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170 N. Stephanie Street Henderson, NV 89074

702-567-1920

Nursing Student Handbook

Updated 11/8/2017

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TABLEOFCONTENTS

SECTIONI:INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….….7

CourseSequenceWelcomeOverviewofNursingProgramANACodeofEthicsforNursesNevadaAdministrativeCodeandBoardofNursingScopeofPracticeSECTIONII:MISSIONANDPHILOSOPHY…………………………………………………………………………………….…………11MissionandValuesPhilosophyandPurposeTeaching-LearningProcessConceptualFrameworkOrganizingFrameworkStudentLearningOutcomesSECTIONIII:ADMISSIONPOLICIES……………………………………………………………………………………….………………17

NursingAdmissionRequirementsStatementofNon-DiscriminationTransferCreditTestingOutofNursingCoursesCreditbyExaminationWaiversCreditforPreviousEducationorTrainingVAStudentsTransferabilityofCreditsCertificatesandLicensesReadmissionPolicySECTIONIV:ACADEMICPOLICIES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………20

GeneralProgressionPoliciesTutoringAcademicAdvisingDistanceandOnlineLearningMedicationCalculationQuizAcademicProbationAcademicDishonestyWithdrawalPolicyGrievancePolicy

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SECTIONV:COURSEPOLICIES……………………………………………………………………………………………………….………25

ClassroomDressCodeAssignmentsExamPolicyExam/QuizMake-upClassroomAttendanceClassroomTardinessGradingPolicySECTIONVI:CLINICAL,SIMULATION,ANDSKILLSLABPOLICIES……………………………………………………..……28

CertificationsandRequirementsAttendancePolicy(Clinical)NoCall,NoShowPolicyDressCodeforClinical,Simulation,andLabSmoking/TobaccoUsePolicyNearMissandIncidentReportsClinicalGradingPolicyClinicalProbationClinicalandSimulationOrientationExposureIncidentInfectiousDiseaseStandardsofStudentClinicalConductandStudentAccountabilitySafeClinicalandSimulationPracticePolicyCriticalBehaviorsUnsatisfactoryClinicalBehaviorsSkillsLabActivitiesClinicalSiteorDayRequestsSECTIONVII:STUDENTCONDUCTANDOTHERPOLICIES……………………………………………………………….……40

StudentConductandDisruptiveBehaviorSocialNetworkingandSocialMediaPolicyFoodandBeverageProfessionalBoundariesDrugandAlcoholAbusePolicyStudentHealthStudent’sFamilyResponsibilitiesEmergencyTelephoneCallstoStudentTransportationFinancialIssuesHousingOutsideEmploymentPasswords

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SECTIONVIII:STUDENTORGANIZATIONSANDACTIVITIES……………………………………………………………...…47

AltierusStudentNurseClassOfficersCommitteesPinningSECTIONIX:RNLICENSUREINFORMATION………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…...…..48

RegisteredNurseLicensureApplicationReviewofApplicationLicensureFeesSECTIONX:APPENDICES………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………50

EssentialSkillsandFunctionalAbilityStandardsBloodbornePathogenExposureControlPolicyAdmissionDisclosureForm(Nursing)AcknowledgementofReceiptofHandbook

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NURSINGAssociate of Applied Science Degree 24Months–108CreditUnits

TheAssociateofAppliedScienceDegree,Nursingprogram,willpreparethenursingstudentforentrylevelrolesoftheregisterednurseintheever-evolvinghealthcarefield.Theprogramincludesafocusontheories,concepts,andprinciplesofnursing.Italsodelvesintotheimportantareaofleadingandmanagingaswellaspertinentlegalissuesfacedbynursingleadersandmanagers.Agraduateofthisnursingprogramwillbepreparedtoassumetheentrylevelroleofhealthproviderinaglobalsociety.Heorshewillbeabletodeliverculturallyproficientcarewhilemeetingthephysical,spiritualandpsychosocialneedsofclients.

Atthecompletionofthisprogram,thenursingstudentwillbepreparedtotaketheNCLEX-RNexamforregisterednursinglicensure.Oncelicensed,theindividualmayusethetitleofRegisteredNurseandpracticeinentry-levelstaffpositionsinvarioushealthcareagencies.

Theory Clinical/Lab Total Quarter

Quarter I Contact Hours

Contact Hours

Contact Hours

Credits

BSC 1085 Anatomy & Physiology I (1st 6 weeks) 40 0 40 4

BSC 2085L Anatomy & Physiology I Laboratory (1st 6 weeks) 0 0/40 40 2

BSC 1086 Anatomy & Physiology II (2nd 6 weeks) 40 0 40 4

BSC 2086L Anatomy & Physiology II Laboratory (2nd 6 weeks) 0 0/40 40 2

MAT 1033 College Algebra* 40 0 40 4

Total Hours 120 0/80 160 16

Quarter II

SLS 1115 Strategies for Nursing Success 30 0 30 3

Nur 1020 Fundamentals of Nursing I 20 0/20 40 3

ENC 1101 Composition I* 40 0 40 4

MCB 2000 Microbiology and Infection Control 40 0 40 4

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MCB 1000L Microbiology Laboratory 0 0/40 40 2

Total Hours 130 0/60 190 16

Quarter III

NUR 1145 Pharmacology of Nursing I 15 0 15 1.5

Nur 1027 Fundamentals of Nursing II 20 0 20 2

NUR 1027L Fundamentals of Nursing II Clinical 0 45/20 65 2.5

PSY 2012 General Psychology* 40 0 40 4

SYG 2001 Principles of Sociology* 40 0 40 4

Total Hours 115 45/20 180 14

Quarter IV

NUR 1150 Pharmacology of Nursing II 20 0 20 2

NUR 1210 Nursing Care of Adult Client I 40 0 40 4

NUR 1211L Nursing Care of Adult I Clinical 0 90/20 110 4

ENC 1102 Composition II 40 0 40 4

Total Hours 100 90/20 210 14

Quarter V

NUR 2212 Nursing Care of Adult II 40 0 40 4

NUR 2213L Nursing Care of Adult II Clinical 0 90/20 110 4

Dep 2000 Developmental Psych 40 0 40 4

Total Hours 80 90/20 190 12

Quarter VI

NUR 1440 Maternal Child Nursing 40 0 40 4

NUR 1441L Maternal Child Clinical 0 90/20 110 4

NUR 2611 Contemp. Nsg in Comm. Settings 30 0 30 3

NUR 2615L Contemp. Nsg in Comm. Settings Clin 0 60/0 60 2

Total Hours 70 150/20 240 13

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Quarter VII

NUR 2513 Mental Health Nursing 30 0 30 3

NUR 2515 Mental Health Nursing Clinical 0 60/0 60 2

NUR 2350 Nursing Care of Adult III 30 0 30 3

Nur 2245L Nursing Care of Adult III Clinical 0 90/20 110 4

Total Hours 60 150/20 230 12

Quarter VIII

NUR 2881 Nursing Leadership and Management 30 0 30 3

NUR 2890L Nursing Leadership Management Clinical 0 60/0 60 2

NUR 2965 NCLEX Review 20 0 20 2

PSI 201 US and NV Constitution 40 0 40 4

Total Hours 60 60/0 120 11

Total Program Hours 735 585/220 1520 108

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SECTIONI:INTRODUCTION

WELCOME

Welcometotherewardingandchallengingcareerofnursing!TheAssociateofAppliedScienceDegreeNursingProgramatAltierusCareerCollegeisdesignedtoprovidestudentswiththelearningresourcestoacquiretheknowledgebaseandtodevelopthenecessaryskillsandpreparednesstograduate,taketheNCLEX-RN®examinationandbecomelicensedasaRegisteredNurse(RN).Ourcurriculumrequiresthatstudentsassumetheresponsibilityfortheirlearning,decision-makinganddemonstrationofindependentthinking.Criticalthinkingandproblem-solvingskillsareofutmostimportancetobecominganeffectiveandsafepracticingnurse.

Thenursingprogramfacultyandstaffhavesetthestandardsforstudentstobeginthelife-longlearninginnursing.AltierusCareerCollegeAssociateofAppliedScienceDegreeNursingProgramisaprogramthatmeetsthecurriculumguidelinesoftheNevadaBoardofNursing.Programpolicies,proceduresandrequirementshavebeenestablishedtorepresentthestandardsfornursingeducationandsafeclinicalpractice.

ThisNursingStudentHandbookaddresses:

• Programpolicies,proceduresandrequirementsoftheAltierusCareerCollegeAssociateofAppliedScienceDegreeNursingprogram.

• Guidanceformaintainingcurrent,goodstandingintheprogram.

• Student’srightsthroughouttheirprogressintheprogram.

Thisstudenthandbookisreflectiveofthepoliciesofthenursingprogramandadditionsmaybeaddedasneeded.Theschoolofnursingreservestherighttomakechangesatanytime.Studentswillbenotifiedofhandbookchangesastheyarise.Thenursinghandbooksupersedesthecampuscataloginissuesrelatedtothenursingprogram.

OVERVIEWOFNURSINGPROGRAM

AltierusCareerCollegeoffersanAssociateofAppliedScienceprogramtopreparethestudenttobeeligibletotaketheNCLEX-RNexamination.UponsuccessfulcompletionoftheNCLEX-RN®examinationthestudentcanworkasaregisterednurse.

Thisisaneight-quarterprogramwhichincludesbothgeneraleducationandnursingcoursesandleadstoanassociatedegree.Studentsinthisprogramtypicallyhavenoformalacademicnursingbackground.Inthisprogramstudentsgainproficiencythroughbothclass(theory)andclinicalexperiencesinavarietyofsettings

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AMERICANNURSESASSOCIATION(ANA)CODEOFETHICSFORNURSES

Thenursingprofessionworkswithotherhealthcaregroupstopromotehealth,alleviatesufferingandattaintherapeuticgoalsbaseduponhumanneed.Eachnursehastheresponsibilitytoindividuals,sickorwell,theirfamilies,andthepublic.Suchresponsibilityrequiresethicalpracticesandadherencetothelawsrelevanttonursing.

1. Thenurse,inallprofessionalrelationships,practiceswithcompassionandrespectfortheinherentdignity,worthanduniquenessofeveryindividual,unrestrictedbyconsiderationsofsocialoreconomicstatus,personalattributes,orthenatureofhealthproblems.

2. Thenurse’sprimarycommitmentistothepatient,whetheranindividual,family,group,orcommunity.

3. Thenursepromotes,advocatesfor,andstrivestoprotectthehealth,safety,andrightsofthepatient.

4. Thenurseisresponsibleandaccountableforindividualnursingpracticeanddeterminestheappropriatedelegationoftasksconsistentwiththenurse’sobligationtoprovideoptimumpatientcare.

5. Thenurseowesthesamedutiestoselfastoothers,includingtheresponsibilitytopreserveintegrityandsafety,tomaintaincompetence,andtocontinuepersonalandprofessionalgrowth.

6. Thenurseparticipatesinestablishing,maintaining,andimprovinghealthcareenvironmentsandconditionsofemploymentconducivetotheprovisionofqualityhealthcareandconsistentwiththevaluesoftheprofessionalthroughindividualandcollectiveaction.

7. Thenurseparticipatesintheadvancementoftheprofessionthroughcontributionstopractice,education,administration,andknowledgedevelopment.

8. Thenursecollaborateswithotherhealthprofessionalsandthepublicinpromotingcommunity,national,andinternationaleffortstomeethealthneeds.

9. Theprofessionofnursing,asrepresentedbyassociationsandtheirmembers,isresponsibleforarticulatingnursingvalues,formaintainingtheintegrityoftheprofessionanditspractice,andforshapingsocialpolicy.

Source:AmericanNursesAssociation,CodeofEthicsforNurseswithInterpretiveStatements,SilverSpring,MD:AmericanNursesPublishing,2001.

ANArecognizesthatnursingstudentsarenotonlythenursesoftomorrow;theyaretheANAmembersoftomorrow!Foraccesstoallavailableresources,benefits,articlesandspecialdiscountsbesuretosign-uptoseethemembersonlysectionofthesite.Asanursingstudent,accessisfree.Allyouneedtodoise-mailyourname,schoolandcurrentyearinschooltostudents@ana.organdapromocodewillbesentimmediatelytoyou.

NEVADABOARDOFNURSINGADMINISTRATIVECODEFORNURSINGSTUDENTS

Inaddition,theAltierusnursingprogramadherestotheNevadaBoardofNursingAdministrativeCodeforNursingStudents:

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632.252PerformanceofTasks

1.Anursingstudentmay,asanapprenticenurse,performthosetaskswhichhehassuccessfullydemonstratedinhisprogramofeducationif:

(a)Thenursingstudentworksasanapprenticenurseinalicensedhospitalforacutecare,alicensedhospitalforlong-termcare,acommunityhealthclinic,orahealthmaintenanceorganization,andworksunderthesupervisionofaregisterednursewhoisatthesitewherecareisprovided;

(b)Thenursingstudentpresentstothisemployersatisfactoryevidencefromhisschoolofnursingofasuccessfuldemonstrationofhisskills;

(c)Thenursingstudenthasbeenevaluatedbythechiefnurseassafetoperformthosetasksinthehealthcarefacilityemployinghim;

(d)Thedescriptionofthepositionofapprenticenurseprovidedbythehealthcarefacilityemployingthenursingstudentidentifiestherolesandresponsibilitiesoftheposition;

(e)Thetasksdelegatedtothenursingstudentactingasanapprenticenurseareidentifiedinthehealthcarefacility’sdescriptionofthepositionandhavebeenapprovedbytheboardastasksthataredelegabletothenursingstudent;

(f)Thereisaformalprocedureforthenursingstudenttorefusetoperformanytaskuntilheiscomfortablewithhisabilitytodososafely;and

(g)Thenursingstudent,actingasanapprenticenurse,identifieshimselfasanapprenticenurseonhisnametagwhenrecordingpatients’recordsandinhisintroductiontopatients.

2.Whileperformingnursingfunctionsasanapprenticenurse,thenursingstudentissubjecttotheprovisionsofthenursepracticeactandregulationsadoptedbytheboard.

632.253Prohibitedacts

Anursingstudentwhoisworkingasanapprenticenursemaynotdelegatehisdutiesorsuperviseotherpersonnel.

ThefollowingistakenfromtheNevadaStateBoardofNursingScope-of-PracticeDecision-MakingGuideline:

StatutoryDefinitionofthePracticeofNursingandDefinitionsforRNPractice

The“Practiceofnursing”,asdefinedinNRS632.0169,meansthegeneralobservation,diagnosisandtreatmentofchangesinaperson’shealth.Thetermdoesnotincludeactsofmedicaldiagnosisorprescriptionoftherapeuticorcorrectivemeasures,exceptasauthorizedbyspecificstatute.

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The“Practiceofprofessionalnursing”means,accordingtoNRS632.018,theperformanceofanyactintheobservation,careandcounseloftheill,injuredorinfirm,inthemaintenanceofhealthorpreventionofillnessofothers,inthesupervisionandteachingofotherpersonnel,intheadministrationofmedicationsandtreatmentsasprescribedbyanadvancedpractitionerofnursing,alicensedphysician,aphysicianassistantlicensedpursuanttochapter630or633ofNRS,alicenseddentistoralicensedpodiatricphysician,requiringsubstantialspecializedjudgmentandskillbasedonknowledgeandapplicationoftheprinciplesofbiological,physicalandsocialscience,butdoesnotincludeactsofmedicaldiagnosisorprescriptionoftherapeuticorcorrectivemeasures.

StatementRegardingScopeofPractice

Theprofessionofnursingisanautonomousanddynamicdiscipline.Itisaself-governingprofessionthatisgroundedinscience.Nursingpracticechangesandevolvesinresponsetohealthcareneedsofsociety,technicaladvancements,andtheexpansionofscientificandnursingknowledge.Thescopeofpracticeforeachnursinglicensurecategoryincludesalloftheactivitiesinwhichanursemayengageathis/herleveloflicensure.Withinthatbroaderscope,however,thescopeforeachindividualnursewillvaryaccordingtopracticeexperiencesandprofessionaldevelopmentactivities.

Thelicensednurseisresponsibleandaccountable,bothprofessionallyandlegally,fordetermininghis/herindividualscopeofnursingpractice.Activitieswithinanindividualnurse’sscopemuststillfallwithinthebroaderscopewritteninstatute.Thus,thereisnoauthorityforthenursetoincludeindividualactivitieswhichexceedthebroaderscopedefinedbystatute.Practically,thismeansthataphysiciancannotexpandnursingscopeofpracticebydirectinganursetoperformanactivitythatisnotrecognizedbythenursingprofessionaspropertobeperformedbyanurseinNevada.Sincetheroleandresponsibilitiesofthenurse,andconsequentlythescopeofnursingpractice,iseverchangingandincreasinglycomplex,itisimportantthatthenurseisabletomakedecisionsregardinghis/herownscopeofpractice.

AltierusNursingProgramwillteachthecomponentsoftheRegisteredNurseScopeofPracticetonursingstudentstolearnfortheirfuturenursingpractice.

IfisyourresponsibilitytohaveaccesstotheNursePracticeAct,theNevadaBoardofNursingrules/regulationsandgenerallyacceptedstandardsofnursingpracticeincludingbutnotlimitedtobehaviorsindicatinghonesty,accountability,trustworthiness,reliabilityandintegrity.

NursingstudentsareencouragedtosignupfortheJohnson&JohnsonNursingNoteselectronicnewsletter.Thisnewsletterprovidesinformationontheprofessioninrelationtoindustrynews,nursingcareers,makingadifferenceandscholarshipinformation.

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SECTIONII:MISSIONANDPHILOSOPHY

ZENITHMISSIONANDVALUES

Zenith’sMission:Helpingstudentssucceed

Zenith’sValues:Integrity,Service,Excellence,Teamwork,andWellness

ALTIERUSCAREERCOLLEGEMISSIONSTATEMENT

Altierusisdedicatedtotheprovisionofaninteractivelearningenvironmentcreatedtosupporttheprofessionalcareerdevelopmentofourstudents.Theschoolwasestablishedtoprovidequalityeducationandtrainingdesignedtomeettheneedsofbothstudentsandemployers.Theschoolservesadiversestudentpopulationfocusingonadultsseekingtoacquiretheeducationandskillsnecessarytoentertheirchosencareerfield.Toachievethis,theschooliscommittedtoexcellenceinthefollowingareas:

• Theutilizationofeffectivetechnologyandteachingmethods.• Thepresentationofrelevantcareerfocusededucationalprograms.• Ongoingcollaborationwithbusiness,employersandprofessionalassociationsinthedesign,

deliveryandevaluationofeffectiveprograms.• Theprovisionofcareerdevelopmentsupportservicestostudentsandgraduateswhichassists

theminsecuringemploymentintheirchosenfield.

ALTIERUSCAREERCOLLEGENURSINGPROGRAMMISSIONSTATEMENT

• TheNursingFacultyarededicatedtopreparingoutstandingprofessionalnursescommittedtoexcellenceandinnovationinthedeliveryandmanagementofevidence-basedhealthcarethroughcreative,collaborativeandculturallyfocusededucationalprograms.

• TheNursingFaculty’seducationaleffortisdirectedtoprovidinghighqualitystudent-centeredprogramsofinstructionwhichpreparesuperbprofessionalnursestomeetbasichealthcareneedswhilemaintainingfullregulatorycompliancewithStateBoardofNursingandAccreditationagencies.

• ThisNursingFacultyseekstodevelopandtransmitknowledgeregardingnursingpracticeandhealth,illnessandhealingthroughdynamicprogramsofnursingeducationandpractice.

PHILOSOPHYANDPURPOSE

ThephilosophyandpurposeoftheAltierusNursingProgramisbasedonthebeliefthatindividualsareholisticbeingswhopossessuniquephysiological,psychological,socio-cultural,andspiritualqualities.Individualscontinuallyinteractwiththeenvironment,therebylearningandadaptingtoachieveoptimumhealth.

Healthisadynamicstateofwellnessorsystemstabilityinwhichindividualsadapttochangesintheinternalandexternalenvironmentstomaintainharmonybetweentheirphysiological,psychological,social-cultural,andspiritualstates.Responsibilityforhealth/illnesscareissharedmutuallybyproviders

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andindividualsreceivingcare.Healthattainment,maintenance,restoration,andqualitycarearerightsofeachindividualregardlessofrace,religiousbeliefs,nationality,social,orfinancialstatus.

Societyhastheresponsibilitytoitsmembersbothindividuallyandcollectivelytoprovideanenvironmentthatfostershealthpromotion,attainment,maintenance,andrestoration.Societymuststrivetoachieveoptimalcarewithinalegalandethicalframeworkwhilemanagingeconomicrestraintsandtechnologicaladvancesinhealthcare.Environmentisviewedasanopensystemwithinwhichtheindividualinteractscontinuously.Ithasbothinternalandexternalcomponents,whichareaffectedbychangeswithinthephysical,emotional,spiritual,economic,andculturalstateoftheindividual.

Nursingisbothanartandscienceandnursesprovidenursingcarewithintheirscopeofpractice.Itisauniqueprofessionthatdealswithallofthedynamicsaffectingindividualsandviewstheindividualasaholisticbeing(Bio-psycho-social-spiritual).Nursescollaboratewithothermembersofthehealthcareteamtoencourageindividualstoparticipateintheircare.Thefoundationofnursingpracticeisthenursingprocess,whichthenurseusestoassistindividualsandfamiliestoattainmutuallyagreedupongoals.

Associatedegreenursesprovidecarewithintheirscopeofpractice.Thenursingprocessisusedforassessing,diagnosing,planning,implementing,andevaluatingofhealthcareservicesandcareoftheindividual.Sincethedeliveryofhealthcareisdynamic,theregisterednurseevaluatesindividualsbasedontheirgoalachievement,needforreassessmentandrefocusofprioritieswiththeultimateendofsettingnewgoals.Careisgivenwithinasoundlegalandethicalframework.

TheAssociateDegreenurseisexpectedtodevelopnecessaryskillsforcollaborationwithmembersofthehealthcareteamincludingtheclient,familyand/orsignificantothers.

TEACHING-LEARNINGPROCESS

Learningisacontinuous,active,lifelongprocess.Learningprogressessequentiallyfromsimpletocomplexandresultsinbehavioralchangesincognitive,psychomotor,andaffectivedomains.Nursesseekeducationalresourcesthatprovideopportunitiesforlearningexperiencesthatmaintainandenhanceknowledgeandskills,aswellasthosethatfostercontinuedcompetence,nursingpracticeandincreasedprofessionalgrowth.

Theteaching-learningprocessisatitsbestwhenstudentsactivelyparticipateintheirlearningexperiencesandtakeresponsibilityforachievingprogrammaticcompetencies.Inthisprocesstheteacherisafacilitator,coach,counselor,andresourceperson.Furthermore,theteacherandstudentsharetheresponsibilityofbuildinganatmospherethatfostersalearningcommunitythatpromotesintellectualcuriosity,criticalandanalyticalthought,andindividualcreativity.Tothatend,thefacultyusesavarietyofteachingtechniquestoaccommodatestudentsfromdiversebackgroundsandexperiences.

Hence,nursingeducationisbothasystemandaprocess.Studentsbringwiththemabroadrangeofexperiencesaswellastheirabilitytorespondtoandadapttoongoinginputsandexpectedbehavioral

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changes.Theseinputsawakenstudentstotheirabilitytodelivernursingcare.TheNursingFacultyarecommittedtofacilitatingthisprocessthroughtheirmonitoringtheteaching-learningenvironmenttoensureoptimalexperiencesandevaluatingthestudentsandprogramtoachievetheoutcomeofsafeandeffectivepractitionersofnursing.

CONCEPTUALFRAMEWORK

BasedonthephilosophytheNursingFacultyhasselectedthefollowingconceptsinwhichthenursingprogramisstructured.

• NursingProcess–-NursingProcessisintegraltonursingpractice.Thefivestepsofthenursingprocessassessment,diagnosing,planning,implementationandevaluationprovidetheframeworkfordeliveryofclientcareandisthestructureforcoursecontentinthenursingprogram.

• CriticalThinking–-Theprocessofpurposeful,self-regulatoryjudgment.Thisprocessgivesreasonedconsiderationtocontexts,evidence,conceptualizations,methodsandcriteria.Criticalthinking,inconjunctionwiththenursingprocessisthebasisforclinicaldecisionmaking.

• Communication–Communicationisadynamic,interactiveprocesswhichencompassestheteaching/learningprocess.Itisessentialincollaboratingwithmembersofthehealthcareteamtomeettheneedsofclients.Effectiveoral,writtenandnon-verbalcommunicationskillsareintegraltoapplythenursingprocess,toimparthealthpromotionpractices,andtoteachclients.Teachingandlearningtechniquesareincorporatedthroughouttheprogram.Nursingstudentsusetherapeuticcommunicationtechniqueswithclients,familiesandgroupstofurtherself-care.

• HealthPromotion–Activitybythelearnerthatfacilitatesoptimalhealthstatesforindividuals,familiesandcommunitiesthatsustainorincreasewellness.

• ProfessionalRole–TheAssociateDegreeNurseisaproviderofcare,managerofcareandmemberofthedisciplineofnursing.ThenurseadherestoethicalandlegalstandardsandtheQualityandSafetyEducationforNurses(QSEN)Conceptsofthenursingprofessionandappliesknowledgeofthebiopsychosocialandscientificprincipleswhenprovidingcompetentcare.Thenursecollaborateswithanddelegatestootherstomanagecareofgroupsofindividualsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

TheAltierusNursingProgramconceptualframeworkisbasedonthe5conceptsintroducingthestudenttothecareofindividualswithspecialandmorecomplexneedsthroughoutthelifespan.Thisprogramwillpreparethenursingstudenttoassumetheroleoftheregisterednurseintheever-evolvinghealthcarefield.Theprogramincludesafocusontheories,concepts,andprinciplesofnursing.Italsodelvesintotheimportantareaofleadingandmanagingaswellaspertinentlegalissuesfacedbynursingleadersandmanagers.Emphasiswillbeonthemethodstobecomeaneffectiveleader/managerincludinginterpersonalskillsneededforeffectiveleadershipandmanagementofthedifferenttypesoforganizationsdeliveringhealthcareandoutcomesmanagement.Agraduateofthisnursingprogramwill

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bepreparedtoassumetheroleofhealthproviderinaglobalsociety.Heorshewillbeabletodeliverculturallyproficientcarewhilemeetingthephysical,spiritualandpsychosocialneedsofclients.Atthecompletionofthisprogram,thenursingstudentwillbepreparedtotaketheNCLEX-RN®examforregisterednursinglicensure.Oncelicensed,theindividualmayusethetitleofRegisteredNurse.

ORGANIZINGFRAMEWORK

TheAltierusCareerCollegenursingfacultyendorsestheNationalLeagueforNursing(NLN)Standards(2010)asthebasisforpreparingthenursingprofessionalofthefuturetomeetsociety'sevolvinghealthcareneeds.TheNLNencourageseachnursingprogramtointerprettheseskillsandcompetenciesinthecontent,context,function,andstructureoftheiruniqueprogram.TheAltierusnursingfacultyhaveintegratedthesestandardsintofivebroadareasofthehealthcareneedsofclients:nursingprocess,criticalthinking,communication,healthpromotionandprofessionalrole.ThesecategoriesarewovenintothecurrentstructureoftheNCLEX-RNtestplanandarebasedonthedescriptionofthecharacteristicsofnewlylicensedRNs,theirpracticeenvironmentandtheactivitiesinwhichtheyareengaged.

Thefollowingexplanationofthenursingprogram’sorganizingframeworkforthenursingprogramiscongruentwiththemissionofAltierusCareerCollege.Theprogramoflearningprovidesafoundationfortheacquisitionandintegrationofknowledge,skillsandabilitiesnecessaryforaccountableandsafenursingpracticeintoday'shealthcareenvironment.

ExplanationofCurriculumOrganizingFramework

TheorganizingframeworkoftheAltierusCareerCollegenursingcurriculumrepresentsthefaculty'splanforlearningactivitiesdesignedtoassisteachstudenttoachieveprogramgoals.Facultymakechoicesabouttheknowledge,skillsandabilitiesconsideredessentialforstudentstotakethelicensingexaminationforregisterednursepractice.Thesecurriculumchoicesensurethatstudentsacquirecompetenciesthatwillbedemandedoftheminnursingpractice.ThisframeworkisbasedonkeystandardsdevelopedbytheNationalLeagueforNursing(NLN,2010)andthefourcategoriesofclientneeds(NationalCouncilofStateBoardsofNursing,Inc.,2010).Thus,theconceptualframeworkforAltierusCareerCollegeSchoolofNursingisfocusedonthefivecoreconceptsasdescribedabove.

Thesecategories,reflectingthebasicneedsofclients,familiesandcommunities,areintroducedinthefirstnursingcourseanddevelopedasthestudentprogressesthroughthenursingprogram.Conceptsofnursingprocess,criticalthinking,communication,andhealthpromotionandmaintenanceprovideaframeworkfortheorganizationofnursingknowledge,skillsandabilities.Inadditiontotheseconcepts,corecompetencies,assuggestedbytheNLN,areusedtoframetheacquisitionofknowledge.Thesecompetenciesinclude,butarenotlimitedtotheuseofevidencebasedpractice,developmentofskillsassociatedwithpopulation-basedhealth,useofoutcomemeasurestoensurecomprehensivenessofcare,involvementofclientsandfamiliesinthedecision-makingprocess,understandingtheroleofprimarycare,facilitatingaccesstoeffectivecare,andtheperformanceofethicalandaccountablebehaviorsinallprofessionalactivities.Throughouttheongoingprocessofinstruction,inclassroomand

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seminaractivitiesandduringclinicalexperiences,thefacultyassistsstudentstodeveloptheknowledge,skillsandabilitiestomeetthesecorecompetencies.

Clinicallearningexperiencesincludeactivitiesforstudentstocareforaculturallydiversepopulationofadults,infants,childrenandtheelderlyinavarietyofsettings.Eachofthesesettingsprovidesopportunitiesforthestudenttosynthesizeandintegrateknowledge,skillsandabilitieslearnedinpreviouscoursesandtoutilizemanagementprinciplestodevelop,implementandevaluateaplanofcare,incollaborationwithmembersofthehealthcareteam,topromoteoptimalholisticfunctioningforclientsandfamiliesacrossthelifespan.

Facultyguidestudentsintheanalysisandsynthesisofinformationthroughtheuseofcasestudies,criticalthinkingassignments,onlinelearning,discussionandotherformsofinteractiveinquiry.Inadditiontoobservinghowanexpertnursethinksandsolvesproblems,thestudentdevelopsanappreciationofthecomplexityofclientneedsinprovidingnursingcare.Studentspracticecriticalthinking,communicationandmanagementskillsthroughcollaborativeeffortswithnursingfaculty,peersandclinicalagencystaff.Thestudent'sdevelopmentisenhancedbyopportunitiestoapplynursingknowledgewhilecaringforclientsacrossthelifespaninavarietyofsettings,forexample,hospitals,publichealth,nursinghomes,schools,thecommunityandindependentlivingfacilities.Eachofthesesettingsoffersthestudentanopportunitytointegrateknowledge,skillsandabilitiesinordertoassistclientstoperformatanoptimallevelandtoworkcollaborativelywithmembersofthehealthcareteam.

Theprogramoflearningisdesignedtohelpourstudentsprogresstowardtheacquisitionandintegrationofknowledge,skillsandabilitiestheywillneedasgraduatenursestopracticesafelyandaccountablyintoday'shealthcareenvironmentbasedonthesixANAStandardsofPractice:assessment,diagnosis,outcomesidentification,planning,implementationandevaluationandnineStandardsofProfessionalPerformance:qualityofpractice,education,professionalpracticeevaluation,collegiality,collaboration,ethics,research,resourceutilization,andleadership.Thebeginningstudent'svisionisoneinwhichdiscretepiecesofnursingknowledgeareseen.However,asstudentsprogressthroughtheprogram,theyengageinlearningactivitiesthatpromoteintegrationofnewknowledgewithnewskillsandabilities.Thefacultyguidestudentsinestablishingacontextforthisknowledgebyrelatingittotheprovisionofclienthealthcareneeds.Throughtheprogressionoftheprogram,studentsbegintounderstandhowtheclient,theclient'shealthcareneeds,theclient'sfamilyandcommunityareinterwoven.Asaresultofthisexpandinglargerviewofthecontextofclient'sneeds,studentsareabletoengageincollaborativecareplanningandcriticalthinkingnecessaryforpractice,transfertobaccalaureateprogramsandself-fulfillmentbasedonservicetoothers.

Onecoursebuildsonandenhancesthelearningexperienceofpreviouscourses.Anemphasisonculturallydiversepopulationsandholistichealthstrategiesisstressedthroughoutthenursingcourses.Specificcourseprerequisitesandco-requisitesarelistedintheAltierusCareerCollegeADNProgramOutlinedocument.

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Insummary,webelievethatournursinggraduateswillbepreparedwiththeknowledge,skillsandabilitiesnecessaryforpractice,transferandself-fulfillmentasevidencedbytheincorporationofNLNStandardsandtheANAStandardsofPracticeandProfessionalPerformance.Inthisway,thenursingfacultyhonorandacknowledgeadeepcommitmenttothehealthandwelfareofthesurroundingcommunity.

PROGRAMSTUDENTLEARNINGOUTCOMES

UponcompletionoftheAltierusNursingProgram,thegraduatewill:

• Applythenursingprocessinmanagingthecareforclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

• Incorporatecriticalthinkingwhenmanagingcareforclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

• Applyeffectivecommunicationskillstoestablishandmaintaintherapeuticandprofessionalrelationshipsinmanagingcareforclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

• Integrateprinciplesofhumandevelopmentwhenprovidingnursingcareforclients,groupsandfamiliesacrossthelifespan.

• Incorporateknowledgeofculturalandsocioeconomicfactorsinthemanagementofnursingcareforclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

• PracticesafetywithintheroleoftheAssociateDegreeNurseasa:

o Providerofcareby:

• Integratingbio-psychosocialandscientificprincipleswhenprovidingtechnicallycompetentcareforclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

o Managerofcareby:

• Collaboratingasamemberofthehealthcareteamtomanagethecareofclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

• Delegateactivitiestomanagethecareofclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

o Memberofthedisciplineofnursingby:

• Practicingwithintheethicalandlegalframeworkoftheprofessionofnursing.

• Formulatingaplanforcontinuingprofessionaldevelopment.

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SECTIONIII:ADMISSIONPOLICIES

NURSINGADMISSIONREQUIREMENTS

• HighSchoolgraduateorhaveaGED• AttendaNursingInformationSession• Passthenecessaryscreeningandadmissionexamswithinamaximumofthreeattempts• Submitawrittenessayonselectedtopic• Completeapersonalinterviewwiththenursingdepartment• CompleteandpassalevelIIcriminalbackgroundcheck• Completeandpassadrugscreening• MeettheoutlinedEssentialSkillsandFunctionalAbilityStandards

StudentApplicantsarerankedwiththetopstudentsselected.

Priortoclinicalthefollowingneedtobecompleted:

• Provideproofofcurrentimmunizationsasrequiredbyclinicalagencies• ProvideproofofcurrentAmericanHeartAssociationCPR/Chokingtraining-BasicLife

Supportthatincludesinfant,childandadultwithAEDasrequiredbyclinicalagencies.Noonlinecards

• Provideacopyofhealthinsuranceorasignedwaiver• Havephysicalexaminationclearancebyalicensedprovider

STATEMENTOFNON-DISCRIMINATION

AltierusCareerCollegedoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofsex,age,disability,race,sexualorientation,nationalorigin,citizenshipstatus,creedorreligionintheadministrationofitseducationalandadmissionspolicies,scholarshipandloanprograms,orotherCollege-administeredprograms.

TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990,asamended,protectsqualifiedapplicants,students,andemployeeswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationinhiring,promotion,discharge,pay,jobtraining,fringebenefits,classification,referral,andotheraspectsofemploymentonthebasisofdisability.Thelawalsorequiresthatcoveredentitiesprovidequalifiedapplicants,students,andemployeeswhohavedisabilitieswithreasonableaccommodationsthatdonotimposeunduehardship.

AnyinquiriesorcomplaintsregardingthistopicshouldbedirectedtotheCampusDirector/AcademicDean.TheCampusDirector/AcademicDeanmustactequitablyandpromptlytoresolvecomplaintsandshouldprovidearesponsewithinevenworkingdays.StudentswhofeelthatthecomplainthasnotbeenadequatelyaddressedshouldcontacttheStudentHelpLine,(800)874-0255.

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ADMISSIONSTESTINGANDINTERVIEW

AllcandidatesarerankedutilizingacumulativescorebasedontheirHESIpercentagesandinterviewcriteria.TheHESIpercentagesareconvertedtoaspecificpointvaluebasedonpredeterminedpercentageranges.

Acumulativescoreof30isrequiredforadmissionconsideration.Acumulativescoreof40andabovewillresultinimmediateacceptance.

TRANSFERCREDIT

GeneralEducationcourses:seecollegecatalog.Sciencescoursesmustbelessthan5yearsago.TotransferA&PthestudentmusttaketheA&PHESIandpassby80%.

Nursingcourses:mustbelessthan5yearsagoandthestudentmustdoatestoutHESIandpassthatHESIwithan850.

TESTINGOUTOFNURSINGCOURSES

Nursing“test-out”examsforpastexistingnursingstudentsfromanotherprogramwithnursingtransferscreditsneedtopasstheHESIwithatleast900.Ifthestudentcan’tpassthelowerlevelexam,suchasFundamentalstheywon’tbeabletotakethenextlevelinthatareasuchasMedical-Surgical,etc.Studentmustscheduletheexampriortotheestablisheddeadlinedatewhichisfoundonthepostedcohort.Ifthenursingcoursehasaclinicalcomponentthenthestudenttestingoutwillhavetocompetentlycompleteaclinicalsimulationassignedbytheleadfacultyofthecourse.Thissimulationwillberecordedincaseofappealbythestudent.

CREDITBYEXAMINATION

Incertaininstances,studentscanbegrantedcreditbyexamination.PleaserefertotheCampusCatalogforthispolicy.Proficiencyexamscanbetakenforthefollowingcoursesiftakenpriortosittingintheclassandwithapassingscore:ComputerApplications,CollegeAlgebra,GeneralPsychologyandSociology.AllstudentsshouldseetheLibrariansinthestudentlibraryifinterestedintakingaproficiencyexam.

WAIVERS

Astudentwhoiseligibleforcreditforpreviouseducationorexperience,butwishestoattendanyorallportionsofthecourseforwhichcreditwasearned,willbeaskedtosignawaiverformwhichoutlinesthestudent’soptions.

CREDITFORPREVIOUSEDUCATIONORTRAINING

TheAssociateofAppliedScienceDegreeNursingProgramalsoadherestothecredit-grantingpolicyforAltierusCareerCollege.ThepoliciesbelowregardingCreditforPreviousEducationorTrainingandVAStudentsappearintheCollegeCatalogue.

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• Ifastudentwasenrolledinanothernursingprograminwhichtheydidn’tcomplete,aletterfromthestudentoutliningwhytheylefttheprogramalongwithpermissiontocontacttheNursingDepartmentChairand/orfacultyforreferenceverificationmayberequiredduringtheadmissioninterviewprocess.

EducationorTraining

TheEducationDepartmentwillevaluatepreviouseducationandtrainingthatmaybeapplicabletoaneducationalprogram.Iftheeducationand/ortrainingmeetthestandardsfortransferofcredit,theprogrammaybeshortenedandthetuitionreducedaccordingly.Studentswhorequestcreditforpreviouseducationandtrainingarerequiredtoprovidetheschoolwithanofficialtranscriptfromtheeducationalinstitutionatthetimeofenrollment.

VASTUDENTS

TheEducationDepartmentwillevaluatepreviouseducationandtrainingthatmaybeapplicabletoaspecificprogram.Iftheeducationand/ortrainingmeetthestandardsfortransferofcredit,theprogramwillbeshortenedandthetuitionreducedaccordingly.Additionaltranscriptrequestsmustbecompletedforallprioreducation.

TRANSFERABILITYOFCREDITS

Studentsdesiringtofurthertheireducationbeyondanassociate’sdegreeshouldverifytransferabilityofanycoursecredits.Thisistheresponsibilityofthestudent.Becauserequirementsdifferfromoneinstitutiontoanother,AltierusCareerCollegedoesnotguaranteetransferabilityofcreditstoanyothercollege,universityorinstitution.

CERTIFICATESANDLICENSES

AllnursingstudentswhoareenrolledinnursingclinicalcoursesholdingorreceivingacertificateasaNursingAssistantand/orlicenseasaPractical/VocationalNursemustremainingoodstandingwiththeBoardofNursing.Thisincludesallalliedhealthregulatoryboardsaswell.StudentsreceivinganydisciplinaryactionsmustnotifytheNursingDepartmentChairwithin5daysofoccurrence.TheNursingProgramreservestherighttorestrictthestudent’sparticipationinclinicalexperiencesandinvolvementinpatientcareuntilthecertificateand/orlicenseisvalidandunrestrictedorthetermsoftheactionaremet/dismissed.

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SECTIONIV:ACADEMICPOLICIES

GENERALACADEMIC&PROGRESSIONPOLICIESAllNursingStudentsmustunderstandthat:

• NursingCoursesmustbetakenintherequiredsequenceasoutlinedinthecurriculum.• Anoverall coursegradeofa“C” (76%orabove) is requiredtopasseachnursing theory

course.Allnursingclinicalcoursesmustbecompletedata‘Satisfactory’leveltopassthatcourse.

• AllNursingTheory,LabandClinicalportionsofeachcoursemustbepassedinordertopassthe specialty nurse course. If a student fails either the theory course or the clinicalcomponent they fail both and will be withdrawn from the program. Upon return boththeoryandclinicalwillbescheduled.

• Dosagecalculationitemswillbeonallexamsineverycourse.• Priortofinalcalculationofthecoursegrade,anaverageof76%intheexamitemcategory

mustbeachieved(including,butnotlimitedto:quizzes,midterm,final,courseexams,HESIexam).Oncetheexamcategoryisscoredandaveragesovera76%,theremainderofthecourseworkwillbecomputedintothefinalgrade.Thefinalgradeforthecoursemustalsobe76%orhighertosuccessfullypassthecourse.

• Graderoundingisnotallowedwhencalculatingfinalcoursegrades.Thegradeearnedisthegradethatwillberecorded.

• Quizzesareofferedduringtheallottedtimebytheinstructor.Thestudentmaymakeuponequizonlyduringthequarterunlessotherwisenotedincoursesyllabus.Noadditionalopportunitiesformake-upwillbeofferedregardlessofthecircumstanceoftheadditionalmissedquiz/quizzes.

• Thenursingfacultyencouragesstudentstoreviewgradedassignments,quizzes,andexamsforthepurposesofclarificationofinformation.Shouldanursingstudentwishtodisputetheirassignment,test,orquizgradetheymustdosowithinoneweekoftheduedateortestdateinwritingtotheinstructor.

• Forthepurposesofretentionandprogression,studentswhofailclinicallyandwithdrawordroppriortotheacademicpenaltydateestablishedbythecollegewillbeconsideredtohaveincurredacoursefailure.

• NogradelowerthanaCisacceptedinanynursingcourseorgeneraleducationcourse.• Studentsmustcompleteallrequiredpre-requisitesand/orco-requisitesbeforeprogressing

tothefollowingquarter.• Astudentwhofailsanytwonursingcourseswillbedismissedfromthenursingprogram.• The following progression policy will apply to these General Education courses only:

Strategies for Nursing Success, Anatomy& Physiology I and II theory and/or lab, andMicrobiologytheoryand/orlab.Anystudentfailingoneofthesecoursesmayonlyrepeatthatcourseonetime.Ifcourseisfailedonsecondattempt,studentwillbedismissedfromthenursingprogram.

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• Tore-enteranursingcourseafterafailureorwithdrawal,thestudentmustseetheNursingDepartmentChairandtheremustbespaceinthecohortforre-entryprovidedtheywerenotdismissedfromtheprogramduetosecondnursingcoursefailure.

• Priortoeachnursingclinicalcoursethestudentwillberequiredtotakeadosagecalculationquiz.Apassingscoreof90%isrequiredinallclinicalcourseswiththeexceptionofdosagecalculation quizzes in Quarter 7 and Quarter 8 requiring a passing score of 100%. Thestudentwillbeallowedoneadditionalopportunitytoretakepriortotheendofweektwoofthequarter.Ifthestudentdoesnotpassthequizby90%ontheseopportunities,theywillberequiredtowithdrawfromthetheoryandclinicalcourse.Thestudentwillhavetore-enterthetheoryandclinicalthenexttimetheyareofferedbasedontheavailabilityofspace.

• Ifastudent’sdismissalappealisgrantedandtheychoosetoreturntotheprogramafterbeing dismissed they will return on “probation status.” The student will have specificprobation guidelines they must adhere to depending on the reason for their originaldismissal.

• Healthrequirements,EssentialSkillsandFunctionalAbilitiesStandards,HIPAAandOSHAtrainingandCPRcertificationmustbemaintainedandcurrent.

• Allnursingstudentsmustcomplywithstateandfederallaws.• These policies supersede all College policies in decisions related to progression and

retentioninthenursingprogram.

StudentSuccessPlan(SSP)

StudentsuccessoutcomesistheprimaryfocusforprovidingSSP.ItisstronglyencouragedstudentsattendSSPonthedatesthetheoryinstructordesignatesorafterconsultingwithstudentssoarrangementscanbemade.Oncethefirstquizortestislowerthan76%itishighlyrecommendedthestudentattendSSP.Untilthequizzesandexamsaremaintainedat80%oraboveitisrecommendedthestudentscontinuetoattendSSP.Twohourswillbesetasideeachweekthroughouttheprogramtoassistwithstudentsuccess.

TUTORING

Studentswhoarehavingdifficultywiththeory,laborclinicalconceptswillhavetheavailabilityofaninstructorinSSPtotutorinordertoprovideclarificationandadditionalinformation.Peertutoringmaybeavailable.

ACADEMICADVISING

StudentsenterAltierusCareerCollegewithvariedbackgroundsandmotivatingfactors.Tomaintainthestandardsoftheschoolandtoservethebestinterestofeachstudent,academicadvisingbytheNursingDepartmentChairand/orNursingFacultyisanon-goingprocessanddoneattheendofeveryclinical

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course.Itremainsthestudent’sresponsibilitytoensureallGEcoursesarecompletedbytheendofthe8thquartertobeeligibletograduate.Anadvisorforeachcohortisavailable.

DISTANCELEARNINGANDONLINELEARNING

Generaleducationcoursesarecurrentlytheonlyonlinecoursesoffered.Distancelearningisnotavailableforgeneraleducationornursingcourses.StudentswishingtotakeageneraleducationcourseonlinemustseetheOnlineCoordinatortoinitiatethepaperworkandtheNursingDepartmentChairmustsignoffontherequesttotakeanonlinecourse.Onlinecoursesrequiredisciplineonthepartofthestudentinordertokeepupwiththecourse.ThiswillbetakenintoconsiderationwhentheNURSINGDEPARTMENTCHAIRconsiderstherequest.

ACADEMICPROBATION

Attheendofanyevaluationperiod,whenthestudentfallsbelowtherequiredacademicprogressstandardsfortheCollege,thestudentshallreceiveawrittenwarningandbeplacedonacademicprobation.PleaserefertothecoursecatalogforinformationrelatedtoStandardsofSatisfactoryAcademicProgress(SAP).PleaserefertoSectionVIforclinicalprobationpolicies.

ACADEMICDISHONESTYWITHINTHENURSINGDEPARTMENT

AltierusCareerCollegeNursingDepartmentexpectseverystudenttoengageinallscholasticpursuitsinamannerthatisbeyondreproach.Studentsarerequiredtomaintaincompletehonestyandintegrityintheclassroomand/orlaboratory.Anystudentfoundguiltyofdishonestyinscholasticworkissubjecttodisciplinaryaction.

A.Academicdishonestyincludes,butisnotlimitedto,cheatingonscholasticwork,plagiarismandcollusion.

B.Cheatingonscholasticworkincludes:

• Copyingfromanotherstudent’stestpaperorotherscholasticwork.

• Using,duringatest,materialsorequipmentnotauthorizedbythepersonadministeringthetest.

• Collaborating,withoutauthority,withanotherstudentduringanexaminationorinthepreparationofscholasticwork.

• Knowinglyusing,buying,selling,stealing,transportingorsoliciting,inwholeorinpart,thecontentsofanun-administeredtest.

• Soliciting,bribingorcoercinganinstructororstudentgradertoalterthescoreorgradeachievedonatestorotherscholasticwork.

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• Substitutingforanotherstudent,orpermittinganotherstudenttosubstituteforone-self,totakeatestorprepareotheracademicworkorlaboratoryassignments/experiments.

• Soliciting,bribingorcoercinganotherpersontoobtainanun-administeredtest/examinationorinformationaboutanun-administeredtest/examination.

• Usingthoughts,words,orexpressionsofother’sworks,includingweb-basedinformation,asone’sown(plagiarism).

Allstudentconductwillsupportacademichonesty.AnystudentwhoviolatesanyofthecriteriaunderAorBabovewillreceivean“F”orzerogradeforthatspecificoccurrence.AcademicDishonestyconstitutesunprofessionalconductandlackofgoodprofessionalcharacter.AnystudentparticipatinginanyformofacademicdishonestywillbescheduledtoseetheNursingDepartmentChairandmaybedismissedfromtheprogram.Thedepartmentgoalisthateachstudentcompleteshisorherownworkinordertomastertheskillsneededtodeliversafe,competentnursingcare.

Inadditiontotherulesandregulationscontainedinthishandbook,studentsareexpectedtoadheretothepoliciesofAltierusCareerCollege,andtherules,regulationsandpoliciesofanyotherinstitutionorfacilitywheretheymaybeassigned.NursingstudentsareexpectedtoadheretoallexpectationsintheAltierusCareerCollegeCatalogasdescribedintheStudentHandbookofAltierusCareerCollege.

WITHDRAWALPOLICY

TheNursingDepartmentChairandnursingfacultyhavetheauthoritytorequestwithdrawalofastudentfromtheNursingprogramandtorefusere-admissiontoanystudentatanytimeifcircumstancesofalegal,moral,health,social,and/oracademicnaturewarrantsuchaction.

StudentswishingtowithdrawfromanursingcourseorotheracademiccoursemustfollowthewithdrawalproceduresasoutlinedintheAltierusCareerCollegeCatalog.TheymustalsohaveanexitinterviewwiththeNURSINGDEPARTMENTCHAIRandcompletetheappropriatepaperworkforwithdrawal.

GRIEVANCEPOLICY

Informalgrievances,orverbalgrievances,shouldbeaddressedwiththepartiesinvolvedfirst.Ifnotresolved,proceedtothefollowingpeopleuntilresolutionisobtained:Instructor,LeadInstructor,NursingDepartmentChairforcourseissues.Ifthestudentisnotsatisfiedwiththeoutcomeatthispoint,shouldseetheCampusDirector/AcademicDean.Iftheinformalgrievanceprocessdoesnotresolvetheissue,proceedtoaformalgrievance.

Formalgrievancesmustbeinwritingandsignedbythepersonsubmittingthegrievanceassoonaspossibleafterthegrievanceuptoamaximumof5daysfromthedateofoccurrenceoftheissue.SubmitthegrievancelettertotheNursingDepartmentChair.TheNURSINGDEPARTMENTCHAIRwillrespondwithin5daysandreturnaresponseinwritingwithin10days(theNURSINGDEPARTMENTCHAIRmaywanttospeakdirectlytothestudentandanyotherpersonsinvolvedinthegrievance).Ifthereisnot

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satisfactionwiththeNURSINGDEPARTMENTCHAIR’sresponse,thenwrittengrievanceshouldbesubmittedtotheCampusDirector/AcademicDean.

Iftheissueremainsunsolved,studentsmaycontacttheStudentHelpLineat800.874.0255(staffedM-F8amto5pmPST)orbyemailatstudentservices@zenith.org.Emailischeckedduringnormalbusinesshours.Studentsarecontactedwithin24businesshoursandresponsesfromtheschoolregardingtheissuemustbereceivedbytheHelplinewithin5(five)days.StudentHelplineinfocanbefoundintheresourceslistedaboveaswellasontheStudentHelplineposterswhicharehanginginallstudentlounges.

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SECTIONV:COURSEPOLICIES

CLASSROOMDRESSCODE

Youareenteringthenursingprofession.Asaprofession,nursinghasdistinctdifferencesfromnon-professions,includingexpectationsofdress.Themannerinwhichyoudressreflectstheprideyouhaveinyourself,yourschool,andyourprofession.Themannerinwhichyoudressalsoreflectstheimportanceoftheexperienceandisanindicationofyourself-discipline,notonlyindress,butinotherareas.Thepurposeofthispolicyistosetguidelinesforprovidingasafeandcomfortablelearningenvironment.ThedresscodeistheuniformAltierusprovidesforthestudentsalongwithidentificationatalltimeswhileoncampus.Altierust-shirtsmaybewornwithscrubbottomsalongwithidentificationforanyserviceparticipationdesignatedbytheschool.Shoeswillbewhitewithwhiteshoelaces.Theshoesmustbeclosedtoelowheelprofessionallookingshoeswithonly5%anothercolor.Thedresscodeforclinical,lab,andsimulationisdiscussedinthefollowingsection.

Thosewhocontinuallydisregardthedresscodewillbewarnedanddisciplinaryactionwillbetaken.Ifastudentcontinuestoviolatethispolicy;actionmayincludedismissalfromtheprogram.Astudentmaybeexcludedfromclassorclinicalifthestudent’sappearanceisoffensive,presentsadistraction,orisnotinkeepingwiththispolicy.Studentsareresponsibleforallteaching/learningexperiencesmissed.

ASSIGNMENTS

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date published in the course syllabus.Homeworkassignments thatare required tobe turned inbutnotgradedare countedaseitherpresentorabsentontheduedate.Assignmentsthatreceiveindividualgradeswillreceive10%offperdaythattheyarelate.Assignmentsturnedinafter3daysfromtheduedatewillnotbeacceptedandwill countasa zero“0” for thegradeon thatassignmentunlessotherwisenoted in coursesyllabus.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytocompleteallworkinatimelymanner.ThestudentshouldnotexpecttheinstructororNursingDepartmentChairtoprovideextracreditassignmentsforthepurposeofpassingacourse.

EXAMPOLICY

Studentswhoarelatehavethechoicetotakeitintheremainingtimeorreceivea10%deduction.Studentsneedtousethebathroompriortoenteringtheexamtestingroom.Nothingisallowedontheexamtable.Allphonesandallelectronicdevicesmustbeturnedoffandplacedinthedesignatedarea.Studentswillonlybeallowedtoleavethetestingroomforanemergency.Studentsmustnotaccessanystudymaterialsoraskforhelp.Studentsmaynotdiscussexamitemsoranswerswithanyotherstudentincludingpostinganswersordiscussionblogsontheinternet.Examcontentwillcovernursingconceptstaughtinthecourseaswellasconceptspreviouslycovered.Contentmaycomefromtheassignedresourcesaswellasresourcestheinstructordeemsappropriatetomeetcourseobjectives.

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Astudentwhoviolatestheexamregulationsorrules,orengagesinirregularbehavior,misconductand/ordoesnotfollowtheproctorswarningtodiscontinueinappropriatebehaviormaybedismissedfromtheexam.Additionally,theexamresultmaybewithheldorcancelledandotherdisciplinaryactionmaybetakenincludingdismissalfromtheprogram.

EXAM/QUIZMAKE-UPS

Studentsareallowedtomake-uponeexampercourseperquarter.Studentswhomissanexamneedtotakeitwithin48hoursofitbeinggiven(Example:testgivenat0800Mondaymustbetakenby0800Wednesday).Therewillbeanautomaticdeductionof10%fromtheexamgradewithoutwrittendocumentationofanextenuatingcircumstancecontributingtothemissedexam.Itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttocontacttheinstructortoarrangeatimetotakethemissedexam.If theexam isnotmadeupwithin48hours, itwillbe scoredzero“0”.There isnomake-up forquizzes.Thereisnomake-upforfinalsunlessthereareextenuatingcircumstances.

ATTENDANCE

TheAssociateofAppliedScienceDegreeNursingprogramencompassesatotalof1520TotalContactHours.Studentsareencouragedtoschedulemedical,dentalorotherpersonalappointmentsafterschoolhours.Ifastudentwillbeunavoidablyabsent,he/sheshouldnotifytheschool,usingdirectionsasoutlinedinthecoursesyllabus.Thestudentshouldcalltheinstructorpriortotheclassdate/time(nomessagesviaanotherstudent,isacceptable)asyouwouldalertyouremployerifyouaregoingtomisswork.Studentswhoareabsentfromtheclassroomhavetheresponsibilitytoacquireinformationfromafellowstudent.

CLASSROOMTARDINESS

Ifarrivaltoclasshastobedelayed,thestudentshouldwaitforthebreaktoentertheclassroom.Itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttogettheinformationmissedduetotardiness.Chronictardinesswillbecountedagainsttheprofessionalismgrade.

GRADINGPOLICIES

Alltheorycoursework/assignmentswillbeassignedpercentvaluesasdelineatedintheboxbelow.Gradesconvertfrompercentagegradestothefollowinglettergrades:

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A=92–100%

B=84–91%

C=76–83%

Below76%isafailinggradeintheNursingProgram

D=75-68%

F=below68%

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SECTIONVI:CLINICAL,SIMULATION,ANDSKILLSLABPOLICIES

CERTIFICATIONSANDREQUIREMENTS

AllstudentsmustmaintaincurrentCPRcertificationandup-to-dateimmunizationsandhealthrequirementstobeenrolledinaclinicalcourse.Thesedocumentsaretobeuploadedbythestudenttothedocumentmanagementsystembythelastdayofthesecondquarter.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoensuretheserequirementsarecurrentandtherecordsaremaintained.Ifthestudentdoesnotmaintaintherecordscurrent,theymaynotbeabletoprogressforwardwithnursingcoursesthathaveacorrespondingclinical.

Alistingoftheclinicalrequirementsfollows:

• 2stepTBskintestorQuantiferonorChestX-raywithproofofpositiveskintestorquantiferon• BLS(mustbeAHA)• MMR2dosesorpositivetiter• Varicella2dosesorpositivetiter• HepB3dosesorpositivetiterorwaiver• Tdap• FluShot• Physicalexamperformedwithin6monthsofthestudent’sfirstclinicalassignment

ATTENDANCEPOLICY

Thefacultyconsiderslaboratory/clinical/practicum(henceforthreferredtoas“clinical”)attendanceessentialforprovidingopportunitiestoapplytheorycontenttohealthcaresettingsandpractice.

ClinicalTardinessPolicy

Tardinessisdefinedasnotbeingpresentandpreparedtobeginclinicalatthedesignatedstarttime.Intheeventthatcircumstancespreventastudentfromarrivingontimetotheclinicalexperience,thestudentisexpectedtodothefollowing:

• NotifytheClinicalInstructoratleastthirtyminutespriortothescheduledclinicalarrivaltime.ThiscommunicationmustbedirectlyfromthestudenttotheInstructor.

• Forpreceptorshipcourses,notifyPreceptoranddesignatednursingprogramfacultyatleastthirtyminutespriortothescheduledclinicaltime.

• Uponarrivaltotheclinicalsetting,reportimmediatelytotheInstructor.TheInstructorwilldeterminewhetherthestudentisabletoparticipateintheclinicalexperienceorreceiveanabsencefortheday.Ifthestudentisdismissedfromtheclinicalexperienceforanyreason,thestudentreceivesanabsencefortheday.

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• Foreachtardy,thestudentwillreceiveaClinicalVarianceForm.Twoclinicalvarianceswillresultinclinicalfailurewhichwillresultinfailureofthecourse.

ClinicalAbsencePolicy

Clinicalabsenceswillnotbescheduledformake-upopportunitiesunlessgrantedbytheNursingAppealsCommitteeaftersubmissionofanExtenuatingCircumstanceRequest.Seepolicybelow.Thismayresultincoursefailureifthestudenthasnotmettheminimumclinicalhoursorrecommendationsrelatedtoclinicalprobation.

Itismandatorythatstudentsattendallclinicalexperiences.Anystudentnotmeetingtheminimumnumberofhoursrequiredpercoursewillnotmeetthecreditrequirementsofthecourseresultingincoursefailure.Studentsmayrequestconsiderationofanextenuatingcircumstanceregardingtheabsence.SeeExtenuatingAbsenceRequestprocedurebelow.Make-upopportunitiesarenotguaranteedregardlessofthecircumstanceoftheabsence.

Intheeventaninstructormustsendastudentoffoftheunit,includingbutnotlimitedtoillness,inappropriatedress,inappropriatebehavior,lackofprepfortheclinicalexperience,lateness,useofanytobaccoproductwhileinuniformand/orinbusinesscasualforanyclinicalexperience,orforcomplianceissues,theabsencewillbecountedasaclinicalabsenceforthatday.

Intheeventastudenthasreceivedasubpoenatoappearincourt,isselectedforjuryduty,isonleaveduetobereavementorhasrequiredmilitaryservice,thestudentwillberesponsibleformeetingwiththeDepartmentChairorherdesigneetodiscussthesituationathandonanindividualbasis.Thestudentmustbeabletoprovideacopyofthesubpoena,courtdocumentsormilitaryorders.

Circumstancesthatmayaffectthesafetyofothersorthestudent’ssafety,suchaspregnancy,communicabledisease,orinjury,willrequireaReturntoWorkCertificatewithoutrestrictions.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytocommunicatesuchcircumstancestotheNursingDepartmentChairandClinicalCoordinator.

FailuretofollowthereportingproceduresfortardinessandabsenceswillresultinthestudentreceivinganunsatisfactoryontheClinicalEvaluationToolandaClinicalVarianceFormandmayresultinclinicalprobationorcoursefailure.

ProcessforClinicalAbsence

StudentswhomissanyclinicalexperienceforreasonsthatarenotdeemedextenuatingmustmeetwiththeNursingDepartmentChair.StudentsmaybeplacedonClinicalProbation.TheNursingDepartmentChairwilldetermineifamake-upopportunitywillbegranted.Ifamake-upopportunityisnotgrantedorunavailable,thestudentwillnotbeabletomeettherequiredclinicalhoursforthecourseresultingincoursefailure.

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ProcessforExtenuatingCircumstancesRequests

Astudentwhoisabsentfromclinicalmayrequestconsiderationofextenuatingcircumstances.Extenuatingcircumstancesaredeemedthosethatareseriousinnatureandthereforethefollowingpolicyisinreferencetotheentiretyofthenursingprogramandnotpercourse.ExtenuatingCircumstancesRequestswillonlybeconsideredforillness/injuryofthestudentoranimmediatefamilymemberordeathofthestudent’simmediatefamilymember.

Requireddocumentationforextenuatingcircumstanceconsideration:

• SeriousIllnessorInjury:

o EmergencyDepartment,UrgentCare,orHospitaldischargepaperworkrelevanttotheacuteillness

• Deathofimmediatefamilymember:

o Evidenceofdeath

• JuryDuty

o Jurysummons

• MilitaryDeployment

o Deploymentorders

• Legal/CourtDates

o Courtdocumentswithdateslisted

FirstClinicalAbsence:

Immediatelyuponreturntoschool,thestudentmustsubmittheExtenuatingCircumstancesformtotheNursingDepartmentChairalongwiththerequireddocumentation.TheNursingAppealsCommitteewillconsiderallrequestsanddetermineifamake-upopportunitycanbegranted.Make-upopportunitiesmustbeinaccordancewiththeclinicalcourseobjectives.Ifamake-upopportunityisnotgrantedorunavailable,thestudentwillnotbeabletomeettherequiredclinicalhoursforthecourseresultingincoursefailure.

SecondClinicalAbsence:

Immediatelyuponreturntoschool,thestudentmustsubmittheExtenuatingCircumstancesRequestformtotheNursingDepartmentChairalongwiththerequireddocumentation.TheNursingAppealsCommitteewillconsiderallrequestsanddetermineifamake-upopportunitycanbegranted.Ifamake-

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upopportunityisnotgrantedorunavailable,thestudentwillnotbeabletomeettherequiredclinicalhoursforthecourseresultingincoursefailure.

ThestudentmaybeplacedonClinicalProbationforexcessiveabsencesevenwhenabsencesaredeemedextenuating.Anysubsequentclinicalabsencemayresultincoursefailureandprogramdismissal.

NOCALL,NOSHOWPOLICY

Astudentwhoisabsentfromclinical,simulation,orlabinstructionwithoutgivingpriorandpropernotification(NoCall/NoShow)willreceiveawrittenwarning(ClinicalVarianceForm).AsecondNoCall/NoShowfromclinical,simulation,orlabinstruction,withoutgivingpriorandpropernotification,willresultinprogramdismissalandthestudentwillnotbeeligibleforreadmissiontothenursingprogram.Communicatinganabsencewillbedonebynotifyingtheclinicalinstructorandleadinstructorbyphone.Notificationviaemail,textmessage,oraskinganotherstudenttorelaythemessageisnotacceptable.Thispolicyappliestotheentiretyofthenursingprogram,notpercourse.

DRESSCODEFORCLINICAL,SIMULATION,SKILLSLAB

Inordertodemonstrateprofessionalism,theAltierusnursinguniformalongwithwhite,closedtoeandheelshoeswillberequiredtobewornatallclinicalexperiences.

Studentsarerequiredtopurchasetherequirednursinguniformfromtheschool.AltierusCareerCollegehascontractedwithauniformcompanytoprovidethebestuniformsforourstudents.Becauseweareabletocontractwiththedistributorweareabletokeepyourcostsdownwhichmeansasavingstoyou.

Theapproveduniformconsistsofnursingscrubs(grey)withthecollegelogoontheshirtfront,whiteshoeswithnovisiblelogo.Shirtswornunderthescrubtopmustbewhite,gray,orblackincolor.Altierust-shirtsmaynotbeworn.Awarm-upjacketmaybepurchasedfromtheschooltowearwiththescrubsoncampusandinthelab.Nootheruniformsorwarmupjacketsmaybeworn.

Whileintheclinicalareathefollowingguidelinesmustbeadheredto:

UniformsTheAltierusnursinguniformscrubwillbeworntoandfromtheclinicalsitewiththeappropriatenon-visibleundergarments.Shirtswornunderthescrubtopmustbewhite,gray,orblackincolor.Uniformsshallbeclean,ironedandfitproperlytoallowforeaseinbendingandstooping.Noadjustmentstotheuniformaretobemade(pantslower,topshigher)thatexposebodyskinparts.Designateduniformshoesshallbecleanandwhite.Thewarm-upjacketmaynotbewornintheclinicalsetting.

Shoes

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Whiteshoes,whiteshoelacesmustbecleanedaftereachclinical.Theshoesmustbeclosedtoelowheelprofessionallookingshoeswithonly5%anothercolor.Opentoe,flip-flop,platformandopen-heeledshoes,sandalsorcanvasshoesarenotpermittedintheclinicalareas.

IdentificationStudentIDbadgesaretobewornontheleftsideupperchest.TheIDbadgesaretobewornatalltimes,inANYclinicalfacilitybyeachstudent.Noexceptions.

Hair,NailsandMake-up• Hairmustbeneatandclean,ofaprofessionalconservativehaircutandstyle(unacceptable:

long,spiked,multicolor,etc.)andMUSTbeoffthecollarinthebackwiththehairinthefrontabovetheeyebrows.Thecolormustbeanaturaloccurringcolor(nopurple,etc.)

• Nailsshouldbeshortandnonailpolishispermittedintheclinicalarea.Artificialnailsandnailenhancementsarenotpermitted.

• Make-upmustbeofaprofessionalconservativenature(minimal)andappropriateforaworkenvironment.Perfume,cologne,scentedlotions,and/oraftershavearenotpermittedduetothepotentialofallergiesofclientsandco-workers.

• Malestudentsmustbecleanshaven;ifastudenthasabeardormoustacheitmustbeneatandcloselytrimmed.

• Personalgroomingisrequired.Studentsareresponsibleformaintaininggroomingstandards.Offensivebodyodorisnotacceptable.

Jewelry• Onepairofstud(nodangleorhoop)earringsispermittedinthelowerearlobesonly.Noother

visiblefacialorbodypiercingispermittedintheclinicalareaincludingbutnotlimitedtonoserings,eyebrowringsorbars,cheekrings,tongueringsorliprings.

• Earlobegaugesarepermittedonlyiftheyaresolidandplain.Clearplasticgaugesarenotallowed.Ifthegaugeisnotsolid,itmustberemovedandtheholemustbecoveredbyabandage.Agaugewithanopenholeortheholeleftoncethegaugeisremovedpresentaliabilityandmustbecovered.

• Ringsareapotentialsiteforharboringofmicroorganisms,aweddingorengagementringarepermitted,exceptinareasuchastheoperatingroom,deliveryroomandnewbornnursery.Nootherjewelryexceptawatchwithasecondhandshouldbewornintheclinicalarea.

• Ringswithlargestonescanpresentasafetyhazardforthestudentand/orclientthusitisbesttoremovethesepriortocomingtotheclinicalarea.

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OtherIssues• Anytattoos,woundsorbodypiercingmustnotbevisibleandshallbecoveredwithadiscrete,

samecoloredskinbandageatalltimes.

• Hats,caps,otherclothingoraccessoryitemsthatarenotpartofthenursingprogramuniformarenotpermitted.

• Studentsrepresenttheschoolandtheprofessionofnursingwhileintheclinicalarea.Inadequategroomingand/ornotadheringtotheuniformrequirementscanreflectbadlyonboth.

• Chewinggumisnotpermitted.

• Astudentmaybedismissedfromtheprogramandreceiveafailinggradeinthecoursebasedontheinabilitytoplacethestudentinaclinicalfacilityduetononcompliancewiththeprofessionalappearancepolicies.

• Whenattendingeventsthatdon’trequiretheAltierusnursinguniformtheattiremustbebusinessprofessionalinnature.NOthinorsee-throughclothes,sleevelesstops,sundresses,haltertops,tanktops,T-shirts,shorts,minidresses,sweattopsorpants,jeans,joggingsuitsorhighheelshoes.

Smoking/TobaccoUsePolicy

Nostudentshallengageintheuseoftobaccowhileinuniformand/orinbusinesscasualforanyspecificclinicalexperience.Thisincludeschewabletobaccoproducts,snuffandsmokingbyinhaling,exhaling,burningorcarryinganylightedcigarette,cigar,pipeorothersuchdevicewhichcontainstobaccoorothersmokeorvaporproducingproductssuchase-cigarettes.Shoulditbedeterminedthatastudenthasengagedintheuseofanytobaccoproductwhileinuniformand/orinbusinesscasualforanyclinicalexperience,thestudentwillbesentoffoftheclinicalunitand/oranyotherclinicalexperienceandbesenthome.Thiswillresultinanabsenceforthatclinicalexperience.

NEARMISSANDINCIDENTREPORTS

• AnynearmisswillberecordedontheappropriateformandturnedintotheleadinstructorforreviewandthentotheNursingDepartmentChairtodeterminetrainingissues.

• IncidentswillberecordedontheincidentreportformandimmediatelyreportedtotheleadinstructorandNursingDepartmentChair.

CLINICALGRADINGPOLICY

Clinicalexperiencewillbeevaluatedthroughfacultyobservation,verbalcommunicationwiththestudent,writtenwork,andagencystaffreportsusingtheClinicalEvaluationForm.EvaluationwillbebasedonachievementofcourseandprogramobjectivesusingtheClinicalEvaluationForm.Allareasare

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toberated.AratingofPassrepresentssatisfactoryperformanceandaratingofFailrepresentsunsatisfactoryperformance.ThestudentmustachievearatingofPassineachareabythecompletionofthecourseinordertoachieveapassinggradeforthecourse.AratingofFailinanyoftheclinicalareasattheendofthecoursewillconstituteafailureforthecourse.

Facultywillholdevaluationconferenceswiththestudentatmid-termandattheendofeachcourseandanytimeasneeded.Finalevaluationconferenceswiththefacultyaremandatoryandwillbeheldduringthelastweekofeachclinicalrotation.Astudentmayrequestadditionalconferencesatanytimebycontactingtheclinicalfaculty.AstudentwhoreceivesanunsatisfactoryevaluationduringthecoursewillberequiredtocompleteaClinicalVarianceForm.

CLINICALPROBATION

Clinicalprobationoccursfortwomajorreasons:excessiveabsences,tardiness,andfailuretomeetclinicalcompetencies.ProbationforeitherreasonwillresultinthesubmissionofaClinicalVarianceForm.ThepurposeoftheClinicalVarianceFormistodevelopaplanofactiontocorrect,eliminate,orimprovetheunsatisfactorybehavior.WhenanunsatisfactorybehaviorintheclinicalorpracticumsettingrequirescompletionofaClinicalVarianceForm,thefacultyandstudentaretoadheretothefollowingprocedure:

1. Thestudentiscounseledbytheclinicalinstructorregardingtheunsatisfactoryclinicalbehavior.TheinstructordocumentsthebehaviorontheappropriateareaoftheevaluationtoolandtheClinicalVarianceForm.

2. TheclinicalinstructorsendsacopyoftheClinicalVarianceFormtotheLeadFacultyforthecourseandtheNursingDepartmentChairandmayconsultthem,asneeded.

3. Astudentwillfailtheclinicalportionofthecourseandbesubjecttoprogramdismissalif:a. TwoClinicalVarianceFormsarereceivedbythestudentb. TheClinicalVarianceFormprovidesdocumentationthatthestudentcommittedan

egregiousbehaviororabehaviorwhichnegativelyimpactsthepatient’sstatus

CLINICALANDSIMULATIONORIENTATION

Clinicalorientationprocedures(includinglabandsimulation)varyperfacility.Attendanceismandatoryandmayincludebutnotlimitedtocomputerorientationandfacilitypoliciesandprocedures.

EXPOSUREINCIDENT

AltierusSchoolofNursingstrivestomaintainasafelearningenvironmentforitsstudents.Becauseoftheinherentriskinvolvedwithcertainaspectsofthenursingprogram,itisimpossibletopreventallaccidentsthatmightresultinastudentbeingexposedtopotentiallydangerousbodilyfluids.AltierusSchoolofNursingadherestotheproceduresoutlinedintheExposureIncidentPolicy(AppendixB)andExposureIncidentProcedure(AppendixC).

INFECTIOUSDISEASE

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Nursingstudentscareforawidevarietyofclientwithbothknownandunknowndiseases.Thisimpliesacertainrisktothenursingstudentasaproviderofhealthcare.Thisriskcanbedecreasedbystrictadherencetoacceptedinfectioncontrolguidelines.Theseguidelinesincludethestandardprecautions,thebasicprinciplesofmedical/surgicalasepsis,healthcarefacilitycontrolpoliciesandmaintenanceofindividualpersonalhealthbythestudentthroughbasichealthandimmunizationpractices.

AnystudentwithaknownmedicalconditionwhichmayposearisktotheclientorwhoisplacedatriskbycaringforclientswhohaveinfectiousdiseasesshoulddiscusstheirriskwiththeirpersonalphysicianandtheNursingDepartmentChairtoclarifystudentandcollegeresponsibilitiesandrequirements.

StudentswhohaveahealthissuemustinformtheNURSINGDEPARTMENTCHAIRoftheircondition.Astudentwithaninfectiousdisease,includingAIDS,whoissymptomatic,mustnotbeinvolvedindirectclientcare.Writtenclearanceforthestudenttoreturntodirectclientcaremustbeobtainedfromthestudent’sprimarycarephysician.Thiswrittenclearancemustbepresentedtotheinstructorbeforethestudentcanreturntotheclinicalsetting.Anystudentwhohasbeenexposedorpotentiallyexposedtoaninfectiousdiseaseduringclientcaremustreporttheexposureimmediatelytotheclinicalinstructor.

AnannualInfluenzavaccineduringOctobertoMarchisanadditionalrequirementaddedtotheclinicalrequirementspertheclinicalsitesrequestthatisalsohighlyrecommendedbyCDCforallhealthcareproviders.Ifyouhavehadapastreactiontothevaccine,thencompleteaninfluenzawaiver.Ifthatparticularclinicalsitewillnotacceptasignedwaiverthanthestudentismovedtoanotherclinicalsiteifavailable.

STANDARDSOFSTUDENTCLINICAL/SIMULATIONCONDUCTANDSTUDENTACCOUNTABILITY

Nursingstudentsareheldtothesamestandardsofcareasthoseapplicabletothegraduatenurse.Standardsofpracticearedevelopedbyprofessionalorganizationswhichserveasguidelinesinmaintainingqualitypractice.

Everypersonhastherighttoexpectsafecompetentcareevenwhensuchcareisprovidedbyastudentaspartofclinicaltraining.

Theinstructorwillbetheultimateauthoritytojudgestudentperformanceintheclinicalsetting.Itismandatorythattheinstructorhaveunquestionedauthoritytotakeimmediatecorrectiveactionintheclinicalareawithregardtostudentconduct,clinicalperformance,andclientsafety.

Astudentmayberefusedaccesstoanyclinicalfacilityforinfractionsoffacilityrulesandregulations.Astudentinvolvedinanadverseoccurrencewhichcausesorhasthepotentialofcausingseriousharmtoanother(client,staff,visitor,otherstudent,etc.)maybeaskedtowithdrawfromtheprogram.

TheBoardofNursingrequiresnursingprofessionalstobefullyaccountablefortheirclinicaldecisionsandactions.Accountabilityisthequalityorstateofbeingresponsibleandanswerableforone’sdecisions,actions,andbehaviors.Nursescommittedtointerpersonalcaringholdthemselvesaccountableforthewell-beingofclientsentrustedtotheircareandareaccountabletotheirclientsandtheircolleagues.Theyarelegallyandethicallyresponsibleforanyfailuretoactinasafeandprudent

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manner.ThestateNursingPracticeActgivesnursesandstudentnursestherighttoperformabroadrangeofdependentandindependentfunctions.Enjoyingthisprivilegemeansthattheyalsoassumelegalandethicalresponsibilityforsafeandeffectiveperformanceatalltimes.Standardsofpracticehavebeendevelopedbyprofessionalorganizationswhichserveasguidelinesinmaintainingqualitypractice.

FortheAltierusnursingstudent,accountabilitymeansthatthestudentwillbe,atalltimes,willingtolearnandpracticenursingwithcommitmentandwithpersonalintegrity.Itmeansbeingattentiveandresponsivetotheneedsofindividualclientsandcolleagues.Asthestudentacquiresnursingknowledgeandskills,she/hewillassumeprofessionalresponsibilitiesanddevelopcompetencieswhichwillshapeher/hisattitudeofcaring.Thisattitudeofcaringandofbeingaccountabledevelopsasthestudentbecomessensitivetotheethicalandlegalimplicationsofnursingpractice.Innursing,thecommongoalistoprovidethehighestqualityofcaretoallindividualsentrustedtoourcare.Tosuccessfullyachievethisgoal,thestudentshouldbededicatedtothefollowingactions:

• Sharingideas,learningexperiences,andknowledge,• Upholdingthephilosophiesandpoliciesofthecollege,thenursingprogram,theclinical

agencieswithinwhichthestudentpracticesandtheBoardofNursing,• Maintainingthehighestideals,morals,personalintegrity,andethicspossible,• Makingacommitmenttobeingfullyaccountable,responsible,andanswerablefor

her/hisacademicandclinicaldecisions,actions,andbehaviors.

Inbeingdedicatedandcommittedtopracticingtheprinciplesofaccountability,theAltierusCareerCollegenursingstudentcanhavethepersonalandprofessionalsatisfactionofknowingthatshe/heisdoingeverythingpossibletopromotetrustworthinessinbothconductandactions.

SAFECLINICALANDSIMULATIONPRACTICEPOLICY

AllstudentsenrolledintheAltierusNursingProgramarerequiredtopracticeclinicallyinaccordancewiththeestablishedSchoolofNursingStandardsofSafeClinicalPractice.StudentsarerequiredtosignthestudenthandbooksignaturepagewhichincludestheSafeClinicalPracticePolicy.Acopyofthesignedstatementwillbekeptinthestudent’sacademicfile.Failuretoabidebythesestandardswillresultindisciplinaryactionasdescribedinthefollowingprocess.Inallclinicalsituations,thestudentisexpectedtopracticewithresponsibilityandaccountabilityasaregisterednursingstudent.Safeclinicalperformancealwaysincludes,butisnotlimitedtothefollowingbehaviors;therefore,thestudentisexpectedtoatminimum:

• Bepreparedforclinicalassignments.

• Ensureyouhaveallyourequipment(Watchwithsecondhand,Bandagescissors,Penlight,stethoscope,safetygogglesthatcanbepurchasedthroughthebookstore,Pens,IDbadge).

• Practicewithinboundariesofthenursingstudentrole

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• Considerallclient/familyinformationasstrictlyconfidential.Suchinformationshallnotbediscussedwithanyoneexceptinstructors,peers,andsignificanthospitalpersonnel.KnowHIPAAguidelines!

• Submitreportsonclientstoinstructorsusingclientinitialsonly,nevertheclient’sfullname.

• Removethenameoftheclientfromcopiesofdocumentsusedinconjunctionwithlearningactivities.

• Promptlyreportsignificantclientinformationincludingerrorsandnursingactionstakeninaclear,accurateandcompleteverbalorwrittenmannertotheappropriateperson(s).

• Consultwiththeinstructorifthestudentbelievesthatcircumstancesregardingtheclientwillinterferewithgivingeffectivecare(e.g.,personalfriend,familymember).

• Maintainaprofessionalattitudeatalltimeswhencaringforclients.

• Communicateanycriticismofanagency,anindividual,oraninstructortotheNursingDepartmentChair,andrefrainfromcriticaldiscussionoutsidetheschoolorwithotherstudents.

• Behonestatalltimes.Astudentwhowouldcheatonatestultimatelyischeatingclients.Astudentwhoislessthancompletelyhonestintheclinicalareajeopardizesclientsafetyandissubjecttoterminationfromthenursingprogram.

• Beresponsibleforhis/herownlearning,andhelppromoteanatmospherewhichfacilitatesmaximumlearningforhis/herclassmates.Astudentwillnotobstructthelearningprocessofothersbycausingundueanxietyforanyreason,includingmonopolizinginstructor’stime.

• Conducthimself/herselfatalltimesinaprofessionalmanner.

• Seeknecessaryclientreferral(withinstructorapproval)tohelpsolveclient’ssocialproblems.

TheAltierusnursingstudent,besidesfollowingthecollegerulesandregulations,isalsoexpectedtocomplywithpoliciesandproceduresofthefollowing:

o AltierusCareerCollegeAssociateofAppliedScienceDegreeNursingProgram(TheStudentHandbook)

o Coursesyllabio Agencyinwhichtheclinicalexperienceisoccurring(Clinicalsite)o AppropriateNursingStandardsofPracticeestablishedbytheStateBoardofNursing

(NursePracticeAct)

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CRITICALBEHAVIORS

Consistentperformanceofcertainbehaviorsisdeemedcriticalintheclinicalsetting.FailuretoconsistentlyperformanyONEofthecriticalbehaviorswillresultinanunsatisfactorygradeinclinical,andthusagradeofFinthecourse.ThecriticalbehaviorsarelistedbelowandcorrelatewiththeAltierusCareerCollegeSchoolofNursingStudentLearningOutcomeslistedinthishandbook.Thenursingstudentwill:

• Showevidenceofpreparationfortheclinicalexperience.

• Calculatemedicationscorrectlywithadoublecheckbytheinstructorordesignee.

• Administermedicationscorrectlywithadoublecheckbytheinstructorordesignee.

• Reporterrorsandnearmisseventsimmediately.

• Maintainmedicalandsurgicalasepsis.

• Performpsychomotorskillsatexpectedcompetencylevel.

• Adheretoagencyguidelines.

• Giveaccuratereportsintheclinicalsetting.

• Recognizehazardsandtakesappropriateaction.

• Demonstraterespectfortherights,dignity,andindividualityofallpersons,includingbutnotlimitedto:maintainingconfidentialityconsistentwithHIPAAregulations,providingprivacy,andavoidingstereotyping.

• Establishtherapeuticrelationshipswithpersons.

• Makingnursingdecisionsthatarewithinethical-legalparametersandconsistentwithHIPAAregulations.

• Demonstrateresponsibilityandaccountabilityatalevelconsistentwiththeexpectedknowledgebase.

• Utilizethenursingprocessatalevelconsistentwiththeexpectedknowledgebase.

• Modifybehaviorsinresponsetoguidance.

• DemonstratebehaviorsconsistentwithprofessionalnursingrolesandANACodeofEthics,including,butnotlimitedto:motivation,integrity,communication,leadership,organizationalskills,abilitytoworkunderstress,appearance,punctuality,andattendance.

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UNSATISFACTORYCLINICALBEHAVIORS

UnsafebehaviorconsistingofactionsthatdonotdemonstratetheminimumbehaviorsdescribedassafeclinicalperformancemayrequireanunsatisfactoryratingontheClinicalEvaluationTool,aFacultyConference,and/oraClinicalVarianceinclude,butarenotlimitedto,thefollowing:

1. TardinessandAbsence(seeClinicalTardinessandAbsencePolicies)2. Failuretocommunicateappropriatelyandrespectfullywithfaculty,patients,peers,andhealth

careteammembers.3. InabilitytomeetormaintainthebehaviorsidentifiedintheANACodeofEthicsandANA

StandardsofProfessionalPracticeincluding,butnotlimitedto:• Failuretoincorporatecaringbehaviorsinpatientcare,i.e.meetingbasicneedsina

timelymanner,demonstratingcompassion• Inappropriatebehaviorsuchasabusivelanguage,threats,assaultandbattery,theft,

disruptivetalking,chemicalimpairment,andinsubordination4. Failuretomaintaintherequiredlevelofcompetency,including,butnotlimitedto:

• Notfollowingtherightsofmedicationadministration.• Inadequatepreparationforclinicalassignment.• Demonstratingincompetenceontheclinicalunit.• Failuretomaintainpatientconfidentiality.• Failuretomaintainpatientsafety.

5. Failuretomeetcourserequirementsandobjectives,tofollowschoolpolicies,andtoupholdCollegevalues.

SKILLSLABACTIVITIES

Theskillslabprovidestheopportunityforthestudenttopracticekeyskillsfortheclinicalareagivingthestudenttheconfidencetoperformtheseskillswhenworkingwithclients.Practicesometimesinvolvesworkingwithotherstudentswhoposeasclients.Manyproceduresarepracticedintheskillslab,however,AltierusCareerCollegedoesnotallowstudentstopracticegivinginjectionsoneachotherorfacultymembersoncampusproperty.Studentswillpracticeinjectionsusingmannequins/practicearmsorotherlearningtooldesignatedbytheinstructor.Otherlearningmedia(e.g.,videos,writtenmaterials,CDs)maybeusedtoreinforcethisproceduretopreparestudentsforclinicalrotationswheretheywillbeexpectedtoadministerinjections.

StudentsarerequiredtocompleteandpassallSkillsLabassignmentswhicharemandatoryforeachcourse’sactivities.

CLINICALSITEORDAYREQUESTS

Clinicalsiteordayrequestsarenotaccepted.ClinicalassignmentswillbepostedbytheendofWeek10ofthecurrentquarterfortheupcomingquarter.Theseassignmentsaretentativeandaresubjecttochangeafterfinalgradesarepostedintheeventthatthestudentprogressionaffectsthebalanceoftheclinicalgroups.

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SECTIONVII:STUDENTCONDUCTANDOTHERPOLICIES

STUDENTCONDUCTANDDISRUPTIVEBEHAVIOR

Thecollegeseekstopromoteaneducationallysoundenvironmentfreefromdisruptionsinlearningwhethertheinstructiontakesplaceatthecollegeorclinicalsite.TheStudentConductCodeViolations/FormalDisciplinaryProceduresarefoundintheCollegeCatalog.Instructorsmaydeterminethetimeandmannerforstudentquestionsandinteractions.Instructorswillestablish,communicateandenforcereasonableclassroomrulesofbehavioranddecorum.Thispolicyisnotintendedtodiscourageappropriateclassroomexpression,discussionordisagreementbutrathertopromoterespectfulinteractions.Incivilitywillnotbetolerated;mayleadtodismissalfromtheprogram.

Disruptivebehaviorisnotonlydisrespectfultotheprofessionalfacultyandfellowstudentsbutalsonegativelyimpactsthelearningenvironment.Duringclassthefollowingwillnotbetolerated:

• Arrivinglatetoclass,laborclinical.• Leavingtheclassroom,laborclinicalareaearlywithoutauthorization.• Privateconversationsduringclass,laborclinical.• Useofcellphonestotalk,textorphotograph(cellphonesmustbeturnedoffinthe

classroom,labandclinicalareas).• Usingthecomputerandorinternetforpersonalactivities(e.g.,e-mail).• Sleeping.• Profanityorbullyinglanguageorbehavior• Whenastudentengagesindisruptiveactivitytheinstructorwillrequestthatthestudent

leavethearea.

Tardinessandmovementinandoutoftheclassroomduringlectureisdisruptive.Onceattendancehasbeentakenstudentsnotpresentwillbeconsideredtardyorabsent.Tobenefitfullyfromthescheduledlearningactivitiesstudentsmustremainintheclassroomduringthesession.

Ethicalbehaviorisimperativeforindividualsenteringthenursingprofession.Thefollowingbehaviorwillnotbetoleratedbythecollege,thenursingprogram,anyfacultymemberorclinicalagencies:

• Beingundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugsoncampusorataclinicalsite(Forcausedrugscreenscanbeperformedatanytime).(AltierusCareerCollegeDrugandAlcoholAbusePolicyfollows).

• Useofprofanityintheclassroom,oncampusorattheclinicalsite.

• Fightingorthreateninganotherstudentorstaffmemberoncampusorattheclinicalsite.

• Beingdisrespectfultofacultymembers,staffmembers,agencystafforfellowstudents.

• Falsificationofrecordsintheclinicalarea.

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• Failuretoreporterrorsintheclinicalarea.

SOCIALNETWORKINGANDSOCIALMEDIA

PerHIPAAnopatient,clinicalsituation,orpicturesaretobesharedonasocialmedianetworksuchasbutnotlimitedto:Facebook,TwitterandYouTube.

SocialMediaPolicybyANAandNCSBN:

ANA’sPrinciplesforSocialNetworking:

• Nursesmustnottransmitorplaceonlineindividuallyidentifiablepatientinformation.• Nursesmustobserveethicallyprescribedprofessionalpatient-nurseboundaries.• Nursesshouldunderstandthatpatients,colleagues,institutionsandemployersmayview

postings.• Nursesshouldtakeadvantageofprivacysettingsandseektoseparatepersonalandprofessional

informationonline.• Nursesshouldbringcontentthatcouldharmapatient’sprivacyrights,orwelfaretothe

attentionofappropriateauthorities.• Nursesshouldparticipateindevelopinginstitutionalpoliciesgoverningonlineconduct.

6TipstoAvoidProblems:

• Rememberthatstandardsofprofessionalismarethesameonlineasinanyothercircumstance.• Donotshareorpostinformationorphotosgainedthroughthenurse-patientrelationship.• Maintainprofessionalboundariesintheuseofelectronicmedia.Onlinecontactwithpatients

blursthisboundary.• Donotmakedisparagingremarksaboutpatients,employersorco-workers,eveniftheyarenot

identified.• Donottakephotosorvideosofpatientsonpersonaldevices,includingcellphones.• Promptlyreportabreachofconfidentialityorprivacy.

FOODANDBEVERAGE

Closedcontainerfluidsareallowedinthenursingskillslabbutnofood.Nofoodordrinkinthecomputerorsimulationlabs.

PROFESSIONALBOUNDARIES

Studentsenrolledinaprogramofstudyinnursingmustlearntheimportanceofestablishingandmaintainingprofessionalboundaries.Inastudentrole,professionalboundariesexistbetweenthestudentandthefacultyandbetweenthestudentandtheclient.Studentsunclearofproperbehaviororofanappropriateresponsetoaclientshouldconsulttheirfacultymember.

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Pleaseaddressfaculty,staff,andclientsbytheirappropriateSURname—Dr.,Mrs,Mr.,Ms,Miss,Professor,etc…unlessotherwisedirectedsobytheclient.

DRUGANDALCOHOLABUSEPOLICY

Studentswillneedtocompleteandpassadrugscreeningwhichshowsnoevidenceofillegaldrugusage.

AltierusCareerCollegehasaresponsibilitytomaintainasafeenvironmentforitsstudentsaswellasmaintainingsafeconditionsforclients.Anystudentundertheinfluenceofdrugsoralcoholduringaclinicalexperiencemayposeserioussafetyandhealthrisks,notonlytothemselves,buttoallthosewhoworkwiththemandtoclientsforwhomtheyprovidecare.Theunlawfulpossession,use,orsaleofillegaldrugs,prescriptiondrugs,overthecounterdrugs,and/oralcoholintheclinicalagency,posesanunacceptableriskforunsafeclientcare.

Thedefinitionofimpairmentasrelatedtonursingpracticeoccurswhenalcohol,drugsand/ormentalillnessinterfereswiththenurse/studentnurse’sjudgment,interpersonal,cognitiveandorpsychomotorskillsthusimpairingthenurse’sabilitytofunctioninaprofessionalrole.

TheAltierusnursingfacultyrecognizethat:

• Alcoholism,drugabuseandormentalillnessarediseasesandshouldbetreatedassuch.• Mentalillnessmaybeanyacuteorchronicconditionthatdisruptsthethinking,moods,

functioningorfeelings.Itcanalsoaffecttheabilitytocopewiththedemandsofthenursingprogram/courses.

• Impairmentcanalsoinvolvetheuse/abuseofprescriptionandover-the-countermedications,illegaldrugs,alcoholorinhaledsubstances.

• Healthandpersonalproblemsinvolvinganyorallofthesediseasescanaffectthestudent’sacademicandclinicalperformanceandtheimpairedstudentisadangertoselfandseriousdangertotheclientsinthestudent’scare.

• Nursingstudentswiththesediseasescanbehelpedtorecover.• Itistheresponsibilityofthenursingstudenttovoluntarilyseekdiagnosisandtreatmentfor

anysuspectedillness.• Confidentialitywillbeexercisedwhenhandlingthediagnosisandtreatmentofthese

diseases.

TheAltierusCareerCollegefaculty,studentsandagencynursesarerequiredtoreportanysuspiciousbehaviorandarrangedrugandalcoholtesting.

Reasonablesuspicionofsubstanceabuseisconsideredwhenanystudentdemonstratesunusual,unexplainedbehaviorintheagencyenvironmentorduringclinicalexperiences.Observablesignsmightinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

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• Slurredspeech.• Odorofalcoholonbreathorperson.• Unsteadygait.• Disorientedorconfusedbehavior.• Significantchangesinworkhabits.• Observedbehaviorsindicativeofhallucinations.• Unexplainedaccidentorinjury.• Sloppy,inappropriateclothingand/orappearance.• Physicallyassaultive,threatening,undulytalkative,exaggeratedself-importance,making

incoherentorirrelevantstatementsintheagencysetting.• Excessivesickdays,excessivetardinesswhenreportingforclinicalorclass.• Misseddeadlines,carelessmistakes,takinglongerthancustomarytocompletework.• Coordination(notnormal,swaying,staggering,lackofcoordination,graspingforsupport).• Performance(unsafepractices,unsatisfactorywork).• Alertness(changeinalertness,sleepy,confused).• Demeanor(changeinpersonality,fighting,excited,combative,aggressive,violent,

argumentative,indifferent,threatening,antagonistic).• Eyes(bloodshot,dilated).• Otherclinicalobservationsconsistentwithimpairment.

Drugtestingmayberequiredforanystudentwhodemonstratesbehaviorsofreasonablesuspicion(seeabove)intheclinicalenvironment.

Drugtestingmayberequiredforanystudentwhodemonstratessuspicionofsubstanceabuseimpairmentandwhohasaccessand/ordirectresponsibilityforcontrolledsubstancesifknowndrugsofabusearemissingorotherwiseunaccountedforwhileintheclinicalagency.Thisdeterminationwillbemadeonacase-by-casebasisbytheagencymanageroradministratorandtheNursingDepartmentChair,ortheNursingDepartmentChair’srepresentative.

Informedconsentwillbeobtainedpriortotesting.Feesassociatedwithtestingwillbetheresponsibilityofthestudent.

Noncompliancewithrequestsfordrugandalcoholscreeningfromastudentwhodemonstratessuspicionofsubstanceabuseimpairmentwillbeviewedasaviolation.Thestudentmaybesubjecttodismissalfromthenursingprogram.

Thecollectionsitewillbeinastandardcollectionarealaboratoryoremergencydepartmentaspertheagencyprotocol.Non-acceptableandAcceptablevaluesforlabresultswillbedeterminedaccordingtotheagencypolicies.Collectionprocedureswilladheretotherequired“chainofcustody”protocolasindicatedbytheassignedclinicalagency.

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Thestudentwhoissuspectedofsubstanceabuseimpairmentwillbeescortedtothecollectionsitewiththeappropriatefacultymemberorassignedpreceptorandanagencystaffmember.Allwillremainatthecollectionsiteuntiltherequiredspecimensareobtained.Agencypolicywillbefollowedasrequired.

Followinganincidentthatrequiresdrugoralcoholtesting,thestudentwillbesenthomebycaborresponsibleindividual.Undernocircumstanceswillthestudentbeallowedtodrivehome.Arrangementswillbemadesothatthestudentwillbeathomeaftertheincidentwithanotherindividual.

Thestudent’sconfidentialitywillbestrictlymaintained.Thetestresultswillbecommunicatedonlytothestudent,theNursingDepartmentChair,andthephysicianreviewingtheresultswiththestudent.

RecordswillbemaintainedinaseparatefilebytheCollegeinasecuredarea.Requestsforinformationwillrequireacourtorderormaybereleasedbythestudent’ssignedwrittenconsentandliabilitywaiver.

Anyviolationofthispolicybyastudentwillresultindisciplinaryactionincludingdismissalfromthenursingprogram.

Consuming,beinginthepossessionoforundertheinfluenceofalcoholicbeveragesonthecollegepropertyorclinicalsiteisstrictlyprohibited.Noexceptions.Anystudentwhoexhibitssignsorbehaviorsofalcoholism,drugabuseormentalillnesswillberemovedfromtheclassroomorclinicalsettingandtheestablishedprocedureforassessmentandrehabilitationwillbefollowed.

Ifastudentisremovedfromtheclassroomorclinicalsettingandreferredforcounselingorrehabilitationfordrug,alcoholormentalillnessthestudentcannotreturntoclasswithoutawrittenletterfromtheauthorizedcounselorstatingthestudentissafetoreturntoclass/clinical.ThisletterwillbesubmittedtotheNursingDepartmentChairtokeeponfile.

STUDENTHEALTH

Duringthecourseoftheprogramitisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoinformtheNursingDepartmentChairofanychangesinhealthstatus(i.e.,notabletomeettheEssentialSkillsandFunctionalAbilityStandards)thatcouldaffecthisorherabilitytomeetobjectivesintheclinicalarea(thisincludespregnancy).Aphysician’sclearancemayberequiredforthestudenttoreturntotheclinicalarea.Inabilitytomeetclinicalobjectivesduetohealthreasonsmayrequirewithdrawalfromtheprogram.AltierusCareerCollegedoesnotprovidehealthservices.

STUDENT’SFAMILYRESPONSIBILITIES

Adultstudentsoftenhavemanyresponsibilitiesinadditiontoschool.Itisimportanttohaveacontingencyplaninplacepriortostartingclasses.Back–upchildcareprovidersandtransportationmaybenecessaryandpartofthestudent’scontingencyplan.Absencesrelatedtofamilyresponsibilitiesandtransportationissuesarenotexcusedandtimeandcompetenciesmustbemade-upaswithanyabsences.

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EMERGENCYTELEPHONECALLSTOSTUDENTS

EmergencycallswillbemadetotheAltierusmaincampustelephonenumber(702-567-1920).

TRANSPORTATION

TheCollegedoesnotprovidetransportation.Someclinicalexperiencesrequirethestudenttotravelinamulticountyarea.Studentsareresponsibleforprovidingtheirowntransportationtoallclinicalexperiences

FINANCIALISSUES

StudentwhodesireinformationaboutfinancialaidshouldcontacttheFinancialAidOffice.

HOUSING

TheCollegedoesnotprovideon-campushousing;howeveritdoesassiststudentsinlocatingsuitablehousingoffcampus.Foralistofavailablehousing,studentsshouldcontacttheAdmissionsOffice.

OUTSIDEEMPLOYMENT

Itisthestudent'sresponsibilitytosetprioritiesregardingemploymentandclassschedules.Whenattendingclassorintheclinicalareastudentsmustbealert.Outsideemploymentshouldneverimmediatelyprecedeclassorclinicaltimesincestudentsmaybeexhaustedfromthedemandsofworking.Thisendangersthestudent,clientandothers.Sleepingduringclassorclinicalisprohibited.

COMMUNICATIONMODESANDQUESTIONS

Notextmessagingduringclass,laborclinical.Electronicdevicesmayonlybeusediftheinstructorhasrequestedthestudenttodoso.

Studentsneedtochecktheircampusassignede-mailaddressesonadailybasisforkeyinformationfromthenursingdepartmentandotherdepartmentssuchasRegistrarforreportcards,CampusNews,FA,etc.

Allnursingfacultyhavemailboxeslocatedinthenursingdepartmentandupstairsinthefacultyarea.Ifthenursingdepartmentisclosedstudentscanplacedocumentsinthefacultymailboxesupstairsinthefacultyarea.

Studentsneedtoreviewbulletinboardsinhallwaysforkeyinformationregarding:Scheduling,professionalismandgeneralcontentatleastonceperweek.

Studentswillneedtoset-upanAltierusCareerCollegee-mailandcommunicatewithfacultyviathisaddress.Set-uporforgotusername/passwordAltieruse-mailaccount:http://activate.Altierus.eduwillneedstudentIDnumber.Tocheckandsende-mails:http://mail.Altierus.edu

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PASSWORDS

Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytokeeptrackoftheirownpasswords.MakesureyouknowwhatyourATIpasswordispriortotakinganATIexam.

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SECTIONVIII:STUDENTORGANIZATIONSANDACTIVITIES

ALTIERUSSTUDENTNURSECLASSOFFICERS

Eachnursingcohortwillelecttwoofficersfromtheircohort.Thiswilloccurbythesecondquarter.Thecohortofficerswillberesponsibleforattendingmonthlynursingfacultymeetings.Priortothemonthlymeeting,thecohortofficersshoulddiscusswiththecohortanycohortissuesorconcernstopresentatthefacultymeeting.Theywillalsoberesponsibleforthedisseminationofinformationpresentedatthefacultymeetingtotheremainderofthecohort.

COMMITTEES

Additionally,allstudentsareencouragedtoprovideinputondecisionsincludingadmissionstandards,curriculum,studentservicesandtheteaching/learningprocess.Studentsareinvitedtobecomeactiveonnursingfacultycommittees.Thefollowinglistincludesexamplesofwaysthatstudentscanbecomeinvolvedingovernance:

• Participateinendofquarter,endofprogramandalumnisurveys.• Providehonestandfairfeedbacktoyourfacultywhenaskedtocompletefacultyandcourse

evaluationsattheendofthequarter.• ParticipateinStudentNurseAssociationactivitiesorcollegeactivitiessuchashealthfairsand

communityservice• Volunteer,inwritingfornursingfacultycommitteemembershipinwritingtotheNursing

DepartmentChairinreferencetoFacultymeetings,Curriculum,Advisory,etc.• Provideinputwhenyourpeersarerepresentingyourstudentissuesatcommitteemeetingsand

theStudentNurseAssociationmeetings.• StudentServices:IgniterAmbassadorsrolemodelandprovidesupporttofellowstudents.

PINNING

TheAltierusCareerCollegeSchoolofNursingpiniswornbynursinggraduatesofourprogramasaproudtestimonyoftheirachievements.Thisbeautifulpinispresentedtoeachgraduateatthepinningceremony.

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SECTIONIX:RNLICENSUREINFORMATION

REGISTEREDNURSELICENSURE

UpongraduationfromtheAltierusCareerCollegeAssociateofAppliedScienceDegreeNursingProgramthestudentwillhavelearnedthetoolstoachievethestandardsofcompetentperformanceassetforthbytheNevadaBoardofNursing.ThestudentwillalsobeeligibletotaketheNationalCouncilLicensureExamination(NCLEX-RN®).

SuccessfulcompletionoftheexamqualifiesthegraduatetoseekemploymentasaRegisteredNurseandtousethetitleofregisterednurseandtheinitialsRN.

Acandidatewhohasgraduatedfromastateapprovednursingschoolmaytaketheexaminationinanystate.

Note:IfaNurseapplicanthaseverbeenconvictedofafelonyormisdemeanortherewillbeaninvestigationtodetermineifthecandidatemeetsthestandardsrequiredtositforthelicensureexamination.

APPLICATION

• AtthebeginningofQuarter8intheNCLEXreviewcoursetheschoolwillprovideallthestudentswithanapplicationpackettopreparethemfortheNCLEX-RN®exam.

• Thestudentwillcompletetheapplicationwithhis/herinformation.

REVIEWOFAPPLICATION

• StatutesallowtheBoardofNursingoffice30daystoprovidealetterregardingthestatusofthelicensureapplication.Within30daysofthedatetheapplicationhasbeenvalidated,thestudentwillbesentaneligibilitylettertotaketheexamination,oraletterrequestingadditionalinformation/documentation.Studentswillbenotifiedwithin30daysofthereceiptoftheapplicationandfeeandnotifiedofstatus.Studentswillbenotifiedofthestatusoftheirapplicationwithin30daysofreceiptofthecompletedocumentsandfees.

• Noapplicationiscompleteuntilallrequireddocumentationandfeesarereceived.Applicationsarereviewedinorderofthevalidationdate.Everyquestionontheapplicationmustbeanswered.Candidatesmustincludeallmisdemeanorsandfelonies,evenifadjudicationwaswithheld.TheBoardofNursingwilldenyanapplicationifthecandidateisfoundtohaveprovidedfalseinformationontheapplication.

• WhenthecandidatehassuccessfullyregisteredfortheNCLEX-RNlicensingexaminationthroughPearsonVueviaphone,mailoron-line;senttheApplicationandfeeforNurseLicensetotheBoardofNursing;completedthePetitiontoGraduate,anddeliveredofficialtranscriptstotheBoardofNursing,thecandidateshouldreceivetheATT(AuthorizationtoTest)whichenablesthecandidatetoregisteratoneofthesitestotaketheNCLEX-RNexamination.

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LICENSUREFEES

Licensurefeesare$200fortheNCLEX-RNexamthroughPearsonVueand$100fortheNevadaStateRNapplication.ThesefeeswillbepaidbyAltierusCareerCollegeafterthegraduatecompletestheATIVirtualNCLEXreviewandreceivesthegreenlightfromATI.Graduateswhoelecttotakethelicensureexaminationinanotherstatewillberesponsibleforpayingtheirownlicensurefees.

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SectionX:Appendices

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AppendixA

EssentialSkillsandFunctionalAbilityStandards EssentialSkillsandFunctionalAbilityStandardsItisessentialthatnursingstudentsbeabletoperformanumberofphysicalactivitiesintheclinicalportionoftheprogram.Ataminimum,studentswillberequiredtoliftclients,standforseveralhoursatatimeandperformbendingactivities.Studentswhohaveachronicillnessorconditionmustbemaintainedoncurrenttreatmentandbeabletoimplementdirectclientcare.Theclinicalnursingexperiencealsoplacesstudentsunderconsiderablementalandemotionalstressastheyundertakeresponsibilitiesanddutiesimpactingclient’slives.Studentsmustbeabletodemonstraterationalandappropriatebehaviorunderstressfulconditions.Individualsshouldgivecarefulconsiderationofthementalandphysicaldemandsoftheprogrampriortomakingapplication.EssentialSkillandFunctionalAbility

Standard ExamplesofRequiredActivities

MotorAbilities -Physicalabilitiesandmobilitysufficienttoexecutegrossmotorskills,physicalenduranceandstrengthtoprovideclientcare.

Mobilitysufficienttocarryoutclientcareproceduressuchasassistingwithambulationofclients,administeringCPR,assistingwithturningandliftingclients,providingcareinconfinedspacessuchasatreatmentroom,operatingsuite,etc.

ManualDexterity -Demonstratefinemotorskills

sufficientforprovidingsafenursingcare.

Motorskillssufficienttohandlesmallequipmentsuchasinsulinsyringe,administermedicationsbyallroutes,andperformtracheotomysuctioning,inserturinarycatheter,etc.

PerceptualSensoryAbility

-Sensoryandperceptualabilitytoassessandmonitorclients

§ Sensoryabilitiessufficienttohearalarms,accusatorysounds,cryforhelp,etc.

§ Visualacuitytoreadcalibrationson1ccsyringe,assesscolor(cyanosis,pallor,etc.)

§ Tactileabilitytofeelpulses,temperature,palpateveins,etc.Olfactoryabilitytodetectsmokeornoxiousodor,etc.

BehavioralInterpersonalEmotional

Abilitytorelatetoclients,familyandotherhealthcareproviderswithhonesty,integrityandnondiscrimination.-Capacityfordevelopmentofmature,sensitiveandeffectivetherapeuticrelationships

§ Establishrapportwithothers.§ Workwithateam.§ Emotionalskillssufficienttoremain

calminanemergencysituation.§ Behavioralskillssufficientto

demonstratetheexerciseofgoodjudgmentandpromptcompletionofallresponsibilitiesassigned

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-Abilitytoworkconstructivelyinstressfulandchangingenvironmentswiththeabilitytomodifybehaviorinresponsetoconstructivecriticism.-Capacitytodemonstrateethicalbehavior,includingadherencetotheprofessionalnursingandstudenthonorcodes.

§ Adaptrapidlytoenvironmentalchangesandmultipletaskdemands.

§ Maintainbehavioraldecoruminstressfulsituations.

SafeEnvironmentforClients,FamiliesandCo-Workers

-Abilitytoaccuratelyidentifyclients.-Abilitytoeffectivelycommunicatewithothers.-Abilitytoadministermedicationssafelyandaccurately.-Abilitytooperateequipmentsafely.-Abilitytorecognizeandminimizehazardsthatcouldincreaseinfectionsandaccidents.

§ Prioritizestaskstoensureclientsafetyandstandardofcare.

§ Maintainsadequateconcentrationandattentionintheclinicalenvironment.

§ Seeksassistancewhenclinicalsituationrequiresahigherlevelofexpertise.

§ Respondstomonitoralarms,emergencysignals,calllightsandordersinarapidandeffectivemanner.

§ Takethenecessaryprecautionswhendealingwithbodyfluids,etc.

Communication -AbilitytocommunicateinEnglishwithaccuracy,clarityandefficiencywithclients,familiesandothermembersofthehealthcareteam(includingspokenandnon-verbalexpressions,affectandbodylanguage).-Requiredcommunicationabilitiesincludingspeech,hearing,reading,writing,languageskillsandcomputerliteracy.

§ Givesverbaldirectionstoandfollowsverbaldirectionfromothermembersofthehealthcareteamandparticipatesindiscussionsonclientcare.

§ Elicitsandrecordsinformationabouthealthcareissuesandresponsesfromclientsandtheirfamilymembers.

§ Conveysinformationtoclientsandothersasnecessarytoteach,directandcounselindividualsinanaccurate,effectiveandtimelymanner.

§ Establishesandmaintainseffectiveworkingrelationshipswithclients,familiesandthehealthcareteam.

§ Recognizesandreportscriticalclientinformationtothehealthcareteam.

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CognitiveConceptualQuantitativeAbilities

-AbilitytoreadandunderstandwrittendocumentsinEnglishandsolveproblemsinvolvingcalculationandreasoning.-Abilitytocomprehendspatialrelationships.-Abilitytogatherdata,developaplanofaction,establishprioritiesandevaluatetreatmentplans.-Abilitytoreacteffectivelyinanemergencysituation.

§ Calculateappropriatemedicationdosagegivenspecificclientparameters.

§ Collectdate,prioritizeneedsandanticipateoutcomes.

§ Analyzedatatodevelopaplanofcare.§ Comprehendspatialrelationshipsin

ordertoadministerinjections,startintravenouslinesorassesswoundsofvaryingdepths.

§ Recognizeanemergencysituationandrespondeffectivelytosafeguardtheclient,familyandco-workers.

§ Transferknowledgefromonesituationtoanother.

§ Accuratelyprocessesinformationonmedicationcontainers,physicianorders,monitorequipmentcalibration,printeddocuments,flowsheets,policyandproceduremanuals,etc.

PunctualityWorkHabits

-Abilitytoadheretothenursingpolicies,proceduresandrequirements.-Abilitytocompleteclassroom,labandclinicalassignmentsontime.-Abilitytoadheretoclassroom,labandclinicalschedules.

§ Attendsclass,labandclinicalpunctually.

§ Abletodrivetoanumberofdifferentclinicalsitesatdifferenttimesduringtheday.

§ Reads,understandsandadherestoallpolicies,proceduresandrequirements.

§ Contactnursingfacultymemberinadvanceforanyabsenceorlatearrival.

§ Understandandcompletesassignmentsbyduedateandtime.

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AppendixB

BloodbornePathogenExposureControlPolicy

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ADMISSIONSDISCLOSUREFORM-NURSING

1. I am aware that to practice nursing as a registered nurse in any state or U.S.territory,ImustpasstheNationalCouncilofLicensingExaminationforregisterednurses(NCLEX-RN®)priortoworkinginthehealthcarefield. Initials_____

2. Becauseofthenatureofthenursingprogramandregulationsbystateboardsofnursing, I understand that a “For Cause” drug/alcohol screening can be doneanytime there is suspicion of substance abuse in both the campus and clinicalsetting. Initials_____

3. Iunderstandthatamedicalorcriminalbackgroundcheckfailurewillprohibitme

from completing the nursing program. Depending on the state requirements, afailed background check may or may not impact my eligibility to sit for theRegisteredNurseLicensingExamination(NCLEX-RN®). Initials_____

4. Iunderstandthatallprerequisiteandco-requisitecoursesmustbecompletedbytheendofmylastquartertobeeligibletograduate. Initials_____

5. Iunderstandthatsuccessfulcompletionofthenursingprogramqualifiesmetosit

for the licensure examination, but I have not been promised by any collegeemployee that completion of the program guarantees passage of the licensingexaminationoremploymentinnursing. Initials_____

6. Iunderstanditismyresponsibilitytoverifythetransferabilityofallcourses.Ialso

understandofficialtranscriptsmustbesubmittedtotheOfficeofRegistrarpriortothestartofthecoursetobeconsideredfortransfer. Initials_____

____________________________________________ SIGNATUREOFSTUDENT____________________________________________________________ PRINTEDNAME DATE____________________________________________ SCHOOLREPRESENTATIVE’SSIGNATURETITLE REPRESENTATIVE’SPRINTEDNAME DATE

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTOFRECEIPTOFASSOCIATEDEGREENURSING

STUDENTPOLICIESANDHANDBOOK

I have received and read the Associate of Applied Science Degree Nursing StudentHandbookSeptember2017,theAdmissionsDisclosureFormforNursing,EssentialSkillsandFunctionalAbilitiesStandards,andSafeClinicalPracticePolicyandagreetoabidebythestandards/policiesstated. Icompletelyunderstandthestudyrequirements,theneedforreliable transportation, theattendancepolicy, the gradingpolicies, progressionpolicies,andtheneedtobeprofessionalatalltimes.Iunderstandthatduringthecourseoftheprogramadditionalpoliciesmaybeinstitutedasneededandtoaddresstherequirementsofassignedclinicalfacilities.Whenintheclinicalfacilitythepoliciesandproceduresofthatfacilitysupersedethoseoftheschool.Igivepermissiontobevideotapedduringsimulationsandunderstandthisisforeducationalviewingpurposes.Igivepermissionforthenursingfacultyand/orNursingDepartmentChairordesigneetosharemy personal information: name, date of birth, documentation of the health andsafetyrequirements,etc.toclinicalagenciesrequestingthisinformation.Iunderstandthisinformationmaybeneededtoentermeintheirsecuritysystem,intheircomputersystemand/orintheirmedicationadministrationsystem,etc.orotherapplicablesystemsinorderformetoparticipateinclinicallearningexperiences. Student’sName(PRINT) Date Student’sSignatureThisformwillbemaintainedinthestudent’sfilethroughoutthenursingprogram.