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ASSOCIATE DEGREENURSING PROGRAMNURSING PROGRAMPOLICIESRevised Fall 2020Concept-Based Curriculum
Thomas Nelson Nursing Faculty and StaffKaren Lynch, MSN, RN, CEN, CHSEProgram Chair Hampton/ Historic Triangle [email protected] Campus, Room 313-CHampton III, Room 747-F757-258-6647Dorothy Wentworth, MSN, [email protected] III, Room 747-C757-825-3844Crystal Clark, MSN, RN-BC,[email protected] III, Room 747-E757-825-2813Kristin [email protected] AssistantHampton III, Suite 747757-825-2808Mitzi [email protected] AssistantHampton III, Suite 747757-825-2808Jenni Jones, MSN, [email protected] III, Room 747-FHT Campus 313- D757-258-6642Susan Stainback, MSN, RN [email protected] Campus 313-JHampton III, Room 747-D757-825-2762Sirena Sears, MSN, [email protected] III, Room 747-GHT Campus 313-J757-825-2922Marilou Wilder, MSN,MHR, RNwi[email protected] III, Room 747-HHT Campus 313-J757-825-3691
TABLE OF CONTENTSMission Statement .4Philosophy .4Program Outcomes .4Student Learning Outcomes .4Admission Policy .7Promotion Policy .8Returning Student Policy 9Transfer Policy .10Graduation Policy .10Classroom Policy .11Academic Dishonesty Policy .13Remediation Policy 13Clinical/Laboratory/Simulation Policy .14Standards of Professional Behavior Policy 16Health Status Change Policy .19Emergency Medical Treatment Policy .19HIPAA Policy .19Cell Phone Policy .20Social Medial Policy .20ADA Requirements 21Student Policy Agreement Form 23Business Partner Release of Information Form .24US Department of Education Statement for Nursing Programs .25Appendix A (NSNA Code of Conduct) .26Appendix B (Notice to All Students) .27Appendix C (Simulation Lab Latex Reponse Plan) 28Appendix D (Documentation of Student/Faculty Photo Videotape Release Form) .29Appendix E (Physical Form and Immunizations) .30Appendix F (Remediation Forms) .34Appendix G ( Assumption of COVID risk) .35
Nursing program policies are reviewed annually and revised whenneeded as stated in the systematic evaluation plan.
MISSION STATEMENT:The mission of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Nursing Programs is to provideaffordable, community access to quality nursing education. The VCCS nursing programs preparequalified students to provide safe, competent, entry-level nursing care in 21st century healthcareenvironments. Students are prepared to meet the ever-increasing complexity of the healthcare needs ofthe citizens of Virginia.Revised August 2018PHILOSOPHY:VCCS nursing faculty ascribe to the core competencies for nursing and nursing education. While firmlybased in science and the arts, the essence of nursing is caring and compassionate patient centered care.Ethical standards, respect for individual dignity, and consideration of cultural context are implicit in thepractice of patient centered care. The nurse advocates for patients and families in ways that promoteself-determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings. Nursing care is provided incollaboration with the patient, the family and members of the health care team. The nurse displays aspirit of inquiry by examining evidence to improve quality of care, promote safety and improve patientoutcomes. Nursing judgment is integral to making competent decisions related to the provision of safeand effective nursing care. Information management essential to nursing care is communicated via avariety of technological and human means.Revised August 2018NURSING PROGRAM OUTCOMES: The program outcomes reflect the Accreditation Commissionfor Education in Nursing 2017 Standards and Criteria.1. The licensure pass rate for Thomas Nelson Community College graduates on the NCLEX-RNfor first time takers will be 100%.2. Eighty percent (80%) of students who are admitted into the Thomas Nelson Community CollegeNursing Program will complete the program within three years.3. Eighty percent (80%) of Thomas Nelson Community College nursing graduates seekingemployment will be employed within one year after graduation.Revised August 2017STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:Students who complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree with a major in Nursing will beexpected to:1. Provide patient centered care promoting therapeutic relationships, caring behaviors, and selfdetermination across the lifespan for diverse populations.2. Practice safe nursing care that minimizes risk of harm across systems and client populations.3. Demonstrate nursing judgment through the use of clinical reasoning, the nursing process, andevidence-based practice in the provision of safe, quality care.4. Practice professional behaviors that encompass the legal/ethical framework while incorporatingself-reflection, leadership and a commitment to recognize the value of life-long learning.4
5.Manage client care through quality improvement processes, information technology, and fiscalresponsibility to meet client needs and support organizational outcomes.6. Demonstrate principles of collaborative practice within the nursing and interdisciplinary teams fosteringmutual respect and shared decision-making to achieve stated outcomes of care.Revised August 2018STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES WITH COMPETENCIES:1. Provide client centered care promoting therapeutic relationships, caring behaviors, and selfdetermination across the lifespan for diverse populations.a. Coordinate client centered care delivery with sensitivity and respect.b. Evaluate the effectiveness of teaching plans and outcomes and revise for achievement ofdesired outcomes.c. Promote client self-determination in making healthcare decisions as a level 4 student.d. Integrate therapeutic communication skills when interacting with clients and the client’ssupport network.e. Advocate independently for diverse individuals, families, and communities across thelifespan.2. Practice safe nursing care that minimizes risk of harm across systems and client populations.a. Evaluate human factors and safety principles.b. Participate in the analysis of errors and designing system improvements.c. Incorporate client safety initiatives into the plan of care.d. Practice safe client care as a level 4 student.3. Demonstrate nursing judgment through the use of clinical reasoning, the nursing process, andevidence-based practice in the provision of safe, quality care.a. Evaluate an individualized plan of care based on client values, clinical expertise andreliable evidence.b. Independently prioritize changes in client status and intervene appropriately.c. Apply the nursing process to guide care.d. Prioritize client care using evidence based practice independently.e. Evaluate existing practices and seek creative approaches to problem solving.4. Practice professional behaviors that encompass the legal/ethical framework while incorporatingself-reflection, leadership and a commitment to recognize the value of life-long learning.a. Incorporate ethical behaviors and confidentiality in the practice of nursing.b. Assume responsibility and accountability for delivering safe client care.c. Deliver nursing care within the scope of nursing practice.d. Evaluate professional behaviors in interactions with clients, families and healthcareproviders.e. Engage in reflective thinking for the purpose of improving nursing practice.f. Develop a plan for lifelong learning in the nursing profession.5. Manage client care through quality improvement processes, information technology, and fiscalresponsibility to meet client needs and support organizational outcomes.a. Evaluate the common quality measures encountered in clinical practice.b. Evaluate use of technology and information management to promote quality.c. Evaluate fiscally responsible client care.5
6. Demonstrate principles of collaborative practice within the nursing and healthcare teamsfostering mutual respect and shared decision-making to achieve stated outcomes of care.a. Compare and contrast the effectiveness of the members of the interdisciplinary team topromote optimal client outcomes.b. Participate in the interdisciplinary plan of care to promote optimal client outcomes.c. Evaluate communication strategies that are inclusive of various communication andcultural differences.d. Evaluate management skills and principles of delegation when working with othermembers of the health care team.e. Reflects at a professional level on individual and team performance.Revised August 20186
NURSING PROGRAM POLICIESStudents enrolled in the nursing program must adhere to the following program policies in addition to all generalrules and regulations as stated in the Thomas Nelson Community College Catalog.I.ADMISSION POLICYThe Thomas Nelson Community College Nursing Department currently offers three admissionoptions to qualified students.These include: Generic Program Hampton Campus: Admits up to 60 students annually in the fall semester(August)Generic Program Historic Triangle Campus: Admits up to 30 students annually in the springsemester (January)LPN to RN Articulation Program: admission varies depending upon available space.Students are admitted annually in the spring semester at the Hampton campusPre-Curricular GPA and TEAS scores will be considered when selecting students foradmission.Steps to Admission and Essential Abilities are available at Conditions of Acceptance:In order to comply with clinical agency requirements, the Thomas Nelson Nursing Programmandates the following admission requirements:1.Pre-entrance medical examination with required laboratory tests and immunizationrecords: If the medical exam indicates a finding which would prohibit a student fromattending clinical, the student cannot successfully meet the course requirements and will notbe able to continue in the nursing program. (See Appendix G)2.Validation of successful completion of the American Heart Association’s HealthcareProvider CPR course: Students are responsible for the cost of the CPR course.3.Criminal background check and drug testing: If the criminal background check or drugscreen indicates a finding which prohibits a student from attending a clinical agency, thestudent cannot successfully meet the course requirements and will not be able to continue inthe nursing program. Students are responsible for the cost of the background check and drugtesting.In addition, clinical agencies may implement criminal background checks or random urinedrug screenings. Nursing students, if selected by the agency, may be included in this testing.These policies are the procedures of the clinical agencies, not the college.4. Business Partner Student Release Form: Enrollment and participation in the ThomasNelson Community College Nursing program requires that students provide proof of generaland specific health status, immunization records, CPR certification, criminal backgroundcheck, social security number, driver's license/photo identification card, academic records,urine/blood tests for drug screening and any other information that may be required by the7
college, clinical facility and/or field agency policy or legal mandate to establish students’fitness to care for live patients in a clinical and/or field setting.Choosing to not provide permission for the release of this information will prohibitparticipation in Thomas Nelson Community College Health Professions Division, NursingDepartment/Program as it will result in a ban from the clinical facilities where students arerequired to complete the clinical portions of training. Admission to and successfulcompletion of the clinical training portions of Nursing courses are required for programenrollment and completion.Revised August 2018II.PROMOTION POLICYA.PROGRESSION: Satisfactory completion of nursing and general education courses willresult in promotion. A grade of “C” or higher is required for satisfactory completion of allrequired nursing courses, all pre-requisite courses (BIO 141, ENG 111, PSY 230, and HLT230) and all additional natural science courses (BIO 142, and BIO150).B. COURSE EVALUATION COMPONENTS: Nursing courses may include the followingcomponents: (1) theory, (2) drug dosage calculations, (3) clinical performance, (4)standardized assessments, and (5) simulations. These components are evaluatedthroughout the nursing program. The inclusion of these specific evaluative componentsvary based upon the individual NSG course objectives. Regardless of the number ofevaluative components included in the course, all components must be successfullycompleted in order to pass the course.1.The nursing faculty puts much emphasis on the ability of the student to comprehend criticaltheory information related to the care and condition of patients under their care. Theevaluation of the theory component of NSG courses consists of computer-based testsand/or other class assignments described in each course syllabus. A comprehensive finalmay be administered at the end of selected nursing courses. If a final examination isrequired for the course, it is mandatory that the student take the exam in order tosuccessfully complete the course. A minimum cumulative grade of 80% must be attainedfor successful completion of the theory component.During the course, any student who has a failing test grade or course average is required tomeet with the course instructor for intervention before taking the next scheduled test. Thismandatory intervention is to be scheduled immediately upon receiving the test grade.Intervention will continue as long as the student’s course average grade is below “C”.The letter grade, based on scores achieved on evaluative tools and/or other graded classassignments as stated in each course syllabus, is determined by the following scale:92%-100% A86%-91.99% B80%-85.99% C8
75%-79.99% D (Failure)0%-74.99% F2.The Nursing Faculty puts much emphasis on the ability of students to safely calculate andadminister medications. On-going assessment of math skills is a component of the program. In selectedcourses, students are given 1 practice drug dosage test. Individual remediation will be based upon theresults of the practice test. A 20 item drug dosage competency test will be administered prior to thewithdrawal date for the course. A grade of 90% must be attained. Students who do not earn a score of90% on the first attempt, will be given a second attempt. If the student does not score a 90% on the 2ndattempt, they will receive a grade of “W” for the course.3.The nursing faculty puts much emphasis on the ability of the student to perform safeclinical practice. The evaluation of the clinical component of the course consists of bothformative and summative assessment of clinical competencies at midterm and at theend of the semester for selected courses. A written clinical evaluation tool will be usedto evaluate clinical competencies.There are certain critical clinical competencies related to safe clinical practiceidentified within this evaluation tool that must be performed satisfactorily at alltimes. If these behaviors are not demonstrated, the student will receive a failing gradeand will be immediately removed from the course. The grade will be determined by thenursing faculty depending upon the individual severity and circumstance of thebehavior.The faculty reserves the right to permanently dismiss a student from the nursingprogram whose clinical or behavioral record indicates that it is inadvisable forhim/her to continue in nursing. The dismissal may be immediate or may follow thedevelopment of a contract. Students must meet the conditions of the contract in order tocontinue in the program. When a student is dismissed because of these criteria, a coursegrade of “F” will be given. The student will be administratively withdrawn from othernursing courses in which they may be enrolled.C. COURSE WITHDRAWALS: A student will be limited to two enrollments in the samenursing course except under mitigating circumstances that must be documented andapproved by the nursing program chair. Any student who withdraws from any nursingcourse will receive a letter regarding eligiblity to return. A request to return to the coursemust be submitted in writing to the Thomas Nelson nursing program head by the datestipulated in the eligibilty to return letter. An exit interview with the nursing program headis required.D. COURSE FAILURES: If a student fails either the theory, drug dosage calculations, or theclinical component of a required nursing course, the course must be repeated in order for thestudent to continue in the nursing program. If a student fails a nursing course during asemester in which they are enrolled in other nursing courses, the student will have the optionto complete the other courses or to withdraw with mitigating circumstances. A request torepeat the course must be submitted in writing to the nursing program head. After any twonursing course failures, the student cannot continue in or be readmitted to the ThomasNelson Nursing Program. An exit interview with the nursing program chair is required.9
E. CLASSROOM ATTENDANCE POLICY: In compliance with the College policy, anystudent with classroom absences accumulating to more than twenty percent of time will besubject to administrative withdrawalRevised Spring 2020III.RETURNING POLICYStudents re-entering the Thomas Nelson Community College Nursing Program must:A. Complete the nursing program within three (3) years from the original date of admissioninto the nursing program.B. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5. The cumulative GPA calculation will include all coursecompleted at Thomas Nelson and grades from transfer courses included in the A.A.S.Degree in Nursing.C. Complete a physical examination within one (1) year with required lab and immunizations(see admission requirements) This exam must be current (within 1 year prior toreadmission).D. Provide documentation of current CPR (American Heart Association Healthcare Provider)certification that must remain current throughout the nursing program.E. Provide documentation of a valid PPD tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray that must remaincurrent throughout the nursing program.F.Complete an additional required background check and drug screen (within 1 year prior toreadmission).G. Submit a request to repeat the course in writing to the nursing program chair by the datestipulated in the eligibilty to return letter.H. Successfully complete NUR 103, Clinical Reasoning in Nursing Practice. This course isrequired for any student who fails a nursing course or who has a failing course average atthe time of withdrawal from a nursing course. Any student, who does not earn a grade of“C” or higher in NUR 103, is not eligible to re-enter the nursing program. NUR 103 is notpart of the nursing curriculum; and therefore, may not be covered by financial aid.Revised August 2018IV.TRANSFER POLICYStudents requesting transfer MUST meet all Thomas Nelson nursing program admission criteria.Admission to transfer students is evaluated on an individual basis and is very limited.In addition, transfer students must have two letters of recommendation sent to the ThomasNelson Community College Department of Nursing. One letter must be from the program chairof the previous nursing program and the other letter must be from the student’s last clinicalinstructor. Credit will be given to those nursing courses completed no longer than three years10
prior to transferring into the Thomas Nelson Nursing Program, at the discretion of the programchair.Reviewed August 2018V.GRADUATION POLICYTo be eligible for graduation with an Associate in Applied Science Degree from the College, thenursing student must:A. Have completed all graduation requirements listed in the catalog. The catalog to be used todetermine graduation requirements is the one in effect at the time of the student's initialprogram placement in the curriculum from which the student is graduating or anysubsequent catalog of the student's choice. Substitutions approved by the division deanmay be necessary for any courses offered in the curriculum of choice that are subsequentlydiscontinued from the college's offerings.B. Be recommended for graduation by the appropriate instructional authority in his or hercurriculum.C. Have completed at least 67 credits applicable to an Associate in Applied Science Degreein Nursing, of which at least 25 percent of credit semester hours required for the degreemust be acquired at the college.D. Have completed the general education requirements, listed in the college catalog, for anAssociate in Applied Science Degree.E. Have earned a grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted that is applicabletoward graduation in his or her particular curriculum.F. Have filed an application for graduation in the Office of Enrollment Services by therequired deadline.G. Have resolved all financial obligations to the college and returned all materials, includinglibrary books.Some academic programs may require students to take part in exit interviews, to completesurveys, to take license exams, to prepare portfolios, or to complete some other activity todemonstrate the acquisition of program and general education competencies. If the student iscalled upon to take part in such an activity, it becomes part of the institution's requirement forgraduation in that program.The nursing program has the following requirements for graduation:A. The student must graduate within three years from the original date of admission into thenursing program.B. The student must participate in an NCLEX-RN review course at the students’ cost.11
Revised August 2018VI.CLASSROOM POLICYA.Papers and ProjectsWhen papers and/or projects, assignments and/or presentations are submitted to theinstructor, the date received will be noted. Papers, assignments and presentations submittedto the instructor after the predetermined due date will be subject to a five (5) pointdeduction from the grade for each college day up to the value of the paper. This does notinclude weekends and holidays. The student is responsible for informing the instructor, priorto the due date, concerning reasons for being unable to meet the deadline.B.Examinations, Tests, and QuizzesThe nursing program places value on the integrity of its tests and testing procedures. Testdates are set at the beginning of the semester and may be found in each coursecalendar. Nursing is a full-time program, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensurethey have not scheduled work or other appointments to take place during testing times. Inthe case of unforeseen circumstances that prevent a student from being able to test on timethe student must contact their instructor prior to the test's scheduled start. In such casesstudents must be prepared to test upon return to school. Students will not be given alternatetest dates for work schedules or other avoidable engagements. Test dates are subject tochange at the discretion of the nursing faculty. It is the responsibility of the student tofrequently check Canvas and email for updates and to maintain a current coursecalendar. Failure to test on time will result in disciplinary action.Once a required test has been completed, the grade is final, and no re-testing is allowed. If astudent starts a test, the test must be completed unless there are mitigating circumstancesdetermined by the instructor. It is mandatory that students notify the instructor prior to anabsence or tardiness when a test, examination, or quiz has been scheduled. Students mustnotify the instructor by e-mail or calling the instructor’s office phone number. If theinstructor cannot be reached, the student must leave a voice mail message. If a message isnot received by the instructor the student may receive a zero for the examination, test, orquiz. When a student has an excused absence on the day of a scheduled examination, quiz ortest, the student is required to take the examination, quiz or test at a time that will bedetermined by the instructor.Revised November 2020Test Review:Once all students have tested, if there is classroom time available, unit tests may bereviewed in class at the discretion of the instructor. Once all students have tested, individualtest review may be arranged if the course instructor believes it will be beneficial to studentsuccess. No student can review a test unless they have a scheduled appointment with thecourse instructor of record.12
Scantron Answer Sheet:When scantron sheets are provided for multiple choice tests, only the answers marked on thescantron answer sheet will be graded. If more than one answer is marked, the item will becounted as wrong (unless otherwise specified in the testing directions).Testing Procedures:Thomas Nelson nursing faculty have a zero tolerance for violations of the College’s policyon scholastic dishonesty. If, during a testing situation, a student is observed exhibitingbehaviors that could be interpreted as academic dishonesty then the following will occur:1. The student will be unable to continue testing2. The student will receive a "0" for the testAll personal belongings must be placed at the front of the classroom prior to every test. Thisincludes book bags, purses, coats, hats, cell phones and/or other electronic equipment(including but not limited to smart watches, fitbits, pendants, etc). No eating or drinking isallowed during testing. If the instructor provides scrap paper for the test, all scrap paper mustbe returned to the instructor prior to exiting the test. Students who fail to comply with thispolicy may be placed under behavioral contract, may receive a grade of “0” for the test, ormay be permanently dismissed from the program.C.Assessment Testing:The faculty has selected the HESI Testing and Remediation Program as an aspect of thenursing curriculum that is geared to prepare students for NCLEX-RN success. Assessmentswill be administered throughout the program with a comprehensive assessment given duringthe final semester. When a student is enrolled in a course for which a HESI assessment isscheduled, the student must complete all assessments before a final grade will be issued forthe course. As noted in the nursing program policies, “Regardless of the number ofevaluative components included in the NSG course, all components must be successfullycompleted in order to pass the course.” Students who fail to take HESI Assessments willreceive a final course grade of “Incomplete” or “I” (if otherwise passing the course) until theoutstanding assessments have been completed. Students cannot progress to the subsequentsemester until the requirements are satisfactorily completed and the “I” is replaced with apassing grade.Students are responsible for the cost of the assessment tests and submit an assessment testpayment each semester of enrollment in the program. This payment also includes a threeday, on-site NCLEX-RN review course scheduled at the end of the program. Failure to makethe reqired payment will result in a course grade of “Incomplete” or “I” (if otherwise passingthe course) until the outstanding assessments have been completed. Students cannot progressto the subsequent semester until the requirements are satisfactorily completed and the “I” isreplaced with a passing grade.This program requires the use of LockDown Browser and awebcam for online exams. ProctorU is used as a service that monitors you while you’retaking your exams online to ensure that no cheating takes place, and to help you besuccessful.13
HESI Assessments include: 1st semester-Level 1 Exam (Versions 1 and 2) 2nd semester- Level 2 Exam (Versions 1 and 2) 3rd semester- Level 3 Exam (Versions 1 and 2) 4th semester- Level 4 Exam (Versions 1 and 2) and Exit Exams (Versions 1 and 2)Revised November 2020VII.ACADEMIC DISHONESTYFaculty in the Nursing Department will not tolerate dishonesty in any form. Any studentwho engages in any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or obtaininginstructor resources from unauthorized sources, will be dismissed from the nursing program.Additionally, any discussions or replication of tests or specific test questions prior to, during,or after the test, without authorization of the instructor, will be considered a violation. Asmembers of the academic community, it is the responsibility of all students to report thosestudents suspected of violating the Honor Code Policy. ACADEMIC HONESTY: Officials of Thomas Nelson Community College certifysuccessful completion of work for degrees, diplomas, and certificates when satisfied thatthe absolute integrity of the student has been maintained in the completion of such work.It is imperative that students maintain a high degree of individual honor in their scholasticendeavors. Scholastic dishonesty will not be condoned under any circumstances. Generally, scholastic dishonesty is interpreted as cheating on an examination
for Education in Nursing 2017 Standards and Criteria. 1. The licensure pass rate for Thomas Nelson Community College graduates on the NCLEX-RN for first time takers will be 100%. 2. Eighty percent (80%) of students who are admitted into the Thomas Nelson Community College Nursing
