The Steeple - Abington Memorial Hosptial Dixon School of Nursing

Transcription

Dixon School of Nursing
The Steeple
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2014 - 2015
Property of:______________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________
Phone #:________________________________________________
In case of emergency, please notify:
Name:___________________ Phone #:____________________
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The Steeple is the official handbook for students who are enrolled at Abington Memorial
Hospital Dixon School of Nursing (DSON). Its purpose is to provide policy and program
requirements for students. Each enrolled student receives a copy of The Steeple. Students are
expected to use The Steeple as a reference guide throughout the school year.
The Advisement, Counseling and Collaboration Committee consists of faculty and student
representatives who review The Steeple annually. The Committee recommends revisions
to Faculty Organization, which are reviewed, revised, and approved at the annual Faculty
Organization Workshop each year.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
The Abington Memorial Hospital School of Nursing is an equal opportunity institution. It
does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation,
age, disability, marital status, or veteran status in its educational policies, admission policies,
scholarship and loan programs and other institutionally administered programs.
PLEASE NOTE:
This form is to be detached from this book and returned to the Dixon School of Nursing
Registrar/Bursar by Tuesday, September 9, 2014. Student Invoice with Credit Balance Notice:
If your invoice shows a negative balance, you have borrowed additional monies with your
student loans. As a result, refunds will be processed automatically on your behalf, and a loan
refund check will become available. Your loan refund check will be mailed via USPS to the
home address on your DSON student file.
THE SCHOOL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ITS CURRICULUM,
EDUCATION POLICIES, AND EXPENSES AT ANY TIME. THESE CHANGES WILL
BE COMMUNICATED VERBALLY AND IN WRITING. REASONABLE NOTICE
WILL BE GIVEN.
Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing is accredited by:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Address: 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326
Telephone: 800-669-9656
Web site: www.acenursing.org
Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing is approved by:
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State
Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs
Address: P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105
Telephone: 717-783-7142
Web site: www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp/view.asp?a=1104&q=432883
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The Steeple Acknowledgement Form
My signature below indicates that I have received and reviewed all of the DSON policies and
procedures contained in The Steeple, and I accept responsibility for abiding by all School
policies and procedures.
NAME:____________________________________________________________________
(please print clearly)
SIGNATURE:_______________________________________________________________
CLASS OF:__________________ DAY or EVENING/WEEKEND
DATE:___________________________
Please Note: This form is to be detached from this book and returned to the Dixon School of
Nursing Registrar/Bursar by Tuesday, September 9, 2014.
Student Invoice with Credit Balance Notice: If your invoice shows a negative balance, you
have borrowed additional monies with your student loans. As a result, refunds will be processed
automatically on your behalf, and a loan refund check will become available. Your loan refund
check will be mailed via USPS to the home address on your DSON student file.
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Table of Contents
Appendices/School Policies..............................39
Appendix A: Admissions Policy....................40
Appendix B: Student Attendance Policy........50
Appendix C: Department Specific
Safety Policy.............................52
Appendix D: Grading & Evaluation
Policy........................................60
Appendix E: Medication Administration
Policy........................................72
Appendix F: Professional Behavior Policy
for Nursing Students.................74
Appendix G: Student Grievance Policy.........76
Appendix H:Student Record
Keeping Policy.........................78
Appendix I: Student with Disabilities
Policy.......................................84
Appendix J: Social Media Policy..................87
Appendix K:Timely Warning Plan................89
Appendix L: Substance Abuse Policy............91
Appendix M:Tuition and Tuition
Refund Policy...........................99
Appendix N:Student Financial Aid
Handbook...............................104
Bylaws of the Student Body.............................12
Meetings.........................................................15
Objective........................................................12
Officers and Representatives..........................12
Code of Conduct................................................11
Curriculum Concepts and Student
Learning Outcomes......................................10
Diversity Vision Statement.................................9
General Information.........................................21
Academic Integrity.........................................21
Accountability Statement...............................21
Clinical Make-Up...........................................21
Campus Security.............................................21
Carebridge - Abington Health Employee
Assistance Program....................................21
Code Find/Code Silver...................................21
Chain of Command........................................21
Changing Program Options............................22
Child Abuse History Clearance......................22
Clery Act.........................................................22
Communication..............................................22
Computer Utilization......................................23
Confidentiality Policies..................................24
Consumer Information...................................24
CPR Certification...........................................24
Class Schedules..............................................24
Criminal Record Check..................................24
Employment of Students................................25
Evaluation of Student Progress......................25
Extra-Curricular Activities.............................25
Facilities for Students.....................................26
Fire and Internal Disaster Plan.......................26
Jury Duty........................................................26
Library Services.............................................26
Malpractice Insurance....................................28
Medications....................................................28
Noncompliance Fee........................................28
Off-Campus Clinical Experiences..................28
Orientation Program/Accepted
Students Day..............................................28
Parking............................................................28
Patient Visitation............................................29
Penn State Resources......................................29
Personal Appearance......................................29
Personal Attributes and Capabilities
Essential for Admission, Progression
and Graduation of School of
Nursing Students........................................30
Plagiarism.......................................................30
Prescription for Nursing Practice...................31
Professional Behavior of Nursing Students....31
Program Outcomes.........................................31
Requesting Transcript and/or Faculty
Recommendations......................................31
Scholarships....................................................34
School Colors.................................................35
School Expenses.............................................35
Smoking: Abington Health Statement............35
Student Health Services..................................36
Student Invoice with Credit Balance............. 36
Substance Abuse.............................................36
Textbook Information.....................................37
Veteran Education Benefits............................37
Visits by Children/Child Care........................37
Voter Registration Information.......................37
Weather Emergencies.....................................37
Withdrawal From the School..........................38
Philosophy............................................................9
The Nightingale Pledge.....................................39
Robert’s Rules of Order...................................38
School Calendar..................................................8
School Directory..................................................6
Standing Committees of Faculty
Organization with Student
Representation..............................................18
Curriculum Committee ..................................18
Advisement, Counseling,
and Collaboration Committee....................19
Student Grievance Committee........................20
Standing Committees
with Student Representation......................16
Fund Raising Committee................................17
Graduation Committee...................................18
Student Events Committee.............................17
Student Nurses Association
of Pennsylvania (SNAP)............................16
Student Bill of Rights........................................11
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SCHOOL DIRECTORY
Important Telephone Numbers
Main Receptionist................................................................................................215-481-5500
School of Nursing FAX.......................................................................................215-481-5499
Admissions FAX .................................................................................................215-481-5597
School of Nursing Library...................................................................................215-481-5591
Wilmer Library ...................................................................................................215-481-2096
Learning Resource Center....................................................................................215-481-5577
Administration & Support Staff
Deborah Hines (Director/Chair)..........................................................................215-481-5541
Mary Gerngross (Associate Director) .................................................................215-481-5524
Chanda Penhollow (Office Manager II)..............................................................215-481-5509
Colleen Burns (Director of Admission/Recruit/Financial Aid)...........................215-481-5505
Claire Tatlow (Coordinator of Student Financial Aid Services)..........................215-481-5549
Mary Beth Prajzner (Registrar/Bursar)................................................................215-481-5527
Whitney Zylstra (Coordinator of Student Support Services) ..............................215-481-5564
Erica Messerschmidt (Secretary II).....................................................................215-481-5504
Judith Young (Librarian)......................................................................................215-481-5591
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Faculty
Office TelephoneBeeper/cell
(On clinical days only)
Barbara Abramek
233
215-481-5528
See syllabus
Barbara Butynskyi
222
215-481-5510
See syllabus
Bernadette Ciarciello
237
215-481-5560
See syllabus
Nancy Cook
229
215-481-5522
877-656-5319
Anita Fennessey
225
215-481-5540
See syllabus
Jacquelyn Fulford
217
215-481-5464
877-656-2058
Guy Goldich
231
215-481-5568
See syllabus
Christina Homewood
232
215-481-5534
877-656-2145
Krystyna Hopkinson
235
215-481-5536
See syllabus
Denise Kafer
218
215-481-5525
See syllabus
Ruth Ann Kiefer
223
215-481-5533
See syllabus
Kenya Lowe
237
215-481-5560
877-656-6159
Carmen Mays-Gold
228
215-481-5537
See syllabus
Marilynn Murphy
230
215-481-5586
See syllabus
Maria Murt
216
215-481-5552
See syllabus
Jennifer Myers
220
215-481-5530
See syllabus
Mary Ann O’Connell
217
215-481-5523
877-656-6258
Maryann Pagano
226
215-481-5532
See syllabus
Heather Peiritsch
217
215-481-5544
See syllabus
Jean Marie Petrilack
229
215-481-5529
877-656-6160
Alice Reynolds
234
215-481-5543
See syllabus
Ruth Seitter
236
215-481-5542
See syllabus
Outside phone line emergency numbers: In-house phone line emergency numbers:
9-911 For Fire, Emergency, or Police Emergency/ Fire – 777 (AMH Only)
Tell the operator you are at 2500 Maryland Security - 2828
Rd., Willow Grove, PA. Evening Security Guard – 215-385-2349
Office of Student Financial Aid Services
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday
9:00 a.m - 5:30 p.m.
Miscellaneous
Clinical Information Services..............................................................................215-481-2625
Employee Health Services...................................................................................215-481-2233
Employee Health Services Fax............................................................................215-481-4946
KYW News School Closings.............................................................................. 215-925-1060
KYW News School Closing Numbers (www.kyw1060.com):
• 398: AMH Dixon Sch of Nursing - Day
• 2398: AMH Dixon Sch of Nursing - PM WKD - Evening/Weekend
Please note that when it is posted as 398: AMH Dixon Sch of Nursing, it pertains to the Day
Option ONLY. Please note that the posting of 398 does not imply that 2398 will also be posted.
Text alerts are also available by signing up at www.kyw1060.com. This must be done by the
student ANNUALLY.
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SCHOOL CALENDAR
2014-2015
Day Option - Class of 2015 & 2016
1st Term / FALL
Orientation - Class of 2016
Classes Begin
Fall Break
Finals Week
Term Break
2nd Term / WINTER
Classes Begin
Holiday Break
Finals Week
Term Break
3rd Term / SPRING
Classes Begin
Spring Break
Finals Week
Clinical Capstone - Class of 2015
Clinical Immersion - Class of 2016
Graduation - Class of 2015
August 26, 2014
September 2, 2014
October 13 - 17, 2014 (classes resume Oct. 20)
November 17 - 21, 2014
November 24 - 28, 2014
December 1, 2014
December 22 - January 2, 2015 (classes resume Jan. 5)
February 16 - 20, 2015
February 23 - 27, 2015
March 2, 2015
March 30 - April 3, 2015
May 11 - 15, 2015
May 18 - June 6, 2015
May 19 - May 22 and May 26 - 29, 2015
June 10, 2015 (Tentative)
Evening/Weekend Option - CLASS OF 2015 & 2016
1st Term / Fall
Orientation - Class of 2016
Classes Begin
Thanksgiving Break
Finals
Holiday Break
2nd Term / Winter
Classes Begin
Mid-term Break
Finals
Term Break
3rd Term / SUMMER
Classes Begin
July 4th Holiday
Finals
Clinical Capstone - Class of 2015
Clinical Immersion - Class of 2016
Graduation - Class of 2015
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August 28, 2014
September 2, 2014
November 27, 2014 (classes resume Dec. 2)
December 16 & 18, 2014
December 23, 2014 - January 2, 2015 (classes resume Jan.6)
January 6, 2015
February 12, 2015 (classes resume Feb. 17)
April 16 & 21, 2015
April 23 - April 28, 2015
April 30, 2015
July 2, 2015
August 11 & 13, 2015
August 17 – September 5, 2015
August 14, 15, 16, & 19, 20, 21, 2015
September 9, 2015 (Tentative)
Philosophy of the Dixon School of Nursing
The Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing subscribes to the mission and
philosophy of Abington Health and the Department of Nursing to assure that comprehensive
healthcare is provided to patients/families and that the healthcare needs of the community are met.
Nursing is a dynamic process of caring based on a theory-guided, evidence-based body of
knowledge and established standards of professional practice. The primary goals of nursing are to
promote health and healing and to reduce the burden of suffering from illness by practicing as an
essential member of the inter-professional healthcare team and fostering respect for and by all. The
focus of nursing practice is based on the patient/family’s level of functioning, preferences, values
and needs related to their diverse physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, developmental
and spiritual dimensions.
The professional nurse is an ethical decision-maker who effectively interacts with and provides
safe, effective, patient-centered nursing care to individuals, families and communities in a
variety of settings. The nurse will influence the behavior of individuals or groups to facilitate
the achievement of shared goals. The nurse is dedicated to mitigating risk of harm or error to
patients and providers. This is accomplished through competent individual performance, system
effectiveness as evidenced by continual quality improvement processes, and commitment to
information literacy and technologies.
Education is a life-long process that enhances the personal, social and intellectual development of
an individual and fosters the development of critical thinking so that the individual can creatively
respond to life situations. Learning is the process by which individuals acquire knowledge and
skills through the domains of cognitive knowledge, psychomotor skills and affective caring
components. The adult learner is an active participant in the educational process. The learning
environment provides guided experiences and opportunities to stimulate and empower students
to become self-directed and to attain program outcomes.
The faculty assumes responsibility for designing and implementing curricula that are reflective
of contemporary educational theories, healthcare trends, and best practice standards. The student
shares responsibility for planning and evaluating her/his education. The educational program is
committed to ensuring that students receive the necessary opportunities to enable them to be
responsive to health disparities, the needs of a culturally diverse community, and evolving local,
regional, and global healthcare challenges.
Diversity Vision Statement
The DSON is dedicated to increasing the number of underrepresented nursing students admitted
to the School, in order to increase diversity at Dixon and in the nursing profession, and to improve
the health of those we serve. Challenges related to health disparities and demographic changes
in the Nation’s population are compelling forces for continuing to build diversity. Congruent
with the mission of Abington Health (AH), the administration at the DSON, faculty and staff are
committed to promoting an educational environment that reflects and values diversity. The School
is committed to providing culturally competent support to all students across the curriculum. It
is the intent of administration, faculty, and staff to recruit and retain students who understand and
respect the nursing process and who will graduate as safe beginning practitioners. By embracing
diversity, administrators, faculty, and staff at the DSON will create an academic environment
of inclusion that promotes critical thinking, encourages interaction, and empowers students to
respect and value each other’s differences.
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Curriculum Concepts & STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Concept
Student Learning Outcome
Patient-Centered Care
Provide holistic care that recognizes an individual’s
preferences, values, and needs and respects the patient
or designee as a full partner in providing compassionate,
coordinated, age and culturally appropriate, safe and
effective care.
Professionalism
Demonstrate accountability for the delivery of standardbased nursing care that is consistent with moral, altruistic,
legal, ethical, regulatory, and humanistic principles.
Leadership
Influence the behavior of individuals or groups of individuals within their environment in a way that will facilitate the
establishment and acquisition/achievement of shared goals.
Informatics and Technology
Use information and technology to communicate, manage
knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision making.
Communication
Interact effectively with patients, families, and colleagues,
while fostering mutual respect and shared decision making,
to enhance patient satisfaction and health outcomes.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Function effectively within the nursing and interdisciplinary teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect,
shared decision making, team learning, and development.
Safety
Minimize the risk of harm to patients and providers through
both system effectiveness and individual performance.
Quality Improvement
Utilize and analyze data to monitor the outcomes of care
processes; the use of improvement methods to design and
test changes to continually improve the quality and safety
of healthcare systems.
Evidence-Based Practice
Identify, evaluate, and use the best current evidence
coupled with clinical expertise and consideration of
patients’ preferences, experience and values to make
practice decisions.
Adapted from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Nurse of the Future Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies, 2010, Massachusetts Department of
Higher Education, Boston, Ma. Revised: 1/2012
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Code of Conduct
Students attending the Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing represent the
School and therefore are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in the
classroom, clinical settings, and on or off the Abington Health campuses at all times. See
Professional Behaviors Policy, Appendix F.
Student Bill of Rights
1. Students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and engage in a
sustained and independent search for truth.
2. The freedom to teach and the freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom.
Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility.
3. The institution has a duty to develop policies and procedures that provide and safeguard
the students’ freedom to learn.
4. Under no circumstances should a qualified student be barred from access to affiliating
institutions and/or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin,
ancestry, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or status as a veteran.
5. Students are free to discuss and question any content presented in a course, but are
responsible for learning and implementing theory necessary for safe practice.
6. Students have the right to objective evaluation of their performance.
7. A written plan is in place to enable students to appeal any evaluation process perceived as
unfair.
8. Students are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established
for each course in which they are enrolled.
9. Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations which instructors acquire
in the course of their work should be considered confidential and not released without the
knowledge or consent of the student.
10.Students have the right to have a responsible voice in the determination of curriculum.
11.The Dixon School of Nursing is in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974 and students may inspect their records as per the Student Record
Keeping Policy, Appendix H.
12.Students and student organizations are free to examine and discuss all questions of interest
to them, and to express opinions publicly and privately in an appropriate manner without
fear of retribution.
13.The student body has a clearly defined means to participate in the formulation and application of institutional policy affecting academic and student affairs.
14.Disciplinary proceedings are instituted for violations of standards of conduct, formulated
with significant student participation, and published in advance through such means as
a student handbook or a generally available body of institutional regulations. It is the
responsibility of the student to know these regulations. Grievance procedures are available
for every student.
15.Students have the right to belong or refuse to belong to any organization of their choice,
except for the Class Association.
16.Adequate safety precautions will be provided by the Dixon School of Nursing on and
within the School campus.
17.Dress code will be established with student input, in conjunction with the Senior Vice
President, Patient Services/Chief Nursing Officer, Abington Health; Director of Nursing
Education/Chair, Dixon School of Nursing; and Faculty; in order to maintain the highest
professional standards while considering comfort and practicality for students.
18.Grading systems will be carefully reviewed periodically with students and faculty for
clarification and better student/faculty understanding.
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BYLAWS OF THE STUDENT BODY
I.
II.
NAME AND AUTHORITY
The name of this organization will be the Student Body of Abington Memorial Hospital
Dixon School of Nursing. It will consist of intermediate and senior year nursing students,
which will operate in cooperation with the Advisement, Counseling and Collaboration
Committee.
BELIEFS
The Student Body, in order for its members to assume their responsibilities in this
institution and in the community, and in order to increase the qualities of citizenship,
establishes these criteria:
A. All students entering this School accept the privileges and obligations of selfgovernment.
B. Each student is responsible for governing self-behavior as well as for guiding the
actions of other students when necessary.
III.OBJECTIVE
IV.
V.
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To foster the growth and development of the student body into a democratic unit that
strives toward unified goals.
MEMBERSHIP AND VOTING POWER
A. Composed of the total number of students in each class.
B. All students are encouraged to be active members. However, they will be represented
by their Vice President at the Advisement, Counseling and Collaboration Committee
meetings.
C. All members have voting power. Motions will be passed by a simple majority of
those present.
OFFICERS and representatives
A. Separate officers will be elected to represent students in the Day and Evening/
Weekend (E/W) Options.
B. The officers of each class will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary
and Treasurer.
C. Nominations, Elections, Terms of Office, and Duties of Class Officers and
Representatives:
1. Nominations
• Following orientation to the organization and roles, the Day Option students
will nominate its class officers and student representatives in at the end
of October. The E/W Option students will nominate its class officers and
student representatives at the end of November and again in July. Elected
officers will serve for one year.
• The Class will designate a Nominating Committee of four students responsible
for coordinating the nomination of a minimum of one (1) candidate for each of
the following offices: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Student
Events Representative, and Fundraising Representative. In addition, one
student will be nominated to serve as the Student Representative for each of the
following Standing Committees: Curriculum Committee, Student Grievance
Committee, and the Student Nurse Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP).
• A special election will be held to fill a vacancy, should it occur, during the
Academic Year for any committee or class officer.
• The Nominating Committee will explain the duties of the elected offices and
committee memberships to interested candidates and to the class. Students
interested in becoming a class officer or student representative may submit
their names and indicate the desired office to the Nominating Committee.
In order to hold a fair and impartial election, members of the nominating
committee may not run for office.
• Students considered for nomination must consent to accept the nomination
prior to the placement of their names on the Officer Nomination Ballot
Form. Class members may be nominated as a write-in candidate, with their
permission, up until the time of the election.
2.Elections
• Prior to the elections, nominees on the ballot will state why they are
interested in a specific office.
• Elections are by closed ballot or clickers (with display closed). At least one
Class Advisor must be present during the election to count the ballots. After
the election, ballots are to be forwarded to the Chair of the Advisement,
Counseling, and Collaboration Committee to be maintained until the end
of the Academic Year.
• The nominee receiving the highest number of votes for each office will be
elected to that office.
• The Class Advisor(s) will report the election results to the Class and the
School’s Chairman. In the event that the President vacates the office, the
Vice-President may assume the vacated position for the remainder of the
Academic Year. If any of the elected officers are unable to assume their
role, a special election will be held.
3. Terms of Office
• The term of office shall be one (1) year beginning in the fall of each year.
• A Class Advisor will initiate a vote in March (June for E/W) on whether
to retain the current Officers or to elect new Officers for senior year. If the
class votes to retain the current Officers, no election will be held in May
(July for E/W). If the Class votes to elect new Officers, a Class Advisor
will appoint a nominating committee in April (June for E/W) and follow
the stated procedure for election of new officers no later than May 1st (July
1st for E/W).
• Class Officers and Student Representatives must attain and maintain a
cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or greater to be eligible for reelection. It is the
responsibility of the student officers to communicate with the faculty Class
Advisors regarding their academic status.
4. Duties of Class Officers
President
• Calls and presides at all formal and informal meetings of her/his respective
class.
• Appoints a chairperson and members of ad hoc committees.
• In collaboration with the Vice President, develops an agenda for each
meeting and exercises general supervision over all class interests.
• Reviews the Student Body organization section of The Steeple.
• Casts the deciding vote in case of a tie.
• Delivers an address at graduation and serves as a member of the Graduation
Committee.
• Orients the incoming President to her/his role and responsibilities.
• Serves as a representative of the School Newsletter, Vital Signs, providing
information, articles, photos, etc. to the editors of Vital Signs.
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Vice President
• In the absence of the President or at her/his discretion, performs the duties
of that office.
• In collaboration with the President, develops an agenda and exercises general
supervision over all class interests.
• Serves as a member of the Advisement, Counseling and Collaboration
Committee.
• Along with the Class Officers and Class Advisor(s), reviews and makes
recommendations for revision of The Steeple annually each spring as
changes are proposed by the Officers throughout the school year.
• Co-signs checks with the Treasurer.
• Orients the incoming Vice President to her/his role and responsibilities.
• Serves as a member of the Graduation Committee.
Secretary
• Notifies Class Officers, Representatives, and Class Advisors of all meetings
a week before each meeting.
• Takes roll at all Officer and class meetings to determine a quorum.
• Records and distributes the minutes of officer and class meetings to the
Class Officers, representatives and Class Advisors within one week.
• Initiates all necessary class correspondence.
• Distributes agendas, minutes, and other notices of all Officer and class
meetings, and provides a copy of the minutes to the DSON Secretary II
who will distribute to appropriate faculty and staff within one week of the
meeting.
• Follows through on correspondence approved by the Officers.
• Orients the incoming Secretary to her/his role and responsibilities.
Treasurer
• Meets with the Class Advisors at the beginning of the school year to discuss
the method of record keeping.
• Develops and implements a plan for the collection of dues and other monies
collected throughout the year.
• Opens the necessary bank account for the deposit of monies collected
throughout the year and notifies the Class Advisors when opening and
closing bank accounts. (See XII. Class Financial Business, B. Banking)
• Retains and issues receipts for all financial transactions.
• Keeps an accurate account of all receipts (class dues collected and fundraiser
proceeds) as well as all required disbursements of her/his class.
• Co-signs all checks with the Class President or Vice President.
• Submits the books annually for review to an ad hoc committee composed
of class members appointed by the President. This should be completed by
the end of the school year.
• Checks and reviews the accounts with the incoming Treasurer at the end of
her/his term of office.
• Orients the incoming Treasurer to her/his role and responsibilities.
VI.MEETINGS
A. Meetings are scheduled throughout the Academic Year and are led by the Class
Officers. Additional meetings can be scheduled as needed.
B. Attendance is strongly encouraged. In the event that a student cannot or chooses
not to attend, his/her input related to issues discussed at that meeting cannot be
considered.
C. Order of Business
1. Call to order
2. Approval of the minutes of the preceding meeting
3. Treasurer’s report
4. Committee reports
a. Standing Committees
b. Ad Hoc Committees
5. Unfinished business
6. New business
7.Announcements
8.Adjournment
D. Minutes will be taken and distributed for all class meetings and shared with Class
Advisors and the Director of Nursing Education/Chair.
VII.
FISCAL YEAR
The Fiscal Year extends from the beginning of the school year in August to the end of
the class calendar year.
VIII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order (Revised) will be used as a reference
guide (refer to page 35). A brief orientation to parliamentary procedure will be given
at the Advisement, Counseling and Collaboration Committee’s fall meeting.
IX.AMENDMENTS
The By-laws of the Student Body may be amended at any regular meeting of the Advisement,
Counseling and Collaboration Committee. The class representatives to the Advisement,
Counseling and Collaboration Committee, acting on behalf of the student body, will vote
on proposed amendments as needed. Changes will be reflected annually in The Steeple.
X.EVALUATION AND REVISIONS
XI.
The Advisement, Counseling and Collaboration Committee reviews and revises The
Steeple annually each spring.
CLASS ADVISORS
A. The Director of Nursing Education/Chair of the School appoints two faculty
members as class advisors per class.
B. The Class Advisors are assigned to the class until that class graduates.
C. There must be at least one (1) Class Advisor from each Class in attendance at each
Class meeting. If the Class Advisor is unable to attend a Class meeting, an alternate
faculty member should be designated by the Class Advisors and the Class Vice
President should be notified.
D. It is the responsibility of the Class Advisors to review and revise The Steeple
annually each spring and present any recommendations for changes from students
at the spring Advisement, Counseling and Collaboration Committee meeting.
E. The current class advisors will meet with the new Class Presidents and Student
Representatives to review their responsibilities and class functions.
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XII.
CLASS FINANCIAL BUSINESS
A.Dues
Annual dues will be determined by the Class in collaboration with the Class Advisors
at the first class meeting of each school year. The Class, in collaboration with the
Class Advisors and Director of Nursing Education/Chair, will decide follow-up
for failure to pay dues. A returning student who has paid dues in a previous term
is exempt from paying dues for the current class.
B. Banking
1. All Classes must maintain a TD Bank checking account from the local branch
in Willow Grove (Welsh and Fitzwatertown Roads). The Treasurer and Vice
President have the authority to co-sign the Class checks.
2. Receipts must be issued for all monies received and paid.
3. The graduating Class Treasurer is required to close any account(s) within 30
days of graduation and transfer the remaining funds to the next incoming class
or donate the funds to the Dixon School of Nursing or a charity of their choice.
4. All accounts are to have paperless statements. Statements should NOT be sent
to the School’s address. Keeping an up-to-date ledger is encouraged.
C. Monies
1. The Director of Nursing Education/Chair Dixon School of Nursing or designee
must approve all fund raising activities. All forms of gambling are strictly
prohibited, (i.e. 50/50 and lotteries).
2. Monies obtained from fundraising activities cannot be used to meet students’
personal needs or for funding a graduation party.
3. All funds received from special activities will be recorded in the Class minutes.
D. Graduation Expense Responsibilities
See Graduation Committee.
STANDING COMMITTEES WITH STUDENT REPRESENTATION
Standing Committees are comprised of elected Student Representatives and designated members
of the Student Body who will assume such duties as outlined in the Bylaws, Beliefs and
Rules or as assigned by the Advisement, Counseling and Collaboration Committee. Standing
Committees will meet at least once each school year, and attendance at meetings is required
unless otherwise specified. These include:
1. Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP)
2. Student Events Committee
3. Fund Raising Committee (Optional)
4. Graduation Committee
5. Ad Hoc Committees are formed at the discretion of the Class President(s) or by a vote of
the Student Body. The Class President(s) will appoint the chairperson and the members of
the respective committees. The committees will be dissolved upon the completion of their
designated assignments.
Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP)
Membership
• Elections are held at the beginning of the students’ senior year: one (1) elected representative
to serve as SNAP president and one (1) elected representative to serve as SNAP secretary/
treasurer from both Day and E/W Options.
• The Day Option and E/W Option students who were elected SNAP representatives during
their Intermediate years will assume the role of the DSON Chapter SNAP President in
their senior year 2014 – 2015.
• Institutional membership at the senior level. Intermediates are encouraged to be active
participants and/or attend meetings.
• Two (2) faculty SNAP Advisors (one from Day Option and one from E/W Option)
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SNAP Meetings
• Meetings will be scheduled on a monthly basis per the School calendar (Day and E/W Option)
• SNAP funds are maintained in a separate bank account
Duties of SNAP President
• Confer with SNAP faculty advisor prior to organizing SNAP fundraisers and/or DSON
Chapter SNAP events
• Represent the School of Nursing at local, State, and/or National SNAP/NSNA meetings
and conventions when possible
• Attend all SNAP meetings of the School’s chapter and may attend State level meetings
• Serves as a representative of the School Newsletter, Vital Signs, providing information,
articles, photos, etc. to the editors of Vital Signs
Student Events Committee
Purpose
• To help plan and coordinate events, projects, and special initiatives during the student
experience at the DSON
Membership
• Student Events Committee Chairperson serves as the Student Representative for the class
and serves on the Graduation Committee
• Six to eight students represent their Class as Committee Members
Committee Duties
• In cooperation with the DSON Chair and Class Advisors, plans and coordinates events,
projects, and special initiatives during the student experience
• Encourages class involvement through volunteerism with the Student Events Committee
• The Chair of the Student Events Committee must confer with the Chair of the DSON and
class advisors concerning details of all events
• The Chair of the Student Events Committee prepares and forwards an annual report to the
Class President
articles, photos, etc. to the editors of Vital Signs
Fund raising Committee (OPTIONAL)
Purpose
• To plan and coordinate fund raising efforts for the Class
Membership
• The Fund Raising Committee Chairperson serves as the Student Representative for the class
• Three to six students represent their Class as Committee Members
• At least one Class Advisor must be apprised of all fund raising proposals
Committee Duties
• In cooperation with the DSON Chair and Class Advisors, plans, and coordinates class fund
raising activities
• Encourages class involvement through volunteerism in fund raising activities
• The Chair of the DSON must approve all class fund raising activities
• Fund raising activities are permitted within the School, but are not permitted on any of the
other AH Campuses
• All monies raised must be forwarded to the Class Treasurer to be deposited into the Class
Bank Account no later than thirty (30) days after the close of the activity
• The Chair of the Fund Raising Committee prepares and forwards an annual report to the
Class President
articles, photos, etc. to the editors of Vital Signs.
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GRADUATION COMMITTEE
Purpose
• To plan and coordinate graduation
Membership
• Class officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer), the SNAP President, the
Student Events Committee Chairperson, and the Fund Raising Committee Chairperson
Committee Duties
• In coordination with the Graduation Committee Chairperson and Secretary, participates in
planning the graduation ceremony, attends graduation meetings, and reports information
back to the class
Expenses Covered by Graduation Fee (Included in Term 3 Institutional Fees)
• Invitations
• Programs
• Diplomas with covers
• Graduate pins
• Flowers
• Music
• Venue
Expense Responsibilities of the Graduating Class
• Caps and gowns
• Class photos (optional)
• Speaker gift (optional)
• Opening/closing speaker gift (optional)
• Class gift to school or governing organization (optional)
STANDING COMMITTEES OF FACULTY ORGANIZATION
WITH STUDENT REPRESENTATION
Student representatives on the following standing committees of Faculty Organization are
expected to attend all meetings. These Committees include:
1. Curriculum Committee
2. Advisement, Counseling and Collaboration Committee
3. Student Grievance Committee
Meetings will be scheduled at times when classes are not in session. Therefore, students who
cannot consistently attend due to scheduling conflicts should not seek positions. If a representative
is unable to attend a meeting, the representative must contact the committee chair prior to the
meeting and submit a report. Students will be excused from the meeting following their report.
Consistent failure to fulfill the duties of the position may result in the loss of the position. Students
should refer to the student handbook, The Steeple, for meeting dates and times.
Curriculum Committee
Objective
• Plans and evaluates the Curriculum according to the Philosophy, Curriculum Objectives,
and Student Learning Outcomes of the School of Nursing, the trends in nursing and the
educational standards of the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and the Accreditation
Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Committee Functions
• Plans the curriculum to include the use of the educational facilities of Abington Memorial
Hospital, affiliating agencies and other community resources.
• Reviews and acts upon suggestions for curriculum changes from faculty members, students,
other departments of the hospital and affiliating agencies.
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Presents curriculum revisions to Faculty Organization.
Advise the students, the hospital and affiliating agencies of curriculum changes.
Evaluates the curriculum as specified in the Systematic Plan of Evaluation
Reviews the academic profile of a student requesting advanced placement in the program.
Integrates evidence based research findings into the Curriculum.
Promotes dissemination of research findings to integrate evidence-based practice into
Curriculum.
• Reviews NCLEX Review Courses and makes recommendations for selection. • Promotes the integration of technology and informatics throughout the Curriculum.
• Selects standardized testing utilized throughout the Curriculum.
Membership
• Voting members are the entire full-time faculty.
• A student representative from each class who is a non-voting member.
• Representatives from the hospital and affiliating organizations may attend without voting
privileges.
• The Chair may appoint a Co-Chair.
Student Representative Role
• Attends and reports on curriculum issues at all Officer and Class meetings.
• Brings concerns, comments, and recommendations from the Student Body to the Curriculum
Committee for review and possible implementation.
• Provides student input for faculty members as courses are modified.
Advisement, Counseling and Collaboration Committee
Objectives
• Plans, implements, and evaluates services to assist students with personal, academic, and
professional growth, and promotes communication between student body and faculty
organization.
• Facilitates communication among Day and E/W Option students, faculty, and administration
concerning select aspects of the School’s programs and activities.
Committee Functions
• Collaborates with the Director of Nursing Education/Chair, Dixon School of Nursing/
designee in identifying needed services to support students.
• Assists with the new student orientation program in collaboration with the Director of
Admissions, Recruitment and Financial Aid.
• Serves as the official line of communication between the Student Body and Faculty
Organization.
• Reviews the Bylaws of the Student Body annually and recommends revisions to the student
body as needed.
• Participates in annual evaluation and revision of the student handbook, The Steeple.
Membership
• The Committee shall consist of at least eight (8) members to include the Director of
Nursing Education/Chair, Dixon School of Nursing/designee, the Director of Admissions,
Recruitment and Financial Aid, the Coordinator of Student Support Services, four (4) Class
Advisors representing both program options/classes and the Vice Presidents from each
class of the Day Option and E/W Option. The Director of Nursing Education/Chair will
appoint the Committee Chair. The Chair may appoint a Co-Chair.
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Faculty Advisors
• Each student is assigned a faculty advisor through the Coordinator of Student Support
Services in collaboration with the Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid.
• Advisors are recommended resources for information on the program of study, as well as
School policies, procedures, and resources.
• Students are expected to contact their Faculty Advisor at least once each term. The advisor/
advisee roster is posted on the Student Service Bulletin Board across from the student
mailboxes on the first floor, School of Nursing and on the Learning Management System
(LMS). The roster includes the advisor’s name, office telephone extension, email address,
and list of assigned advisees.
• The Class Vice President serves as the student representative, who attends and reports on all
issues pertinent to the Student Body discussed at Advisement, Counseling and Collaboration
Committee meetings.
• Reviews the By-laws of the Student Body, recommends revisions to the Student Body as
needed, brings her/his class proposed by-law changes to the annual meeting, and votes on
behalf of the class she/he represents at the annual review of proposed changes.
Voluntary Peer Support
Peers Available To Help (PATH)
• Peers Available To Help (PATH) promotes relationships between intermediates and seniors
by offering support, guidance, and tutoring (by appointment) for the intermediate class
during their first year. Class officers make up the core group of PATH and any senior can
volunteer to participate. Recommended opportunities for PATH members to assist in are
Orientation of incoming students, Information Sessions, and Advisor/Advisee luncheon.
Student Grievance Committee
Objective
• To provide a means for handling grievances that arise between students, or between students
and faculty members, a School Committee, or the School’s Administration.
Membership
• The Committee consists of eight (8) members including four (4) Faculty Representatives,
who are elected by the Faculty, and one (1) elected student representative from each class.
One student is chosen by the Student Grievance Committee to act as co-chairperson with
an elected faculty representative. The co-chairperson will be an Evening/Weekend student
in order to serve the length of the Academic Year.
• The quorum will be four (4) members to include two (2) faculty and two (2) students. The
faculty Chair and student Co-Chair will vote only in the event of a tie.
• Acts as Co-Chairperson of the Grievance Committee with an elected faculty representative.
• Is the first point of contact for students who wish to resolve grievances that cannot be
resolved by using the normal lines of communication.
• Refers student concerns to the School’s Administration.
• Attends and reports on grievance issues at all Officer Meetings, as necessary.
Meetings
• The Committee meets at least once annually in the fall to review its policy and procedures
with new Committee members. Additional meetings are scheduled as needed. Refer to
Student Grievance Policy, Appendix G.
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General INFORMATION
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Refer to Grading and Evaluation Policy, Appendix D.
ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT
Clinical Make-up
Refer to Student Attendance and Grading and Evaluation Policies, Appendices B and D.
CAMPUS SECURITY
Refer to Department Specific Safety and Timely Warning Policies, Appendices C and K.
CAREBRIDGE - Abington Health Employee Assistance PROGram
The Employee Assistance Program offers professional counseling services to students through
Carebridge Corporation. Carebridge Corporation is a confidential counseling and referral service
available to employees and students who need help with personal issues. Students may contact
Carebridge Corporation by calling 1-800-437-0911 or emailing [email protected].
Carebridge maintains a website at www.myliferesource.com. Abington Health access code is
ABSDA Services available include:
Employee Assistance Program Services Life Management & Work-Life Assistance
Marital and Relationship Issues
Child Care Resourcing and Information
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Eldercare Assistance
Grief and Loss
Parenting Information
Stress Management Education Guidance: Schooling/College/
Family/Parenting Problems
Distance
Depression or Anxiety
Relocation Guidance and Neighborhood
Troubling Personal Matters
Analysis
Financial Pressures
Time Management and Life Balance
Difficult Emotional Problems
Guidance
Spousal/Child/Parent Abuse
Adoption Guidance
Work Relationships
Travel and Expatriate Information
Legal Assistance
Consumer Information
Wellness Information
Retirement Planning
Legal Assistance
CODE FIND/Code Silver
A Code FIND is a missing person/abduction. Students will follow the direction of faculty.
Emergency exits in the classrooms and fire exits need to be monitored until cleared by security
or police.
A Code Silver provides a coordinated response to any hostage, intruder or criminal event on the
campuses of Abington Health. Refer to Department Specific Safety and Timely Warning
Policies, Appendices C and K.
CHAIN OF COMMAND
If concerns arise during a course the student will follow the chain of command to attempt to resolve
concerns. For student body concerns (student government, membership, dues, Bylaws, etc.) see
the Class Advisor first. For clinical concerns see the clinical instructor first. For class concerns,
the student should see the faculty member who taught the course content. If the concern is still not
resolved, the student should make an appointment with the Course Coordinator. If the concern
remains unresolved the student should see the Director of Nursing Education/Chair and/or the
Associate Director/designee.
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CHANGING PROGRAM OPTIONS
Changing your program option will be considered on an individual basis, based on enrollment
numbers. A written request must be made in a Word document to the Associate Director. A
student may only change program options one time.
CHILD ABUSE HISTORY CLEARANCE
All students are required to have a child abuse history clearance performed. Original reports
must be received prior to the start of N199.
Procedure
Students must complete the child abuse form, provide a $10.00 money order payable to the
Department of Public Welfare, and mail the form to the Childline and Abuse Registry. Upon
receipt of the child abuse clearance report, the students are to make a copy for themselves
and forward the original report to the Registrar/Bursar.
CLERY ACT
Refer to Department Specific Safety and Timely Warning Policies, Appendices C and K.
COMMUNICATION
ANGEL Learning Management System
ANGEL is the online course environment, where students will access syllabi, course lessons,
grades, class discussions, and more. Students are responsible for recording and maintaining
log-in credentials for ANGEL, but may contact either their Course Coordinator or the ANGEL
help desk (814-863-2494) at Penn State Abington for assistance.
Change in Status
Students must notify the School Registrar/Bursar in writing immediately with any changes
in name, address, landline or cellular phone number, cell phone carrier, or primary email
address. Students are to complete the Change of Address Form. The forms are available in the
DSON reception area bookcase, online at www.amhdixonson.org or the LMS. ‘Forms’ page.
Information is updated in students’ records.
Classroom Audio and Video Recording
Students must obtain approval from the faculty prior to recording any lecture, function or meeting.
Electronic Devices
Students are prohibited from using electronic devices for the purpose of conversing, sending or
receiving text messages or email, taking photographs, gaming, social networking, or accessing
the internet for non-school-related purposes during class time, during examinations, or during
clinical experiences. Cellular telephones must be placed in ‘silent’ or ‘vibrate’ mode in class,
during clinical experiences, and in the library. If a student is found to be using personal technology
devices inappropriately, they may be asked to leave the classroom or clinical area, and may be
referred to the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee (SEAC) for violating policy on
the use of personal devices in the classroom/clinical area. Handheld devices and laptops may be
used for personal conversation during break periods and meal times, outside of the classroom,
clinical area, or library. Silent use of wireless Internet access is permitted in the library, and is
permitted in the classroom or clinical area, for school-related purposes only.
Messages for Students
In case of an emergency, a student may be contacted via the School at 215-481-5500.
Messages for Faculty
Messages for faculty may be communicated by telephone, voice mail, e-mail, or beeper. Numbers
are listed in the front of The Steeple. Written messages may only be placed in faculty mailboxes
by the School office staff. Students may not under any circumstance enter the faculty/staff
mailroom, lounge, or resource rooms.
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Photos/Video Recording
Students are prohibited from taking photos or video in the clinical area without prior administrative permission. Photographs may be taken in the classroom with faculty/administrative
approval. Photographing without written consent constitutes a HIPAA violation, resulting in
immediate dismissal, and civil fines and/or criminal penalties incurred by the hospital.
Social Media
Students are prohibited from uploading text with faculty or patient names or descriptions,
photos, or video of AH to any social media websites without prior administrative permission.
Uploading to a social network without written consent constitutes a HIPAA violation, resulting
in immediate referral to the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee for consideration
of dismissal. Civil fines and/or criminal penalties may be incurred by the hospital.
DSON students may not engage in any online activities which would impact negatively on
the AH and DSON reputations or brands. DSON students are expected to be mindful about
how they present themselves in social media. By identifying themselves as DSON students,
the students portray themselves as representatives of the AH organization.
See AMH Social Media Policy #616.
E-Mail
It is imperative that students check their e-mail accounts daily, as messages from @abingtonhealth.
org and @psu.edu addresses are time-sensitive and include deadlines, financial aid information,
scholarship notifications, patient safety updates, and potential job opportunities. Students are
encouraged to have their email pushed to their handheld device for timely notifications.
Student Mailboxes
Every student has an assigned mailbox and is responsible for reviewing its contents each
scheduled class day and for responding to any indicated deadline(s).
Website
www.amhdixonson.org
COMPUTER UTILIZATION
In the Clinical Environment
• Students are not permitted to connect any portable, external devices (flash drives, CDs,
handheld devices, DVDs, etc.) to networked computers on the clinical units at Abington
Memorial Hospital or its clinical affiliating agencies. Utilizing such devices may introduce
a virus into the network, putting the hospital database, and the patients, at risk.
• Downloading patient information onto an external device constitutes a HIPAA violation, resulting
in immediate referral to the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee for consideration
of dismissal. Civil fines and/or criminal penalties may be incurred by the hospital.
• Use of the Internet on networked computers on the clinical units at Abington Memorial
Hospital, or its clinical affiliating agencies, for personal or recreational use is strictly prohibited.
Failure to comply with this policy will preclude the student from meeting course objectives.
In the Computer Lab and Dixon Library Environments
• Students are permitted to connect portable storage devices (flash drives) to networked
computers in these areas. Scanning storage devices for viruses is strongly encouraged,
prior to working on electronic documents. Virus scanning instructions are available in the
Computer Lab, and in the Dixon Library.
• Muting of sound or use of personal earphones is expected, if audio is enabled.
• Use of the Internet for personal use on networked computers is permitted during break or
mealtime. Priority will be given to students requiring educational access.
• Personal laptop use is also permitted, as is the wireless Internet access. Content accessed
should be appropriate for public audiences.
• Connecting handheld devices (smart phone, iPod) to networked computers in these areas
is strictly prohibited. The downloading of nursing software updates can be accomplished
with wireless Internet access at the DSON.
Failure to comply with this policy will preclude the student from meeting course objectives
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In the Classroom Environment and Conference Room(s)
• The use of electronic devices in the classroom environment is permitted for school-related
purposes only, as is the use of the Internet.
• Students will lose the privilege of using electronic devices in the classroom if they fail to
comply with this policy.
*Refer to the Professional Behaviors Policy
CONFIDENTIALITY POLICIES
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. Further details
may be found in The Student Record Keeping Policy, Appendix H.
Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Current federal legislation mandates the confidentiality of all patient information. This
legislation applies to Abington Memorial Hospital and all of the agencies and institutions with
which the School has affiliations.
HIPAA provides a legal framework that mandates protection and respect for patient information.
Any patient data taken from the chart or printed must have no identifying patient information. This
goes beyond the name and extends to any identifier such as medical record number, room, physician,
date of birth, etc. Anything taken home from the hospital MUST be returned to the school to be
shredded. At no time should that information remain in the student’s possession once the clinical
paperwork has been graded by the clinical instructor. Additional information accessed about a patient
must be limited to only that information that the student needs to complete the clinical paperwork.
If the information is NOT necessary for completion of clinical paperwork, it is not to be accessed.
Failure to comply with the School’s confidentiality policies will result in the student’s referral
to the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee and may result in dismissal from the
program. All clinical information/paperwork containing personal health information must be
sealed or handed directly to the Instructor to protect patient confidentiality.
Consumer information
Refer to the School website, www.amhdixonson.org. See consumer education under
“About Us” tab.
CPR CERTIFICATION
Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider certification is a professional responsibility and standard
of practice for all health care providers. All students are required to obtain and maintain
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification throughout all nursing courses starting with
N199. All students are required to complete the American Heart Association’s BLS Health Care
Provider Course. It is the student’s responsibility to provide proof of current CPR certification
and re-certification to the Registrar/Bursar. Copies of the CPR card may be submitted in person,
mailed, or faxed to (215) 481-5597. These copies will be kept on file in the Office of the
Registrar/Bursar. If there is a break in certification the student will not be permitted to attend
clinical and will be required to complete a clinical make-up with its incurred costs.
Class schedules
Class schedules will be posted on the LMS. Course Coordinators reserve the right to make
changes to the lecture schedule to accommodate unanticipated occurrences or schedule conflicts.
Students will be notified of any changes to the schedule as far in advance as possible.
CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK
All students are required to have a criminal record check and FBI fingerprint check performed.
Forms are available on the website and the LMS. Original reports must be received prior to
starting N199. Students should maintain a copy for their portfolios.
PA Criminal Background Check
Students must complete the request form as directed by the Admissions Department, provide
a $10.00 cash or money order payable to Abington Memorial Hospital, and return the form
and payment to the School for processing.
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All admitted students are required to complete and submit the following mandatory background
investigation and credentials prior to the scheduled Student Orientation. Admission is pending
a satisfactory clearance of such checks. Non-compliance will automatically rescind the offer of
admission.
a. PA Criminal Record Check completed by Abington Memorial Hospital Human Resources
Department. The School reserves the right to request a criminal record check on students
residing in states other than PA based on permanent address provided.
b. Child Abuse Clearance
c. FBI Fingerprint Clearance completed at time of enrollment
d. Current Basic Life Support credential
Material Changes
The enrolled student is obligated to report any and all material changes in their background
checks to the Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid. An example would
be any new criminal offense such as a “conviction of” or “pled guilty to a felony crime or
misdemeanor.” Students are encouraged to consult the Director of Admissions, Recruitment,
and Financial Aid with any questions.
PA Act 73, FBI Fingerprint Screens
On July 1, 2008 federal legislation requires anyone engaging in an occupation with a significant
likelihood of regular contact with children in the form of care, guidance, supervision, training,
and volunteering to obtain an FBI fingerprint background clearance.
The School requires students to complete the following steps to obtain FBI fingerprint
background clearance through the Department of Public Welfare in preparation for clinical
site rotations in the AY 2013-14. A $50 non-compliance fee will be assessed.
Steps (follow carefully):
1. The $28.75 payment (credit card only) must be submitted to Cogent FIRST by visiting
this link: https://www.pa.cogentid.com/perlpub/registration_welfare.pl (Cogent Systems
Registration). *Under reason, select “Employment with Significant Likelihood of Child
Contact”
2. Print the confirmation received via email.
3. Take the confirmation and Driver’s License/US Passport to an authorized station
(https://www.pa.cogentid.com/ohio/DPW/DPW_map/DPW_Regions_Clickable.html) to
obtain fingerprints. 4. The results will arrive within 4-6 weeks. Make a copy of all documents received and either
mail in or drop off all of the original(s) to the School’s Registrar/Bursar.
Failure to submit the fingerprint clearance report to the Registrar/Bursar in a timely manner
will prohibit the student from returning to the program or attending clinical experiences. This
failure may preclude the student from meeting course objectives resulting in a course failure.
If a student has had a previous FBI fingerprint check completed please note that it must be
dated April 1st or later of the year the student entered the program.
EMPLOYMENT OF STUDENTS
The School does not require that students be employed. Students who are employed do so by
choice. Students employed in healthcare agencies may not be employed as either registered
or practical nurses unless they possess the appropriate current state licensure.
EVALUATION OF STUDENT PROGRESS
Refer to the Grading and Evaluation Policy, Appendix D.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
All extra-curricular activities must be held when classes or clinical experiences are not scheduled
(e.g. class photographs, picnics, parties, etc).
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FACILITIES FOR STUDENTS
The DSON is located in the Pennwood Building on the Schilling Campus and is open on
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday
from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Classrooms
Classroom seating is to be kept in an orderly arrangement at all times. Students are expected to
maintain the cleanliness of the classrooms. Feet and footwear are prohibited on chairs, tables, and
walls. Food and beverages are permitted in the classroom only if students take responsibility
for cleaning their desks by wiping their desks with a cleaning solution and removing all trash
from the classroom area. No food or liquids are permitted in the Computer Lab.
Lockers
Lockers are available for student use on a first-come, first-served basis. Sharing is encouraged.
Students are responsible for purchasing their own locks for the lockers. The School and/or
the Hospital are not responsible for any items that are missing from the lockers. Items that
are left in lockers after the school year will be discarded. Locks must be removed at the end
of EACH school year. The Plant Operations Department will remove any locks that have not
been removed by students. Inappropriate photos, words, or images are not permitted inside
or outside of lockers.
Lost and Found
Any articles or money that is found or missing should be reported to the School office
immediately. If something of value is missing, the student must contact security at extension
2828 and complete a security report. The School, AH, and any clinical affiliating agencies
are not responsible for lost or stolen items, including money.
Student Lounge
The lounge for students is located across from the School Library on the lobby level of the
Pennwood Building. Refrigerators, microwave ovens, hot water dispenser, vending machines,
and kitchen cabinets are provided. Students are responsible for keeping the lounge area clean and
in good condition. Students are expected to be respectful of School property. Feet and footwear
is prohibited on furniture in the classrooms, library and student lounge.
FIRE and INTERNAL DISASTER PLAN
Fire Equipment
Tampering with fire equipment is an illegal act classified as a state misdemeanor and is
punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. This law will be strictly enforced.
Fire Maps and Fire Plan/Internal Disaster Procedure
In the event of a fire, students should refer to the Fire Maps and Fire Plan/Internal Disaster
Procedure posted throughout the Pennwood Building to locate fire alarms, fire extinguishers
and evacuation routes.
All students MUST review the Fire Maps and Fire Plan/Internal Disaster Procedure yearly and
periodically to become familiar with the plan in case of fire and or emergency.
JURY DUTY
Refer to Student Attendance Policy, Appendix B.
LIBRARY SERVICES
The Dixon School of Nursing Library and the Hospital’s Wilmer Library provide facilities
and resources to support the curriculum. The Library should be a quiet environment that is
conducive to study. Students may use the Student Lounge or one of the Dixon Library’s two
conference rooms for study groups. Cell phone conversations are prohibited in the Dixon
Library. Violators of the rule will be asked to leave and repeat offenders will be fined.
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Hours
The DSON Library is opened Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. when
the Day Option classes are in session. Tuesdays and Thursdays, when evening classes are in
session, the Library remains open until 10:30 p.m. When there are no day classes, the Library
opens at 8:30 a.m. In addition, the Library is open on weekends, on request, and subject to the
availability of a faculty member. When the faculty member leaves for the day, the library must
be closed. The Librarian’s hours are flexible to accommodate both Options.
The Wilmer Library is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours
swipe card access is available. Students must have their I.D. badges coded for access by the
Security Office. Under special circumstances, students may access Wilmer Library during off
hours by contacting the Hospital Security Office at Ext. 2828. Students must have their student
I.D. badge with them when Security arrives or they will not be given access to the Library.
Resources
The combined holdings of the Dixon and Wilmer Libraries concentrate on nursing and medicine.
The Libraries’ collections consist of books, journals, audiovisual materials, computer programs,
and a selection of online journals and databases. Students have access to the online services
from any computer in the Libraries or the Hospital. Each Library has an online catalog listing
the materials in its collection. Books and audiovisual materials are arranged according to the
National Library of Medicine classification scheme. Journals are shelved alphabetically by
title. The current issues are displayed on slanted shelves. The preceding issues for the current
year are accessible by lifting the slanted shelves. Previous years’ journals are shelved on the
regular bookshelves in alphabetical order by title and then in chronological order within a title.
The Libraries belong to several library consortia. Journal articles unavailable at either Library
may be obtained from another consortia library. Please allow several days for this transaction.
Computers with access to the Hospital intranet as well as the internet are available for student
use in the Dixon Library. All computers also have Microsoft Office. Computers are also
available for student use in the Wilmer Library.
Please be considerate of other Library users. If you return a book to the shelves, please put it
in the call number in which you found it. If you return a journal to the shelves, please be sure
it is with the correct title and in the correct chronological order.
Borrowing Privileges
Borrowing privileges are extended to students, faculty, and alumni of the School of Nursing
and Hospital employees. Alumni are asked to fill out a library borrowing privileges application
in order to receive an Alumni library card. The lending period for books is two weeks. A book
may be renewed once, in person or by telephone, provided that it is not overdue or requested by
another Library user. Audiovisual resources may be borrowed until the next class day. They may
not be renewed. This restriction may be waived if material is for use in a seminar presentation.
A checkout card is placed in each item that may be borrowed. Please sign it legibly with your
name, your class number, and the date that you borrowed it.
Overdue notices are sent monthly. If the item is not returned after two notices, it is assumed
to be lost. The borrower will be sent an invoice for the replacement cost of the book plus a
$5.00 processing fee. Borrowing privileges will be suspended and grades held until the bill
has been paid.
Required textbooks, journals, and audiovisuals materials assigned for course use by a faculty
member are for Library use only. There are no exceptions to this rule.
All materials must be returned to both Libraries after the final exam for each course. Borrowing
privileges, final examination grades, course grades and/or diplomas will be withheld until all
materials are returned or charges have been paid.
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Printing and Photocopying
All public access computers are connected to a photocopier/printer. The copyright law of the
United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of
copyrighted material. Individuals have the right of fair use to make limited copies for purposes
such as teaching, research, and study. Fair use includes a book chapter, a periodical article, and
a chart or diagram from a book or periodical. However, copying shall not substitute for the
purchase of a textbook. The individual using library equipment for this purpose is liable for
any infringement of the law. Photocopying is to be for School-related purposes only.
Signage
Flyers posted on the Library doors must be related to School activities. Commercial
announcements will be removed.
Penn State Library Resources
After Penn State registration, students will have access to the resources at Penn State Abington,
including the library, gym, and tutoring center.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE
Students are covered under Abington Memorial Hospital’s malpractice policy during clinical
experiences while in the role of the student nurse.
MEDICATIONS
Prescribing and dispensing medication to DSON students by faculty or students is prohibited
at Abington Health, the DSON, and at affiliating sites for any reason.
NONCOMPLIANCE FEE
OFF-CAMPUS CLINICAL EXPERIENCES
Students are responsible for the cost of meals and transportation to all off-campus clinical
experiences unless otherwise directed. This includes parking fees when applicable; therefore,
carpooling is encouraged.
ORIENTATION PROGRAM/Accepted Students Day
• The orientation program and accepted students day is offered prior to the beginning of classes
to welcome new students to the School and to familiarize them with the program of study and
resources available to them.
• An orientation program is provided to returning students to update them on School policy
changes, The Steeple, and Penn State University orientation.
PARKING
Information about parking is reviewed with students during orientation to the School.
The Parking Office is located on the ground floor of the Hospital’s Elkins Building. They are
open Monday through Friday (215-481-2768).
Parking for students on the Abington Memorial Hospital Schilling Campus is assigned as follows:
• Class of 2016 Day students must park in Lot C located at the entrance off of Blair Mill Road.
• Class of 2015 Day students must park in Lot D located between Blair Mill Road and
Blairwood Building.
• E/W students may park in areas surrounding the Pennwood building after 3:30 pm. Prior
to 3:30 p.m., the E/W students must park in Lot C or D as listed above.
• Assistance for minor car problems may be available from Security at ext. 2828.
• The DSON student is responsible for compliance with off-site clinical agencies that require
payment for parking.
Hospital Parking
Students are permitted to park in assigned areas at the Hospital, if space is available. Therefore,
carpooling is encouraged when parking at the Hospital. A nominal, refundable fee is charged for
the parking card. Parking passes will be collected at time of graduation or exit from the Program.
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Because of an agreement that the Hospital has with the residents that live nearby, Hospital
employees and students are not be permitted to park on any of the streets that surround the
Hospital. Abington Township’s Police Department enforces this agreement and will issue parking
citations. Students are responsible for paying any fines that result from citations for on-street
parking. The Hospital’s Security Department may issue citations to illegally parked vehicles and/
or have illegally parked vehicles towed. For assistance with minor car problems, call Security
at (215)-481-2828. Security is also available to escort students to their vehicles when necessary.
PATIENT VISITATION
Students must follow AH’s visiting hours and visitation policies when visiting hospitalized
students, family members, or friends.
penn state resources
Students must attend a registration session at Penn State Abington during the first term of
the Intermediate level. Dates of these sessions are communicated via the LMS. During these
registration sessions, students will receive a tour of the campus, an ID badge and log-in
credentials for the ANGEL Course Management system. After the registration, students will
have access to the resources at Penn State Abington, including the library, gym, and tutoring
center. The Continuing Education Center at Penn State Abington facilitates these sessions and
will communicate all resources available to the students.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Students’ personal appearance must comply with the School’s personal appearance policy as
well as Abington Memorial Hospital’s performance standard of professional image. Students
must be aware that patients, families, faculty, hospital staff, and others judge their appearance
and actions.
Students are expected to project a professional image and practice good personal hygiene and
grooming. Uniforms, footwear, and other attire must be clean and neat. Students who do not
comply with the above expectations may be removed from patient care areas.
Student I.D. Badges
All students are required to wear their Student I.D. badges at all times while on the School of
Nursing, AH Campuses and other student clinical rotation sites. It is a Pennsylvania State Law that
healthcare providers wear I.D. badges while on duty. It is an AMH Human Resource Policy and
DSON Policy that all students wear I.D. badges while on campus. Student I.D. badges must be at
eye level. Lanyards are not permitted. If a student forgets to wear her/his I.D. badge to the clinical
area, the student will immediately report to the clinical instructor, who will provide appropriate
direction, as mandated by the clinical rotation assignment. Student I.D. badges must be returned to
the School upon graduation. The I.D. badge must also be returned should a student stop attending
or not complete the program for any reason.
Attire for Obtaining Clinical Assignments
When obtaining clinical assignments, students are required to wear the white uniform jacket,
including their identification badge over conservative clothing. Proper footwear is required
(no open-toed shoes). Jeans or shorts may not be worn at AH. A student may be prohibited
from doing the clinical look-up for violating this policy.
Classroom Attire
Proper attire must be worn. Proper attire means conservative street clothes including
undergarments. Mini-skirts, form fitting pants, brief shorts, tight-fitting or low-cut garments,
halter-tops, and see-through garments are prohibited. Midriffs must be covered at all times.
School Uniform
Students must wear the complete student uniform (i.e. blue pants, school-approved short-sleeved
blue scrub top with school emblem, short white jacket with School insignia, clean white or black
professional footwear/low-top sneakers with small logo only, plain white socks, and student ID
badge. A plain white tee shirt (tucked in), long or short sleeved may be worn under the uniform,
except in the OR. All undergarments must be concealed. Properly fitting uniforms are required;
hem of pant cannot be longer than leg and shoe. Hoodies/ sweatshirts may not be worn in the
clinical areas as per AH Personal Appearance Policy.
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Students who are working in specialty areas (i.e. N301 or N302) will wear modified uniforms
or attire according to departmental and course requirements. In addition, no open-toed shoes
may be worn to any clinical assignment. Students are representatives of the School while in
uniform and should not wear the uniform to social events following a clinical day.
Professional Appearance
Jewelry may not interfere with patient care or student safety. All jewelry worn will be at the
owner’s risk and in accordance with the Department of Nursing Infection Control Policy.
Body piercings which cannot be concealed (including tongue), are not permitted for safety and
professional reasons. Piercings, other than two sets of ear piercings, should be covered at all
times while on School or Hospital property. Individuals may apply for a Cultural/Religious
exemption for a nose piercing by completing the Cultural/Religion exempt form and sending
it to the Office of Diversity (AMH) / Human Resources (LH).
Tattoos are to be covered in the clinical area. Exception will be granted for tattoos on the face,
hands, upper neck and ankle.
Hair must be kept neat, long hair must be pulled back and away from the face and not interfere
with patient care.
Males should be clean-shaven or have a neat, well-groomed beard or mustache.
Nails should be neatly trimmed, short, and clean. Artificial/acrylic/gel nails, wraps, or tips are
forbidden for infection control reasons. If nail polish is worn, it must be light in color and in
good condition.
Makeup may be used in moderation if non-distracting. Perfume, cologne, and/or after-shave
may not be worn in clinical areas.
Eating, drinking and chewing gum are prohibited in patient care areas.
Student Noncompliance with Personal Appearance Policy
Noncompliance with the School’s personal appearance policy will result in the student’s dismissal
from the clinical area and will be considered an absence. An unsatisfactory for professionalism will
be recorded in the student’s Clinical Progress Document. Subsequent noncompliance may result in
referral to the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee.
Graduation Attire
Academic attire will be worn by the graduating students, which consists of a blue cap, blue
gown, gold stole, and a blue and gold tassel. Appropriate shoes must be worn. Graduating
students may not wear corsages, leis, boutonnieres, or other items on or over the gown. Caps
may not be decorated.
Personal Attributes and Capabilities Essential for Admission,
Progression and Graduation of School of Nursing Students
The curriculum leading to a diploma in Nursing from the Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon
School of Nursing require students to engage in diverse and complex experiences directed at
the acquisition and practice of essential nursing skills and functions. Unique combinations of
cognitive, affective, psychomotor, physical, and social abilities are required to perform these
functions satisfactorily. To learn more about the course standards described as non-academic
qualifications required in addition to academic qualifications that the School considers essential
for entrance to, continuation in, and graduation from its nursing diploma program, please refer
to the Admissions Policy, Appendix A.
PLAGiARISM
Refer to Grading and Evaluation and Professional Behavior of Nursing Students Policies,
Appendices, D and F.
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Prescription for Nursing Practice
The Prescription for Nursing Practice was developed for students who are not functioning at
the expected performance level of the course. Examples include: organizational skills, clinical
skills, error prevention tools, time management, etc. A student may also receive a prescription
for simulation. The student will contact the Learning Resource Coordinator in his/her option
to coordinate a time to come to the lab. The student must practice and achieve the performance
requirement by the date noted. The prescription will then be placed in the clinical binder as
part of his/her clinical evaluation.
PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR OF NURSING STUDENTS
Faculty has the right to dismiss a student from a class or clinical experience if they identify
a violation in the Professional Behavior Policy. Refer to Professional Behavior of Nursing
Students Policy, Appendix F.
Program Outcomes
Information related on the Dixon School of Nursing program outcomes can be found on our
website - www.amhdixonson.org. See FAQ tab first, select Consumer Education. These include:
NCLEX first-time pass rates, Program completion rates, and Employment rates.
REQUESTING TRANSCRIPT AND/OR FACULTY RECOMMENDATIONS
Step One: Release of information
Requestor must complete the Student Signature Card Form authorizing the Registrar/Bursar to
release records. The form is available at www.amhdixonson.org or in the DSON Administrative
office or via the LMS. Please note: The Dixon School of Nursing will not release either the
transcript or recommendation without the Student Signature Card Form on file and a transcript
or a recommendation will not be released if a student/former student has outstanding school
financial obligations or is not in good academic standing.
Student Signature Card Form
StudentName_________________ __ __ _ __ __ _
________________________________
last
irst
middle
maiden
Address______________
_____________________________________________________________
Number/apartment street
city
state
zip
PhoneNo_____________________________________EmailAddress_____________________________
Date of Birth __________________________
Social Security No. _________(last four digits only)
Year of Graduation ______________ProgramOption_______Day_________Evening/Weekend
Student Signature & Date_______________________________________________________________
The above signature will become a permanent part of your student record per FERPA regulations.
This signature authorizes Dixon School of Nursing to release transcripts and recommendations.
Please return completed form to Mary Beth Prajzner, Registrar or fax to (215) 481-5597
r Office Use Only:
G
GradPro tag completed; Date
Initials
.
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Step Two: Completion of Request
A. Transcript Request Form
Requestor must complete the Transcript Request Form authorizing the Registrar/Bursar
to release transcript(s). The form is available at www.amhdixonson.org or in the DSON
Administrative office or via the LMS. Complete form as per instructions and return via
www.amhdixonson.org or to the DSON Administrative office either in person or via mail.
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B. Request for Letter of Faculty Recommendation Form
The student must complete the Request for Letter of Faculty Recommendation Form
requesting that the faculty member complete a letter of recommendation. The form is
available at www.amhdixonson.org or in the DSON Administrative office or via the LMS.
Complete form as per instructions and submit to the faculty member.
Student Instructions - Request for Letter of Faculty Recommendation
PART A: To Be Completed By Student
Student Name ___________________________________________________________________________
last
first
maiden
Name of Faculty Reference____________________________Position/Title:________________________
Check appropriate box:
 RN Position
 CNA Position
 Other: ______________
INSTRUCTIONS
 Please ask permission before you request a recommendation from the Faculty. Only two (2) faculty
members are to be requested to complete on your behalf.
 With your permission, the two (2) completed recommendations prepared on your behalf will be kept in
the student’s permanent file at the AMH Dixon School of Nursing (see below).
 Allow a minimum of fourteen (14) days for completion of faculty recommendation form by faculty
member.
 A Faculty Recommendation Receipt form indicating that the form has been completed by the faculty
and submitted to the Registrar for processing will be returned to the student. The Faculty reserves the
right to decline to complete a letter of recommendation at their discretion. IMPORTANT: YOU
ARE REQUIRED TO WAIT UNTIL YOU RECEIVE THE BELOW RECEIPT FROM THE
REGISTRAR INDICATING THAT THE RECOMMENDATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED
BEFORE YOU MAY SUBMIT THE “REQUEST TO SEND LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION” FORM TO THE REGISTRAR OFFICE
I understand that Federal Legislation provides me with a right of access to this recommendation. If I request
access to this recommendation, I understand that I will keep possession of the recommendation, it will not
become part of my permanent student file and that DSON will not release it on my behalf.
If I waive my right of access to this recommendation, I understand that DSON will keep possession of the
recommendation, it will become part of my permanent file and that DSON will release it on my behalf as
instructed by the terms of my completion of the “Request to Send Letter of Recommendation(s)” form.
Furthermore, I understand that I may waive my right of access to this recommendation but no school or person can require me to do so. If you wish to waive your right of access, please sign and date in the spaces
provided.
I hereby waive my right of access to this recommendation and authorize the person writing this recommendation to provide a candid and confidential evaluation of my student performance at Abington
Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing:
Student/Applicant Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: ____________
I also understand that this recommendation is to be kept in my permanent file and I authorize Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing to forward this recommendation upon my completion
of the “Request to Send Letter of Recommendation(s)” form.*
*NOTE: Must have SIGNATURE CARD Form on file. (Available at www.amhdixonson.org or in the
DSON Administrative Office).
Student/Applicant Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: ____________
PART B: To Be Completed by Faculty and Returned To The Registrar
FACULTY RECOMMENDATION RECEIPT
Name of Student:____________________________
Class of _________ Day Evening/Weekend Alumni
I have received your request for a Faculty Recommendation.
 I decline to complete a letter of recommendation.
 Your letter of recommendation will be composed.
 Additional Comments:
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Faculty Signature: ________________________________________Date______________________
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C. Request to Send Letter of Recommendation(s) Form
Requestor must complete the Request to Send Letter of Recommendation(s) Form authorizing the Registrar/Bursar to release letter of recommendation(s). The form is available at
www.amhdixonson.org or in the DSON Administrative office or via the LMS.
Complete form as per instructions and return to the DSON Administrative office either in
person or via mail.
Request to Send Letter of Recommendation(s)
Name _________________________________________________________________________________
last
first
middle
maiden
Address ________________________________________________________________________________
city
state
zip
Phone No. ____________________
Email Address ______________________________________
Year of Graduation _________Day______EW______ Name of Instructor __________________________
Name of Instructor __________________________
I, a student/former student of the Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing, authorize the Dixon School of Nursing to send a letter of recommendation on my behalf. I have provided the name(s) and
address of the recipient(s) below. I understand that I must be in good financial standing in order to have the
recommendation request processed and that I must have a SIGNATURE CARD form* on file.
*Available at www.amhdixonson.org or in the DSON Administrative Office.
Student Signature & Date __________________________________________________________________
NOTE: There is no fee to have recommendation requests sent, however a STAMPED, ADDRESSED envelope is required for each Letter of Recommendation requested below with the exception of those requested
to be faxed within the Abington Memorial Hospital/Abington Health system.
STUDENT TO COMPLETE 1st Letter is to be sent to:
Organization
Attention
Address
AMH/AH Requests Only
Fax No.
STUDENT TO COMPLETE 2nd Letter is to be sent to:
Organization
Attention
Address
OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Sent
Signature
OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Sent
Signature
AMH/AH Requests Only
Fax No.
Please return to the Registrar’s office for processing upon completion.
Step Three: Processing of Request
• Once a request is completed the student is advised to allow a maximum of 3 business days
for the request to be filled.
See Student Record Keeping Policy, Appendix H.
Scholarships
Merit Scholarship, Academic Year 2014-2015
AMH DSON Merit Scholarships are awarded to the DSON to three top-ranking accepted
students in the Day Option and three top-ranking accepted students in the Evening Weekend
Option. Eligible candidates are ranked by the Ad Hoc Scholarship Committee based on
cumulative GPA (25%), prerequisite GPA (35%), and the TEAS standardized test composite
score (40%). A Merit Scholarship of up to $2400 per year is awarded for the two years of
enrollment, as long as the recipient maintains the requirements of the Scholarship.
Conditions of the DSON Merit Scholarship:
• Maintain cumulative GPA of 3.0 each term, with good clinical performance.
• Continue enrollment for the student’s enrollment period.
• Maintain compliance with all DSON policies.
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If a Scholarship recipient does not maintain the conditions of the Scholarship, the next student on the
original ranking grid will be selected to receive the remainder of the two year Scholarship award.
The Dixon School of Nursing reserves the right to revise this Scholarship. Reasonable notice
will be given and communicated verbally and in writing.
Nursing Initiative Award Program for Class of 2015 Students of the Dixon School of Nursing
The Nursing Initiative Award program was developed to benefit the Dixon School of Nursing
graduates with out of pocket costs incurred while attending Dixon School of Nursing as well
as an incentive to remain employed at AH. The dollar amount awarded will equal the total
amount of Dixon School of Nursing tuition paid less grants, Employee Tuition Assistance, and
scholarships received. The award level will be determined by a student’s program ranking
which will be calculated prior to graduation as listed below.
Students who successfully graduate from the program without a program interruption or course
failure, pass the NCLEX on the first attempt, and accept employment at AH in a qualified
Registered Nurse (0.5 FTE or greater) position within 1 year of program completion will be
eligible for one of the following merit awards:
• Dixon Award: To be paid out in two installments - upon employment as a
Registered Nurse and at 12-month employment milestone.
• Presidential Award: To be paid out in three installments - upon employment as a
Registered Nurse and at 12 and 18-month employment milestones.
• Founders Award: To be paid out in three installments - upon employment as a
Registered Nurse and at 12 and 24-month employment milestones.
Additional Information:
• AH employees need to be at minimum part time (0.5 FTE) to be eligible and continue to be
eligible for the award. If an employee drops below the 0.5 FTE or terminates employment
for any reason, they will forfeit the remainder of the award.
• Employees will be responsible for the payment of any taxes related to the award.
The Dixon School of Nursing reserves the right to revise the Nursing Initiative Award Program.
Reasonable notice will be given. These changes will be communicated verbally and in writing.
DSON Nursing Initiative Award Program Ranking Grid Process- Academic Year 2014 - 2015
1. Program ranking calculation per graduating class will be determined by the following factor:
a.GPA
2. The class of 2016 will be evaluated as being eligible for the Nursing Initiative Award
Program at a later date. The class will be advised.
AMH Women’s Board Auxiliary Scholarships
AMH Women’s Board Auxiliary Scholarships are need-based financial aid awards; recipients
are selected by the sponsoring auxiliary. Average awards are $500 per Academic Year.
SCHOOL COLORS
The School’s official colors are BLUE for LOYALTY and GOLD for HONOR.
SCHOOL EXPENSES
All students are required to pay School fees each Academic Year. Students should refer to their
Financial Aid Handbook for current information on School fees.
SMOKING: Abington HeALTH STATEMENT
AH is a non-smoking organization. In order to create an atmosphere that is consistent with
AH’s mission, dedicated to improving the quality of life for all by fostering healing, easing
suffering and promoting wellness in a culture of safety, learning and respect, the DSON abides
by the AH policy which prohibits the use of tobacco products on its premises either within any
hospital-owned or leased buildings, or, for non-employees, on the public sidewalk within 50
feet of any exterior hospital entrance or exit, except at designated locations. Students are urged
to participate in tobacco cessation programs. Information about other support for stopping the
use of tobacco is available through the EHS offices.
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In order to promote a healthy workforce and to control overall healthcare costs AH will not hire people
who smoke cigarettes or use other products that contain nicotine, such as chewing tobacco, snuff,
nicotine patch, nicotine gum, cigars, etc. The designated smoking areas are still available to employees
who smoke. AH encourages smoking cessation programs and nicotine replacement medications.
Students are prohibited from smoking during clinical experiences as it is extremely offensive to
patients and may be deleterious to their health. Faculty reserves the right to dismiss a student
from the clinical area if the smell of smoke is on their person as it may affect patient care.
Students are required to adhere to the smoking policy at all affiliating agencies.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
Students must obtain pre-entrance physicals from their primary health care providers. The
Employee Health Services (EHS) will collect health record and immunizations completed
by primary physicians. All students will then participate in additional screening (including
urine drug testing and fit mask testing) and be advised if there is any further information
required for clearance. If a student becomes ill, injured, sustains a needle stick, or is exposed
to body fluid, that student should report to the Emergency Trauma Center (ETC). Students are
responsible for any resulting medical expenses. Students are encouraged to keep a copy
of the vaccination record.
Students that are absent from school for a non-work related illness/disability for three or more days
due to illness/disability will be referred to EHS to determine fitness for school prior to returning
to school. It is the expectation of AMH that the student is able to return to school in the same
capacity as prior to the illness/disability. Forty-eight (48 hours) prior to expected date of return
to work/school the employee must contact EHS. The student must bring a physician note stating
that he/she may return to school. EHS may ask for other documentation from the physician, if
indicated. It will be the responsibility of EHS to investigate the nature of the illness/disability
and make a determination as to whether or not the student is fit for school. The student will be
provided with an Evaluation/Determination of Work Status form to present to the instructor.
EHS is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and is located in the Price
Medical Office Building on the Hospital campus. Students should call (215) 481-2233 to
schedule appointments.
Students are expected to carry their own health insurance coverage. As members of the National
Student Nurses Association (NSNA), students are eligible to receive information on available
health insurance. Please visit the NSNA website, www.nsna.org, for additional information.
Student nurses are not covered by Workmen’s Compensation.
The senior level nursing student will receive the tuberculin (TB) skin test at the beginning of
fall term. The results will be checked by the DSON or EHS office within 48-72 hours after
administration.
Influenza Vaccinations (Mandatory)
For the 2015-2016 FY, Employee Health Services will be offering students free vaccinations.
If students receive their vaccination at another facility they will need to provide documentation
of immunization to the School of Nursing which will then be forwarded to Employee Health
Services. Non-compliance can result in dismissal from the program. Students are encouraged
to keep a copy of the vaccination record
Student Invoice with Credit Balance
If your invoice shows a negative balance, you have borrowed additional monies with your
student loans. As a result, refunds will be processed automatically on your behalf, and a loan
refund check will become available. Your loan refund check will be mailed via USPS to the
home address on your DSON student file.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The possession, consumption or use, sale and/or distribution of alcohol, drugs (i.e. narcotics,
marijuana or other controlled substances) and/or drug paraphernalia by students on Hospital or
School property is prohibited. The use of substances that violate the law will result in disciplinary
and/or legal action.
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Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing is committed to the provision of quality
education to students and quality healthcare services to the community. Students and employees
of the School are expected to maintain professional standards, which can be found in the Faculty
Manual and the Student Handbook, The Steeple. These standards include adherence to Section
14 of the Pennsylvania Professional Nursing Law, which addresses chemical dependency.
The School of Nursing will not tolerate any circumstance in which a student or employee
compromises the established standards. The administration of Abington Memorial Hospital
Dixon School of Nursing believes that it is the professional responsibility of each of its students
and employees to read and be knowledgeable about substance abuse and its consequences and
to be in compliance with the Abington Memorial Hospital Substance Abuse Policy #804. This
policy is distributed in the fall of each Academic Year. Since the student body is comprised of
some students who are under 21 years of age, the Dixon School of Nursing will not sanction
or endorse any student fundraising or social event where alcohol is served.
Any student who applies for employment, or is currently employed by AH, who is denied such
employment due to failure to pass the drug screening test during his or her pre-employment
physical, or whose employment is terminated due to violation of AH’s substance abuse policy
will be terminated immediately from the School of Nursing.
Refer to the AMH Substance Abuse Policy, Appendix L.
Textbook information
Textbook retail price and International Standard Book Number (ISBN) information of required
and recommended textbooks and supplemental materials are available on our website www.amhdixonson.org and on each course syllabus.
Veteran Education Benefits
Please refer to Financial Aid section of The Steeple.
VISITS BY CHILDREN/CHILD CARE
Children of any age are not permitted in the classrooms or labs during instructional time or
examinations. Children of any age may not be left unsupervised on School premises (e.g. waiting
areas, library, or student lounge). Children of any age may not accompany students to clinical
experiences or clinical prep time.
The School does not provide childcare services but Hospital employees and students may utilize
the Gerstadt Center (215-481-0108) for this purpose if there is sufficient space available. The
Center is located directly across from the hospital. Arrangements must be made in advance.
Students are expected to have made pre-planned arrangements for both routine and emergency
childcare (e.g. illness).
VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION
As part of the School’s ongoing compliance with the Department of Education’s Program
Integrity rules it is necessary that we post the following information for our students.
For information on how to register to vote please visit this site to learn more:
http://www.votespa.com/portal/server.pt/community/register_to_vote/13518
WEATHER EMERGENCIES
In the event of a weather emergency, the School and its facilities (including the library) may
be closed. The School number(s) will be announced on the radio at 1060 AM, CBS-3 TV
(channel 3), at www.KYW1060.com, or telephone 215-925-1060. Text alerts are also available
by signing up at www.KYW1060.com. This must be done ANNUALLY.
Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing Snow Numbers:
• 398: AMH Dixon Sch of Nursing - Day
• 2398:AMH Dixon Sch of Nursing - PM WKD - Evening/Weekend
Please note that when posted as 398: AMH Dixon Sch of Nursing, it pertains to the Day
Program ONLY.
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Class and/or clinical time missed due to inclement weather may be rescheduled at the discretion
of the Course Coordinator. This may mean extension of the school year or loss of vacation/
holiday break time.
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE SCHOOL
Any refund that results from the student’s withdrawal, regardless of the reason, will be made
according to the schedule listed in the Student Financial Aid Handbook.
Class officers who are withdrawing must turn over all official records to a class advisor. SNAP or
other student representatives must return all membership materials to the SNAP Faculty Advisor.
Upon voluntary withdrawal, dismissal, or graduation from the School, the following items
must be returned in order to complete the official exit process:
• Identification badges, parking cards and any other appropriate materials must be returned
to the Coordinator of Student Support Services. Students who do not return their parking
cards will NOT have their deposit refunded.
• All outstanding library materials must be returned to the School Library.
Roberts Rules of Order
Roberts Rules of Order provide a general guideline for setting up and conducting a meeting.
The recommended meeting sequence is as follows:
Call to order
The call to order is an official start of the meeting. The time and date are recorded at the
beginning of the meeting.
Roll call
Roll is taken to determine the number of voting members who are present.
Reading of the minutes
The minutes from the previous meeting are read to determine the need for any corrections or
additions to the minutes.
After any changes are noted, approval of the minutes can proceed
Approval of the minutes
Approval of the minutes begins with a motion for approval (i.e. “I make a motion to approve
the minutes.”).
Another person then must state, “I second the motion”. The group then votes upon the motion.
Officers’ reports
The elected officers relay important information to the group.
Committee reports
Each committee updates the group on current projects or other pertinent information (e.g.
curriculum, SNAP, graduation, fundraising, etc.).
Unfinished business
Issues that were not resolved at previous meetings are discussed (e.g. postponed topics or tabled
motions. Note - any tabled motion requires a new motion to reopen the issue for further discussion).
New business
New topics for discussion are presented to the group.
Announcements
Important upcoming events and dates are announced.
Adjournment
At the end of the meeting, a motion must be made to adjourn the meeting.
This motion must then be seconded and voted upon by the group.
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THE NIGHTINGALE PLEDGE
I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly:
To pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully.
I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous and will not take or knowingly
administer any harmful drug.
I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will
hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs
coming to my knowledge in the practice of my profession.
With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the
welfare of those committed to my care.
Written in 1893 by Lystra E. Gretter, School Superintendent
Harper Hospital, Detroit, MI.
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Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
school policies
APPENDICES
A:
Admission Policy
B:
Student Attendance Policy
C:
Department Specific Safety Policy
D:
Grading & Evaluation Policy
E:
Medication Administration Guideline
F:
Professional Behavior of Nursing Students Policy
G:
Student Grievance Policy
H:
Student Record Keeping Policy
I:
Students with Disabilities Policy
J:
AMH Social Media Policy
K:
Timely Warning Plan
L:
AMH Substance Abuse Policy
M:
Tuition and Tuition Refund Policy
N:
Student Financial Aid Handbook
Policy attachments can be found on the LMS.
39
APPENDIX A
Department Manual:
Policy Number:
A-1
Title:
Admissions Policy
Category:
Original Date:
4/75
Policy Owner:
Admissions Committee
Keywords:
Admissions
Last Review
Date:
6/14
Referenced With:
Abington Memorial Hospital
Administrative Policy
Abington Memorial Hospital Employee
Health Policy
Abington Memorial Hospital Personnel
Policy and Procedure (Policy #124)
Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon
School of Nursing Students with
Disabilities Policy
Review Cycle:
Annually
Last Revision
Date:
6/14
Purpose:
The Dixon School of Nursing (DSON) is dedicated to improving and diversifying nursing
by accepting qualified applicants who possess the characteristics of integrity, responsibility,
dignity, scholar, accountability, and humility to enter the profession of nursing. The Admissions
Committee, representing the faculty and staff of the DSON, selects candidates for admission
who satisfy the admission criteria and demonstrate the capability of completing the program
and becoming registered nurses.
Our mission is to recruit, educate, retain, and prepare students who understand and respect the
nursing process while exemplifying excellence in nursing education. By embracing diversity,
we will create an academic environment that promotes thinking and interaction, and helps
students learn from each individual’s cultural, educational, life, and learning differences.
Policy:
The Abington Memorial Hospital Schools of Nursing is an equal opportunity institution. It does
not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation,
age, disability, marital status, or veteran status in their educational policies, admission policies,
scholarship, and loan programs and other institutionally administered programs.
Procedure:
A. Application Process
1. A prospective student may request or download an application for admission to the
DSON. An application includes:
a) Application and non-refundable fee.
b) Fee waiver requests will be reviewed on an individual basis.
c) Official transcripts (signed and with the school seal affixed) from each school
attended. To include the following:
1. High school – an official transcript of years completed or an official state
authorized General Education Diploma (GED), HiSef, or TASC certificate
with scores as per the Department of Education. Those home-schooled should
provide an accurate account of the courses completed in high school years.
a. Final transcripts showing date of graduation must be submitted to the
Admissions Office prior to entering the program.
40
b. Students who attended high school outside of the U.S. must provide an
evaluation of the high school transcript from an approved agency.
2. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended to include the
most current completed courses.
a. All students, including those receiving Title IV (Pell, Stafford Loans) or state
grants while attending another School prior to entrance, must include official
transcripts for any and all college coursework, including that obtained
outside of the U.S., prior to entrance or while enrolled at the DSON.
b. Transfer of credit earned by students must comply with the DSON policy.
The DSON reviews the transfer credits for the currency, comparability,
relevancy to nursing program, calculation of credit, and earned grade for
the course(s).
c. Approved courses are listed on DSON transcript at time of enrollment.
d) Standardized testing results
e) Completion of college course prerequisites
1. All courses listed are considered introductory college level – Chemistry with
lab; English, Psychology; Sociology; Nutrition; Developmental Psychology
over the Life Span; Anatomy and Physiology I & II with labs taken within five
years of starting the nursing curriculum; Microbiology with lab; and a statistics
course.
2. The DSON reserves the right to rescind offer of acceptance or withhold
advancement to the next level of the nursing curriculum if the student does not
achieve a C or higher in the outstanding course work.
3. Students are notified of missing required application items upon submission of
their application and through the application deadline.
f) Student’s personal statement
g) Two letters of recommendation – (exception: student transferring from a nursing
program – see Admission type RN transferring in).
Note: Exceptions To The Above Criteria Are Reviewed On An Individual Basis
2. Application deadlines: February 1st for new student orientation and classes commencing
in August. Rolling admission for early decision candidates up to February 1st based
upon criteria completion as outlined in section B., 1.
3. The information contained in application files is confidential and proprietary to the
School. The School’s application files contain information received from other institutions and/or individuals which is meant to be confidential.
4. The DSON considers all documents submitted for acceptance to be School property
and will not be released, forwarded, or provided to applicants once submitted. This
includes, but is not limited to: transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized
testing, and personal statement.
B. Admission Types
1. Rolling Admissions
a) The completed application deadline is February 1st for the selection process for
classes commencing the following August.
b) Reviews will be conducted on those with a minimum of five of the ten prerequisite
college courses completed, one of which must be a lab science prerequisite course.
c) Completion of all college prerequisites is recommended.
d) All rolling decision acceptances are provisional pending successful completion of
any remaining college pre-requisite courses or admission criteria.
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Applicant criteria
e) Post-secondary college graduate or course level student:
1. A cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher
2. TEAS testing will be required for those applying. The School reserves the right
to request TEAS testing that is within 2 years of starting nursing education.
3. Satisfactory standardized testing scores: Test of Essential Academic Skills
(TEAS) pre-admission results of 70% or higher on the Adjusted Individual Total
Score with at least at 60% in each of the 4 module scores is recommended.
4. Repeat TEAS testing results (for pre-acceptance) may be scheduled in 3 months.
2. Regular decision
a) The completed application deadline is February 1st for the selection process for
classes commencing the following August.
b) Completion of college prerequisites is recommended.
c) Reviews will be conducted on those with a minimum of five of the ten pre-requisite
college courses complete, one of which must be a lab science course.
d) All regular decision acceptances are provisional pending successful completion of
any remaining college prerequisite courses or admission criteria.
Applicant criteria
e) Post-secondary college graduate or course level student
1. A cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher is recommended.
2. A prerequisite GPA of 2.75 or higher is recommended.
3. TEAS Pre-Admission testing will be required for those applying. The School
reserves the right to request TEAS testing that is within 2 years of starting
nursing education.
4. Satisfactory standardized testing scores: Test of Essential Academic Skills
(TEAS) pre-admission results of 60% or higher on the Adjusted Individual Total
Score with at least 50% or higher in each of the 4 module scores is recommended.
5. Repeat TEAS testing results (for pre-acceptance) may be scheduled in 3 months.
6. Although these are established criteria, the School reserves the right to evaluate
the student’s comprehensive profile.
3. General information for both applicant types
a) Applicants meeting rolling decision criteria will be notified of acceptance, provisional acceptance, wait list status, non-acceptance, or incomplete status within two
weeks of submission of all materials no later than February 25th.
b) All other applicants will be notified by mail of decision of acceptance, provisional
acceptance, wait list status, non-acceptance, or incomplete status on or before March
1st.
Note: Exceptions To The Above Criteria Are Reviewed On An Individual Basis
4. Special Considerations:
a) The accepted student who has been enrolled in an accredited registered nursing
program and is in good academic standing would be eligible to request placement
based on the completion of all admission criteria, available seat in the class, and
final approval by the Admissions Committee.
b) The Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Director of Nursing Education/
designee and the Curriculum Coordinator then determines the following:
1. Requirements for completing the nursing program on an individual basis.
2. Specific courses the applicant will be required to complete.
3. A minimum passing score for the nursing challenge examinations will be 75% or
above. The exam must be taken at least 90 days prior to the beginning of the course.
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4. Credit will not be given for any clinical nursing courses over one year old.
5. Following acceptance, successful completion of a simulated skills examination
based on specific criteria for each level will be required for placement in the
curriculum.
6. Required challenges and simulated skills examination may only be taken once.
7. Individuals not satisfactorily completing the above challenges are required to
take the course(s).
8. The Admissions Committee will be responsible for notifying the student of the
final decision.
5. Licensed Practical Nurse Bridge to RN Opportunity
a) A provisionally accepted applicant or accepted applicant, who has successfully
passed the NCLEX-PN exam, who holds a current Pennsylvania Licensed Practical
Nurse license in good standing, and has worked as an LPN a minimum of 1000
clinical hours in the last 3 years, may be considered for advanced placement in the
nursing curriculum.
b) Transcript from the completed and accredited PN program must be submitted with
application.
c) Two letters of recommendation are required. A letter of reference from the most
recent employer is required along with proof of 1000 hours worked. If the accepted/
provisionally accepted applicant graduated their PN program in the last five years,
the second letter of reference is required from Dean/Faculty of the PN Program.
All others may choose who provides their second recommendation.
d) One copy of the current PN license is required.
e) In order to opt out of N199: Fundamentals in Nursing, The student must submit the
fee for the NLN Nursing Accelerated Challenge Exam (ACE), which must be taken at
least 30 days prior to the beginning of the N199 course. A student must successfully
complete the ACE PN – RN: Foundations of Nursing and clinical skills validation at
the DSON. The student must achieve a 75% on the NLN challenge exam.
1. After passing the challenge exam, the student must pay a fee and schedule a
meeting regarding completion of a skills competency (which includes a head-totoe physical assessment, a math test, and care plans) with the LRC Coordinator.
The student must achieve a passing score of 75% on each of these components.
2. During Term I the student will be encouraged to audit some classes and must
complete the ATI algorithm for N199 and electronic health record training.
f) Student will be required to enroll in N250. The student will not be considered
full-time for purposes of Financial Aid.
g) LPN Bridge to RN fee and the Student’s applicable Term 1 Tuition and Institutional
Fees are still required prior to the first day of class. The student will receive an
invoice from the Bursar. Adjusted course requirement fees for the LPN Bridge
Program are:
1. NLN-RN Foundations in Nursing Challenge Exam fee - $100.00
2. Skills Competency fee - $100.00
h) All fees are non-refundable.
i) Required challenges and simulated skills examination may only be taken once.
j) Individuals not satisfactorily completing the above challenges will be required to
take the N199 course in its entirety in the next academic year.
C. Educational Requirements
1. Applicants for admission must provide official proof of graduation from high school or hold
a General Educational Diploma (GED). Applicants with a GED must meet the algebra and
science requirements in addition to the required college courses as stated above.
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2. High school courses
a)Required
1. English – 4 units
2. Science – 2 units
Biology with a related laboratory
Chemistry with a related laboratory
3. Mathematics – 2 units (one of which must be Algebra)
b) Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra courses taken at the college level will be reviewed
to replace the high school science and math requirement.
c) Home-schooled graduates should provide an accurate account of the courses
completed in high school years.
3. Transcripts – An official transcript (signed and with the school seal affixed) from each
school attended must be submitted to the Admissions Office. Final official transcripts
must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to entering the program.
4. Acceptance of college credits and other nursing program credits
a) Applicant transcripts will be reviewed for college courses, which meet the curriculum requirements in the program.
b) The Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid will determine which
courses are acceptable to meet these curriculum requirements.
c) Applicants may be requested to submit the course title, number, catalog description,
syllabus and course outline for a specific course listed on a transcript.
d) Applicants with a failure in one or more nursing courses, from an approved nursing
program, may be ineligible for admission.
e) Applicants with multiple withdrawals or failures on his or her transcript(s) related
to prerequisites may be ineligible for admission.
5. All credit by examination awarded for college/university prerequisites must be submitted
on an official accredited college/university transcript.
D. Admission Decision Process
1. An applicant’s file must meet the completed application criteria.
a) Candidates are recommended to have all prerequisite college course work completed
by appropriate admission application deadline.
2. A minimum of 5 college courses totaling 15 credits (One of the five courses completed
must be lab science courses) will also be reviewed for admission with each application deadline. Eligible applicants may request or be contacted for an interview with
a member / members of the Admission Committee and faculty. The purpose of the
interview is to ensure that eligible candidates who present with an academic status at
or bordering on the lower benchmarks for the admission criteria established, may still
be selected and who will perhaps be successful in the DSON program despite past
academic challenges while maintaining a balanced student population. Prospective
applicants would have an opportunity to share their experiences and any extenuating
circumstances; identify academic struggles; and speak to their plan for academic success
should they elect to attend the DSON program. Interview questions are designed to
facilitate a conversation regarding the student’s academic ability and work/life balance.
The DSON Admissions Committee would use information disclosed in the event that
the class enrollment has two or more very similar applicants and few remaining seats
to be filled. Admission interviews will be granted upon request or the Admissions
Department may request an interview if any of the following conditions exist:
a) Applicant has two or more withdraws on prerequisite coursework required.
b) Applicant has a cumulative GPA of under a 2.5.
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c) Applicant has a prerequisite GPA of under a 2.6.
d) Applicant has a TEAS score lower than a 56 (Basic) Composite score.
e) Applicant has 4 or more outstanding prerequisite or only 1 science course completed.
3. Applicants meeting the eligibility requirements will be presented to the Admissions
Committee for fall entry.
4. The Admissions Office will be responsible for sending letters of notification of
acceptance, provisional acceptance, non-acceptance, waitlist, or incomplete application
within one month and no later than February 25th or March 1st respectively..
5. Provisional acceptance indicates that the student must complete remaining coursework
with a C or higher as per entrance criteria.
6. Acceptance is pending successful completion of all admission criteria to include
background checks, physical examination, and all other requirements requested by the
DSON.
E. Acceptance Process
1. Student Responsibilities
a) An acceptance fee is required after notification of acceptance in order to reserve
a place in the class. A deadline of up to four weeks will be granted to submit the
non-refundable acceptance fee.
b) A student may request a payment plan or have the fee waived at the discretion of the
Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid or the Director of Nursing
Education/Chair DSON.
c) If an applicant is unable to confirm his or her seat in the School of Nursing, the
School reserves the right to consider the seat forfeited and the applicant may only
be placed on the wait list by request.
d) Accepted students and provisionally accepted students who have submitted their
$250 non-refundable acceptance fee may request to defer to the following year.
(Up to and including the first Accepted Students Session to secure his or her place
one time only). A letter of intent to defer is required. If a student wishes to defer, a
non-refundable $250 deposit, to be applied to the student’s Term 1 fees, is required
by July 31st of the first enrollment term at the DSON. Accepted and provisionally
accepted students are required to submit official transcripts showing completion
of prerequisite courses according to Admissions Criteria.
e) Completion of all prerequisite college science courses remaining must be completed
with a C or higher prior to nursing curriculum.
2. Wait List
a) Wait List is to be maintained by the Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and
Financial Aid/designee.
b) The Wait List will be prioritized based on the most complete file, followed by highest
the GPA, standardized test scores, followed by those with one course remaining,
two courses remaining, etc.
c) If seats for the fall entry class become available, the Director of Admissions,
Recruitment, and Financial Aid will refer to the established Wait List up until the
second week of July.
d) The applicant will be encouraged to submit the acceptance fee upon notification
that a seat has become available to secure his or her seat.
e) The Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid/designee will be
responsible for ensuring that letters of notification about the dissolving of the Wait
List are sent out in a timely manner.
45
3. Roll Over Request from the Wait List
a) A letter from the applicant will be required indicating his or her request to have a
file rolled over to the following year. The rollover request is permitted one time
from the Wait List category and incomplete file category per applicant.
b) If an applicant on the Wait List submitted his or her application and it is now over
two years old, the applicant will be asked to re-submit an application, but will not
be charged the application fee. The completed application should be submitted by
September of that year. The only exception is if the applicant is placed on the waitlist
during two admission periods and is not accepted as a student, he/she will be required
to submit a new application with fee if she/he would like to be considered for entry.
c) Applicants from the dissolved Wait List will be considered during the Rolling
Decision process for the following entry class if admissions criteria has been met
and their prerequisite courses are complete.
F. Readmission Requirements for Service Members
1. DSON is required to readmit-with no change in academic status-students whose
attendance was interrupted by a call to or order active duty (i.e. on active duty in the
Armed Forces, including such service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve)
for a period of more than 30 days.
2. A student’s eligibility for readmission terminates if the student is separated from
the Armed Forces due to dishonorable or bad conduct discharge, court-martial, or
incarceration in a Federal or State facility after having been found guilty of an offense
by a court other than a court martial or military court.
G. Additional Requirements for Admission/Post Acceptance/Return from an Approved LOA
1. All accepted and provisionally accepted students will receive information regarding
application for financial aid upon receipt of acceptance fee deposit.
2. All admitted students are required to complete and submit the following mandatory
background investigation, and all post acceptance requirements prior to scheduled
Student Orientation. Admission is pending a satisfactory clearance of such checks.
Non-compliance will automatically rescind the admission offer.
a) Criminal Record Check – completed by Abington Health’s (AH) Human Resources
Department at time of acceptance; students returning from an approved LOA will
complete and submit independently.
b) Child Abuse Clearance
c) FBI Fingerprint Clearance
d) Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support –Healthcare Provider
credential
3. The admitted/enrolled student is obligated to report to the Director of Admissions,
Recruitment, and Financial Aid any and all material changes in their background checks
to include the following:
a) Criminal- new offense (such as a conviction of or guilty plea to a felony crime or
misdemeanor).
b) Pending not yet adjudicated offense the School reserves the right to present to Legal
Counsel for direction on cases not yet presented in court, since the student may not
be able to meet course objectives.
4. Health examination and forms
a) Pre-entrance drug and alcohol screenings and N95 mask testing are performed
through the Abington Health Employee Health Department and must be completed
by the student prior to attending the fall orientation program.
b) The School reserves the right to request additional health screening if deemed
appropriate.
46
c) An acceptance offer may be rescinded for failure to comply or failure to pass pre-entrance
requirements as required by the Employee Health Department at Abington Health .
d) The enrolled or returning student’s status may be rescinded for failure to comply
with or failure to pass AH EHS re-entrance requirements.
5. Information regarding the Accepted Student procedures and mandatory completion
will be included in offer of acceptance.
6. Students are encouraged to maintain personal medical insurance coverage to meet any
medical and dental costs should they occur.
7. It is the student’s responsibility if he or she has a specific learning need to identify
that condition in writing to the Admissions Committee at the time of acceptance. (See
Students with Disabilities Policy.)
8. The DSON is committed to providing an environment conducive to the success of
nursing student. Students with identified learning needs will be referred to available
resources. All reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure educational success.
9. Accepted/enrolled students must comply with and meet all requirements of the DSON.
(See Grading and Evaluation Policy).
H. Applicant Certification / Acknowledgements
1. The applicant’s signature indicates that he or she has read and certifies that the information provided in the application is complete, accurate and honestly presented.
2. Academic performance standards are required for completion of the DSON academic
nursing program. All prerequisite courses and transcripts from all programs attended
are to be submitted as per the DSON.
3. Each applicant offered admission to the DSON will be (are) required to have a criminal
background check and child abuse clearance. The Admissions Office will provide
the applicant with the appropriate information to complete this requirement at the
appropriate intervals of the Admission process.
4. Clinical sites utilized for clinical experiences that require a criminal background check
and/or child abuse clearance may deny a student’s participation in the clinical experience or rotation because of a felony or misdemeanor conviction or a record of child
abuse at the discretion of the clinical site. Clinical sites may also deny participation
in clinical for other reasons, such as/not limited to failure of a required drug test, or
inability to produce an appropriate health clearance for Abington Health’s Employee
Health Department.
5. Participation in clinical experiences is a required part of the curriculum and a requirement of graduation. Denial of participation by a clinical site may result in delay of
graduation or the inability to graduate from the DSON.
6. Each applicant that is accepted into the DSON expressly acknowledges that the school
has adopted Abington Memorial Hospital’s substance abuse policy number 804, which,
among other things, allows the School to test a nursing student for the presence of drugs
and/or alcohol upon the existence of reasonable suspicion.
7. Regardless of whether or not a student graduates from the DSON, individuals who have
been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor may be denied certification or licensure as
a health professional.
a) The Professional Nursing Law of Pennsylvania (No. 1985, P.L. 409, No. 109)
specifies that applicants for licensure to practice may be denied a license or the
privilege of sitting for the licensing examination if they have been convicted of a
felony or other crimes. Personal concerns regarding this position should be directed
to the State Board of Nursing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (717-783-7146), before
completing the application.
47
8. Falsification, misrepresentation, or omission of information on this application or
credentials, may result in the denial or revocation of admission or offer of admission, as
applicable, and, if enrolled, will result in disciplinary action that may include dismissal
from the DSON.
I. Personal Attributes and Capabilities Essential for Admission, Progression and Graduation
of School of Nursing Students.
The curriculum leading to a diploma in Nursing from the Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon
School of Nursing require students to engage in diverse and complex experiences directed at
the acquisition and practice of essential nursing skills and functions. Unique combinations
of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, physical, and social abilities are required to perform
these functions satisfactorily. In addition to being essential to the successful completion of
the requirements of a nursing diploma, these skills and functions are necessary to ensure
the health and safety of patients, fellow students, faculty, and other health care providers.
The following core standards describe the non-academic qualifications required in addition
to academic qualifications that the School considers essential for entrance to, continuation
in, and graduation from its nursing diploma program. Candidates for a nursing diploma
must be able at least to meet these minimum standards with or without reasonable accommodation for successful completion of the program. The core standards described below
are not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather are provided for informational purposes.
1. Visual, Auditory, and Tactile Abilities
a) Sufficient ability to gather data from written reference materials, oral presentations,
demonstrations, and observation of a patient and his/her environment.
b) Sufficient ability to perform health assessments and interventions; observe
diagnostic specimens; and obtain information from digital, analog, and waveform
representations of physiologic phenomena to determine a patient’s condition.
c) Examples of relevant activities:
i. Visual acuity sufficient to draw up the correct quantity of medication in a syringe
or detect changes in skin color or condition.
ii. Auditory ability sufficient to detect sounds related to bodily functions using a
stethoscope or to detect audible alarms generated by mechanical systems used
to monitor patient physiological status.
iii. Tactile abilities sufficient to detect unsafe temperature levels in heat-producing
devices used in-patient care or detect anatomical abnormalities, such as edema
or small nodules.
2. Communication Abilities
a) Ability to communicate with accuracy, clarity, and efficiency with patients, their
families, and other members of the health care team (including spoken and nonverbal communications, such as interpretation of facial expressions, affect, and
body language).
b) Required communication abilities, including speech, hearing, reading, writing,
language skills, and computer literacy.
i. Ability sufficient to give verbal directions to or follow verbal directions from
other members of the health care team and to participate in health care team
discussions of patient care.
ii. Ability sufficient to elicit and record information about health history, current
health state, or responses to treatment from patients or family members.
iii. Ability sufficient to convey information to patients and others as necessary to
teach, direct, and counsel individuals.
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3. Motor Abilities
a) Sufficient motor function to execute movements required to provide general care
and treatment to patients in all health care settings.
b) Required motor functions include gross and fine motor skills, physical endurance,
physical strength, and mobility to carry out nursing procedures, perform basic
laboratory tests, and provide routine and emergency care and treatment to patients.
i. Fine motor skills sufficient to obtain assessment information by palpation,
auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers.
ii. Physical endurance sufficient to complete assigned periods of clinical practice.
iii. Mobility sufficient to carry out patient care procedures, such as tracheotomy
care or performing emergency airway suctioning.
iv. Strength sufficient to carry out patient care procedures, such as assisting in the
turning and lifting of patients.
4. Behavioral, Interpersonal and Emotional Abilities
a) Ability to relate to colleagues, staff and patients with honesty, integrity, and nondiscrimination.
b) Capacity for the development of a mature, sensitive, and effective therapeutic
relationship with patients.
c) Ability to work constructively in stressful and changing environments with the
ability to modify behavior in response to constructive criticism.
d) Capacity to demonstrate ethical behavior, including adherence to the professional
nursing and student honor codes.
THE ABINGTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DIXON SCHOOL OF NURSING ABIDES
BY ALL APPLICABLE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
1. Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing position regarding felonious acts and licensure. (The
Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act, 1972, P.L. 233, No. 64).
2. Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law 11, P.S.2223.1(e).
3. Fair Credit Reporting Act
4. Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Record Check.
THE SCHOOL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ITS CURRICULUM, EDUCATION
POLICIES, AND EXPENSES AT ANY TIME. REASONABLE NOTICE WILL BE GIVEN.
THESE CHANGES WILL BE COMMUNICATED IN WRITING.
49
APPENDIX B
Department Manual: Policy Number:
Dixon School of
S-1
Nursing
Title:
Category:
Dixon School of
Nursing
Original Date:
6/97
Policy Owner:
Student Evaluation and Achievement
Committee
Keywords:
Attendance, Lateness
Last Review Date:
6/14
Referenced with:
Abington Memorial Hospital Employee
Health Services Policy
Student Financial Aid Handbook
Grading and Evaluation Policy
Review Cycle:
Annually
Last Revision Date:
6/14
Purpose:
The Faculty of Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing believes that to ensure
safe nursing practice, attendance and punctuality for class and clinical experiences are essential.
Policy:
Students are expected to attend all planned educational activities and must meet all course
objectives as per school policies (i.e. Grading and Evaluation) and The Steeple, Student
Handbook, to successfully graduate from the Dixon School of Nursing.
Procedure:
A.Attendance
1. All students are expected to attend all class and clinical experiences.
2. Students must sign the attendance record at the beginning of each class. Failure to sign
the attendance form will result in being marked as absent. Students may not sign in for
another student. Proof of this occurrence will be referred to the Student Evaluation and
Achievement Committee (SEAC) and may result in dismissal from the program.
3. Prolonged classroom absences may jeopardize the student’s ability to meet the course
objectives. Students identified with problem absenteeism and/or lateness will be referred
by the faculty to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair of the Dixon School of
Nursing. A student must attend a minimum of 75% of classroom time. Missing more
than 25% of classroom time in any course will result in a course failure.
4. Significant tardiness may result in exclusion from participation in lab/clinical
experiences and/or involve an alternate assignment to be determined by the Course
Coordinator. Students are expected to come to class on time. Arriving late is extremely
disruptive to both the instructor and the other students. The faculty reserves the right to
restrict entrance to the classroom for students who are late. Students who are consistently
late will also be referred to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair or designee who
may refer the student to the SEAC.
5. Students are expected to arrive on time for clinical experiences. Arriving late for clinical
may interfere with patient care. Students who arrive greater than 30 minutes late will
be dismissed from clinical and marked as absent for the day.
6. Absence from clinical may jeopardize the student’s ability to meet course objectives and
requirements and is reflective of professional behavior. After any clinical absence, an
additional assignment will be given if the student is not meeting course objectives. Only two
clinical absences will be permitted in an academic year before a required make-up day, which
will incur a fee, is assigned. Only two make-up days will be permitted per academic year
unless approval is given by the Director of Nursing Education/Chair or designee. Make-up
50
days will be determined based on instructor availability and may be scheduled on either a
week or a weekend day based on the discretion of the faculty and the needs of the School.
Any clinical make-up day will require a payment of the associated fees ($100/day) for the
make-up. The course will be considered incomplete, final grades will not be posted on the
Learning Management System, and no report card will be issued until the fee is paid in full.
7. Students who present to and are unprepared for clinical assignments may be dismissed
from clinical and it will be considered a clinical absence. Being unprepared for clinical
assignments includes, but is not limited to, failure to produce evidence of knowledge
or skill level for safe practice, and/or failure to produce evidence of CPR certification,
required immunizations and criminal clearances. Students may not come to clinical when
ill, and if they do, they will be dismissed and this will be considered a clinical absence.
8. If a student is summoned for jury duty, the Course Coordinator must be notified. The School
cannot have a student excused from jury duty. If jury duty will interfere adversely with the
student’s educational process, the student may make a request for deferment of jury duty
to the summoning court. Clinical make-up time may be required for absences that result
from jury duty in order for the student to meet course objectives and requirements.
9. Clinical absences and/or lateness will be noted on the student’s clinical evaluation.
10.Prolonged classroom and/or clinical absences may jeopardize the student’s ability to
meet the course objectives. Students identified with problem absenteeism and lateness
will be referred by the faculty to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair of Dixon
School of Nursing. A student must attend a minimum of 75% of classroom time.
Missing more than 25% of classroom time in any course will result in a course failure.
11. Absenteeism and lateness will be documented on recommendations completed by faculty.
12.Students with perfect clinical attendance upon completion of the program will be
recognized at graduation and will receive a certificate by mail that can be kept in the
student’s portfolio and shared with future employers and academic institutions.
B. Communication of Clinical Absences or Lateness
1.Students MUST report any absence or lateness from a clinical experience by contacting the
appropriate Instructor according to the instructions provided at the beginning of the term
by the Course Coordinator. Contacting a fellow student is not an acceptable alternative.
2. If a student needs to leave a clinical experience before its scheduled end, the Instructor
must be notified. The student may be expected to do an additional clinical assignment
or a clinical make-up and pay the associated fees.
C. Course Abandonment/Unofficial Course Withdrawal
1. Unofficial course withdrawal is defined as ceased attendance without official notification
or expressed intent to withdraw during a period of enrollment at the Dixon School
of Nursing. Official withdrawal from Dixon School of Nursing is defined under the
Grading and Evaluation Policy.
2. If a student stops attending class and clinical without formal notification to the Director
of Nursing Education/Chair/designee for two weeks or longer, they will be considered
to have unofficially withdrawn from the course and will be dismissed from the Program
at the end of the course.
3. A course failure will be reflected on the student transcript.
D. Documentation of Attendance
1. The School maintains a cumulative attendance record for each student that includes
lateness and absences.
2. Students receiving Title IV funding who unofficially withdraw from the DSON during
any portion of the academic term is processed for the mandatory Return of Title IV funds
calculation. The last date of attendance will be determined by the Course Coordinator.
Return of Title IV funds determines if any amount of the federal monies received needs
to be returned to the federal program based on the last date of attendance.
51
E.Obligations
If a student’s file is placed on hold by the School or Hospital Administration because of
failure to meet any financial obligation due either the School or an affiliate, including, but
not limited to, Abington Memorial Hospital or any Title IV programs, the School reserves
the right to refuse the release of report cards, transcripts, letters of recommendations,
verification of graduation, or to disenroll in the program until obligations to the Dixon
School of Nursing or Abington Memorial Hospital have been met.
APPENDIX C
Department Manual:
Dixon School of
Nursing
Policy Number:
D-2
Title:
Department Specific Safety
Category:
Dixon School of
Nursing
Original Date:
1/07
Policy Owner:
Faculty Organization Committee
Keywords:
Safety
Last Review Date:
6/14
Referenced With:
Timely Warning Policy and Procedure
AMH Security Policy and Procedure
AMH Code Silver
AMH Emergency Management Plan
The Clery Act
Review Cycle:
Annually
Last Revision Date:
6/14
Purpose:
To provide department specific safety plans for fire, security, and safety for the Dixon School
of Nursing.
Policy:
It is the policy of Abington Memorial Hospital, Dixon School of Nursing to have department
specific plans of action in place, communicated and reviewed yearly with students, staff and faculty.
Procedure:
I. FIRE
A. Call Procedure:
1. Upper Moreland Fire Co./Police Department. 9-911
2. AMH Plant Operations Department (M-F 7:30 – 4:00)ext. 2509
3. Security Dispatch (24/7) ext. 2828
B. If a fire occurs at our location, take the following actions:
1. Sound the alarm through the nearest fire alarm box and call the Fire Department
as listed above.
a. Report location of the fire. This is the most important information to give the
operator.
b. Identify yourself to the operator.
2. If possible, secure proper fire extinguisher and operate at the base of the fire until
the fire is extinguished or until the Fire Department arrives.
3. Close doors and windows to isolate the fire.
4. Remove all persons in immediate danger.
5. Until the Fire Department arrives, remain out of danger by exiting the building
using the stairs and meet in the front parking lot (Maryland Rd.).
6. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS. TAKE THE STAIRS.
52
7. Stairways and fire doors must be kept closed. DO NOT prop them open.
8. DO NOT YELL “FIRE”/CALMLY ANNOUNCE, CODE RED.
C. Know where fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and evacuation routes are (see attached
Fire Evacuation maps).
1. Ground Floor
a. Pull Alarms located near outside exit door, by central and west stairwell doors.
b. Fire Extinguishers located opposite wall of elevator and west stairwell door.
c. Exit/Evacuation Maps located near outside exit door.
2. First Floor
a. Pull Alarms located in entry lobby.
b. Fire Extinguishers located on opposite wall of elevators, near central and west
stairwells.
c. Exit/Evacuation Maps located on opposite wall from elevator.
3. Second Floor
a. Pull Alarms located near central, east, and west stairwell doors.
b. Fire Extinguishers located in reception area, near east and west stairwell, and
between offices 222 and 223 (west side).
c. Exit/Evacuation Maps located across from elevators, near east and west stairwell.
4. Third Floor
a. Pull Alarms located by central, east, and west Stairwell doors.
b. Fire Extinguishers located on opposite wall of elevators, near central and west
stairwells.
c. Exit/Evacuation Maps located on opposite wall from elevator.
5. Exits to outside:
a. East Stairwell – exits directly outside on ground floor.
b. Central Stairwell – exits to outside on first floor.
c. Ground Floor –proceed through the exit door past the elevator to outside.
d. West Stairwell – exits to outside on first floor.
D. Know the meaning of RACE
R – Rescue
A – Announce fire
C – Confine fire
E – Evacuate area
E. Know how to use a fire extinguisher (PASS)
P – Pull out trigger
A – Aim
S – Squeeze handle
S – Sweeping motion to extinguish fire
F. Fire Codes
1. A CODE RED indicates a fire alarm; the Dixon School of Nursing must put the
Fire Policy Plan into effect.
2. A CODE YELLOW indicates that a fire drill is in effect and the Dixon School of
Nursing should exit the building using the stairs and meet in the front parking lot
(Maryland Rd.).
3. A CODE GREEN indicates the “all clear” and that the Dixon School of Nursing
may resume school operations.
53
II. SECURITY
A. In the event of a true emergency, dial 9-911.
B. If a security concern arises at Abington Memorial Hospital, the student or employee
should immediately dial ext. 777.
C. If a security concern arises at the Dixon School of Nursing, the student or employee
should dial 2828.
D. Campus Security/Law Enforcement
1. The “Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act,” P.L. #101-542, also known
as the Clery Act, requires all post-secondary institutions to collect information on
campus safety. The Act further requires that institutions “prepare, publish and
distribute” this information to all current students and employees, and to any applicant
for enrollment or employment upon request. The following information is presented
pursuant to the requirements of the Act. Abington Memorial Hospital is committed
to providing a safe environment for all members of the hospital community including
Dixon School of Nursing students, faculty, staff and guests. The Abington Memorial
Hospital Employee Handbook addresses the issue of security on hospital property.
a. Report immediately to Security:
i. any individual acting in a suspicious manner, loitering or causing a
disturbance.
ii. any situation which may endanger people or property.
iii. any loss or damage of personal or hospital property.
b. Identification badges are to be visibly displayed by all members of the hospital
community, at all times, on hospital property.
c. The Security Department of Abington Memorial Hospital provides security
and protection services for students, faculty, staff, guests of the Dixon School
of Nursing, and the public and provides escort service for any member of the
hospital community who wishes to be accompanied to their vehicle in one of
the hospital’s parking locations. Security can be reached through the hospital
telephone operator for this service.
d. At orientation to the DSON the following security safeguards are addressed:
i. Assignment of student identification badges
ii. Student access to school and hospital facilities
iii. Student parking procedures
iv. Safeguarding student property
v. Obtainment of security assistance
e. Security personnel possess no police authority. The Security Department
makes every effort to comply with the Crimes Code of Pennsylvania relative
to the requirements for reporting crimes to the police which have occurred on
Abington Memorial Hospital property. In addition, the Security Department
keeps informed of criminal occurrences in the surrounding areas and takes action
through patrol and notification of members of the hospital community including
Dixon School of Nursing students, faculty, staff and guests as to potential
problems. The Security Department records all unusual incidents, both minor
and major, in a database computer format, for the means of record keeping and
to use for trend identification and consequent application of corrective action.
54
f. Security Awareness/Crime Prevention Program is reviewed at orientation to
the Dixon School of Nursing new students and employees are informed about
campus security at Abington Memorial Hospital and the Dixon School of
Nursing. Security procedures and practices, personal security awareness and
methods of crime prevention are discussed. Campus Security Information is
distributed in the Fall of each academic year to current students and employees.
2. Statistical information
a. Statistics concerning the occurrence on campus, during the most recent calendar
year, and during the two preceding calendar years for which data are available,
of the following criminal offenses reported to the campus security authorities
or local police agencies:
i.
Murder0
ii.
Rape0
iii.
Robbery0
iv. Aggravated assault
0
v.
Burglary0
vi. Motor vehicle theft
0
b. Statistics concerning the number of arrests for the following crimes occurring
on campus:
i. Liquor law violations
0
ii. Drug abuse violations
0
iii. Weapons possessions
0
c. This statistical information represents reported incidents from all AMH facilities.
E. CODE FIND: Visitor/Student/Infant/Child Discovered Missing or Abducted
1. The Code FIND procedure includes:
a. Announce to the Department Director and/or Office Manager that a “Code
FIND” situation has occurred.
b. The Director and/or Office Manager will inform the remaining faculty and staff
in the school/office that a “Code FIND” situation has occurred.
c. Everyone is to report to the Reception Area and sign-in (see attached), which
is our command center. At this time the Departmental and Hospital Policies
regarding Code FIND will be reviewed (see attached Hospital Policy #30.01).
d. Individuals will be assigned to help secure critical locations (9), using maps, to
prevent anyone from entering or leaving the premises. The six critical locations
consist of the following: Ground Level Fire Panic Door Exit (1), Fire Panic
Doors in Ground Classroom 1 and 3 (2), Lobby Level Exit Doors (3), Lobby
Level Fire Panic Door Inside of Stairwell (4), by the Elevators and Stairwell
Door on the Second Floor (5), at the East Stairwell Door for the stairs on the
second floor (6), outside the Lobby Level Panic Exit viewing both parking lots
(7), by the Elevators and Stairwell Door on the Third Floor (8), and at the East
Stairwell Door for the stairs on the second floor (9).
i. Attachment A is to be completed by the Director/Office Manager or their
designee. Complete the description of the missing person and identify all
employees and visitors on Attachment A. These sheets are to be maintained
as documentation of drill or event.
ii. There are multiple copies of Attachment B (ground floor), C (first floor),
D (second floor), E (third floor). One copy set of attachments/maps is to
be completed and maintained with Attachment A as documentation of the
drill or event. Each assignment map should list who was assigned to the
location. The additional copies are to be given to the assignee to ensure
clear understanding of the observation assignment location.
55
e. The Director and/or Office Manager will call the Code FIND Hotline (ext.
3463) to report a description of missing person.
f. The Director and/or Office Manager will then contact 911 to report visitor/student/infant/child abduction to the police, if not already notified, give a detailed
description of the visitor/student/infant/child and continue to secure office exits
until police instruct otherwise. At this time, the Code FIND Description Sheet
is completed (see attached).
g. The Director and/or Office Manager will contact the AMH Security Department
at 215-481-2828 and provide complete information, including which Police
Department was notified.
h. Conduct a complete search of facility. Coordinate the search using both AMH
personnel and local police, when indicated.
i. When police arrive, the Director and/or Office Manager will provide assistance
to the police officers as requested; including any additional information about
the missing visitor/student/infant/child.
j. Support will need to be provided to assure privacy to family/caregiver of missing
visitor/student/infant/child.
k. The Director will make the decision to start the Emergency Phone Chain and
provide complete information to everyone.
l. The Director or Office Manager will contact the Code FIND Hotline 215-4813463 for any updates or further instruction.
m. Continue Alert status until the Director or Office Manager communicates the
Code FIND is “Clear.”
n. Any requests for information from the media or other outside sources are to be
redirected to the Public Relations Department at 215-481-2300.
2.Recovery
a. Upon recovery of visitor/student/infant/child, all staff involved in the incident
will be informed that person has been found.
b. The Director will assess mental condition of staff and make decision to continue
office operations as normal or make any appropriate adjustments to the office
schedule
c. Every attempt will be made to maintain confidentiality for the person and family
involved in a “Code FIND”.
d. For infant and children – the area where the abduction occurred must be
protected as a “crime scene” in order to preserve the subsequent collection of
any evidence by law enforcement.
3. Code FIND Signature Sheets
a. Maintain sign-in sheets and assignment maps.
F. CODE SILVER: Hostage/Serious Criminal Acts/Intruders On Campus
1. Communication Alert
a. Upon notification, the DSON will activate 911 (Dial 9-911) system for assistance
needed. Communicate clearly following the “flash information” protocol below.
b. Then activate AH Security at 215-481-2828 to announce Code Silver event at
the DSON.
c. Provide the facts – “Flash Information”
i. Exact location of Pennwood/Schilling Campus
ii. Exact nature of incident (persons injured, gunfire, screaming, etc.)
iii. Basic description of perpetrators, actors, or participants and others involved
in the incident.
56
d. Review the Active Shooter/Hostage-Taker or Assailant Algorithm (attached).
2. Dissemination of Event
a. Security will notify Operator to initiate the Code Silver plan and release a
Communicator message to AH call groups and AH website – Bing.
b. Code Silver Hotline is extension 5070 to communicate updates to Security.
Faculty/staff involved in the event may communicate ongoing facts to assist
in resolving the crisis.
c. Director/Chair DSON or designee will dial into the AMH conference call daily
briefing telephone number, 1-866-962-6634, passcode #86491805 to join the
conference call to discuss the event and to determine location of EOC with
reporting requirements for management staff.
d. Directions to lockdown, or search of the facility will be communicated. Take
necessary precautions for safety.
3. Chain of Command
a. Police authorities arriving on the scene will be updated and assume authority
for the scene.
b. Arrival of AH Security/Plant Ops Pennwood Staff will collaborate with police
and AH Incident Commander.
c. AH EOC and Security will remain in contact to pass on pertinent information about
response, containment, and evacuation plan contingencies, manage the media, etc.
d. Any and all faculty, staff, students, will be directed to immediately move out
of any hallway or open area into the nearest office or room and close/lock the
door if possible until directed by police to evacuate.
4. Persons subjected to a hostage situation/criminal event should attempt to perform
the following behaviors:
a. Remain calm, passive, and non-confrontational at all times.
b. Try not to look angry or afraid.
c. Do not stare.
d. When speaking, do so in a calm and quiet tone of voice.
e. Attempt to cooperate with the hostage taker to the extent that the law allows.
f. Wait for negotiators/police to interact with the hostage taker/ intruder.
g. Do not converse, debate, or make suggestions to the hostage taker/ intruder.
5. Post Event
a. All clear activated by police and communicated to EOC.
b. Provide Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) debriefing as soon as
possible with all.
G. The School, Abington Health, and any clinical affiliating agencies are not responsible
for lost or stolen items, including money.
III.BUILDING SAFETY
A. Healthstream is reviewed annually by faculty, staff and students for health safety, and
must be completed by June 1st or by due date should a new Healthstream be assigned.
Mandatory Healthstream modules include, but are not limited to, Fire Safety, Back
Safety, Emergency Preparedness, Violence in the Workplace, and the Clery Act. All
procedures should be followed at all times.
57
B.Electrical
1. Make sure electrical appliances are off when not in use.
2. Watch for and/or remove broken cords, damaged casings, broken plugs, missing
safety parts.
C.Utilities
1. In the event of a building emergency call Plant Operations at ext. 2509. When calling
Plant Operations, supply as much pertinent information as possible (electrical, water
outage, building location, call back number, interior or exterior location).
2.Electricity
a. If building has a power outage, emergency egress lighting will go on. There is
a back-up generator that is managed by Plant Operations.
3. Water loss or leakage
a. There is no emergency water back-up for the Pennwood Building.
D. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): No industrial hazards were identified for Dixon
School of Nursing requiring PPE.
1. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals utilized at Dixon School
of Nursing are readily accessible. All MSDS sheets for AMH are available on the
Bing.
2. Training updates shall be provided on a yearly basis or at the time of a chemical
changeover.
3. Additional training shall be provided, within 24 hours, whenever that employee
may be exposed to a hazard.
E. Learning Resource Center Safety
1. Proper disposal of needles into designated Red Needle Boxes.
a. Prearranged quarterly pickup schedule coordinated between Learning Resource
Coordinator and vendor.
2. When handling body fluids, use of appropriate PPE/Infection Control measures
with body excretions. Follow indicated infection precautions as established by
hospital policy, Epidemiology and/or physician orders.
3. Know proper safety needs and disposal of any chemicals utilized on chemical sites
and skills lab.
4. Learn and apply proper lifting techniques for moving patients using safe body mechanics
and adaptive devices when in the Learning Resource Center and clinical area.
58
Safety Specific
Active Shooter/Hostage-Taker or Assailant Algorithm
Code Silver activation and
emergency announcements
Active Shooter where the
perpetrator is at-large
within the building or
grounds
Hostage-Taker or assailant
where the perpetrator
remains stationary at one
location
Safely evacuate crisis area and prepare for
evacuation of adjacent occupied areas
All Staff shelter in place
• Safe Containment area is created by Law
Enforcement and Security staff.
• Listen to emergency messages and check the
emergency telephone hotline, the “Communicator”,
and NetNotify for updated crisis information. Do not
travel to or from area or unit.
• Faculty and Staff within containment area
should withdraw from the area of crisis if
possible to do so safely.
• Faculty and Staff confined within the
containment area should follow police
directions, or, if police direction is not available,
use the following general behaviors to safely
interact with the perpetrator until a safe
outcome is negotiated by police:
• Close all department and classroom/library doors.
• Lock office and other area access doors.
• Discontinue any non-essential class/lecture,
movement on campus.
• Stop any new arrivals to Schilling Campus.
• Remove persons from hallways and lobbies if
possible.
• Report suspicious activity to Security at #2828.
• Standby for instructions from Police or management
relative to next steps to take.
1. Remain calm, passive, and non-confrontational
at all times.
2. Try not to look angry or afraid.
3. Do not stare.
4. When speaking, do so in a calm and quiet tone
of voice.
5. Attempt to cooperate with the hostage taker to
the extent that the law allows.
6. Wait for negotiators/police to interact with the
hostage taker/ intruder.
7. Do not converse, debate, or make suggestions to
the hostage taker/ intruder.
Event Resolves
Debriefing
59
APPENDIX D
Title:
Policy Owner:
Student Evaluation and
Achievement Committee
Referenced With:
Department Manual:
Policy Number:
G-1
Category:
Keywords:
Grading
Original Date:
7/83
Last Review Date:
6/14
Review Cycle:
Annually
Last Revision Date:
6/14
I. Grading and Credit Hours
A. The Grading System and Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) is as follows:
Dixon SON Policy Letter
Grade
Points
94 – 100%
A
passing
4.0
90 – 93% A-
passing
3.67
87 – 89%
B+
passing
3.33
83 – 86%
B
passing
3.00
80 – 82%
B-
passing
2.67
77– 79%
C+
passing
2.33
75 – 76%
C
passing
2.0
68 – 74%
D
failure
1.0
Below 60%
F
failure
0
Challenge Exam = CE
The passing grade is a C (75). “Credit by Examination” (CE), (Courses which students
challenge) will be indicated on the transcript by letter grade, CE.
The grade point average is determined by multiplying points earned by the term credits
for the course.
B. Assignment of Credit Hours:
1. Credit hours are defined using the following time conversion: 15 hours classroom
contact per term is equal to one credit hour (3 hours clinical laboratory converts to
the same contact as 1 hour in the classroom).
2. Nursing courses are listed in term credits:
N199
7 credits
N250
3 credits
N201 7 credits
B297C 3 credits
N202 8 credits
N251
3 credits
N301
7 credits
N357
3 credits
N302
7 credits
N200W 3 credits
N303
7 credits
N390 3 credits
N370 3 credits
60
C. Academic Year:
1. The Day Option intermediate academic year is composed of two 10-week terms in
the first two terms followed by a 12-week term in the third term. The 12-week term
includes a two week clinical immersion (60 clinical hours). The Day Option senior
academic year is composed of two 10-week terms in the first two terms followed
by a 13-week term in the third term. The 13-week term includes a clinical capstone
(120 clinical hours).
2. The Evening/Weekend Option intermediate academic year will be composed of two
15-week terms followed by a 17-week third term. The 17-week term includes a two
week clinical immersion (60 clinical hours). The Evening/Weekend Option senior
academic year will be composed of two 15-week terms followed by an 18-week
third term. The 18-week term includes a clinical capstone (120 clinical hours).
D. Required Liberal Arts and Science Courses:
Following acceptance into the Dixon School of Nursing Program, students will be notified
of those courses accepted for transfer. A grade of “C” or better must be attained for transfer
of credit. Official transcripts for any prerequisite college courses required by the program
must be received prior to entering N199/N250. Official transcripts for any college courses
taken while enrolled in the nursing program must be sent to the Registrar/Bursar.
E. Progression of Nursing Courses:
1. N199 and 250 must be completed satisfactorily before entering the Term II, N201
and N251 courses. All four of these courses must be satisfactorily completed before
progressing to Term III courses. All intermediate level courses must be satisfactorily
completed before entering the senior level. Level III Nursing Courses can be taken
in any sequence assigned.
2. Students must successfully complete the didactic and clinical components of N202
before progressing to the clinical immersion. Students must then successfully
complete the clinical immersion to receive a passing grade for N202. Once the
student has successfully achieved objectives in the clinical immersion, he/she will
be considered eligible to progress to the senior level.
3. All senior level clinical courses must be successfully completed before beginning
the senior capstone course. If a student fails a senior level clinical course and is
eligible to return during the following academic year, the capstone course will be
completed after the clinical course.
4. In order to graduate from the program, all courses in the curriculum must be
successfully completed.
F. Methods of Course Evaluation:
Faculty in individual courses, together with the Curriculum committee, establish the weight
of quizzes, unit and final examinations and other class work in the determination of the
final course grade. The methods of evaluation will be specified on each course syllabus.
G. Dixon School of Nursing Transcripts:
The student’s current transcript will be on file in the Dixon School of Nursing Registrar/
Bursar’s office and will reflect the student’s academic and clinical status. College
courses taken to complete requirements will be listed on the transcript but will not be
calculated in the student’s GPA for the Dixon School of Nursing.
H. Penn State University Transcripts:
The students will receive a separate Penn State University (PSU) transcript which
identifies the PSU courses taken at the Dixon School of Nursing. It is the student’s
responsibility to contact PSU in order to receive official transcripts.
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II. Test Taking Policy
A. Standardized Tests:
Every student is required to complete all designated standardized testing examinations in
the curriculum, including all course required components of the Assessment Technologies
Institute (ATI) program. Failure to satisfactorily meet the benchmark established in the
course ATI algorithm will necessitate a focused review and repeat testing by the designated
date. Failure to provide documentation of this remediation process will result in being
charged a non-compliance fee of $50.00. The student will not be able to take a proctored
ATI test in the subsequent course if the remediation process is not completed.
B. Course Examinations:
1. Students may not loiter in the halls outside the classroom during examinations.
2. All exams have designated time frames and students who arrive late must take the
exam within that designated time frame. Students who are absent must take the
exam during the designated make-up time.
3. The time allotment for each exam item is 72 seconds.
4. Item responses must be accurately and completely transcribed to the Scantron
answer sheet. The student will not receive credit for answers that have been circled
on the test form that were then incorrectly transcribed.
5. No reference material including textbooks, notes, dictionaries, electronic devices,
(e.g. hand-held devices, cameras, etc.) will be allowed. Calculators will be provided
at the time of the examination. The student may not discuss the test items with the
instructor during the test.
6. A Longman English dictionary will be available during exams for non-content/
course-specific definitions. Faculty proctoring the exam will determine whether or
not a word is content/course-specific when a student requests use of the dictionary.
7. Cellular phones must be turned off during examinations and during examination
reviews. In case of emergencies, the students may be contacted through the
receptionist at 215-481-5500.
8. The proctor of an examination will remove a student from the classroom if cheating
is suspected.
9. If an examination is not properly returned after completion of testing or test review,
the student will be immediately referred to SEAC.
10.The fee for rescheduling an exam is $100.00. Payments shall be paid to the School
of Nursing Registrar/Bursar’s Office. The examination score will not be recorded
until the fee is paid. The Director of Nursing Education/Chair/designee has the
authority to waive this fee if there is an extreme circumstance.
11. Exam reviews are identified on the class schedule, and are the students’ opportunity
to review each exam. The faculty believes that an exam review is a learning experience and therefore all students are expected to attend. If a student misses the exam
review, he/she will forfeit the opportunity for individual review of the exam with
a faculty member. During review of exams I, II, and III all students must remain
in the classroom until completion of the review at which time all exams will be
collected and accounted for. Reference material, electronic devices, and note taking
are not permitted during the exam reviews.
III.Incomplete
If a student is unable to complete course requirements before the end of the course, the
student may receive an Incomplete (I) for the course. The incomplete will become a course
failure if these requirements are not completed by the beginning of the following term, or
within two weeks of the end of an academic year, whichever comes first. A student may be
referred to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair or designee or the Student Evaluation
and Achievement Committee should an extenuating circumstance arise.
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IV.Methods of Evaluation in Courses
Theoretical content for nursing courses will be recorded as a letter grade. Decimals of
0.50 or higher will be raised to the next highest whole number when calculating the final
course grade only. All courses must be completed with a passing grade of C - 75 or better.
Any grade lower than 75 is a course failure. If a nursing course includes theory and clinical
content, the student must pass both the theory and clinical components in order to complete
the course satisfactorily. In the clinical nursing courses, an average grade of 75% must be
achieved on all examinations before Project/ATI scores, or other methods of evaluation are
calculated into the final grade. If a student does not achieve a 75% average on the course
examinations in clinical nursing courses, his/her final grade will be the average of the
weighted examinations in the course. In the non-clinical courses, all methods of evaluation,
as listed on the course syllabi, will be calculated to determine the final course grade.
V. Repeating a Course
A. A student may be allowed to repeat the same nursing course only once. Students who
earn a second failing grade in the program of study will be dismissed from the program.
B. After completion of a repeated course, both grades will appear on the transcript. Only
the grade achieved on the repeated attempt at the DSON, however, will be calculated
into the student’s GPA. If a student repeats a course at PSU, the course will appear as
a transfer on the DSON transcript but the grade will not be calculated into their GPA
at the DSON. When repeating a course, all course requirements must be met.
VI.Clinical Performance and Evaluation Process
Evaluation of clinical performance is an ongoing cumulative process, to assure that students
are meeting clinical objectives and performing within safe practice standards.
A. Clinical Progress and Performance
The Clinical Progress Document (CPD) is completed after each clinical week/weekend
by the clinical instructor to provide the student with ongoing feedback regarding their
clinical performance. This will reflect any areas in which the student needs to improve.
Students will submit a self-reflection for each CPD that reflects an area that needs
improvement or is unsatisfactory. At the instructor’s direction, this may include writing
an accountability statement if the student carried out an inappropriate nursing action,
decision or behavior. The self reflection on the CPD should then address accountability,
responsibility, and problem-solving. Continued evidence of the same behavior will
result in the student receiving a learning contract.
B. Clinical Probation
A student receiving a learning contract at any time during the term is considered to be on
clinical probation. This may jeopardize the student’s ability to successfully pass the course.
A copy of the contract is kept in the clinical binder throughout the term so that the
clinical instructor and student can track student compliance with the contract on the
CPD. A copy of the learning contract will be kept in the student’s file and will also be
forwarded to the Associate Director.
The summative evaluation must reflect successful completion of the learning contract;
otherwise the student will receive a clinical failure. Clinical probation in a subsequent
course would require immediate referral of the student to the SEAC for review and
possible dismissal from the program.
C. Clinical Attendance and Paperwork
1. Clinical paperwork will vary from course to course and is reflective of students’
clinical performance. Specific guidelines regarding expectations and grading of
clinical paperwork will be stated in each course syllabus.
2. Failure to submit clinical paperwork within the specified time frame will prohibit the
student from attending the next clinical experience. This occurrence will be reflected
in the CPD as unsatisfactory and will result in a learning contract if unresolved.
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3. Absence from clinical may jeopardize the student’s ability to meet course objectives
and requirements and is reflective of professional behavior. Any missed clinical days
per academic year will require an additional assignment to be completed, which
will incur a fee. After a second missed clinical day, both a clinical make-up and an
additional assignment will be required. Only two make-up days will be permitted per
academic year unless prior approval is given by the Director of Nursing Education/
Chair or designee. Make-up days will be determined based on instructor availability
and may be scheduled on either a week or a weekend day based on the discretion
of the faculty and the needs of the School. Any clinical make-up day will require
a payment of the associated fees ($100/day) for the make-up. The course will be
considered incomplete, final grades will not be posted on the Learning Management
System, and no report card will be issued until the fee is paid in full.
4. Students who present to and are unprepared for clinical assignments may be dismissed from clinical and it will be considered a clinical absence. Being unprepared
for clinical assignments includes, but is not limited to, failure to produce evidence
of knowledge or skill level for safe practice, and/or failure to produce evidence of
CPR certification, required immunizations and criminal clearances. Students may
not come to clinical when ill, and if they do, they will be dismissed and this will
be considered a clinical absence.
5. If the student receives a Prescription for Nursing Practice for the Learning Resource
Center, the student is expected to successfully remediate by the date indicated.
D. Clinical Evaluation and Review
Clinical progress is determined by the clinical instructor(s). For satisfactory clinical
performance, a student must achieve all of the stated course objectives and requirements.
1. Definition of terms:
Satisfactory (S): Demonstrates safe clinical performance and adequate understanding of the theoretical concepts as they apply to nursing practice. Consistently
demonstrates behaviors and qualities that meet the course objectives.
Needs Improvement (NI): Performs inconsistently but safely with guidance.
Occasionally needs assistance applying concepts to nursing practice. The student
needs to demonstrate improvement during the remaining clinical weeks in order
to meet course objectives.
Unsatisfactory (U): Unable to demonstrate appropriate application of theoretical
concepts to nursing practice. Does not demonstrate expected behaviors or qualities
necessary to meet course objectives.
2. A formative evaluation indicating unsatisfactory (U) progress will be issued if a
student receives a learning contract during the course. This is determined by the
clinical instructor based upon feedback reflected on the CPD which indicates that
the student has been unable to improve their performance.
3. The summative (final) evaluation will consist of satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory
(U) grades only. Unsatisfactory in any objective in the summative evaluation
means the student has failed clinically. Each student is responsible for submitting
a completed self-evaluation, along with his/her CPD to the clinical instructor one
week prior to receiving the summative evaluation.
4. At the end of each course, the instructor writes a summative clinical evaluation.
Each student will read the instructor’s final evaluation and sign and date it to indicate
that the evaluation has been read. The student has the right to respond in writing, on
the evaluation form, to any statements contained in the evaluation. The instructor’s
evaluation along with the student’s self-evaluation is placed in the student’s record
by the Registrar/Bursar. The Course Coordinators are responsible for submitting all
evaluations to the Registrar/Bursar at the completion of the course. Each student
will receive a copy of the instructor’s clinical evaluation only at the time of the
summative evaluation.
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5. All students are required to attend their summative evaluation or they will receive
an incomplete for the course. If the student declines to sign his/her summative
evaluation, the evaluation will be sent to the Registrar for the student’s file without
the student’s signature.
6. If the student withdraws at any time in the course, all clinical paperwork and
evaluation documentation to date (CPDs, etc.) will become part of the student’s
record at that time.
E. Accountability Statement Students are expected to perform in accordance with the role and responsibilities of the RN
student and the course objectives. Any student involved in an inappropriate nursing action,
decision, or behavior will be required to write a self-critique which addresses accountability,
responsibility, and problem-solving related to the incident. The student will explain in
Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) format the situation that
occurred, any consequences to others, and a plan of action for avoiding such events in the
future. The accountability statement will become a part of the student’s file.
F. Unsafe Practice by a Student
Unsafe practice includes but is not limited to the behaviors of students, both intentional
and unintentional, that may cause harm to the patient such as: medication errors, failure
to correctly identify patients, not being prepared for clinical, inadequate knowledge
base to appropriately care for the patient, patient abandonment, and/or failure to follow
Abington Health and/or the Dixon School of Nursing policies and procedures. Any
student who demonstrates unsafe practice may be referred to the Student Evaluation
and Achievement Committee who will determine the consequences for the action which
could be as serious as termination from the program.
VII.Presenting Students to the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee
A. If a student is unable to meet course objectives, course requirements, or violates the
Professional Behaviors Policy, the student will be presented to the Student Evaluation
and Achievement Committee.
1. If a student perceives a need for direction in achieving course objectives, the student has
the right to request a meeting with the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee.
2. The faculty may present a student to the Student Evaluation and Achievement
Committee after the instructor has pursued all alternatives as stated in Section VII,
Clinical Performance and Evaluation Process.
B. The student will be notified of the date and time of the meeting by the instructor and
must indicate whether or not he/she will attend. The student is encouraged to attend
the meeting and has the option to bring a support person. If the student is unable to
attend, the student may attend by teleconference.
1. A support person may be a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, classmate,
student advisor or faculty member. The presence of a support person indicates the
student’s permission for confidential information to be disclosed during the meeting.
2. The support person may not be a lawyer. The Student Evaluation and Achievement
Committee meeting is not a legal forum. This meeting should be perceived as an
educational forum where recommendations/requirements may be presented to the
student.
3. A student who violates #12 of the Professional Behaviors Policy related to aggressive
behavior will then forfeit their right to attend the meeting.
C. Decisions of the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee will be final and
sent to the student in writing.
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VIII. Leave of Absence and/or Re-Entry to the Program (see Program Interruption Algorithm attachment)
A.Withdrawal
An exit interview with the Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid, as well
as the Coordinator of Student Financial Aid is mandatory for all students. Students in good
standing are required to submit a formal letter (electronic submissions will not be accepted)
to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair or her designee. If a student withdraws passing
from a course, a W/P will appear on the transcript. If a student withdraws failing from a
course, a W/F will appear on the student’s transcript at the end of the term.
B. Course Abandonment/Unofficial Course Withdrawal
1. Unofficial course withdrawal is defined as ceased attendance without official
notification or expressed intent to withdraw during a period of enrollment at the
Dixon School of Nursing.
2. If a student stops attending class and clinical without formal notification to the
Director of Nursing Education/Chair/designee for two weeks or longer, they will
be considered to have unofficially withdrawn from the course and will be dismissed
from the Program at the end of the course.
3. A course failure will be reflected on the student transcript.
C. Dismissal from the Program
If a student is dismissed from the program prior to completion of the course, a Dismissal/
Failure (D/F) will appear on the student’s transcript at the end of the term if they are
failing the didactic portion of the course at the time of dismissal. If a student is passing
the didactic portion of the course at the time of dismissal, a Dismissal/Passing (D/P)
will appear on the student’s transcript at the end of the term.
D. Request for Leave of Absence and/or Re-Entry to the Program
1. To be considered for re-entry into the program, a student who has failed or withdrawn
from an intermediate level course must formally submit the original Leave of
Absence form to the Registrar and a copy to the Director of Nursing Education/
Chair/designee within thirty days of the last day of attendance. The form includes
the following: Reason for request or withdrawal, and the course, term and option
to which the student plans to return. The student should also identify strategies
that will be utilized to successfully complete the program. The request to return
is reviewed by the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee, which will
determine whether or not to grant the student a Leave of Absence. The committee
will determine requirements if the student is allowed to return. If a student fails to
complete the established requirements, he/she will forfeit their opportunity to return
and will be notified by the Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid.
The committee may require that the student retake the Test of Essential Academic
Skills (TEAS) and obtain an adjusted individual total score of 60% or greater and
obtain 50% or greater for each subscale module for reading, math, science and
English before making a final decision on LOA request. For financial aid recipients,
receipt of approval to return to the DSON does not satisfy the Satisfactory Academic
Progress (SAP) issue created by a failure or LOA. Guidelines for appeal of SAP
are listed in the Financial Aid Handbook section of The Steeple.
2. An intermediate student may not apply for a leave of absence if any of the following
conditions exist:
• Student has obtained a final course grade of 72% or below or withdraws before
course completion with a grade of 72% or below
• Student has failed both the didactic and clinical components of the course
• Student has abandoned a course
• Student fails both courses in a term
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3. Any student requesting a LOA with a GPA under 2.00 is ineligible for financial aid
and is not considered to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students
must follow the guidelines for appeal of SAP listed in the Financial Aid Handbook
of The Steeple.
4. A senior student who fails the theory portion of a course with a final course grade
of 73-74% may continue to the next course in sequence in the nursing program
as long as they have not previously failed any other nursing course. If the student
has obtained a final course grade of 72% or below, the SEAC must approve their
progression in the program. The student will submit a signed letter to the Registrar
and a copy to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair or designee detailing a plan
for success in the subsequent courses. The student must then meet with the Director
to discuss requirements for continuation in the program. The student may also need
to meet with the Coordinator of Financial Aid Services.
5. A student who fails clinically in N301, N302 or N303 will require approval by the
Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee and must submit a signed letter
to the Registrar with a copy to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair detailing
a plan for success in subsequent courses. The letter must be submitted within 72
hours of receiving the clinical failure.
6. For financial aid recipients, a course failure is considered a Satisfactory Academic
Progress (SAP) issue. Students must follow the guidelines for appeal of SAP listed
in the Financial Aid Handbook of The Steeple.
7. A student (intermediate or senior) who is requesting a Leave of Absence for personal
or medical reasons must complete the Leave of Absence form and submit the form
to the Registrar/Bursar with a copy to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair.
E. Leave of Absence (LOA) Process
1. When an LOA is granted by the SEAC to an intermediate student, the student must
submit a non-refundable $250.00 deposit within 30 days in order to hold their seat
in that class. The $250.00 will be credited to institutional fees for the returning
term. The LOA cannot exceed 12 months from the last date of enrollment (not the
date of the LOA approval by the SEAC) due to financial aid restrictions.
2. The procedure for applying for an LOA allows the student due process and delineates
specific criteria that must be met. Therefore, in the event that an LOA is denied by
the SEAC, there is no appeal process.
3. A request for an LOA will not be considered until all financial obligations to the
DSON have been met or arrangements have been made with the Bursar’s Office.
4. If an LOA is approved the student may request to have financial aid reinstated by
submitting a financial aid appeal letter to the Financial Aid Coordinator. Title IV
regulations mandate that a student will maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA and complete
24 credits in an academic year to be eligible for financial aid.
5. When returning from an LOA due to a course failure, the student will meet with the
Associate Director of the School and review the strategies that had been developed
to assist the student to successfully complete the program.
IX.Satisfactory Academic Progress
A. A student maintains satisfactory academic progress in the Dixon School of Nursing by:
1. Meeting the objectives of current courses.
2. Demonstrating satisfactory performance in the clinical areas.
3. Meeting the terms of the signed student contract regarding school policies and
procedures.
4. Maintaining current CPR certification, and requirements such as Healthstream and
the Clery Act.
5. Maintaining compliance with health requirements (i.e. PPD, physical exams,
immunizations).
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B. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress will jeopardize procurement of
financial aid. (Please refer to the Student Financial Aid Handbook).
C. A $50.00 non-compliance fee will be assessed at any time throughout the program to
students with outstanding requirements for certifications, immunizations, Healthstream,
Clery Act, etc.
X. Student File
Student files will be maintained in accordance with the Student Record Keeping Policy
located in The Steeple.
XI.Grade Reports
Students will receive grade reports at the end of each term. The grade reports will include the
course grades, term grade point average, cumulative grade point average and the student’s clinical
standing. Students will not receive grade reports until they complete end-of-course evaluations.
XII. Graduation
A. Students must satisfactorily complete the curriculum within three years from the start
of the program. Students with extenuating circumstances will be referred to the Student
Evaluation and Achievement Committee.
B. To qualify to participate in the graduation ceremony, a student must satisfactorily pass
all courses in the curriculum and satisfy all financial obligations to the school.
C. Awarding the diploma and pin of Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing signifies that the graduate has met the curriculum requirements and is eligible to
take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®). The Director of
Nursing Education/Chair or designee must verify the students’ eligibility to take the
NCLEX-RN®.
D. A student who, at the completion of the program, has a cumulative grade point average
of 3.33 – 3.66 (B+) will graduate with honors, a student with a 3.67 – 3.99 (A-) will
graduate with high honors, and a student with a 4.00 (A) will graduate with distinguished
honors. These students will be recognized at graduation.
E. At graduation, awards are given to selected students who excel in clinical practice
and professionalism. Absenteeism, tardiness, non-compliance with the Professional
Behavior Policy, or inconsistencies in academic performance may impact a student’s
ability to be selected to receive an award.
XIII. National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX®-RN) Eligibility
A. All students are required to take the ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam. Students
scoring below 95% predictability of passing the NCLEX-RN must meet with the Director
of Nursing Education/Chair or designee to develop an individualized remediation plan.
Prior to the Director signing the Nursing Education Verification (NEV), the student must
complete an NCLEX-RN review course and the ATI focused review, as well as repeat the
comprehensive predictor practice test until a 95% predictability or greater is achieved.
B. Students who receive less than 86% predictability on the Comprehensive Predictor Exam
will be required to complete the ATI focused review, as well as repeat the comprehensive
predictor practice test until a 95% or greater is achieved. They will also be required
to enroll in the ATI Virtual/Live NCLEX review and meet the necessary benchmarks
prior to having the NEV signed by the Director of Nursing Education/Chair.
C. Students who receive less than 80% predictability on the Comprehensive Predictor
Exam must repeat the comprehensive predictor practice test until 95% predictability or
greater is achieved. Those students must meet with the Director of Nursing Education/
Chair/designee and develop a written study plan for NCLEX success. They will also
be required to enroll in ATI Virtual and must show continuous, significant progress
prior to the NEV being signed by the Director of Nursing Education/Chair.
D. Graduates applying for out of state licensure are held to these same criteria, regardless
of individual state application processes.
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XIV. Academic Integrity
Integrity is expected of every Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing student
in all academic and clinical activities. Integrity entails a firm adherence to a set of values,
and the values most essential to an academic community are grounded in the concept of
honesty with respect to the intellectual efforts of oneself and others. Academic integrity
is expected not only in formal coursework situations, but in all Dixon School of Nursing
relationships and interactions connected to the educational process, including the use of
resources. Issues related to academic integrity include any type of academic misconduct
such as cheating, plagiarism and fabrication.
Submission of work for academic credit indicates that the work is the student’s own. Any
assistance must be acknowledged. In addition, students attending Abington Memorial
Hospital Dixon School of Nursing have a right to expect academic integrity from each of
their peers.
A.Cheating
1. Cheating is an intentional, active distortion of the truth and/or misrepresentation of
facts either in the academic or clinical setting. It includes using another student’s
work and/or assisting another student in a test situation.
2. It is the obligation of each student to report suspicion or evidence of cheating to the
course faculty or Director of Nursing Education/Chair, Dixon School of Nursing.
The name of the reporting student will be held in confidence. Any evidence or
suspicion of cheating is to be reported to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair,
Dixon School of Nursing by the faculty.
3. Students suspected of cheating may be presented to the SEAC. The student has
a right to present evidence to the course faculty on his/her own behalf and may
bring a support person. A support person may be a family member, friend, student,
spiritual advisor, or faculty member. The support person may not be a lawyer. If
cheating is proven, the faculty has the right to take further action.
4. Examples of cheating/academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:
a. Alteration of lecture content
b. Copying from another student’s exam
c. Allowing another student to copy from an exam
d. Unauthorized use of course textbook or other materials, such as a notebook to
complete an exam or other assignment from the faculty member
e. Talking and/or collaborating on an exam, quiz, or other project with any other
person(s) without authorization
f. Using or processing specifically prepared materials during an exam such as
notes, formula lists, notes written on the students’ clothing, etc. that are not
authorized
g. Taking an exam for someone else or permitting someone else to take an exam
for you
h. Conspiring before an exam to develop methods of elicitly exchanging information during the exam
i. Sharing any exam content
j. Removing or damaging posted or reserved material or preventing other students
from having access to the material
k. Utilizing textbooks, notes, dictionary, electronic devices, or a camera during
an exam
5. The student may be dismissed from the program following referral to the Student
Evaluation and Achievement Committee for cheating.
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B.Plagiarism
1. Plagiarism is stealing and/or representing the ideas or words of another as one’s
own without crediting the source. Plagiarism is not acceptable.
2. It is the student’s responsibility to submit properly written and documented papers.
If specific written directions are not given for a course, the student is expected to use
the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed. 2009).
3. Clinical paperwork is expected to be written in the student’s own words. When a
student submits work that includes the words, ideas, or data of others, the source
of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific
references and, if verbatim statements are included, through quotation marks as
well. By placing his/her name on work submitted for credit, the student certifies the
originality of all work not otherwise identified by appropriate acknowledgements.
4. Examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to:
a. Quoting another person’s actual words, complete sentences or paragraphs, or
an entire piece of written work without acknowledgment of the source
b. Using another person’s ideas, opinions, or theory, even if it is completely
paraphrased in one’s own words without acknowledgment of the source
c. Borrowing facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials that are not clearly
common knowledge without acknowledgment of the source
d. Copying another student’s essay test answers
e. Copying, or allowing another student to copy, a computer file that contains another
student’s assignment, and submitting it, in part or in its entirety, as one’s own.
f. Sharing computer files when completing individual assignment.
5. Students are urged to consult with individual faculty members or the school librarian
with any questions related to issues of plagiarism.
6. A student who commits plagiarism may be dismissed from the program following
C. Fabrication
1. Fabrication is the use of invented information or the falsification of research or
other findings.
2. Examples include, but are not limited to:
a. Citation of information not taken from the source indicated. This may include
the incorrect documentation of secondary source materials
b. Listing courses in a reference not used in the academic exercise
c. Submission of falsified, invented, or fictitious data in a paper, clinical paperwork,
or other academic assignment, or deliberate concealment or distortion of the
true nature, origin, or function of such data or evidence.
d. Falsification of clinical documentation.
3. Evidence of fabrication will be reported to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair,
Dixon School of Nursing.
4. A student who commits fabrication may be dismissed from the program following
XV. Attendance
Refer to the Attendance Policy in The Steeple and in each individual course syllabus.
XVI. Obligations
1. If a student’s file is placed on hold by the School or Hospital Administration because of
failure to meet any financial obligation due either the School or an affiliate, including,
but not limited to, Abington Memorial Hospital or any Title IV programs, the School
reserves the right to refuse the release of report cards, transcripts, letters of recommendations, verification of graduation, or to disenroll in the program until obligations
to the Dixon School of Nursing or Abington Memorial Hospital have been met.
2. Diplomas will be withheld until all course and financial obligations are met. This includes
tuition, fees, return of student I.D. badge, return of library materials and/or library fines.
3. Non-dischargeable debt may not be extinguished through bankruptcy.
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APPENDIX E
Title:
Medication Administration Policy
Policy Owner:
Curriculum Committee
Referenced With:
Generic Structure Standard Element X
Department Manual:
Policy Number:
M-1
Category:
Keywords:
Medication, Administration
Review Cycle:
Biannually
Original Date:
1/09
Last Review Date:
6/14
Last Revision Date:
6/14
Purpose:
The Medication Administration Guideline will specifically outline performance expectations in
relation to medication administration by students at each point in the curriculum. The guideline
provides for the sequential development of skills necessary for safe medication administration
and facilitates consistency among faculty within each course.
Procedure:
Faculty will utilize the policy in the assignment and supervision of medication administration
in each course throughout the curriculum. For guidance in determining what medications are
appropriate to give on specific units, faculty should utilize the Abington Memorial Hospital
Department of Nursing Generic Structure Standard Element X: Drugs Approved for I.V.
Administration by registered/graduate nurses and licensed practical nurses, which can be found
on the Bing. It is appropriate for faculty to access McKesson units using their own fingerprint
swipe and then allow students to pull the medications under supervision. The students will
sign-off any medications they give in the electronic health record and it is not necessary for
the faculty or primary nurse to co-sign with the student.
N199: Fundamentals of Nursing
Students may administer medications by oral, nasal, topical, otic, ophthalmic, rectal,
vaginal, subcutaneous or intramuscular routes after completing the corresponding medication
administration skills lab and lecture. Insulin administration is excluded. Basic intravenous
infusions may be monitored and IV bags may be changed but no intravenous medications
may be administered including saline flushes. Faculty must supervise each student through
the process of all medication and IV fluid administration.
N201: Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Students may administer medications by oral, nasal, topical, otic, ophthalmic, rectal, vaginal,
subcutaneous, intramuscular, or enteral routes. After supervised medication preparation on
the medical surgical units, faculty will determine if the student is able to dispense the medication independently. Insulin must always be prepared and administered in the presence of an
instructor. Basic intravenous infusions may be monitored and IV bags may be changed. No
IV push medications may be administered, except normal saline flushes to ensure patency of
peripheral infusors. Intravenous piggyback medications may be administered with an instructor
after the didactic and skills components of that content have been taught in 201.
N202: Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing II
subcutaneous, intramuscular, or enteral routes. After supervised medication preparation on the
medical surgical units, faculty will determine if the student is able to dispense the medication
independently. Insulin must always be prepared in the presence of an instructor. Intravenous
infusions may be monitored and IV bags may be changed. Students will administer IV piggyback medications with instructor supervision. Students are to administer IV push medications
with the direct supervision of the instructor. With the instructor’s approval, the primary nurse
may supervise the student.
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N301: Nursing Care of the Family
Maternal/Newborn
Instructors will follow the guideline outlined for N202 or N303, whichever was the students’
last course in medical-surgical nursing. If students are giving medications during this rotation,
it should be with instructor supervision. Students will be expected to calculate dosages of
titratable intravenous infusions, while the primary nurse will be responsible for the monitoring
and titration of the dose when appropriate.
Pediatrics
Medication administration will be as per the policy of each specific agency. All medication
preparation and administration will be with instructor supervision. If the agency does not permit
medication administration by students, they will still be expected to do the math calculations
and verbalize understanding of the ordered medications and their administration.
N302: Psychiatric/Mental Health and Community Nursing
Medications are not always administered during this rotation, with the exception of Abington
Health facilities due to restrictions imposed by the various clinical agencies. Students are
responsible, however, for being knowledgeable about the patient’s medications and calculating
dosages. If students are in an Abington Health facility and are permitted to give medications,
they should refer to the 303 guideline (having already completed that course) and the unit
specific policy.
N303: Advanced Concepts in Medical-Surgical Nursing
Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
subcutaneous, intramuscular, or enteral routes. Intravenous infusions may be monitored and
IV bags may be changed. Students will administer IV piggyback and push medications, and
prepare insulin with instructor supervision. With the instructor’s approval, the primary nurse
may supervise the student giving medications. Students will be expected to calculate dosages of
titratable intravenous infusions, while the primary nurse will be responsible for the monitoring
and titration of the dose when appropriate.
N370: Clinical Capstone
Students may perform all procedures permitted by hospital policy, specific to that unit, in
collaboration with the preceptor. This includes medication administration as per unit policy.
All high alert and titratable medications must be administered and monitored in the presence
of the preceptor. Any procedure which requires signatures by two licensed personnel may not
be completed by the student.
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APPENDIX F
Title:
Professional Behavior Policy for Nursing
Students
Policy Owner:
Student Evaluation and Achievement
Committee
Referenced With:
Abington Memorial Hospital Administrative
Policy for Code of Conduct - #1.24
Policy for Patient Privacy - #1.26
Policy for Rules of Personal Conduct - #608
Department
Manual:
Dixon School of
Nursing
Category:
Dixon School of
Nursing
Keywords:
Behavior, Students
Review Cycle:
Biannually
Policy Number:
P-3
Original Date:
6/97
Last Review Date:
6/14
Last Revision
Date:
6/14
Purpose:
To provide a framework regarding professional behavior for students of the Dixon School of
Nursing.
Procedure:
A. Students represent the School and therefore are expected to conduct themselves in a professional
manner in the classroom, clinical settings, and on or off the hospital campuses at all times.
B. Nursing students are representatives of the Student Body of the School and shall…
1. Promote a respectful learning environment.
2. Respect and consider each individual’s dignity.
3. Act to safeguard the patient from incompetent, abusive or illegal practice.
4. Safeguard the patient’s right to privacy and confidentiality and abide by all HIPAA
regulations.
5. Follow Abington Memorial Hospital and Dixon School of Nursing Policies, Procedures
and Performance Standards.
6. Wear hospital identification badge at all times during School activities and introduce
self to others by name and title.
7. Provide nursing care to all patients regardless of their medical diagnosis, psychosocial,
or economic status.
8. Act within the legal scope of practice for the nursing student in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
9. Utilize the School of Nursing’s accepted chain of command for problem resolution.
10.Refrain from discussing one’s own personal problems in the professional setting.
11.Refrain from any conduct defined as sexual violation/harassment or impropriety.
12.Not demonstrate aggressive behaviors towards other students, faculty, patients, or
members of the healthcare team. Aggressive behavior constitutes, but is not limited
to, verbal, written, and physical actions that are perceived as threatening.
13.Gifts from patients or patients’ families exceeding the token value amount as defined
by AMH policy as $150 annually may not be accepted.
14.Avoid knowingly abandoning any patient in need of nursing care which is defined as
the intentional desertion of a patient for whom the nursing student is responsible.
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15.Be physically and mentally prepared to care for patients.
16.Engagement in any uncivil behavior while in the classroom and/or the clinical setting is
unacceptable. Incivility includes, but is not limited to, the following: social networking,
internet posting of any information related to students’ clinical experience or patient
information, accessing the internet for non-educational purposes, texting, talking, or
inappropriate use of the cell phone, entering class late, leaving class early, talking during
class or any other behavior that disrupts the educational environment or interferes with
other students’ learning.
17.Comply with designated parking lot assignments as determined by Abington Memorial
Hospital and the Dixon School of Nursing.
18.Respect the allergies and environmental sensitivities of others.
19.Abide by policies of Abington Memorial Hospital and all affiliating clinical agencies.
C. Knowingly removing any equipment or supplies from either the School or a clinical agency
without permission is considered theft by Abington Health and will result in immediate
referral to the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee with the intent to dismiss
the student from the program.
D. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in referral to the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee for review and possible dismissal from the program.
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APPENDIX G
Title:
Student Grievance Policy
Policy Owner:
Student Grievance Committee
Referenced With:
Department Manual:
Category:
Keywords:
Student, Grievance
Review Cycle:
Triannually
Policy Number:
S-2
Original Date:
6/07
Last Review Date:
2/14
Last Revision Date:
2/14
Purpose:
To provide a procedure for handling grievances that arise between a student and another student,
faculty members, a School committee, or the School’s administration.
Policy:
A grievance is any unresolved conflict that cannot be resolved by utilizing the established
lines of communication.
Procedure:
Step I
Students are encouraged to use the normal lines of communication (i.e. nursing
instructors, class advisors, Advisement, Counseling, and Collaboration Committee)
and the chain of command as identified in The Steeple, to resolve differences on
a one-to-one basis with the person(s) to whom the dispute is directed within 5
calendar days (Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and holidays) of the
occurrence, which caused the dispute.
Step II
If the aggrieved student is not able to resolve the dispute on a one-to-one basis
within 3 calendar days of initiating Step 1 or provides an acceptable reason why
the student is unable to proceed through Step 1, the student may file a written
grievance utilizing the Student Grievance Form to the Student Grievance Committee for resolution. The Faculty Chair and Student Co-Chair should receive the
written grievance and call an emergency meeting of the Committee.
Step III
The Student Grievance Committee will meet within 3 calendar days of receiving
the grievance and will either:
a) respond to the grievance in writing or
b) refer the grievance to the appropriate school committee or to the Director of
Nursing Education/Chair, Dixon School of Nursing (or designee).
Step IV
If the grievance is referred to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair, Dixon
School of Nursing or to a school committee, the student must receive a written
answer from the Director of Nursing Education/Chair, Dixon School of Nursing
(or designee) or the committee within 5 calendar days. The written decision is
the final decision of the Director of Nursing Education/Chair and the Student
Grievance Committee.
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Guidelines:
• Minutes will be recorded for all meetings.
• Confidentiality will be maintained if and when possible. Records concerning the grievance
process will be kept in a locked file in the School office. When deemed advisable, voting
shall be by secret ballot.
• The student should be allowed to continue class and clinical sessions until the committee
has reached a decision. However, if a student is considered unsafe in clinical practice or to
attend class lectures, the student will be notified that he or she is not permitted to take part
in clinical experiences and/or attend class lectures. If the final decision is in the student’s
favor, arrangements will be made for the student to make-up the missed clinical or class
time. No fee will be charged for this make-up.
• If a member of the Student Grievance Committee is involved in a grievance or feels
that he/she cannot participate in an unbiased manner, another faculty member or student
member should replace he/she for that grievance proceeding. A member of the Faculty
Problem Resolution Committee will replace the faculty member. Either the President or
Vice-President of one of the classes will replace the student.
• If the parties involved resolve the grievance while the committee’s procedure is in process,
the Student Grievance Committee should be notified in writing of the resolution by the
student.
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APPENDIX H
Title:
Policy Owner:
Admissions Committee
Referenced With:
Dixon School of Nursing Admission
Policy
Retention of Hospital Records, Policy
#12.03 Administrative
Grading and Evaluation Policy and
Procedure
Department Manual:
Category:
Keywords:
Student, Records
Review Cycle:
Biannually
Policy Number:
S-4
Original Date:
3/06
Last Review Date:
6/14
Last Revision Date:
6/14
Purpose:
Student educational and financial records are established and maintained by the Admissions
Department of the Abington Memorial Hospital (AMH) Dixon School of Nursing (DSON).
Policy:
Student records are maintained in compliance with: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA) of 1974 as amended, Accreditation Commission for Education (ACEN), Pennsylvania
State Board of Nursing, and other State and Federal Agencies.
Procedure:
A. Management of Records
Applicant
1. All applications to the DSON are processed through the Admissions Office.
2. Applications that are incomplete, rolled over, waitlisted, provisionally accepted and
accepted will be handled as per the admission decision process.
a. Incomplete, roll over, waitlist records, and records of provisional acceptance and
acceptance records of those who decline offers, will be maintained for two (2) years
from the date of application. After two (2) years a student file will be shredded if
the applicant has not been accepted for enrollment.
Exception - written request from applicant, in good standing, to maintain for future
enrollment in the DSON.
b. Provisional acceptance and acceptance records of those who accept offer of enrollment are maintained as per enrolled student records.
3. Applicant records are the property of the DSON and remain proprietary to the School.
Transcripts received from all secondary and post-secondary schools may not be copied,
forwarded or replicated.
4. Student applications are maintained and secured in designated locked locations at the
DSON. Records maintained on computer software are password protected and available
to appropriate Admission and School personnel.
Enrolled and Former Students
1. Student education records are processed and maintained through the Registrar’s Office.
a. All DSON course grades are recorded in GradPro enrollment software.
b. Final grades are posted after the last date of the term.
c. When a student requests a transcript prior to the official last day of the term, the
student receives an unofficial transcript should the request be initiated prior to the
last date of the term for that academic course. This includes the completion of the
term’s clinical immersion or capstone course. When all course requirements are
met an official transcript will then be issued upon request.
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2. The records for enrolled and former students are the property of the DSON. FERPA rights
begin on the first day of class of the student’s initial term of enrollment at the DSON.
3. Student records are maintained and secured in designated locked locations and archived
on a software program (portable media) at the DSON and AMH Nursing Administration.
a. Records maintained on computer software are password protected and available to
appropriate Admission and School personnel.
b. Records that are greater than three (3) years old will be archived as per DSON
process. (Refer to Maintenance of Records)
4. Student health records are initiated and maintained for 5 years by the Employee Student
Health Services Department. (Refer to Maintenance of Records)
5. Student financial aid records are assembled and maintained by the Coordinator of
Student Financial Aid Services under the direction of the Director of Admissions,
Recruitment and Financial Aid. (Refer to Maintenance of Records). Documents are
secured in a designated locked location in the Financial Aid Office for five years, and
then are shredded.
B. Contents of Student Records
1. Definition of Record - Any information recorded in any way, including, but not
limited to: handwriting, print, digital media, video or audio tape, film, microfilm, and
microfiche.
a. Education records refer to those records that are directly related to the student and
are maintained by an educational agency (i.e. DSON).
b. The DSON considers all documents submitted for acceptance to be School property
and will not be released, forwarded, or provided to applicants once submitted. This
includes, but is not limited to: transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized
testing, writing samples.
2. An Applicant File contains:
a. Application for admission
b. Official transcripts from all high schools and other secondary schools, including
those outside of the U.S.
c. A state authorized examination, i.e. General Education Development (G.E.D.),
HiSET, or TASC transcript, if the applicant did not graduate from high school and
issued by the state will be required
d. World Education Service High School Equivalency documentation, if the applicant
was educated in a foreign high school
e. Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools, including those outside of the U.S.
f. Standardized test scores
g. Photocopy of the original Permanent Resident Card (initialed by faculty or support
staff member)
h. Personal statement
i.Recommendations
j. Correspondence including but not limited to letters, notes, emails, and pertinent
documentation.
3. An Enrolled/Former Student Educational File contains but is not limited to:
a. Pre-entrance folder: Applicant file documents listed above
b. Correspondence folder: Correspondence between the enrolled student and the
school; as per the Graduate file content
c. Clinical folder: Evaluations of student performance for all courses; Student Learning
Contract, if indicated; Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee report, if indicated
d. Other: Consent to Photography/Video Recording Form
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e. Note: Only the permanent record will be scanned for students who enrolled but did
not graduate. All other documents will be shredded within 3 years of the last term
enrolled.
f. If there is an interruption of student enrollment, faculty will submit all available
clinical progress documentation (CPD) at time of withdrawal.
4. Content not appropriate in student education records includes but is not limited to the
following:
a. Sole possession records
b. Law enforcement records
c. Employment records, unless a contingency of employment is student status
d. Personal medical records
e. Alumni records - records (not related to the attendance of an individual as a student)
created and maintained about an individual after the individual is no longer a student
5. The Class File (located in front of the student education file) contains class grades per
course. The Class file report will be shredded when class records are archived.
6. Three years after graduating or leaving the program, all files will be scanned and contain
the following:
a. Permanent transcript of grades
b. Clinical Evaluation – Summative and Formative (if applicable)
c. Two most recent Faculty Recommendations received by the Registrar
C. Access to Student Records
1. An eligible student is an individual who has reached the age of 18 and/or is enrolled
at the DSON.
2. Directory Information is defined as information that is not generally considered harmful
or an invasion of privacy if released.
a. Examples: name, address, telephone number, email address, dates of enrollment,
enrollment status, field of study
b. Every student has the opportunity to have directory information suppressed from
public release by opting-out of directory information disclosures.
i. An opt-out of directory information disclosures does not prevent a school from
identifying a student by name or from disclosing a student’s electronic identifier
or school email address in class.
ii. In addition, this opt-out of directory information disclosures does not include
a right to remain anonymous in class/clinical and may not be used to impede
routine classroom communication and interactions.
iii. A “no release” form is available to students. Once the form is completed, a tag
will be posted on the education record, both electronic copy and paper education
record.
3. The eligible student has the right to permit parent, guardian or third party access to his/
her education record and information by signing a release (see attached) - Authorization
to Release Education Record.
4. The student may review her/his records upon written request to the Director of Nursing
Education/Chair, DSON at least five (5) business days prior to the appointment to allow
for scheduling and conference time. A School representative must be present during
the record review. See section 7., d.
5. The DSON does not have to permit a student to inspect financial records including any
information those records contain of his/her parents.
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6. The School of Nursing has the right to maintain confidential counseling records
a. Letters of Recommendation written by faculty may be kept confidential if the
student voluntarily waived their right to see this evaluation at time of request to
said faculty. (See Letter of Recommendation Form Part A).
7. FERPA specifies limitations in the release of information to other individuals.
Educational officials are identified as having a legitimate educational interest when,
in the exercise or completion of their administrative, supervisory, academic, research,
or other administrative responsibilities on behalf of the institution, incur the need to
know specific information from educational records.
a. The following individuals may access student educational records, or portions
within, on a need-to-know basis:
i. School employees (including Course Coordinators, who may release information
required by Affiliating Agencies)
ii. Persons involved with approval and accreditation of the DSON
iii. Auditors, both internal and external, as well as Government officials carrying
out lawful functions
iv. Academic Affiliations which have a legitimate educational responsibility on
behalf of the established agreement for academic curriculum purposes.
b. The following individuals may access student financial/financial aid records, or
portions within, on a need-to-know basis:
i. Director of Nursing Education/Chair, DSON/designee, the Coordinator of
Student Financial Aid Services and the Director of Admissions, Recruitment
and Financial Aid.
ii. Office Support Staff
iii. Auditors and Federal/State Program Review Specialists
c. The following individuals may access student educational and financial aid records,
or portions within, upon written request along with the student’s written consent:
i. Other schools to which the student is applying or transferring
ii. Potential employers
iii.The Coordinator of Student Financial Aid Services may release information
required by donors of financial aid.
d. Limitations that exist on the right to inspect and review records:
If the education records of a student contain information on more than one student,
the parent or eligible student may inspect and review or be informed of only the
specific information about that student, not the other student(s).
e. FERPA 99.5 disclosures to parents and rights of students clarifies that schools are permitted to disclose education records without consent to parents in some circumstances:
i. When the student is a dependent student under the IRS tax code.
ii. When the student violated a law or the school’s rules or policies governing
alcohol or substance abuse, if the student is under 21 years.
iii.In the event of an emergency/threat, if the knowledge of the information is
needed to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.
iv. If a school makes a disclosure – it must record “the articulable and significant
threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals that formed the
basis for the disclosure; and the parties to whom the agency or institution
disclosed the information.”
8. Audit of Student Records occurs annually by the Registrar to maintain compliance
that all prerequisite college course requirements and all available evaluation of student
clinical performance have been received and filed.
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9. Right to Seek to Amend education records for eligible students:
a. The DSON student may seek, through a formal process, to amend academic records.
Grades are excluded from this provision.
b. Students who disagree with a resolution of a challenge must be allowed to document
their objection and this statement must be retained and released along with the
education record to which the student objected.
c. The DSON will not file or retain records that do not identify a creator.
d. The DSON student has control over the disclosure of information to be released
from education records (i.e. transcripts and letters of recommendation). A signature
card authorization must be kept in student’s file (see attached form).
i. Exception: student file placed on Financial Hold or on DSON administrative
hold is not released until student resolves the source of the hold to AH, DSON,
and/or Federal Title IV funds.
e. The DSON enrolled student or graduate has the right to file a complaint for alleged
violations of these rights.
10. The Student Handbook (the Steeple) is provided each year to the students enrolled and
outlines the Record Keeping policy.
D. Maintenance of Records
1. Documents sent to the DSON but not collated with an official application will be
retained for one year. At the first of each month the transcripts, recommendations, and
other correspondence will be shredded after the one year. Information is provided on
the application checklist provided to all applicants.
2. Upon graduation, student educational files are condensed to include document contents
listed in the graduate permanent record file. These records are kept ad infinitum.
a. Student records from program inception up to and including graduate files within
three years of completion are archived onto software. The back-up storage media
of current enrolled classes are stored in AMH Nursing Administration and with the
designated vendor.
b. Software to access archived graduate files are password protected and can be
accessed by the Admissions Registrar or designee.
3. Graduated students’ health records are kept for a period of five (5) years by the Employee
Student Health Services.
4. Records of students who withdraw from the school or exit the program prior to
completion, including students dismissed from the school, are kept for a period of three
years. See section B., 3., f.
5. Financial Aid records are kept for a period of five years.
6. All documents will be shredded as per security of information at the time interval
indicated above.
E. Custody of Records
1. Should the School close, AMH shall be responsible for the safekeeping of student
records and official copies shall be made available upon request.
2. Should AMH close, the School will follow the State Board of Nursing and ACEN policies
regarding the permanent safekeeping and availability of the records of the DSON.
3. The State Board of Nursing and the ACEN shall be informed in writing concerning the
permanent placement of these records.
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F. Request for DSON Official Documents/Transcripts/Letters of Faculty Recommendation
1. Students in good standing with the DSON may request transcripts, Letters of Recommendation or other official documents related to attendance to be released with written authorization
by the student to the Registrar (see the Steeple, section “Requesting Transcript and/or Faculty
Recommendations” for instructions). Signature verification will be compared throughout
all written correspondence to verify authenticity prior to release.
2. DSON official transcripts will be printed on tamper resistant paper by the Registrar who
will affix the School seal and mail. Student request for personal copy of DSON official
transcript and/or references will be placed in a sealed envelope indicating “not official
if opened” and sent to student upon request and receipt of processing fee payment.
3. If a student’s or former student’s file is placed on hold by the School or AMH
Administration because of failure to meet any financial or academic obligation due
either the School or an affiliate, including, but not limited to, AMH or any Title IV
programs, the School reserves the right to refuse the release of Dixon School of Nursing
Official Documents, including, but not limited to, report cards, transcripts, letters of
recommendations, verification of graduation, (or that a student has disenrolled in the
program) until obligations to the DSON or AMH have been met.
G. Additional Information
1. Right to file a complaint: U.S. Department of Education
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
[email protected]
2. “A complaint must contain specific allegations of fact giving reasonable cause to believe
a violation of the Act or this part has occurred. A complaint does not have to allege that
a violation is based on a policy or practice of the educational agency or institution.”
Source: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended
Statute: 20 U.S.C. 1232 g, unless otherwise noted
Regulations: 34CRF Part 99
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APPENDIX I
Title:
Students with Disabilities Policy
Policy Owner:
Advisement, Counseling, and
Collaboration Committee
Referenced With:
Abington Health Employee
Health Services (EHS) Policy for
Physical Demands
Department Manual:
Category:
Keywords:
ADA
Policy Number:
S-5
Original Date:
6/10
Last Review Date:
6/13
Review Cycle:
Triannually
Last Revision Date:
6/13
Purpose:
Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing (DSON) is committed to providing
equal educational opportunities to all students, including students with disabilities. In order
to meet this commitment, the School offers reasonable accommodations so that applicants and
students with disabilities have equal access to admission, scholarship and loan programs, and
other institutionally administered programs and services.
Policy:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 including ADA Amendments Act of 2008
(P.L.110-325) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Protection from Discrimination
Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by educational institutions that receive
or benefit from federal financial assistance.
Procedure:
A. Definitions
1.Disability
a. The Act defines a disability as an impairment that substantially limits one or more
major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having
such an impairment.
b. The Admissions Committee actively:
Assures students with disabilities that the School will provide equal access to the
program of study, support services, and activities, as required by the ADA.
2. Reasonable Accommodations
a. ADA defines an accommodation as “any change in the instructional setting or in
the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to
enjoy equal opportunities.”
b. Examples of reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to, allowing
students to record lectures or use assistive listening devices, allowing students additional
time to complete tests, and allowing students to take tests in alternate locations.
B. Communication of Request
1. A student has the right to request reasonable accommodations while attending the
nursing education program. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are
not limited to, time extensions for exams and special testing situations.
2. A student must self–identify the disability to the Coordinator of Student Support Services
and Special Initiatives or designee.
C. Documentation of Accommodation Request
1. A prior history of accommodations, without demonstration of current need, does not
in and of itself warrant the provision of accommodations.
2. To qualify for disability services/accommodations, the student is required to provide
documentation from a licensed/certified professional familiar with the history and
84
functional implications of the impairments. The examination with appropriate documentation must have been completed within the past five years.
3. Documentation must adequately verify the nature and extent of the disability in
accordance with current professional standards and techniques, and it must substantiate
the need for all of the student’s specific accommodation requests.
4. All documentation must be submitted on the official letterhead of the professional
describing the disability to the Coordinator of Student Support Services and Special
Initiatives and Abington Health’s Employee/Student Health Department.
The report should be dated and signed and include the name, title and professional
credentials of the evaluator, including information about licensure or certification.
5.Contact:
Whitney Zylstra, Coordinator of Student Support Services and Special Initiatives
215-481-5564
[email protected].
The Coordinator is available to assist students, faculty, and academic support staff in
serving students with disabilities and in reaching determination of academic accommodations, when needed. Information is provided to faculty and support staff on a
need-to-know basis in order to provide reasonable accommodations.
6. If the original documentation is incomplete or inadequate to determine the extent of
the disability or reasonable accommodation, the School has the discretion to require
additional documentation.
a. Any cost incurred in obtaining additional documentation when the original records
are inadequate is the responsibility of the student.
b. If the documentation is complete but the School desires a second professional
opinion, the student bears the cost.
7. It is not acceptable for such documentation to include a diagnosis or testing performed by a
member or relation of the student’s family. Any documentation should pertain solely to the
student’s disability and impact any such impairment has on the student’s academic ability.
8. Students requesting accommodations for the manifestations of multiple disabilities
must provide evidence of all such conditions.
9. The student will receive a letter regarding their academic accommodation request that
includes information identifying the specific requests that can be accommodated and
those that cannot be accommodated. This letter should be shared with each current
course coordinator at the beginning of each term.
10.Enrolled students will have access to support services at Penn State University (PSU)
and are required to access these services according to university procedures. The link
for PSU Disability Services website is: http://equity.psu.edu/ods/)
D. Student Accountability
1. The student who seeks special accommodations for a disability while enrolled at the
School is responsible for contacting the Coordinator of Student Support Services and
Special Initiatives.
2. Employee Health Services and AMH Legal Services will be utilized to further evaluate
documentation, if necessary.
3. The student must provide appropriate documentation as outlined on the request for
academic accommodation form. (See attached form)
4. A student requesting accommodations after the beginning of the term will receive
reasonable accommodations and must provide supporting documentation within thirty
(30) days of the request. (See attached Diagnostic Documentation form)
5. The student needs to provide a copy of the accommodation letter to the course coordinator at the beginning of each term.
E. DSON Responsibility
1. Faculty members have the responsibility for ensuring equity in the class and clinical
environments.
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a. Modifications offered will not alter the academic course objectives requirements
essential for the student’s successful completion of the course.
b. Once faculty members have been officially notified through a verification letter
from the Coordinator of Student Support Services and Special Initiatives that a
student has a disability and that accommodations are being requested, they should
review the proposed accommodations.
c. Together with the Coordinator of Student Support Services and Special Initiatives,
the course faculty develops, communicates and implements collaboratively an
accommodation plan for the student.
2. Faculty members are aware that under no circumstance should they make the decision
to grant the student accommodations without the appropriate verification letter. If a
student comes to a faculty member directly, faculty should instruct the student to contact
the Coordinator of Student Support Services and Special Initiatives. However, this
notice does not relieve the student from following the appropriate procedures.
3. All documentation requesting special accommodations will be kept as confidential as
possible while the accommodations are being considered and thereafter.
4. The School may need to discuss the student’s accommodations with faculty members and/or
support staff on a need-to-know basis, in order to best meet the student’s educational needs.
5. Approved testing (exam) accommodations will be communicated to, and coordinated
by the learning resource coordinators in collaboration with the course coordinators.
F. DSON Accommodation Protocol
1. Accommodation is meant to provide the student with a disability with equity, not an
unfair advantage.
2. Accommodation needs may change during the pre-enrolled and/or enrollment period
that may not have been identified through an initial diagnostic process.
3. Previous accommodations at another institution do not automatically warrant the
provision of a similar accommodation while attending DSON.
G. Confidentiality
1. All communication between the student and those who need-to-know (in order to reasonably
accommodate the student), will be treated as confidential. No information will be discussed
with or released to others without the student’s consent, except as provided by law.
2. Faculty and support staff are prohibited from discussing the student’s disabilities
and accommodations being made for them in the presence of others (including other
students in any setting), or to faculty and support staff not directly involved in the
accommodation process.
H. Student Concerns or Complaints
The Student Grievance Policy (Appendix G, the Steeple) outlines the procedure in place for
handling grievances within the School of Nursing. All students are encouraged to follow this
procedure to address any concerns or complaints relating to perceived violations of ADA.
I. References
Resources for Americans with Disabilities
www.ADA.org
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights - NYAVE
Washington, D.C. 20530
Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
www.ahead.org
Educational Testing Service (ETS) Documentation Guidelines
www.ets.org/disability
U.S. Department of Education
www.ed.gov
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Appendix J
Department Manual:
Human Resources
Title:
Category:
Social Media Policy
Human Resources
Keywords:
Policy Owner:
VP, Public Relations & Marketing Networks, Facebook,
Twitter
and Director, Human Resources
Policy Number:
616
Original Date:
4/2011
Last Review Date:
4/2011
Referenced With:
Internet Access #612 & Intranet
Policy #614
Last Revision Date:
4/2011
Review Cycle:
Biannually
Purpose:
To provide guidelines for Abington Health (AH) employees’, physicians’, volunteers’ and
students’ use of Social Media when engaging in online discourse. These guidelines apply to
private and password protected social media as well as to open social media forums or networks.
Definitions:
Social Media Platforms - Technology tools and online spaces for integrating and sharing usergenerated content in order to engage constituencies in conversations and allow them to participate
in content and community creation. Examples are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogs and YouTube.
Policy:
A. You must adhere to the AH INTRANET and INTERNET ACCESS POLICIES (policy 614
and 612) posted on the AH Intranet site, the Bing.
B You must adhere to the AH Values & Performance Standards, Code of Conduct (ADM 1.24),
HIPAA (ADM 1.32), and Conflict of Interest Policy (ADM 28.05), privacy and behavior
guidelines cited above including respecting copyrights and disclosures, and not revealing
proprietary financial, intellectual property, patient care or similar sensitive or private content.
C. Social media activities may only be conducted during work hours if this function is part
of the employee’s job description and done as official business for AH.
D. The use of the AH brand or any AH entity via online social media platforms can only
be initiated and authorized through the efforts of the AH Public Relations & Marketing
Department. There can be no AH sites or pages created on You Tube, Facebook, Twitter,
etc. unless they are developed or authorized by the AH Public Relations & Marketing
Department. Any sites or pages existing without prior authorization as required above will
be subject to review when discovered and may be amended or removed.
E. You are prohibited from posting any content about patients or their personal health
information including patient images on any Social Media Site. You are also prohibited
from using the Social Media to provide medical advice or medical commentary without
prior consent from AH administration and/or Chief of Staff.
F. AH official sites on social media platforms can have pages or content areas that are
assigned to individuals, departments, divisions or programs at AH with prior review by PR
& Marketing and Legal. These policies apply to such pages, as well as content maintained
by AH Public Relations & Marketing.
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G. AH staff may not engage in any on-line activities which would impact negatively on the
AH reputation or brand. If AH staff identify themselves as members of the AH Staff in
any online forum and/or use their Abington Memorial Hospital or AH Lansdale email
address, AH Staff must make it clear that they are not speaking for AH, and what they say
is representative of their individual personal views and opinions and not necessarily the
views and opinions of AH. Use good judgment and ensure accuracy in any comments. AH
Staff should be thoughtful about how they present themselves as an AH Staff member in
online networks. By virtue of self identifying as part of AH in such a network, AH Staff
connect themselves to, and reflect upon, the AH organization.
H. Remember that all content contributed on all platforms becomes immediately searchable and
can be immediately shared. This content immediately leaves the contributing individual’s
control forever. Be aware, the AH Public Relations and Marketing Department uses
monitoring systems and tools to track AH activity on social media platforms.
I. If a company, person or other group offers to pay AH Staff for participating in an online
forum in their AH role, offers advertising for pay and/or for endorsement, this could
constitute conflict of interest and AH policies and guidelines apply.
J. If someone from the media or press contacts faculty, staff, or students about posts made in
online forums that relate to AH in any way, AH Staff must alert their manager/leadership
and contact the Public Relations & Marketing Department before responding.
K. Social media activities on the internet by AH staff that do not use Abington Memorial
Hospital or AH Lansdale email addresses, do not discuss AH or its entities, or otherwise
identify AH, and are purely about personal matters are permitted. However, the content
of such internet activities is subject to review by AH to ensure that such activity does not
violate the code of conduct or its rules and regulations.
L. AH staff can report possible offenses to the PR and Marketing Department at
[email protected] or 215-481-2300, or anonymously to the Compliance
Hotline(AMH - 215-481-3636 or LH - 215-361-4416).
M. Violations of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
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APPENDIX K
Title:
Timely Warning Plan
Policy Owner:
Referenced with:
AMH Security Policy and Procedure
Manual
AMH Emergency Management Plan
Code Silver for Hostages/Serious
Criminal Acts/Intruders
Department Manual:
Policy Number:
T-2
Category:
Keywords:
Warning, Plan
Review Cycle:
Biannually
Original Date:
9/08
Last Review Date:
1/14
Last Revision
Date:
1/14
Purpose:
The Abington Memorial Hospital (AMH) Timely Warning System is a subset of the AMH Emergency
Management Response Plan, which is capable of notifying large numbers of persons simultaneously
during emergent events. Depending on circumstances and emergent criteria, a School timely warning
notice may expand to a full-facility notification, response, and mobilization activation.
Policy:
In the event of a violent occurrence on any AH campuses, special procedures are needed to
ensure maximum safety and prevention of injury/loss of life.
Procedure:
A. Communication of Event
1. In the event that a serious threat is made to members of the Faculty, Staff or Students
at the Dixon School of Nursing, located on the Abington Memorial Health Center –
Schilling Campus, the following plan will be activated.
2. See attached Security Event algorithm for the activation of the Timely Warning Plan
and Active Shooter/Hostage-Taker or Assailant Algorithm if necessary.
3.The AMH Communicator, a computerized automatic group contact and notification
system, will be activated first by Security after notification from the School, or Hospital
Administrators in the event that emergency conditions warrant a group notification to
communicate important information such as:
a. Notification that the Campus is closed and not to report to the campus due to criminal
activity occurring on campus, or other emergency requiring closure of the campus.
b. Notification to call a hotline telephone number, or other telephone number where
specific and detailed information will be supplied to students and others.
c. Notification relative to getting immediate assistance in the emergency.
B. Dissemination of Event
1. The Dixon School of Nursing will provide Security and the AH Communications
Supervisor with all Faculty, Staff and Students’ contact information to be entered into
the AMH Communicator database.
a. This database is maintained through the Communications Department at AMH and
updates and changes are submitted each month by Registrar on the enrollment data
report.
2. The Dixon School of Nursing will activate a blast e-mail alert to Faculty and Staff
through the AMHdixonson.org e-mail and the Learning Management System under the
direction of the Director/Chair DSON or designee. Students will be contacted through
their DSON account and the Learning Management System.
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3. The timely warning announcement will be brief followed by a contact phone number or
blast email alert that Faculty, Staff and Students may utilize to learn additional information. The Hospital reserves the right for security reasons to release information through
the Public Relations Department as per the Emergency Management Policy. Do not
call the Dixon School of Nursing or AMH Telephone Operators to elicit information.
4. Faculty, Staff and Students are encouraged to report criminal and suspicious activity
on a 24/7 basis to AMH Security by calling 215-481-2828, by using the in-house
emergency phone extension of “777” or by using one of various panic and emergency
alarms located throughout AMH Campus.
5. The AMH Safety Officer and Plant Operations Departments will coordinate, facilitate
and document evacuations of School property at least twice annually in conjunction
with fire drill procedures.
C. Event Resolves/Continuing Education
1. All clear will be communicated by Security.
2. Post event debriefing including, if necessary, a Critical Incident Stress Management
(CISM) will be provided for all faculty, staff, and students.
3. In October of each year, AMH Security holds security and safety outreach programs
located in the lobbies of the Main and Schilling campuses to create awareness of
security and safety issues. Information pamphlets and other educational materials are
distributed to staff, students, and to the public.
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SECURITY EVENT OCCURS
appendix L
Department Manual:
Human Resources
Policy Number:
804
Title:
Substance Abuse
Policy Owner:
VP, Human Resources & Director,
Human Resources
Category:
Human Resources
Keywords:
Substance Abuse
Original Date:
3/1992
Last Review Date:
6/12
Referenced With:
Review Cycle:
Biennial
Last Revision Date:
6/12
Purpose:
Abington Health has adopted a substance abuse policy to discourage and prevent unlawful or
improper conduct and activities relating to drugs and/or alcohol. This substance abuse policy
contains standards of conduct, a description of employee assistance programs, a program for
drugs and alcohol testing and educational programs about substance abuse. The purpose of
this policy is to promote a safe work environment for our employees, volunteers, students,
agents, contractors, our community, and the patients we serve.
Policy:
It is the policy of Abington Health to promote a work place entirely free of illicit drugs and /or
alcohol. Abington Health believes that the goal of a workplace entirely free of illicit drugs and
/or alcohol and the unlawful and improper use of drugs and/or alcohol are best served by the
early detection of these problems. We intend to make this possible by making available to AH
Personnel , as defined below, with drug and/or alcohol problems, treatment and rehabilitation,
and by the maintenance of strict discipline for violating Abington Health policy relating to the
unlawful use, possession, manufacture, distribution, dispensing, diversion, transfer, purchase or
sale of drugs and/or alcohol while on the job, on any Abington Health property, while operating an Abington Health and/or hospital supplied vehicle or while representing the Abington
Health or deemed to be representing the Abington Health off premises. A violation by any
AH Personnel of the requirements of this policy pertaining to illegal drugs and/or alcohol will
result in termination. The failure of any supervisor, manager or security personnel to fulfill his
or her responsibilities under this policy or to recognize or intervene in the substance abuse of
any applicant or AH Personnel, will not excuse, justify or mitigate the applicant’s or the AH
Personnel’s violation of any of this policy’s requirements or prohibitions. Any AH Personnel
who engages in the illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol must meet and shall be held to the same
qualification standards for employment and job performance, and behavior as other AH Personnel, even if any unsatisfactory job performance or behavior is related to the AH Personnel’s
drug and/or alcohol use. This policy does not limit or affect the Abington Health’s right to
refer or report any matter or situation covered by this policy to any law enforcement agency
or professional agency. This policy is applicable to applicants for employment, employees,
students, volunteers, physicians, contracted temporary employees, contractors and vendors
(collectively referred to in this policy as “AH Personnel” or “AH Person”).
Definitions:
1. Illegal Drugs and Controlled Substances:
a. For purposes of this policy, a controlled substance is all forms of narcotics hallucinogens,
depressants, stimulants and other drugs or substances whose possession, use or transfer
is restricted or prohibited by law or which is defined, listed or identified as a “controlled
substance” under federal statues or regulations as amended or revised. (See Schedules
I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812 and
Federal Regulations at 21 C.F.R. 1308.11 through 1308.15)
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b. For purposes of this policy, an illegal drug is any drug, which is not legally obtained, or
legally obtainable but has not been obtained legally, or a prescribed drug not being used for
prescribed purposes or in a prescribed manner. (Example: Heroin, Cocaine and Marijuana).
c. An illegal drug also means a controlled substance that has been manufactured, distributed, dispensed, diverted, possessed, transferred, purchased, sold or used contrary to
or in violation of any law.
d. Prescriptions obtained over the internet where a legitimate doctor-patient relationship
has not been established to the satisfaction of the Medical Review Officer (MRO).
2. Alcohol: Includes alcoholic beverages of any kind.
3. Legal Drug:
a. A drug prescribed by and taken under the supervision of a physician or other licensed
health care professional for the purpose and in the manner for which it was prescribed.
b. An over-the counter drug obtained lawfully.
Standards of Conduct:
The conduct and occurrences listed below are prohibited. This list is not intended to be all
inclusive, but provides examples of activities/behaviors which are considered by Abington
Health to be unacceptable and will result in termination.
1. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use, diversion, transfer,
purchase or sale of any drug and/or alcohol.
2. Being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol or engaging in the illegal use of drugs.
a. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be determined by observation of
behavior and any other factors that may be indicative of alcohol and/or drug consumption.
b. A blood/breath alcohol content of .02 will conclusively establish that the AH Person
is under the influence of alcohol.
c. A blood/breath alcohol content under .02 will not conclusively establish that the AH
Person is under the influence of alcohol.
d. The use of a controlled substance or an illegal drug will be established by a positive
drug test performed in accordance with Abington Health policy.
3. Refusing to consent to random alcohol and/or drug testing or to submit a urine/blood/breath
sample for testing, to complete and sign the applicable authorization and other forms when
requested by or on behalf of Abington Health and/or hospital management.
4. Switching, adulterating, and/or diluting any blood or urine sample submitted for testing
and/or providing a blood or urine sample out of normal temperature range.
5. Storage in a locker, desk, vehicle or other repository or having possession on Abington
Health property of any alcohol, drug paraphernalia, or any illegal drug or controlled
substance where the AH Personnel’s use of the drug is not under the supervision of a
licensed health care professional or is not otherwise authorized by Federal Law.
6. Refusal to comply with Hospital Security inspections when requested by management in
accordance with Hospital security policy.
7. Failure to report the use of a legal drug to Employee Health Services (EHS) which may
adversely affect the AH Person’s ability to perform any essential function of his/her AH
position or that may cause the AH Person when performing his or her job to pose a risk of
harm to the health or safety of the himself/herself or others.
a. AH Personnel are required to immediately report to EHS the use of any drug that may
adversely affect their ability to perform any essential function(s) of their respective Abington
Health positions or that may cause them when performing their respective job duties and
obligations, to pose a risk of harm to the health or safety of the themselves or others.
b. Each AH Person notifying EHS as set forth in Section 7a will be required to provide
the EHS with a physician’s note which (i) identifies the legal drug, (ii) states the date
of prescription, (iii) provides a diagnosis for which the drug is being prescribed, and
(iv) provides other medical records relevant to such legal drug use. This information
will be kept in the AH Person’s EHS medical file.
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c. Abington Health, in its sole discretion, will determine:
• whether the AH Person can perform the essential functions of the job.
• the significance or level of risk or harm posed to the AH Person or others.
• whether the AH Person should be allowed to continue to work in his or her job with
or without reasonable accommodation.
• whether to modify the AH Person’s job duties or to reassign the AH Person to a
vacant position during the period of such legal drug usage.
• whether any reasonable accommodation is required and the nature of any such
accommodation, and/or whether to take other action, which the Abington Health
deems appropriate, in accordance with any applicable legal requirements.
d. Abington Health may inform the requisite Abington Health leadership including,
without limitation, Abington Health’s Human Resources Department, Legal Services
Department and the necessary supervisors and managers regarding necessary restrictions
on the work or duties of the AH Person and of the necessary accommodations. This
does not limit the persons and entities that may be informed. Other persons or entities
may be informed unless prohibited by law.
8. Failure of AH Personnel to advise EHS of participation in any drug and/or alcohol treatment
and/or counseling program, including, without limitation, any treatment and/or counseling
program provided by any state professional licensing and/or accreditation board. Failure
to adhere to the requirements of any drug and/or alcohol treatment or counseling program
in which the AH Person is enrolled.
9. If Abington Health receives notification from any drug and/or alcohol and/or counseling
program, including, without limitation, any treatment and/or counseling program provided
by any state professional licensing and/or accreditation board, that a AH Person has failed
to adhere to the requirements of said program, including having a positive drug test noted.
10. Failure to adhere to the terms and conditions imposed by Abington Health in connection
with employment and/or engagement of AH Person relating to any such treatment program
or in connection with employment and/or engagement after completion of such treatment
program.
11. Conviction or guilty plea of drug and/or alcohol related felony or misdemeanor. Employees
are required to notify Abington Health no later than five (5) calendar days after such
conviction or guilty plea.
12. Violation of the Return to Work Agreement.
Employee Assistance Program:
Abington Health maintains an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which provides counseling and referral assistance to eligible AH Personnel and their eligible family members who
suffer from drug and/or alcohol abuse as well as other personal, emotional, legal and financial
problems. Abington Health encourages the use of the EAP or other means of obtaining help with
substance abuse problems. However, it is the responsibility of each AH Person to seek assistance
from the EAP before drug and/or alcohol problems result in a violation of the standards of
conduct set forth in this policy, or result in unacceptable employee job performance, attendance
or behavior or result in any violation of any Abington Health policy.
1. An eligible AH Person may seek assistance from the EAP without obtaining the approval
of his or her supervisor.
2. The EAP will provide assistance and may refer the AH Person to the appropriate counseling
and treatment services.
3. An AH Person’s decision to seek assistance from the EAP will not be used as a basis for
disciplinary action and will not be used against the AH Person in any disciplinary proceeding.
4. AH Personnel who undergo voluntary treatment pursuant to a referral by the EAP, and
who continue to work, must meet all established standards of employment/engagement,
job performance and behavior, established by Abington Health. When used in this policy
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the term “job performance”, includes without limitation, attendance, performance of job
duties and responsibilities, and performance of all aspects and dimensions of the job.
5. Participation in the EAP voluntarily or as required by Abington Health following a violation
of any policy will not necessarily modify or lessen disciplinary action.
6. The requirement that an AH Person obtains assistance from the EAP or complies with the
terms and conditions of a treatment program, including testing, to ensure the success of
the program, may be imposed by the Abington Health as a form of disciplinary action and
may be imposed as a condition of continued employment/engagement.
7. The terms and conditions relating to an AH Person’s participation in a treatment program
as part of the disciplinary process shall be determined by Abington Health, in its discretion,
on an individual basis.
8. If Abington Health management becomes aware of a violation of any Abington Health,
hospital or departmental policy, involvement in seeking assistance from the EAP will not
prevent the imposition of appropriate disciplinary action.
9. In addition to any other disciplinary action, the Abington Health may, in its sole discretion,
refer the AH Person to a treatment or counseling program for drugs and/or alcohol abuse.
10. Any AH Personnel referred to such a program must immediately cease any alcohol or
substance abuse, must comply with all other conditions of the treatment or counseling
program, and must agree to enter into a Return to Work Agreement with Abington Health.
Testing For Drugs And/Or Alcohol:
Abington Health may require that an AH Person be tested for the presence of drugs and/or
alcohol. Abington Health’s testing policies and procedures are based upon the US Department
of Transportation drug and alcohol testing guidelines. This list is not intended to be inclusive
but it provides examples of activities/behaviors which are considered by Abington Health to
be unacceptable and would subject the individual to drug and/or alcohol testing.
1. When Abington Health reasonably suspects that an AH Person has violated or intends to
violate any rule prohibiting the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, diversion,
possession, use, transfer, purchase or sale of an illegal drug, a controlled substance, or
alcohol. The determination of reasonable suspicion may include, but is not limited to
consideration of any of the following circumstances:
• chronic absenteeism and/or tardiness.
• deterioration of job performance.
• observations of sudden changes in the AH Person’s personality, appearance and/or
behavior.
• information describing a violation of any of the standards of conduct.
• behavior or conduct that is abusive or does not meet normal and acceptable standards
of responsiveness.
• documented abnormal activity from the automated medication dispensing system.
• any other characteristics or physical symptoms that are normally associated with alcohol
or substance abuse; (i.e. stumbling, slurred or incoherent speech, confused orientation,
emotional outbursts, irrational behavior, and/or alcohol on the breath).
2. When Abington Health reasonably believes that the AH Person, while at work or providing
services to Abington Health and/or on Abington Health property, in or operating any Abington
Health supplied vehicle, has caused or has contributed to the cause of one of the following:
• any accident involving property damage.
• any accident involving any fatality or personal injury or harm to the health of any person.
• any unsafe practice or act that created a significant risk of death or personal injury of a nonminor nature to any person, or harm to the health of any person, or damage to any property.
• in no event will a negative test result serve as a defense in any disciplinary action taken
as a result of an accident or unsafe practice or act.
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3. Abington Health determines, in its sole discretion, whether the information obtained from
such testing may be useful in fully evaluating the circumstances of the accident or unsafe
practice or act and whether such information will be used by Abington Health as grounds
for discipline, including termination.
4. When the AH Person is participating in a treatment program of which regular testing is
a requirement and for a period established by Abington Health under its Return to Work
Agreement, which will be required by all AH Personnel upon a return to work from a
successful completion of a treatment program for substance abuse.
Testing Procedure For Reasonable Suspicion:
1. Observed Activity/Behavior - If an AH Person suspects unusual activity/behavior by another
AH Person, he/she is to notify his/her immediate manager or supervisor.
2. Manager’s Role - A manager or supervisor will call EHS and review the findings related to
the suspected AH Person’s activity and/or behavior. EHS will then determine whether there
is just cause/reasonable suspicion to perform a drug/alcohol test. The manager or supervisor
will speak with the identified AH Person and explain why he/she is being escorted to EHS.
3. Notice - Notice will be given to the AH Person that he/she will be drug/alcohol tested.
A manager or supervisor will accompany the AH Person to EHS or Abington Memorial
Hospital’s Emergency/Trauma Center when EHS is closed. Security may also be requested
to escort the manager/supervisor and the AH Person, if deemed necessary.
4. Physician/Provider Examination - The AH Person will be examined by the designated
physician and/or provider for signs or indications of impairment.
5. Consent - No test may be administered without the written consent of the AH Person being
tested and authorization of the release of the test results to the Hospital. Abington Health
or its agent will secure such consent prior to any testing.
6. Refusal to Consent - An AH Person’s refusal to consent or to cooperate fully will be
considered insubordination and will result in the AH Person’s termination.
7. Specimen Collection - Specimens will be collected under circumstances that respect the
privacy of the AH Person but in such a manner which prevents the alteration, tampering
or substitution of specimens. Any attempt to tamper, alter, dilute and or substitute any
specimen will result in the AH Person’s termination.
8. Chain of Custody - Collection, shipment and testing of all specimen samples will follow
chain of custody protocols and guidelines.
9. Post Testing Instructions and Procedures - The AH Person will be instructed that he/she
is under a reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol impairment and therefore he/she must
secure a ride to his/her home. If a ride cannot be secured, a taxi voucher will be supplied
by Abington Hospital. No AH Person will be permitted to drive home after being tested
under a reasonable suspicion. Failure to secure a ride home and/or failure to accept a taxi
voucher will result in Abington Health contacting the local police department. All AH
Personnel who are tested under reasonable suspicion will be immediately suspended from
work pending the receipt of the drug test results and the internal investigation.
10. The Testing Laboratory - The testing laboratory used by Abington Health to analyze drug
tests will meet all applicable certification requirements for drug testing under state and
federal law and/or authorized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
11. Physician Review – Abington Health’s Medical Review Officer (“MRO”), who is a licensed
physician, will review all drug/alcohol test results as well as any other available clinical
and documentary evidence. All positive drug/alcohol test results received from the certified
laboratory will be reviewed by the MRO with the AH Person. The AH Person will be given
an opportunity to submit clinical and documentary evidence to support an acceptable
medical explanation for the positive drug/alcohol test. If such explanation is acceptable, as
determined by the MRO using his/her sole discretion, the test will be deemed “negative.”
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12. Report to Management - EHS will report all MRO confirmed positive drug and/or alcohol
tests to Human Resources, the Legal Services Department and/or to Abington Health
leadership on a need-to-know basis.
13. Confidentiality – Abington Health has established a system for the confidential maintenance of
EHS medical records which meets currents state and federal confidentiality laws and regulations.
14. Retention of Sample - Abington Health’s testing laboratory or Abington Health will maintain any
samples and documentation relating to a reasonable suspicion drug/alcohol testing for sufficient
time to comply with any applicable laws and any foreseeable needs of Abington Health.
Education:
Drug Free Awareness Program - To assist AH Personnel in understanding and avoiding the
perils of substance abuse, Abington Health will provide a Drug-Free Awareness Program.
The Drug-Free Awareness program will make information available to AH Personnel about:
1. The dangers of alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace.
2. Abington Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy.
3. The availability of treatment and counseling for eligible AH Personnel who voluntarily
seek such assistance.
4. The discipline, including termination, Abington Health will impose for substance abuse violations.
Drugs in the Workplace - To educate the Abington Health leadership regarding substance abuse.
1. Abington Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy.
2. Activities and/behaviors associated with substance abuse.
3. Responsibility and role when Abington Health leadership believes one of their AH Personnel
is under the influence.
4. Procedure regarding reasonable suspicion.
5. Role and procedures regarding returning AH Personnel to the workplace after treatment
for drugs and/or alcohol under a Return to Work Agreement.
Benefits:
Abington Health has a commitment to maintaining a safe and secure workplace for all AH
Personnel and supports programs relating to the detection, treatment and prevention of substance
by employees. In support of this goal, eligible AH Personnel may use the following benefit
time to receive the appropriate substance abuse treatment as needed:
1. Abington Health provides an insurance plan for AH Personnel who are regular full-time
and regular part-time employees, which may help eligible these eligible AH Personnel pay
for the cost of treatment.
2. AH Personnel who are regular full-time employees may be eligible for disability benefits.
3. Time-Off - Abington Health offers a variety of leave benefits for eligible AH Personnel
who need time off from work for treatment of substance problems.
• Paid Time Off / Extended Leave Bank, as applicable and as eligible
• Family Medical Leave of Absence, as applicable and as eligible
• Leave of Absence
4. Eligibility - An AH Person’s eligibility for benefits and the amount of any such benefits will
be determined by Abington Health in accordance with the then-current terms, conditions
and requirements of each benefit plan or policy.
• Abington Health (or other designated plan administrator) has the responsibility of
administering its benefit plans and policies.
• Abington Health (or other designated plan administrator) has the discretion to interpret
and apply the terms, conditions and requirements of its benefit plans and policies in
particular situations and Abington Health (or other designated plan administrator) has
the discretion to decide all questions pertaining to eligibility, entitlement for, and the
amount of any such benefit.
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Contract Personnel, Vendors, Consultants:
Contract Personnel, Vendors, Consultants or any individuals or organizations that conduct
business with the Abington Health and/or any one or more of its subsidiaries are subject to the
provisions of this policy and have been referred to throughout this policy as AH Personnel.
1. Violations of these provisions or refusal to cooperate may result in Abington Health barring
them from participating in any Abington Health operation.
2. Contractors will be required to notify all its respective employees, contractors and agents
who will be working for the Contractor on Abington Health property regarding the provisions and obligations of this policy.
AMENDMENT AND INTERPRETATION:
1. Abington Health has the discretion to change, amend, terminate, or delete this Substance
Abuse Policy or any part of it at any time without consulting with, without obtaining the
agreement of, and/or without giving notice to any person or entity.
2. Abington Health has the sole right and discretion to interpret and to apply the provisions
of this policy, and to make all decisions including, without limitation, employment and
personnel decisions pursuant to this policy.
97
SECURITY EVENT OCCURS
Witnessed Emergent Event at the Dixon School of Nursing
Communicated to Dixon School of Nursing
Administration / Designee
Director of Security via x2828 (777)
Security Activates
911 if not already notified
Notify 911
AMH EOC – Communicator protocol
activated at the discretion of the
Director of Security
Communicator activated notifies
Employees / Students
Properties at Schilling Campus notified /
Creekwood Security Guard dispatched to
Pennwood Building
Incident Command set up as per
Emergency Responder’s protocols
Lockdown of Facility
Communication maintained between Director of
Security / Designee and Incident Commander at scene
Director of PR
(AMH EOC) communicates
official press release information
Administrator on-call and Director of
Security determines ALL CLEAR
Resume normal operations at Dixon School of Nursing via broadcast email
98
APPENDIX M
Department Manual:
Policy Number:
T-3
Title:
Tuition and Tuition Refund Policy
Policy Owner:
Category:
Keywords:
Tuition
Original Date:
3/2009
Last Review Date:
6/14
Referenced With:
Review Cycle:
Annually
Last Revision Date:
6/14
Purpose:
To provide information related to the Abington Memorial Hospital (AMH) Dixon School
of Nursing (DSON) accepted and enrolled students and their families with the financial aid
process. This also provides an explanation of their financial responsibility and obligation for
payment of the Tuition and Institutional School Fees.
Policy:
Tuition and Institutional fees are required to be paid in full prior to the beginning of the academic
term. Refunds for enrolled students are based on the weeks of attendance as listed in section D
item 4. Enrolled students who receive Federal and State funding and withdraw will be processed
in accordance with the requirements Title IV Refund Policy, Federal Regulation 34CFR66822.
This code stipulates that any refund due must be made to the programs providing the aid
according to applicable government regulations before any refund is provided to that students.
Procedure:
A.Tuition
1. Tuition costs are posted on the Learning Management System, in the Financial Aid
award letter, and the website. Changes are communicated to the students in writing.
2. The DSON offers three terms each academic year. DSON tuition invoices will be issued
prior to each academic term and payment will be due one week prior to the first day of
each academic term.
3. Responsibility for student tuition and fee accounts, including billing, collection, refunds,
third party payments, etc. are managed by the Bursar Office.
4. The tuition invoice will include any estimated financial aid.
5. All financial aid counseling and communications will be handled confidentially through
the Student Financial Aid Office in compliance with Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, and Hospital policy related to privacy.
6. Students who are unable to meet financial obligations will be referred to the Director
of Admissions, Recruitment and Financial Aid/designee for evaluation and reviewed
on an individual basis.
7. See the Financial Aid section of the Steeple Handbook for information related to
satisfactory academic progress and consideration for Financial Aid Probation. In the
event a student is approved to repeat a term by Student Evaluation and Achievement
Committee; as referenced in the Grading and Evaluation policy, tuition and fees will
be communicated to the student directly.
8. Students receiving Federal and /or State financial aid are required to submit all official
transcripts to the DSON. This includes verification of a high school diploma or GED
or the state equivalent and all college level credit courses taken post acceptance.
9. The DSON reserves the right to withhold transcripts and deny access to educational/
clinical experiences to any current or former student with unsatisfied financial obligations to AMH DSON or delinquent /defaulted on any Federal loans or other related
financial institutions affiliated with DSON.
99
B. Institution School Fees
1. The DSON Institution School Fees for the Intermediate and Senior Level are reviewed
annually. This information is communicated to students in writing and is available on the
School’s website in advance of the academic year. All Institution Fees are non-refundable.
2. DSON fees are included with the tuition invoice. The senior level school fee is applied
in Term 1 and the graduation fee is assessed in Term 3. The Intermediate level school
fee is incrementally distributed across each term in the academic year.
3. If a student has paid Institution School Fees and withdraws, and has been granted an
LOA from Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee to repeat that Term (in
the following year), the fee rate charged will be re-calculated. The student will then be
responsible for the difference of the fees balance owed and for any increase applied in
the current academic year. (Example: If a senior level student paid in Term 1 the full
payment and is returning to repeat Term 2 or 3 they will be charged for the difference
between last academic year’s fee and the fee for the current academic year.)
4. The Intermediate level student fees will be assessed as above and/or the full payment of
fees if the fee was applied per term and the student had not been enrolled in that term.
C. Methods of Tuition Payments
1. The Student may select the most appropriate method of payment to include check, cash
or an online full payment with a credit card to cover the balance owed not covered by
financial aid.
2. Remittance of payment will be processed through the following options: Bursar Office;
Bursar tab on the website for a full payment; the Abington Health (AH) Cashier’s Office
for remaining balance if payment method is by credit card or check.
3. Checks returned from the bank due to insufficient funds will be subject to a $50 charge.
4. Receipt of insufficient funds (i.e. check or credit card transaction) constitutes nonpayment of a balance due and will impact the student’s continued enrollment until debt
has been resolved. An additional fee of $50 will be assessed to the unpaid balance.
5. Term tuition/Fees payment schedule:
Academic Year
For two years:
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
100
Invoice sent to students
DAY
E/W
July
July
September**
November
December**
February
Due Date *
On invoice statement
* Late fee of $50 will be assessed as indicated for failure to meet due date.
** On or about
6. If a student withdrawals, regardless of a request for an LOA, and a return of Title
IV funds is required which creates a balance due, students are mandated to meet this
financial obligation to DSON. The student will be notified by the Bursar Office of
an approval for a payment plan and specific terms for making payments to meet the
financial obligation owed to the DSON.
7. Those students eligible to receive Women’s Board Scholarships or other outside aid,
Federal or State grants and loans will have those monies applied as per the terms of
their award schedule and will not be denied entry to class. Students who have not
completed the financial aid process will not receive credit for estimated financial aid
on their tuition account statement.
8. Students participating in an independent Employer Tuition Reimbursement Program are
required to abide to the DSON Term invoiced due date. Entitlement to an independent
Employer Tuition Reimbursement Program does not override the DSON Term invoiced
due date. DSON will not submit an invoice or grades to an independent Employer on
the student’s behalf for the purpose of a Tuition Reimbursement Program.
9. Monthly payment plans for tuition and fees are available per term. The student must
make a request for a payment plan to the Bursar. The Bursar is responsible to set-up
and to manage student requests. A late fee of $50 is assessed for each month that failure
to meet the monthly due date occurs.
D. Tuition Refunds for Student Withdrawls
1. Students withdrawing from the program for any reason are requested to submit a letter
to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair with a copy to the Director of Admissions,
Recruitment and Financial Aid. The Grading and Evaluation Policy details the process
and the students’ responsibility regarding notification of an official withdrawal.
2. If a student has participated in any Federal Title IV programs (i.e. Federal Pell Grant,
Federal Stafford Student Loan, Federal Parent Plus Loan) during the term in which they
are withdrawing, DSON is required to abide by the federally mandated process of Return of
Title IV funds in determining what, if any monies must be returned to the federal program.
3. The Return of Title IV (R2T4)funds is a mandated, schedule formula prescribed in the
federal regulations for the return of Title IV funds.
• This determination is based on the number of calendar days completed in the term
prior to the student’s notification to withdraw, divided by the total number of days
in the term.
1. If the resulting percentage is greater than or equal to 60%, no return of federal
funds will occur.
2. If the percentage is less than 60%, this percentage will be used to determine the
portion of Title IV aid that has been “earned.” The remaining balance amount
must be returned in the following order:
a. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
b. Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans
c. Federal PLUS
d. Federal Pell Grant
e. Other Title IV Aid
f. Other Federal, State, private or institutional student financial assistance
g. To the Student
• This repayment must occur in order for the student to re-establish eligibility to
receive federal funds in the future.
As a result of R2T4 calculation, the student will be responsible for the balanced owed
for tuition and fees when the money is returned to the Department of Education.
4. The DSON will adhere to the following Institutional refund schedule for students:
Program Option:
Tuition Expense Only
DAYS & E/W
TERM I, II and III • Did not begin or withdrew first
day of class.
• Withdraws or LOA after the first
day of class through third week.
• Withdraws or LOA after third
week of the enrollment term.
5. There are no refunds for the following fees:
• Application
• Acceptance
• Institutional Fees
Percentage
Refunded
100%
First week 75%
Second Week 50%
Third Week 25%
No refund
101
6. Non-refundable Institutional School Fees include:
• Technology Fee
o ATI testing, new Dosage Calculation/Pharmacology
o Communication System and Technology Support- updating learning management system, maintaining email system, uploading mandatory handheld device
software, problem solving student technical problems
o Maintenance of computer lab and technical guidance and support
o Nursing Central software for handheld devices
o Wireless service
• Learning Resource Center and Support Services
o Simulation Skills Lab
o Resume writing/interviewing skills
o Academic Support/Counseling
oTutoring
o NCLEX application process review (seniors)
o Carebridge Corporation services
o Access to Pennsylvania State University (PSU) resources with PSU student
identification number
• Library Fees
o Facility Maintenance
o Maintain equipment, online services
o Update library materials
o Wilmer Library privileges
• Graduation Fees (Senior level only)
o Graduation venue fees
oFlowers
oMusic
oInvitations/programs/diplomas
o Graduation pins
• Classroom Materials and Supplies Fee
o Classroom handouts
o Lecture supplements
o Steeple Student handbook
o Vital Signs Newsletter
o Financial Aid Handbook
• Off site Clinical Document Processing Fees
o Confirmation of criminal check and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
certification
o Proof of vaccinations and flu shots
• Orientation (first year students only)
o Light refreshments
o Folders/Orientation materials
• Nurse Kit (first year students only)
• Stethoscope and supplies used in Learning Resource Labs
• Student Professional Organization Membership
102
o Provides the enrolled student with access to professional growth through the
Student Nurse Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP).
o Dues assessed each academic year to Senior level students.
7. Students whose tuition and fees are paid by the Post-9/11 GI Bill or other Veteran
education benefit packages will be processed as per the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Eligible Veterans are required to submit their letter of eligibility for GI educational
benefits.
The DSON has designated Certifying Officials responsible for completion of certification procedures for eligible veterans and their spouse or children.
8. All other grants/scholarships will be awarded and applied as per the conditions specified
by the donor or disbursing agency.
E. Educational Resources
1. The Student Financial Aid Office will communicate and assist students and alumni with
financial aid process and their eligibility for all financial aid programs. Information on
debt management, student loan counseling and repayment will be shared throughout
the student enrollment period.
2. Information regarding scholarship and grant opportunities will be communicated in
writing and on the School’s website and the elearning system.
3. The partnership with academic institution of higher learning, PSU, will permit student
access to resources and other support services.
4. The Student Financial Aid Office will offer outreach educational programs to the AH
organization in regards to the financial aid opportunities, the application process, and
new loan forgiveness programs.
The School reserves the right to change its Curriculum, education policies, and expenses at
any time. Reasonable notice will be given. These changes will be communicated in writing.
103
appendix n
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
2014 - 2015
Claire Tatlow
Coordinator of Student Financial Aid Services
215-481-5549
THE SCHOOL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ITS CURRENT
CURRICULUM, EDUCATION POLICIES, AND TUITION AND FEES AT ANY TIME.
REASONABALE NOTICE WILL BE GIVEN.
Eligibility
Abington Memorial Hospital requires all students interested in being considered for grants and
loans to complete a Free Application for Federal Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) on the website
(www.fafsa.gov). Financial aid will be determined based on the results of the Federal Needs
Analysis. After submitting the FAFSA, students will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the
Department of Education which provides an Expected Family Contribution (EFC), information
from NSLDS Loan database, Social Security Administration, Homeland Security and Selective
Service databases. AMH Dixon School of Nursing participates in the Federal Pell Grant and DL
Stafford Loan program as well as the PHEAA state grant program for Pennsylvania residents.
Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for Federal or State grants. However,
all students can participate in the DL Stafford Loan program if they are not in default of any
Title 4 funds. A student who has been denied financial aid at another post-secondary institution
because of the lack of satisfactory academic progress or a default on a student loan will be denied
aid at this school until the student has satisfactorily completed one term on her/his own and/or
successfully resolved the default situation. Students receiving Title IV (Pell, Stafford Loans) or
State Grants while attending another School prior to entrance must include official transcripts for
any and all college coursework prior to entrance or while enrolled at the Dixon School of Nursing.
Eligibility Requirements:
1. Demonstrated financial need to qualify for some grants and subsidized Stafford loans.
2. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security number (SSN).
3. Be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.
4. Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate.
5. Complete a high school education in a home school setting approved under state law.
6. Register with the Selective Service, if you’re a male between the ages of 18 and 25.
7. Be in good academic standing with prior educational institutions and not be in default of
any Title IV funds.
Financial Aid requirements for AMH Dixon School of Nursing students:
1. Submit the 2014-15 DSON Women’s Board and Financial Aid application.
2. Submit the 2014-15 FAFSA which must be renewed each year. If selected for verification,
students will be notified by the Financial Aid Office as to the required documents needed
to complete the verification.
3. Submit financial aid application each year and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
104
Grants
Eligibility
Federal Pell
Grants
• Students must meet the admission requirements of the Dixon School
of Nursing.
• Must demonstrate financial need by the FAFSA calculation. • Student cannot have a bachelor’s degree.
• Must be enrolled in good academic standing and make satisfactory
academic progress.
• Student may not have any outstanding Title IV defaults.
• Verification documentation, if required
• Pell grants have a lifetime limit of 12 semesters or 600% (or the
equivalent enrollment). The calculation of duration of a student’s
eligibility will include all years of a student’s Federal Pell grant
funding.
PHEAA Grants
• Same as Federal Pell Grants eligibility.
• Must be at least a half time student and a Pennsylvania resident of
at least 12 months prior to date of FAFSA application.
• PHEAA state grants are limited to 4 full time academic years
Federal Direct
Stafford Loan
(DL)
Subsidized
Unsubsidized
Federal Direct
Plus Loan
• Must submit the FAFSA, www.fafsa.gov and not be in default of
Title IV aid
• DL Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans are awarded depending on
eligibility and must be repaid.
• Complete the Master Promissory Note and Mandatory Entrance
Counseling
• Current undergraduate DL Stafford loan interest rate is 4.66%. Loan
Fees for Stafford loans are 1.072%, loans certified after October
1st, rate increased to 1.073%.
• Students will have a onetime 6 months repayment grace period
for their DL Stafford loans. Interest accrues at the time a student
graduates and/or withdrawals from school.
Review your student loan borrowing history at www.NSLDS.ed.gov
• Parents (biological, step or adoptive parents) of dependent students
(under the age of 24 years.) may borrow a Parent Plus up to the
cost of attendance.
• Plus loans are credit based.
• Parents must complete a Plus loan application and a Master
Promissory Note (MPN). www.studentloan.gov
• Current interest rate for a Plus loan is 7.21% with 4.204% origination fee deducted each time the loan disburses. Loans certified after
October 1, the fees will be 4.292%.
• Payments for Plus loans begin 60 days after the last disbursement
within the academic year.
• Must be accepted and complete the FAFSA and the AMH DSON
Abington
Women’s Board and Financial Aid application
Memorial Hospital
Women’s Board • Need based scholarship
Scholarship
• Must apply each year and have satisfactory academic progress
105
• New applicants to DSON only and must have a GPA of 3.0 or
Abington
better, includes prerequisite and cumulative GPA’s from all college
Memorial Hospital
transcripts.
Dixon School of
• TEAS test score of 70% or higher
Nursing Merit
• Compliance with all enrollment requirements and maintain a 3.0
Scholarship
each term and continuous enrollment at DSON.
Veterans
• Must be a Veteran (spouse and dependents maybe eligible)
Education Benefits
• Submit VA Form 22-1990
www.gibill.va.gov
1-888-442-4551 • Submit a copy of the certificate of eligibility
• Private educational loans are administered by private lenders and
there are a variety of lending institutions that offer these student
loans. You may choose to use any lender but allow at least 4 weeks
for your application process.
Private Alternative
Loans
• Private Alternative loans are not government loans and DSON
recommends utilizing your DL Stafford loans eligibility first.
Compare private loan programs and borrow conservatively, these
loans may have significant fees and can require a co signer.
Award Notification
Financial Aid Award letters list all of the aid programs that a student is eligible to receive.
Award letters are sent to students with their financial aid award and the breakdown for each
term within the academic year. Please note that only the Direct Loans (DL) and Alternative
Education loans must be repaid. Financial Aid award letters must be signed and returned to
the Financial Aid Office. If your financial aid file is incomplete, your offer of financial aid is
estimated until all requested documents are received.
• Review your financial aid letter. Sign and return to the Financial Aid Office
• Students must apply for financial aid each year. • Students are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress. View the Satisfactory
Academic Progress Policy.
• DL Stafford/Plus loans are disbursed in 3 equal amounts for each term, unless a student
stipulates unequal disbursements within the term to cover tuition and fees.
• A new award letter is sent to students if there is a change in their financial aid award.
Financial Obligations
• Students are informed of school expenses (i.e. tuition, institutional fees, testing costs and PDA
software) which are posted on the Learning Management System and included in The Steeple
handbook. DSON reserves the right to change its curriculum, education policies and expenses
at any time. These changes will be communicated in writing. Reasonable notice will be given.
• Tuition and Fees are billed per term and must be paid in full by the date specified prior to
the terms start date. Financial aid is deducted from the tuition and fees.
• Students need to communicate all outside scholarships, tuition reimbursement or Title IV
default issues to the financial aid office.
• Non compliance fees incurred by a student cannot be deducted from a student’s financial
aid as an educational expense. Student may sign an authorization form to allow Title IV
funds to pay other non educational institutional charges.
Tuition Reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement may be available from the student’s place of employment.
AAMH Dixon School of Nursing Bursar’s office will provide a statement of account for
registered terms at the students request to provide to their employers which will include all
grants and scholarships that reduces a student’s tuition and/or fees.
106
Financial Aid Disbursement
Financial aid is routinely disbursed no later than the second week of a fall, winter and spring
term. In most cases, payment is made by directly crediting the student’s account for tuition
and fees. Students are notified when a DL Stafford/Plus Loan Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
payment is made to a student’s account. If the amount of federal/state financial aid is in excess of
the amount due to the school for tuition and fees, a refund check will be processed to the student
to be used for allowable education expenses, or aid will be adjusted if an over award occurs.
A student may cancel or decrease any portion of the DL Stafford during the academic year.
Students Have the Responsibility to:
• Familiarize yourself with information about the policies for financial aid.
• Intentionally misreporting information on financial aid applications is a violation and may
be considered a criminal offense which could result in an indictment under the United
States Criminal Code.
• Submit all fully completed applications and re-applications on time.
• Submit all college transcripts for all courses taken prior to enrollment at Dixon School of Nursing
• Read and understand all forms you sign (maintain copies for your personal file).
• Understand and accept responsibility for all agreements you sign, including repayment of loans.
• Notify the Coordinator of Student Financial Aid Services of any change in the following:
◦ Name and Address changes
◦ Marital status
◦ Enrollment status
◦ Changes in personal or family financial status
◦ Receipt of additional scholarship or outside financial aid
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in the Abington Memorial Hospital
Dixon School of Nursing Grading and Evaluation Policy, Appendix D, The Steeple.
• Use financial aid solely for educational purposes.
• Know and comply with the Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing tuition
refund policy, Student Financial Aid Handbook.
• Return all additional documentation, verification corrections, and/or new information
requested by the School or the agency to which a financial aid application was submitted.
Students Have the Right to Know:
• The cost of attending school.
• The tuition refund policy.
• What financial aid is available, the application process and deadlines for submitting
applications.
• How financial aid is determined and the criteria used to select aid recipients.
• The costs included in determining your educational budget.
• The resources considered in calculation of your need.
• When the financial aid is credited to your billing account.
• The Office of Student Financial Aid Services will explain your financial aid package and
review your records upon request.
• What part of your financial aid is a loan and must be repaid, the interest rate, and when
the loans will disburse to your account.
• What part of your financial aid is a grant/scholarship and is not repaid.
• How and when financial aid will be disbursed.
• You may accept or decline financial aid awarded with the exception of a Federal Pell grant.
• How the School determines whether satisfactory progress is being made and what happens
if progress is not made.
107
• You may appeal the loss of financial aid due to lack of academic progress (course failure,
GPA below a 2.0) if you are approved to return to DSON. You will be required to submit
an academic plan with specific goals and solutions for returning to DSON. You will be
notified by letter of the process for submitting a financial aid appeal.
• “Credit” assigned to nursing courses do not constitute “college credits” and does not imply
that all of the DSON nursing courses earn the equivalent of college credits. The term credit
assigned to some of the nursing courses is for grading and/or financial aid purposes. Only
an authorized degree granting institution in which a student enrolls may determine whether
the completed nursing courses may be accepted for college credit.
Education Information
Class of 2016
Intermediate Year -2nd year Sophomore
2nd Year Nursing Courses taken at AMH Dixon School of Nursing.
Term I – 10 credits
10 weeks Day or 15 weeks
E/W
Class Hours: 60, Clinical
Hours: 128,
Hours: 128, Credits: 7
Credits: 7
N250 Nursing Professional
* N251 Health Assessment
in Healthcare
Term III – 11 credits
E/W
N202 Adult Medical- Surgical Nursing II
And Clinical Immersion
- The clinical immersion
and clinical capstone may
be scheduled on either weekdays or weekends and may
be on off-shifts depending
on staff or school needs.
Hours: 188,
Credits: 8
* B297 Introduction to
Pharmacology
Class Hours: 45, Credits: 3
N199 Fundamentals in
Nursing
Term II – 10 credits
E/W
N201 Adult Medical- Surgical Nursing I
Intermediate year credits: 31, Total Class hours: 315, Total Clinical hours: 444
Rising Senior Year – 3rd year Class of 2015
Term I – 10 Credits
E/W
Term II – 10 Credits
E/W
N301 Nursing Care of the
Family
or
N303 The Adult with Complex Health Problems
N303 The Adult with Complex Health Problems
or
N302 Psychiatric/Mental
Health and Community
Health Nursing
N302 Psychiatric/Mental
Health and Community
Health Nursing
or
N301 Nursing Care of the
Family
Hours: 128,
Credits: 7
108
Term III – 13 credits
E/W
N357 Introduction to Nursing Informatics* or
N200W Understanding
and Applying Nursing
Research*
N357 Introduction to Nursing Informatics* or
N390 Transition and the
N200W Understanding
Professional Nursing Role*
and Applying Nursing
Research*
Day Option classes and clinical experiences occur Monday
through Friday. There is a two week clinical immersion (60 N370 Clinical Capstone clinical hours) after Term III at the end of the first year, and The clinical immersion and
a clinical capstone (112 clinical hours) after Term III at the clinical capstone may be
end of the senior year.
scheduled on either weekdays or weekends and may
Evening/Weekend Option classes are on Tuesday and
be on off-shifts depending on
Thursday evenings and clinical experiences every other
staff or school needs.
weekend. The clinical immersion and clinical capstone
are the same as listed for the Day Option.
Verification Policy
The US Department of Education or Dixon School of Nursing may verify information on a
student’s FAFSA. The Dixon School of Nursing is required to complete verification of its
enrolled applicants before aid can credit a student’s account. Students selected for verification
by the US Department of Education must complete a verification form and utilize the IRS Data
Retrieval tool on the FAFSA or submit an IRS tax transcript. You may be required to submit
additional documentation to resolve any conflicting information.
Requesting a Federal Tax Transcript
• Call 1-800-908-9946
• On line at www.irs.gov
• Mailing or faxing form 4506T-EZ
Sample of FAFSA items to be verified are:
• Household size
• Adjusted gross income (AGI) - reported on the Federal Income Tax return
• Taxes paid - reported on the Federal Income Tax return
• Untaxed income and benefits
• The number of dependents enrolled in post-secondary school
Code of Conduct for Financial Aid
AMH Dixon School of Nursing financial aid staff are members of the Pennsylvania Association
of Student Financial Aid Administrators. DSON does not have a preferential lending relationship
with any alternative student loan provider. No staff member shall accept any gift worth more
than $10 from a representative of a student loan provider. The Department of Education has
defined “gift” as any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan or other item
valued more than $10, which includes transportation, lodging, meals or advance payment
or reimbursement. Staff will place all unsolicited marketing materials (pens, markers, etc.)
received from lenders in the reception area for the use of students and parents.
109
School Expenses: 2014-15 Academic Year
Estimated Student Expenses for the Dixon School of Nursing 2014-15 Academic Year
Costs
Estimated Amount
Key Dates
Comments
Applications
accepted up until
Fee expected at
Application
$75.00
February 1st for
time of application
Fee
(non-refundable)
each enrollment
class
Non-refundable;
Fee due within
not applied
Acceptance
$250.00
one month of
toward tuition
Fee
(non-refundable)
admission offer
balance
Billing statements
Students are
are given to
$11,160 per year 2nd year
required to have
student’s weeks
students (Intermediate Level) before the start of
tuition and fees
Tuition
paid in full prior
class. Financial
$11,880 per year 3rd year
to the start of
aid will post as
students (Senior Level)
class each term.
a credit on the
account.
Institutional
fees are nonInstitutional fees
refundable and
are billed with the
are divided over
Estimated - (non-refundable)
academic terms
the 3 academic
$1,636 Intermediate leve tuition, if appliterms for the
Institutional
student; $1,375 3rd senior cable. Financial
intermediate level
Fees
level student. See chart below. aid will post as a
students. School
credit toward the
fees must be paid
tuition and fees
in full prior to the
per term.
start of class for
each term.
Course Syllabus
includes book
list; Books are
to be purchased
Estimated per term prior to 1st day
Book list will be
of class; enrolled
Textbooks
$350- $500
posted by Course
students notiCoordinator
2nd year nursing
fied by faculty
through the
Learning Management System
Estimated Uniforms must be
Uniforms/
$150- $200
May-August
purchased from
jacket/shoes
(2nd year nursing only)
Flynn O’Hara
Processed by
AMH Human
Criminal
$10.00
June/July
Resources
Check
Department
FBI FingerEstimated Cost –
June, July or
print
$29.00
August
110
Child Abuse
Clearance
$10.00
American
Heart Association Basic
Life Support
Healthcare
Provider
Course
Estimated - $75.00
plus face mask $15.00
Parking
$10
Technology:
Hand held
device
(Wi-Fi
enabled
smartphone
or handheld
device)
Estimated $250 to $750
June, July or
August
Prior to orientation for 2nd year
nursing; 3rd year
nursing must have
current card.
Certified for two
years
June, July or
August
Required for
clinical rotations
at AMH
June, July or
August
Students purchase
these devices.
Questions should
be directed to
Colleen Burns
Cost of Attendance Class 2015 – 3rd year level (Senior)
Tuition
Fees
Books
Supplies
Transportation**
Personal, Misc.
Room & Board
Loan Fees
* Licensure Expense (SR only)
**Travel to clinical
DEPENDENT
INDEPENDENT
$11,880
$1,375
$1,500
$700
$1,900
$1,200
$4,000
$75
$270
$11,880
$1,375
$1,500
$700
$1,900
$1,200
$14,520
$125
$270
$22,900
$33,470
• Licensure expense for PA; additional expense maybe incurred for out of state licensure
applications.
Senior Level students are responsible for these additional expenses:
• State Board Licensure (PA)
• NCLEX Registration & NCLEX review course
• Temporary Practice Permit (if desired)
• Graduation attire
• Graduation photographs (if desired)
111
Class 2016 - 1st year DSON student, 2nd year level (Intermediate)
DEPENDENT
INDEPENDENT
Tuition
$11,160
$11,160
Fees
$1,636
$1,636
Books
$1,500
$1,500
Supplies
$500
$500
Transportation*
$1,600
$1,600
Personal, Misc.
$1,200
$1,200
Room & Board
$4,000
$14,520
Loan Fees
$65
$105
Onetime Expense (iPhone)
$790
$790
$22,451
$33,011
*Includes travel to clinical
*Estimated Cost of Attendance is based on an average expenses for students. Additional
expenses may be incurred for individual students.
Tuition Refund Policy
• Fees are non-refundable. The school reserves the right to review individual cases. Application and Acceptance fees are non refundable.
• Withdrawal is determined by the last day of student attendance. Intention to withdraw from
the School must be addressed in writing to the Director of Nursing Education/Chair, Dixon
School of Nursing. The student should contact Colleen Burns, Director of Admissions,
Recruitment and Financial Aid for guidance related to the withdrawal process and to
schedule a program interruption interview.
• A class week usually consists of five (5) days, but may be less due to holidays, faculty
in-service or canceled class due to inclement weather conditions.
• The student is charged for class regardless of attendance of the student.
• The Dixon School of Nursing will adhere to the following Institutional refund schedule
for students:
Program Option:
DAYS EVENING/
WEEKEND
TERM I, II and III
Tuition Expense Only
• Did not begin or withdraw first day
of class.
• Withdraws or LOA after the first
day of class through third week.
• Withdraws or LOA after third
week of the enrollment term.
Percentage Refunded
100%
First week 75%
Second Week 50%
Third Week 25%
No refund
If a student begins a term and then withdraws at any time, regardless of the reason, and the student
has Federal Title IV funds, a tuition refund will be processed according to the Federal Title IV Return
of Funds Policy. If a student has completed at least 60% of the term, there is no Title IV refund
calculation needed. If a student withdrawals before completing at least 60% of the term, a Title
IV refund calculation is done and may result in a tuition balance. The student is required to pay
the balanced owed on their account to DSON as a result of the return of Title IV funds.
112
Title IV Refunds on behalf of student financial aid recipients must be distributed in the
following order:
• Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
• Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans
• Federal Parent (PLUS) Loans
• Federal PELL Grants for which Return of funds is required.
• Other Federal, State, Private, for Institutional sources of aid for which Return of funds is
required.
Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)
Students must advance to the next Nursing Course with a passing grade of C+ and P as per
the Grading and Evaluation Policy Appendix D to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
(SAP).A student who does not meet the course requirements as stated in the Grading and
Evaluation Policy will be considered a course failure for the purpose of Title IV financial aid
eligibility. Refer to the Grading and Evaluation Policy for specific guidance on what defines
a course and clinical failure.
Students who fail to make Satisfactory Academic Progress and wish to be considered for
re-entry should consult the Grading and Evaluation/Leave of Absence and/or Re-entry Policy.
A student who requests consideration for an LOA and is approved to return to the DSON by
the SEAC Committee does not override the financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress
(SAP) requirement. A student who does not have SAP maybe be considered for Financial Aid
Probation by submitting an appeal letter to the Financial Aid Coordinator which outlines the
reasons for the student’s lack of progress and must state specifically what actions he/she will
take to resolve those issues. The financial aid appeal letter is different from the letter submitted
to SEAC for an LOA consideration. This should be supported by the academic plan stated
from the SEAC committee.
If a student’s financial aid appeal is approved, the student will be placed on financial aid probation until the end of the term in which the appeal was granted. If a student does not meet the
minimum requirements (successfully completing the repeated course and maintaining a 2.0 or
higher GPA) the student will not be eligible to receive financial aid in the next term. Students
will agree to follow an academic plan to ensure SAP is met by the end of the academic term.
Title IV financial aid will be reinstated for the probationary term specified in the academic
plan. PA State Grant (PHEAA) does not have an academic appeal process.
113
Institutional Fee’s 2014-15 Break Out/ All Institutional Fee’s Non Refundable.
Technology
• ATI testing, new Dosage Calculation/Pharmacology
• Communication System & Tech Support - updating Learning Management Systems, email
systems, upload mandatory hand held devices, problem solve student technical problems.
• Maintenance of computer lab and technical guidance and support.
• Nursing Central software for hand held devices.
Graduation Fee (Upperclass only)
• Rental fees for venue
• Flowers
• Music
• Invitations/Programs/Diplomas
• Graduation Pins
SNAP (Seniors Only)
• Student Nurse Association of Pennsylvania Chapter dues
• Two faculty Advisors
Learning Resources and Support Services
• Simulation Skills Lab
• Resume writing/Interviewing skills
• Education related Counseling
• Tutoring
• NCLEX application process review (seniors)
• 2 free official DSON transcripts
• Carebridge Corporation services
Library
• Maintain facility
• Maintain equipment, online services
• Update library materials
• Wilmer Library privileges
• Penn State University Library privileges
Classroom Materials and Supplies
• Wireless service
• Classroom handouts
• Lecture Supplements
• Steeple Student & Financial Aid Handbook
• Vital Signs Newsletter
Off Site Clinical Document Processing
• Confirmation of Criminal Background Check and current CPR.
• Prove of Measles Inoculation
Nurse Kit (First year students only)
• 1st year DSON students receive Nurse Kit and stethoscope
Orientation (First year students only)
• Light Refreshments
• Criminal background, physicals and other document processing folders
114
Non Refundable Institutional Fees
AY 2014-2015
Class of 2015
Technology
• RN Comp Predictor Prep Software
$200
•
•
•
•
•
Communication/Tech Support (1st term charge)
Penn State Technology Fee (1st term charge)
Computer Lab (1st term charge)
Nursing Central (1st term charge)
Learning Resource Center/Skills Lab and
Simulation (1st term charge)
• V Sim (1st term charge)
Graduation (3rd term charge)
SNAP (1st term charge)
Support Services
Due Term 1 $950
Due Term 3 $425
TOTAL:
Class of 2016
Technology
*Comprehensive 2 year ATI Package ( 1st term charge)
$100
$65
$100
$100
$80
• Communication/Tech System (1/3 per term)
$80
• Penn State Technology Fee (1/3 per term)
$65
• Computer Lab (1/3 per term)
$100
• Nursing Central (1 term charge)
$100
• V Sim (1st term charge)
$60
(3rd term charge)
st
•
Learning Resource Center/Skills Lab & Simulation
(1/3 per term)
*Support Services (1/3 per term)
TOTAL:
$60
$225
$45
$50
$1375
$551
$80
$50
$1636
6/1/14
* Students returning from an approved LOA are required to pay Institutional Fee’s on a prorated
basis, determined by the number of terms the student will be attending.
Student Debt Management
All students should have a clear understanding of the responsibility of the debt they may
incur while pursuing their education. DSON recommends that students view their federal
student loan borrowing levels on the National Student Loan Data Service (NSLDS)
regularly. The website is www.NSLDS.ed.gov. Student loans must be paid back so borrow
wisely. Generally you’ll have from 10 to 20 years to repay your loan depending on your
repayment plan. It is recommended that you calculate your loan repayment before borrowing
a loan; one of the websites available to you is www.studentaid.ed.gov, repay your loans
(http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/OtherFormsOfRepay.jsp).
Students should know the servicer of their student loans and be in contact with servicer prior
to graduating. There are options available to help students remain in good standing even when
faced with financial difficulties.
115

The Steeple - Abington Memorial Hosptial Dixon School of Nursing

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