The Steeple - Abington Memorial Hosptial Dixon School of Nursing
Transcription
The Steeple - Abington Memorial Hosptial Dixon School of Nursing
Dixon School of Nursing The Steeple STUDENT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015 Property of:______________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________ Phone #:________________________________________________ In case of emergency, please notify: Name:___________________ Phone #:____________________ The information in this book was the best available at press time. Watch for additional information and changes. ©2014 School Datebooks, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in any retrieval system, or translated in any form without the written permission of School Datebooks, Inc. 2880 U.S. Hwy. 231 S., Suite 200 • Lafayette, IN 47909 • (765) 471-8883 http://www.schooldatebooks.com • [email protected] 1 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 2 Dixon School of Nursing 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. 3 4 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 5 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 6 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. 7 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 8 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. 9 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 10 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. 11 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. 12 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. 13 14 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. • Serves as a member of the Graduation Committee. 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. • Serves as a member of the Graduation Committee. 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. 15 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) 16 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 • Serves as a representative of the School Newsletter, Vital Signs, providing information, 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 • Serves as a representative of the School Newsletter, Vital Signs, providing information, articles, photos, etc. to the editors of Vital Signs. 17 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. 18 • • • • • • 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. 19 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. Student Representative Role • 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. Student Representative Role • 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. 20 General INFORMATION ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Refer to Grading and Evaluation Policy, Appendix D. ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT Refer to Grading and Evaluation Policy, Appendix D. 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. 21 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. 22 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 23 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. 24 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). 25 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. 26 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. 27 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 Refer to Grading and Evaluation Policy, Appendix D. 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. 28 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. 29 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. 30 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 Dixon School of Nursing 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 . 31 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. 32 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 Dixon School of Nursing 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______________________ 33 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) Dixon School of Nursing 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. 34 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. 35 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. 36 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. 37 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 Refer to Grading and Evaluation Policy, Appendix D. 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. 38 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. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 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: Dixon School of Nursing Policy Number: A-1 Title: Admissions Policy Category: Dixon School of Nursing 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. 41 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. 42 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. 43 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. 44 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. c) Examples of relevant activities: 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. 48 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. c) Examples of relevant activities: 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: Student Attendance Policy 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: Grading and Evaluation Policy Policy Owner: Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee Referenced With: Student Attendance Policy Student Record Keeping Policy Department Manual: Dixon School of Nursing Policy Number: G-1 Category: Dixon School of Nursing 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. 61 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. 62 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. 63 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. 64 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. 65 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 66 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). 67 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. 68 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. 69 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 referral to the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee. 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 referral to the Student Evaluation and Achievement Committee. 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. 70 71 APPENDIX E Title: Medication Administration Policy Policy Owner: Curriculum Committee Referenced With: Generic Structure Standard Element X Department Manual: Dixon School of Nursing Policy Number: M-1 Category: Dixon School of Nursing 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 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 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. 72 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 Students may administer medications by oral, nasal, topical, otic, ophthalmic, rectal, vaginal, 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. 73 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 Abington Memorial Hospital Administrative Policy for Patient Privacy - #1.26 Abington Memorial Hospital Administrative 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. 74 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. 75 APPENDIX G Title: Student Grievance Policy Policy Owner: Student Grievance Committee Referenced With: Department Manual: Dixon School of Nursing Category: Dixon School of Nursing 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. 76 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. 77 APPENDIX H Title: Student Record Keeping Policy 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: Dixon School of Nursing Category: Dixon School of Nursing 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. 78 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 79 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. 80 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. 81 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. 82 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 83 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: Dixon School of Nursing Category: Dixon School of Nursing 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. 85 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 86 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. 87 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. 88 APPENDIX K Title: Timely Warning Plan Policy Owner: Dixon School of Nursing Referenced with: AMH Security Policy and Procedure Manual AMH Emergency Management Plan Code Silver for Hostages/Serious Criminal Acts/Intruders Department Manual: Dixon School of Nursing Policy Number: T-2 Category: Dixon School of Nursing 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. 89 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. 90 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: Grading and Evaluation Policy 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) 91 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. 92 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 93 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. 94 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.” 95 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. 96 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 Dixon School of Nursing 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: Dixon School of Nursing Policy Number: T-3 Title: Tuition and Tuition Refund Policy Policy Owner: Dixon School of Nursing Category: Dixon School of Nursing Keywords: Tuition Original Date: 3/2009 Last Review Date: 6/14 Referenced With: Grading and Evaluation Policy 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 On invoice statement 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 pre- requisite 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 Class Hours: 60, Clinical Hours: 128, Hours: 128, Credits: 7 Credits: 7 N250 Nursing Professional * N251 Health Assessment in Healthcare Term III – 11 credits 12 weeks Day or 17 weeks 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. Class Hours: 60, Clinical Hours: 188, Credits: 8 * B297 Introduction to Pharmacology Class Hours: 45, Credits: 3 Class Hours: 45, Credits: 3 N199 Fundamentals in Nursing Term II – 10 credits 10 weeks Day or 15 weeks E/W N201 Adult Medical- Surgical Nursing I Class Hours: 45, Credits: 3 Intermediate year credits: 31, Total Class hours: 315, Total Clinical hours: 444 Rising Senior Year – 3rd year Class of 2015 Term I – 10 Credits 10 weeks Day or 15 weeks E/W Term II – 10 Credits 10 weeks Day or 15 weeks 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 Class Hours: 60, Clinical Hours: 128, Credits: 7 Class Hours: 60, Clinical Hours: 128, Credits: 7 Class Hours: 60, Clinical Hours: 128, Credits: 7 108 Term III – 13 credits 13 weeks Day or 18 weeks 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* Class Hours: 45, Credits: 3 Class Hours: 45, Credits: 3 Class Hours: 45, Credits: 3 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