Collegeof Nursing

UniversityofNorthAlabama

COLLEGEOF NURSING

ONLINE DEPARTMENT

2015-2016

GRADUATENURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK

UNIVERSITY OFNORTHALABAMA

COLLEGEOFNURSINGGRADUATE STUDENTMANUAL

I.General Information...... 3

A.Introduction

B.Accommodationfor Disabilities

C.Title IX Discriminatory Harassment

D. Mission,Program Goalsand Outcomes

E.GraduateFacultyandStaff

F.DegreeandProgramPlans

II.BeginningtheProgram ...... 8

A.HealthRequirements B.PracticeInformation C.Books

D.Supplies/Expenses

E.DressCode

F.ExposuretoBloodbornePathogens

G.Incidents/Accidents

III.ProceedingThrough theProgram...... 9

A.AcademicHonesty

B.Student Copyright Notice

C.General Professional Behavior

D.Student Folders

E.GradingSystem

F.RetentioninProgram

G.Readmission

H.Clinical Conduct

I.Advisement

J.SigmaThetaTau

K.Student RepresentationonCollegeofNursingCommittees

L.Faculty Evaluation

IV.Disciplinary/GrievancePolicies...... 12

V.GraduationPreparation...... 13

A.CollegeofNursingPin

B.EmploymentReferences

Appendices:

Student Needlestick/BodyFluidExposure Protocol

TB Protocol

Incident Report

WeaponsonCampus Policy

I.GENERAL INFORMATION

A.Introduction

Thefacultyof theUniversityofNorthAlabama(UNA)CollegeofNursing (CON) congratulatesyouonyouracceptanceintothegraduatenursingcourseof study. There aremanyplannedworthwhilelearningexperiences toenableyoutobecomeanexperienced professional nursewhocan functionatanadvancedlevel in thehealthcaresociety. Thiscourseof nursingstudy isentirelyonline.

Thepoliciesin this GraduateStudent HandbookaresupplementaltotheUniversity’s Graduate Catalog. TheseCONpoliciesare tohelpyouprogressthroughtheprogram. Thishandbook isprovidedasinformationonlyandshouldnot beconstruedasacontract betweenyouand the CON or theUniversityofNorthAlabama. UNAandtheCONreserve theright tomake changes inthishandbookasdeemedappropriate.

Both thegraduateandtheundergraduateprogramsof theCONareaccreditedbythe CommissiononCollegiateNursingEducation (CCNE)andapprovedbytheAlabamaBoardof Nursing (ABN).Websitesareavailablefor bothof theseorganizations (

B.Accommodationfor Disabilities

It is thepolicyofUNAtoaffordequal educationalopportunitiestoqualifiedapplicants.

A studentwhohasadisabilitythatmaypreventthemeetingofcourserequirements should contact thegraduatefacultymemberandStudentServicestofileanAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct (ADA)AccommodationForm. Courserequirementswill notbewaived,but accommodationswill be made, ifpossible, toalloweachstudent tomeet therequirementsprovided thestudent actswithin thefirst weekofclasswith thefacultymember todevelopanaccommodationplan. If adisability isidentifiedlater in thesemester, anon-retroactiveaccommodationplanmaybe developedatthat time.Disabilitysupport servicesandcontactinformationareavailablevia the UNA webpage ( .

C. Title IX Discriminatory Harassment

The University of North Alabama has an expectation of mutual respect. Students, staff, administrators, and faculty are entitled to a working environment and educational environment free of discriminatory harassment. This includes sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic and intimate partner violence, stalking, gender-based discrimination, discrimination against pregnant and parenting students, and gender-based bullying and hazing.

Faculty and staff are required by federal law to report any observations of harassment (including online harassment) as well as any notice given by students or colleagues of any of the behaviors noted above. Retaliation against any person who reports discrimination or harassment is also prohibited. UNA’s policies and regulations covering discrimination and harassment may be accessed at (website is in progress). If you have experienced or observed discrimination or harassment, confidential reporting resources can be found on the website or you may make a formal complaint by contacting the Title IX Coordinator at 256-765-4223.

D.Mission, Goals,andOutcomes

Mission

Themissionof theCollegeofNursing(CON) istopreparegraduatesto delivercompetent nursingcare,assumeprofessional nursing rolesandpromotehealthylifestylesinlocal,regional andglobal communities. TheCONreflectsthe missionof theUniversityofNorthAlabamainprovidingaqualityfoundationofnursingeducation that is facilitatedbyahighlyqualifiedanddiversefacultywhodemonstrateexcellencein teaching, leadership,serviceandscholarlyactivities.

Goals

TheCON hastwoseparatedepartments, theTraditional NursingDepartment (TD) andthe

OnlineNursingDepartment (OD).TheMSN program isapartof theOD.CON andODgoals areasfollows:

1. CON:Providehighquality,innovativeeducationnursingprograms

OD:Offer highqualityonlineBSN andMSN nursingdegreeprograms

2. CON:Tobuildandmaintainastudent-centerednursingprogram

OD:Graduatenurseswhoarepreparedtopracticenursinginglobal healthcare environments

3. CON:Provideaculturallydiverselearningenvironmentfor students, facultyandstaff

OD:Promoteaculturallydiverselearningenvironment designedtoeliminatebarriers tolearning

4. CON:Developpartnershipswithcommunityagenciestoexpandhealthcaretothe community

OD:Developandnurtureastrong relationshipwithcommunityhealthfacilitiesand

healthprofessionals

5. CON:Promoteresearchand scholarlyactivities thatadvancenursingknowledge

OD:Foster scholarlyactivities, research, teaching,service,adpracticethatadvance theknowledgebaseofnursing

Objectives

TheMSN program hasoverarchingobjectives. Thefulfillment oftheseobjectiveswill providea positiveimpactonthewell-beingandhealthofsociety. Theobjectivesareasfollows:

1. Toeducatenursesinadvanced teachingmethodologies toprovide thetoolsnecessaryto facilitatetheeducationof nursingstudents, healthcareclients, andhealthcarecolleagues

2. Topreparenursestofunctionat anadvancedlevel in thehealthcareenvironmentwith regardstopoliticsandlegislation, budgetingandeconomics, leadershipand management,

such that theymaypositively impact themanagement aspectsofnursingandhealthcarein society.

Outcomes

AttheendoftheNursinginTeaching-LearningEnvironmentscourseofstudy,thegraduatewill beable to:

1. Assessthelearningneedsofstudents,healthcareclients,healthcarecolleagues, and

others inneedofhealtheducation.

2. Designandimplement teaching-learningexperiencesforindividuals, families, groups, and communitiesbasedonassessedlearningneeds.

3. Designandimplement teaching-learningexperiences that are culturallyrelevant.

4. Distinguishbetweenpedagogyandandragogyand therelatedteachingmethodologies.

5. Evaluate theeffectivenessofvarious teachingapproaches.

6. Compareandcontrast specificteaching-learningtheories.

7. Incorporateteaching-learning theories intoplansofinstruction.

8. Serveasanadvocatefor improvededucationforstudentsandclients.

9. Participateininterdisciplinarycollaboration tomeet thehealthcareeducational needsof individuals, groups, andcommunities.

Outcomes Continued

10.Develop,participatein, orutilizenursingandrelated researchtoaddtothebodiesof knowledgeofbothnursingandeducation.

11.Incorporatetechnological advancesintoeducational programsandcurricula.

12.Participateinthedevelopment ofcurriculaforundergraduatenurses.

13.Identifyandanalyzelegal,cultural,andethical issues thataffect thehealthcare environment.

AttheendoftheNursingLeadershipinOrganizational Environmentscourseofstudy, the graduatewill beable to:

Identifytheknowledgebasenecessaryforfunctioningasanursingmanager/executiveinthe healthcareenvironment.

2. Analyze therolesandcharacteristicsofeffectiveleaders, managers, and rolemodels.

3. Discusstheroleof thenurseinhealthcareeconomics.

4. Applyeconomicprinciples tothehealthcareenvironment.

5. Identifyvariouspoliticalandlegislativeforcesaffectinghealth care.

6. Developahealthcarebudget basedonsoundeconomicprinciples.

7. Demonstrateeffectiveleadershipandmanagerial styles.

8. Developandimplementeffectiveproblem-solving methodsbasedontheory and researchinanevolvinghealthcaredeliverysystem.

9. Createleadership/management strategiesbasedontheoryandresearchthatare

culturallyappropriate.

10.Communicateeffectivelywithadiverseaudience.

11. Identifyandanalyze legal, cultural,andethicalissuesthat affectthehealthcare environment.

E. GraduateFacultyandStaff

Contact Information

Name Office Number PhoneNumber E-mailaddressesDr.Vicki Pierce 210 256-765-4984

DeanandProfessor

Dr. Linda Austin 227 256-765-4931

AssistantProfessor

Chair-Online Program & Interim Associate Dean

Dr.LynnAquadro

MSN Program Director 226 256-765-4931 lcaquadro@.una.edu

Professor

Dr.Wendy

Professor

Assistant Professor

Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Lauren Shell 227 256-765-4931

GraduateDepartment Contact InformationContinued

Name Office Number PhoneNumber E-mailaddressesUNA Operator 765-4100 (Universitymessages) Toll FreeNumber 1.800.TALKUNA,EXT.4936

OnlineNursingDepartmentFax Number256-765-4701

F.DEGREEAND PROGRAMPLANS

TheMasterofScienceinNursingdegreerequires42hoursof creditforcompletion.Thecurriculum consistsof18hoursofcorecoursesforstudents inbothoptions (seebelow). Thereare21additional hoursofcoursesspecifictoeachoption.All MSNstudentsmust completeaculminatingthree-hour CapstoneProject which is to be taken as the final course in the curriculum.

Students maytransfer amaximumof sixhoursfrom another university(See“TransferCredits”).

TheUNA CONMasterofScienceinNursingdegreebuildsonthepreparationofstudentsat the

BSN level with thefollowingassumptions:

•studentshaveexperienceinprofessional nursingpractice

•studentshavebackgroundknowledgeofnursingtheoryandresearch

•studentsunderstandandusethenursingprocess

•studentsareabletocommunicateeffectively

•studentsareinvolvedinprofessional activities

•studentshaveleadershipabilities

•studentscanusetechnologyeffectively

Theconcept ofcommunicationisexpandedtoincludeparticipationinthe leadership/instructor/researcher role.Theconceptof functioningasa“professional “isexpanded to

functioninginmanagement/leadership/executiveroles. Theconceptof researchisexpandedfrom the

knowledgelevel totheanalysisandperformancelevels. Theconceptofcollaborationwith membersof thehealthteam isexpanded totheroleofcollaborationwithacademic,legislativeandeconomic officials,aswell asleadersinother disciplines.

1. Nursing in Teaching-Learning Environments

Core Courses: NU502, NU503, NU508, NU603*, NU604*, NU607, NU615 ……………..21

Discipline Specific Courses: NU 605, NU 606, NU 610, NU 611……….……………….. .18

Capstone Project: NU 699…………………………………………………………………….3

Total………………………………………………………………………………...... 42

*These courses will not be offered after Fall 2015. In the 2016-2017 academic year, NU 509 and NU 614 will be offered.

2. Nursing Leadership in Organizational Environments

Core Courses: NU502, NU503, NU508, NU603*, NU604*, NU607, NU615 ……………21

Discipline Specific Courses: NU 608, NU 609, NU 612, NU 613…………………………18

Capstone project NU 699 ………………………………………………..………...... 3

Total ……………………………………………………………………..………………….42

*These courses will not be offered after Fall 2015. In the 2016-2017 academic year, NU 509 and NU 614 will be offered.

II. BEGINNING THE PROGRAM

MSN studentsreceiveinitial advisement fromtheCoordinatorfor OnlineNursingEnrollment. After this initial advisement, MSN facultymembersprovidestudent advisement.

OnceadmittedtotheMSN program studentsmayenroll innonclinical coursesasscheduled. However, MSN studentsmust meet thefollowingrequirementsbeforeenrollingintheclinical courses.

All healthandpracticeinformationmustbereceivedbytheOnlineNursingOfficebeforeMSN students canenroll inclinical courses.

A. Health Information

1.Resultsofarecent (withinoneyear) physical exam. Aphysical examination mustbe completedbyaphysicianoranursepractitioner.THE COMPLETED HEALTH FORMMUST BE MAILED DIRECTLY BYTHE HEALTHCARE PROVIDER OREMPLOYERTOTHE ONLINEOFFICE.

2.*Evidenceofhepatitisimmunization.All studentsarestronglyencouragedtobecome vaccinatedagainst theHepatitisB virus. DatesoftheHepatitisBseriesand/or HepatitisB

titer must beprovidedon thehealthform.Studentswhodonot wish to take the vaccine must

signadeclinationform,which maybeobtainedfrom theAdministrative Secretary.

3.*Evidenceofother immunizations.Studentsmusthaveproof ofmeasles, mumps, and rubella (MMR),andvaricellaimmunizationorprovideasigneddeclination form.Proofshould eitherbeacopyoftheactual immunizationdate(s)orcopyof titer resultssignedby authorizedindividuals.Someagenciesalsorequireflu vaccinesforstudentsandemployees.

4.Tuberculosisskintest. Studentsmusthaveatuberculosisskintesteach year. IfaTB skin test ispositivefor thefirst time, the student will bereferredtothelocal healthdepartment. UNA will followthehealthdepartment’spolicyonthereferral, diagnosis, andtreatment of tuberculosis. Under nocircumstanceswill astudentwithapositiveTB skintestbeallowed to attendclinical rotationsuntil documentationisreceivedfrom thehealthdepartment.

Ifastudent hasapasthistoryofapositiveskin test for tuberculosis, he/sheshould report annually to thelocal healthdepartmentforasymptom assessmentandsputum cultureor chestx-ray(CXR). A chestx-raymaybe recommendedforastudent withapositivePPD, according tosymptoms. Undernocircumstances will astudent withapositiveTB skintest be allowed toattendclinical rotations.

5.Health Insurance. Studentsmusthavehealthinsurancecoverage.Anyexpensesincurredas a result ofinjuryorillnessoccurringduringclinical experienceswill be thesole responsibility ofthestudent.

6. Recent flu shot.

*Pleasenotethat decliningimmunizationsmayresultinahealthcareagency’srefusal to allowonetocompleteclinical experiencesat theagency.

* Flu shot refusal requires UNA students to wear a mask during all clinical experiences.

B. PracticeInformation

1. Evidenceofanunencumberedlicensetopracticein thestateofintendedclinical experience- AcceptanceintotheMSN Nursingprogram requiresverificationofacurrentRN license.The student mayfax,(fax#256-765-4701), e-mail ormail acopy(frontandback)of thelicensefor temporaryverification.TheCONwill thenobtainverificationofthestudent’slicensurestatus fromeach student’s StateBoardofNursing.To register for aclinical practicum, thestudents must belicensedbythestateinwhichclinical practicum istobecompleted.

2. BLS/CPR certification for health care providers- All studentsmusthavecurrent instructionor certificationin cardiopulmonaryresuscitationandshowevidenceofdatesofcoverage. Thecardshouldbe faxed to256-765-4701.

3. ProfessionalLiabilityinsurance($1,000,000.00/$6,000,000.00) for practiceasanRN who is also a student isrequiredofeach student admittedtotheMSN program.Having professional liability insurancedoesnotalwaysmeanonehasliabilitycoverageasastudent. Makesureyourprofessional liability insuranceprovidesarider forstudentcoverage.Ifyoudo not haveprofessionalliability insurance, maypurchaseitat

4.Notarizedfelonyaffidavit–Theformfor thisaffidavitisavailable from the

OnlineNursingOffice. Anoriginal notarizedform must beonfileintheOnlineNursingOffice. Pleasenotethat certain facilitiesmayrequirecriminal backgroundchecks,drug screening, andother itemspriortoclinicalexperiences. Thestudent isresponsiblefor complyingwithall requirementsof thefacility.

5. OSHA andHIPPAA education–MSN students must provideevidenceofrecenteducationon

Occupational SafetyandHealthAdministration(OSHA) guidelinesandtheHealthInsurance

PortabilityandAccountability Act(HIPAA)standards.

C. Books

Studentsmust haveaccess torequiredcoursematerials. Eachcoursesyllabuswill indicate the requiredmaterials.Books maybeobtainedfrom theUNA Bookstore(1-800-TALK-UNA,Ext. 4642, theOffCampusBookstore(256-764-7507). You mayalsopurchasebooksfromother vendors,suchas Amazon.com andBarnesandNobles.

D. SuppliesandExpenses

Studentsmust haveMicrosoft Officeontheir computers. OnlyMicrosoft Officedocuments(Word, PowerPoint,Excel,etc.) areacceptablefor assignment submissions. It isadvisable topurchase and install thesebeforebeginning theprogram. StudentversionsofMicrosoft Officeareusuallyavailablefor a reducedprice. UNA Students can install Office for free. Follow this link.

Clinicalsupplieswill varyaccording tothe clinical experience.MSN studentsare responsibleforpurchasingsuppliesneededfor clinical.

E. DressCodePolicies

Thenursingstudent’sappearanceisvery importantbecauseit communicatesself-imageanda personal attitudetowards thenursingprofession. Itisessentialthat the valuesofneatness, cleanliness, andprofessionalismareevident. The student mustabidebythedresscodepoliciesoftheclinical agency. The student isresponsiblefor obtainingtheagency’sdresscodepolicy.Whendeemed appropriatebytheagency,astudent maywearawhitelabcoat/jacket andprofessional street clothes. Thestudentistoalwayswearanamepinduringclinical experiences.Student badges are sent to students in clinical courses identifying the student as a UNA MSN student. Thepurchaseof thelab coat/jacketandnamepinissolelytheresponsibilityofthe student.

F. ExposuretoBlood-bornePathogens

AllMSN studentsmustabidebytheclinical agency’spoliciesfor standardprecautionswhenpracticum experiences requirepatientcontact. Studentsmustwearpersonal protectiveequipment(gloves, masks, goggles, gowns) whenexposed tobodyfluids. TheMSN studentis responsiblefor using the personal protectivedevicesasneeded. Ifan“incidentofexposure”occurs, theMSN student shouldfill out theincident reportformutilizedbythefacilityandfaxacopytotheUNACON onlineofficeor completetheUNA “IncidentReport”form. For additional informationor follow-up,refer totheprofessor ofthecourse.

G. Incidents/Accidents

Ifthestudentis involvedinanuntowardincident (e.g. needlestick, medicationerror) or anaccident whilein theclinical agency,thestudentistofollowtheagency’sprotocolandcompleteappropriate forms. Inform theprofessorof thecourseassoonaspossibleaftertheincidentandfaxacopyofthe completedformstotheOnlineNursingOffice. If theagencydoesnot haveformsavailable,completea copyoftheUNAIncident Report (See Appendix) andfax it totheOfficewithin24hoursof theincident.

III.PROCEEDINGTHROUGH THE PROGRAM

Tobeenrolledin requiredclinical courses(NU 610,NU611, NU 612, NU613,andNU 699) students must completepre-requisitecourses(seeUNA GraduateCatalog).Coursesequencewill be individualizedfor part timeMSN students.Thefollowinggeneralinformationwill provide thestudent withanswers toquestionsarisingduringthe

journeytograduation.

A.AcademicHonesty

All members of the university community are expected to be honorable and observe standards of conduct appropriate to a community of scholars. Students are expected to behave in an ethical manner. Individuals who disregard the core values of truth and honesty bring disrespect to themselves and the University. A university community that allows academic dishonesty will suffer harm to the reputation of students, faculty, and graduates. It is in the best interest of the entire university community to sanction any individual who chooses not to accept the principles of academic honesty by committing acts such as cheating, plagiarism, or misrepresentation.

Students enrolled in the University of North Alabama, College of Nursing are expected at all times to uphold standards of integrity. Students are expected to perform honestly and to work in every way possible to avoid and eliminate academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes misrepresentation, cheating, and plagiarism, which are defined as follows:
Misrepresentation is purposively altering or inventing information or data. Examples include, but are not limited to, forging a signature, fabricating information on a form, or falsifying the number of clinical hours completed.
Cheating is an attempt to deceive the instructor in the effort to evaluate fairly an academic exercise. Cheating includes copying another student’s homework, class work, or required project (in whole or part) and/or presenting another’s work as the student’s own. Cheating also includes giving, receiving, offering and/or soliciting information on a quiz, test, or examination.
Plagiarism is the copying of any published work or copying the theme or manuscript of another student; when one uses direct quotations or ideas of another without proper credit. When three or more consecutive words are borrowed, the borrowing should be recognized in accordance with APA guidelines.

When it is determined that a student is guilty of misrepresentation or cheating in the Online Nursing Program:

The student will be dismissed from the program.
Offenses are reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost for referral to the University Student Judicial System for disposition. (Please refer to the current University catalog, available online at under General Regulations: Academic Honesty.

When it is determined that a student is guilty of plagiarism in the Online Nursing Program, the following penalties will apply:

The student will receive a penalty of a zero on the work in question.
If the student commits a subsequent offense at any time during his/her enrollment in the College of Nursing Online Program, a course failure will be given and the student may be subject to dismissal from the university.
Offenses are reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost for referral to the University Student Judicial System for disposition. (Please refer to the current University catalog, available online at under General Regulations: Academic Honesty.

Academic Honesty Agreement:

By entering this online course, you agree to abide by the conditions of the Academic Honesty Agreement as explained above in all online courses for the duration of your enrollment in the University Of North Alabama College Of Nursing Online Program.

Additionally, you acknowledge that UNA’s Online Nursing Program may submit any or all student work to Turnitin.com for originality checking. For more information, you can visit

B. Student Copyright Notice

“UNA courses may incorporate material contributed or licensed by individuals, companies, or organizations that may be protected by U.S. and foreign copyright laws. All persons reproducing, redistributing, or making commercial use of this information are expected to adhere to the terms and conditions asserted by the copyright holder. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use as defined in the copyright laws may require the written permission of the copyright owners. Copyright use as outlined in the TEACH Act is not yet valid at the University of North Alabama.”

C.GeneralProfessionalBehavior

Professionalismisaqualitythestudent shouldbegintodevelopfrom thefirst day innursing.

It isimperative that the MSN student dressprofessionallyandproject aprofessional demeanorinall settings.Whileintheclinical setting, studentsareexpected toperformsafely,adhere toestablished practices,beawareoftheirownlimitationsandtoseekhelpwhenneeded. Graduate students inthe CONMSN programareexpectedtoconductthemselvesaccording tothehighestethical and moral standardsdepictedbyhonesty,accountability,acceptingresponsibilityforownactionsandadisplaying respectforhumandignity.

TheMSN student’swrittenworkforclinical experiencesshould reflect personal involvementand commitment topromotionofeachindividual’s mental,social,physical andspiritual integrity. MSN studentsareexpectedtoseeklearningexperiencesandtoshowpersonalmotivation toperform appropriatelyasopportunitiesbecomeavailable.Followingorduringtheclinical experience,students areexpectedtocompleteandsubmit writtenworkasdirectedbytheir preceptor andseek feedback. Studentsareexpectedtoutilizepreceptorfeedbackincompletingsubsequentassignments.

D.StudentFolders

MSN studentsareadvised tokeepcopiesofallwrittenwork, documentationofrequiredrecords, results oftesting,andconferenceswithprofessors,e-mail messagesandanyotherpertinent information relatedtocourseworkinafolder.Thisfolderisprimarilyfor theuseof thestudent andmayoffer clarification regarding theparticularsof graduatestudy.

E.GradingSystem

TheCONfollows theguidelines for gradesasdescribedintheGraduateCatalog.Thelettergrades areasfollows:A-90-100%; B-80-89%; C-70-79%;D-60-69%;F-below60%. Conditionallyadmitted studentsmust earna3.0gradepointaverageafter thefirst ninehoursof study.All studentsmust maintaina3.0GradePointAverage(GPA) toremainingood standingintheprogram.Astudent,whose GPAfallsbelow3.0,maybeplacedonacademicprobationoreliminatedfrom theprogram. The GraduateCatalogincludesinformationonthedispositionofsuchstudents.Studentsonacademic probationarenoteligiblefor graduation. A student makingagradeofC or belowon morethansix semester hoursofcourseworkisautomaticallyeliminatedfrom theprogram.Gradesof“incomplete”(I) areexplainedin theGraduateCatalog,under GradesandRetention.

F.RetentionintheProgram

1. Current recordsofhealthandpracticeinformationonfileintheCollege of Nursing Online office.(SeesectionIIA andIIB).

2. MaintainingaB(3.0) averagethroughout theMSN nursingprogram

3. Satisfactoryclinical performance-Students in theCollegeofNursingwhofail clinical atanytimeduring thesemester, includingtheUniversity’swithdrawal (“W”) periodwill receiveacoursefailure (“F”)

G.Readmission

Anystudent whocompletely withdraws from theCON MSN program must bereadmittedaccording totheGraduateCatalogand readmissionpolicyof theCON.Studentseligible toreturntoanMSN nursingcourseafterawithdrawal orcoursefailureinarequirednursingcoursewill be readmittedto the courseona“spaceavailable”basis.

Studentswhodesire reinstatementtothegraduationnursingprogram must writealetter ofpetitionto theCollegeofNursing. Theletteristobesent totheChairoftheOnlineNursing Program andmustincludeanyextenuatingcircumstancesthat mayhavecontributedtothefailuretobe successfulin thepreviousattemptintheMSN program. Theletter mustalsoincludeaplanfor successfullycompletingtheprogram,includingspecificstrategiestoensuresuccess.

After thegraduatefacultyreviews requestsfor readmission, recommendationsaremadetotheChairof theOnlineNursingDepartment andtheDeanoftheCON. Studentswill then receivenotification regarding readmissiondecisionsfrom theOfficeoftheDeanoftheCON. Readmittedstudentsmust followanyrecommendationsor stipulationsproposedby thedeanandfacultyasconditionsfor readmission.

H.ClinicalConduct (SeesectionIII B)

MSN studentsareexpectedtocompletecourseandclinical experiencesaccordingtocoursedeadlines. AlthoughMSN studentsarelicensedpractitioners, theyareexpectedtoobtainclinical helpor supervision fromtheirclinical preceptorsasneeded.

Attendanceisexpectedforall plannedclinical experiences. Ifillness,orimpairedmobilityoccurs, or tardiness isanticipated, thestudent shouldnotifythepreceptor andtheassignedclinical agencybefore thestartof clinical.Manyclinical facilitiesdonotallowindividualswithcontagiousdiseases, colds,

fever,drainingwounds, or gastrointestinal disturbances tobenear clients. Iftheseconditionsoccur, the student shouldcontact thepreceptorfordirections and notify the course instructor.MSN studentsarerequiredtocomplete90hoursofclinical practicum toreceivecredit for thepracticumcourses.

Tardinessisconsideredunprofessional behavior. Clinical tardinessmaybeconsideredanunexcused absenceandmayberecordedassuch(seeindividual coursesyllabi regardingthisissue).

1.Confidentiality

Studentsmayberequiredbyclinical agenciesand theCONtosignconfidentiality andaffidavit forms. Any informationobtained regardingothers’personal information mustbemaintainedinthe strictest ofconfidence.Discussionofothers’ personal informationshouldbelimitedtonecessary interactionsandnot continuedduringlunchor outsideoftheagency.Failuretomaintainconfidentialityissubject tocoursefailure.For thepurposesofsubmittingwrittenwork, thestudent shouldnot use clients’ names.

2.Pregnancy/Disability

Studentswhoarepregnantorhavedisabilitiesmustadheretoall policiesandproceduresoutlinedin theUNA GraduateCatalog,andindividual MSN coursesyllabi.Ifpregnancyordisabilityoccursafter beginningaclinical experience the student mustpresent aphysician’sstatementpermitting thestudent tocontinuetheclinical experience tothepreceptorandthecourseprofessor.A student,whohasbeen ill,becomes immobile, or hospitalizedforanyreason, must bringastatement from theattending physicianindicatingthat thestudent iscapableof safelyparticipatinginclinicalexperiences. The statement ofpermissiontoperform clinical activities must befaxedbythephysician’sofficeor mailed bythephysiciandirectlytotheCollege of Nursing Online office. After apregnantstudenthas givenbirth,shemust submitareleasestatement (faxedor mailedbythephysician)indicating that she isphysicallycapableofreturning totheclinicalexperience(seeUNAGraduateCatalog, Accommodationfor Disability). Should thestudent becomeinjuredor ill during theclinical dayandseekemergencyroom care, the student isresponsiblefor all charges.

3.MentalHealthEmergency

A studentwhosuspects thatany individual issuicidal orhomicidal,must call 911. If theincident occurs in theclinicalarea, thestudentshouldfollowthefacility’semergencyprotocol. Generallyeach geographic regionhasaMENTALHEALTHOfficerwhocanbecontactedbythepolice.

4.DrugAlcoholTesting

TheCON reservesthe right torequirerandom alcohol anddrugscreeningofanynursingstudent. Randomscreeningwill beat theexpenseofthe student. All drug/alcoholtesting resultswill be confidential andwill not bedisclosed tothirdpartiesunlessdisclosureisrequiredby laworthestudent hasconsentedinwritingtoreleaseof theinformation.

Thepresenceor useofdrugsoralcohol, lawful orotherwise,whichinterfereswith thejudgment or motorcoordinationofMSNnursingstudents, posesanunacceptableriskforothers, theUniversity,and affiliatingclinical agencies.UndernocircumstancesshouldMSNnursingstudentsparticipateincoursesor clinical activitieswhile theyareimpaired.Whenastudent’sacademicor clinical performanceisimpairedor thereis*reasonablesuspiciontheCollegeof Nursingreservestheright torequire thestudent tosubmit todrug/alcoholtestingat theexpenseofthestudent. Drug testingwill bedoneinaccordancewith thepoliciesoftheclinicalfacilitytowhich thestudentis assigned.Detecteddrugabusewill begroundsfor dismissalfrom theCON.Followingdismissal, readmissiontotheCON will beaccordingto readmissionprotocols

A licensedMSNstudent who refusestosubmit todrug/alcoholtestingbasedon*reasonable suspicionor alicensednursingstudent whohaspositivedrug test results will be reportedtothe appropriateboardofnursing. Iflicensurestatuschanges, full reinstatementoflicensurewill be required for anunrestrictedreturntotheCONMSN program.

*Reasonablesuspicionmeansthereisreasonableevidenceforconcluding thatastudent isimpaired. Thisevidencemightincludebut isnotlimitedto: theodor ofalcohol or drugs,impairedbehaviorsuch

asslurredspeech,decreased motor coordination, anddifficultymaintainingbalance,or marked changes inpersonalityor clinical performance.

I.Advisement

WhenastudentisacceptedintotheCONMSN program,thestudent isinitiallyadvisedbythe Coordinator ofOnlineNursingEnrollmentandthenassignedanadvisorwhoisamember oftheMSN faculty.Studentsareexpectedtoconsult theUNA GraduateCatalog for information. Questions concerning theMSN program not addressedinthecatalogorincourseoutlinesshouldbedirectedto theassignedadvisor.