Download Master of Science in Nursing Graduate Student Handbook

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Master of Science in Nursing
Graduate Student Handbook
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Scott & White College of Nursing
2011-12
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Mission
Philosophy
Student Learning Outcomes
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STUDENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Nursing Organizations
Standing Committees for the College of Nursing
College of Nursing Faculty Academic Advisor
Libraries
Digital Media Services
Learning Laboratory
Computer Laboratory
Inclement Weather Notification
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POLICIES
Essential Performance Standards for Admission and Progression College of Nursing
Criminal Background Clearance
Health Policies
Changes in Health Status
Affiliated Clinical Agency Requirements
Professional Appearance and Policies for Clinical Experiences
Attendance
Grading
Progression
Academic Honesty
Criteria for Information System Literacy
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RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Professional Behavior
Expenses
Rights and Responsibilities
Student Grievance /Right of Appeal Process
Nursing Student Employment
Incident Reports
Exposure to Hazardous Materials/Substances
Policy for Graduate Students with Substance Abuse Problems and/or Mental Illness
Guide for Formal Papers
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INTRODUCTION
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) Graduate Catalog and Graduate Student
Handbook are the primary resources of information for the graduate student. The College of
Nursing (CON) Graduate Student Handbook is designed to be a supplemental aid to address
policies and procedures unique to the College of Nursing. The College of Nursing Graduate
Student Handbook is organized according to the following sections:
(a) introduction, philosophy and conceptual framework, (b) student programs and services, (c)
policies, and (d) student rights and responsibilities.
UMHB offers a Master of Science degree in nursing with a functional major in nursing
education, clinical nurse leadership and preparation as a family nurse practitioner. Students who
enter the program have already completed undergraduate work in nursing and are members of
the profession of nursing. As a student progresses through the graduate course of study in the
College of Nursing he/she is studying to become an advanced practice nurse. Therefore, the
graduate student is expected to demonstrate professional responsibility by being a goal-directed
learner who regularly attends all classes, clinical experiences, and school programs where
attendance is expected. The student must conduct him/herself in a manner which is consistent
with the Texas Nursing Practice Act and the ethical standards of professional nursing. Upon
completion of the prescribed curriculum, the student is awarded an M.S.N. (Master of Science in
Nursing) degree. The graduates of the nurse educator track have met the educational
requirement for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) examination; the graduates of the clinical
nurse leader track have met the requirement for the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) certification
exam and the graduate of the nurse practitioner track have met the requirement for the Family
Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification exam.
The curriculum for a graduate degree in nursing is a 39 to 48 semester hour program,
consisting of a core, a clinical specialization, and an education component, planned within the
framework of 22 to 24 months of full-time study. The graduate program begins in the fall
semester and should be completed in the fall semester of the following year.
MISSION
The mission of the Scott and White College of Nursing is to prepare excellent
professional nurses who contribute to the health and welfare of individuals, families, and
communities in diverse health care environments. The College of Nursing strives to prepare
graduates to become leaders in the profession, life-long learners, and community servants who
practice nursing based on Christian values and professional principles.
PHILOSOPHY
Included in the College of Nursing Philosophy is the faculty philosophy of learning. It is
important that students in the College of Nursing understand and are prepared to be active
participants in the learning process. Therefore, the faculty philosophy of learning is quoted from
the Graduate Course Catalog.
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The Scott and White College of Nursing is an integral part of the University. The
philosophy of the College of Nursing is consistent with the purpose of the University which
emphasizes instruction in a Christian environment and service to individual students and the
community.
The College of Nursing prepares graduates who, as professional nurses, contribute to the
health and welfare of the individual, the family, and community. This outcome, supported by the
liberal arts foundation and the nursing curriculum enables graduates to realize their own potential
as individual citizens and practitioners in the health care system.
The faculty believes that humans are bio-psycho-social-spiritual beings. The role of the
nurse is to assist clients in adapting to stressors in their internal and external environments
throughout the life cycle. Nurses serve a diversity of clients; individuals, families, groups and
communities.
The faculty further believes that the professional nurse must demonstrate leadership in
assessing, analyzing, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care to clients. To provide
leadership in aiding clients to adapt, the nurse must effectively communicate and collaborate
with the individual, family, group, community and with others who share in the provision of
client care. Furthermore, the faculty believes that the practice of nursing involves decisionmaking and problem-solving which require analytical and critical thinking based on knowledge
of the natural, behavioral, and social sciences; humanities; and nursing. The nurse must use
therapeutic interventions which include the provision of physical, psychological, and spiritual
care, health teaching and advocacy. These interventions require skillful utilization of the nursing
process, health care technology, and communication, and multidisciplinary referral. The
professional nurse must assume responsibility and accountability for nursing practice. The nurse
must continuously strive to improve as a professional and to contribute to the advancement of the
nursing profession.
The faculty believes that learning is a dynamic process, is influenced by the learner‘s
individuality and experiences, and is manifested by changes in behavior. The learner has the
major responsibility for acquiring and applying knowledge. The faculty is responsible for
assisting the learner in accomplishing the program objectives by providing well-planned learning
experiences based on sound educational principles.
Student Learning Outcomes
PRACTICE
1. Use informatics & technologies to design and implement safe, effective, and efficient
practice models based on evidence-based rationales.
PROFESSIONALISM
2. Integrate professional, ethical, moral, legal and spiritual concepts to improve outcomes
within a multi-cultural, global environment
SCHOLARSHIP
3. Develop scholarly contributions to enhance the body of nursing knowledge.
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LEADERSHIP
4. Evaluate nursing‘s contributions to the improvement of healthcare policy and systems in
a diverse global society.
5. Formulate strategies to facilitate the education of individuals, families, communities, and
aggregates/clinical populations within the multi-disciplinary health care teaFormulate
strategies to facilitate the education of individuals, families, communities, and
aggregates/clinical populations within the multi-disciplinary health care tea
STUDENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
NURSING ORGANIZATIONS
The College of Nursing has two organizations in which graduate students may
participate. These are the Tau Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society
of Nursing and the Nurses' Christian Fellowship. Each of these organizations has College of
Nursing faculty as sponsors. Meeting times for these organizations are announced at the
beginning of each fall semester.
The TAU EPSILON CHAPTER of Sigma Theta Tau International, the international
honor society of nursing, is a professional organization composed of students, faculty, and
nursing professionals in the community. The purposes of the society are to:
1.
Recognize superior achievement.
2.
Recognize the development of leadership qualities.
3.
Foster high professional standards.
4.
Encourage creative work.
5.
Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession.
Membership in this honor society is by invitation and inductions are held semi-annually.
Candidates/nominees shall have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement, academic
integrity, professional leadership potential and/or marked achievement in the field of nursing.
To be eligible for nomination, a graduate student shall:
1.
Be enrolled in the College of Nursing
2.
Rank in the highest 35 percent of the class.
3.
Have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
4.
Demonstrate academic integrity.
5.
Demonstrate professional leadership
Candidates are considered for membership without regard to race, age, gender, creed or
color. Members of the community are also eligible for honor society membership in accordance
with the honor society by-laws.
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NURSES CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (NCF) is the campus component of a national
and international professional organization and ministry of and for nurses and nursing students.
NCF seeks to bring the good news of life in Jesus Christ to nursing. It is the desire and practice
of the members to know God in a deep, personal way through Bible study and prayer. Groups
meet on a regular basis for study, prayer, and to learn skills for spiritual assessment and
caregiving. NCF resources and opportunities to attend camps, workshops, and retreats are also
available. All students and faculty are welcome to attend any NCF function. There is no
financial obligation for local activities.
STANDING COMMITTEES FOR THE COLLEGE OF NURSING
Students serve on all Standing Committees of the College of Nursing relative to students'
needs. Graduate student members are elected to these committees by their peers at the beginning
of the academic year. Graduate student members are responsible for bringing the views of their
classmates to the attention of the committee and reporting committee actions back to their class.
Students must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to serve on a CON committee:
interest in the committee, ability to meet at times such as Friday afternoon, and have a GPA of
3.0 or better.
Standing Committees on which students serve include:
Admissions, Progression and Retention
Purpose: The committee makes decisions with regard to admissions,
progression and retention of undergraduate and graduate students in the
CON. Recommendations from the Admissions, Progression, and
Retention Committee are presented to the Committee of the Whole. This
committee updates the College of Nursing Student Handbook.
Curriculum
Purpose: The committee reviews the curriculum of the undergraduate and
graduate nursing programs in relation to the philosophy, program
objectives and conceptual framework. This committee also collects and
analyzes data from undergraduate and graduate students and faculty
related to course and clinical facilities, evaluation and curriculum outcome
data. Recommendations from the Curriculum Committee are presented to
the Committee of the Whole.
Program Evaluation
Purpose: The committee reviews and implements components of the
systematic evaluation plan of the undergraduate and graduate nursing
programs, and implements appropriate studies of program effectiveness.
This committee also collects and analyzes data from faculty and students
concerning campus facilities and physical resources. Recommendations
are presented to the Committee of the Whole regarding program resources.
Special Events
This committee is responsible for planning special events involving
faculty and students in the College of nursing, including but not limited to
the Pinning Ceremony.
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Student-Faculty Council
The College of Nursing Student-Faculty Council is designed to promote
communication between undergraduate and graduate nursing class groups
and faculty. The Council facilitates communication within the total
nursing student body. The Council will act as a medium to hear issues
(not covered by the existing CON committee structure) and direct the
student(s) to the appropriate office/person for resolution.
COLLEGE OF NURSING FACULTY ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Each student admitted to the graduate program is assigned a nursing faculty member as
an advisor. Advisors prepare degree plans for assigned students. The advisor assists the student
in arranging his/her schedule of classes and in making progress towards a degree. By
appointment, academic advisors are available for counseling and guidance. Prior to registering
each semester, a student must obtain the advisor‘s approval of his/her proposed schedule.
LIBRARIES
Townsend Library is a full service library containing numerous nursing texts and
journals. The inventory of total holdings is approximately 147,000 volumes and more than
359,000 microforms. The library receives approximately 1,100 periodicals. An interdisciplinary
media collection of 2,900 videotape titles is available through the library.
Librarians provide demonstrations and instruction in the use of the online catalog, online
databases, indexes, Internet, and other research materials. Reference librarians are available to
assist students with location of research materials and to advise in conducting searches.
Required reading or media placed on reserve by the faculty are available at the circulation desks
for use in the library only.
Videos/DVDs are included in library holdings and may be used in the audio-visual room
during library hours or may be checked out for one week, unless they are on reserve at the
circulation desk.
The on-line catalog of the library (Towncat) is networked with all databases being
accessible from the library web page. The library pays for access to over 100 different
databases. The library web page may be accessed from off-campus. The databases include
Cochrane database, CINAHL, MEDLINE, IDEAL, Clinical reference systems, Health &
Wellness Research Center, Health Source: Nursing/Academic, PsychInfo, Psychology &
Behavioral Sciences Collection, Alt-Health Watch, and Social Work Abstracts. Microform
readers, printers and photocopiers are available. Interlibrary loan service is also available.
Books may be checked out for three weeks. Journals may not be checked out. Library hours are
posted at the library and on the library web page. Copy machines are available in the library.
The Richard D. Haines Medical Library at Scott & White Hospital holds approximately
6000 book titles and is located in the Texas A&M Education Building on the 3rd floor. This
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includes large clinical, nursing and administration collections. Approximately 1100 journal titles
are available in current subscriptions. An audio and video collection is also contained in the
library. The CD-ROM databases are Medline and CINAHL. Other services available include
inter-library loan, microfiche viewers and photocopiers. The number of books that may be
checked out is limited to 3. It is requested that one be prompt in returning such library materials
in order to insure continuous privileges for all students and/or other hospital staff. No journals
may be checked out.
Olin E. Teague Veterans Administration Center (VAMC) in Temple has an extensive
number of texts, journals and media materials. Medline, Psych Lit and CINAHL are available on
CD-ROM. An audio and video collection is also available as well as photo copying equipment.
Nursing students have access to the library but do not have check-out privileges. A valid college
ID or VA ID will be required for entry into the library.
DIGITAL MEDIA CENTER
The copy center provides services for individual and class utilization for a fee. Students
have access to equipment to prepare transparencies, to laminate posters for class or clinical
presentations, and to print handouts for class.
LEARNING LABORATORY
THE LEARNING LAB is located on the first floor in Wells Nursing and Science
Building and is equipped with manikins, simulators, equipment and supplies that may be used to
practice procedures and skills. Both high-fidelity and low-fidelity simulation equipment is
available. Students must schedule use of the lab through their instructor. In all instances the lab
is open only until 4:45 p.m. unless special arrangements have been made. Alternative lab hours
can be arranged through the faculty member and the director of the learning lab. All students will
be asked to view the introductory video and sign a contract for use of the learning lab.
COMPUTER LABORATORY
The computer lab on the second floor of Wells Nursing and Science Building is available
for student use. Use of this laboratory for class time is arranged through each individual course.
Open hours are posted each semester. Additional computers for students use are available in the
library and the student union building (SUB).
INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTIFICATION
Should the university administration decide to close due to actual or forecasted inclement
weather, official notification may be obtained in three ways.
1.
Internet site: www.umhb.edu
2.
TV channels: KCEN-TV (Channel 6, Cable Channel 3)
KXXV-TV (Channel 25, Cable Channel 5)
KWTX-TV (Channel 10, Cable Channel 2)
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3.
Radio stations: WACO-FM (100) KCKR-FM (95.7) KWJX-FM (97.5)
KBRQ-FM (102.5) KWTX-AM (1460) KRZI-AM (1580)
Every effort will be made to make notifications as early as possible. If you need to leave
your home before official notifications are available, use your best judgment concerning driving
conditions. The faculty/clinical agency should be notified prior to the scheduled class/lab in this
event.
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POLICIES
ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION AND PROGRESSION
COLLEGE OF NURSING
Professional nursing is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective and psychomotor
performance requirements. As a student in the College of Nursing, the student must have the
ability and skills considered essential to meet these performance requirements. Please carefully
review the Essential Performance Standards indicated below. If you have any questions about
your ability to meet these standards, you should seek guidance from the Director of Graduate
Nursing Program.
ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
STANDARD
EXAMPLES (Not all inclusive)
Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical
judgment
Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical
situations, develop nursing care plans
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to establish and
maintain a helping relationship with individuals,
families, and groups from a variety of social,
emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
Establish rapport with patients/clients and
colleagues. Demonstrate behavior that reflects a
caring attitude.
Communication abilities sufficient for interaction
with others in verbal and written form using
correct English.
Explain treatment procedures, initiate health
teaching, document and interpret nursing actions
and patient/client responses.
Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to
room and maneuver in small spaces
Move around in patient's rooms, work spaces,
and treatment areas, administer cardio-pulmonary
procedures.
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to
provide safe and effective nursing care
Calibrate and use equipment; position
patients/clients; lift objects up to 30 lbs. work
entire 8-12 hour shift.
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess
health needs
Hear monitor alarm, emergency signals,
auscultatory sounds, cries for help.
Visual ability sufficient for observation and
assessment necessary in nursing care
Observe patient/client responses. Read labels on
medication ampules/vials.
Perform palpation, functions of physical
examination and/or those related to therapeutic
intervention, e.g. insertions of a catheter.
Adapted from the National Council of State Board of Nursing, Inc. Reviewed 2011.
Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment
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CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CLEARANCE
Graduate nursing students are expected to comply with the criminal background clearance
through the Texas Board of Nursing as required of all registered nurses in Texas Students must
submit a clear background clearance form from this site: certifiedbackground.com checks prior
to attending clinical experiences. Students whose clearance receives a ―hit‖ must make an
appointment with Dean.
HEALTH POLICIES
The purpose of the following health policies is to protect the student in the clinical setting
as well as to protect the clients with whom the student will be working.
I.
HEALTH HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
All graduate students, seeking admission to the College of Nursing must provide
documentation of a health history and physical examination before beginning clinical
nursing. Health forms are available from the CON secretary. Completed health forms
should be submitted to the CON secretary (office) as directed. Each semester students
will be required to have current health update and immunization update prior to 1st class.
II.
TB SCREENING
The graduate student must be screened for TB prior to admission to clinical
nursing. The student seeking admission to the nursing program will provide evidence of
a negative TB skin test or a negative chest x-ray if the skin test is positive. The student
having a negative TB skin test upon admission must present evidence of retesting
annually and/or following any known exposure.
The student who has had a negative skin test and converts to positive will be
referred to the Bell County Health Department or his/her private physician for follow-up
care. Evidence of a negative chest x-ray must be provided to the school within one
month. The student must keep the CON informed of follow-up care during the
prescribed regimen.
The student having a documented positive TB skin test upon admission or at any
point during the time enrolled in the program, must provide the school with evidence of a
negative chest x-ray taken within the last 2 years. Negative chest x-rays over 2 years old
must be repeated. Students with a positive TB skin test must complete a Texas
Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) symptom questionnaire annually.
III.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Texas state law requires students born on or after January 1, 1957 to show proof of:
1.
Two doses of measles vaccine administered on or after their first birthday and at
least 30 days apart,
OR
Immunity to measles validated by a physician's statement of history of the
disease.
2.
Mumps vaccine administered on or after their first birthday,
OR
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Serological confirmation of mumps immunity,
OR
Immunity to mumps validated by a physician's statement of history of the disease.
3.
Rubella vaccine administered on or after their first birthday,
OR
Serological confirmation of rubella immunity.
Pregnancy: Requirements for measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are waived during
pregnancy.
4.
A minimum of three doses of tetanus/diphtheria is required, the last dose of which
was within 10 years.
5.
Hepatitis B vaccine is required. This is a series of injections over 4-6 months.
6.
Varicella (chickenpox) immunity, by history, positive titer or immunization.
IV.
CHANGES IN HEALTH STATUS
Students with any change in health status since the initial enrollment health status
(e.g. surgery, pregnancy, serious illness, emotional problems, accidental injury) requiring
professional care must submit a statement from their health care provider which clears
them to participate in class and/or clinical experiences. If a health status change requires
continuous monitoring the student must provide the health care provider with the official
copy of the UMHB CON Medical Clearance Form (obtain form from the College of
Nursing secretary). This clearance form should indicate the length of time the clearance
form is valid. This statement must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Nursing
Program. If a change occurs between semesters, the statement must be submitted to the
Director of Graduate Nursing Program prior to enrollment. If a student must drop a class
for health reasons, the student will need to submit an updated health form prior to seeking
readmission.
V.
AFFILIATED CLINICAL AGENCY REQUIREMENTS
Various clinical agencies utilized by the College of Nursing may have specific
requirements which must be met before students are permitted to care for clients within
the given facility. Because requirements are agency specific and are subject to frequent
change, more detailed information will be provided in individual course syllabi. This
section outlines the student‘s responsibility for these requirements.
1.
Healthcare Provider CPR– The student must have successfully completed
Healthcare Provider CPR instruction at the health care provider level.
Documentation of current CPR course completion must be on file in the CON
office. The CON requires Healthcare Provider CPR to be renewed before the
beginning of the semester if the renewal date expires anytime during the current
semester. Failure to provide this documentation before the semester starts may
mean that the student will not be allowed to register.
2.
Criminal Background Clearance – Affiliated agencies require evidence of this
clearance prior to admission to clinical nursing sites. Graduate nursing students
are expected to comply with the criminal background clearance through the Texas
Board of Nursing as required of all registered nurses employed in Texas.
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3.
Drug Testing – Students admitted to clinical nursing will be asked by Scott and
White Hospital to certify in writing that they are not engaging in any substance
abuse behaviors. This signature will acknowledge that in ―for cause‖ situations
they will be asked to submit to drug testing. The refusal to sign this
acknowledgement will result in the student being denied access to clinical
facilities at Scott and White Hospital. If this occurs, the student will be unable to
meet clinical course requirements and will be required to withdraw from the
CON.
PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE AND POLICIES FOR CLINICAL EXPERIENCES
The appearance/behavior policy is designed to assist students to maintain standards
considered appropriate and safe for professional nursing practice. All students enrolled in the
College of Nursing are expected to maintain professional relationships with clients/families and
to wear appropriate attire when representing the school in the hospital and in the community.
The graduate program adheres to the Dress Code as stated in the UMHB Graduate Student
Handbook. The attire must be clean, neat and present a professional image. Specific
requirements are stated below.
I.
Uniforms: Graduate students are not required to wear a specific uniform in the
clinical setting unless required to do so by the clinical agency. If no uniform is
required, graduate students are expected to wear professional attire appropriate to the
setting. Graduate students should wear a white lab coat over professional attire.
II.
Professional Attire in Clinical Settings
A.
Appropriate attire defined:
When worn as professional attire, this clothing should be "conservative" in
design, color and fit. Dresses, suits, skirts, tailored slacks, blouses or sweaters are
acceptable. Hose (women) and socks (men) must be worn with shoes. Faculty
reserve the right to make further recommendations for specific experiences.
B.
Inappropriate attire defined:
Dress considered inappropriate includes jeans (any color), Capri pants, bicycle
pants, sweat suits, shorts, above-knee skirts or dresses, halter tops, off-shoulder or
low-cut tops, transparent or translucent clothes, "flip flops" or slides, decorated
hose, tight, ill fitting or revealing clothing.
Note: See the University Graduate Student Handbook for campus dress policy.
C.
Lab coat in white (required)
D.
College of Nursing patch- The patch is to be sewn onto the left sleeve of
the lab coat with the upper border of the patch centered 2.5 inches below the left
shoulder seam.
E.
Official name pin to wear on the uniform or lab coat can be purchased
from Trophies Etc; 2304 N. Main Street; Belton TX 76513; 939-2442. When
ordering, the fact that the name pin is for the College of Nursing at UMHB, must
be indicated (pins are white with purple lettering). Official name pin with current
legal name must be worn during all clinical experiences. Be certain to indicate
that you are a Registered Nurse in the Graduate Program
F.
Clinical Facilities will require a picture ID.
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III.
Hair
All students will keep their hair clean and well-groomed. Extreme hair styles and
colors are unacceptable. Men's facial hair (moustaches, beards, or side-burns)
will be clean and neatly trimmed. Only naturally occurring hair color will be
acceptable, i.e., a student may color his/her hair, a single color of black, brown,
blonde or red, but not any color that would be considered extreme.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance in class, clinical lab and learning lab is expected. Absences or tardiness will
be carefully assessed and it is the prerogative of the instructor to deduct points from the final
course grade. Clinical experiences at the graduate level are scheduled by the student with a
preceptor. Students are expected to provide the course faculty with dates and times of all
scheduled clinical experiences. Changes of either times or dates must be communicated to the
faculty and the preceptor at least 24 hours in advance via either e-mail or telephone as
determined by the faculty at the beginning of the course. Failure to notify the faculty and/or
preceptor of changes in the scheduled clinical experience may result in changes in grades and the
options allowed by the official university calendar as related to the W/WP/WQ dates. Each
course syllabus will state any additional policies regarding attendance. Absences in excess of
these policies will result in failure or a request for withdrawal.
The student who does not attend class must notify primary faculty prior to class or within
the first hour of class. Tardiness and absences from class and/or clinical experiences will be
tracked throughout the nursing program and if excessive, will result in a request that the student
withdraw from the program.
If a student is unable to take an examination as scheduled he/she must personally notify
the primary faculty on or before the day of the exam to make arrangements to reschedule the
exam. Examinations must be made up within a maximum of seven (7) calendar days from the
originally scheduled exam time. Exceptions to these policies may be made only in extraordinary
circumstances at the discretion of the faculty.
A student may be on the assigned clinical unit only during designated clinical hours.
During clinical lab experiences the student is expected to remain available within the institution
at all times unless prior approval by faculty is granted for being out of the institution.
Note: When notifying the CON, individual faculty and department office of an absence, be
prepared to give the following information: name, reason for absence, class or classes to be
missed, phone number where you may be reached. Messages may be left on the faculty voice
mail system by calling the faculty office phone number. The CON department number is (254)
295-4662.
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GRADING
The College of Nursing adheres to the University grading system (see UMHB Graduate
Catalog or the university‘s Graduate Student Handbook). In addition, the College of Nursing has
adopted the following grading policies: Grades in nursing courses will be based on critical
components and clinical laboratory experiences.
I.
CRITICAL COMPONENTS
The student must receive at least an average of 73 in all of the critical components
in a nursing course to pass. These components may include exams and designated
requirements as described in each course syllabus.
If a 73 (C) or better is not achieved on a critical component, the maximum course grade
that can be achieved is a "D".
Courses having clinical skills exams will have guidelines in course syllabi. The clinical
skills exams must be passed as outlined in the individual course syllabus.
II.
CLINICAL LABORATORY
A student must perform satisfactorily in the clinical component to pass a clinical
nursing course. If a student does not perform satisfactorily in the clinical laboratory the
maximum course grade that can be achieved is a "D". A student may be asked to
withdraw at any time from nursing course(s) if there are justified circumstances (see
University Catalog, College of Nursing, general information section). The individual
course syllabus will identify the components to be used in clinical evaluation.
Guidelines to describe unsafe clinical performance are also used in clinical evaluation.
These are as follow:
A.
Violates or threatens the biological, psychological, sociological and/or spiritual
safety of the client.
B.
Inadequately or inaccurately utilizes communication (verbal and/or written).
C.
Violates previously mastered principles/learning objectives in carrying out
nursing care skills and/or delegated medical functions.
D.
Assumes inappropriate independence in actions or decisions.
E.
Fails to recognize own limitations, incompetence, and/or legal responsibilities.
F.
Fails to accept moral and legal responsibilities for his/her own actions; thereby
violating professional integrity as expressed in the American Nurses Association's
Code for Nurses.
G.
Fails to be accountable to the standards of practice included in the Texas Nursing
Practice Act.
III.
GRADE OF INCOMPLETE
College of Nursing policy concerning "I" (incomplete) is consistent with university
policy. (See University Catalog under Academic Standards for policy regarding an
incomplete).
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PROGRESSION
The nursing curriculum is sequential and, therefore, certain prerequisites exist for
progression in the nursing program. Any exceptions to the prerequisite requirements, such as
with transfer students, will be made after review by a faculty committee and/or the dean
(University Catalog).
The nursing faculty make every effort to assist students in being successful. Students
having difficulty are accountable for seeking assistance from the primary faculty of the course.
Graduate students may receive only one (1) grade of C throughout the program.
Eligibility to repeat a nursing course is determined by the MSN committee. If the class is a
prerequisite to the next semester‘s nursing courses, the student must repeat the class before
proceeding to the next course. If the student receives another ―‖C‖, or "WQ", "D", or ‗F‘ in a
nursing course during a subsequent semester, the student is not eligible for readmission. Students
eligible to be reviewed for progression must complete an application for readmission, which
includes their analysis of why they were unsuccessful and specific measures they plan to take to
be successful in the future. A student's request must be approved prior to registering for any
nursing course. Also the student is referred to the University Handbook Academic Policy
section relative to withdrawals.
A student who withdraws or has an interruption in his/her enrollment in nursing for any
reason must seek readmission to the nursing program. This should be a written request directed
to the Director of the Graduate Program. The request will be evaluated on the basis of current
criteria for admission and progression. After the readmission request is submitted, the MSN
committee will determine if the student is eligible to be readmitted. If eligible to be readmitted,
the student can progress if space is available.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Each individual graduate student is expected to act with honesty and integrity in personal,
social, academic and professional relationships and with consideration and concern for peers and
co-workers. Lying, stealing, plagiarism, and giving or receiving of academic information in a
manner not authorized by an instructor will be considered a breach of Academic Honesty.
Violations should be reported to the course instructor.
The CON adheres to the policies on Academic Honesty and Dress Code as defined in the
University‘s Graduate Student Handbook. In addition the CON has adopted policies applying to
classroom and clinical experiences. For example, all cell phones and beepers are to remain off
during learning experiences unless the phone or beeper references patient care inquiries and then
the phone or beeper must be placed on silent. The Nursing Practice Act also has statements
referring to professional conduct and affirmative duty to report unprofessional conduct. All
sources will be used when evaluating instances of student misconduct.
CRITERIA FOR COMPUTER COMPETENCIES
The student will be able to:
1.
Use Microsoft Word to prepare a formal paper, to include the proper use of grammar
check, spell check, edit and insert functions. Use of current APA format and appropriate
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2.
3.
4.
citations are expected. In addition, the student must be able to save his/her work to a CD
or a memory stick.
Locate appropriate web sites, copy/print information, use links, and cite appropriately.
The student will also be able to use textbook specific or faculty web sites for
assignments, exercises, quizzes, etc.
Communicate effectively with classmates and faculty via e-mail and/or the Universitywide LMS system. Microsoft Word is expected word-processing program and the student
should be able to demonstrate and implement the use of the attachment function.
Demonstrate the ability to efficiently find resources using at least three library databases.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR
As a health care professional who provides nursing services to clients, the nurse strives to
inspire the confidence of clients. The nurse will treat all clients, as well as other health care
providers, professionally. Clients can expect the nurse to act in their best interests and respect
their dignity. This means that the nurse should abstain from obtaining personal gain at the
client's expense and refrain from inappropriate involvement in the client's personal relationships.
The nurse should promote the client's independence. To do these things, the nurse must
understand and apply the following concepts of professional boundaries:
Professional boundaries are the spaces between the nurse's power and the client's
vulnerability. The power of the nurse comes from the professional position and the access to
private knowledge about the client. Establishing boundaries allows the nurse to control this
power differential and allows a safe connection to meet the client's needs.
Boundary crossings are brief excursions across boundaries that may be inadvertent,
thoughtless or even purposeful if done to meet a special therapeutic need. Boundary crossings
result in a return to established boundaries but should be evaluated by the nurse for potential
client consequences and implications. Repeated boundary crossings should be avoided!
Boundary violations can result when there is confusion between the needs of the nurse
and those of the client. Such violations are characterized by excessive personal disclosure by the
nurse, secrecy or even a reversal of roles. Boundary violations can cause delayed distress for the
client, which may not be recognized or felt by the client until harmful consequences occur.
Professional sexual misconduct is an extreme form of boundary violation and includes
any behavior that is seductive, sexually demeaning, harassing or reasonably interpreted as sexual
by the client. Professional sexual misconduct is an extremely serious violation of the nurse's
professional responsibility to the client. It is a breach of trust!
Indicators of professional boundary crossings
1.
Excessive self-disclosure the nurse discusses personal problems or aspects of his
or her intimate life with the client, or discusses feelings of sexual attraction.
2.
Giving personal phone number or address to clients and families.
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Transporting clients/families in personal vehicles.
Secretive behavior The nurse keeps secrets with the client and/or becomes
guarded or defensive when someone questions their interaction.
"Super-Nurse" behavior The nurse believes that he or she is immune from
fostering a nontherapeutic relationship and that only he or she understands and
can meet the client's needs.
Singled out client treatment or client attention to the nurse The nurse spends
inappropriate amounts of time with a particular client, visits the client when off
duty or trades assignments to be with the client. This form of treatment may also
be reversed, with the client paying special attention to the nurse, e.g., giving gifts
to the nurse.
Selective communications The nurse fails to explain actions and aspects of care,
reports only some aspects of the client's behavior or gives "double messages." In
the reverse, the client returns repeatedly to the nurse because other staff members
are "too busy."
Flirtations The nurse communicates in a flirtatious manner, perhaps employing
sexual innuendo, off-color jokes or offensive language.
"You and me against the world" behavior The nurse views the client in a
protective manner as his or her client, tends not to accept the client as merely a
client or sides with the client's position regardless of the situation.
Failure to protect client The nurse fails to recognize feelings of sexual attraction
to the client, consult with supervisor or colleague, or transfer care of the client
when needed to support boundaries.
NURSING PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS--Nurses will practice in a manner consistent with
professional standards and legislation (HIPAA). Nurses are knowledgeable regarding
professional boundaries and will work to establish and maintain professional boundaries. Nurses
will reflect upon and examine any boundary crossing behavior and seek assistance and counsel
from their faculty.
Adapted from Guidelines by National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. Reviewed 2011.
EXPENSES
In addition to tuition, fees, and textbooks, graduate students majoring in nursing will have
the following expenses:
I.
Identification badge. This should be a onetime expense prior to the 1st clinical nursing
course.
II.
Graduating expenses during the final semester:
A.
Graduation Fee (cap, gown and diploma fee) $75.00
B.
Announcements - $1.50 to 2.50 each in multiples of 10 (optional)
III.
Liability insurance
Graduate students in clinical nursing courses are covered during university clinical
experience by the University blanket liability insurance policy. Students are not covered
outside of the clinical experiences involved in course requirements.
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IV.
Criminal background checks
A.
Clearance will be required prior to entry to first clinical nursing courses, and
annually thereafter. The student will pay the vendor directly.
V.
Accessories – it is expected that graduate students will have equipment necessary for
clinical experience, i.e., stethoscope, watch, scissors, goggles or side-shields for glasses.
* All prices listed above are estimates and are subject to change without notice.
Rights and Responsibilities
The following student rights and responsibilities were initially adopted in 1975. The document
was updated by the NSNA House of Delegates in San Antonio, Texas (1991); and item #4 was
revised by the NSNA House of Delegates in Baltimore, Maryland (2006). The College of
Nursing faculty and administration believe graduate nursing students should have the same
rights and responsibilities.
1. Students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and engage
in a sustained and independent search for truth.
2. The freedom to teach and the freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic
freedom: students should exercise their freedom in a responsible manner.
3. Each institution has a duty to develop policies and procedures which provide and
safeguard the students‘ freedom to learn.
4. Under no circumstances should a student be barred from admission to a particular
institution on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender,
marital status, life style, disability, or economic status.
5. Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any
course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are
responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.
6. Students should have protection through orderly procedures against prejudiced or
capricious academic evaluation, but they are responsible for maintaining standards of
academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.
7. Information about student views, beliefs, political ideation, or sexual orientation which
instructors acquire in the course of their work or otherwise, should be considered
confidential and not released without the knowledge or consent of the student, and
should not be used as a basis of evaluation.
8. The student should have the right to have a responsible voice in the determination of
his/her curriculum.
9. Institutions should have a carefully considered policy as to the information which should
be a part of a student's permanent educational record and as to the conditions of this
disclosure.
10. Students and student organizations should be free to examine and discuss all questions
of interest to them, and to express opinions publicly and privately.
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11. Students should be allowed to invite and to hear any person of their own choosing
within the institution's acceptable realm, thereby taking the responsibility of furthering
their education.
12. The student body should have clearly defined means to participate in the formulation
and application of institutional policy affecting academic and student affairs, e.g.,
through a faculty-student council, student membership or representation on faculty
committees.
13. The institution has an obligation to clarify those standards of behavior which it considers
essential to its educational mission, its community life, or its objectives and philosophy.
14. Disciplinary proceedings should be instituted only for violations of standards of conduct
formulated with significant student participation and published in advance through such
means as a student handbook or a generally available set of institutional regulations. It is
the responsibility of the student to know these regulations. Grievance procedures should
be available for every student.
15. As citizens and members of an academic community, students are subject to the
obligations which accrue to them by virtue of this membership and should enjoy the
same freedoms of citizenship.
16. Students have the right to belong or refuse to belong to any organization of their choice.
17. Students have the right to personal privacy in their living space to the extent that the
welfare and property of others are respected.
18. Adequate safety precautions should be provided by nursing programs, for example,
adequate street lighting, locks, and other safety measures deemed necessary by the
environment.
19. Dress code, if present in school, should be established with student input in conjunction
with the school director and faculty, so the highest professional standards are
maintained, but also taking into consideration points of comfort and practicality for the
student.
20. Grading systems should be carefully reviewed periodically with students and faculty for
clarification and better student-faculty understanding.
21. Students should have a clear mechanism for input into the evaluation of nursing faculty.
STUDENT ACADEMIC COMPLAINTS AND RIGHT OF APPEAL PROCESS
The purpose of the student academic complaints and right of appeal process is to provide
students with a mechanism to resolve a grievance related to the College of Nursing. Students are
encouraged to think carefully and objectively prior to submitting an academic complaint or
grievance. Prior to filing a grievance, students are responsible for making appointments with
faculty to discuss areas of concern. A grievance does not exist simply based on the student's
perceiving or feeling his or her performance was better than determined by faculty. In addition,
the CON graduate program adheres to the Right of Appeal Policy in the UMHB Graduate
Student Handbook. The grievance process must be initiated within one month of the occurrence.
The graduate student may choose to discontinue the grievance/appeal at any step in the
process. It is expected that confidentiality will be maintained by all participants. The procedure
for presenting the grievance is as follows:
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1.
The grievance process may be initiated when the student has an area of concern or
issue with a faculty member that the student wishes the faculty member to address
or review. Step one includes the following:
a.
The student shall make an appointment to meet with the faculty member
concerned with the grievance. A resolution of the grievance should not be
an expected outcome of this appointment; a faculty decision may be
expected within five working days post-conference.
b.
The student should submit the grievance in writing (which includes an
explanation of the concern, the rationale for the grievance, and a proposed
resolution as well as the original paper or assignment in cases of written
work) to the faculty member involved.
c.
The grievance should be submitted at least one working day prior to an
appointment with the faculty member involved.
2.
If the grievance is not resolved at the faculty level, the student has three working
days to appeal the decision by submitting the grievance in writing to the Director
of the MSN Program, College of Nursing.* Step 2 includes the following:
a.
An appointment with the Director of the MSN Program may be expected
within three working days of receipt of the grievance.
b.
A review decision may be expected at this level within five working days
post-appointment.
3.
If the grievance is not resolved at the Director level, the student may choose to
file an appeal with the Dean, College of Nursing. The same time lines outlined in
2a and b apply.
4.
If the grievance is not resolved at the level of the Dean, the student may choose to
file an appeal with the Academic Vice-President and Provost. Refer to the Right
of Appeal section in the UMHB Graduate Student Handbook.
* Note: At step 2 as well as in 3 and 4 in the process, the student's original grievance as
submitted in writing to the faculty, the written faculty response, and all supporting
documents, such as a student paper or instructor criteria for grading, are
forwarded to the next reviewer.
NURSING STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
The CON graduate program was developed and is intended for registered nurses working
in various practice settings either full-time or part-time. The MSN program is a hybrid approach,
with approximately 1/3 of course work being presented in a classroom session on campus. Twothirds of the course work will be done off –campus, generally on-line or in a clinical practice
setting.
INCIDENT REPORTS
Graduate students involved in an untoward incident in the clinical setting should report
the incident promptly to the agency preceptor and the university faculty member for the course.
The faculty member must be informed of any written report for which the student is responsible
prior to the student leaving the clinical setting, and must receive a copy of the incident report
22
within 24 hours of completion. The student and faculty will also document the incident for the
student‘s clinical evaluation that week, and attach the documentation to the clinical evaluation
form.
EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/SUBSTANCES
All nursing students are expected to take precautions to prevent exposure to hazardous
materials or substances, i.e. wear goggles/gloves, when performing certain procedures. If a
graduate student experiences an exposure, he/she should report it promptly to the agency
preceptor and the university faculty member for the course. Students are expected to follow any
and all policies the agency has regarding the exposure.
POLICY FOR GRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE
PROBLEMS AND/OR MENTAL ILLNESS
The purpose of this policy is to identify behaviors related to alcohol and other drug abuse
problems (AODUP) and/or mental illness and appropriate interventions when student
performance in the clinical setting endangers patient health and safety which, if demonstrated by
a Registered Nurse (RN) would be considered a violation of the Texas Statutes and would be
regulated by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). This policy applies to instances in which
graduate students perform their clinical responsibilities in an impaired condition. The University
of Mary Hardin-Baylor Scott & White College of Nursing (CON) reserves the right to
investigate and discipline graduate students for such impairment under both the provisions of this
policy and the university‘s alcohol and drug policy and disciplinary policy which appear in the
university‘s student handbook.
Students who are chemically impaired or who suffer from certain mental illnesses may be
unqualified or unfit to continue in the graduate program, especially if their conditions endanger
or could endanger the public or patients under their care. The chemically impaired student is
defined as one who is under the influence of or has abused alcohol, illegal drugs, prescribed
medications, inhalants, synthetic designer drugs or over the counter medications. Abuse of these
substances includes episodic misuse or chronic use that has produced psychological and/or
physical symptomology. The categories of mental illness that fall under this policy include:
schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder,
antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder.
A graduate student who is not qualified to be in the clinical setting because of an AODUP
and/or mental illness problem will be removed from the clinical environment and given the
chance to receive evaluation, treatment, education, and rehabilitation for their disease. Graduate
nursing students whose evaluations confirm that they may have an AODUP or mental illness,
and who choose to pursue treatment and recovery, may participate in the CON Student Nurse
Peer Assistance Committee (SNPAC) procedural requirements. Graduate nursing students, who
are currently licensed in Texas as a RN, will be under the jurisdiction of Texas Peer Assistance
Program for Nurses (TPAPN) policies and procedures related to AODUP and mental illness.
Participation in TPAPN will be a condition of continuing in or being readmitted to the graduate
23
program. It should be noted that the student must also continue to meet current CON criteria for
admission and progression in order to participate.
The UMHB College of Nursing faculty believes that most alcohol and other drug use
problems and/or mental illness can be successfully treated and that the return of nursing students
whose behaviors evidence good recovery, (such that they are no longer a threat to their patients
or the public and are otherwise qualified to resume participation in the program), is in the best
interest of UMHB.
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COLLEGE OF NURSING
GUIDE FOR FORMAL PAPERS
Formal papers must be written in a logical manner using the style and system of
documentation found in the American Psychological Association (APA) manual, Publication
Manual of the American Psychological Association, Sixth Edition. Refer to the APA manual for
questions of form or style not addressed in this guide. Correct grammar, spelling, and
punctuation are expected. It is the student's responsibility to review the paper for correct form.
Arrangement of Paper:
1.
The paper will be securely bound in some fashion in a folder.
2.
Title page
3.
Table of Contents (if appropriate)
4.
Text of paper
5.
Appendix (tables, diagrams, illustrations) if appropriate
6.
References (alphabetized)
7.
In any particular course, there may be additional requirements.
General Information:
1.
Papers are to be typed in 12-point font and double spaced. Computer printout is
preferred and must be on good quality paper. Print must be dark enough to be
easily read by faculty.
2.
Pages are to be numbered according to APA format.
3.
Abbreviations: In general, words should be spelled out and abbreviations used
sparingly.
When abbreviations are used a word should be spelled out on its first occurrence
and the abbreviation placed in parentheses immediately after the abbreviation,
i.e.: registered nurse (R.N.). Thereafter in the paper, you may use the
abbreviation. Common abbreviations such as Mr., Mrs., Dr., a.m., p.m., etc. need
not be spelled out. Never begin a sentence with a number (i.e. 61). Write the
number out (sixty-one) if you must use it to begin a sentence. See APA Manual
for other rules related to the use of numbers.
4.
Do NOT identify people, places, or institutions by name.
5.
Appendices—Items included in the appendix must be discussed in the body of the
paper with an indication that the item appears in a section (lettered) of the
appendix (see Appendix A).
6.
Quotations and Citations: Absence of or inadequate quotation or reference
citation in text constitutes plagiarism. Credit should be given for both exact
quotations and paraphrased content.
7.
Proofreading: It is helpful to have someone else read your paper for errors in
spelling, grammar, typing, etc. before submitting it for grading. Remember that
neatness is an important quality in a professional paper. Erasures, corrections, or
white-out on a final copy detract from its appearance. After corrections, submit a
clean copy.
Reviewed 06/11
Graduate Student Handbook- 10/08 MP