Department of Nursing

Chair:		Rena Boss-Victoria

Associate Professors:		Rena Boss-Victoria

Assistant Professors:		Birthale Archie, Doris Clark, Thelma Floyd,Denise Jarboe, Cordelia Obizoba, Doris E. Scott

Instructor:		Kathy Barnes, Rhonda Gall, Dorothy Glisson, Brittani Haynes, Twanna Whitehead, Sharon Wilks

Lab Manager/Faculty		Debra Coppedge

Academic Advisor:		Kenneth Dovale

VISION

Department of Nursing will promote a pathway to academic excellence to address the evolving global health care environment with special emphasis on:

Diversity
Evidence based practice
Technology
Practice innovation

MISSION

The mission is to provide quality academic programs offering learners the opportunity to expand their knowledge base and pursue advanced study. The nursing curricula prepare professional nurses who demonstrate excellence in using new methods in evidence based practice, think critically, apply ethical principles and clinical reasoning, demonstrate leadership skills, value diversity, participate and conduct research which benefits the global community. The Department of Nursing is committed to increasing diverse representation in the nursing profession.

The Baccalaureate Nursing Program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing.
The Baccalaureate Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3343 Peachtree Road, NE
Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 975-5000

Department of Nursing Goals

To provide quality programs supportive of the learning needs of students of diverse learners so that they may accomplish their educational goals
To provide an environment supportive of quality instruction, the use of technology, scholarly endeavors, and critical thinking
To maintain faculty support systems and staff development programs that foster creativity and facilitate the faculty’s contributions to higher education and the nursing profession
To maximize opportunities for students and faculty to participate in the internal operations of the University so as to foster optimal communications and ensure maximum involvement in the development and maintenance of programs and services
To engage in cooperative and collaborative relationships with regional communities that will promote health and nursing

Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Department of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS) for students interested in becoming a professional nurse. Students may select from a traditional track or an accelerated track. Second degree and transfer students are eligible to select the accelerated track. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the state licensure examination to become registered nurses.

A Baccalaureate Nursing completion program for Registered Nurses (with a Maryland license) is also offered. In the baccalaureate program, students acquire a sound liberal education with content from the social sciences, arts, humanities, sciences, and computer science. The curriculum provides students with comprehensive nursing knowledge and skills.

Graduates will be critical thinkers who have the ability to provide nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings, assume leadership roles, and adapt to the changing healthcare environment. The baccalaureate program provides a foundation for graduate education. To complete a BS degree, the student must complete 123 credits for the traditional BS. Nursing progression plan, 102 credits for the Accelerated BS 2nd degree nursing progression plan and 90 credits for the RN to BS progression plan, depending on the program.

Baccalaureate Curriculum Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate nursing program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Implement nursing process and caring behaviors to individuals, families, and communities.

2. Utilize communication, technology, and collaborative skills to provide safe and effective care.

3. Integrate culturally congruent care for clients across the life span.

4. Utilize evidence-based findings for decision-making that advances sociocultural, political, economic, legal, and ethical issues in nursing.

5. Integrate health policies from legislative and governing bodies into nursing practice.

6. Employ and lead programs, policies in collaboration with professional organizations to advocate optimal wellness to families and communities.

7. Demonstrate accountability for meeting the changing health care needs of diverse populations representing the global community, through the continuation of personal, professional, and educational development.

8. Integrate critical thinking, Clinical reasoning to promote optimal wellness to client, families and communities.

Baccalaureate Nursing Student Policies

The policies in this section of the handbook are applicable to baccalaureate students enrolled in the nursing programs. These policies are consistent with University policies. The Bowie State University Undergraduate Catalog is the principle document governing policies and procedures for students. The Office of Student Services also provides a student handbook, The Agenda. Students are responsible for accessing and reviewing the documents that govern undergraduate students.

Admission Policies

The Bowie State University (BSU) Nursing Program allows the following types of admission:

Freshman (Traditional Program)
Transfer Student (Accelerated Program)
Second Degree (Accelerated Program)
Registered Nurse (RN to BS Program)

These admissions are described below.

BSU ADMISSION

These admission policies can be found at the following site:

TRADITIONAL PROGRAM (SOPHOMORE)

Traditional nursing admission is designed for sophomore status students at Bowie State University, who have completed the required general education courses to become eligible for admission to the Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Program. Candidates for this program track are admitted for the fall semester only.

The length of the Traditional program is at least 4 years, but not more than 5 years. The first year consists of Freshman pre-requisites at Bowie State University (BSU). Sophomores may apply during the Sophomore Spring semester for a Fall admission into the Junior year of the nursing program.

In order to be considered for this program track, you must meet the following requirements:

Requirements:

Candidates can apply for admission to this program track during the second semester of their Sophomore year. They must have completed a full Freshman year and a first semester as a Sophomore at Bowie University to be considered. Candidates must meet the following requirements:

Acceptance to Bowie State University (BSU)
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better
GPA of 3.0 or better in prerequisite sciences
Successful completion of the English Proficiency Examination (EPE)
Note: Any student admitted to BSU starting fall 2017 is exempted
Successful completion of the NURS 101 course requirement
Completion of all required Science courses within 5 years of their admission date to the program
No more than a total of two withdrawals in any pre-requisite course (Withdrawals cannot be within the same course)
No failure or grade less than a C in any pre-requisite course
Must have evidence of success as a full-time student (12 or more credits in one semester)
Standardized Examination for Pre-Nursing Basic Knowledge required
Submission of an application to the Department of Nursing during the second semester of their Sophomore year (See nursing web site for application deadlines). The Department of Nursing will not accept applications until the established application submission dates.
Sealed official transcripts from each institution attended submitted with the nursing application as ONE packet (Nursing courses are not transferable to BSU)
A personal statement of your goals and objectives (400 words, typed and double-spaced)

TRANSFER STUDENT (TRADITIONAL PROGRAM)

Transfer nursing admission is designed for those transfer students maintaining 35 or less credits.

Candidates for the Traditional Program track are admitted for the fall semester only.

Pre-Nursing basic knowledge standardized examinations will be required.

The length of the Traditional Program is at least 4 years, but no more than 5 years. Typically, the first year consists of Freshman pre-requisites at a college other than BSU. Transfer students and those who were not eligible for admission in their Sophomore year may apply during the Sophomore Spring semester for a Fall admission into the Junior year of the nursing program.

Requirements:

Acceptance to Bowie State University (BSU) in a Fall semester.
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better
GPA of 3.0 or better in prerequisite sciences
Successful completion of the English Proficiency Examination (EPE)

Note: Any student admitted to BSU starting fall 2017 is exempted

Successful completion of NURS 101 course requirement
Completion of all required Science courses within 5 years of admission date to the program
No more than a total of two withdrawals in any pre-requisite course. (Withdrawals cannot be within the same course)
No failure or grade less than a “C” in any pre-requisite course
Must have evidence of success as a full-time student (12 or more credits in one semester)
Standardized Examination for Pre-Nursing Basic Knowledge required
Submission of an application to the Department of Nursing during the second semester of their Sophomore year (see nursing web site for application deadlines). The Department of Nursing will not accept applications until the established application submission dates.
Sealed official transcripts from each institution attended submitted with the nursing application as ONE packet (Nursing courses are not transferable to BSU)
A personal statement of your goals and objectives (400 words, typed and double-spaced)

SECOND DEGREE STUDENT (ACCELERATED PROGRAM)

Accelerated admission is designed for those transfer applicants maintaining 53 or more transfer credits or for those applicants possessing a prior undergraduate degree.

Candidates for this program track are admitted for the summer semester only.

Pre-Nursing Basic Knowledge standardized examinations will be required.

The length of the Accelerated Program is at least 18 months, but no more than 3 years. Typically, the 18 months consists of a Summer Session, Fall Session, Winter Session, Spring Session, Summer Session and a Fall Session. Candidates should apply during the Spring session before the Summer Session during which they seek to begin their studies.

Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited higher education program with an Associate or Bachelor’s degree
Acceptance to Bowie State University (BSU)
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
GPA of 3.0 or better in prerequisite science and math courses
Completion of all required Science courses within 5 years of their admission date to the program
No more than a total of two withdrawals in any pre-requisite course. (Withdrawals cannot be within the same course)
No failure or grade less than a C in any pre-requisite course
Registrar documentation of all transfer credits prior to eligibility for conditional and or gateway criteria admission
Sealed official transcripts of each institution attended with the nursing application as ONE packet (Nursing courses are not transferable to BSU)
Must have evidence of success as a full-time student (12 or more credits in one semester)
This program begins in the summer and requires year round study for 18 months
Submission of an application to the Department of Nursing in the Spring Semester (See nursing website for application deadlines and required information for Pre-Nursing Basic Knowledge Standardized Testing)
A personal statement of your goals and objectives (400 words, typed and double-spaced)

REGISTERED NURSE (RN TO BS PROGRAM)

Eligible candidates are admitted to this nursing program track for each fall and spring semester. Candidates are required to follow the RN-BS curriculum progression plan and complete all prerequisite courses to become eligible for transition into the RN-BS core nursing courses. All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or higher. Upon completion of all prerequisite courses and consultation with a Nursing academic advisor, candidates will then be required to submit an application for admission to the program.

The length of the RN to BS Program is at 2 years, but no more than 3 years. Typically, the 2 years consists of a Junior and Senior year. Candidates should apply during the Spring session before the Fall Session.

Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited higher education program with a minimum of an Associate Degree in Nursing
Acceptance to Bowie State University BSU)
Licensure as a Maryland RN
Completion of all general education courses as required per program of study
Successful completion of nursing prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
Sealed official transcripts of each institution attended with the nursing application as ONE packet.
Three letters of recommendation (a reference from your immediate supervisor and two from professional colleagues)
Submission of the RN to BS application (See website for application dates and deadline information)
Current CPR certification
Current Maryland RN licensure
A personal statement of your goals and objectives (400 words, typed and double-spaced)
A completed physical examination/health history (Form provided in application)
Current professional resume
Student profile sheet (Form provided in application)

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN PROGRAM)

Master of Science in Nursing admission is designed for those applicants who have earned an undergraduate nursing degree from a nationally accredited university.

Candidates for this program track are admitted for the fall semester only. Nursing entrance examinations are not required!

Requirements:

Graduation with an undergraduate nursing degree from a nationally accredited university
Acceptance to Bowie State University Graduate School
Minimum of one year of professional nursing experience prior to admission to role courses.
Cumulative GPA 2.75 or higher.
Current RN licensure in the State of Maryland.
Graduate Nursing Application from the BSU Department of Nursing.
Sealed official transcripts of each institution attended with the nursing application as ONE packet (nursing courses are not transferable to BSU)
Three (3) professional recommendations. Recommendations from an immediate supervisor and two professional colleagues are required.
Current Professional Resume
A personal statement of goals and objectives for pursuing graduate nursing study (150-200 words, typed and double-spaced). Please clearly state which program you are applying for (FNP or NE).
Current Maryland RN licensure verification
Current CPR certification

General Policies

Academic Honesty and Dishonesty- Nursing students are expected to conform to a strict standard of academic honesty. In addition to the Bowie State University Undergraduate Catalog, academic dishonesty includes exhibiting unethical or illegal behaviors including falsification of documents. Students are required to sign the Academic Honesty and Dishonesty form, which is placed in the student’s academic folder in the nursing department. Students will be recommended for dismissal from the nursing program when academic dishonesty is confirmed. Please refer to the BSU Undergraduate Catalog for policies about academic dishonesty.

Communication Methods - The faculty and staff provide program and curriculum information through the use of Bowie email accounts, ANGEL, and the Nursing Department web site. Students are expected to review these electronic sources at least weekly. Technology is an integral part of the nursing curriculum.

Financial Aid - Financial assistance at BSU is available through various sources. Opportunities are available to students to receive funds if they meet the specified criteria. Personnel in the Financial Aid Office will assist students in exploring financial assistance for which they may be eligible. The Financial Aid Office is located in the Henry Building.

Governance - It is expected that students will participate in governance within the Department of Nursing (DON) and in the University. The mechanism for participation in governance of the University is through the BSU Student Government Association. The mechanism for participation in the governance of the department of nursing is through the Student Nurses Association and student representation on the DON Curriculum Committees. Input from students is encouraged and welcomed regarding the courses and activities of the DON. It is therefore the responsibility of students to serve as representatives to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. The Student Nurse Association will hold elections annually, in the FALL to select representatives to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UCC). The Student Nurse Association shall elect one student representative from each cohort admitted. The Student Nurse Association shall have one vote through its collective student representatives.

Office Hours - The Department of Nursing Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. All faculty maintain office hours, which are listed on course syllabi. A listing of the office hours for each faculty member is available for review in the nursing office, and also on the bulletin board next to the office door of the faculty member.

Request for Leave of Absence - Students may request a leave of absence for personal or family medical emergencies. Students requesting a leave of absence for medical emergencies must have official documentation to support the request. The request must be made in writing 14 days prior to the start of the intended leave. The student must also meet with their advisor regarding this request. The approval for the leave request will be made by the Faculty Organization. Student progression in the nursing program will be based on course availability.

Required Fees - Throughout the nursing program, students are required to pay for the following items:

Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI)
Comprehensive Exit Exam
Clinical Laboratory

These fees are collected as part of the semester charges and are in addition to any and all charges for tuition, room, board, and other general BSU student fees.

Course Policies

Class Attendance - Students are expected to attend and to participate in all class sessions. Students are required to notify faculty of absences or delays. Students are responsible for all academic content covered at all times.

Lateness/Absence

Students are expected to report to the clinical setting on time (specific time as defined by the faculty in the course). Students must provide appropriate notification of lateness or absence to the clinical instructor, preceptor, and/or clinical site. If a student is late, the clinical instructor or preceptor has the right to tell the student that they cannot participate in clinical activities for that day. Lateness will be converted to absences. The following formula will be used to convert lateness to absences:

2 Occurrences of lateness in a 2 credit course = 1 absence

Two Absences may result in failure of the clinical course. Clinical absences must be made up per instructor requirements.

Clock Hours and Credit Hours - In lecture courses one credit hour is equal to a 50 minute time period per week. In clinical courses one credit hour is equal to four (4) clock hours of clinical per week. In lab courses one credit hour is equal to three (3) clock hours.

Cancellation of Classes - Any cancellation of classes by the University is broadcast over local radio and television stations. When classes are cancelled clinical experiences are also cancelled.

Grading Criteria - The grading scale for undergraduate students in the Department of Nursing is as follows:

A = 92 - 100
B = 83 - 91
C = 75 - 82
D = 68 - 74
F = below 67.5

Late Assignments - Assignments turned in late will not receive credit unless a specific authorization has been granted by the faculty for health or other reasons. In the event of illness or emergency, students are responsible for making arrangements with the appropriate faculty member.

Progression Policies

Progression - Nursing course content is planned in a sequential manner so that each course builds upon previous course content. Students must complete all courses sequentially as outlined in the progression plan. Students must be enrolled into the corresponding clinical nursing courses when enrolled into the didactic course. Students must satisfactorily complete the clinical and didactic courses to progress to the next level. Students who are unsuccessful in one of the courses must retake the didactic and corresponding clinical course.
In order to progress in the nursing program, students must earn a “C” or better in the general education courses.

Progressive testing with standardized exams will be used to evaluate student competence of completed course materials. Opportunities for online practice prior to each exam will be provided. Two attempts are allowed for each exam. Students must achieve minimal proficiency level in order to progress in the nursing program. Students who are unsuccessful after two attempts, but have successfully completed the course must complete 20 hours of remediation.

Students must complete the nursing program within five (5) years from the date of admission into the nursing program.

Academic Standing - All students are required to complete a minimum of 62 CREDITS in the nursing major according to the progression plan. Nursing students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all nursing courses and maintain a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) to be in good academic standing.

Student Advisement - All students must meet with their advisor to prepare for registration each semester and in a proactive manner throughout the semester. Advisement sessions are used for planning student progression, discussing professional issues and concerns, and obtaining assistance that may be needed. Students are encouraged to make an appointment for advisement.

Academic Warning - Students earning a grade less than “C” in a nursing course at mid-term must meet with the course faculty member to develop a written plan of action to assist the student to improve academic standing. The plan of action will be documented on the progress report form. This document is placed in the student’s Department of Nursing record and the student receives a copy. Students will receive a mid-semester grade.

Dismissal from the Program - When a student is recommended for dismissal from the nursing program, the Department Chairperson will provide written notification of dismissal. Students dismissed for academic reasons may apply for admission to the nursing program after one academic year. Students will be recommended for dismissal from the undergraduate nursing program under the following conditions:

Earning a grade lower than “C” in two different nursing courses or in one repeated nursing course.
Failure to meet the requirements for progression.
Earning a grade of “W” or an “AU” in three nursing courses.
Exhibiting conduct that is unprofessional, incompetent, unethical, or illegal in the clinical/practicum settings as outlined by the American Nurses’ Association Code for Nurses, the University Academic Honesty and Dishonesty document, and the clinical agency compliance policy.
Cheating on examinations, plagiarism, or improper documentation or falsification of clinical activities as outlined in the BSU Undergraduate Catalog and the DON Academic Honesty and Dishonesty document.
Performance in an unsafe manner while providing care to a client. (In addition, the student will be immediately removed from the clinical area.)
If any student presents to the clinical area chemically impaired by drugs or alcohol. (In addition, the student will be immediately removed from the clinical area.)
Demonstration of non-professional behavior may result in immediate removal from the clinical area.

Grade Appeal - Students should follow the procedures outlined in the BSU Undergraduate Catalog for grade appeals.

Grievance Policy -Students should attempt to resolve all grievance issues at the lowest level. Discuss the issue with the faculty. In the event that the issue needs further review, the chain of command within the DON should be followed. If there is no resolution within the DON, then sources outside the Department may become involved. The grievance process pertains to all matters except grades. The time frame for initiating a grievance is within five (5) weekdays of the event. The process must be followed in the sequence listed:

Grievances of Clinical Faculty decisions - if not resolved at this level notify Course Coordinator of continuation of the grievance process within 5 weekdays of the event.

Grievances of Course Faculty decisions or any progression issues - if not resolved at this level notify the Program Coordinator. Students will submit their version of the grievance typed and include a description of the original event. The program coordinator will review the issue and determine if it should be forwarded to the APG committee. If the grievance is moved to the next level, the program coordinator will inform the student, faculty, and APG committee. A summary of all activities that have occurred will also be forward to the APG committee.
Submit to the chair of APG committee.
Admission Progression and Graduation Committee (APG) Chairperson within 5 weekdays of the decision.

The APG Committee may invite other nursing student representatives (graduate representatives) to hear grievances related to clinical practice. The recommendation of the APG Committee will be referred to the DON Faculty Organization for final decision.

A decision will be rendered within 30 days.

Students who wish to continue the grievance process must follow the BSU policy related to grievance.

Chair, Department of Nursing
Dean, College of Professional Studies
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs or Designee
The President

Application for Graduation - Students who anticipate meeting all requirements for graduation must apply for graduation by the deadline date as posted by the University Registrar on the BSU website. The University establishes graduation fees and set deadline dates. The Office of the Registrar can assist you in matters related to this issue.

English Proficiency Examination - The English Proficiency Examination (EPE) is a graduation requirement that must be satisfied by all students receiving a bachelor’s degree from BSU. All students should take the examination upon completion of English 102. However, transfer students who completed their English requirements at another university should take the examination during their First Semester of enrollment at Bowie State University. Students must successfully complete the English Proficiency Exam prior to enrollment into nursing courses with clinical experiences.Effective Fall 2017, the English Proficiency Examination will no longer be a graduation requirement for students with the admit term of 2017.

Graduation Requirements - Graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS) degree are:

Successful completion of all general education and prerequisite course requirements.
Successful completion of the English Proficiency Examination.
Completion of all nursing course requirements and electives as specified by the DON.
Completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and a minimum grade of “C” in all Nursing courses. Refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for a discussion of quality points and grade point averages.
Successful completion of the Department of Nursing Comprehensive Exit Examination during the final semester of study.
Submission of the Application for Graduation.
Clearance of all financial obligations by the Business Office.

Exit Survey - Graduating students will participate in an exit survey during their final semester of study. The survey is designed to obtain information about your experiences in the nursing program.

Clinical Policies

Students are expected to abide by the policies of the healthcare facility and the Department of Nursing. The clinical nursing faculty must know the location for all students during the entire clinical period. Students are not to leave the grounds of the healthcare facility without approval. This includes lunch breaks and early dismissals.

Clinical courses must be taken concurrently with the corresponding theory course. All undergraduate students must achieve a grade of “C” or above in the theory course and clinical course in order to progress to the next level in nursing.

Lateness/Absence
Students are expected to report to the clinical setting on time (specific time as defined by the faculty in the course). Students must provide appropriate notification of lateness or absence to the clinical instructor, preceptor, and/or clinical site. If a student is late, the clinical instructor or preceptor has the right to tell the student that they cannot participate in clinical activities for that day. Lateness will be converted to absences. The following formula will be used to convert lateness to absences:

2 Occurrences of lateness in a 2 credit course = 1 absence

Two Absences may result in failure of the clinical course. Clinical absences must be made up per instructor requirements.

Insurance
All students are required to have health insurance coverage. Fulltime students may purchase health insurance through the University.

All students are required to be covered by professional student liability insurance. The University purchases insurance on the student’s behalf. Fees for the insurance are included in the student’s tuition bill. Registered Nurse students are also encouraged to independently purchase professional liability insurance.

Students may purchase liability insurance from any company of their choosing. The following company provides insurance policies for nursing students.

NSO (Nursing Service Organization) Malpractice Insurance
159 E. County Line RD
Hartford, PA 19040
Phone: 1-800-247-1500
Fax: 1-800-739-8818
Email: service@nso.com

Health Requirements
The Department of Nursing (DON) does not discriminate on the basis of physical disabilities. However, any applicant with a physical or emotional problem that may impact clinical or classroom performance must notify the academic advisor in the DON upon submission of application to the DON.

The DON requires submission of the following information prior to enrolling into clinical nursing courses: Physical Exams can be completed by the BSU Wellness Center.

1. Immunization - Documentation of vaccination or immunity required

a. Tdap: Td within 10 years of completion of DTP series, and thereafter

b. MMR: MMR Titer or MMR Vaccinations #1 and # 2 if you are non-immune

c. Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B Series - 3 doses

d. Varicella: Varicella Titer or Varicella Vaccination if you are non-immune

e. TB (PPD/CXR): Current Documentation of negative PPD (2 step) or documentation of a normal Chest X-ray within the last five years.

f. Nursing.

g. Influenza (seasonal)

h. Physical Examination

i. CPR

j. Health Insurance

All students will be required to complete criminal background clearance and drug screens.

k. Completed criminal background clearance through Castlebranch (CBbridges) Information for online application will be provided in the Department of Nursing.

l. Urine drug screen is required by healthcare facilities through Castlebranch. Information for online application and payment will be provided by the Department of Nursing

Physical examination services are available to students at the Wellness Center on campus for a nominal fee ($35.00). Contact the wellness center at (301) 860-4171 for more information or to schedule an appointment.nt.

Professional Documentation for Clinical Agency Compliance - Prior to starting the clinical all students are required to submit and maintain a copy of:

Documentation of current CPR certification (American Heart Association BLS - Health Care Provider course)
All students who are Registered Nurses are required to maintain a current Maryland nurse’s license that substantiates their legal standing for the practice of nursing and current nurse liability insurance.
Student Nurse Liability Insurance may also be required for traditional nursing students.

All of the above documentation must be submitted to the course and/or clinical faculty by the date assigned. The deadline will be strictly enforced; there is no grace period. Students will be notified in writing if they do not meet the above requirements. Students will not be allowed to attend clinical if the above requirements have not been met (these will be counted as absences/ see absence policy).

Clinical Course Policies - The following policies apply to BS clinical courses:

Students must pass a dosage test prior to start of clinical in the junior and senior year nursing courses.
Clinical site assignments for students are made at the discretion of the course faculty member.
If the student is placed in an agency where he/she is employed, the clinical assignment will not be on the unit where he/she is employed.
Students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical sites. The DON uses a variety of healthcare agencies for clinical placements. These agencies are located in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.

Uniforms

All Students

All students will purchase the designated BSU nursing student uniform (pants with tops or dress, and lab coat) with BSU patch in the semester before beginning clinical. The BSU patch must be sewn on the Left sleeve at the shoulder line.

Identification badge with student’s name must be worn at all times and the BSU photo ID must be in student’s possession also.
Hair must be worn above the uniform collar. If hair length is below the collar, it must be worn pinned up or tied back.
Full length white lab coats or washable white or navy blue sweaters may be worn in the clinical area. Students are expected to remove their sweater or lab coat when providing direct client care.
Fingernails must be without polish and no longer than ¼ of an inch. Polished, designer and artificial nails are not permitted.
Jewelry is limited to one pair of stud earrings, wedding rings, & watch.
Students must maintain appropriate personal hygiene; strongly scented cosmetics are not permitted.
All white leather shoes with closed toe and closed, low heel are required.
Lab coats must be worn when not in uniform during visits to the clinical areas when care will not be given. Name pins and the DON patch must be worn on the lab coats and students must introduce themselves to staff.
Blue jeans may NOT be worn under lab coats.
Lab coats must be white and full length.
Lab coats must be worn in the nursing lab during simulation and when practicing skills.

Women

All skirts or dresses must be at an appropriate length for bending and stretching activities. Students will be dismissed from clinical if the instructor considers the uniform too short.
Pantsuits may be worn.
A full length non-cling slip must be worn under the uniform dress.
White stockings or panty hose are to be worn with dresses.
White knee high stockings may be worn with pants.

Men

White pants and top.
Pants must be fitted and an appropriate length.
White socks must be worn with pants.

Uniforms during Community Health and Psychiatric Mental Health Experience

Nursing students adhere to the course-specific uniform policy. Information regarding the policies will be given to students by course faculty.

Failure to adhere to these uniform requirements may result in dismissal from the clinical area, and will be reflected in the clinical evaluation.

Equipment Required for Clinical Experiences

A watch with a sweep second hand.
A stethoscope with bell and diaphragm.
Black ink pen.
Penlight.
Other equipment as specified in the course syllabus.

Accidents During Clinical Experience

If a nursing student is injured during the clinical experience he/she should report immediately to the faculty and charge nurse on the unit. Students may be required to go to Employee Health or the Emergency Department depending on the severity of the injury and the policies of the agency.

Fees for these visits may not be covered by the agency and students are required to maintain their own health insurance.

Reporting of Illness/Absence

It is the responsibility of the student to follow the course instructor’s procedure to report absence due to illness.
When the student is hospitalized, the DON must be notified immediately.
Students who have experienced a hospitalization or extensive illness (3 days) must submit to the course faculty in writing, an official statement from the health care provider permitting return to clinical practicum.

Pregnancy

A student who is pregnant may continue in clinical experiences as long as her health status is satisfactory and she is able to complete her clinical assignments.
Students who are pregnant should consult with the faculty member in advance of their clinical assignment. Some agency regulations determine assignments during pregnancy.
For the safety of the student who is pregnant, she must not enter areas where radioisotopes or x-ray therapy is being administered.
Students who deliver during the semester must present in writing an official statement of health clearance from the health care provider permitting return to clinical practicum.

Standard Precautions

Students are required to implement Standard Precautions in all clinical settings where they may come into contact with blood and other body fluids. Standard Precautions should be used when in contact with human tissues, cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and amniotic fluids. Students who are exposed to body fluids while in the clinical/practicum setting should notify the preceptor, responsible faculty, and the appropriate supervisory person in the agency. The student should follow-up with procedures available for employees of the clinical facility. This includes the right to request patient testing, individual counseling, and obtaining follow-up information for health care.

Procedures for Handling Blood and Body fluids:

Handle all blood and body fluids following Standard Precautions.
Wash hands and other skin surfaces before and immediately after contact with body fluids.
Wear protective barriers appropriate for the procedure being performed when anticipating exposure to body fluids.
Use gowns for splashes, goggles and masks for splatters, and gloves when handling fluids.
Do no recap or manipulate needles or sharps in any way. Place them immediately in puncture resistant containers after use.
Place resuscitation equipment where respiratory arrest is predictable. Refrain from direct client care if you have exudative lesions.

The Department of Nursing reserves the right to update and change the above policies at any time. A copy of the policies is posted on the department’s web site. It is the students’ responsibility to stay current and informed of the changes. If any changes occur, students will be notified and they will be able to view the changes on the department’s web site. Significant changes made to the policies will require students to sign and date a new acknowledgement form. All new nursing students are to read the policies and sign and date the acknowledgement form attached. This must be submitted on your first day of class.

References

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. (2001). Occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens. Federal Register (66 FR 5325). Washington, D.D.: retrieved August 24, 2004 from: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS &p_id=10051

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (1997). Position statement policy and guidelines for prevention and management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B Virus infection in the nursing education community. The Journal of Professional Nursing, 13, 325-328.

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (2010) H1N1 (Swine Flu) main retrieved from http://dhmh.maryland.gov/swineflu/ on May 28, 2010.

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Programs

Bachelor of Science