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CLINICAL GRADUATE PROGRAMS
STUDENT HANDBOOK
OF COLLEGE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The announcements, information, policies, rules, regulations and procedures set forth in this Handbook are for information only and are subject to continual review and modification.
The University of South Florida is committed to the principles of equal education, equal access and equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, and veteran or disabled veteran stats as provided by law and in accordance with the University’s respect for personal dignity. These principles are applied in the conduct of University programs and activities of facilities and services.
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Table of Contents Message from the President, University of South Florida........................................................ 4
Message from the Dean, College of Nursing .......................................................................... 5
Section 1 - USF College of Nursing Overview ............................................................................ 6
College of Nursing Mission, Vision and Goals ........................................................................ 6
Accreditation........................................................................................................................... 7
Section 2 - Graduate Program Information ................................................................................. 8
Master of Science Program ........................................................................................................ 8
Master’s Program Objectives .................................................................................................. 8
Curriculum .............................................................................................................................. 8
Clinical Hour Requirement ...................................................................................................... 9
On-Campus Requirements for On-line Courses ..................................................................... 9
Master’s Comprehensive Examination.................................................................................... 9
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)..............................................................................................10
Purpose and Goals ................................................................................................................10
Program Description ..............................................................................................................10
DNP Post-Baccalaureate (BS-DNP) Requirements ...............................................................10
DNP Post-Master’s (MS-DNP) Requirements ........................................................................11
DNP Student Advising ...........................................................................................................11
DNP Project, Practicum and Portfolio ....................................................................................12
DNP Project...........................................................................................................................12
DNP Practicum ......................................................................................................................14
DNP Academic/Professional Portfolio ....................................................................................14
Section 3 - Policies and Procedures ..........................................................................................15
Adherence to Degree/Program Plans ....................................................................................15
Residency Requirements and Time Limitation .......................................................................15
Time Limit Extensions ...........................................................................................................15
Enrollment Requirements ......................................................................................................16
Full-Time Student Minimum University Regulations ...........................................................16
Masters (MS) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to Ph.D. ...............................................17
Degree Requirements ...........................................................................................................17
Graduation Requirements......................................................................................................18
Application to Graduate/Graduation Requirements ................................................................18
Commencement Exercises ....................................................................................................18
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Section 4 - Clinical, Lab and Service Learning Policies .............................................................19
Fitness to Practice .................................................................................................................19
Clinical and Lab Attendance and Decorum ............................................................................19
Dress and Grooming Code ....................................................................................................19
Cell Phone Use .....................................................................................................................20
Photo Identification Badge .....................................................................................................20
Social Media Policy ...............................................................................................................20
Consequences for Violation of any of the above Policies or standards: .................................21
Clinical Placement Guidelines ...............................................................................................21
Nurse Practitioner Concentrations .....................................................................................21
Oncology Clinical Placement Process and Procedure ........................................................22
Nursing Education Concentration Practicum Placements ...................................................23
Guidelines for Student Recruitment of Preceptors ..............................................................23
Section 5 - General Academic Policies and Procedures ............................................................24
All policies are hyperlinked to the latest University webpage which houses the policy........24
Clinical Performance ..........................................................................................................25
Change of Graduate Degree - University Level ..................................................................25
Change of Concentration ...................................................................................................25
Students Scheduled for On-campus Class during Weather/Emergency Situations ................26
USF Campus Directory/Parking .............................................................................................26
Section 6 - Health Related and Student Compliance Policies ....................................................27
USF Student Health Requirements ........................................................................................27
Drug Testing and Criminal Background Check ......................................................................27
Policy on Tobacco Use ..........................................................................................................28
Infectious Disease Risk and Immunization ............................................................................29
USF Student Guidelines for Exposures to Infectious Diseases ..........................................29
Healthcare Worker Exposures to Blood borne Pathogens ..................................................31
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) ...................................................................................32
Procedure for Management of Post-Exposure to HIV ............................................................33
Impairment Policy ..................................................................................................................33
Section 7 Student Resources ................................................................................................34
Computer Resources/Accounts ..........................................................................................34
Technical and Online Support ............................................................................................34
Libraries .............................................................................................................................34
Student Organizations........................................................................................................35
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Message from the President, University of South Florida
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Message from the Dean, College of Nursing
Welcome to the USF College of Nursing!
As a leading college of nursing, we feel privileged to educate, collaborate and practice with the best and brightest in the industry.
We believe in using local outreach to have a global impact, preparing 21st-century nurses to address the health care needs of diverse communities through excellence in research, education, and clinical care. Nursing is multidimensional and offers many career conduits of success, including clinical, advanced practice, research, education, and leadership.
Over the last few years, we have undergone a process of appreciative inquiry to develop our strategic plan. This plan will advance the college’s global prominence in research, education and practice. We have ambitious goals of being a top 20 National Institutes of Health (NIH) research team and a top 25 U.S. News & World Report nursing program. The foundation has been set to meet these goals with exceptional faculty and staff, and a research team that is forging ahead with innovative research concepts. We know these goals would not become reality without the help of the entire team.
Our educational programs set the standards and enable students to work interprofessionally with colleges from USF Health. USF Health's mission is to envision and implement the future of health. It is the partnership of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute, the College of Nursing, the College of Public Health, the College of Pharmacy, the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, the Biomedical Sciences Graduate and Postdoctoral Programs, and USF’s multispecialty physicians group. USF Health is an integral part of the University of South Florida, a high-impact, global research university dedicated to student success.
Our students, faculty, staff, alumni and clinical partners are all essential to what makes the USF College of Nursing an educational powerhouse. We are proud of our accomplishments and look forward to charting new territory with you. We wish you success in this exciting adventure of becoming a professional USF Bull Nurse!
Sincerely,
Victoria L. Rich, PhD, RN, FAAN
Senior Associate Vice President, USF Health
Dean, College of Nursing
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Section 1 - USF College of Nursing Overview
The College of Nursing (CON) Graduate Handbook is a written compilation of current university and College of Nursing policies and procedures which is updated on an ongoing basis. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master’s students are responsible for knowing and complying with all College and University policies and procedures. USF and College of Nursing policies are subject to change and apply to all students regardless of their choice of catalogues. The most recent version of this handbook will be posted on the USF College of Nursing website.
College of Nursing Mission, Vision and Goals
Mission
USF College of Nursing provides innovation and leadership in preparing 21st-century nurses to demonstrate excellence in research, education, and clinical care while promoting health and wellness in our community and around the world.
Vision
By educating student from diverse demographics, we ensure that our USF Bull nurses mirror the populations they serve.
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Accreditation
The Master’s degree in nursing program and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of South Florida are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
The USF College of Nursing has Florida Board of Nursing approval.
Florida Board of Nursing 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C02 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3257 Phone: (850) 488-0595 The University of South Florida is accredited by Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, specialist, and doctoral levels.
Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) 1866 Southern Lane Decatur, GA 30033 Phone: (404) 679-4500 The USF Health Simulation Consortium is one of three universities in Florida accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, however USF is the only fully accredited university in all areas of Assessment, Research, System Integration and Teaching/Education. Society for Simulation in Healthcare 2021 L Street, NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (866) 730-6127
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Section 2 - Graduate Program Information
Master of Science Program
The program in nursing leading to a Master of Science degree prepares its graduates for careers as nurse practitioners or nurse educators. Students choose from a variety of nursing concentrations (specialty options) in advanced practice roles and enroll in a prescribed set of core courses central to all concentrations, as well as specialty courses and electives which are specific to their concentration. Successful completion of the nurse practitioner concentration program qualifies students to take appropriate national certification examinations and apply for licensure as an ARNP in Florida and other states. Nurse Educator are also eligible for national certification from the National League of Nursing, and the American Association of the Colleges of Nursing, respectively.
Master’s Program Objectives
• Promote evidence-based practice focused on synthesis of the most current research relevant to advanced nursing practice.
• Ensure excellence in written and oral communication emphasizing opportunities for publishing and presenting in areas of expertise locally and nationally.
• Prepare leaders to implement and evaluate evidence-based practice. • Create an environment that enhances the use of translational research to solve practice
problems and improve health outcomes. • Ensure excellence in the dissemination of findings from evidence‐based practice at the
national and international levels.
All information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is superseded by the catalog for your intended term of entry.
Curriculum
The College of Nursing offers a Master of Science degree with a major in Nursing. Students may choose from several concentrations. The required hours vary and students that are admitted are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor to ensure timely progression through the program. Additionally, some of these concentrations are quite competitive and admission requirements may be higher than the minimum requirements. Students may select from among the following concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care (concentration code: NAG) Adult Gerontology Primary Care (concentration code: NPG) Family Health Nursing (concentration code: NFH) Pediatric Health Nursing (concentration code: NPH) Occupational Health Nursing /Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (concentration code: NOC) Nursing Education (concentration code: NED) One option for earning concurrent master’s degrees is currently available: Concurrent Degree: MS in Nursing/ MPH in Public Health with Nursing Concentration in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care/Occupational Health (concentration code: NOP)
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Clinical Hour Requirement
MS Nurse Practitioner students must complete a minimum of 540 direct, supervised, patient care hours. Specific requirements vary by concentration and the College of Nursing Clinical Graduate Placement Director is responsible for assigning students their preceptors. Clinical and/or site placements are based on preceptor and/or site availability. While every effort is made to assign students to preceptor/clinical sites near their residence, it is not always possible, so students will need to be flexible. Students may find it useful to meet with the concentration director to understand specialty course focus and clinical course demands and plan accordingly.
Nursing Education students complete two practicum courses of 240 hours in the academic or nursing program placement setting. Clinical hours are typically scheduled 2-3 times per week on-site with the preceptor after completion of core course requirements.
On-Campus Requirements for On-line Courses
The Master’s program is offered in a blended on-line and on-campus format. Although the College of Nursing offers most of its graduate courses on-line, it will be necessary for students to attend some class sessions on campus for skills labs, clinical evaluation simulations, and exams. Generally, students may be required to attend a maximum of 2 days a week during their first two semesters while completing core courses, depending on their concentration. Once clinical coursework begins, students are typically required to attend campus 3-4 times per semester.
Master’s Comprehensive Examination
Prior to clearance for the Master's degree, candidates must perform satisfactorily on a comprehensive examination (or an alternate method designated by the academic unit) to measure student competency in the major area of study as delineated in the USF Graduate Catalog. Nurse practitioner students are eligible to take the Comprehensive Exam in the final semester of their Master's level study.
Comprehensive Exam Qualifies students to sit for Certification Exam Adult Gerontology Acute Care Comprehensive Exam AACN & ANCC Adult Gerontology Primary Care Comprehensive Exam ANPBC & ANCC Family Health Comprehensive Exam AANPBC & ANCC Pediatric Health Comprehensive Exam PNCB
Nursing Education Concentration Comprehensive Examination The Comprehensive Examination consists of three parts: a take-home examination; portfolio, and self-evaluation based on the NLN Core Competencies in the Scope of Practice for Academic Nurse Educators, 2012. The exam packet is available in all nursing education courses. The take home examination is currently offered in Fall and Spring semesters. Meeting exam requirements qualifies students to sit for the CNE and CNE®cl certification exams.
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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Purpose and Goals
The Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program prepares graduates for advanced independent clinical practice. Nursing practice, as defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN [2006]), refers to any nursing intervention that influences health care outcomes for individuals or populations. Objectives for the program are based upon recommendations for essential curriculum elements as identified by the AACN and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).
The DNP prepares graduates:
• for practice at the most advanced level in a focused area of nursing practice • to use information systems and technology to optimize the delivery of health care • to apply knowledge of the cultural and socioeconomic dimensions of health to prevent
disease and promote health for individuals, families, and populations • to lead sustainable organizational and health system level changes to improve health
care delivery and health outcomes • to direct and develop new and innovative strategies to address current and evolving
practice issues in an increasingly complex health care environment • to critically appraise, synthesize, apply, and translate the knowledge created by
researchers and theoretical scholars to improve health care quality and safety • to use practice information systems and databases to support and inform decision
making, improvement efforts, and the evaluation of health outcomes for individuals, families and populations
Program Description
The DNP degree is a practice-focused doctorate that prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills required for advanced independent practice at the highest levels within the profession and for influencing health care outcomes for individuals and populations. As defined by the AACN (2004), advanced practice includes all nursing interventions that influence health care outcomes, including the direct care of patients and management of care for individuals and populations. The USF College of Nursing DNP curriculum is stratified to meet the needs of post-baccalaureate and post-master’s students seeking a terminal practice degree in nursing.
DNP Post-Baccalaureate (BS-DNP) Requirements
The post-baccalaureate DNP curriculum builds on the baccalaureate level competencies required for professional nursing practice. It provides students who have previously earned a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing with the opportunity to acquire the competencies required for entry to advanced nursing practice while also completing the requirements for the DNP Degree. All students are required to complete the didactic, clinical, and practice experiences, including specific requirements associated with the DNP project and practicum necessary for achievement of the competencies associated with doctoral education for advanced nursing practice as delineated by the AACN (2006).
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The following BS-DNP concentrations are available.
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care • Family Health • Concurrent Occupational Health/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care • Concurrent Oncology/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care • Pediatric Health
The curriculum requirements and program plan for all BS-DNP concentrations are accessible online at http://health.usf.edu/nursing/academics/dnp/bs-to-dnp.html. Standardized full and part-time program plans are available for each of the post-baccalaureate concentrations. Each student is responsible for reviewing his/her progress with the doctoral academic advisor.
Nurse practitioner concentration students must meet the Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies as defined by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (2012) and the population-focused specific competencies established for their respective future area(s) of practice. All BS-DNP nurse practitioner concentrations lead to eligibility to sit for national certification in a population focused advanced nursing area of practice. The oncology and occupational health sub-specialties prepare to sit for their respective certification exams.
Oncology Concentration In order to qualify for admission consideration, applicants to the BS-DNP Oncology concentration should have 1 year of previous and/or current oncology-specific experience. It is highly recommended that students admitted to and enrolled in the program maintain on-going and current oncology specific experience throughout their enrollment in the program.
DNP Post-Master’s (MS-DNP) Requirements The post-master’s DNP curriculum builds on the master’s level competencies for advanced practice nurses. A minimum of 30 credits and one year of study are required, which must include 8 credits of practicum and 4 credits of project. Practicum credits may be fulfilled by direct patient care hours or other clinical experiences approved by the practicum director. An individualized program of study is developed for each student subsequent to his/her admission and orientation to the program.
Individualized programs of study are also available for nurse practitioners seeking preparation for certification in a new or second population-focused area of advanced practice. The individualized plans will reflect the student’s preparation in the new or second area of practice.
A list of the required Knowledge Building Core courses required for all MS-DNP students is available online at http://health.usf.edu/nursing/academics/dnp/ms-to-dnp.html
DNP Student Advising
The DNP Project and Practicum Coordinator serves as the faculty advisor for DNP students for matters relating to the DNP final project and the end of program practice immersion experience. The DNP Academic Services Administrator and the Student Services Doctoral Advisor typically provide students with guidance on issues relevant to coursework, progression, and related academic issues.
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DNP Project, Practicum and Portfolio
DNP Project
Purpose Doctoral education, whether practice or research focused, is distinguished by the completion of a scholarly project that demonstrates the student’s ability to integrate, synthesize, and apply the knowledge and skills gained as a result of doctoral educational experiences and attainment of end-of-program expected student learning outcomes. The DNP project provides a measurable medium, including specific tangible work products, for evaluating the DNP student’s ability to lead practice change and to improve patient and practice outcomes---which are the hallmarks of DNP education.
Project Guidance/Information All students should schedule an appointment to discuss their interests and initial ideas relative to the DNP project with the DNP Project Coordinator after their admission to the program and each semester prior to first semester registration in NGR 7974 (the DNP Project course). Contact information for the DNP Project Coordinator and additional information relevant to the project are accessible in the ORG1624 DNP Student Forum in Canvas by clicking on the “Modules” tab on the main navigation panel. All students will receive an invitation to participate in the Forum subsequent to admission to the program.
Additionally, students are strongly encouraged to attend the “Orientation to the DNP Project and Practicum” information sessions held at the end of each semester. Dates and times will be posted in the DNP Student Forum in Canvas “Announcements” section.
All students are required to participate in selected live and synchronous learning activities during the first semester of registration in NGR 7974 DNP Project. Live and/or synchronous class participation is not typically required during the second and any subsequent semesters of course registration.
DNP Project Team A DNP Project Team consists of a student or a group of students, a minimum of one College of Nursing faculty member prepared at the doctoral level, and a practice mentor working in the setting where the project will be implemented. The DNP Project Coordinator will assist students with the identification and selection of a DNP Project Faculty Supervisor. Once the Faculty Supervisor has been selected, he/she assumes primary responsibility for student advising and supervision of the DNP project. For group and/or team projects, individual student contributions to the project should be delineated and approved by the faculty supervisor. The Faculty Supervisor must confirm his/her willingness to serve in this capacity in writing by completing the DNP Project Faculty Supervisor agreement form. The student is responsible for securing the Faculty Supervisor’s signature and for retaining a copy of the agreement in the student’s DNP Portfolio. Copies of these forms are available in the DNP Student Forum in Canvas: https://usflearn.instructure.com/courses/982236
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General Requirements: The DNP project has been defined based on recommendations of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).
Projects must be consistent with the following requirements:
♦ Relate to advanced practice in the student’s concentration ♦ Benefit a group, population, or community ♦ Address an identified need, problem, or gap ♦ Include an integrative literature review that demonstrates the rationale or evidence base
for the proposed practice improvement ♦ Reflect a systematic approach ♦ Involve the use of methods and tools that are consistent with accepted standards ♦ Include defined and measurable outcomes ♦ Be conducted in accordance with ethical principles ♦ Include dissemination of the results to project stakeholders including College of Nursing
faculty and students
Types of Projects: AACN (2006) and NONPF (2007) have identified a number of types of projects that are appropriate. Selected examples are listed below.
♦ Translation of research to practice ♦ Quality improvement ♦ Implementation and evaluation of evidence based practice guidelines ♦ Development, implementation, evaluation, and/or revision of a policy to improve health
outcomes for patients and/or patient populations ♦ Financial and/or cost-benefit analyses to compare care model options and potential cost
savings ♦ Implementation and evaluation of a project involving the use of technology to enhance or
evaluate care ♦ Design and evaluation of new models of care and/or programs ♦ Collaboration with lay or professional coalitions to develop, implement, or evaluate
health programs
DNP Project Milestones: Students typically complete the requirements for the DNP Project during the final year of the program over a period of two or more semesters. While College of Nursing requirements allow students to complete the project over a minimum of two semesters, project completion over three or more semesters is typical and should be anticipated. Students will receive detailed information on relevant DNP Project procedures, processes, and requirements during the Orientation to the DNP Project and Practicum information sessions and during the first semester of registration in NGR 7974 (class).
All required forms, templates, and evaluation rubrics required for the project are accessible by clicking on the “Modules” tab on the main navigation panel in the DNP Student forum in Canvas: https://usflearn.instructure.com/courses/982236/modules
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DNP Practicum Goals/Objectives The USF College of Nursing DNP Program is designed to provide students with advanced practice preparation in a population-focused or specialized area of advanced nursing practice within the larger domain of nursing. End-of-program expected student learning outcomes include the ability to demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability for improving patient outcomes. DNP practicum experiences are structured to promote attainment of these competencies and to allow students to expand and assimilate knowledge for advanced practice at a high level of complexity.
Requirements/Procedures Practicum experiences are highly individualized and may include direct and/or indirect care. Indirect care activities that may be considered for approval include, but are not limited to, continuing education, self-directed or independent learning experiences, and DNP Project hours logged within the practice or community setting where the project is conducted. For BS-DNP students this is restricted to a maximum of 30 non-patient care hours per semester.
Professional practice standards established by national certification organizations and national clinical practice guidelines inform specification of the learning objectives for DNP practicum experiences. Each student establishes an individualized learning agreement, using a standardized practicum learning agreement template, at the beginning of each rotation, semester, or practicum period in collaboration with the DNP Practicum Coordinator and his/her selected clinical mentor(s). Copies of the template are accessible in the DNP Student forum in Canvas. The terms and conditions established through the learning agreement are the basis for evaluation of student performance by the instructor of record and the practice mentor at the end of each rotation and/or semester. Students are also required to submit a log of clinical hours/experiences and a self-evaluation and mentor evaluation at the end of each rotation and/or semester.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 480 practice hours and to work with one or more expert mentors during the practicum period in order to achieve the objectives delineated for each rotation or practicum experience. All forms and templates required for permitting, clinical placement, and fulfillment of practicum-associated requirements each semester are available through the DNP Student Forum in Canvas.
DNP Academic/Professional Portfolio Each DNP student is required to develop an academic/professional portfolio during the project and/or practicum periods. Detailed information on the required format and contents are accessible in the DNP Student Forum in Canvas by clicking on the “Modules” tab on the main navigation panel.
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Section 3 - Policies and Procedures All information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is superseded by the catalog for your intended term of entry.
Adherence to Degree/Program Plans Each concentration has specific full time and part-time program plans. Upon admission, students must contact the Graduate Academic Advisor for their specific program plan. The USF Graduate Catalog Section 21 College of Nursing states expectations for adhering to degree and program plans as stated in the section titled Adherence to Degree/Program Plans.
Residency Requirements and Time Limitation Twelve months of residency in Florida prior to enrollment are required to be considered a Florida resident and be eligible for in-state tuition. Beginning Fall 2011, doctoral degrees must be completed within seven (7) years from the student’s original date of admission for doctoral study. All courses applied to the doctoral degree must be completed within seven (7) years, including
1) Courses taken prior to admission to the USF doctoral program, 2) Courses taken as a non-degree seeking student 3) Courses transferred from other institutions
For students who are reinstated, see Office of Graduate Studies Reinstatement and Re-application for Admission Policies. Time Limit Extensions In the event that a student nears the end of the time limitation as specified above, but the student needs more time to complete the degree, the student may submit a request for an extension using the Time Limit Extension Request Form, available on the Office of Graduate Studies website at http://www.grad.usf.edu/student-forms.php.
Requests must include the following, prior to submission to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval:
• the reasons for the delay in completion • the anticipated time needed for completion • endorsements from the graduate faculty advisor, graduate program, and
College Dean or designee • a detailed plan of study and timeline for the remaining requirements for the
degree
If approved, the time limit extension also applies to courses applied toward the degree. However, programs may require additional or repeat coursework as part of the condition of the time limit extension. Students who exceed the time limitations may have their registration placed on hold until a request for extension has been approved. Only one time-limit extension request is permitted. Students who are temporarily unable to continue the program should submit a Leave of Absence Request, which extends the time limit for the duration of the approved Leave (see Leave of Absence in the Enrollment Requirements section for information.)
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Enrollment Requirements
Veterans Students receiving Veterans’ Administration benefits should confirm their enrollment requirements with the Office of Veterans’ Services or Veterans’ Coordinator.
Full-Time Student Minimum University Regulations
Please note that enrollment definitions used by the Office of Financial Aid vary from the definitions used by the Office of Graduate Studies.
Financial Aid: Full-time Student Definition: Enrollment statuses are the same for every semester: fall, spring, and summer.
Graduate (5000 - 7000 level courses)
Full-time: 9 or more graduate credit hours. 3/4 time: 7-8 graduate credit hours. 1/2 time: 5-6 graduate credit hours.
For more information on financial aid enrollment requirements, please visit the following website: http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/other/enrollment.aspx
Office of Graduate Studies: Full-time Student Definition:
Students taking a minimum of nine (9) hours toward their degree in the fall or spring semester, or taking a minimum of six (6) hours in the summer semester, will be classified as Full-Time students for academic purposes. Students may take a maximum of eighteen (18) hours in any given semester; exceeding eighteen (18) hours requires a signed program of study or written approval from the College.
Continuous Enrollment Requirement All graduate degree-seeking students must be continuously enrolled. Continuous enrollment is defined as completing, with grades assigned, a minimum of 6 hours of graduate credit every three continuous semesters. Individual colleges and programs may have additional requirements. Students on an approved leave of absence are not subject to the enrollment requirement for the time approved for the leave.
In addition to Minimum University Requirements, all College of Nursing graduate students are expected to be continuously enrolled in courses every semester. If a student plans to take any time off, a student must contact the Academic Advisor and submit a Leave of Absence Request form: http://www.grad.usf.edu/student-forms.php (Refer to Leave of Absent Request).
Readmission Following Non-enrollment
A graduate student who is not registered and enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credits in a 12-month period is automatically placed in non-degree seeking (i.e. inactive) status. Students must be readmitted to the degree program to continue their studies. Readmission is at the discretion of the program and is not guaranteed. Refer to the Readmission Policy in the Graduate Admissions Section of the Graduate Catalog for more information.
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Enrollment during Comprehensive Exams
BS-DNP students who have not previously earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing are required to fulfill College of Nursing comprehensive exam requirements. During the term in which students take the comprehensive exams, students must be enrolled for a minimum of two (2) hours of graduate credit. If the exam is taken between semesters, the student must enroll for a minimum of two (2) hours of graduate credit in the semester before or following the exam.
Enrollment during Semester of Graduation
Students must be enrolled for a minimum of two (2) graduate hours during the semester of graduation.
Enrollment for Graduate Teaching and Research Assistants
Graduate Teaching and Research Assistants should be full-time students. Exceptions must be approved by the College Dean and the Dean of the Office of Graduate Studies.
Leaves of Absence (LOA)
Please refer to the Leave of Absence paragraph in Section 5 of this document. To request an LOA, the student must complete the form available from the Office of Graduate Studies website: http://www.grad.usf.edu/student-forms.php . Masters (MS) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to Ph.D.
Students graduating from the MS or DNP Program and wishing to enter the Ph.D. program may apply for admission and have their transfer credits evaluated by the PhD Program. Transfer credit policies are listed in the USF Graduate Catalog.
BS-PhD: Minimum of 87 hours, 30 hours beyond the PhD curriculum. 18 of these hours must be in an identifiable able if emphasis.
MS-PhD: Minimum of 57 hours. MS-PhD students must complete all course work listed below.
Clinical Doctorate to PhD: Minimum of 45 hours. Clinical Doctorate to PhD students need not complete Advance Directed Research of Cognate requirements unless indicated otherwise by student Faculty Advisor and/or Doctoral Supervisory Committee.
Degree Requirements
Degree requirements are specified in the University of South Florida Graduate catalog. All general requirements as stated in that catalog apply to the MS and DNP Degrees. The catalog is online at http://www.grad.usf.edu/catalog.php .
The MS Degree program requires completion of the credit hours required by the concentration and includes core and specialty courses and clinical hour completion.
BS-DNP students may be eligible to earn the Master’s and the DNP Degrees concurrently upon successful completion of all program requirements. Accordingly, BS-DNP students who have not previously earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing at USF must meet all Master’s Program
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comprehensive exam requirements. Students who have previously earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing are not eligible to receive a second master’s degree upon program completion. BS-DNP students are not eligible to earn or receive the Master’s Degree until all Master’s Program and DNP Program requirements are met.
Specific program requirements for MS-DNP students are determined on an individual basis. Additional coursework will be required for students seeking eligibility and certification in a new or second area of practice. Additional course work may also be required depending on the practicum option selected.
Graduation Requirements The following requirements for the College of Nursing MS and DNP Program are consistent with the Office of Graduate Studies:
1. Both MS and DNP programs require completion of an approved course of study with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Successful completion of all University of South Florida Office of Graduate Studies requirements for a DNP Degree including practicum, project, time limitation, and recommendation for the degree as stated in the University of South Florida Graduate Catalog.
Application to Graduate/Graduation Requirements
To graduate, a student must apply for graduation via Oasis. This application must be submitted in the term of expected graduation by the deadline noted in the academic calendar. If a student applies for graduation and is not approved, a new application for degree must be submitted by the deadline in a new term. In order for the degree statement to appear on a student’s academic record, the student must file the aforementioned application whether or not participation in the commencement ceremony is desired.
To apply to graduate, students must login to OASIS using their Net ID and self-assigned password, then click on the Student menu and select Apply for Graduation. Information and directions how to apply are posted here: http://www.usf.edu/registrar/resources/graduation.aspx
Commencement Exercises
The full doctoral set for purchase includes the robe, hood, and tam. The set for rental includes the robe and hood. Tams must be purchased and cannot be rented due to health considerations. Mortarboards are permitted, but are not recommended. Please note: DNP students should order and wear a hood with the apricot colored velvet band. This color is unique/specific to the DNP Degree. For more information on academic regalia and commencement please refer to the following web site http://www.usf.edu/system/commencement/
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Section 4 - Clinical, Lab and Service Learning Policies
Fitness to Practice
Students in the graduate program attend various clinical experiences throughout their program of study. Each student must meet minimum criteria for fitness to practice. These criteria include, but are not limited to, physical ability and stamina, mental preparedness and clarity of thought, absence of distractions, and absence of the influence of substances of impairment. In addition to being fit to practice, students must meet all health and compliance related requirements as outlined in this document in Section IV. Health Related and Student Compliance Policies.
Clinical and Lab Attendance and Decorum
1. Clinical experiences are the foundation to successful completion of the graduate program in nursing. Experiences required in this program are designed to assist students in acquiring the competencies needed for a beginning professional advance practice nurse and/or nurse educator. These experiences are offered in many health care institutions. All clinical requirements must be completed successfully to graduate from the program.
2. During clinical experiences in affiliating agencies, both students and faculty adhere to agency policies and procedures and to the provisions of the agreement between the University and the agency. Whenever students leave an area or return to an area for any reason (i.e. lunch break, use of library, etc.), they must report to the appropriate persons.
3. Clinical expectations and policies apply to students while in lab or in simulation experiences. These policies include, but are not limited to, attendance and tardy policy, dress code policy, impaired student policy and general standards of professionalism.
Dress and Grooming Code
Students should be professionally dressed at all times with the USF identification visible.
♦ Professional dress is modest, neat and clean. ♦ Must wear College of Nursing Lab Coat-must be pressed, clean and neat ♦ Must wear USF ID clearly visible ♦ Some organizations may require specific identification badges along with USF ID. ♦ Hose (socks for men) should be worn in the clinical setting ♦ Open toe and/or open heel shoes are prohibited. Includes sandals and clogs. ♦ Sneakers are prohibited ♦ Scrubs may be permitted for Acute Care Program students only. For other students,
scrubs are ONLY permitted with written permission from preceptor. ♦ Slacks or scrubs (if permitted) must be full length. ♦ Shorts, t-shirts, carpi pants, short skirts or dresses, revealing garments are prohibited.
Grooming
♦ Tattoos must be covered ♦ Hair must be neatly groomed and above the collar.
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♦ Long hair must be tied and clipped back with a clip or band. ♦ No bows, flowers, large ornamental clips, ties, hats, caps, sunglasses, etc. are allowed. ♦ Hair of an unnatural shade is not allowed. ♦ Facial hair on men must be neat and trimmed. ♦ Nails must be clean and short, and polish may be worn only if clear or flesh tone. ♦ No artificial nails of any kind, including gel nails, are allowed in clinical, in simulation, or
in lab experiences. ♦ No cologne or perfume may be worn and strong scents (such as cigarette smoke) are to
be avoided
Jewelry
♦ Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. ♦ One pair of earrings only (1 earring per ear) ♦ Additional visible piercings are not allowed including, but not limited to, tongue piercings,
facial or nose piercing ♦ Only wedding or engagement rings are allowed.
**Please note, facility dress codes may include additional requirements and students must adhere to facility requirements. **
Cell Phone Use Cell phone use is not permitted in any patient care area. Students may use their cell phones to communicate with their preceptor or clinical faculty only, and students must be outside of the patient care area. Cell phone use policy extends to any other smart device (i.e., Apple Watch). Taking photographs or videos is strictly prohibited at any time in the patient care area.
Photo Identification Badge USF photo identification badge is to be worn by students who are in clinical agencies in the role of student. Photo ID badges are obtained at the Student Services Building, SVC 1032.
Social Media Policy 1. Students must not transmit or place online individually identifiable patient information;
this includes photographs of any kind. 2. Students must observe ethically prescribed professional patient-nurse boundaries. 3. Students should understand that patients, colleagues, institutions, and employers may
view postings. 4. Students should take advantage of privacy settings and should seek to separate
personal and professional information online. 5. Students should bring content that could harm a patient’s privacy, rights, or welfare to
the attention of appropriate authorities. 6. Standards of professionalism are the same online as in any other circumstance. This
includes postings regarding the University, the College of Nursing, faculty, staff, and peers.
7. Do not share or post information or photos gained through the nurse-patient relationship.
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8. Maintain professional boundaries in the use of electronic media. Online contact with patients blurs this boundary.
9. Do not make disparaging remarks about patients, employers, or co-workers, even if they are not identified.
10. Do not take photos or videos of patients or any clinical setting on personal devices, including cell phones.
11. Promptly report a breach of confidentiality or privacy.
Social Networking Policy
USF Social Media Sites guidelines (http://regulationspolicies.usf.edu/policies-and-procedures/pdfs/policy-0-206.pdf) adhere to the USF Systems Digital Communications Policy within the Communication and Marketing Department.
Consequences for Violation of any of the above Policies or standards: Violations of any Policy or standard may be reviewed on an individual basis by the Concentration Director and Associate Dean of Graduate Nursing and may result in a grade penalty, course failure or dismissal from program. This applies to all policies identified in section III (Clinical, Lab and Service Learning Policies to include Fitness to Practice) of the College of Nursing Graduate Handbook.
Clinical Placement Guidelines
Nurse Practitioner Concentrations Clinical placements for Nurse Practitioner students are determined and made in a collaborative fashion by the faculty with coordination and support from the Clinical Site Coordinator. Placements are made throughout Florida with the main consideration being for the most appropriate practicum experience based on the AACN essentials and NONPF competencies, review of the student’s clinical placement application, and contingent upon available clinical sites and preceptors. Specific preceptors, locations and distances from a students’ home cannot be guaranteed. Timelines are provided at the start of each semester.
The general process and procedure are as follows:
♦ Clinical Course Canvas (CCC) is the electronic platform utilized in the placement process. Students are added to the CCC in the semester preceding their first clinical semester.
♦ Students complete a clinical placement application in an assignment in the Clinical Course Canvas in the semester prior to the one in which they need placement.
♦ Once the clinical assignment has been approved by faculty the preceptor is notified regarding the assigned student.
♦ The student is subsequently notified about their placement including contact information, as well as orientation and onboarding needs unique to the assigned site.
♦ Students are responsible for maintaining their Florida RN License, required Basic Life Support credentials, immunization and other USF and College of Nursing requirements in advance of clinical placement. Clinical sites may have additional on-boarding
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requirements that will be the responsibility of the student to comply with before beginning the clinical experience. Students must purchase the immunization tracker annually for notification of missing or expired immunizations. If compliance is not maintained, students will be subject to the Graduate School and USF College of Nursing progression policies.
♦ It is each student’s responsibility to coordinate all external activities, including work schedules, social events and family needs, well in advance of the semester to meet the needs of the clinical site and preceptor availability.
♦ The student is expected to accommodate the preceptor’s availability, with the exception of scheduled class time at the College of Nursing.
♦ A perceived placement conflict may be addressed by the student by completing a Petition for Change of Clinical Placement and sending it for faculty review. This is a review process; it is not meant to imply that a change will be made in the assigned placement.
♦ Early in the semester students are notified of their assigned clinical faculty. This faculty is the student’s primary contact regarding their clinical portion of the course. Prior to the start of the semester, the primary contact will be the course faculty assigned to the section in which you are registered.
♦ Any questions or concerns should be directed to the assigned clinical faculty. ♦ The student must respond by the indicated time to all clinical faculty requests for
schedules, confirmations, and documentation requests. ♦ The clinical faculty will evaluate the student and discuss the clinical progress of the
student with the preceptor. ♦ The clinical faculty establishes a remediation plan for any students with difficulties. ♦ The clinical faculty and course faculty communicate regarding students’ progress. ♦ The clinical faculty determines the clinical grade for each student and reports this status
to the course faculty. ♦ While in the clinical setting for the course, students are expected to follow information
provided by the clinical faculty, course faculty and concentration directors. ♦ Students are expected to be professional in appearance (including a USF College of
Nursing lab coat), manner, and actions, be on-time, and be prepared. ♦ Students will create a HIPPA-compliant clinical log for each clinical patient encounter
utilizing the currently designated electronic system. The information will include demographics and patient encounter activities and other information as requested.
♦ Non-adherence to procedures, policies, faculty requests, timelines, or course syllabi may result in either a “U” grade for the semester, disallowance of clinical hours, or other penalties in alignment with USF Graduate School policies.
Oncology Clinical Placement Process and Procedure Students specializing in oncology are receiving specialized education in both adult-gerontology primary care and in oncology. During their adult-gerontology clinical and courses they will adhere to all rules and guidelines for clinical placement required by the adult-gerontology program. Clinical placements for the DNP residency for all adult-gerontology/oncology nurse practitioner students will be in a variety of oncology specific settings and are made in a collaborative fashion utilizing the clinical site coordinator, with final decisions for placement made by the concentration director. Placements may be
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made throughout Florida with the first consideration being for the most appropriate practicum experience. Student preferences will be taken into account but clinical assignments will be primarily based upon the student’s clinical needs (as determined by the concentration director and faculty) and preceptor availability. Students should not attempt to recruit potential preceptors. Further, they should not try to contact a preceptor until the assignments are finalized and the students have been instructed to contact preceptors about setting up schedules. It is expected that the student be able to adjust his/her schedule to meet the assigned clinical placement availability.
The process and procedure are as follows:
♦ Students are to meet with the concentration director the semester before entering practicums to discuss their site or preceptor preferences.
♦ Once the clinical assignments have been made, the preceptor and student are both notified and the student will receive the preceptor’s contact information via USF email.
♦ It is each student‘s responsibility to coordinate his or her external activities, including work schedules and family needs, well in advance of the semester to meet the needs of the clinical site and preceptor availability.
♦ The students are expected to comply with clinical faculty requests for patient documentation samples and timely record keeping of the clinical experience as instructed.
♦ The concentration director in collaboration with the preceptor establishes a remediation plan for the student with difficulties.
♦ While in the clinical setting, students are expected to follow information provided by the preceptor, course faculty and concentration directors.
♦ Adherence to procedures, policies, faculty requests, timelines or remediation plans is required.
Nursing Education Concentration Practicum Placements
♦ In the semester prior to practicum a questionnaire is sent to all students based on their program plan.
♦ A list of approved sites is available for academic and nursing professional development placements.
♦ Students will identify their first three desired choices of facilities on the questionnaire and return it to the Nursing Education Concentration Director.
♦ Following receipt of the questionnaire, the Director or Designee will initiate contact with the facility. The facility determines if they can accommodate a student and they will identify the preceptor.
♦ Contact information will then be provided to the student
Guidelines for Student Recruitment of Preceptors
If nurse practitioner students in a master’s clinical course know a professional colleague or community contact who may be willing to precept, they may contact the Clinical Site Coordinator. Preceptors may be MDs, DOs, PAs or NPs. Students are asked to forward the name of any prospective preceptor to the Clinical Site Coordinator including contact information,
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location, and type of practice. The clinical team will then evaluate the recommendation and contact the provider.
Students are not to contact healthcare providers that they do not know, nor should they call offices to solicit preceptors (e.g. “cold-calling”). Students will not be placed with relatives or other individuals with whom the student has a relationship which could potentially impact the student’s clinical learning experience and/or evaluation. Such decisions are solely at the discretion of the College of Nursing.
Approval of placements is dependent upon a finalized active legal affiliation agreement and approval of the Concentration Director. In some cases, finalizing legal agreements can take a significant amount of time.
Some of USF College of Nursing’s community partners have requested that only the USF College of Nursing Clinical Site Coordinator(s) contact their providers via the site’s designated gatekeeper. DO NOT contact providers at these facilities. An updated list of these organizations is available in the Clinical Courses Canvas (CCC) each semester.
Direct contact of providers on the “Do Not Call” list by students may jeopardize the provider’s working relationship with USF and, accordingly, will result in disqualification of the student for that placement. If unsure, students are encouraged to contact the Clinical Site Coordinator for guidance.
Section 5 - General Academic Policies and Procedures
All policies are hyperlinked to the latest University webpage which houses the policy.
Academic Integrity of Students Student Responsibility and Conduct Disruption of Academic Process Academic Grievance Procedure for Students Academic Standards and Grades Enrollment Requirements Leave of Absence Policy Withdrawal Policy Students with Disabilities Policy Religious Observances Policy Human Research Conduct Policy
Progression Policy
1. Master’s students must earn the grade of ‘B’ or higher in each required course in their respective nursing program. An unsatisfactory (‘U’) or any grade below a ‘B’ is not acceptable.
2. Master’s students must also maintain an overall grade point average of 3.00 in order to be considered in academic "good standing". Students also must meet any special conditions of their admissions. No grade below ‘C’ will be accepted toward a graduate degree. All grades will be counted in computing the overall grade point average. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.00 at the completion of their respective program, or they will not be awarded a degree from the University of South Florida.
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3. If a student earns a grade below a ‘B’ or receives a ‘U’ in a required course, she/he must repeat the course. The course must be taken in the next semester that it is offered and the student must earn a ‘B’ or higher. Any student, who earns below a ‘B’ (or ‘U’) in two or more required courses or earns below a ‘B’ (or ‘U’) in a required course twice, will be dismissed from the college. The Dean of the College of Nursing, (or designee) will notify students who are dismissed, in writing. Students may petition for re‐admission pending approval of their respective Director of their concentration.
Clinical Performance Patient safety and welfare are the most critical criteria of the clinical rotation. If at any time during the clinical rotation the student places the patient in an actual or potentially hazardous or unsafe situation or the faculty judges the student to be deficient in clinical competence for patient care responsibility, the student will fail the course regardless of previous clinical performance. Students who receive an unsatisfactory grade for their clinical performance may be dismissed from the program, regardless of academic standing in other classes. (Enacted Fall 2004)
Change of Graduate Degree - University Level Students who wish to change from their current degree program to another one at the same level must obtain a Graduate Change of Program Application from the Office of the Graduate Studies or their college advising office. Please review USF-Change of Graduate Concertation Form with Academic Advisor
Change of Concentration
If you would like to change your concentration at any point in your program of study, there is a process that requires you to obtain signatures from your current Concentration Director to drop, and your desired Concentration Director to accept. The decision is made by the accepting Concentration Director depending upon space availability, interview, and evaluation of progress that meets admission criteria. Please refer to the Change of Graduate Major section of the Graduate Catalog for the requirements and applications.
Guiding Principles used:
a. USF College of Nursing students have the right to request a change of concentration. b. Requests for individual student changes of concentration will be evaluated according to
the standards for the concentration, with consideration of congruence of the change request with stated career and concentration goals.
c. In order to request a change of concentration, students need to be in good academic and clinical standing.
d. There must be allowable capacity in the new concentration in order to process changes.
Process
• Prepare a short written statement explaining the reason(s) for the request (treat this as an admissions essay; doesn’t have to be long, a page is usually plenty)
• Print your unofficial transcript (you can do so in OASIS). • Fill out the Change of Concentration Form • Schedule a meeting with your current concentration director to discuss your decision to
request the change. Bring your statement, transcript, and the completed form with you.
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• Schedule a meeting with the receiving (new) concentration director. You will bring your statement, transcript, and the form signed by your current concentration director with you. If the receiving concentration director approves your request, she will sign the form.
• Once you have met with the faculty and have their approvals, please drop off your paperwork in the Student Affairs Office, MDA 1002, located in the WELL, adjacent to the College of Nursing.
Students Scheduled for On-campus Class during Weather/Emergency Situations
Existing or Evolving Emergency Situations The University may cancel live classes and close USF campuses during existing or evolving severe weather conditions or other emergencies. In these instances, graduate program faculty may provide an alternate web-based learning assignment or may re-schedule a make-up class for an alternate date and time. Students are responsible for monitoring email and telephone communications for updates and further instructions during emergency conditions.
1. Official notifications distributed through the main USF Health website: http://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/ Click on the “USF Health Weather Watch” icon.
2. Official notifications are also distributed through the main USF web site: http://www.usf.edu/ 3. The fastest way to get emergency information is by subscribing to MoBull on a cell phone.
To register for MoBull, visit http://usfweb2.usf.edu/mobullplus/ . Additional information can be found at the USF Emergency Preparedness website
USF Campus Directory/Parking
Parking permits are required 24/7/365 for parking on campus. USF campus parking permits can be purchased online at http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/parking/ or in person at the main office of Tampa Campus Parking Services. Hourly parking is also available in selected lots. The office is located at the intersection of Holly Drive and USF Plum Drive. Payment may be made with VISA or MasterCard only. USF Campus Directory is a useful tool to locate parking, buildings and general information of the campus.
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Section 6 - Health Related and Student Compliance Policies
USF Student Health Requirements All students new to USF are required to submit a signed copy of the official Mandatory Immunization History Form and submit immunization documentation. A hold will be placed on the student’s account, and the student will not be able to register for classes until the Medical History Form is submitted.
Sending in forms online or fax: (813) 974-5888.
University Immunization Requirements
Health Insurance for International Students and Research Scholars
Background Check Requirements
All student applicants to the University of South Florida are expected to report prior conduct violations on the USF admission application. Failure to do so may result in a rescinded offer of admission or dismissal from USF. All students applying to the College of Nursing must submit to the background screening at the time of offer of admission.
Any history of a Misdemeanor or Felony Charge may make students ineligible for the College of Nursing even if the charges were dropped. Additional documentation may be required.
An un-clear background check during the admission process:
1. The student’s background check will be reviewed by the appropriate personnel within the College of Nursing to determine whether to admit or to decline admittance.
2. The Associate Director of Student Affairs or the College of Nursing Compliance Officer will notify in writing students whose background check are flagged of the potential implications for clinical placement and future as a student in the College of Nursing.
3. Students are responsible, if they choose so, for petitioning a meeting with the Associate Director and Associate Dean to plead their case for admittance into the College of Nursing. Students must provide all documentation to explain reasons for consideration for acceptance into the program.
Background Check Pre- and Post-Admission Students admitted to the USF College of Nursing programs must have a Cleared Criminal History to document that a student’s background will not prevent placement in a clinical setting and/or present difficulty in obtaining a License as Professional Registered Nurse. This status must be maintained throughout the student’s participation in the Nursing program. USF College of Nursing reserves the right to require a repeat screening of any student for criminal history and drug use. Such screening will be at the student’s expense and conducted by the agency of choice of the College of Nursing. Any and all requests must be completed within the time frame allotted by the College of Nursing. The student will not be allowed to return to clinical placement and subsequently classroom instruction until results of the background and/or drug screen are completed and cleared.
Drug Testing and Criminal Background Check Drug testing is required upon admission to the University of South Florida College of Nursing. Students must complete the drug screening through the Castle Branch Profile. Additional drug testing may be required by the clinical placement facility and/or random drug test as required by the College. The screening will be at the student’s expense and conducted by the agency of
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choice of the College of Nursing. All requests must be completed within the time frame allotted by the College of Nursing. The student will not be allowed to return to classroom instruction, a clinical, simulation or laboratory experiences, until results of the drug screen have been completed and cleared.
Reasonable Suspicion for Requested Drug Test by the College of Nursing:
1. Observable phenomena such as direct observation of drug use and/or physical manifestations of being under the influence of a drug
2. Erratic behavior, slurred speech, staggered gait, flushed face, dilated/pinpoint pupils, wide mood swings, or deterioration of work/academic performance
3. Information that a student has caused or contributed to an accident that resulted injury requiring treatment by a licensed health care professional
Background Check Procedures for Active Students 1. Students will notify the College of Nursing Associate Director of Student Affairs or the
College of Nursing Compliance Officer in writing of any changes in their conduct records including arrests, convictions, changes to RN license status, or other activities that impact the background investigation or the ability to practice that occur at any time during their program of study.
2. Students with flagged, positive background checks may need to be cleared for clinical placement through the University legal counsel.
3. It is the obligation of the student to reveal a positive background check to each clinical agency assigned. Results of positive background checks are to be shown to the clinical preceptor at the assigned agency. The agency should not retain a copy of the student background check.
4. Students with a positive background check may need to have their clinical placement adjusted in accordance with the policies of the institution.
5. No student will be placed in a clinical site until the College of Nursing has confirmation that a background check has been resolved.
6. If no institution or agency is willing to accept the student based upon a positive background check, the student may not be able to fulfill the program or course/clinical requirements which will place the student in violation of the of the College of Nursing progression policy. Accordingly, the College of Nursing reserves the right to dismiss the student.
7. A student’s background is entirely the student’s responsibility. If for any reason the College of Nursing does not dismiss the student, the College of Nursing does not make any representation that the student will be permitted to sit for licensure or be licensed in any state.
8. Clinical sites may require the background checks to be updated every 12 months (may apply to Level 1 and/or Level 2).
Policy on Tobacco Use USF is a smoke free and tobacco free campus. Please refer to the University policy on Tobacco Use.
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Infectious Disease Risk and Immunization
USF Student Guidelines for Exposures to Infectious Diseases USF Health and the affiliated clinical sites will provide students with access to their employee health services if exposures to infectious diseases occur.
To minimize exposure risks, the following principles are to be followed:
1. Practice standard (universal) precautions
2. Consider all patients as potentially infectious.
USF’s Health Administration/Infectious Disease Center has developed protocols which summarize the steps to follow if students are exposed to an infectious disease. While each clinical site has its own specific procedures, protocols are outlined below as a reference for students.
1. Tuberculosis – Airborne/AFB Isolation
A. Exposure is defined as an airborne contact with a person who has a sputum smear positive for acid fast bacilli (AFB) and/or a positive sputum culture for mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB).
B. Students will confirm exposure with their instructors or supervisors and will fill out an incident report.
C. Students will report to the clinical site’s Employee Health or USF Health Administration for an evaluation if they think they have had an exposure to tuberculosis.
D. Students will be given a baseline PPD if they have not had a TB skin test within the past three months or a chest x-ray if they have a history of a positive PPD.
E. Students will be given a second PPD or chest x-ray twelve weeks after the tuberculosis exposure to determine if they acquired a tuberculosis infection due to this exposure. There will be no charge for the tuberculin skin tests or chest x-rays.
F. If students’ post-exposure PPD or chest x-ray is positive, they will be advised to report to their personal healthcare provider, Health, or the Hillsborough County TB Clinic for an evaluation and prophylaxis therapy.
2. Meningococcal Meningitis – Airborne/Droplet Isolation
A. Exposure is defined as an intensive, direct contact, such as pulmonary resuscitation (mouth to mouth); and/or prolonged, direct care for four or more hours within an enclosed area.
B. Students will confirm exposure with their instructors or supervisors and will fill out an incident report.
C. Students will report to the clinical site’s Employee Health or USF Health Administration for an evaluation of the exposure as soon as possible (preferably within 48 hours).
D. If appropriate, students will be prescribed prophylactic therapy (Rifampin 600mg bid for two days).
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3. Chicken Pox (Varicella) – Airborne/Contact/Childhood Isolation
A. Exposure is defined as close contact with a person who is incubating or has varicella lesions that are not dried up and crusted over.
B. Persons with a negative history of chicken pox or a negative varicella titer who are exposed to chicken pox or shingles must report to Employee Health/USF Health administration for evaluation.
C. A varicella (chicken pox) titer will be drawn on the exposed person. Persons with a negative varicella titer will not be allowed in patient contact areas from day 10 through day 21 post-exposure.
D. The varicella vaccine will be offered to persons with a negative varicella titer.
4. Other Infectious Diseases
Students concerned about exposures to other infectious diseases (i.e. pertussis, measles, rubella, and viruses) should call USF Health Administration at (813) 974-3163 or (813) 974-5171.
5. Blood borne Pathogens – Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and HIV- Blood/Body Fluid Precautions A. A significant exposure to HBV/HCV/HIV is defined as:
1. A parenteral (needle stick/sharp) exposure to blood, tissues, or infectious body fluids; 2. Mucous membrane (eyes, nose, mouth) exposure to blood, tissues, or infectious body
fluids; 3. Non-intact skin (chapped, abraded, weeping, dermatitis, open lesions) exposure to
blood, tissues, or infectious body fluids.
B. Body fluids identified as infectious for HBV/HCV/HIV are: 1. Blood/blood products 2. Semen/vaginal secretions 3. Amniotic fluid 4. Cerebrospinal fluid 5. Pleural fluid 6. Peritoneal fluid 7. Pericardial fluid 8. Synovial fluid 9. Concentrated virus 10. Anybody fluid visibly contaminated with blood
C. Body fluids not considered infectious for HBV/HCV/HIV unless contaminated with blood are:
1. Feces/urine 2. Tears/sweat 3. Nasal secretions/sputum 4. Vomitus 5. Saliva (except in settings where the likelihood of blood contamination is high)
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D. After an exposure to blood or infectious body fluids, students should:
1. Perform immediate physical removal of the blood/body fluid; 2. Report the exposure to their instructor/supervisor immediately; 3. Initiate an incident report; 4. Report to the clinical site’s Employee Health or USF Health Administration within two hours of the exposure; 5. Bring the following information on the source patient, if available: name, medical record number, patient ID number, and room number; 6. If you are uncertain where to report if Employee Health or USF Health Administration is closed, call the Infectious Disease Fellow on call for guidance at (813) 974-2201.
E. Employee Health will evaluate the student as follows:
1. Provide first aid treatment as necessary; 2. Investigate the source, patient, and order HIV and hepatitis tests as necessary; 3. Draw baseline HIV, HCV, and HBsAB on the student. Follow-up tests at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months will be offered; 4. Code names will be used for laboratory testing; 5. Students requiring prophylaxis for the exposure will receive it at no cost.
Resource persons available to assist you:
• The Infectious Disease Division Office at Tampa General Hospital at (813) 844-4174 • Health Admin. Office USF Medical School, RM 4146 at (813) 974-3163 or (813) 974-
5171 • Infectious Control/Employee Health Practitioners at affiliated hospitals (Refer to orange
exposure cards for specific practitioners).
Healthcare Worker Exposures to Blood borne Pathogens
1. Risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens (BBP) is determined by: A. Type of BBP:
1. Hepatitis B – 1:4 chance (assuming the source of the exposure is HBsAg positive, especially HBeAg positive, and the healthcare worker is HBsAb negative) 2. Hepatitis C – 1:30 to 1:1000 chance 3. HIV – 1:300 chance a. 194 HIV seroconversions in healthcare workers reported to the CDC b. 57 = definite occupationally acquired; 139 = possibly occupationally acquired
B. Route of exposure: 1. Needle size – larger gauge more risky than smaller gauge 2. Needle type – hollow bore more risky than solid suture needle 3. Needle with syringe of fluid – riskier than needle alone 4. Deep puncture with fluid injection > deep puncture without fluid > superficial puncture > superficial scratch with bleeding > mucous membrane exposure > non-intact skin exposure > aerosol of blood a. Large volumes or prolonged contact with blood is associated with mucous membrane and non-intact skin exposure. b. Aerosolizing of blood has not been associated with the acquisition of any BBP.
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C. Type of body fluid: 1. Blood is the riskiest fluid. 2. Bloody body fluids are riskier than body fluids without blood.
D. Staging of HIV infected source patient: 1. Amount of circulating virus is highest when source patient has advanced AIDS and/or is
experiencing acute antiretroviral syndrome. 2. Almost all seroconversions have occurred when source was symptomatic or had AIDS.
E. Use of personal protective equipment: 1. Double gloving is more protective than single gloving. 2. Gloves may decrease exposure volume by 50%.
G. Institution of immediate First Aid treatment: 1. Physical removal of blood/bloody body fluid from exposed site by squeezing, scrubbing,
irrigation, flushing 2. Bleach (1:10 dilution) only agent that kills Hepatitis B in the environment 3. Bleach, chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine – all equally effective in killing HIV in the
environment
2. Risk of exposure to BBP can be reduced by:
A. Use of personal protective equipment 1. Wear gloves to decrease inoculums from sharps injury 2. Wear gowns, face shields, and gloves to decrease extent of mucous membrane or skin exposure
B. Elimination of risky practices 1. Do not recap needles. 2. Do not overfill sharps containers. 3. Do not attempt invasive skills without training and/or supervision. 4. Consider all patients as potentially infectious – practice Standard (Universal) Precautions.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) The College of Nursing adheres to the USF AIDS policy. Public awareness has been raised in regard to the developing national epidemic of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a disease in which HIV destroys the immune system allowing opportunistic organisms to infect the body with fatal consequences. There is no immunization for HIV at this time, but the chance of transmission can be greatly reduced by education, careful practice, and standard precautions. Students in the College of Nursing will receive educational instruction related to the prevention of HIV transmission through knowledge and practice of Universal Precautions. The Health Sciences Center's policy and guidelines (August 1993) addressing HIV testing, HIV post-exposure reports and procedures, and HIV positive students, faculty and staff are available from the Medical Health Administration, at (813) 974-3163.
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Procedure for Management of Post-Exposure to HIV
Procedure Responsible Individuals
1. Immediate first aid procedures are to be followed after possible exposure according to the individual clinical setting.
Student and Clinical Instructor
2. A student, employee, or faculty member has the ethical duty to report to the faculty member in charge or designated college official of any incident that exposes him/herself or a patient to the risk of transmission of a blood borne disease.
Student immediately reports exposure to faculty instructor or Infectious Disease Department so post-exposure prophylaxis can be initiated within 1-2 hours if appropriate. Refer to Blood borne Pathogens Exposure (BBP) to Hepatitis B, C, HIV, HIV-2, HTLV-I, HTLV-II, HTLV-III. (“Orange laminated card”)
3. A University of South Florida Notice of Injury Form must be completed within 48 hours of knowledge of the exposure and must be completed according to the agency policy.
Student and Clinical Instructor
4. Three copies of the Notice of Injury Form will be made available to the exposed student, Associate Dean, and the Health Science Consultant.
Faculty/Associate Dean
5. The Associate Dean will be notified on the day of the exposure occurrence. If unavailable, the Dean or Dean's designee will be notified.
Clinical Instructor
Impairment Policy The College of Nursing faculty has a professional and ethical responsibility to patients who receive nursing care from students to provide a safe environment. The faculty defines impairment in accord with the Board of Nursing Regulations Chapter 464.018.
"Being unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness or use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, or chemicals or any other type of material or as a result of any mental or physical condition."
When impairment is the result of a suspected or known substance abuse, the faculty shall refer the involved student to the Dean or Dean's designee. The Dean or Dean's designee shall refer the student to the Florida Intervention Project for Nurses (FIPN) for assessment and evaluation as described in the Board of Nursing Regulations Chapter 464.0185. The student will also be assessed and evaluated by the College’s administration. If the student is allowed to continue in the program, staying in the program will be dependent upon the student remaining free of all mood-altering, controlled, or addictive substances. The student must also complete any recommended treatment and be physically and mentally able to meet the objectives of the program by providing safe, competent nursing care.
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Section 7 Student Resources
Computer Resources/Accounts Although the University makes some computer resources available, you may wish to buy a computer for your personal use. For more information on computer purchase, go to the following Web site: http://www.hsc.usf.edu/is and click on “HSC Computing Standards” under Standards and Policies.
New students will receive an e-mail account at the College of Nursing Orientation. If you do not have a USF Health e-mail account, please contact USF Health IT at @ 813-974-6288 or email [email protected]
Other Topics
Learn About Campus Technology Resources Create your Health Account Instructions for Creating Your Health Account USF Health Required Online Training Learn about wireless and wired network options Configure your mobile device for email/calendar College of Nursing Quick Introduction to Canvas
Technical and Online Support Information and Learning systems guides and resources are available in our support site: https://documents.health.usf.edu/display/CON/Technical+and+Online+Support
USF Health IS: (813) 974-6288/ [email protected]
USF IT Support: (813) 974-1222/ [email protected]
Full service is available 7:30 AM-5:00PM; Monday through Friday.
Computer lab The College of Nursing Computer Laboratory is located on the second floor in MDN 2008 and provides free Internet access and various software applications. This computer lab is open only to College of Nursing students and requires an USF Health account for access.
During semester course dates the Computer Lab hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Computer lab may be closed during semester breaks to accomplish system maintenance.
Libraries Tampa Campus Library. The USF Tampa Library, located on the main campus. serves as the main research center for the University of South Florida. Students and faculty also have access to specialized research assistance and information literacy instruction from USF librarians. Assistance is available from research and reference librarians either by appointment, on-line via our website, by phone, or in a classroom setting. University of South Florida Library
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Writing Studio The Writing Studio at the University of South Florida Location: First Floor Library Learning Commons LIB125 (located behind the Reference desk in Main USF Library) Phone: 813-974-8293 Writing Studio during office hours. https://www.lib.usf.edu/writing/
Hinks and Elaine Shimberg Health Sciences Library supports the instructional and research activities of the Colleges of Nursing, Medicine, Public Health, and the schools of Physical Therapy and Pharmacy. E-Books are available in addition to a print collection. The Library supports an extensive interlibrary loan program that gives researchers borrowing privileges from any branch of the State University system, as well cooperative organizations. Shimberg Health Sciences Library
Florida Mental Health Institute Research Library. The FMHI Research Library has been an established resource for information on mental health research, policy, and treatment for over 35 years. Its core monographic, serial and archival collection on managed behavioral health, health care reform, outcomes and accountability, behavioral health services research and public health policy is unique within the state university system. FMHI Research Library
Student Organizations Sigma Theta Tau International
The mission of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to support the learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. Many USF faculty, graduates, and current students are members of Sigma Theta Tau. USF is part of the local Delta Beta-at-Large Chapter with the University of Tampa
Delta Beta At-Large Chapter
Society of Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Students at USF
The purpose of the A.C.S.@USF student organization is to increase the visibility of the acute care nurse practitioner program at USF and to enhance the ongoing educational and clinical experiences of graduate nurse practitioner students.
Doctoral Nursing Student Organization
The Doctoral Nursing Student Organization (DNSO) provides opportunities for interaction among faculty and students and a venue for exchange of scholarly information and ideas. By providing opportunities for leadership and acquisition of knowledge about doctoral studies, members of the DNSO may gain the self-confidence to succeed in their doctoral studies, develop working relationships among their peers, and advance their leadership skills.
International Health Service Collaborative
The International Health Service Collaborative is an interdisciplinary organization that includes students from the Colleges of Nursing, Medicine, and Public Health. The mission of the organization states that the International Health Service Collaborative is a group of USF Health students, faculty, and professionals focused on:
a. Promoting sustainable health projects in underserved communities within the U.S. and developing nations
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b. Creating a forum for interdisciplinary interaction within USF Health and throughout USF, which will result in more well-rounded health professionals
More information: International Health Service Collaborative
USF Health Service Corps
The USF Health Service Corps is a USF Health-wide, interdisciplinary student group that enables USF Health students in Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, and Physical Therapy to participate in health-related community service activities together. The USF Health Service Corps is sponsored by the USF Area Health Education Center and has its own Coordinator who assists the USF Health students in planning, in implementing, and in evaluating service activities
More information: http://health.usf.edu/nursing/current-students/studentgovt
