MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING and POST ..., Exercises of Nursing

Download MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING and POST ... and more Exercises Nursing in PDF only on Docsity! 1 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING and POST MASTERS’S CERTIFICATE STUDENT HANDBOOK THE COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH INNOVATION Academic Year 2022-2023 Revised: July 5, 2022 In all cases, the Graduate Catalog supersedes. DISCLAIMER: The student handbook is updated annually and as needed for programmatic and policy changes. The electronic version of this handbook supersedes all print copies. 2 Table of Contents MSN Programs – Overview College of Nursing and Health Innovation Vision and Mission 4 Accreditation 4 College of Nursing and Health Innovation History 4 Master of Science in Nursing Program Outcomes 4 Post Master’s Certificates 5 Program Administrators 5 Policies and Procedures Advising and Registration 7 Course Scheduling 7 Transfer Course Credit 8 Course Adds, Drops/Withdrawals 8 Dropping or Withdrawing After the Last Day to Drop 9 Repeated Course Withdrawal 9 Disruption in Clinical coursework (Nurse Practitioner Programs) 9 Leave of Absence 9 Change of Program 10 Gap Analysis 10 State Authorizations 11 Academic Standing and Progression Academic Standing 12 Academic Probation 12 MSN and PMC Programs Remediation Policy 13 Petitions to Continue in the Graduate Nursing Program 14 Graduate Nursing Student Course Failure Policy 15 Graduation Degree Requirements 16 Degree Completion 16 Application for Graduation 16 Certification and Licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 17 MSN NP Verification of Education for Certification and Licensure 18 Academic Integrity 19 Student Complaint and Grievance Procedures Student Complaints 20 Course Grade Grievance Procedures 21 Student Academic Grievance Outline Flowchart 22 5 Outcomes: The MSN Program graduate is provided a background to: 1. Demonstrate competence in an advanced nursing role; 2. Participate in scholarly endeavors to advance nursing knowledge; 3. Provide leadership in professional nursing and interdisciplinary health care Post-Master’s Certificates The Department of Graduate Nursing offers Post-Master's Certificate programs for Nurse Practitioners. Students seeking a Post-Master's Certificate must have completed an MSN from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program. Depending on course work completed for the MSN and current advanced practice status (as applicable), an individualized certificate degree plan will be developed based on a gap analysis of the applicant's MSN transcript and experience. Post-Master’s Certificates are offered in all Nurse Practitioner Programs and in Nursing Administration. Additional information is available at: Post Masters Certificate Program Information. Outcomes: The Post MSN Certificate Program graduate is provided a background to: 1. Demonstrate competence in an advanced nursing role 2. Provide leadership in professional nursing and interdisciplinary health care Program Administrators Elizabeth Merwin, PhD, RN, FAAN. Dean, College of Nursing and Health Innovation. John Gonzalez, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, ANP-C. Chair, Department of Graduate Nursing. Dr. Gonzalez Faculty Profile Jackie Michael, PhD, APRN, WHNP, PMHNP-BC. Associate Chair for Advanced Practice Nursing. Margarita Treviño, PhD, RN, CHN. Associate Chair for Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Doctor of Nursing Practice, PhD in Nursing Programs and PhD Advisor. Ann Eckhardt PhD, RN Associate Chair of Clinical Education Candice Calhoun-Butts, PhD. Assistant Dean, Office of Enrollment and Student Services MSN Program Directors: Patricia Thomas, PhD, APRN, NNP-C, CNE. Director of MSN Nursing Education Program. Keri Draganic, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC. Director of Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program Kelli Kahveci, PhD, APRN, AGNP-BC, ANP-BC. Director of Adult Gerontology Primary Nurse Practitioner Program. 6 Aimee Dunnam, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, NNP. Director of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program. Lynda Jarrell, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CHE. Director of Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Tammy Eades, DNP, RN. Director of MSN Nursing Administration. Emily Fox DNP, APRN, NNP. Director of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs (Primary and Acute Care) and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program. Dr. Skrivanek Faculty Profile 7 Master of Science and Post Masters Certificate in Nursing Programs - Policies and Procedures This section of the Student Handbook contains general policies and procedures that apply to graduate students in the Master of Science in Nursing and Post MSN Certificate Programs of the College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Students are expected to follow the University catalog and the Student Handbook. The Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System, the Handbook of Operating Procedures of the University of Texas at Arlington and the University Catalog of the University of Texas at Arlington supersede departmental, program, or college publications. Advisement & Registration The Graduate Nursing Programs implement advisement via the Internet and/or in person with Academic Advisors. In the MSN and Post MSN Certificate Programs, students can reach an academic advisor via email at msnadvising@uta.edu or by calling 817-272-2776 and selecting option 3. Following admission, as part of new student orientation, a degree plan is developed that indicates the course and semester in which the student will complete each course. Students may access their degree plan at any time in their MyMav Student Center. Each semester, the student is expected to register according to their degree plan. Students needing changes in their degree plan must discuss their requested changes with an Academic Advisor prior to enrollment. Failure to follow the degree plan may result in delays in completing the degree in a timely manner. Students desiring to change their program of study from one specialty area to another (MSN Programs) and/or between the campus based and accelerated online program must contact an Academic Advisor (please also see Change of Program information in the handbook). The Academic Advisor will work with the student regarding the specific process for the change of program. Course Scheduling Depending on the major area of study, the MSN and Post MSN Certificate Programs are offered in a campus-based traditional semester length format and/or in an off campus/online accelerated format. Course scheduled in the campus-based format are completed within the traditional semester time frame of 15 weeks (Fall and Spring semesters) or 11 or 14 weeks (Summer semester). Courses are offered using blended on-campus and online teaching strategies. The following MSN and Post MSN-Certificate Programs are offered in the campus-based format: Adult Gerontology (Acute and Primary Care) Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute and Primary Care), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The Neonatal NP Program is offered online (with 2 on campus requirements) in the traditional semester time frames noted previously. Courses offered in the off-campus/online accelerated format are scheduled to be completed in 3 to 13 week time frames (depending on the specific course). The following MSN and Post MSN-Certificate Nurse Practitioner Programs are offered in the off-campus accelerated option format: Adult Gerontology (Acute and Primary Care) Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute and Primary Care). The Nursing Administration and Nursing Education programs are ONLY offered in the online accelerated option format. 10 Change of Program/ Student Movement between Campus-based Programs, Off-campus Accelerated Online Programs, and/or Major Areas of Study or Specialty (NP Programs) 1. Movement between programs and/or major areas or specialty area of study is not allowed until a student has completed 9 hours in the program or major to which he or she was admitted. 2. To qualify to switch from one program/major to another, a student must have a current and admission GPA equal to or higher than the lowest GPA admitted to the ‘new’ program in that semester. For example, a MSN administration student with a current GPA of 3.2 and an admission GPA of 3.1 will not be allowed to switch to the FNP program if the lowest admission GPA in the FNP program that semester was 3.5. However, if a PNP student with an admission and current GPA of 3.5 may be allowed to switch to the Nursing Education program if the lowest admission GPA in the education program that semester was 3.2. 3. Students who are qualified may only make one move during their MSN program. This includes moving between: a. A campus-based program and an accelerated option (off-campus) program b. An accelerated option program to a campus-based program. c. One off-campus major and another off-campus major d. One specialty area of study and another specialty area of study or specialty whether on campus or online For example, this applies to a student in the on-campus MSN in FNP program to the AGACNP on- campus program. It also applies to a student changing from the off-campus FNP program to the on- campus FNP program. 4. The deadline for submitting a request to change programs or majors is 4:00 pm CST on the graduate course drop date for the traditional semester. This deadline applies to students whether in the on- campus or off-campus program. 5. Changes become effective at the beginning of the next semester. 6. Exceptions to this policy may be made for extenuating circumstances. GAP Analysis As part of the application process into the Post- Master’s certificate program, each applicant’s transcripts are reviewed by the respective Program Director. This review determines which courses will be required to complete the certificate. Applicants are required to complete the GAP Analysis Request Form to identify which courses they want evaluated as equivalent to the required certificate program’s courses. Upon completing this form, the applicant is required to return it along with the respective course syllabus to the Admission Advisor. Syllabi must be from the semester and year the student took the course. Any requests submitted without the correct syllabus and/or inadequate documentation will be denied. Appeals will not be considered without submitting the correct documentation. When the Program Director has completed their review, the GAP Analysis Request Form will be returned to the Admission Advisor who will return it to the applicant. The applicant must sign and return the document to the Admission Advisor. Applicants will not be assigned a degree plan unless they have signed and returned this form. Changing this form after the Program Director has signed it, submitting false records or falsifying any records is unprofessional conduct and academic dishonesty. Anyone guilty of this will be reported to the Office of Community Standards. 11 Applicants applying to a Post-Masters Certificate Nurse Practitioner program should be aware that the GAP Analysis process is essential to their successful certification and licensure. While applicants may believe courses are equivalent, the Program Directors have the responsibility and final say on the course equivalency. Giving credit for courses which are not equivalent will prevent applicants from being able to obtain national certification and state licensure; therefore, credit is not granted for any course which is not determined to be equivalent to the nurse practitioner courses taught in the program. State Authorizations The University of Texas, College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers several programs in the online format. To do so, the College of Nursing and Health Innovation must follow federal and state laws for the operation of programs in states outside of Texas. The CONHI’s ability to offer programs outside of the State of Texas is variable and highly dependent upon the program, federal laws, and state laws including each states’ board of nursing regulations. It is important that every student understand and acknowledge that the completion of a graduate nursing program may only occur in a state in which the College of Nursing and Health Innovation can operate. Students are required to review the list of approved states per program at the following link: CONHI State Authorization Disclosure Graduate nursing students must understand the following: 1. States in which UTA CONHI graduate programs are approved to operate may change without prior notice. This may adversely affect progression in the program as described below. 2. Approved states may change their laws and regulations at any point without prior notice to UTA CONHI. This may adversely affect progression in the program as described below. 3. Living in, moving to, or working (temporary or permanent assignments) in a state in which UTA CONHI graduate nursing programs are not approved to operate may result in one or more of the following: a. a delay in graduation b. not graduating c. withdraw from a course d. withdraw from the program e. may require students to come to Texas to complete clinical and/or any portion of the graduate program f. a denied clinical placement g. a delay in clinical placement Due to the constraints of international law the nurse practitioner programs do not operate outside of the United States. Requests received from a student to attend or continue in a non-nurse practitioner program from an international location are reviewed on an individual basis. Travel assignments are subject to the details of this policy and may not occur without prior approval. 12 Prior to accepting a travel assignment or moving, students are required to email NursingSOA@uta.edu to discuss the implications on their progression to graduation and clinical placements. Students who are admitted to the program and live or work, a temporary or permanent assignment, in a state which is not approved for the MSN/PMC programs to operate must contact their advisor immediately by sending an email to msnadvising@uta.edu. All students are required to review the CONHI State Authorization Disclosure to determine if the program in which they are enrolled leads to licensure and if the curriculum leads to licensure in their respective state. Academic Standing and Progression Academic Standing Policies and procedures for academic standing and progression in the MSN and Post MSN Certificate Programs are consistent with UTA Graduate policies. Click on the Academic Standing link for more information on the university policies. Graduate students are considered to be in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress in a degree program if they 1) meet all admission conditions within the time required 2) have a B (3.0) or better grade-point average on all coursework undertaken while in Graduate School and 3) have a B (3.0) or better grade-point average in courses needed to satisfy degree requirements by the end of the semester in which they intend to graduate. Students must be in good academic standing by the end of their final semester in order to receive an advanced degree from UT Arlington. Academic Probation Per the Graduate Policy, “A graduate student whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 3.00 in all graduate courses, be they graduate or undergraduate level taken while enrolled as a UT Arlington graduate student, will be placed on academic probation. The student must attain a grade point average of at least 3.00 in the next semester he or she is enrolled or be subject to dismissal. Undergraduate courses or graduate courses graded P, R, I, Z, or W or courses that do not provide graduate credit cannot be used to remove the condition of academic probation.” Courses that are not part of the student’s degree plan do not contribute to GPA. Graduate nursing students placed on academic probation are required to meet with an academic advisor to discuss plans for improvement and potential revision of their degree plan. Students may meet with an academic advisor electronically, via telephone, or in person. Students on academic probation will not be able to register for a following semester until cleared by the academic advisor (an advising hold will be placed in MyMav). Students who do not gain good academic standing in the semester following completion of the probation semester will be academically dismissed. A student who has been dismissed for failure to maintain a GPA 3.0 may petition the Graduate Studies Committee in Nursing to continue in the program. Master of Science in Nursing and Post Masters Certificate Programs Remediation Policy 15 A student who wishes to appeal the decision of the Graduate Studies Committee must submit the appeal in writing to their academic advisor who will then forward it to the Graduate Nursing Department Chair for review. The decision of the Chair is final. Graduate Nursing Student Course Failure Policy The Department of Graduate Nursing is committed to maintaining a high-quality academic experience, high academic standards, and preparing graduates to practice the art and science of advanced nursing practice safely and to the full extent of their education. Advanced nursing practice requires the registered nurse to apply graduate level education to serve as leaders in health policy, leaders of health care systems and to improve the health and outcomes, for individuals, families, and populations. Student academic performance represents the level of mastery of the content taught in their respective program. Course grades of D and F represent a severe knowledge deficit and are the antithesis of safe advance nursing practice. Progression Policy Beginning Fall 2022 progression in the MSN, PMC, DNP, or PhD programs will not be permitted nor will a student be able to enroll in additional nursing courses if they: 1. receive a grade of D or F in more than one graduate level course or 2. receive any combination of grades D or F on two attempts of the same course Special Considerations 1. Students who meet the above criteria will be dismissed from their respective program. 2. Students who desire to transfer programs and meet the above criteria but remain in good academic standing must petition the nursing Graduate Studies Committee for approval to transfer programs. 3. Grades of D or F earned in remediation courses will not be considered in the two failure policy; however, earned failing grades in remediation courses will impact the overall GPA. 4. Students who are inactive and reapply for admission will be subject to the terms of this policy upon application for readmission. An inactive student who reapplies for admission and has two failing grades, as defined by this policy, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, must petition the nursing Graduate Studies Committee for readmission. 5. For continuing students who currently have one or more failures, any subsequent failures will result in dismissal from the program. 16 Graduation Degree Requirements Graduate students must complete degree requirements in accordance with the Graduate Catalog in force at the time they entered the graduate program in which the degree will be awarded or, at the student’s option, the catalog of any subsequent year in which the student was in residence. If students choose to complete degree requirements in accordance with the catalog of a year subsequent to that in which they entered the graduate program, their graduate advisor must submit an online request form to Graduate Studies. The graduate advisor may contact the Office of Graduate Studies graduation desk for access to the required form. For additional information click on Master’s and Doctoral Degrees Academic Deadlines and Eligibility for Graduation Degree Completion Coursework initiated in fulfillment of an MSN or a Post MSN Certificate program must be completed within six (6) years. All courses six (6) or more years old will expire from the initial course enrollment and will need to be repeated to fulfill the requirements towards the degree or certificate program. Re- enrollment in completed courses are subject to financial penalties. Students who exceed the published time limits for completing the graduate degree or certificate, but wish to graduate, must repeat all courses six (6) or more years old and petition the Graduate Studies Committee for an exception to the time limit policy. A student who wishes to appeal the decision of the Graduate Studies Committee must submit the appeal in writing to their academic advisor who will then forward it to the Chair of the Department of Graduate Nursing. The decision of the Chair is final. Application for Graduation Students who have completed all degree requirements or who will complete degree requirements must submit an application for graduation by the deadline for graduation for the next available graduation date. They must also pay the appropriate graduation fees. Enrolled students who do not complete all requirements by the beginning of the next long semester must enroll to complete remaining requirements. Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for complete graduation information. 17 Certification and Licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse UT Arlington prepares BSN prepared registered nurses to become Nurse Practitioners through an MSN degree program or a formal post-master’s certificate program. Graduates from the MSN/PMC Nurse Practitioner program are prepared to complete national certification and obtain state licensure. Students may review the Nursing State Authorization website to determine if the MSN/PMC Nurse Practitioner program meets licensure requirements in their state. MSN/PMC students who graduate from a nurse practitioner specialty track are eligible to take the national certification that aligns with their educational preparation. Nurse Practitioner Specialty Track Certifying Body Certification Exam Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track American Association of Critical Care Nurses American Nurses Credentialing Center Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track American Academy of Nurse Practitioners American Nurses Credentialing Center Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner Track American Academy of Nurse Practitioners American Nurses Credentialing Center Family Nurse Practitioner Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Track National Certification Corporation Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Acute Care Track Pediatric Nurses Certification Board Pediatric Nursing Practitioner- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care Track Pediatric Nurses Certification Board Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track American Nurses Credentialing Center Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner All individuals prepared as Nurse Practitioners must be certified in their area of specialization. All individuals completing preparation as a Nurse Practitioner must also be licensed by their respective Board of Nursing (BON) as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) prior to practicing as a Nurse Practitioner. Students are responsible for completion and submission of the National Certification and BON applications and for obtaining their APRN status. 20 • Students are expected to accurately and completely document and record clinical practice hours completed and patient/client care activities. Falsifying any documents related to clinical hours or patient/client care activities (including documenting as fact, information not obtained through one’s own direct assessment and examination of a patient or falsely recording clinical practice hours) constitutes dishonesty. • Students are expected to accurately collect and submit data collected for completion of course and program requirements. Falsification of data or data collection methods constitutes academic dishonesty Students suspected of committing academic dishonesty will be referred to the Office of Community Standards. Students found responsible for academic dishonesty are subject to a grade penalty for the assignment in question, which may include a point deduction up to and including a zero and/or course failure. As noted in the University catalog, sanctions may include probation, suspension and expulsion from the university. Procedures and additional information related to academic dishonesty and violations of the University Honor Code may be found on the Office of Community Standards’ website. Student Complaint and Grievance Procedures The policies and procedures for Student Complaints, including grade and non-grade grievances are located on the University of Texas Arlington website and may be accessed by clicking on the links below: • Student Complaints • Grade Grievances A confidential log of student complaints is maintained in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation Dean’s office. Student Complaints Student complaints related to issues or concerns in the graduate nursing program should be submitted in writing and may include grade and non-grade complaints. If a student has a complaint regarding the conduct of a course, a concern about a faculty member’s feedback, or a grade on an individual assignment in a course, it is the student’s responsibility to first make a serious effort to resolve their concern with the faculty member involved. When the complaint is not resolved following discussion with the individual faculty member, the student should contact their Academic Program Director. Other complaints (for example, issues regarding clinical placements and/or policies and procedures of the graduate nursing program) should first be addressed by contacting the student’s Academic Program Director. If a complaint remains 21 unresolved, the student should contact the Associate Chair for their academic program for further assistance. Students are encouraged to maintain a record of their efforts to resolve the complaint which may include emails, names of individuals contacted, and any meetings that occurred to resolve the complaint. At each step of the complaint process, if the student’s complaint is not resolved, the student will be informed of the next step in pursuing their complaint. If the complaint or concern is still not resolved AND the student has evidence that they were treated differently than their peers and/or the institution processes or policies were not followed, the student may submit a formal appeal to the Dean of Students. To view the formal complaint and appeal process click on the following link: Student Complaints. Course Grade Grievance Procedures In an attempt to resolve a complaint, the student must first make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the individual with whom the grievance originated. Faculty of the course has the primary responsibility for assigning grades. Appeals of the official grade assigned to a student for a course will not, therefore, be considered at levels above the faculty unless a student offers evidence of: • Differential treatment – examples might be providing benefits such as extra time for assignments to some but not all students in the class; excluding some students from attendance or other course requirements, OR • Procedural irregularities – examples might be adding a new requirement that was not listed in the class syllabus; using criteria for grades not made available to the student ahead of time. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FACULTY At the outset of a course, the faculty will provide students an overview of the expectations related to the course (e.g., assignments, grading, absences and academic dishonesty). The faculty will ensure that the grading policies are uniformly applied to all students in the class. If an appeal process begins and if additional documentation is requested from the faculty, then the faculty must provide the documentation requested within 10 business days. Failure to supply the requested material may be considered as a cause for a finding in the student’s favor. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT Step 1. The student must first discuss the issue or grade with the faculty involved. (If a clinical grade, this would be the Clinical Faculty. If the issue cannot be successfully resolved, then the student will discuss the matter with the Lead Teacher/Faculty of Record). Step 2. In the event the student and the faculty are unable to reach agreement, or the faculty is unavailable, the student may request a meeting with the Lead Teacher/Faculty of Record’s supervisor. (Associate Chair of the Department/Program Director as an example.) At this 22 meeting, the student must present evidence of either Differential treatment or Procedural irregularities. Disagreement with the faculty’s assignment of a grade is not grievable. Step 3. In the event the student and the Associate Chair/Program Director are unable to reach agreement, the student must complete the Student Academic Grievance Form. The form is available in the Dean’s Office. PROCEDURES 1. Before a student appeals to the Department Chair/Associate Dean of the Department, the student must have attempted to resolve the complaint with the Program Director or Associate Chair. 2. An appointment with the Department Chair of the involved Undergraduate or Graduate program may be scheduled to review the grievance procedures. This is not an interview to review the details of the grievance. 3. Complete the Student Academic Grievance Form using additional sheets of paper as necessary. Return the completed form to the Office of the Chair/Associate Dean of the Department. 4. The Chair/Associate Dean will appoint a committee of neutral faculty from within the Department to review the Appeal. The Committee shall be composed of at least 3 faculty who are unrelated to the issues or persons involved. The Chair of the Committee will be designated by the Chair/Associate Dean at the time of appointment. The Chair of the Committee will contact all members and provide information and establish a meeting within 5 business days. 5. The Committee will review the appeal and all supporting documentation that has been submitted. The Committee may request an interview with the faculty and/or the student. The student may request the opportunity to meet with the Committee. 6. The Committee’s recommendations will be provided to the Chair/Associate Dean within 10 business days of completion of deliberation. 7. Following review, the Chair/Associate Dean will inform the student of the decision in writing. The decision will be emailed or mailed to the student at the address provided on the Student Academic Grievance Form. 8. The Chair/Associate Dean will notify the Dean of the decision. Note: These procedures follow the UTA Academic Grievance-Grade and Non-grade Process. https://www.uta.edu/student-affairs/dos/file-a-complaint/academic-grieviance-grade-non-grade Reference for UTA student complaints is found at https:www.uta.edu/deanofstudents/complaints 25 sticks and blood borne diseases. This mandatory requirement has been approved by the UT System Board of Regents. Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens In the event of injury, needle stick, and/or exposure of the nursing student to blood or body fluids, the nursing student should immediately notify the nursing clinical faculty. The faculty is responsible for notifying the appropriate person at the agency where the incident occurred and completing the agency’s documentation if appropriate. The faculty will also notify CONHI’s Clinical Compliance Coordinator. Life threatening emergency treatment will be implemented at the clinical facility. If emergency treatment is not available on site, 911 should be activated. If the clinical facility does not provide care indicated for the injury/incident or it is a non-emergent situation, the student may select a health care provider of their choice. The faculty will be responsible for completing the Injury/Illness Report form for Students and Visitors located in Canvas and the Faculty Student Incident Check List. The Injury/Illness Report form should be forwarded to The University of Texas at Arlington Environmental Health and Safety Department. Clinical Performance Requirements and Evidence of Clinical Competence Nursing is a practice profession in which patient and family safety must be protected. MSN and PMC students enrolled in a nurse practitioner track are responsible for demonstrating clinical competence. The faculty will investigate all allegations and concerns of all unsafe clinical behavior. If faculty deem a student’s clinical performance as unsafe, students may not drop or withdraw from the clinical course regardless of the drop or withdrawal date. The student will be immediately removed from the clinical setting, will be prohibited from completing any additional clinical hours for the course in question, and receive a grade of F. Any of the following behaviors constitute a clinical failure: 1. Fails to follow standards of professional practice as detailed by the Texas Nursing Practice Act1 (available at http://www.bon.state.tx.us/) or the student’s respective Board of Nursing or state licensing agency. 2. Inability to accept and/or act on constructive feedback. 3. Need continuous, specific, and detailed supervision for the expected course performance. 4. Inability to implement advanced clinical behaviors required by the course. 5. Failure to complete required clinical assignments. 6. Falsification of clinical hours. 7. Violation student confidentiality agreement. 8. Falsification of clinical logs, clinical assignments, patient documentation. 9. Knowledge deficits which increases the risk of or causes injury to a patient. 10. Dismissal from the clinical setting by the preceptor, or their designee, for unsafe clinical behavior, knowledge deficits, or incivility with the patient, family, preceptor or other employees of the clinical agency. 1Students should also be aware that violation of the Nursing Practice Act is a “reportable offense” to the Texas Board of Nursing or their State’s Board of Nursing or state licensing agency. 26 The following program requirements are also associated with patient safety and will result in clinical failure without regard to the drop or withdrawal time frames. Clinical failures related to the below items will be reviewed by the Department Chair and/or the Associate Chair. 1. Non-compliance with clinical clearance requirements. 2. Non-compliance with Drug and Alcohol policy 3. Unlawful behavior prohibiting sufficient background check required for clinical participation Student Resources and Information Student Success Faculty Faculty members who work specifically with graduate students are available to assist graduate nursing students who are at academic risk or who need academic support. The goal of the success faculty members is to support student achievement in masters and doctoral level coursework so students can reach their educational goals. Students may contact a success faculty member directly, or a course instructor may encourage the student to contact a success faculty member. Contact information for the graduate student success faculty can be found in each course syllabus or by clicking on Student Success Faculty. University level student support may be found by clicking on the Student Services link. Disability Accommodations UT Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of all federal equal opportunity legislation, including The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. All instructors at UT Arlington are required by law to provide “reasonable accommodations” to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of disability. Students are responsible for providing the instructor with official notification in the form of a letter certified by the Student Access and Resource Center (SARC). Students experiencing a range of conditions (Physical, Learning, Chronic Health, Mental Health, and Sensory) that may cause diminished academic performance or other barriers to learning may seek services and/or accommodations by contacting: Student Access and Resource Center, (SARC), or calling 817-272-3364 Counseling and Psychological Services, (CAPS), or calling 817-272-3671 Only those students who have officially documented a need for an accommodation will have their request honored. Information regarding diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining disability-based academic accommodations can be found by clicking on the Office for Students with Disabilities link or by calling their office at (817) 272-3364. APA Format Correct and accurate citation of information used to prepare papers and presentations is an expectation of graduate students in nursing. Students are required to follow American Psychological Association (APA) format for scholarly papers and assignments. 27 Current Mailing and E Mail Address Students are required to maintain a current mailing address and telephone number contact with the University. A change of address may be completed online via MyMav. This is essential in order that schedules, official correspondence, scholarship notification, and emergency messages will not be delayed or lost. UT Arlington has adopted MavMail as its official means to communicate with students about important deadlines and events, as well as to transact university-related business regarding financial aid, tuition, grades, graduation, etc. All students are assigned a MavMail account and are responsible for checking the inbox regularly. There is no additional charge to students for using this account. For information on activating and using the student email click on the MavMail link. Per UTA Policy, MavMail is the official email for CONHI and the University to communicate pertinent information. Students will be held responsible for information distributed in this manner. All official communication will be done using UT Arlington’s MavMail. Personal and/or work emails will not be used. Students are required to check MayMail every day. Technical Support MyMav, the online system for registration and payment, gives students access to their course grades and a record of all courses completed. Students’ net IDs and passwords provide them with secure access to the MyMav and other electronic support programs including the UTA MavMail system, the library, and Canvas courses. If students have trouble with electronic access, they should contact the university Help Desk. Library Support The College of Nursing and Health Innovation has a subject librarian who works closely with students and faculty. Information about how to contact the subject librarian is available in each course syllabus. Dress Code The University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation expects students to reflect professionalism and maintain high standards of appearance and grooming in the clinical setting. Professional attire (which may include lab coat) is expected. Students where scrubs are provided should follow the above standards prior to changing into scrubs. In addition, MSN and Post-MSN Certificate students must be clearly identified as UTA Graduate students and wear a UTA MyMav ID in the clinical environment. Commitments outside of the classroom Graduate nursing education requires students to have dedicated time to devote to studying, completing assignments, preparing for, and completing clinicals and other course work. Students are encouraged to consider their work schedules and commitments considering the demands of 30 Appendix UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH INNOVATION ACADEMIC NURSING, KINESIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) College of Nursing & Health Innovation (CONHI) is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive learning environment for students, faculty, staff, clients, and visitors. In order to provide a safe learning environment, students must be able to perform with reasonable skill in a safe, secure, productive, and effective manner, and remain able to do so through the entire time they are students at UTA. All students are expected to be in good academic standing throughout their Academic Undergraduate Nursing, Graduate Nursing, Kinesiology or Public Health Program (Program). Good academic standing for CONHI students includes maintaining professional behavior, personal accountability, academic integrity and for Undergraduate or Graduate Nursing Students, upholding the Code of Ethics for Nursing Students. Failure to meet these expectations may result in course failure or dismissal from the Program. Good academic standing extends beyond the classroom and is an expectation CONHI holds of students during their clinical courses, while present in healthcare facilities, and while present within their communities. Students will be required to sign an attestation with each clinical course for which they enroll verifying they will adhere to this Policy. Regardless of whether a student has signed the attestation, students must adhere to this Academic Nursing Program Substance Abuse Policy (Policy) at all times. Violations of this Policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the Program. Registered Nurses If a student is a registered nurse and has a positive drug screen, the student will be referred to the state BON where the student is licensed. The student must comply with all BON requirements prior to returning to any clinical course(s). Failure to complete any BON requirement will result in dismissal from the CONHI. Impaired Behavior Students Impaired students are not fit for participating in a Program and may pose significant health and safety risks to themselves and others. In the clinical setting, students must be fit for duty and are expected to perform in a safe manner without signs of impairment. Students exhibiting one or more signs of impaired behavior directly before or at any time during a clinical rotation shift will be immediately assessed. [See Impaired Observation Checklist (IOC)*]. When a faculty member or preceptor personally observes or receives reliable information that supports a reasonable suspicion that a student may be impaired, the faculty member or preceptor will assess the student using the IOC. If the IOC results confirm impairment, the student will be removed immediately from the clinical setting and will be required to submit to the appropriate 31 screening test at an approved screening center, including UTA Health Services. The specific test will be based on the suspected substance and may include blood, urine, or saliva sample(s). Typically a blood alcohol level test is administered when alcohol is the suspected cause of impairment and a 10 panel urine screen is administered when impairment is suspected due to other substances. Students are solely responsible for the cost and scheduling of impaired behavior drug screenings, evaluations, and treatments. Students must arrive at the testing site for their impaired behavior screening within two hours of referral. Students suspected of impairment are not allowed to drive themselves to the testing site and must make appropriate transportation arrangements such as calling a friend or family member to transport them or using a transportation system, such as a taxi, etc. Depending on the level of impairment, the student may be referred to the facility’s emergency department (where the student is participating in a clinical course) for evaluation and care. Once at the screening center, students will have up to three hours to provide an adequate specimen (the approved screening center will determine the adequacy of the specimen). Students must remain at the testing site the entire three hours or until an adequate specimen is provided, whichever occurs first. Approved screening centers will adhere to the following: • maintain the chain of custody; • confirmation GCMS (gas chromatography and mass spectrometry); • initial screen must include split sampling method; • blood alcohol level drawn if alcohol involvement suspected; and • if student fails to provide adequate sample within required three hour time period, stop the test and report to the referring faculty member or preceptor, or other CON designated representative, the student failed to provide adequate sample. Students screened for impaired behavior cannot return to their clinical course(s) until their results are received and approved by appropriate CONHI personnel. Students who refuse to submit to, fail to appear for, or fail to provide an adequate sample for their impaired behavior drug screen will not be allowed to return to any clinical course(s) and will earn a failing grade in their clinical course(s). If an impaired behavior student’s screening is positive due to alcohol or substance abuse, the student must be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional (psychiatric mental healthcare provider or substance abuse provider), follow the qualified healthcare professional’s recommendation for treatment if applicable, receive a recommendation from the qualified healthcare professional to return to the Program, and provide documentation the student is able to safely return to the Program. Upon an impaired behavior student’s return to clinical courses, random urine drug screens will be conducted each semester throughout the student’s Program and at the sole discretion of CONHI.