Nursing Student Handbook

Transcription

1
SAINT JOSEPH’S COLLEGE OF MAINE
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
2015-2016 STUDENT HANDBOOK
A GUIDE FOR THE JOURNEY
“The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.”
J.R.R. Tolkien
April 2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
This handbook is intended for use by nursing students to supplement
information contained in the Saint Joseph's College Catalog
Page(s)
WELCOME STATEMENT, SJC MISSION AND CORE VALUES
5
MISSION, VISION AND VALUES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
5
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING PHILOSOPHY
ACCREDITATIONS
6-7
7
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING CONTACT INFORMATION
8-9
STATEMENT ON ACCOUNTABILITY
10
CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROTOCOL
10
FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES POLICY
11-12
STUDENT ADVISING SUPPORT
12
ADA ACCOMODATIONS
APA FORMAT
12-13
13
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY; PLAGIARISM
13-14
REQUIREMENTS BEFORE BEGINNING CLINICAL COURSES
 CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK/CertifiedProfile
 HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
 CPR POLICY
 HEALTH INSURANCE
 HIPPA and OSHA
 LICENSING
 PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY COVERAGE
 TRANSPORTATION
 DRUG SCREEN POLICY
 CLINICAL ABSENCE AND MAKE UP POLICY FOR PRE-LICENSURE STUDENTS
15-18
15-16
15
16
16
16
17
17
17
17-18
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING IMPAIRED NURSE POLICY
18-20
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BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS POLICIES
3
20-22
PANDEMIC CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN
23
NURSING LABORATORY
23
STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
23
STUDENT NURSES ASSOCIATION (SNA)
23
SIGMA THETA TAU, INTERNATIONAL
24
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE in NURSING PROGRAM
 PURPOSE
 OUTCOMES
 PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
PRE-LICENSURE BSN PROGRAM
 CURRICULUM PLAN
 REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRESSION IN THE BS NURSING MAJOR
 CLASSROOM POLICIES; GRADING, ATTENDANCE, and LATE PAPERS
 ATI POLICIES
 CLINICAL POLICIES
 ABSENCE AND MAKE UP POLICY
 SNOW DAYS CLINICAL POLICY
 NO CALL, NO SHOW POLICY
 PROFESSIONAL DRESS POLICY
 UNIFORMS
 MEDICATION CALCULATION POLICY
 CRITERIA FOR MATH COMPETENCIES BY COURSE/SEMESTER
 INTRAVENOUS THERAPY POLICY
 NU 420 INTERNSHIP POLICY AND PROCEDURE
BSN TO MSN FAST-TRACK OPTION
25-50
25
26
27-33
RN to BSN PROGRAM
 REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRESSION
 CURRICULUM PLAN
 INCOMPLETE GRADES
49-50
49
50
50
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM
 PURPOSE
 PROGRAM OUTCOMES
51-57
51
52
34-45
34-35
35-36
36-37
37-38
38-40
38
38
39
39
39-40
41
41-43
43-44
44-45
46-48
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 PROGRAM SPECIALIZATIONS (Administration, Education, Family Nurse Practitioner)
 ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
 INCOMPLETE GRADES
 CURRICULUM PLANS
 FNP TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENT
CLINICAL SITE PLACEMENT PROCESS FOR ON-LINE PROGRAMS
 CLINICAL SITE REQUIREMENTS AND APROVAL PROCESS TIMELINE
 STATE AUTHORIZATION FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION NURSING PROGRAMS
 MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES OF EACH OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN A PRECEPTED PRACTICUM
 DESRIPTION OF PRECEPTED PRACTICA
 FNP CLINICAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS
APPENDICES
 APPENDIX I FNP Preceptor Application and Agreement Form
 APPENDIX II Certified Background Check Information for On-line RN-BSN, MSN-ADM,
MSN-EDU, MSN-FNP
 APPENDIX III Student Handbook Verification Form
 APPENDIX IV Evaluation of Preceptor Form
 APPENDIX V Clinical Experience Site Evaluation Form
 APPENDIX VI Nursing Student Handbook Verification Form
4
52-53
53
54
55-57
57
58-69
59-61
61
61-63
63-66
67-69
70-79
70
71-74
75
76
77-78
79
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Welcome Introduction
The faculty and staff of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine welcome you to the College and the Department
of Nursing. This handbook has been designed to prepare you with specific information related to the
nursing programs. The information in the handbook is subject to revision. It is important, therefore, for
you to check the announcements within the courses and within e-mail communications from the Nursing
Department often. You should also keep in close contact with your academic and faculty advisor, as well
as other course faculty members.
This handbook is not intended to replace the policies, rules and regulations set forth in the Saint Joseph’s
College Catalogs. You should use this document as a guide when addressing questions specific to your
nursing program. It is your responsibility to become acquainted with, understand, and comply with the
policies set forth by the College and the Department of Nursing.
SAINT JOSEPH’S COLLEGE
MISSION
The mission of the programs in Nursing at Saint Joseph’s College is to prepare nurses for roles in
professional practice environments of the 21st century.
The BSN program prepares generalists, grounded in the liberal arts tradition, who practice professional
nursing in a variety of settings. It also provides graduates with a foundation for continued professional growth
and graduate study.
The MSN program prepares graduates for roles requiring advanced nursing knowledge. Graduates
demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge and advanced skills for leadership roles in their areas of
specialization.
VISION
Saint Joseph’s College Department of Nursing Programs is grounded in a philosophy of holistic caring, and
social justice with graduates who demonstrate excellence in their knowledge, skills, and decision making
ability. Our programs will be recognized for their excellence, accessibility, and flexibility.
VALUES
CARING
HOLISM
LEARNING
PROFESSIONALISM
INTEGRITY
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DEPARTMENT OF NURSING PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the Department of Nursing is in accordance with the philosophy and objectives of Christian
Humanism as set forth in the Mission Statement of Saint Joseph's College. Beliefs of the faculty about human
beings, environment, health, nursing, and education/learning are expressed in statements that follow.
Human beings are creatures composed of bodies and souls, made in the image of God. They are endowed by God
with dignity, free will, and the capacity for love. Human beings are holistic, open systems who have biological,
psycho-social, cultural, and spiritual needs. What affects one aspect of being affects the whole. Human beings
have the capacity to meet needs through intellectual, sentient, and creative potential and through interactions with
the environment, humankind and the Creator.
Human beings constantly interact with their internal and external environments.
Health is a reflection of an optimal balance in human systems. It is a “holistic state, where harmony and balance
between an individual’s physical, social, and spiritual state and the physical, social, and spiritual environment are
achieved” (Sorrell and Smith, 1993, p. 336). Health is an ongoing dynamic process throughout the life cycle.
Nursing is a caring profession that provides unique service to individuals, families, and groups in a dignified
and ethical manner at any point in the life cycle. Nurses uphold the right of every individual to adequate health
care, and encourage participation in planning that care. Through critical thinking and the application of
nursing theory, professional nurses use the nursing process to treat human responses to actual or potential
alterations in health. Nursing strives to assist people in meeting their needs to promote, maintain, and restore
optimum health.
Nursing is a dynamic profession that is accountable to society. This accountability requires that the profession
be responsible for the maintenance and development of theory that supports its practice. The professional
nurse assumes responsibility for acquiring and maintaining knowledge and skills to practice, reflecting values
based on ethical and legal principles. Professional nurses act in leadership roles and as advocates in planning
for the improvement of health care.
Nursing faculty believes that the educational process provides opportunities for intellectual, personal and
social growth grounded in the arts and the sciences. Learning is a life-long process where learners
continue to seek out experiences to challenge their knowledge and abilities. Therefore, the faculty
supports the education of professional nurses in an institution of higher learning, which grants
Baccalaureate and Master's degrees in nursing. Learning takes place in an environment of mutual respect
between teacher and learner, in which the educational process is a shared responsibility. The teacher's
role is to facilitate, motivate, and guide learning. The learner's role is to bring to the educational
environment a developing awareness of learning needs and a commitment to the learning experience. In
an effort to achieve synthesis and application of knowledge, the learner is expected to use critical thinking
to clarify and analyze information.
Nursing faculty supports programs of study that provide approaches to education that are responsive to
individual learning needs. The faculty believes that there is a need for nurses to have access to programs
in nursing that will allow for and promote continued professional growth.
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Reference:
Sorrell, M. & Smith, B. (1993). Navajo beliefs: Implications for health professionals, Journal of Health
Education, 24 (6), 336-338.
SJC and Nursing Program Accreditation
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is fully accredited with the New England Association of Schools and
Colleges (NEASC).
The baccalaureate and master’s programs at Saint Joseph’s College are accredited by the Commission on
Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington DC 20036, 202-8876791.
The pre-licensure baccalaureate program at Saint Joseph’s College is approved by the Maine State Board
of Nursing.
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ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, STAFF and ADVISORS
Administration
Associate Dean, Nursing
207-893-7970
Lynette Hamlin, PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM [email protected]
Director, Graduate Programs
Open
Mercy Hall, Third Floor, #321
Director, Undergraduate Programs
Kimberly Clement, MSN, MBA, RN
Coordinator, Family Nurse
Practitioner Program
Mercy Hall, Third Floor, # 301
207-893-7968
[email protected]
Open
Mercy Hall, Third Floor, #
Mercy Hall, Third Floor, #
Staff
Clinical Placement Coordinator II
Laurie Lambert, MSN, RN
Clinical Placement Coordinator I
Amander Wotton, BSN, RN
207-893-7989
[email protected]
207-893-7943
[email protected]
Nursing Practice Regulation Coordinator
Elizabeth Delano
Clinical Support Specialist
Carole Moor, MS
Nursing Simulation Coordinator
Open
Nursing Resource Center Staff
Amy Dudar, BSN, RN
207-893-7954
[email protected]
207-893-7833
[email protected]
Senior Administrative Assistant
Roberta Edson
Administrative Assistant
Kimberly Michaud, BS
Mercy Hall, Second Floor, #247
207-893-7973
[email protected]
207-893-7957
[email protected]
207-893-7969
[email protected]
Academic Advisors
Academic Advisor, Rachel
Dzengelewski, MFA
Academic Advisor, Will Wysowski, BA
Academic Advisor, Nathan Rothman, BA
Academic Advisor, Tanya Iverson, BA
800-752-5247
207-893-7813
[email protected]
855-752-5320
207-893-7806
[email protected]
800-752-5941
207-893-7807
[email protected]
800-752-3892
207-893-7809
[email protected]
April 2015
Academic Advisor-Leigh HarridenDesrochers, MS
(800) 752-2585
(207) 893-7761
[email protected]
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Student Nurses Association
SNA Faculty Advisor, Kimberly Clement
[email protected]
SNA President, Jennifer Deacon
[email protected]
SNA Vice President, Nicole Wiggin
[email protected]
SNA Secretary, Jennifer Smith
[email protected]
SNA Treasurer, Christian Wrightson
[email protected]
Other
Storm Cancelation Recording
207-893-3333
SJC Web Site Address:
http://www.sjcme.edu
Department of Nursing Fax Number
207-893-7506
On-line Nursing Fax Number
207-893-7520
Financial Aid Office
800-752-1266
SJC Library
207-893-7715
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STATEMENT ON ACCOUNTABILITY
The American Nurses Association (ANA) code of ethics makes explicit the primary goals and values of
the profession. When individuals become nurses, they make a moral commitment to uphold the values
and special moral obligations expressed in their code. The Code for Nurses is based on a belief about the
nature of individuals, nursing, health, and society.
Upon entering the profession, each nurse inherits a measure of both the responsibility and the trust that
have accrued to nursing over the years, as well as the corresponding obligation to adhere to the
profession’s code of conduct and relationships for practice. The Code for Nurses with Interpretive
Statements is thus more a collective expression of nursing conscience and philosophy than a set of
external rules imposed upon an individual practitioner of nursing. Personal and professional integrity can
be assured only if an individual is committed to the profession’s code of conduct.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROTOCOL
In the event that a situation arises in which you, the student, find yourself in disagreement with a
particular faculty member and/or any other individual, the following protocol may be utilized to seek a
resolution.
1.
It is important to keep in mind that if and when you have an issue with someone, speak
with that person first. It is not professional and/or productive to complain to someone
else. Make sure that you share your concerns, feelings and issues using clear and specific
words. It may be helpful to set your thoughts down on paper so that you can refer to them
if you lose your train of thought.
Faculty: If a student comes to faculty with a complaint about a faculty member, the
student will be sent back to the appropriate faculty member and the student will be
notified that you will be contacting the faculty member to make them aware that the
student will be scheduling a meeting with them.
2.
You may find that you are not satisfied with the outcomes of the discussion after the
initial meeting with the individual in question. In that event, inform the individual in
question that you will be following the appropriate protocol by meeting with that
individual’s superior (e.g. course coordinator, department chairperson, head nurse, etc.).
3.
If there is no resolution after following the appropriate protocol, you may choose to
initiate a grievance as per the policy stated in the Saint Joseph’s College Student
Handbook.
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FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES POLICY
Students in nursing programs must possess the functional abilities to perform the skills and behaviors
required of a professional nurse. Therefore all nursing students must possess the following functional
abilities:





ability to see, hear, touch, smell, and distinguish colors;
capacity to communicate orally and in writing with clarity, accuracy, and efficiency;
ability to perform full range of required client care activities in a safe and effective manner;
ability to think critically, analyze, assess, solve problems, make judgments;
emotional stability and ability to accept responsibility and accountability.
FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES ESSENTIAL FOR NURSING PRACTICE
CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO AND RETENTION IN THE UNDERGRADUATE
AND GRADUATE NURSING PROGRAMS
A candidate for the nursing degree (BSN and MSN) must possess functional abilities essential for nursing
practice. Reasonable accommodations may be made for some disabilities by contacting the College
Disabilities Coordinator. However, a candidate is expected to perform in a reasonably independent
manner.
Category
Description
Gross Motor Skill
Gross motor skills sufficient to provide the full range of safe and effective nursing care
activities.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills sufficient to perform manual psychomotor skills.
Physical Endurance
Physical stamina sufficient to perform full range of required client care activities.
Mobility
Physical abilities sufficient to move from place to place and to maneuver to perform
nursing activities.
Hearing
Auditory ability sufficient for physical monitoring and assessment of client health care
needs.
Visual
Visual ability sufficient for accurate observation and performance of nursing care.
Tactile
Tactile ability sufficient for physical monitoring and assessment of health care needs.
Smell
Olfactory ability sufficient to detect significant environmental and client odors.
Reading
Reading ability sufficient to comprehend the written word at a minimum of a tenth grade
level.
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Arithmetic
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Arithmetic ability sufficient to do computations at a minimum of an eighth grade level. It
includes the following three concepts:
Counting: the act of enumerating or determining the number of items in a group.
Measuring: the act or process of ascertaining the extent, dimensions or quantity
of something.
Computing: the act or process of performing mathematical calculations such as
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Emotional Stability
Emotional stability sufficient to assume responsibility/accountability for actions
Analytical Thinking
Reasoning skills sufficient to perform deductive/inductive thinking for nursing decisions.
Critical Thinking Skills Critical thinking ability sufficient to exercise sound nursing judgment.
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups
respecting social, cultural and spiritual diversity.
Communication Skills Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in oral and written form.
Yocom, C. (1996). Validation Study: Functional abilities for nursing practice. Chicago: National
Council of State Boards of Nursing.
STUDENT ADVISING
Saint Joseph’s College offers students advising by academic advisors and from nurse faculty advisors. It
is strongly encouraged that students make and maintain regular and ongoing communication with both
advisors during the course of their education.
Faculty Advisor -The Faculty Advisor for pre-licensure BSN students provides advice regarding
nursing courses, content, and the nursing profession as nursing students progress through the program.
Practica and Capstone advising for students are done by the Faculty Advisor.
Academic Advisor -The Academic Advisor is a non-faculty member who provides guidance and
support with course enrollments, course registration, course withdrawals, or a leave of absence. The
Academic Advisor will also assist the student in contacting the faculty member if needed. She/he will
contact the student on a periodic basis to ensure that the student is progressing satisfactorily.
ADA ACCOMODATIONS SERVICES
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 provides
reasonable accommodations to students who have physical, psychological, or learning disabilities.
Students who wish to receive accommodations are responsible for submitting current appropriate
documentation of a disability and accommodation needs. A student may declare a disability at any time
throughout the academic semester; however, the beginning of the semester is most appropriate.
Accommodation requests must be submitted to Holly Anne Sanborn, Advising and ADA
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Accommodations Coordinator.
For more information regarding Saint Joseph’s College of Maine ADA Accommodations services, please
contact Holly Anne Sanborn at: 207-893-7562 or [email protected].
APA FORMAT
APA format is the writing style required by the Saint Joseph’s College Department of Nursing.
American Psychological Association (2009). Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association (6th edition). APA: Washington, DC.
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
All members of the Saint Joseph’s College community are expected to adhere to the principles of
academic honesty central to the College’s mission. Plagiarism, collusion, falsifying the results of
one’s research, cheating on examinations and any form of misrepresentation of another’s work,
are contrary to the traditions and goals of the institution. Instances of academic dishonesty are
subject to disciplinary action and/or academic sanctions.
Students are expected to cite any sources upon which their work is based, through the use of
bibliographical lists, footnotes, endnotes, and the like, and to document all uses made of the
content, style, conceptualization, organization, methods, and factual material of others, or of
other work produced by the student. The statement on Plagiarism is available in the Offices of
Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism occurs when a person uses the words, ideas, opinions, research, or creative
expressions of another as if they were her or his own.
Plagiarism can take many forms. One common type of plagiarism occurs when a person uses
another’s words without adding quotation marks around the words and clearly stating the source.
The words of another may be used only when both of these conditions are present (quotation
marks and clear citation of the source). Not using quotation marks implies that the words are the
student’s.
Another common example of plagiarism is when an individual uses another person’s ideas or
opinions and expresses them in his or her own words (called paraphrasing) but fails to cite the
source. Although in this case, the words may be the student’s, the ideas have been borrowed
from another, and that borrowing must be acknowledged.
Plagiarism can involve unacknowledged borrowing from any number of places, including
published articles, a classmate’s paper, graphs, charts, the Internet, or a video production. To
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take anything owned by another without proper acknowledgement is theft, and plagiarism is
intellectual theft.
Plagiarism occurs in research papers through failures of documentation, but it also can happen in
class reports, essays, tests, and in any other situation in which a student may use the words or
ideas of another.
Plagiarism is a serious violation of academic integrity; it always involves deceit, whether that
deceit is intended or not. Ignorance and carelessness sometimes lead to plagiarism, but they are
not acceptable excuses. Each individual student has the responsibility to understand and to avoid
plagiarism.
Procedures
Cases of Academic Dishonesty
When a breach of the Academic Honesty Policy is suspected (or determined), the faculty shall
contact the student and discuss the details of the charge. Subsequent disciplinary action shall be
at the discretion of the faculty.
For a minor violation, the faculty shall either:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Decide to take no further action,
Require that the student’s work be resubmitted with appropriate changes, or
Change the grade.
Beyond the minor offense, the faculty shall either:
assign a failing grade for the work submitted, or
assign a failing grade for the course.
When either of these last two options is chosen, then notification, along with supporting
documentation, should be sent to the Office of the Chief Learning Officer (CLO), where a record
of the infraction will be kept. Depending on the particulars of the case and/or student’s prior
history of infractions, the CLO may decide to extend the sanction to include:
1. Temporary suspension from the College, or
2. Permanent expulsion from the College.
A student accused of academic dishonesty may appeal his/her case in writing to the CLO, who
will then convene the Academic Review Panel. The role of this Panel is to evaluate the
accusation in light of the circumstances bearing upon the case, and then to advise the CLO. The
decision of the CLO shall be final.
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REQUIREMENTS BEFORE BEGINNING CLINICAL COURSES
CLINICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS WITH DEADLINES
Saint Joseph’s College Department of Nursing is responsible for ensuring that students are in
compliance with our contractual requirements for hospital/healthcare agencies’ policies and
regulatory requirements prior to enrollment in clinical courses.
Deadlines –


For pre-licensure nursing students: August 1 unless otherwise specified
For all on-line nursing students: 60 days prior to enrollment in a clinical course
CertifiedProfile: each nursing student will enroll in a web-based, secure platform
(CertifiedProfile) for a 1) criminal background check, 2) drug screen, and 3) medical
document/immunization tracker. This platform is accessed online at
www.certifiedbackground.com (See Appendix II).
Health Requirements

TB Skin Test (must be completed annually) - Proof of PPD (Mantoux) 1-step
or QuantiFERON-TB Gold (blood test) - The date the PPD test was administered
and the date the test was determined negative or positive must be indicated on the
form. A “positive” PPD or QuantiFERON-TB test requires a one-time only postpositive chest X-Ray report. An abnormal chest x-ray requires documentation of
medication regimen and yearly documentation of a provider TB symptom check.
FNP students are required to have a 2-step PPD or QuantiFERON-TB Gold
(blood test).

MMR - proof of 2 vaccination dates or positive titers showing immunity to each
of the following (3): measles, mumps and rubella

Tdap - documentation of a Tdap booster within the past 10 years

Hepatitis B titer - - Proof of Hepatitis B vaccines and a positive antibody titer is
required. If negative, a repeat booster series (3-dose series) is required and a
repeat titer 5 weeks from the final vaccine with follow up as needed.

Varicella titer - Proof of a positive antibody titer is required. If negative, 2
varicella vaccines are required 1 month apart.
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
Physical Examination - documentation of health exam by a licensed provider
certifying readiness for clinical work. The exam must have occurred within 12
months of proposed start of first clinical practicum.

Medical Insurance Card (front and back) or waiver (waiver only applicable for
pre-licensure students)

Drug Screen Testing - Drug testing is purchased with the CertifiedProfile
package. Online students are instructed through the web site on how to proceed
to complete a one-time drug screen. This needs to be completed at a certified
laboratory specified by CertifiedProfile. Pre-licensure nursing students will have
the completion of drug testing on campus at a randomly scheduled time.
 Flu Vaccine - October 1, Annually
Additional Requirements

Criminal Background Check - CertifiedProfile is a secure platform that allows
students to order a background check through a web-based secure platform. For
students in internship placements and online nursing students in clinical practica,
an additional background check may be required.

HIPAA and OSHA education - October 1 for pre-licensure students, 60 days
prior to course enrollment for online students.

CPR - American Heart Association Healthcare Provider, must be renewed
every 2 years.

Handbook acknowledgement form (annually) (see Appendix III)- October 1
for pre-licensure students; 60 days prior to course enrollment for online
students.
Some agencies may have additional requirements. In the event that additional requirements are
necessary, it is the student’s responsibility to comply with the agency clinical requirement(s) and
deadline(s) and provide the clinical placement coordinator with documentation of meeting the
additional requirements.
For pre-licensure nursing students, failure to complete clinical clearance requirements by the
associated deadlines will result in a $100 late fee, and a course registration hold for requirements
not completed by the August due dates. If a requirement is not completed by the due date after
the semester has commenced, the student will sustain an unexcused absence from clinical. The
student will be assessed an additional $100 late fee, and the clinical unexcused absence policy
will be followed.
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Licensing
All RN/BSN and graduate nursing students must hold an active and unrestricted R.N. license in
their state of practice.
Professional Liability Coverage
All nursing students have professional liability coverage through the Department of Nursing with
limits of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 effective September 1, 2014. The cost of the insurance is part
of the Nursing Fee.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to all clinical experiences.
Drug Screen Policy
Any substance found on urine drug screen not explained by prescription and identified within the
provider -documented physical exam is considered unacceptable and is grounds for dismissal
from the Saint Joseph’s College nursing program.
If a student disputes the findings, s/he has up to 2 weeks to do the following:
1. Contact the laboratory directly
2. Submit their case in writing to the Program Director, and know that they may be
asked to provide a second/supervised drug screen.
3. If second screen returns negative, the student may be subjected to multiple, random,
supervised drug screens for the remainder of the time they are in the program or for a
period of time before being allowed to enter clinical courses. If any subsequent
screens are positive, the student will be automatically dismissed from the program
and encouraged to seek rehabilitation.
Clinical Absence and Make Up Policy for Pre-Licensure Students
Because the experiential learning component of nursing is a critical element in the learning
process and because these experiences must be planned to enhance total learning, students are
required to be prepared for and attend all clinical experiences as assigned. The faculty, however,
recognize that on rare occasions students experience legitimate illness or family emergencies,
which may preclude students' attendance at a clinical experience. Students finding themselves in
one of these situations are responsible for notifying clinical instructors (and preceptors, if
applicable) 60 minutes prior to the clinical experience through an e-mail and a phone call. One
excused absence will be permitted per semester as long as the absence meets the excused
absences criteria.
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Examples of excused absences include, but are not limited to:




Student illness
Death/critical illness/funeral of a family member
Critical life emergency
Religious observance
The faculty, in consultation with the course coordinator, will arrange a makeup experience for an
excused clinical absence. The time scheduled and the specific clinical assignment for the makeup
day will be at the discretion of the course coordinator.
In selected extraordinary circumstances where greater than one excused absence is required, an
arrangement for clinical makeup may be offered, only if an appropriate faculty is available,
through an arrangement with the Undergraduate Program Director. There will be a fee assessed
for this opportunity. The opportunity may be offered in the clinical area, as a simulation
experience, or a combination of both. For more than two excused absences, when an appropriate
instructor is not available, withdrawal from the course is required.
Examples of unexcused absences include, but are not limited to:


Failure to attend clinical due to non-emergency situations, which include, but are not
limited to medical/dental appointments, weddings, job interviews, vacations, family care,
taking a day off to study, or attending work related activities
Failure to complete required clinical clearance requirements prior to the first day of
clinical
A student with one unexcused absence will receive an unsatisfactory for accountability on the
formative evaluation of the outcome tool for that day, and meet with the course coordinator and
clinical faculty to devise a remedial plan based on accountability. This plan is filed in the
permanent record. A student with more than one unexcused absences is in serious jeopardy of
failing the course. The course coordinator, in conjunction with the Undergraduate Program
Director, will review the circumstance(s) of the unexcused absences and determine the course of
action.
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING IMPAIRED NURSE POLICY
The mission of the Department of Nursing at Saint Joseph’s College is to prepare nurses for roles
in professional practice environments of the 21st century and to educate nursing students in the
professional responsibilities of a registered nurse under the Maine State Board of Nursing. The
American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses with Defining Characteristics states that
the nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety and rights of the
patient and that the nurse owes him/herself that same level of care. Self-care includes educating
April 2015
19
student nurses about mental health and substance abuse issues that may impact health and safety
of self or others. The faculty of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Department of Nursing endorses
the following policy and procedure for the identification, intervention, and treatment of students
with actual or potential impairment.
Faculty beliefs that underlie the policy are:





When a student’s performance is impaired; safe, effective care is at risk whether it occurs in
the classroom, learning skills laboratory or in the clinical setting.
Alcohol addiction, drug abuse, and mental health problems can be successfully treated.
Students, who are willing to cooperate with a program of assistance and accept treatment,
should be allowed to continue their nursing education, provided they cooperate fully and
comply with requirements.
Habitual impairment, or unwillingness to seek treatment, is cause for a dismissal from the
nursing program.
Theft, falsification of records, diversion of drugs for personal use or sale, or the substitution,
alteration, or denial of prescribed medications to patients involves legal penalties in addition
to the disciplinary process of the college.
The purpose of this policy is to:


Encourage students who self-identify as having physical, cognitive, or emotional conditions
affecting their performance to take advantage of available diagnostic, referral, counseling,
and prevention services.
Identify and assist students who have not yet recognized signs of potential impairment.
Impairment is defined by the nursing faculty of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine as any condition
in which the student nurse is unable to communicate orally or in writing with clarity, accuracy,
and efficiency, or the inability to demonstrate motor skills sufficient to perform a full range of
required client care activities in a safe, effective manner, or the inability to think critically,
assess, analyze, solve problems, or make judgments, evidencing psychological or physical
symptoms or emotional instability, or being under the influence of substances either prescribed
by a physician, obtained over the counter, or accessed legally or illegally that would interfere
with the safe and effective care of patients.
Incidences involving student impairment will follow the Department of Nursing procedure for
impaired student nurses.
Occurrence procedure:
1.
Faculty, preceptor, and/or staff observe, assess, and documents performance and
objective data.
April 2015
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
20
The student will be informed of the reasons she/he must leave class (theory or
clinical) and documentation will be made of the incident will occur.
Student may be required to complete an immediate drug screen. If the student refuses,
the student may not be able to return to the clinical setting.
If applicable, student will be accompanied to the emergency room for evaluation and
treatment.
If applicable, an arrangement will be made for someone to drive the student home.
The student must leave the clinical environment.
Faculty will notify the course coordinator and the Program Director.
A second student/faculty conference will be conducted to provide follow-up
guidance: discuss behavior and/or signs of impairment; establish expectations and
limits for future behavior of student (designate time period); encourage student to
give his/her perception of situation and plans to prevent further unprofessional
behaviors.
Record relevant information and provide a copy to the student and the Program
Director.
If the impairment involves an infraction of the College’s Student Handbook, a referral
will be made to Student Life.
If the impairment is determined to be related to a mental health concern, a referral
will be made to the College Counseling Center.
Procedure in the event a student self-identified:


Student will be referred for professional evaluation and treatment, to the Counseling Center,
if this is not already in process.
A conference will be arranged with the course faculty and Program Director to decide the
following: (with input from counselor or therapist as applicable) continued attendance at
Saint Joseph's College. The student will provide notification of any restrictions; schedule of
reports on progress and rehabilitation and plan for relapse prevention that is in place to the
Counseling Center.
(Reviewed 5/15)
BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS POLICIES
A.
Standard and Universal Precautions
Saint Joseph’s College Department of Nursing conforms to the requirements of local,
state, and federal laws and the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for preventing of
HIV/HBV, as well as those of the parent institution and clinical site facilities.
Since medical history and examinations cannot reliably identify all patients infected with
HIV or other blood-borne pathogens, blood and body fluid precautions should be
April 2015
21
consistently used for all patients. This approach is referred as “universal blood and body
fluid precautions” or “universal precautions”.
1.
All health care workers should routinely use appropriate barrier precautions to
prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure when contact with blood or other
body fluids of any patient is anticipated. Gloves should be worn for touching
blood and body fluids, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin of all patients, for
handling items or surfaces soiled with blood or body fluids, and for performing
venipuncture and other vascular access procedures. Gloves should be changed
after contact with each patient. Masks and protective eye wear or face shields
should be worn during procedures that are likely to generate droplets of blood or
other body fluids to prevent exposure of mucous membranes of the mouth, nose,
and eyes. Gowns and aprons should be worn during procedures that are likely to
generate splashes of blood or other body fluids.
Hands and other skin surfaces should be washed immediately and thoroughly if
contaminated with blood or other body fluids. Hands should be washed
immediately after gloves are removed.
2.
All health-care workers should take precautions to prevent injuries caused by
needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments; during disposal of used needles;
and when handling sharp instruments after procedures. To prevent needle stick
injuries, needles should not be recapped, purposely bent, broken by hand,
removed from disposable syringes, or otherwise manipulated by hand. After they
are used, syringes and needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp items should be
placed in puncture-resistant containers for disposal; the puncture-resistant
containers should be located as close as practical to the use area. (Large-bore
reusable needles should be placed in puncture-resistant container for transport to
the reprocessing area.)
3.
Although saliva has not been implicated in HIV transmission, to minimize the
need for emergency mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, mouthpieces, resuscitation
bags, or other ventilation devices should be available for use in areas in which the
need for resuscitation is predictable.
4.
Health care workers who have exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis should
refrain from all direct patient care and from handling patient care equipment until
the condition resolves.
5.
Pregnant health care workers are not known to be at greater risk of contracting
HIV or Hepatitis B infection than health care workers who are not pregnant;
however, if a health care worker develops HIV infection or Hepatitis B during
pregnancy, the infant is at risk of infection resulting from perinatal transmission.
Because of this risk, pregnant health care workers should be especially familiar
April 2015
22
with and strictly adhere to precautions to minimize the risk of HIV and Hepatitis
B transmission.
B.
Policies Related to Accidental Exposures to Blood/Body Fluids
Students who experience an exposure in the clinical setting of any kind (splash, contact,
airborne, sharps-related) must inform their clinical faculty member immediately.
If the agency at which the exposure occurred has a post-exposure policy/procedure that meets or
exceeds the most current CDC guidelines particularly for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, the student shall
be encouraged to immediately take full benefit of all services offered. If the clinical agency does
not have a policy/procedure that at least meets current CDC guidelines, students will be
instructed to seek immediate care through the nearest facility that does offer such care and to
then seek additional care through the facility of their choice. Students are responsible for costs
not covered by the clinical facility in which the exposure occurred.
Procedure:
Procedure in the event of an exposure, particularly a sharps-related incident:
1. Student immediately washes exposed site with soap and water or flushes eyes with water.
2. Report the exposure immediately to faculty and facility representative and change clothes
soiled with blood or body fluids.
3. Student completes all incident reports and faculty reviews agency exposure protocols.
4. Student seeks care at the closest ER that uses CDC accepted guidelines for post-exposure
prophylactic care. We encourage students to take advantage of services offered by the
agency at which the incident occurred.
5. Faculty notifies Program Director of the incident.
AIDS National Hot Line: 1-800-CDC-INFO
Maine Hot Line: 1-800-851-2437
Resources:
Updated U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures
to HIV and Recommendations for Post exposure Prophylaxis. (September 30, 2005). MMWR54
(RR09), 1-17.
April 2015
23
SAINT JOSEPH'S COLLEGE PANDEMIC CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN
It is possible that a pandemic flu alert may close the College for two or more weeks during the
course of an academic semester. The College and its faculty understand the unusual nature of
closing due to a pandemic crisis and will extend to its students every consideration in accordance
with its academic standards and goals.
Should a closure due to a pandemic flu alert occur, each course being taught during the semester
will continue its instruction for students, to the extent possible, while they are at home.
Therefore, students shall take their books and instructional materials with them when they leave
the campus and continue their reading and other assignments until the College reopens. To the
extent possible, assignments and readings that would have been due during this period will be
due at the first class upon reopening. Assignments, readings, quizzes, and exams that would have
been scheduled in the weeks after reopening will be due according to the schedule in the
syllabus.
NURSING LABORATORY
The Nursing Laboratory is available to students to practice psychomotor skills, use A-V
materials, and receive assistance from Laboratory staff. The Nursing Laboratory affords students
opportunities for self-paced learning. Students may learn new content, practice skills, and
develop competencies. Additionally, the lab is a setting that offers students a quiet room in
which to study individually or in a collegial manner with peers.
STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
Students are encouraged to participate in Department of Nursing activities through department
council membership and through active participation in the Students Nurses' Association (SNA).
The Department of Nursing has two councils requiring student participation: Academic Affairs
Council and the Quality Council. If you are interested in being a member of one of these councils
please contact your Program Director.
The Student Nurses' Association (SNA) – Nursing is a profession. Professions are
characterized, in part, by self-governance, which is facilitated by professional organizations such
as The American Nurses’ Association (ANA). ANA contributes to sustaining, maintaining and
developing the nursing profession and advocating for the health of the public. Student Nurses’
Associations (SNA’s) provide a link for nursing students to contribute to their professional
organization at both the State and local level. The SJC SNA contributes to the College and the
community through a variety of service oriented activities, fosters professional development of
students, and promotes a better understanding of the profession of nursing. All nursing students
are eligible for membership.
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24
SIGMA THETA TAU, INTERNATIONAL
In 1988 Saint Joseph’s College Department of Nursing, along with the University of Southern
Maine School of Nursing, collaborated to form a Chapter-at-Large of Sigma Theta Tau
International, the Honor Society for Nurses. In 1998 a second charter amendment ceremony was
held to include the University of New England, Westbrook College Campus, Nursing Program as
part of the Kappa Zeta Chapter-at-Large. Students at the senior level of the curriculum who have
met the criteria for membership will be invited by faculty advisors to join.
To be eligible for membership, undergraduate nursing students must:




Have completed one half of the nursing curriculum;
Achieve academic excellence (at schools where a 4.0 grade point average system
is used, this equates to a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher);
Rank in the upper 35 percentile of the graduating class;
Meet the expectation of academic integrity.
To be eligible for membership, graduate nursing students must:



Have completed ¼ of the nursing curriculum;
Achieve academic excellence (at schools where a 4.0 grade point average system
is used, this equates to a 3.5 or higher);
Meet the expectation of academic integrity.
April 2015
25
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAMS
The undergraduate nursing degree program at Saint Joseph's College is designed to provide graduates
with the knowledge and skills to practice as a nurse generalist in a variety of settings. Graduates are
able to assume appropriate responsibilities in the context of further professional development and to
participate in continuing education and graduate study.
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26
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Outcome 1
Professionalism Defined:
Demonstrates professional behaviors in appearance and demeanor: uses legal and ethical
principles; acts accountable in role as: advocate, collaborator, teacher, team member and leader;
integrates research into practice; and becomes an independent learner.
Outcome 2
Holistic Care Defined:
Demonstrates holistic caring behaviors to: clients and recognizes the importance of holistic selfcare; community; colleagues; including health promotion and illness prevention.
Outcome 3
Communication Defined:
Communicates effectively and professionally: verbally, nonverbally, in writing and using
computer technology.
Outcome 4
Critical Thinking Defined:
Demonstrates critical thinking focusing on: clinical reasoning, problem solving and effective use
of the nursing process.
Outcome 5
Safe, Effective Care Defined:
Demonstrates safe, effective care throughout the life span (and at the end of life) that is based on
accepted principles and standards of nursing practice, reflects evidenced-based care and culturally
competent.
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27
Program Competencies
LEVEL I: ACQUISTION AND APPLICATION
Outcome 1: Professionalism
Knowledge:
Skills:
Attitudes:
Discusses standards of professional
practice, the evaluation of practice, and
the responsibility and accountability for
the outcome of practice.
Assumes accountability for
personal choices and personal and
professional behaviors.
Commits to promoting the
image of nursing by modeling
the values and articulating the
tenants of the profession of
nursing.
Describes the relationship among
personal health, self-renewal, and the
ability to deliver sustained quality care.
Demonstrates professionalism,
including attention to appearance,
demeanor, respect for self and
others, and attention to personal
boundaries with patients and
families as well as among
caregiver.
Describes the personal and social limits
and boundaries of therapeutic patientcentered care.
Practices self-care.
Describes the roles and responsibilities
of a professional nurse and the
healthcare team.
Implements clinical nursing roles
as an advocate, teacher, caregiver,
team member.
Describes reliable sources for locating
research evidence and clinical practice
guidelines.
Locates and begins to evaluate
research and evidence-based
guidelines related to clinical
practice or nursing education.
Acts to prevent unsafe, immoral,
illegal, or unethical practices.
Commits to activities that
promote personal health and
renewal.
Commits to upholding legal
and regulatory principles by
abiding to professional
standards of practice.
Values and commits to the
roles of a professional nurse.
Appreciates strengths and
limitations of scientific bases
for practice.
Outcome 2: Holistic Care
Knowledge:
Skills:
Attitudes:
Explains the components of a
comprehensive and focused assessment
Conducts comprehensive and
focused assessments of health and
Recognizes the importance of
having a thorough patient
April 2015
of health and illness using
developmentally and culturally
appropriate approaches.
Describes the relationship between
mind, body, and spirit and its effect on
the patient’s health.
Discusses protective and predictive
factors, which influence health.
Discusses health/illness beliefs, values,
attitudes, and practices.
28
illness using developmentally and
culturally appropriate approaches.
history when developing a plan
of care.
Completes and implements a
basic holistic nursing assessment
and plan of care.
Values holistic therapeutic
interventions.
Conducts a comprehensive health
history to identify current and
future health problems.
Values how health promotion
and disease prevention can
affect morbidity, mortality,
health, and quality of life.
Provides health promotion and
disease and injury prevention
interventions.
Outcome 3: Communication
Knowledge:
Describes the principles of effective and
therapeutic communication.
Recognizes correct grammar, spelling,
punctuation, and medical terminology
and describes conventions of format and
structure.
Skills:
Uses clear, concise, and effective
and therapeutic written,
electronic, and verbal
communication.
Develops papers and clinical
reports that demonstrate
professional writing skills.
Attitudes:
Commits to communicating
effectively and therapeutically.
Recognizes the necessity of
clear, organized, and well
written documents.
Describes examples of the impact of
team functioning and communication on
safety and quality of care.
Participates in teamwork that
minimizes risk.
Values the perspectives and
expertise of all healthcare team
members.
Explains why information and
technology skills are essential for safe
patient care.
Begins to use available
technology and information
management tools to support safe
processes of care.
Appreciates technologies that
support clinical decisionmaking, error prevention, and
care coordination.
Skills:
Uses systematic approaches in
problem solving
Attitudes:
Applies clinical reasoning and
critical thinking processes in
Outcome 4: Critical Thinking
Knowledge:
Describes critical thinking and problem
solving processes
April 2015
Discusses patient centered care that
reflects an emerging understanding of
human growth and development,
pathophysiology, pharmacology,
medical management and nursing
management.
Demonstrates purposeful
informed, outcome- oriented
thinking
Implements holistic patient
centered care that reflects an
emerging understanding of
human growth and development,
medical management and nursing
management.
29
the management of patient care
situations.
Values the uniqueness of
individuals.
Outcome 5: Safe, Effective Care
Knowledge:
Skills:
Discusses the potential and actual
impact of established national patient
safety resources, initiatives, and
regulations.
Utilizes resources (e.g.
technology, error reporting,
policies and procedures) to assure
safe practice).
Recognizes that nursing and other health
professions are parts of systems of care
that affect outcomes for patients.
Participates in the use of quality
improvement tools (such as flow
charts) to make processes of care
explicit.
Attitudes:
Recognizes the cognitive and
physical limitations of human
performance.
Values that quality
improvement is an essential
part of nursing.
LEVEL II: ASSIMILATION
Knowledge:
Examine nursing roles in assuring
coordination, integration, and continuity
of care
Skills:
Communicate care provided
and needed at each transition in
care
Attitudes:
Value the need for continuous
improvement in clinical
practice based on new
knowledge
Knowledge:
Skills:
Communicate patient values,
preferences and expressed
Attitudes:
Respect and encourage
individual expression of patient
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30
Integrate understanding of multiple
dimensions of patient centered care:
needs to other members of health
care team
values, preferences and
expressed needs
Evaluate strategies to empower patients
or families in all aspects
of the health care process
Engage patients or designated
surrogates in active partnerships
that promote health, safety and
well-being, and self-care
management
Seek learning opportunities
with patients who represent all
aspects of human diversity
Discriminate between valid and invalid
reasons for modifying evidence-based
clinical practice based on clinical
expertise or
patient/family preferences
Consult with clinical experts
before deciding to deviate from
evidence-based protocols
Recognize personally held
attitudes about working with
patients from different ethnic,
cultural and social backgrounds
Willingly support patientcentered care for individuals
and groups whose values differ
from own
Value active partnership with
patients or designated
surrogates in planning,
implementation, and evaluation
of care
Respect patient preferences for
degree of active engagement in
care process
Acknowledge own limitations
in knowledge and clinical
expertise before determining
when to deviate from
evidence-based
best practices
Knowledge:
Analyze effective strategies for
communicating and resolving conflict.
Skills:
Communicate with team
members, adapting own style of
communicating to needs of the
team and situation
Attitudes:
Value different styles of
communication used by
patients, families and health
care providers
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31
Effectively uses technology and
information management tools to
support safe processes of care
Knowledge:
Justifies clinical decisions
Skills:
Exercises clinical reasoning and
critical thinking within standards
of practice
Attitudes:
Accepts responsibility for own
behavior
Skills:
Locate evidence reports
related to clinical practice topics
and guidelines
Attitudes:
Appreciate the importance of
regularly reading relevant
professional journals
Skills:
Uses evidence-based practice to
guide health teaching, health
counseling, screening, outreach,
disease and outbreak investigation,
referral, and follow-up throughout
the lifespan.
Attitudes:
Values the need for evidence
based practice and ethical care.
Outcome 5: Safe Effective Care
Knowledge:
Differentiate clinical opinion from
research and evidence summaries
LEVEL III: ADAPTATION
Knowledge:
Understands Nursing ethical principles,
concepts and values as applied to
quality patient care.
Recognizes the relationship between
personal health, self- renewal, and the
ability to deliver sustained quality care.
Appreciates the necessity for
all health professionals to seek
lifelong, continuous learning of
information technology skills.
Articulates the value of pursuing
the practice of excellence, lifelong
learning, and professional
engagement to foster professional
growth and development.
Knowledge:
Skills:
Attitudes:
Awareness of global aspects of care
As applied to:
Collaborates with other
healthcare professionals and
Willingly supports patientcentered care for individuals and
April 2015
-Patient/family/community values
-Coordination and integration of care
-Information, communication and
education
-Physical comfort and emotional
support
-Involvement of family and friends
Demonstrates comprehensive
understanding of the concepts of pain,
palliative care and quality of life.
patients to provide spiritually
and culturally appropriate health
promotion and disease and injury
prevention interventions.
Elicits expectations of patient
and family for relief of pain,
discomfort or suffering and end
of life care.
Initiates treatments to relieve
pain and suffering in light of
patient values, preferences and
expressed needs.
32
groups whose values differ from
their own.
Values active partnership with
patients or designated surrogates
in planning, implementation and
evaluation of care.
Appreciates shared decisionmaking with empowered patients
and families, even when
conflicts occur.
Recognizes personally held
values and beliefs about the
management of pain and
suffering and end of life care.
Knowledge:
Describes own strengths, limitations,
and values in functioning as a member
of a team.
Skills:
Demonstrates awareness of own
strengths and limitations.
Uses adaptation skills to act with
integrity, consistency and respect
for differing views.
Attitudes:
Acknowledges own potential to
contribute to effective team
functioning.
Appreciates importance of
intra- and inter professional
collaboration.
Integrates technology and
information management tools to
provide best practice, quality, and
safe patient care.
Knowledge:
Differentiates clinical opinion from
research and evidence summaries.
Describes reliable sources for locating
evidence reports and clinical practice
guidelines.
Skills:
Demonstrates a comprehensive
understanding of holistic, patientcentered care that reflects an
understanding of human growth
and development,
medical management, and
nursing management across the
Attitudes:
Values the need to use current
evidence and clinical
experience to decide when to
modify clinical practice.
Appreciate the importance of
regularly reading relevant
professional journals.
April 2015
Explains the role of evidence in
determining best clinical practice.
health-illness continuum, across
the lifespan and in all healthcare
settings.
Describes how the strength and
relevance of available evidence
influences the choice of interventions in
provision of patient-centered care
33
Values the need for continuous
improvement in clinical
practice based on new
knowledge
Uses evidence-based practices to
guide health teaching, health
counseling, screening, outreach,
disease and outbreak
investigation, referral, and
follow-up throughout the
lifespan.
Reads original research and
evidence reports related to area of
practice. Locates evidence reports
related to clinical practice topics
and guidelines.
Participates in structuring the
work environment to facilitate
integration of new evidence into
standards of practice.
Questions rationale for routine
approaches to care that result in
less-than –desired outcomes or
adverse events.
Outcome 5: Safe, Effective Care
Knowledge:
Delineates general categories of
errors and hazards in care
Describes factors that create a
culture of safety (such as open
communication strategies and
organizational error reporting
systems).
Describes processes used in
understanding causes of error and
Skills:
Communicates observations or concerns
related to hazards and errors to patients,
families and the health care team.
Uses organizational error reporting
systems for near miss and error reporting.
Participates appropriately in analyzing
errors and designing system
improvements.
Attitudes:
Values own role in preventing
errors.
Values vigilance and
monitoring (even of own
performance of care
activities) by patients,
families and other members
of the health care team.
April 2015
allocation of responsibility and
accountability.
34
Engages in root analysis rather than
blaming when errors or near misses occur.
April 2015
35
CURRICULUM PLAN FOR PRE-LICENSURE NURSING MAJORS
EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 2014 Class of: 2018
FRESHMAN/FALL
* NU 105 Introduction to Professional Nursing
** CH 105 Chemistry for the
Health Sciences
** BI 204 A & P I
HY 101 Western Civilization I
FY 101 First Year Experience
CR
3
4
4
4
1
16
CR
SOPHOMORE/FALL
** BI 201 Medical Microbiology
** PY 101 OR ** SO 201
* NU 215 Foundations of Nsg. I
(3T/1C)
4
4
* NU 205 Health Assessment
* NU 211 Patho/Physiology
3
3
18
CR
4
JUNIOR/FALL
TH 100 Intro to Judeo/
Christian Tradition
OR
ES 300 Ecology and the
Environmental Challenge
NU 309 Evidence-Based Practice
* NU 301 Nursing of the Adult I (3T/2C)
* NU 315 Nursing Care of Children
(3T/1C)
OR
NU 314 Maternal/Newborn Nursing (3T/1C)
SENIOR/FALL
* NU 400 Mental Health Nursing
(3T/1C)
* NU 405 Community Nursing
4
3
5
4
16
CR
4
(3T/2C)
5
FRESHMAN/SPRING
** PY 101 OR ** SO 201
CR
4
4
4
4
** BI 205 A & P II
*** EH 101 College Writing
HY 102 Western Civilization II
16
CR
SOPHOMORE/SPRING
MA 205 Statistics
* NU 204 Foundations of Nsg. II (3T/2C)
* NU 212 Pharmacology
NN 202 Nutrition
JUNIOR/SPRING
TH 100 Intro to Judeo/
Christian Tradition
OR
ES 300 Ecology and the
Environmental Challenge
* NU 315 Nursing Care of Children (3/1) OR
NU 314 Maternal/Newborn Nursing (3T/1C)
* NU 390 Nursing of the Adult II (3T/2C)
PH 200 Philosophy & Ethics
4
5
3
3
15
CR
4
4
5
4
17
CR
4
4
4
4
SENIOR/SPRING
TH Elective
PH Elective
* NU 420 Nursing Internship (1T/3C)
EH elective
* NU 406 Nursing Leadership & Management
NU Elective
4
2
15
Credits required for graduation – 128; Credits for Nursing Curriculum – 128
16
A minimum of 12 credit hours is required for full time student status. A maximum of 19 credit hours can be taken
without additional cost.
April 2015
36
*** EH 101 (College Writing) in which students must earn a C grade in order to pass.
** Related courses in which students must earn a C- grade in order to pass.
* Nursing courses in which students must earn a C+ grade in order to pass.
Note:
If a student needs to extend his/her program of study because they failed to meet minimum grades and must
repeat a course or courses, the student must discuss their request with their advisor and the Associate Dean
of Nursing.
Effective Fall 2014
REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRESSION IN THE PRE-LICENSURE BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE IN NURSING MAJOR
Students entering the pre-licensure track of the BSN degree program must follow the prescribed
curriculum sequence and must complete the required prerequisites.
Students must receive at least a C+ grade (78) in each nursing course and may not progress to the next
semester nursing courses until a grade of C+ (78) is achieved. This may mean that the student needs to
extend the program beyond 4 years since most nursing courses are taught only once per year. Students
must achieve a 78 average on test scores in nursing courses including the final exam, before other grades,
such as papers, projects or nursing care plans, are averaged into the course grade.

Students may only repeat a failed nursing course once. Failure to successfully complete a nursing
course on the second attempt at any institution will result in dismissal from the nursing major.

Effective fall of 2013 (class of 2017 and after), students who fail two different nursing courses
will be dismissed from the nursing major.

Effective fall 2012 (class of 2016 and after), for all theory courses with a clinical component,
students must pass both theory and clinical in order to pass the course. If a student fails either the
theory or clinical component, the student must repeat both the theory and clinical components of
the course.

Students must request approval from the Program Director prior to enrolling in any course other
than a Saint Joseph’s College course. The Program Director will determine the appropriateness of
the course.
Additionally, pre-licensure nursing students must achieve the following grades in non-nursing
required courses as follows:
Course
Minimum
acceptable grade
EH 101* College Writing
C
April 2015
PY 101* Introduction to
37
C-
Psychology
SO 201* Principles of Sociology
C-
BI 201* Medical Microbiology
C-
BI 204** Anatomy &
C-
Physiology I
BI 205** Anatomy &
C-
Physiology II
CH 105** Chemistry for the
Health Sciences
C-
NN 202* Nutrition
C+
*must be successfully repeated prior to progressing to junior level nursing courses
**must be successfully repeated prior to progressing to sophomore level nursing courses
If a student does not successfully repeat these required courses within the required time frame then the
time for the completion of the program will be extended beyond four years.
CLASSROOM POLICIES FOR PRE-LICENSURE NURSING STUDENTS
Grading, Attendance, and Late Papers
1.
A passing grade of 78 (C+) or better is required in all nursing courses in order to progress in the nursing
sequence.
2.
An average of 78 or better is required in theory on testing, including the final exam, before any other graded
assignment is calculated into the final course average.
3.
Per College policy there will be no retake of final exams. (See College catalog.)
4.
All exams must be completed in the class time period unless accommodations have been granted by
the College. The student has the responsibility of informing the Course Coordinator of any agreed
upon accommodations that have been determined by the Academic Center.
5.
Professionalism is one of our program outcomes and one of the Maine Nurse Competencies.
April 2015
6.
38
Class attendance and attendance at all course quizzes/tests are important aspects of
professionalism.
a) Attendance
Nursing department courses follow the College’s attendance policy, which specifies that
“Students are expected to be present at all their regularly scheduled classes. A student is either in
class or is marked absent regardless of the reason for the absence.” (SJC College catalog) If a
student cannot attend class, it is the students’ responsibility to notify the faculty BEFORE class
with a telephone call or e-mail. The student is responsible for obtaining the course material that
is missed. In extraordinary circumstances requiring consecutive absences, the Office of
Academic Affairs should be notified as per college policy.
b) Testing
If a student is ill or an extraordinary circumstance prevents that student from taking a test or
quiz during the scheduled class time, the student is required to notify the course coordinator
at least four hours in advance. If illness prevents a student from testing, a note is required
from a healthcare provider.
c) Testing make-up
Only one make-up date and time will be set by the course coordinator to reschedule a course
test. All students who have missed a test or quiz will be expected to test during the day and
time scheduled by the course coordinator, which may mean the student must reschedule work
or personal plans. A missed test without appropriate prior notification will result in an
assigned zero for the test or quiz.
7.
It is the student’s responsibility to review all policies in the Department of Nursing Handbook
related to course work.
ATI POLICIES FOR PRE-LICENSURE NURSING STUDENTS
ATI PRACTICE TESTS
Pre-licensure nursing students are required to complete the ATI Practice Tests related to their course by
the date assigned by the Course Coordinator. If the student does not achieve a 85% proficiency or higher
on the ATI Practice Test, the student is encouraged to remediate based on the identified learning areas.
The student must retake the practice test again, but no sooner than 48 hours after the prior testing until
85% proficiency is achieved. Students will not be able to take the ATI Content Mastery Exam until the
85% proficiency is achieved.
ATI CONTENT MASTERY EXAMS
Level 2 is the benchmark for all Content Mastery Exams. Students who do not achieve the benchmark on
the first proctored exam must remediate and retake the exam (see remediation plan below). Only students
who have not achieved at or above the benchmark may repeat the exam.
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Grading for ATI Content Mastery Exams is as follows:
After achieving a 78 testing average grade,



Students who achieve a Level 3 will receive 2 additional points on their final course
grade and may opt out of the course final exam.
Students who achieve a Level 2 will receive 1 additional point on their final course grade.
Students who achieve a Level 1 or less will receive 0 additional points on their final
course grade.
Remediation for ATI Content Master Exams
Students who do not achieve a Level 2 on Content Mastery Exams are required to complete the ATI
recommended remediation in order to gain entrance into the retake exam. If Level 2 is not achieved on the
retake exam, students must meet with their academic advisor to develop a formal, written remediation
plan.
CLINICAL POLICIES FOR PRE-LICENSURE NURSING STUDENTS
If a student misses two clinical experiences because they have not complied with mandatory requirements
(e. g., CPR, TB testing, etc.), the student will be withdrawn from the course, thus fail the course.
CLINICAL ABSENCE AND MAKE UP POLICY
Because the experiential learning component of nursing is a critical element in the learning process and
because these experiences must be planned to enhance total learning, students are required to be prepared
for and attend all clinical experiences as assigned. The faculty, however, recognize that on rare occasions
students experience legitimate illness or family emergencies which may preclude students' attendance at a
clinical experience. Students finding themselves in one of these situations are responsible for notifying
their faculty prior to the clinical experience.
Make up for clinical absences will be arranged by the course coordinator in consultation with the faculty.
The time scheduled and the specific clinical assignment for the make-up day will be at the discretion of
the course coordinator.
In selected circumstances clinical makeup may be offered if appropriate faculty are available, there will
be a fee assessed for that opportunity.
SNOW DAYS CLINICAL POLICY
If the College is closed there will not be clinical. The decision to cancel clinical if the College is not
closed will be made by the course coordinator in consultation with the clinical faculty. Each person is
expected to assume responsibility for his/her own safety.
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NO CALL, NO SHOW POLICY
The clinical experience is a very important component of nursing education. Accountability is paramount.
Any student missing clinical without calling the clinical faculty and clinical unit shall be subject to the
following consequences.
One missed day within one course or within the program.
Student will receive an unsatisfactory, for accountability, on the formative evaluation for that day
and meet with the clinical faculty to devise a remedial plan based on accountability. This plan
will be filed in the permanent record.
Two missed days within one course:
Student will FAIL that course.
Extenuating circumstances will be considered by the clinical faculty and the Associate Dean of Nursing.
PROFESSIONAL DRESS POLICY
Students must wear a SJC identification badge at all times during clinical practica. This is to be
purchased from the approved carrier. The student assumes all costs for the purchase of the identification
badge, to include but not limited to picture, badge itself, and shipping. Badge ordering information will
be emailed to the student upon clearance for clinical by the Online Graduate Nursing Office. If a lab coat
is required by the clinical agency the name badge should be worn on the outside of the lab jacket, the
identification badge should be visible at all times. Body jewelry (i.e. rings, tongue rings, necklaces,
earrings) and the exposure of tattoos should comply with the policy of the clinical agency. The wearing
of artificial nails or extenders is prohibited by any student who has direct or indirect patient care contact.
Please review CDC publications on this topic: http://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/Guidelines.html
(retrieved 7/29/14).
Manner of dress should be appropriate for a professional health care student, such as business casual.
This means that open-toed shoes, stiletto shoes, tight and revealing clothing, low cut necklines, the
exposure of cleavage, and shirts that are above the midriff/waist or where bare skin is being exposed are
inappropriate. The dress policy of the clinical agency should be adhered to at all times. Failure to dress
appropriately is reason for removal from the clinical environment. If the student is dismissed from
clinical that day’s hours would not count as clinical hours. Three (3) infractions at a clinical site may
result in clinical failure which is at the discretion of the clinical preceptor and SJC Online Nursing
faculty/administration.
UNIFORMS
Nursing students are expected to maintain a professional appearance during all clinical experiences.
Beginning with the Class of 2014 the uniform color was changed from white to wine.
Uniform Requirements:
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41
Uniforms Express in South Portland, Maine has been chosen as the provider of student nursing uniforms.
Uniforms Express will have a variety of styles, sizes and prices to meet the guidelines of the Department
of Nursing. If it is inconvenient for any student to visit their location, they will gladly send catalogs and
take phone or e-mail orders with personal check or credit card as payment.
For the clinical experience you will need to purchase the following:
 Beginning with the class of 2014, wine colored uniform based on the options from Uniforms
Express in South Portland, Maine;
 White lab coat (optional);
 Purchase Saint Joseph’s College patch (One to be placed on your lab coat and one on your tunic
top both located on left arm approximately 2 inches below the shoulder);
 Name badge from the Uniforms Express store;
 You have the option of either all white or all black shoes: be sure your foot is entirely covered
with no toes or heels exposed. Also be sure to wear these shoes only to clinical sites;
 A watch with a second hand;
 Stethoscope with a bell and stethoscope (get a mid-range stethoscope at a cost of between $30$50);
 Adult manual blood pressure cuff.
Miscellaneous: Long hair should be pinned up/pulled back. Fingernails should be short and without nail
polish or artificial fingernails. The following jewelry may be worn: watch, wedding ring, engagement
ring, and one single studded earring per ear. No facial or tongue jewelry. Tattoos should be covered.
These guidelines may be modified by agency policy.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Application Process: Maine State Board of Nursing
1. The Undergraduate Program Director will verify that each student has completed all the clinical
and lab skills required through sophomore year (currently 96 hours) in order to become a CNA.
2. The Department of Nursing Administrative Assistant will send an e-mail to those students
approved to become a CNA, giving the student instructions on the application process for
becoming a CNA for each state board of nursing.
3. For Maine: the Administrative Assistant will send a letter of certification (by e-mail) to the Maine
State Board of Nursing on behalf of each qualified student. The certification letters will arrive at
the MSBON prior to the student’s application arriving.
4. The MSBON will match the certification letter with the students’ applications as they receive
them.
5. For students who want to become a CNA in a state other than Maine, refer to the Board of
Nursing process for that state.
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MEDICATION CALCULATION POLICY FOR PRE-LICENSURE STUDENTS
To help you learn this material, the Department has implemented a number of medication
calculation policies.
1.
Medication calculation examples are listed on the following pages.
2.
A required text on meds and math calculations that will be purchased in NU 110.
3.
Calculators are allowed for use on paper and pencil tests.
4.
All clinical nursing courses will have calculation tests.
5.
Criteria for Math Competencies by Program Level are listed below.
CRITERIA FOR MATH COMPETENCIES
Fall (Sophomore): NU 190/205
The student will achieve 90% accuracy on a math test, prior to starting clinical.
This test will demonstrate the ability to:





Calculate number of pills to give
Convert mcg to mg and vice versa, mg to g and vice versa
Pounds to Kilograms
Inches to Centimeters
Fahrenheit to Celsius
Spring (Sophomore): NU 204




Correctly read labels on vials, ampules, tubexes and bottles
Calculate dose of injectables
Draw up correct dose of medication in a variety of syringes including TB and
insulin (50u/cc) and insulin (100u/cc)
Correctly dilute powdered medications to desired strength.
April 2015


43
24 Hour Clock
Syringe calibration and selecting correct equipment
Fall/Spring (Juniors): NU 315


Given body surface area, correctly calculate dose/m2
Calculate dose range for mg/kg including lower daily dose range, upper daily
dose range and amounts per each dose in both upper and lower range given the
recommended number of daily doses.
Fall (Junior)-- all previous criteria plus: NU 301
Students cannot administer meds in the clinical area until they have achieved 90% on the math
test. In order to pass the NU 301 course, the student must achieve 90% accuracy on a paper and
pencil test, demonstrating proficiency with previous learned math for med computations in
addition to calculating:






Amount of IV fluid to infuse over a set period of time
Flow rate for IV (micro drip and macro drip)
Rate of infusion for meds via drop rate
Rate of infusion for meds via pump setting
Amount of drug (i. e., insulin/heparin) received, based on infusion rate (mL/hr)
Infusion rate on a pump (mL/hr) for a continuous IV drug infusion ordered in a
dose per minute (i. e., Lidocaine), as well as dose per hour (Heparin).
Spring (Junior) all previous criteria plus: NU 390
Students cannot administer meds until they have achieved 90% on the math test. In order to pass
clinical, the student must pass a math test with 90% accuracy demonstrating knowledge of math
content taught previously.
All of previous criteria
Fall (Senior): NU 405/406
100% proficiency on previous math knowledge will be required within first two weeks of
semester. Math tutoring/practice will be required until proficiency is evident.
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44
Spring (Senior): NU 420
90% proficiency on previous math knowledge will be required before the student begins their
internship rotation. Students must remediate until they achieve 100% proficiency.
INTRAVENOUS THERAPY POLICY
CANNULA POLICY
Students must follow the agency policy and procedure regarding I.V. insertion. After meeting
the agency requirements, this policy applies to all SJC nursing students who have successfully
completed the IV insertion lab
Cannulas are placed for definitive therapeutic and/or diagnostic indications. The smallest gauge,
shortest length cannula capable of accomplishing the prescribed therapy shall be used. The
supervising R.N. and hospital policy will determine adult patient selection. The student will be
limited to two attempts per patient, if the patient is willing.
Based on standards of the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), the placement of catheters shall be in
accordance with the state Nurse Practice Act. The catheter selected shall be the smallest gauge
and shortest length that will accommodate the prescribed therapy. Aseptic technique shall be
used and standard precautions observed during catheter placement. Only one catheter shall be
used for each cannulation attempt (Phillips, 2005, Manual of I.V. Therapeutics)
****************************
COMPETENCY CRITERIA: Initiation of Peripheral I.V. Therapy following the Phillips
Steps. (Phillips, 2005, Manual of I.V. Therapeutics)
COMPETENCY STATEMENT: Competent I.V. nurses will be able to perform venipuncture
technique for support of peripheral I.V. therapy.
NOTE: The cognitive (knowledge) information that is embedded within this performance-based
competency includes aseptic technique, manufacturer recommendation for use of equipment,
venous anatomy and physiology, fluid and electrolyte balance.
This competency links to the competency of infection control, management of I.V. equipment,
and parenteral solutions.
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INTRAVENOUS THERAPY POLICY
FOR INSERTING A PERIPHERAL-SHORT OVER-THE-NEEDLE CATHETER
Policy:
Students must follow the agency policy and procedure regarding I.V. insertion. After meeting
the agency requirements, this policy applies to all SJC nursing students who have successfully
completed the IV insertion lab and assignments.
Based on standards of the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), the placement of catheters shall be in
accordance with the State Nurse Practice Act. The catheter selected shall be the smallest gauge
and shortest length that will accommodate the prescribed therapy. Aseptic technique shall be
used and standard precautions observed during catheter placement. Only one catheter shall be
used for each cannulation attempt (Phillips, 2010, Manual of I.V. Therapeutics).
*****************************
COMPETENCY CRITERIA: Initiation of Peripheral I.V. Therapy following the Phillips
Steps. (Phillips, 2010, Manual of I.V. Therapeutics)
COMPETENCY STATEMENT: Competent I.V. nurses will be able to perform venipuncture
technique for support of peripheral I.V. therapy.
NOTE: The cognitive (knowledge) information that is embedded within this performance-based
competency includes aseptic technique, manufacturer recommendation for use of equipment,
venous anatomy and physiology, fluid and electrolyte balance. This competency links to the
competency of infection control, management of I.V. equipment, and parenteral solutions.
NU 420 INTERNSHIP POLICY and PROCEDURE
Policy:
An internship clinical placement in the NU 420 course is based upon student request as well as
agency and unit availability. Neither the clinical facility nor the unit/department requested can
be assured to a student. NU 420 course coordinators with the Clinical Placement Coordinator I
make every attempt to negotiate placements that students seek. The senior practicum is not an
observational experience, rather the course outcomes necessitate that students actively participate
in the role and functions of the professional nurse with the guidance of a clinical preceptor.
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Procedures:
1.
Junior students are asked to complete the “INTERNSHIP REQUEST FORM” during
mid-semester of the spring term. At the same time, NU 420 course faculty members also
meet with junior level students to describe the Internship course and application process.
2.
On a designated date, NU 420 faculty will analyze all internship requests and begin
making potential assignments. Assignments are based on student GPA, performance on
the RN Adult Medical Surgical ATI test, timeliness of request, student preferences, and
facility policies and procedures for internship placements.
3.
As soon as possible, the Clinical Placement Coordinator I begins notifying
students regarding a potential placement for the practicum and begins to work to submit
requests to the clinical facilities. When needed, the Clinical Placement Coordinator I
secures contracts with the requested facilities.
4.
During the process, students are kept informed of progress and as soon as a student is
accepted by a facility for an internship, he/she is notified. If a facility is not able to meet
a request, the course faculty and Clinical Placement Coordinator I work to devise an
alternative plan with the student involved. Based on agency-specific requirements,
students may be required to complete necessary paper work and/or develop resumes.
These requirements must be completed as needed and in a timely manner.
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BSN to MSN FAST-TRACK OPTION
Purpose: To promote master’s degree education among nurses by allowing eligible students to
take 1 to 3 MSN courses (at no additional cost) in place of BSN courses that are then WAIVED
in the SJC MSN program. The Fast-Track option will allow students to complete the MSN
degree sooner and at less cost to the student! This program is only available for those students
who plan on continuing their enrollment in the MSN program at SJC within 6 months of
graduating with their BSN from SJC.
Once accepted into the MSN program, the student will enroll in 2 MSN courses (6 cr.) in place
of designated senior level BSN courses. (see Curriculum Plan below). This would result in 6
credits that would be waived in the SJC MSN program if student is accepted.
Senior nursing students can apply to the MSN-Administration or Education fast tracks only. In
order for a student to request a change of track to MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner, they must
complete all MSN core courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
CURRICULUM PLAN FOR THE FAST-TRACK INTO THE
MSN ON-LINE NURSING PROGRAM
SJC Undergraduate course requirements remain the same through the Junior
Year
REPLACE: NU 406 Nursing Leadership and Management (4 cr.) with NU 513
Organizational and Systems Leadership course (3 cr.)
REPLACE: NU Elective (2 cr.) with either of the following on-line courses:
NU 501 Nursing Informatics (3 cr.)
OR
NU 508 Policy, Quality and Safety (3 cr.)
To keep same credits…the student can still take TWO general education (EH,
PH, TH) courses online. Flexibility is allowed…consider instead of taking three 4
credit courses on campus, do four 3 credit courses on-line (to make 130 credits).
BSN degree is awarded. The two Masters courses taken above will be waived
in the MSN curriculum and the student continues with the remainder of the
MSN degree requirements.
Credits
3
3
128-130
credits
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MSN Core Courses: (to be taken in this order)
NU 501 Nursing Informatics
3
NU 503 Nursing Research Methods: Utilization for Evidence Based Practice
3
NU 508 Policies, Politics and Change
3
NU 513 Organizational and Systems Leadership
3
NU 514 Population Health and Interprofessional Collaboration
3
NU 601 Advanced Health Assessment (pre-reqs. NU 607 and NU 608)
3
NU 607 Advanced Pharmacology (pre-req. NU 608)
3
NU 608 Advanced Pathophysiology
3
NU 801 Capstone (pre-reqs. All MSN Core and specialization courses)
3
Nursing Elective (for MSN/EDU & MSN/ADM only)
3
Choose a Specialization from the following: (18 specialization credits; see
College Catalog)
1) Administration
2) Education
18
Total Credits for MSN Degree
42
Less the 6 credits waived from above
36
Procedure for Student:
1) Meet with SJC on-campus nursing faculty advisor to discuss intent for MSN On-line
Fast-track program and to get signature and validation of a cumulative GPA that is 3.0 or
higher at the end of spring semester of Junior year.
2) Fill out application.
3) Get signatures from all parties on application.
4) Take application form to SJC Registrar’s office for final signature so that the student
database fields in Campus Cafe can be changed to reflect new degree row and for
Registrar’s signature.
April 2015
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5) Once accepted in the MSN program, fill out on-line course registration form and seek
signature approval from nursing advisor.
6) Take on-line course registration form to the On-line Operations office and meet with the
graduate and professional studies (GPS) on-campus student registration representative.
7) Nearing BSN graduation, return to GPS on-campus student representative to have the
bottom of the application form signed to indicate timing of recent MSN courses and to
make sure academic file stays in the GPS Support Office until MSN graduation.
APPLICATION FOR APPLYING TO THE MSN FAST TRACK PROGRAM
Choose one MSN specialization:
 Administration
 Education
Student Name: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________
MSN courses you are planning to take: ___________________________________________________
Signature of student:
Accepted

________________________________________________________________
Not Accepted
Signature of Nursing Advisor:
Date: _____________________________________
________________________________________________________
Signature of Academic Advisor:
Signature of SJC Registrar:

______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Just prior to the BSN graduation, you must indicate your plans to continue with the MSN program at SJC.
Student: Do you plan to continue earning your MSN degree at SJC within 6 months of graduating with
your BSN from SJC?
Yes
No
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RN to BSN NURSING PROGRAM
Requirements for Progression in the RN to BSN Program
Students enrolled in the online RN to BSN program must follow a prescribed curriculum
sequence as directed by their academic advisor and meet all prerequisites identified in the online
course catalog and course descriptions.
Students who receive less than a C+ grade (78) in a nursing course may not progress to the next
nursing courses until a grade of C+ (78) is achieved, this may mean that the student needs to
repeat a course. Students must achieve a 78 average on test scores in nursing courses including
the final exam, before other grades, such as papers, projects or nursing care plans, are averaged
in. Students may only repeat a nursing course once. Failure to successfully complete the course
on the second attempt at any institution or fail a second nursing course will result in dismissal
from the program.
Matriculated students will have five (5) years to complete the program.
RN to BSN Precepted Clinical Guidelines
(see Practica Guidelines pages 59-64 in this Handbook)
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Curriculum Plan for RN-to BSN Program
RN/BSN Program
Credits
NU 316 Health Assessment
4
NU 300 Professional Transitions
3
HA 214 Health Care Informatics
3
NU 309 Evidence-Based Practice
pre-requisite- NU 300
3
NU 321 Clinical Prevention and
Population Health
pre-requisite- NU 300
4
NU 412 Healthcare Policy
pre-requisite-all 300 level NU
courses
3
NU 413 Quality Care and Patient
Safety
courses
3
NU 414 Interprofessional Teams
courses
3
NU 415 Leadership and
Management for RNs
courses
4
NU 407P Evidence-Based
Practice Capstone
All RN/BSN courses
3
Total Credits 33
Incomplete Grades
Incomplete grades are generally given only in cases of illness or emergency. It is the
responsibility of the student to request an incomplete course grade from the faculty member
teaching the course. Forms may be obtained from the Office of Academic Affairs. A request for
an incomplete grade form signed by the faculty member, the student, and the Associate Dean for
Nursing must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar in order for an “I” grade to be assigned.
A grade of Incomplete reflects an agreed upon course of action between a faculty member and a
student to complete the course within the designated time frame. Course work must be
completed six weeks from the last day of class. If course work is not completed within this time,
a grade of F will automatically be assigned. Under special circumstances, students may petition
the Associate Dean for Nursing to extend the time limit in which course work may be completed.
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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM PURPOSE
The graduate nursing degree prepares nurses for leadership roles in education or
administration, which can be combined for MSN/MHA or MSN/MBA dual degrees, and as a
Family Nurse Practitioner. There are also graduate or post-graduate certificates offered in
education, administration, and Family Nurse Practitioner.
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Graduate Program Outcomes
1. Improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
2. Acquire/maintain positions in nursing leadership roles.
3. Engage in ethically-based professional behaviors.
4. Use advanced nursing knowledge in selected settings.
5. Use critical thinking to apply advanced nursing knowledge in practice and
educational settings.
6. Engage in professional nurse behaviors of caring, respect, dignity, and integrity.
Program Specializations
MSN-Administration Track
MSN-Administration track is designed for the Chief Nursing Officer and leadership roles. This
can be combined with the MHA or the leadership MBA as a dual degree. Graduates qualify to sit
for the national Nurse Administration Certification Exam.
MSN-Education Track
MSN-Education track is designed for RNs to perform a staff development role or to begin a role
in nursing education (clinical, simulation, didactic, or online with students of all ages). Graduates
can sit for the NLN Nurse Educator Exam.
MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner Track
MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner track is designed to prepare those RNs with an undergraduate
degree in nursing, or those who have successfully completed the equivalent undergraduate
foundation in nursing, for a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner. This program prepares the
graduate to sit for the National FNP certification exam to allow for employment in all states.
MSN Program Summary
Specializations include: Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Family Nurse
Practitioner.
Required Credits:
 42 for Nursing Education
 42 for Nursing Administration
 46 for Family Nurse Practitioner
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The Department also offers dual degrees: MSN/MBA and MSN/MHA. Further information
about these programs can be found in the College Catalog.
Candidates for graduation must satisfactorily complete the degree requirements, with an overall
GPA of 3.0 or higher for Saint Joseph's College courses.
Course Terms
Courses are 12-week terms offered on-line four terms each year in January, April, July and
October.
Admission Requirements
1. Applicants must be graduates of a Baccalaureate degree, accredited at the time of
graduation by a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
2. Baccalaureate degree program must have been completed with a minimum cumulative
GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Applicants must be graduates of a Diploma or Associate degree in Nursing, accredited at
the time of graduation by CCNE or ACEN.
4. Diploma or Associate degree in Nursing program must have been completed with a
minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
5. Applicants are required to hold an active, unrestricted RN license. RNs are to provide
their license number to Saint Joseph’s College for verification.
Note: Applicants who have had license sanctions must be without restrictions during the two
years prior to Saint Joseph’s application.
Non-Bachelor of Science in Nursing applicants who are accepted into any specialization of the
Master of Science in Nursing program, are required to complete the following undergraduate
RN-Bachelor of Science in Nursing courses: NU 321 and NU 415.
International Applicants
International applicants must be graduates of nursing programs equivalent to ACEN or CCNEaccredited baccalaureate nursing degrees. International applicants educated in countries other
than the United States must contact the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools
(COGFNS) for credentialing at: Commission of Foreign Nursing Schools, 3600 Market Street,
Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651 USA. Applicant Inquiries: 215-349-8767. Graduates of
foreign nursing schools must submit an official report from the COGFNS.
Academic Requirements
A passing grade of 83 (B) is required for successful completion of all graduate level nursing
courses. This standard is stated in the Graduate and Professional Studies Manual, Sections 208 &
209.
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According to the Department of Nursing policy, students who fail to successfully complete a
nursing course on the second attempt at any institution or fail a second nursing course are
dismissed from the nursing major.
Matriculated students will have five (5) years to complete the program.
Incomplete Grades
Incomplete grades are generally given only in cases of illness or emergency. It is the
responsibility of the student to request an incomplete course grade from the faculty member
teaching the course. Forms may be obtained from the Office of Academic Affairs. A request for
an incomplete grade form signed by the faculty member, the student, and the Associate Dean for
Nursing and must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar in order for an “I” grade to be
assigned. A grade of Incomplete reflects an agreed upon course of action between a faculty
member and a student to complete the course within the designated time frame. Course work
must be completed six weeks from the last day of class. If course work is not completed within
this time, a grade of F will automatically be assigned. Under special circumstances, students may
petition the Associate Dean for Nursing to extend the time limit in which course work may be
completed.
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56
Curriculum Plan for MSN Nursing Education
MSN Core Courses
NU 501 Nursing Informatics
Prerequisites
Credits
3
NU 503 Nursing Research methods:
Utilization for Evidence-Based Practice
(EBP)
3
NU 513 Organizational and Systems
Leadership
3
NU 508 Policy, Quality and Safety
3
NU 514 Population Health &
Interprofessional Collaboration
3
NU 601 Advanced Health Assessment
NU 607 and NU 608
3
NU 607 Advanced Pharmacology
NU 608
3
NU 608 Advanced Pathophysiology
NU 801P Capstone
3
All MSN core and specialty courses
3
Total Credits 27
Specialization/Nursing Education
NU 642 Teaching Strategies in Nursing
& Healthcare Education
Credits
All MSN core courses
3
NU 641 Faculty Role in Nursing &
Healthcare Education
All MSN core courses
3
NU 644 Curriculum Design in Nursing
& Healthcare Education
All MSN core courses and NU 642
3
NU 643 Assessment and Evaluation in
Nursing & Healthcare Education
All MSN core courses, NU 642 and
NU 644
3
NU 647P Teaching in Nursing &
Healthcare Education Practicum
All MSN core courses, NU 642 and
NU 643
3
Total Credits 15 +
27 = 42
April 2015
Specialization/Nursing Administration
HA 515 Health Services Administration
Prerequisites
HA 500 or HA 520
Credits
3
HA 525 Healthcare Financial
Management
HA 343 (or other finance course) and
HA 512
3
HA 575: Ethical and Legal Perspectives
HA 525
3
HA 615: Strategic Human Resources
Management
57
3
HA 700 Strategic Planning &
Management
HA 515
3
NU 610P Practicum in Nursing
Administration
All NU MSN Core courses, HA511,
HA512, HA525, HA700
3
Total Credits 18
+ 27 = 45
Specialization/Family Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites
NP 600 The Advanced Practice
All core courses
Registered Nurse as Provider
Credits
1
NP 612 Family Theory: Young and
Middle Age Adult
All core courses
3
NP 613 Primary Care Practicum: Young
and Middle Age Adult
NP 612 (may be co-requisite)
3
NP 614 Family Theory: Children and
Women of Childbearing Years
NP 612, NP 613
3
NP 615 Primary Care Practicum:
Children and Women of Childbearing
Years
3
NP 616 Family Theory: Older Adult
NP 614, NP 615
3
NP 617 Primary Care Practicum:
3
Older Adult
Total Credits 19
+ 27 = 46
April 2015
58
FNP Technology Requirement
All MSN-FNP students are required to purchase a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA or
smartphone or tablet). PDAs allow for easy access to information that can be used in clinical
practice. It is the student’s responsibility to purchase the PDA and required software prior to any
clinical rotations. Refer to the FNP Required Text list for software requirements.
April 2015
59
CLINICAL SITE PLACEMENT PROCESS
FOR ON-LINE PROGRAMS
Table of Contents
Topic
Page
I. Clinical Site Requirements and Approval Process Timeline
59
II. State Authorization for Distance Education Nursing Programs
61
III. Major Responsibilities of each of the Participants in a Precepted Practicum
61
IV. Description of Precepted Practica
63
V. FNP Clinical Course Requirements
67
Appendixes
I.
Preceptor Application and Agreement Form
II.
Certified Background Check Information
70
71
April 2015
I.
60
Clinical Site Requirements and Approval Process Timeline
All students who wish to register for a practicum course must have their CertifiedProfile,
Clinical Agency, Preceptor Application Form and Contract APPROVED by the nursing
department a minimum of 60 days prior to the month in which they wish to matriculate
into the course. Approval can take 3-6 months so plan to begin the process and submit
your forms well in advance of the 60 day deadline. IF you reside in a state with additional
Board of Nursing requirements you will need to allow even more time. Students will be
notified by their academic advisor if they are approved to register for the course.
All practica experiences in term-based format are 12 weeks. These materials are designed to help
you prepare for your clinical experience.
Send all of your required documents in as one package – do not send parts of the paperwork in
separately!
Send the Clinical Agency and Preceptor Application Form (page 70 of this Handbook)
and Preceptor resume to Clinical Placement Coordinator II, Laurie Lambert
at [email protected].
 The approval process typically takes 1 – 4 months, but may take longer, so begin
EARLY!
 You are responsible for completing the CertifiedProfile process and ensuring that all
items are complete.
o You are able to verify whether you have completed requirements when you log
into your CertifiedProfile account. Please attend to any missing or rejected
requirements based on the reasons provided within CertifiedProfile.
o If you need assistance please contact CertifiedProfile at 888-914-7279 or
[email protected] and a Certified Profile Representative is
available Monday-Friday 8am-8pm & Sunday 10am- 6:30pm EST.
o You are responsible to make sure your materials are current and renewed when
required.
 All of the following MUST be complete BEFORE you can register for your clinical
course(s):
o CertifiedProfile process
o Clinical Agency and Preceptor Application Form
o Preceptor Resume(s)
o Duly Authorized Clinical Affiliation Agreement
April 2015
61
The Nursing Department will contact you directly if we require any further information from
you. Please DO NOT contact staff to inquire about the status of your materials. Your Academic
Advisor is your primary contact during the following process.
Step
1
Completed
Your point of contact for the clinical process and enrollment in your
clinical courses is your ACADEMIC ADVISOR – nursing staff will
contact you if we need additional information.
2
Complete the CERTIFIEDPROFILE process.
3
Identify your clinical agency and preceptor. Your preceptor MUST be
an employee of the clinical agency.
4
Contact preceptor – your preceptor must hold a Master of Science in
nursing degree with a minimum of one-year of clinical experience.
FNP preceptors must have an MSN with FNP/NP/CNM certification or
MD, DO, or PA and at least one year of clinical experience in the
population focused practice area. At least 50% of the FNP clinical
experiences MUST be with an NP.
7
Identify who in the clinical agency is the legally authorized agent to
sign clinical affiliation agreements. The preceptor, off/practice
manager, or human resources office should be able to direct you to the
appropriate person. In most cases, the preceptor is not the person who
has authority to sign clinical affiliation agreements.
8
Complete the Clinical Agency and Preceptor Application Form and
submit it to the CLINICAL PLACEMENT COORDINATOR II.
When multiple preceptors are desired or required for a clinical
practicum, all submission requirements must be completed by the
deadline for approval as you will NO be allowed to add new preceptors
after you have received approval to enroll. You will also NOT receive
approval if you are not able to provide preceptors who can meet all of
the clinical course patient populations required for an FNP course. For
example NP 615 requires pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology so you
will not be approved to enroll if you only provide one specialty
preceptor.
April 2015
9
Your ACADEMC ADVISOR will notify you when all your materials
have been reviewed and approved for registration. If we need
additional information the Nursing Department will contact you
directly.
10
ENROLL in clinical/practica course
62
II. State Authorization for Distance Education Nursing Programs
The United States Department of Education (USDOE) published regulations in the Federal Register
(Chapter 34, § 600.9(c)-October 29, 2010; page 116-117 http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/201026531.pdf) that require all institutions of higher education to seek authorization in every state (and
territory) in which they operate, physically or virtually, in order to maintain eligibility for federal
financial aid.
Saint Joseph's College and the Department of Nursing have been and continue to make a good
faith effort in pursuing state Board of Nursing authorizations. Additional information will be
posted to this web site as more information becomes available. Due to the complexity of rules
and regulations of some state boards of nursing, Saint Joseph's College is unable to accept new
applications for admission to most of our distance education programs from students residing in:
Arizona, Delaware, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon,
Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia. We are actively seeking full approval in Washington and
New York. However, in New York we are able to accept students to the RN/BSN, MSN/ADM,
and the MSN/EDU programs only. Some state boards of nursing require individual application
and approval for clinical placements within their state, and those states are: Alabama, Alaska,
Colorado, Michigan, and Wyoming. We regret the lack of opportunity to provide individuals
with nursing education in those states and it is therefore our primary goal to meet the rules and
regulations necessary to obtain approval in the future.
III. Major Responsibilities of each of the Participants in a Precepted Practicum
All practica requirements are met through precepted experiences. The student is responsible for
initiating the contact with a potential preceptor and completing the required form on page 48 of
this Handbook.
A preceptor must hold a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing with a minimum of one-year
of clinical experience. FNP preceptors must have an MSN with FNP/NP/CNM certification or
MD, DO, or PA and at least one year of clinical experience in the population focused practice
area. At least 50% of the FNP clinical experiences MUST be with an NP.
The following outlines the major responsibilities of each of the participants in a precepted
practicum.
April 2015
63
The student is responsible for:
 Enrolling in CertifiedProfile program: completing a background check and providing
all required health and safety related clinical documentation
 Identifying the practicum location and preceptor
 Completing the preceptor application form and submitting it to the Clinical Placement
Coordinator II
 Ordering a SJC student badge
 Ensuring that a 3 way conference call with the preceptor, student and clinical faculty
occurs prior to the start of the first clinical day
 Completing required evaluations
 Meeting health and safety requirements of the practicum facility
 Working within the policies and procedures of the practicum facility
 For FNP students: using the Typhon NP clinical management software to track hours
of clinical practica and case details for all patients seen and complete evaluation of
preceptor/site.
 You will need to order your SJC Badge, which you will be required to wear during
clinicals. Please order soon per the following instructions and allow up to one-week
delivery time.
 Go to www.fullidentity.com,
 In the upper left hand corner please login and enter login email: [email protected]
and password: studentidcard.
 Please select on the top right “edit individual”, then select group year, then select :add
individual”, then type name, upload photo, and set the badge expiration date as 2
years from order date. Order your lanyard, clip or badge reel, pay and it ships directly
to you. Do NOT enter social security number or any other information other than
your first and last name.
 Your preceptor has been asked to validate your identity, so be prepared to show your
driver’s license as well as your SJC badge the first day of clinical.
The Clinical Placement Coordinator II is responsible for:
 Reviewing the preceptor application
 Initiating the clinical affiliation agreement process
 Notifying the academic advisor of approval to enroll in the clinical practicum course
The Faculty is responsible for:
 Conducting an initial 3-way conference call with student and preceptor at the
beginning of each clinical practica, ensuring that the preceptor verifies the students
identity by comparing the SJC ID badge with a government issued ID card
 Maintaining regular contact with the student and preceptor
 Monitoring student clinical hours, (and for FNP students: monitoring the Typhon
tracking system)
April 2015


64
Evaluating the final attainment of student learning objectives and outcomes
Evaluation of the student, preceptor and clinical agency (forms in Appendices, for
FNP track they are in Typhon)
The preceptor is responsible for:
 Participating in 3-way conference call with faculty and student prior to or on the first
clinical day
 Prior to the start of the clinical practicum ensures the student’s identity by comparing
the SJC issued student ID badge with a government issued photo ID (drivers license,
state ID, passport)
 Providing orientation for the student to the facility and its policies and procedures
 Assisting the student to identify learning experiences
 Communicating with the student on each clinical practicum day to confer and guide
the student in the practicum (ongoing feedback)
 Submitting a completed mid- and final evaluation of the student’s performance that
has been shared with the student ((forms in Appendices; for FNP track they are in
Typhon))
 For FNP students: approving the logs of student contacts/cases and hours using
Typhon tracking system
IV. Description of Precepted Practica for the Distance Education Nursing Student
Precepted practica in Saint Joseph’s College Nursing programs are experiences that provide
students with opportunities for expert guided learning and application of course content. These
experiences are designed according to the course descriptions.
RN/BSN Program
NU 407 Evidence Based Practice Capstone (3 Credits; 135 clinical hours hours)
Pre-requisites: all NU courses
The student is guided through continued exploration, integration and synthesis of major concepts
presented throughout previous courses in the context of clinical application. The course has two
distinct but integrated foci. The first is the development and evaluation of programs to promote
health in communities and their residents through the use of strategies that are based upon
assessment and research evidence. The second focus is exploration and analysis of how
leadership and management skills are utilized to assist in goal attainment. The student will adopt
the leadership role in proposing, implementing and evaluating a formal program for clients in a
selected agency.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate integration of all prior course work through provision of safe, competent
care.
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2. Demonstrate critical thinking in independently appraising new situations (AACN VIII).
3. Identify and prioritize needs from assessment data using appropriate criteria drawn from
public health theory (AACN VII).
4. Consistently apply nursing process to develop, evaluate, and revise plans of care AACN
IX).
5. State and apply legal, moral, ethical, and Christian humanistic principles in the care of
patients, groups, or communities (AACN VII).
6. Seek out, critique, and utilize findings from evidence-based practice in clinical decisionmaking (AACN III).
Guidelines for NU 407 clinical practica placements:
Students will adopt the leadership role in proposing, implementing and evaluating a formal
program for clients in a selected agency. Students may engage in this practica in any of the
following settings. These are intended as examples and not as a definitive list.
Examples of communities you might consider include:












Employees at your current place of employment (an identified unit, work group, etc.,)
Individuals at a homeless shelter,
A school class (any level),
Parent group members,
Nursing home residents and adult day care participants,
Faith community members,
Teen groups,
Refugee or immigrant group members,
Fire and rescue personnel and police officers,
Factory workers, food service workers, etc.
Assisted living facility,
Established community groups approved by faculty.
MSN Program
Administration Track
NU 610P Practicum in Nursing Administration (3 credits; 135 clinical hours)
This course is a practicum experience to facilitate application of theories in nursing
administration and management.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Formulate and carry out a plan for acquiring new skills and knowledge relative to the
nursing administrative role.
April 2015
66
2. Evaluate the role of the master’s-prepared nurse administrator.
3. Analyze the implications of the role of the nurse administrative within the healthcare
system.
Students will adopt the nursing leadership role in healthcare at the master’s level. Students may
engage in this practica in any of the following settings. These are intended as examples and not
as a definitive list.
Students may practice evidence-based leadership in any of the following settings. These are
intended as examples and not as a definitive list:


A manager or an executive in a nursing role, in
Facilities such as hospitals, home care agencies, long-term care facilities, departments of
health, boards of nursing.
MSN Program
Education Track
NU 647P Teaching in Nursing & Healthcare Education Practicum (3 credits; 135 clinical hours)
This course provides an opportunity to apply and test various teaching and evaluation methods in
both classroom and clinical settings. Practicum requirements include 135 hours that are devoted
to the learning and teaching needs of nurses working in a wide array of health care settings.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate effective teaching methods in classroom- and/or clinical-learning situations.
2. Demonstrate effective evaluation methods in classroom- and/or clinical-learning
situations.
3. Develop learning objectives related to the nurse-educator role.
Students may practice evidence-based teaching in any of the following settings. These are
intended as examples and not as a definitive list:





Nursing clinical instruction with LPN, AD or BSN nursing students
Nursing classroom teaching with LPN, AD or BSN nursing students
Nursing education within an established department servicing the ongoing educational
needs of practicing nurses in a hospital, community, or long term care facility
Nursing education focusing on Simulation with nursing students or practicing nurses
Nursing education focusing on online coursework with LPN, AD or BSN nursing
students
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67
MSN Program
FNP Track
NP 613 - Primary Care Practicum: Young and Middle Age Adult (3 credits)
NP 615 - Primary Care Practicum: Children and Women of Childbearing Years (3 credits)
NP 617 - Primary Care Practicum: Older Adult (3 credits)
These clinical courses serve as a companion course to (NP 612/614/616) and each course
consists of two components, a clinical practicum (200-240 hours with an approved preceptor)
and an online seminar. The diagnostic reasoning skills needed for clinical decision making in the
advanced practice role are emphasized, including refining skills in the performance of a
comprehensive health status assessment, development of differential diagnoses, planning, health
promotion and care management of adult patients with stable chronic and minor acute health
issues.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Complete successfully the required clinical practicum hours as evidenced by completion
of clinical logs in the Typhon tracking system and verification by site preceptor.
2. Meet or exceed the clinical objectives related to the Nurse Practitioner (NP) practice
competencies, which are defined by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner
Faculties (NONPF) as evidenced by successful completion of the clinical evaluation tool
at midterm and the completion of the course.
3. Document and analyze the synthesis of patient history taking, physical examination,
differential diagnoses, and evidence-based plans of care as evidenced by successful
completion of written assignments and participation in clinical case discussions.
4. Participate in ongoing authentic, collaborative practice of inquiry with self and others as
evidenced by substantive participation in online case discussions.
Each clinical practicum consists of 200-240 hours of clinical time spent with a preceptor(s).
Students are expected to report to the clinical site for an average of 18-20 hours per week.
Clinical instructors will monitor clinical hours through the Typhon tracking system.
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68
V. FNP Clinical Course Requirements
The FNP program clinical practica component consists of 600-720 clinical hours. Clinical
practica are scheduled in twelve-week blocks, with an average of 18-20 hours per week of
clinical time. A minimum of six hundred (600) hours total is required for successful completion
of the program. The student will complete the clinical hours with pre-approved preceptors and
pre-approved sites in their own geographic areas. All students are responsible for locating
preceptors in their geographical area, but all preceptors and clinical sites must be approved prior
to beginning any clinical coursework.
Concurrent or prior to the beginning any of the twelve-week clinical practica, the student will
enroll in the corresponding clinical seminar course.
The clinical hours and clinical case types are to be divided equally over the life span, birth
through death, in a variety of settings; such as primary care practices, health centers, hospice,
long-term care, home care and urgent care settings. Hours may be arranged in a specialty area in
NP 617 in addition to the required geriatric/chronic complex patient hours, such as oncology,
orthopedics, cardiac or dermatology. The majority of preceptorships should be arranged with a
nurse practitioner (ANP, FNP, PNP, WHNP); however, there may be a variety of preceptors
approved over the course of the experience, such as CNM, DO, MD or PA.
Guidelines for FNP clinical practica placements:
NP 613 Primary Care Practicum: Young and Middle Age Adult (3 Credits; 200-240 clinical hours)
In this clinical practicum, the student will focus on obtaining basic skills of gathering the
elements of a comprehensive health status assessment and performing physical examinations on
adult patients in a primary care setting. With support from faculty and preceptors, students will
begin to develop differential diagnoses and plans of care.
NP 613 Preferred Practice Type






Primary Care office or clinic
Private practices
o General practice
o Family practice
o Internal medicine
Hospital based primary care
clinics
Federally Qualified Community
or Rural Health Centers (FQHC)
Free Clinics
Veterans Administration Clinics
Acceptable
Practice
Type
Preceptor
Credentials
Urgent care
FNP, ANP,
DO, MD, PA
Walk in care
*note: 50% of
total hours for
clinical year
must be with
NP preceptor
Not Permitted at this
Level



Emergency
Department
Hospital
inpatient Units
Subspecialties
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69
NP 615 Primary Care Practicum: Children and Women of Childbearing Years
(3 Credits; 200-240 Clinical Hours)
In this clinical practicum, the student will refine the skills of gathering the elements of a
comprehensive health status assessment and performing physical examinations with a focus on
children and women of childbearing years, including prenatal care in a primary care setting.
Students will continue to build skills in the development of population specific differential
diagnoses and plans of care. Scheduled clinical hours (200-240 total) will be divided equally
between the pediatric population and care of women in childbearing years (including prenatal
care).
NP 615 Preferred Practice Type
Acceptable Practice
Type
Preceptor
Credentials
Pediatrics:
Pediatrics:
Pediatrics:

Urgent care (for some
hours)
FNP, PNP,
DO, MD,
PA





Primary Care office or
clinic
Private practices
o General practice
o Family practice
o Pediatrics
Hospital based primary
care or pediatric clinics
Federally Qualified
Community or Rural
Health Centers (FQHC)
School based clinic if
offering primary care
(well visits)
Not Permitted at this Level

Emergency
Department
Hospital inpatient
Units
Subspecialties
Women’s
Health &
Prenatal:
ANP, CNM,
FNP, DO,
MD, PA
Women’s Health & Prenatal:




clinic (where prenatal care
occurs):
Private practices
o General practice
o Family practice
o Obstetrics/Gyneco
logy
Hospital based primary
care or OB/GYN clinics
Federally Qualified
Community or Rural
*note: 50%
of total
hours for
clinical year
must be with
NP
preceptor
August 2014
NP 617 Primary Care Practicum: Older Adult
70
(3 Credits; 200-240 Clinical Hours)
In this clinical practicum, the student will apply the skills of gathering the elements of a
comprehensive health status assessment and performing physical examinations to the elder adult
(age 65+) and chronic complex patient populations in a primary care or specialty setting.
Students will refine skills in the development of population specific differential diagnoses and
plans of care for patients in a primary care or other setting. Students may opt to spend up to 50%
of the practicum hours in a subspecialty setting.
Preferred Practice Type
Acceptable
Practice Type
Preceptor Credentials
Not Permitted at
this Level
Elderly & chronic complex:
Elderly &
chronic
complex:
Elderly & chronic:
N/A
Urgent care
Sub-specialists:






clinic
Private practices
o General
practice
o Family practice
o Internal
medicine
Hospital based clinics
Federally Qualified
Community or Rural
Veterans
Administration Clinics
or inpatient units
Long term care
facilities
Assisted living facilities
Home Care agencies
ANP, FNP,DO, MD, PA
ANP,FNP, PNP, DO,
MD, PA
Walk in care
*note: 50% of total hours
for clinical year must be
with NP preceptor



Subspecialist: (examples –
oncology, orthopedics, cardiac
care or dermatology)




Private practice
Hospital based clinics
Emergency Department
Hospital inpatient units
August 2014
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APPENDIX I
SAINT JOSEPH’S COLLEGE ONLINE PROGRAM
278 White’s Bridge Road, Standish, ME 04084
Preceptor Application and Agreement Form
Term: ____January ____April
____July
____October
Student name: __________________________ Academic Advisor name: _________________
Course#: ___NU 407
___NU 647
___NU 610 ___NP 613 ___ NP 615
___NP 617
Agency Information
Site Name: ________________________________________________________________
Site address: ______________________________________ City: ____________________
State: _____
Zip: ______
Agency Contact Information for Clinical Affiliation Agreement
Name: _____________________________
Telephone Number: _____________________
E-mail: _____________________________
Preceptor Information
Preceptor Name: ______________________________ Preceptor Credentials: _____________
Preceptor telephone: (office)_____________________ cell phone_______________________
Preceptor e-mail: _____________________________
Preceptor’s practice specialty: __________________ Preceptor License# & State ____________
Preceptor Site address (if different from agency information):
______________________________________
City: ____________________
State: _____
Zip: ______
Signature below indicates willingness to serve as preceptor.
Preceptor signature: ________________________________
Date:___________________
August 2014
72
APPENDIX II
CertifiedProfile Information
CertifiedProfile is a secure platform that allows you to order your background check,
drug test, and medical document manager online. Once you have placed your order, you
may use your login to access additional features of CertifiedProfile, including document
storage, portfolio builders and reference tools. CertifiedProfile also allows you to upload
any additional documents required by your school.
Order Summary
 Required Personal Information - In addition to entering your full name and date of
birth, you will be asked for your social security number, current address, phone
number and e-mail address.

Drug Test (LabCorp) - Within 24-48 hours after you (online students) place your
order, the electronic chain of custody form (echain) will be placed directly into
your CertifiedProfile account. This echain will explain where you need to go to
complete your drug test. (BSN Sebago Campus students will be drug tested on
campus)

Medical Document Manager - Document trackers provide secure online storage
for all of your important documents. At the end of the online order process you
will be prompted to upload specific documents required by your school for
immunization, medical or certification records. Medical Document Requirements
are as follows: MMR; Varicella; Hepatitis B; TB Skin Test; Tetanus; CPR
Certification; Health Insurance; Influenza; Physical Examination; RN License
(when applicable); Professional Liability Insurance; Handbook
Acknowledgement; HIPAA Certification.

Payment Information - At the end of the online order process, you will be
prompted to enter your Visa or Mastercard information. Money orders are also
accepted, but will result in a $10 fee and an additional turn-around-time.
Please note: Instructions for each type of nursing program vary.
CertifiedProfile Student Instructions follow for each nursing program.
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STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE OF MAINE
NURSING – BSN SEBAGO LAKE CAMPUS
About CertifiedProfile
CertifiedProfile is a secure platform that allows you to order your background check, drug test, and
medical document manager online. Once you have placed your order, you may use your login to access
additional features of CertifiedProfile, including document storage, portfolio builders and reference tools.
CertifiedProfile also allows you to upload any additional documents required by your school.
Order Summary

Required Personal Information - In addition to entering your full name and date of birth, you will
be asked for your Social Security Number, current address, phone number and e-mail address.

Drug Test (LabCorp) - Within 24-48 hours after you place your order, the electronic chain of
custody form (echain) will be placed directly into your CertifiedProfile account. This echain will
explain where you need to go to complete your drug test.

Medical Document Manager - Document trackers provide secure online storage for all of your
important documents. At the end of the online order process you will be prompted to upload
specific documents required by your school for immunization, medical or certification records.
Medical Document Requirements are as follows: MMR; Varicella; Hepatitis B; TB Skin
Test; Tetanus; CPR Certification; Health Insurance; Influenza; Physical Examination;
Handbook Acknowledgement; HIPAA Certification.

Payment Information - At the end of the online order process, you will be prompted to enter your
Visa or Mastercard information. Money orders are also accepted but will result in a $10 fee and
an additional turn-around-time.
Place Your Order
Go to: www.CertifiedBackground.com and enter package code:
ST12sebago – Background Check + Drug Test + Medical Document Manager
ST12 – Background Check ONLY
ST12dt – Drug Test ONLY
You will then be directed to set up your CertifiedProfile account.
View Your Results
Your results will be posted directly to your CertifiedProfile account. You will be notified if there is any missing
information needed in order to process your order. Although 95% of background check results are completed within
3-5 business days, some results may take longer. Your order will show as “In Process” until it has been completed
in its entirety. Your school's administrator can also securely view your results online with their unique username and
password. If you need assistance please contact CertifiedProfile at 888-914-7279 or
[email protected] and a Certified Profile Representative will be available Monday-Friday 8am8pm & Sunday 10am- 6:30pm EST.
August 2014
74
NURSING – ONLINE RN-BSN, MSN-ADM AND MSN-EDU
Order Summary



Test; Tetanus; CPR Certification; Health Insurance; Influenza; Physical Examination; RN
License; Professional Liability; Handbook Acknowledgement; HIPAA Certification.

Place Your Order
ST12rnbsnormsn – Background Check + Drug Test + Medical Document Manager
View Your Results
Your results will be posted directly to your CertifiedProfile account. You will be notified if there is any
missing information needed in order to process your order. Although 95% of background check results
are completed within 3-5 business days, some results may take longer. Your order will show as “In
Process” until it has been completed in its entirety. Your school's administrator can also securely view
your results online with their unique username and password.
If you need assistance please contact CertifiedProfile at 888-914-7279 or
[email protected] and a Certified Profile Representative will be available MondayFriday 8am-8pm & Sunday 10am- 6:30pm EST.
August 2014
75
NURSING – FNP
Order Summary



Test; Tetanus; CPR Certification; Health Insurance; Influenza; Physical Examination; RN
License; Professional Liability; Handbook Acknowledgement; HIPAA Certification.

Place Your Order
ST12fnp – Background Check + Drug Test + Medical Document Manager
View Your Results
Your results will be posted directly to your CertifiedProfile account. You will be notified if there is any
missing information needed in order to process your order. Although 95% of background check results
are completed within 3-5 business days, some results may take longer. Your order will show as “In
Process” until it has been completed in its entirety. Your school's administrator can also securely view
your results online with their unique username and password.
If you need assistance please contact CertifiedProfile at 888-914-7279 or
[email protected] and a Certified Profile Representative will be available MondayFriday 8am-8pm & Sunday 10am- 6:30pm EST.
August 2014
76
APPENDIX III
Immunization Declination Form
I understand that due to my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious
materials I may be at risk of acquiring vaccine-preventable diseases. I have been given the
opportunity to be vaccinated; however, I decline the following vaccination(s) at this time. I
understand that by declining this vaccine(s) I continue to be at risk of acquiring vaccinepreventable diseases. If, in the future, I want to be vaccinated, I can receive the vaccination(s).
I understand that my declination of the vaccination(s) checked below will be reported to my
requested clinical agency and may result in a declination of placement at that clinical agency.
TYPE
REASON FOR DECLINATION
____ Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
___________________________________
____ Varicella (VZW)
__________________________________
____ Hepatitis B
___________________________________
____ Influenza (flu)
___________________________________
____ Tetanus/Pertusses/Tdap
___________________________________
____ TB
___________________________________
____ Chest X-Ray
____ Other: ______________________
___________________________________
Signed: __________________________________ Date: __________________________
Printed Name: ______________________________________
August 2014
77
APPENDIX IV
Evaluation of Preceptor Form
To be completed by student and faculty
Student Name: ________________________________
Preceptor Name________________________________
Faculty Name: _________________________________
Site: ___________________________________
Date(s) of Experience: ____________________________
Course #: _____________________
Please rank your level of agreement with the statements describing your level of satisfaction with the preceptor
utilizing the Likert Scale.
1-Inadequate
2- Fairly Adequate
3- Adequate
4- More than Adequate
1. The preceptor created an environment of collegiality by:
2.
1
2
3
4
a.
b.
c.
d.
Sharing knowledge and expertise willingly and ethically.
Encouraging dialogue with student.
Welcoming questions and discussions.
Utilizing evidence-based and up-to-date references and
resources.
e. Sharing clinical examples of normal variations, deviations, and
abnormalities.
f. Provide time for discussion.
g. Being an effective teacher who integrates knowledge of the
student and preceptor role.
Comments:
August 2014
78
APPENDIX V
Department of Nursing Clinical Experience Site Evaluation Form
To be completed by Student and Faculty
Site: _______________________________
Course: _____________________________
Faculty Name:________________________
Semester(s):__________________________
Person evaluating: Student Faculty
Please rate and comment in the following areas and offer suggestions if applicable. Also include what was helpful
and beneficial at the facility. Please be as specific as you can. Thank you. Please use the Likert Scale below.
1- Inadequate
2 - Fairly Adequate
3 - Adequate
4 - More than Adequate
1. Physical layout:
a. Adequate space for clinical preparation and/or meetings.
b. Adequate space for students to assess/treat patients/clients.
c. Availability and condition of equipment.
Comments:
2. Clinical site support:
a. Staff supportive of student role.
b. Protocols/practice guidelines available.
c. Student’s function and responsibility clear.
d. Consultation mechanisms available.
e. Adequacy of time allowed to see clients.
f. Was a clinical site orientation provided?
Comments:
3. Clinical preceptor and student communication:
a. Availability to student.
b. Adequate supervision/communication.
c. Provision of timely evaluation and feedback.
d. Students allowed to select clients according to learning
needs.
Comments:
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
Yes____ No____
1
2
3
4
August 2014
4. Clinical experience:
a. Availability of numbers of clients.
b. Diversity of types of clients.
c. Continuity of care/able to follow up with clients/ lab work.
d. Opportunities to interact with other agencies/resources.
e. Instructional materials available to clients.
f. Maintained ethical standards of up-to-date care.
g. Overall ability to meet course objectives.
h. Overall ability to meet program objectives.
5. Would you recommend this site for future clinical experiences?
1
2
79
3
4
Yes____ No____
August 2014
80
APPENDIX VI
Saint Joseph’s College
Department of Nursing
Student Handbook Verification Form
This document requires the signature of the Saint Joseph’s College student. Once signed please
upload this form into the CertifiedProfile system.
I _________________________________, a student in the Saint Joseph’s College nursing
program, do hereby acknowledge reading the Nursing Student Handbook. I understand the
content within this document and acknowledge that compliance with the information in the
Handbook is mandatory for successful completion of the nursing program I am enrolled in.
Student signature: ______________________________________
Date: __________________________
August 2014

Nursing Student Handbook

Transcription

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