual considerations or exemptions from BSN Program requirements. Accountability o Maintains professional standards at all times. o Ensures own physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 7
Standard 5: Provision of Service in the Public Interest: Provides nursing services and collaborates with other members of the health care team in providing health care services. The Nursing Student: Demonstrates ambassadorship for the profession and the BSN Program when interacting with members of the public and the health care community. Initiates, maintains, and terminates professional relationships with colleagues and teachers in a respectful and professional manner. Is considerate of the needs and perspectives of those who are providing learning experiences for the nursing student. Communicates, collaborates and consults with nursing faculty and nursing students to improve learning experiences and professional relationships. Advocates and participates in changes to improve the Okanagan College BSN program and nursing student learning and practice. Respects the lines of communication within the BSN program and other agencies. Reports unsafe practice or unprofessional conduct of peers or others to appropriate faculty. Standard 6: Self-Regulation: Assumes primary responsibility for maintaining competence and fitness to practice. The Nursing Student: Engages in self-evaluation and takes action to develop competence. Provides peer feedback/evaluation with honesty and integrity reflective of the student s own knowledge and expertise. Welcomes critique and feedback from peers and faculty to promote the student s professional development. Critically analyses and uses feedback to develop competence. Recognizes and respects the unique, ongoing nature of learning for all participants in professional practice. Endeavours to make the most of learning opportunities in the nursing program. Communicating Professionally in the BSN Program at Okanagan College Communication between students, professors/teachers and others on campus and away from campus is expected to be respectful and professional. Students will use their myokanagan email address for all email communication. Voice mail is less reliable than e-mail. Students are asked send email messages from your myokanagan email account to the email address of the professor/teacher rather than leaving messages on the telephone. Professors/teachers are not expected to respond on evenings, weekends, or during statutory holidays and vacation. Students are reminded of the expectation that e-mails sent to professors and other professional contacts be composed in a manner that is respectful in tone and content. A professional email address (myokanagan) must be used at all times. 8
Students are required to ensure that e-mail messages do not reflect the following: Over-familiarity Use of first name without permission Abuse of e-mail etiquette It is the student s responsibility to check e-mails to your myokanagan account on a regular basis (at least daily) or more often according to the norms set out in each course. Students will receive BSN program messages to your myokanagan account. Communicating professionally includes knowing who to talk with when you have a concern, issue or problem. Communication must always be respectful. The following guides student nursing communication: First, talk with the person or person(s) involved to find resolution Second, talk with your college professor Third, talk with the BSN Chair Fourth, talk with the Associate Dean - STH Communicating professionally is the responsibility of all nurses and nursing students. B. Nursing Practice Experiences Location Nursing practice experiences are an integral part of the nursing program. They occur across sites (acute care setting, community agencies and organizations) and with a variety of populations. Locations for nursing practice occur within and outside of the Okanagan Valley. Student Preferences While an effort will be made to accommodate students' preferences for types and locations of clinical experiences, Okanagan College BSN program reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of any nursing practice placement. All agencies and institutions serving as nursing practice sites must be approved by Okanagan College BSN program. Okanagan College reserves the right to change a student's nursing practice placement. The student has the right to be informed, in writing, of the reasons for the change. Arrangement of Nursing Practice Placements Nursing practice placements are arranged by the BSN Program Chair in consultation with the nursing faculty and students. Student Travel and Expenses Related to Nursing Practice Travel is a necessary component of the nursing program. Students must arrange for their own transportation to and from nursing practice sites. Travel, communication and other expenses (eg. regular contact with instructor, submission of assignments) are the student's responsibility. Each student must take individual responsibility for decisions regarding his/her safety when required to travel in inclement weather. 9
Safety to Practice All nursing students are advised that it is their ethical and legal responsibility to obtain supervision from the clinical teacher or designate when carrying out any nursing intervention for which they have not been previously supervised or in which they are not safe or confident to perform independently. C. Practice Placement Principles in Determining Nursing Practice Experiences The following guiding principles will be used to determine appropriate nursing practice experiences for students in years one and two of the BSN program. Principle 1: Nursing practice placements will be determined by the program with input from the student. Placements for all practice experiences will be arranged by the BSN Program Chair. Principle 2: Nursing practice experiences should help the student to formulate the Registered Nurse role. Principle 3: The expected outcome of all Consolidated Practice Experiences (CPE) is the extension of and/or consolidation of nursing knowledge and skills. Students may have additional practice hours in some settings. Principle 4: All Consolidated Practice Experiences for nursing students must be with, or overseen by, a Registered Nurse or a Registered Psychiatric Nurse. Principle 5: Year 1: each student must have 1 semester nursing practice and 1 CPE practice in extended/intermediate care or Rehab. Year 2: each student must have 1 semester nursing practice in acute care medical, 1 semester nursing practice in acute care surgical, and 1 CPE practice in acute care medical or surgical. Principle 6: Students requesting Out of Region placement (NSGU 230) will need to meet the requirements of the Out of Region Policy guideline. Practice Placement Requirements Due to the need for nursing practice in a variety of settings and to limited placement sites, it is necessary for students to travel to placement sites in Vernon, Penticton, Summerland, Salmon Arm, and Kelowna. Year 1: NSGU 124 *Students to submit proof of current CPR prior to entering practice areas. This course will emphasize health assessment and coming to know how clients understand and promote their health, and the nurse s role in partnering with clients in this process. The BSN Program Chair, in consultation with the teaching team, will select the teaching sites to be used. 10
Students will be assigned to practice groups based on the following: a. Availability of practice spaces b. Student request c. Faculty input d. Availability of practice professors/teachers Lists of tentative practice groups will be distributed to the teaching team for final approval. All students are responsible for transportation to practice sites. Year 1: NSGU 130 - Consolidated Practice Experience (CPE) Students to submit proof of current CPR prior to entering practice areas. This course provides two weeks of clinical practice to assist students as they continue to move forward from a health focus toward a health challenge focus. Students will develop an understanding of nurses responsibilities in health and health promotion. It is recommended that NSGU130 students remain in their NSGU124 practice area. This 2- week experience is for consolidation and moving to a new practice site lessens the consolidation. Students are expected to work days, evenings, or a combination of both, Monday through Friday, for the duration of the practicum. Out-of-Region and international placements are not available for NSGU130. Year 2: NSGU 214 & NSGU 224 *Students to submit proof of CPR prior to entering practice areas. These courses will provide students with the opportunity to develop caring relationships with people experiencing episodic health challenges in a variety of acute care settings and in the transitions from hospital to home. The BSN Program Chair, in consultation with the teaching team, will select the teaching sites to be used. Students will be assigned to practice groups based on the following: e. Availability of practice spaces f. Student request g. Faculty input h. Availability of practice professors/teachers Lists of tentative practice groups will be distributed to the teaching team for final approval. All students are responsible for transportation to practice sites. Year 2: NSGU 230 - Consolidated Practice Experience (CPE) *Students to submit proof of current CPR prior to entering practice areas. This practice experience is the consolidation of skills used in acute care medical and surgical units. This practicum is 180 hours and is preceptored by a staff nurse on a medical or surgical unit. The student is expected to work the same shifts the staff nurse is working for the duration of the practicum. The continuity of the shifts is crucial in the consolidation of the skills and knowledge. It usually takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. 11
This practice experience may begin at any time, based on the availability of preceptors, from the end of the winter exam period to early August. The BSN program Chair will develop the process for selecting preceptorship sites. The teaching team will inform students of their practicum site based on a review of their practice, identified learning needs and preceptor availability. NSGU 230 students may be able to apply for an out-of-region placement outside of the Okanagan area - see Out of Region policy. International placement is not available for NSGU 230. D. Evaluation of Nursing Practice Practice Appraisal Forms (PAFs) Student performance in nursing practice courses is assessed and evaluated on a PAF based on the six domains of Practice Competencies. Each semester, the quality indicators for each domain reflect the standard of expectations for students in that semester. Each domain is rated satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U). The PAF contains information of the practice course absenteeism and identifies hours to be made up in the Consolidated Practice Experience. The completed PAF is signed by the faculty and student indicating the form has been read. It is placed in the student's academic file. All academic records are shared by the nursing faculty for purposes of academic progression. Student Responsibilities in Nursing Practice Attendance (see BSN Program Policy Missed Practice/ Laboratory Time): Students are expected to attend, and to be on time for all scheduled nursing practices. Students are expected to notify their instructor and the nursing practice site whenever they will be late or absent for any reason. Absence or failure to notify instructors of any absences may result in an unsatisfactory (U) in Domain 5. Attendance at nursing practice courses, consolidated practice experiences, seminars and labs is mandatory. Inability to attend any of these courses must be communicated to the instructor prior to the experience, and be assessed by the designated faculty. See specific course syllabi for expectations in other nursing courses. Self-Evaluation: Students are expected to complete an appraisal. This completed self-appraisal will become part of the student's ongoing nursing practice performance record. The self-appraisal must be based on a process of regular documentation by the student about his or her own nursing practice. The written documentation shall be available to the instructor on request. Directions for regular documentation and completion of the final self-appraisal will be provided by the student's professor. If the above obligations are not met, the student will receive an unsatisfactory (U) rating in the Professional Responsibility Domain of the Nursing Practice Appraisal form. 12
Ongoing Feedback: Students have the right to receive on-going feedback about their nursing practice performance and also have the responsibility to seek feedback from their professors. Student Responsibility When Experiencing Difficulty in Nursing Practice Courses If a student is experiencing difficulty in a nursing course, students can expect to meet with the supervising instructor to discuss specific issues. For a nursing practice course, either a midterm Practice Appraisal evaluation or a learning contract may be designed to address the specific issues identified and the activities required by the student to demonstrate satisfactory practice. For a seminar, classroom, or lab course, a learning contract may be created to specify expectations of performance within the course. A time frame for completion of the required activities or performance will be included in the contract or Practice Appraisal Form. If the student wishes to discuss a difficulty in any nursing course, that student should first approach the faculty member who is teaching the course. If there is no resolution of the difficulty or if there are other concerns that cannot be resolved by this method, it is appropriate for the student to discuss the difficulty with the Chair of the BSN program, who will take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. The Chair of the BSN program exercises the right to discuss the difficulty with the Associate Dean of the Science, Technology, Health & Social Development Portfolio. It is unprofessional for students to discuss course difficulties with other instructors or students. Students are encouraged to resolve difficulties with their own instructor. (Refer to BSN Program Policy Nursing Practice Grading and Unsatisfactory Practice) Nursing Practice Portfolios: The nursing practice portfolio is a record of the student's work in the program that directly impacts or reflects upon the student s developing practice. The responsibility for the portfolio lies with the student. The portfolio must minimally contain the face sheets of all practice appraisal forms maintained in a professional manner. The portfolio may also contain: Examples of term work - presentations, group work Attendance at workshops, conferences Skill list record Reference letters, feedback Journaling on very meaningful learning/practice situations The nursing practice portfolios enhance and support the philosophy of partnership in student practice evaluations. The use of student nursing practice portfolios will foster student/faculty relationships and create opportunities for open dialogue between student and faculty. The nursing practice portfolios will assist the student in developing a better understanding of his/her individual practice and growth, and of learning experiences. The use of portfolios promotes student ownership of his/her practice appraisals. Portfolios also enhance career management, and are helpful in resume writing and job interviews. The nursing practice portfolios will stimulate the faculty to develop a new understanding of the practice appraisal process. The portfolio does not replace the student file, but will assist the faculty to better understand a student's progress in the program. 13
As part of the evaluation process at the end of practice experiences, the student and instructor will develop the face sheet of the practice appraisal together. The student will then be given a copy of the face sheet for his/her portfolio. At the beginning of each semester, the instructor will be responsible for reviewing the portfolio with the student and discussing practice goals, learning opportunities and expected achievement. 14
Guidelines for Use of Health Lab 1. To protect the respiratory health of all users, the Health Lab will be fragrance free. NO SMOKING is permitted on the premises. 2. The Health Lab is to be used ONLY by Okanagan College Health program students. Absolutely NO CHILDREN and/or SIGNIFICANT OTHERS permitted in the Health Lab. When students require a partner to practice techniques, a classmate must be chosen due to Worker s Compensation Board (WCB) Regulations. 3. Students in the Health Lab will NOT perform any procedures unsupervised if those procedures involve a threat to the safety of themselves or others. This includes, but is not limited to, lifts and transfers and invasive procedures. The presence of a Lab Monitor DOES NOT constitute supervised practice, since the Lab Monitors are there for the protection of material property and assistance in getting out equipment. 4. Use only WCB approved footwear. This means: flat, non-skid soles, closed toes, and closed heels (no clogs or sling-backs). 5. In the event of an accident/injury, please let your lab teacher know immediately. In the event of an accident/injury during lab practice time when the Lab Monitor is present, please have the Lab Monitor contact Security at local 6699. After hours and weekends, call 317-2435. All accidents/injuries must be reported and an Incident report must be completed. 6. Students are reminded that, after a session in the Health Lab, they are to pick up their belongings, straighten bed linen, stack chairs, and attempt to leave the area better than they found it. 7. Schedules of practice times will be posted on bulletin boards outside the Health Lab. Students using the Health Lab during practice time are responsible for signing in and out on the Lab Monitor s clipboard. 8. Be alert and help maintain vigilant surveillance in the Health Lab to safeguard equipment or possessions. Try to keep the doors locked when no one is around. Report suspicious activity to Security at local 6699. 9. Food and beverages may be used ONLY for selected lab practice in assisting patients/clients with eating. Students are responsible for cleaning up tables and garbage before leaving the lab. 10. The Health Lab is here for the student s benefit and use. Any comments and suggestions for improvement are welcome contact the Lab Monitor or the Lab-Sim Coordinator. 15
Dress Code for Health Labs: The BSN Program relies on the judgment of students to maintain a reasonable standard of dress and appearance. Guidelines for personal care skills in the Lab include: a) Clothes functional, comfortable, and non-restrictive; comply with principles of asepsis ie. Forearms exposed; no bare torsos or torn clothing. Uniforms will be required in Lab classes as directed by program faculty. b) Shoes comfortable, clean, low-heeled shoes with closed toes and heels (note-clogs are not acceptable according to WCB regulations). c) Hair clean, neat, and kept off collar and face. d) Jewelry a plain wedding band is suggested; only use small stud earrings (silver, pearl, or gold). e) Fingernails short, clean. Health Lab Learning Environment & Equipment: a) Ask your professor/teacher for assistance or clarification if in doubt about procedures. Sometimes it is helpful to experiment with your own style of organizing how you want to work through the procedures. Brainstorm with your partner about the pros and cons of your method and adopt an appropriate way of doing each procedure based on sound principles of safety, comfort, and respect. b) Conserve Linen: Reuse blankets and bedspreads and do not send them to the laundry unless soiled. Provide a freshly made bed for the next clinical group when making an occupied bed. Used linen should be placed in the laundry bags at the end of each day. Pillowcases can be changed each time. c) Cleanliness: If you notice any evidence of poor hygiene in the Health Lab environment such as unclean floors, lack of hand washing supplies, etc., please note the date and problem and contact the Lab-Sim Coordinator or the BSN Program Support person. d) Security: Many items in the Health Lab are expensive; some are specialty items. Please use with care and make sure all components are replaced correctly. If leaving a lab unattended, ensure the doors are locked. The skeleton and anatomical models need to be handled with gentleness; they are easily damaged and costly to repair and replace. Do not interchange parts of the models. 16
BSN Program Specialized Skill List Students are expected to recognize their own limitations, act responsibly at all times, and take responsibility for ensuring their own continued competency and learning. Students must at all times adhere to the Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics and act in conformity with the Standards of Practice (CRNBC). Under normal circumstances, a Nursing Student will not perform a Specialized Nursing Skill or a Delegated Medical Function unless the student has acquired this skill through specific instruction in the basic nursing program or unless the student is in the process of certification by the agency in which that student is practicing. Since agencies have the right to designate skills as "Specialized the lists herein are not to be considered all-inclusive and must therefore be supplemented by agency policy. STUDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE AGENCY IN WHICH THEY ARE PRACTICING, AND TO ABIDE BY THESE. (These policies may include, but are not limited to, administration of insulin, heparin, IV medications & narcotics.) According to Okanagan College BSN Policy: A. The following skills are not to be done by a nursing student. However, the student may observe the registered nurse while the skill is performed: Arterial Blood Gases Setting up and supervising operation of a mechanical ventilator Identification of cardiac arrhythmias for the purpose of instituting treatment (beyond C.P.R.) Measurement of arterial and CV pressure, or wedge pressure(swan) Monitoring oxytocin drip during labour Changing/removing tracheostomy tube Endotrachael extubation Hemodialysis Peritoneal Dialysis IV administration of Chemotherapy Epidural top-up or bolus, Defibrillation Give critical care medications i.e. IV amiodarone, IV metoprolol, IV rpa, etc. IHA Nursing Escort. Students are not to be the designated escort for patients requiring supervision during transport. They may however, accompany the designated RN/LPN for observation only. Management of unstable C-spine, ex. Stabilizing the neck of a patient with skull tongs or with/without a hard collar Student are not to be designated as a constant care provider including break relief Irrigate a chest tube. Reminder that due to hospital policies nursing students may not: Take a verbal or phone order from a physician Witness a signature on a consent form Complete a narcotic count 17
B. The following skills may be performed by a nursing student with direct supervision, at all times, by a qualified Registered Nurse: All High Alert medications including, but not limited to insulin and heparin dosage amounts need to be checked by a Registered Nurse prior to administration to patient Heparin infusion changes and IV heparin bolus need to be checked with a Registered Nurse prior to administration Narcotic administration specifically by: PCA bolus, continuous epidural infusion, IV push, subcutaneous infusion device, plexus nerve block infusion Removal of an epidural line Removal of central lines Accessing Venous Access Devices i.e. port a-cath Chest tube removal Phlebotomy Immunization (provided student has completed special training) Vaginal examination (provided patient consents and membranes are intact) Fetal monitor interpretation Neonatal blood glucose monitoring Transcribing physician orders and completing nightly review of charts & MAR Removal of a deflated Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA mask) Central line: dressing changes, drawing blood samples, aspirating blood for position check and flushing and giving direct push medications directly into the positive pressure device, administration of TPN. Transfusion of Blood Products Students can only be assigned tasks that are congruent with the level of theory they have obtained within their education. After successful completion of transfusion related theory/lab, the role of the students can be: Transporter Assessment checks as assigned by the Transfusionist General care for the stable patient during transfusion under RN directio, General care for the stable patient for the first 24 hours post transfusion under RN direction. C. The following skills are to be supervised by a qualified RN until the student has demonstrated competency: Central line: administration of non-narcotic medications into a running infusion Blood glucose monitoring Midline catheter care and removal Venipuncture (peripheral IV infusion initiation) Tracheotomy care including suctioning, cleaning and changing of inner cannula 18
Okanagan College & BSN Program Policies Students are responsible for becoming familiar with the Okanagan College General Academic Regulations & Policies in addition to the BSN program policies. A. Professional Appearance Purpose: To present a professional image as a student enrolled in the BSN program at Okanagan College (OC). The following are guidelines for safety, infection control, and professional appearance. Good judgment should be exercised when making decisions as to what is appropriate in a given clinical experience. If an agency has specific or different requirements not covered by these guidelines, students must conform to those requirements. This policy can be adapted on an individual basis to meet specific cultural and/or religious considerations. Inappropriately dressed students will be asked to leave the clinical area. Fragrance - efforts should be made to be scent free both in agency placements and on campus. Agencies Where Uniforms are required: Dresses - Skirts - Pants Tops Over garments: o Clean and in good repair o Fabric that is readily washable o Style - Deep pockets, short or three quarter length sleeves; pants must not touch the floor o No attire that draws undue attention or is provocative to others Shoes: o Style - Closed heel and toe o Sole - Non-wooden Identification: o For identification and liability purposes, all OC BSN Nursing students are required to wear OC BSN Photo Identification in all practice settings o To ensure ease of visibility, the identification must be worn on the chest (just below the collarbone) Equipment: o Watch with seconds indicated; pocket note pad; red and black ink pens o Stethoscope Hair o o o Neat and clean. Hair to be secured in a manner that meets infection and control and safety standards. Clean shaven or beards/moustaches must be neatly trimmed. 19
Fingernails: o Short, no false nails, no nail polish Jewellery: o No visible jewellery except wedding bands (with no stones) and a reasonable amount of small, non-dangling jewellery (i.e. 2 pairs of stud earrings and a small facial piercing) Agencies Where Uniforms are NOT required (i.e. community) Clothing: o Neat, clean, appropriate. o No attire that draws undue attention or is provocative to others. o Jeans are not acceptable unless agency approved in agency policy. Identification: o Follow agency policy Shoes: o Style - Closed heel and toe o Sole - Non-wooden B. Basic Life Support (CPR Level C) Certification and Recertification Purpose: To ensure that all nursing students have the ability to administer Basic Life Support, Level C. All students are required to have current certification in Basic Life Support, Level C and to maintain this certification throughout the program. Students will be required to renew their certification late in semester two of year two so that their certification is current prior to entering the NSGU 230 clinical rotation and throughout the remaining two years of the program at UBCO. C. Gift Giving and Receiving Students in the BSN program are discouraged from accepting or giving gifts in the student/teacher or in student/client/patient relationships. While recognizing that gifts from students or clients/patients may be of insignificant monetary value, accepting them may violate principles of appropriate professional boundaries and may also represent inappropriate use of power in student-teacher or student-client/patent relationships. D. Length of Time for Degree Completion UBC Okanagan regulations stipulate a maximum amount of time that will be permitted for completion of the various degrees. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of his or her own length of time in the program. Failure to complete all degree requirements in the allotted time will mean that the degree is not awarded. Students in the OC BSN program must meet the degree requirements within seven years of beginning their first nursing course. 20