Undergraduate Student Handbook for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at UT Health San Antonio, Study notes of Nursing

Download Undergraduate Student Handbook for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at UT Health San Antonio and more Study notes Nursing in PDF only on Docsity! ay UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2022-2023 Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 8/01/2022 Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 8/01/2022 ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK ▪ The Undergraduate Student Handbook contains policies and procedures for students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N) program (traditional and accelerated tracks) at UT Health San Antonio. ▪ The Undergraduate Student Handbook for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is intended to elaborate on the UT Health San Antonio Catalog which is the primary source for institutional and academic policies and procedures. ▪ This publication is for informational purposes and is neither a contract nor an offer to contract. The School of Nursing reserves the right to change any provision or requirement at any time without notice in order to ensure compliance with accreditation standards. ▪ Changes in such vital areas as curriculum or requirements for graduation will not be made retroactively unless they are to the students' advantage and can be accommodated within the remaining time before graduation. ▪ Students are accountable to policies herein and revisions that have been sent by LiveMail. 4 Student Complaints ..................................................................................................................................... 50 Definitions: ........................................................................................................................................... 50 Applicability ......................................................................................................................................... 50 Procedure.............................................................................................................................................. 50 Supporting Documentation ................................................................................................................. 51 Records Retention ................................................................................................................................ 51 Title IX .................................................................................................................................................. 51 Academic Appeals and Grievances ......................................................................................................................................................................... 54 Resources ..................................................................................................................................................... 54 Office for Academic Affairs ................................................................................................................. 54 Office of Admissions ........................................................................................................................... 54 Student Success Center ........................................................................................................................ 55 Career Services and Guidance ............................................................................................................. 55 Financial Aid and Scholarships ........................................................................................................... 55 Emergency Loans ................................................................................................................................. 55 Student Health Services ....................................................................................................................... 56 Personal Counseling ............................................................................................................................. 56 Health Insurance .................................................................................................................................. 57 University Police .................................................................................................................................. 57 Parking .................................................................................................................................................. 57 Shuttle Services .................................................................................................................................... 57 Building Access .................................................................................................................................... 57 Lockers .................................................................................................................................................. 57 Research and Scholarship ............................................................................................................................ 58 Office of Nursing Research and Scholarship (ONRS) ............................................................................... 58 B.S.N with Distinction in Research……………………………………………………………………58 The Center for Community-Based Health Promotion with Women and Children ............................... 59 The Libraries ............................................................................................................................................... 59 Professional Organizations .......................................................................................................................... 60 Nursing Student Council ............................................................................................................................ 60 National Students Nurses’ Association (NSNA)…………………………………………………………..60 International Nursing Students Association (INSA) ............................................................................... ..60 Men in Nursing ........................................................................................................................................... 61 Hispanic Nurses Association....................................................................................................................... 61 Parents in Nursing School (PINS)…………………………………………………………………...…… 61 PIVOT………………………………………………………………………………………………………61 San Antonio Street Nursing……………………………………………………………………………… .61 Sigma Theta Tau .......................................................................................................................................... 61 The Southern Nursing Research Society ................................................................................................... 62 The Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) .................................................................................................. 62 Miscellaneous .............................................................................................................................................. 63 Change of Address Name Phone ................................................................................................................ 63 School Rings ................................................................................................................................................ 63 Email and Domain Accounts ...................................................................................................................... 63 Help Desk .................................................................................................................................................... 63 FERPA ......................................................................................................................................................... 63 5 HSC Alert .................................................................................................................................................... 64 Fire Emergency Procedure ......................................................................................................................... 64 Needlestick and Body Fluid Exposure ....................................................................................................... 64 COVID-19………………………………………………………………………………………………….64 6 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK ACCEPTANCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM 2022-2023 I have read and understand the UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook. I agree to abide by these regulations. Signature:_ Date: Printed Name:_ This agreement will be a part of my permanent student record in the School of Nursing. 9 SCHOOL OF NURSING SECTION OF THE UNIVERSITY CATALOG The School of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing portion of the University Catalog is available online at http://catalog.uthscsa.edu/schoolofnursing/bsn/ Some of the additional information you can find in the University Catalog relates to the following topics: o Overview o Admissions Requirements o Degree Requirements o Sample Plan of Study o Objectives/Program Outcomes o Program Policies o Courses Undergraduate Student Handbook 08/01/2022 Page 10 OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS Office for Academic Affairs Sara Gill Ph.D, RN Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Phone: (210) 567-3014 Email: Gills@uthscsa.edu Cynthia O’Neal Ph.D, RN Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies Phone: (210) 567-1079 Email: Onealc@uthscsa.edu TBT Administrative Assistant-Senior Phone: (210) 567-0614 Email: Jo Elaine Pena Administrative Assistant-Senior Phone: (210) 567-5810 Email: Penaje@uthscsa.edu Laura Hasewinkle Director, Academic Programs Phone: (210) 567-5818 Email: Hasewinkle@uthscsa.edu Debbie Koehne Program Coordinator Phone: (210) 567-5820 Email: Koehned@uthscsa.edu Ashley Brooks Program Coordinator Phone: (210) 567-5899 Email: Brooksa@uthscsa.edu Merideth Henkel-Green Clinical Liaison Phone: (210) 567-5830 Email: HenkelGreen@uthscsa.edu Jasmine Yahya Clinical Liaison Phone: (210) 567-5818 Email: davisj9@uthscsa.edu Elizabeth Wueste Director, Academic Assessment & Compliance Phone: (210) 567-4729 Email: PayneE@uthscsa.edu Emme Lopez Librarian Phone: (210) 450-8124 Email: LopezE13@uthscsa.edu Sailaja Athyala, PhD Education Specialist Phone: (210) 567-4846 Email: AthyalaS3@uthscsa.edu The Office of Nursing Research and Scholarship Jessica Gutierrez Office Manager Phone: (210) 450-8188 Email: GutierrezJ4@uthscsa.edu Michelle Lopez Grants and Contracts Specialist-Senior Phone: (210) 567-5824 Email: LopezM13@uthscsa.edu Sandra Garcia Administrative Assistant-Senior Phone: (210) 450-8624 Email: GarciaS17@uthscsa.edu Karyn Elizabeth Rivara Administrative Assistant Phone: (210) 567-6209 Email: Rivara@uthscsa.edu The Office of Practice and Engagement Cindy Sikora DNP Vice Dean for Practice and Engagement Phone: (210) 567-5889 Email: Sikora@uthscsa.edu Institutional Advancement Melissa Mireles Director of Development Phone: (210) 567-5534 Email: Mirelesm4@uthscsa.edu Undergraduate Student Handbook 08/01/2022 Page 11 Office of Admissions TBT Director, Admissions and Special Programs Phone: (210) 567-5807 Email: Jennifer Aguilar Admissions Manager Phone: (210) 567-5804 Email: AguilarJ4@uthscsa.edu TBT Senior Admissions Office Phone: (210) 567-5806 Email: Aida Natalia Arandia Student Administrative Assistant Phone: (210) 567-0341 Email: arandiadecav@uthscsa.edu TBT Academic Programs Coordinator Phone: (210) 567-5805 E-mail: Student Success Center Vanessa Meling Ph.D Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement Phone: (210) 567-5851 Email: Meling@uthscsa.edu Angela Watts Ph.D Director, Academic Enhancement Phone: (210) 567-5851 Email: wattsa@uthscsa.edu Kara Fazzini Program Coordinator Phone: (210) 567-5892 Email: fazzini@uthscsa.edu Sarah Jackson Program Coordinator Phone: (210) 567-5888 Email: Jacksons1@uthscsa.edu Rose Mary Padilla Student Administrative Assistant Phone: (210) 567-5851 Email: PadillaRM@uthscsa.edu Office for Faculty Excellence Jacqueline McGrath Ph.D, RN Vice Dean and Professor Phone: (210) 567-5785 Email: mcgrathj@uthscsa.edu Patty Rodriguez Manager Phone: (210) 567-5104 Email: espinozam1@uthscsa.edu Office of Veteran Services and Financial Aid Ellen Nystrom Director Phone: (210) 567-2635 Email: Nystrom@uthscsa.edu Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 14 VISION, MISSION, VALUES AND GOALS VISION We make lives better by promoting health as an act of social justice. MISSION We develop diverse nurse leaders to improve health and health care, through education, research, practice, and community engagement. VALUES • Innovation: We, the faculty, staff, and students of the UT Health School of Nursing, believe in delivering leading edge health care, education, research, and community service. • Diversity and Inclusion: We believe in fostering and inclusive environment as a foundation to make health care available to all. • Ethics & Accountability: We believe in honoring the dignity of others through the accountability of our actions. • Advocacy: We believe in promoting healthy lifestyles and access to health care for all populations. • Synergy: We believe in inter-professional cooperation to improve health outcomes for all. GOALS • Education: Be the School of Nursing that students and faculty choose for it’s mission and vision, vibrant academic culture, innovative programs and service to community, state, and region. • Culture of Excellence: Enhance the culture of excellence in the School of Nursing through innovative mentorship and meaningful recognition of the faculty, staff, and students. • Research: Expand research programs of excellence and distinction in advancing promotion of human health and transformation of health care. • Health Care: To be a health care provider of choice for Central and South Texas with a focus on patient centered care. • Community Engagement: Foster a UT Health San Antonio community partnership that benefits the diverse communities we serve through education, practice and research to meet mutually identified health and health education needs. The School of Nursing mission, values, and vision are written and published on the School of Nursing web site and relate to all programs. The School of Nursing goals are incorporated into the Strategic Plan. Both are accessible to current and prospective students. The mission, vision and goals are each congruent with those of UT Health San Antonio. They are consistent with relevant professional standards and nursing guidelines to prepare students for beginning and advanced nursing practice. Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 15 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Undergraduate program is an upper division program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N) degree. Candidates for the program take their first two (i.e. freshman and sophomore) years of general education credits at any accredited college of their choice. There are two tracks of study in the B.S.N program: 1. Accelerated Track - designed to meet the learning needs of the individual who has completed a prior baccalaureate degree or higher degree in a field other than nursing. The Accelerated Track requires 15 months of continuous full- time intensive study. The faculty recommends that students in this track do not work while in the program. Candidates are admitted to this track once per year in May. More information on specific admissions requirements and required prerequisite courses can be found under the "Admissions" tab of the website. 2. Traditional Track - an upper division completion track for individuals completing their first baccalaureate degree and who are not registered nurses. Students will complete this program in 2 years of study with summers off. Candidates are admitted in both the fall and spring semester of each year. More information on specific admissions requirements and required pre-requisite courses can be found under the "Admissions" portion of the website. At the time of application, all science and math prerequisite course requirements must be completed. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least 51 of the required 60 semester credit hours of prerequisite courses at the time of application. The required prerequisite courses can be found under the "Admissions" portion of the website. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing uses innovative instructional methods to facilitate learning that may include face to face experiences in the traditional classroom setting, online learning, experiences in the simulation center and clinical experiences in various health care and community agencies located throughout Texas. These innovative approaches are purposefully interwoven into our degree programs and are a vital part of our student learning experiences. Traditional Classrooms B.S.N students have coursework in traditional classrooms. All classrooms are equipped with LCD projectors, computers and DVD players. The Proxima LCD projectors allow for electronic projection of slides, movies and the internet. Computer-based presentation systems let faculty quickly display information related to their class, spend less time manually writing and drawing on chalkboards and whiteboards and spend more time on content and student interaction. In addition, classrooms provide students experience with using multimedia approaches to presentation, preparing them well for professional communication in various real-world settings. Online Learning Classroom instruction is augmented by providing a learning management system (i.e. CANVAS) where students and faculty actively participate in course subjects. Online course “shells” are created for all courses, enabling faculty to provide students with internet access to materials and other online learning tools to promote learning. All students are required to learn and use the learning Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 16 management system to gain access to course documents, syllabi, course announcements, testing information, online discussions and more. The learning management system is an easy to use online learning tool accessible at any time, via the Internet. You must have a username and password from UT Health live mail to enter this site. Center for Simulation Innovation (CSI) The CSI uses uniquely designed clinical simulation experiences to bring B.S.N students into real-world environments for nursing practice. The CSI provides the opportunity for students to become familiar with assessing patients, formulating nursing diagnoses, designing and implementing nursing interventions and evaluating the outcomes of care for patients in various clinical situations across the life span. Students use clinical reasoning to make clinical judgments and key decisions that impact the patient’s care. Students are also given the opportunity to learn about and perform nursing techniques (such as medication administration or sterile procedures). When students enter the actual clinical setting they are better prepared to care for patients and their families. Clinical Experiences Clinical experiences for students are individualized to meet requirements of the degree program, individual course learning outcomes and the specific learning needs of students. Because of our belief in the importance of providing health care to culturally diverse populations, an emphasis is placed on capitalizing on the unique resources of the area. Clinical agencies are chosen based on objectives for each clinical course and include community health agencies, medical centers, community hospitals and ambulatory care clinics. Clinical practice provide students with hands-on experience and allow students to apply theory to the practice of nursing. CLINICAL DISTINCTION Students in the Undergraduate program may earn clinical distinction through extracurricular activities. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Clinical Volunteer Distinction (B.S.N-CVD) acknowledges nursing students who demonstrate a dedicated commitment to enriching their nursing education with voluntary, faculty mentored clinical activities while maintaining high academic standards. The goal of this experiential learning is to identify scholarly areas of interest that apply interprofessional clinical practice and may lead to future research endeavors. Students are strongly encouraged to consider applying for the distinction early in their UT Health SON career as the distinction may support a competitive application for graduate school and nurse residency programs. Requirements for achieving the distinction are outlined to ensure objective evaluation of merit for the distinction. RESEARCH DISTINCTION Students in the Undergraduate program may earn research distinction through extracurricular activities. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Research distinction acknowledges nursing students who demonstrate a dedicated commitment to enriching their nursing education with independent research while maintaining high academic standards during nursing school. Students are strongly encouraged to consider applying for the distinction as soon as possible as the distinction may support a competitive application for graduate school and nurse residency programs. Requirements for achieving the distinction are outlined to ensure objective evaluation of merit for the distinction. Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 19 TRADITIONAL BSN TRACK PLANS OF STUDY The Traditional B.S.N Track is designed to be completed in 2 years of full-time study fall and spring terms. All coursework must be completed within a four -year time limit. Semester V Traditional Theory Clinical Lab Cont SCH NURS 3303 Concepts of Professional Nursing 3 45 3 NURS 3309 Pathophysiology 3 45 3 NURS 3204 Health Assessment: Theoretical Foundations 2 30 2 NURS 3110 Health Assessment: Clinical Application 1 45 1 NURS 3330 Foundations of Clinical Nursing Practice -Theoretical 3 45 3 Foundations NURS 3305 Foundations of Clinical Nursing Practice: Clinical 3 135 3 Application Total Credit Hours: 11.0 3.0 1.0 345.0 15.0 Semester VI Traditional Theory Clinical Lab Cont SCH NURS 3304 Pharmacotherapeutics 3 45 3 NURS 3375 Research And Evidence Based Practice 3 45 3 NURS 3205 Psychiatric and Mental Health: Theoretical 2 30 2 Foundations NURS 3206 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical 2 90 2 Application NURS 3207 Care Of Childbearing Families: Theoretical Foundations 2 30 2 NURS 3208 Care Of Childbearing Families: Clinical Application 2 90 2 Total Credit Hours: 10.0 4.0 0.0 330.0 14.0 Semester VII Traditional Theory Clinical Lab Cont SCH NURS 4311 Care Of The Adult 1: Theoretical Foundations 3 45 3 NURS 4314 Care of The Adult 1: Clinical Application 3 135 3 NURS 4315 Care of The Adult 2: Theoretical Foundations 3 45 3 NURS 4316 Care of The Adult 2: Clinical Application 3 135 3 NURS 4210 Child and Family Health: Theoretical Foundations 2 30 2 NURS 4211 Child and Family Health: Clinical Application 2 90 2 Total Credit Hours: 8.0 8.0 0.0 480.0 16.0 Semester VIII Traditional Theory Clinical Lab Cont SCH NURS 4317 Population Focused Health: Theoretical Foundations 3 45 3 NURS 4217 Population Focused Health: Clinical Application 2 90 2 NURS 4319 Leadership and Management: Theoretical Foundations 3 45 3 NURS 4320 Leadership and Management: Clinical Application 3 135 3 NURS 4420 Transition To Professional Nursing Practice: Clinical 4 180 4 Immersion Total Credit Hours: 6.0 9.0 0.0 495.0 15.0 Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 20 ACCELERATED B.S.N TRACK The Accelerated B.S.N Track is designed for individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing. Completion of the track requires 15 months of full-time study. The program may only be undertaken on a full-time basis. The SON faculty recommends that students not attempt outside employment during their studies due to the intensive nature of studies. Semester V Accelerated Theory Clinical Lab Cont SCH NURS 3270 Professional Socialization 2 30 2 NURS 3370 Pathophysiology 3 45 3 NURS 3272 Health Assessment and Promotion: Theoretical 2 30 2 Foundations NURS 3273 Health Assessment and Promotion: Clinical Application 2 90 2 NURS 3330 Foundations of Clinical Nursing Practice -Theoretical 3 45 3 Foundations NURS 3371 Foundations of Nursing Care: Clinical Applications 3 135 3 Total Credit Hours: 10.0 0.0 5.0 375.0 15.0 Semester VI Accelerated Theory Clinical Lab Cont SCH NURS 3372 Family Nursing Care: Theoretical Foundations 3 45 3 NURS 3373 Family Nursing Care: Clinical Applications 3 135 3 NURS 3274 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Theoretical 2 30 2 Foundations NURS 3275 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical 2 90 2 Application NURS 3374 Research and Evidence-Based Practice 3 45 3 NURS 3365 Pharmacology 3 45 3 Total Credit Hours: 11.0 5.0 0.0 390.0 16.0 Semester VII Accelerated Theory Clinical Lab Cont SCH NURS 4501 Disease Management 1: Theoretical Foundations 5 75 5 NURS 4502 Disease Management 2: Theoretical Foundations 5 75 5 NURS 4533 Disease Management 3: Clinical Application 5 225 5 Total Credit Hours: 11.0 5.0 0.0 375.0 15.0 Semester VIII Accelerated Theory Clinical Lab Cont SCH NURS 4327 Population Focused Health: Theoretical Foundations 3 45 3 NURS 4227 Population Focused Health: Clinical Applications 2 90 2 NURS 4329 Leadership and Management: Theoretical Foundations 3 45 3 NURS 4230 Leadership and Management: Clinical Application 2 90 2 NURS 4423 Clinical Immersion 4 180 4 Total Credit Hours: 6.0 8.0 0.0 450.0 14.0 Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 21 ELECTIVE COURSES There are no elective courses required for the B.S.N degree. Electives taken would be in addition to the required credits to complete the degree. GRADUATE CREDIT Undergraduate students may be eligible to take graduate courses in nursing. These credit hours taken by undergraduate students may be applied toward the graduate degree as long as these credits are not used toward the undergraduate degree. Credit hours may be applied toward the graduate degree only after the student has been admitted to and is enrolled in the graduate program. Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 24 responsibility. 5. Practice sessions not requiring supervision must also be scheduled with the Center for Simulation Innovation personnel. 6. In light of the high volume of student activities scheduled in this environment, make-up sessions are not offered, unless specifically scheduled by the faculty. Therefore, attendance is crucial. Equipment, literature, audiovisual and practice materials may be used in the CSI and many of these items may be checked out for use in other areas. Items to be checked out should be reserved in advance with the staff. The borrower is responsible for items on loan. The CSI staff should be consulted for instructions on use and they should be made aware of equipment not operating properly. Extra books and other nonessential items should be stored before the student enters the CSI. Lockers are available in the laboratory area. If equipment or supplies are damaged or lost, the student is responsible for replacement cost. CLINICAL ATTENDANCE The School of Nursing faculty expects that its students will recognize that they have entered a profession in which commitment to full participation in clinical experiences is an essential component as students are considered to be part of the nursing team. Therefore, regular attendance in clinical, laboratory and simulation experiences is mandatory. Missed hours can prevent adequate development and assessment of the required knowledge, skills, attitudes and clinical judgment. Absence from clinical/lab/simulation jeopardizes the student’s ability to successfully meet the required clinical course outcomes and competencies. Punctuality is expected in professional workplaces. Students are expected to arrive on time for clinical/lab/simulation experiences and stay for the entire time allotted for that clinical/lab/simulation experience. Important information affecting patient care is communicated to students at the start of clinical experiences. Therefore, tardiness for clinical/lab/simulation experiences jeopardizes the student’s ability to give safe nursing care. CLINICAL ABSENCES Absences from clinical experience are closely monitored by faculty and should occur only in rare circumstances. Clinical absences will be evaluated on an individual basis. If the student has any clinical absences during the semester, clinical may be made up through a plan developed by the clinical/lab instructor. However, the opportunity to make up absences may not be possible, depending on the length of the clinical rotation, the availability of the faculty and/or the agency to which the student is assigned and may result in inability of the student to meet course outcomes. If it is determined by the faculty team that a student will be unable to meet course objectives due to clinical absences or if a pattern of absence develops or excessive absences exist, the appropriate course coordinator will refer the student the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies to determine progression in the program. Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 25 EXCUSED ABSENCES The student is responsible for providing satisfactory evidence to the instructor to substantiate the reason for absence. Among the reasons absences are considered excused by the School of Nursing are the following: • Death or major illness in a student’s immediate family. Immediate family may include: mother, father, sister, brother, grandparents, spouse, child, spouse’s child, spouse’s parents, spouse’s grandparents, step-mother, step-father, step-sister, step-brother, step-grandparents, grandchild, step-grandchild, legal guardian, and others as deemed appropriate by the Dean or Dean’s designee. • Illness of a dependent family member or any familial responsibilities associated with COVID-19 (e.g., loss of childcare, closing of schools, inability to secure eldercare, etc.). • Participation in legal proceedings or administrative procedures that require a student’s presence. • Religious Holy Day (Notification must be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs: https://students.uthscsa.edu/registrar/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/03/HolyDayAbsForm.pdf). • Injury or illness that is too severe or contagious for the student to attend class or clinical. Immediate notification to the Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement should be attempted via email as quickly as the student’s health condition allows. • Injury or illness of three or more days. For injury or illness that requires a student to be absent from classes for three or more business days (to include classes on weekends), the student should obtain a medical confirmation note from her or his healthcare provider. The Student Health Clinic or an off-campus healthcare provider can provide a medical confirmation note only if those providers are directly involved in the care of the student. The medical confirmation note must contain the date and time of the illness and the provider’s confirmation of needed absence. • Injury or illness less than three days. Faculty members may require confirmation of student injury or illness that is serious enough for a student to be absent from class for a period less than three business days (to include classes on weekends). At the discretion of the faculty member and/or Associate Dean(s) standard, as outlined in the course syllabus, illness confirmation may be obtained by confirmation of a visit to a healthcare provider affirming date and time of visit. • Students required to miss clinical experiences due to injury or illness may be required to receive clearance from a healthcare provider to perform the essential functions of the clinical if patient safety might be jeopardized or if it is perceived that participation in clinical might cause further harm to the student. • Required Military Duties (http://catalog.uthscsa.edu/generalinformation/generalacademicpolicies/studentabsences/). • Mandatory admission interviews for professional or graduate school which cannot be rescheduled. • In accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the School of Nursing shall treat pregnancy (childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy and recovery therefrom) Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 26 and related conditions as a justification for an excused absence for so long a period as is deemed medically necessary by the student’s healthcare provider. Requests for excused absence related to pregnancy should be directed to the Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement; questions about Title IX should be directed to the University’s Senior Director of Student Success and Title IX Director. The dean or designee may provide a letter for the student to take to the instructor stating that the dean has verified the student’s absence as excused. If the absence is excused, the instructor must either provide the student an opportunity to make up any quiz, exam or other work that contributes to the final grade or provide a satisfactory alternative by a date agreed upon by the student and instructor. If an instructor has a regularly scheduled make up exam, students are expected to attend unless they have a School approved excuse. The make-up work must be completed in a timeframe not to exceed 30 calendar days from the last day of the initial absence. Clinical experiences may not have the opportunity to be made up, but students will not be penalized for missed clinical time due to an excused absence. The instructor is under no obligation to provide an opportunity for the student to make up work missed because of an unexcused absence. If the student is absent for excused reasons for an unreasonable amount of time during the semester, the dean or designee may consider giving the student a grade of W during the semester enrolled. Upon the student’s return to class and clinical, it is the Course Coordinator’s discretion whether to grant an extension for currently occurring assignments and tests. Whenever a student is absent for unknown reasons for an extended period of time, the instructor should initiate a check on the welfare of the student by reporting to the Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement. Notifications: A student who is unable to attend a clinical experience must contact the clinical faculty personally prior to the beginning of the clinical experience. Leaving a message or e-mail for the faculty is not acceptable. Faculty will share specifics regarding appropriate means of communicating during orientation. The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies will be notified in writing by the course coordinator and clinical faculty if a student is at risk of not meeting clinical competencies because they have missed hours for clinical experiences. The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies will follow-up with clinical faculty and course coordinator to identify appropriate next action and will communicate with the student regarding resultant changes in progression in the program. CLINICAL PASSPORT Undergraduate students are required to maintain a clinical passport and have this on their person at all times while in the clinical setting CPR REQUIREMENT Students are required to maintain either Red Cross or American Heart Association Health Care Provider Basic Life Support certification to participate in clinical experiences. Students who do not Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 29 URINE DRUG SCREENS Urine drug screens may be required by certain clinical agencies. Students will be notified by the Office for Academic Affairs if a urine drug screen is required. At that time, detailed instructions will be provided on how to satisfy this requirement. UNDERGRADUATE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS The Texas Board of Nursing requires students enrolling in an approved school of nursing to complete a criminal background check prior to entering a school of nursing or participating in clinical rotations. At UT Health San Antonio, applicants must submit and satisfactorily complete a designated criminal background check as a condition of admission. An offer of admission will not be final until the criminal background check(s) is received and deemed favorable. Admission may be denied or rescinded based on results of the background check. In addition, selected agencies where students pursue clinical experiences, may require that students placed in their agencies pass an additional criminal background check before being allowed to practice in their facilities. The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) conducts the background checks and has legally granted power to deny permission for a candidate to take the NCLEX-RN examination if it is demonstrated that the individual has not demonstrated “good professional character.” The Board may refuse to: • Approve persons to take the licensure examination. • Issue or renew a license or certificate of registration to any individual who has been convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or engaged in conduct resulting in revocation of probation imposed pursuant to such conviction. All nursing students must continue to show evidence of good professional character while enrolled in a nursing program. Candidates whose background check reveals criminal charges will also be notified by TBON and asked to submit a petition for a “Declaratory Order.” The petition will be reviewed by the TBON. Continuing students who are charged or convicted of an offense while enrolled in the nursing program will be required to notify the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies at the time of the offense and to petition TBON for a Declaratory Order. The student will be removed from clinical courses while obtaining the Declaratory Order and may need to take a Leave of Absence. Failure to report any new incidents following the initial background check to the School may potentially cause the student to be dismissed from the program. The Board investigates each incident based on its own information. Many of the factors used by the Board can be viewed online. DECLARATORY ORDERS Students admitted to the Undergraduate Program must meet legal requirements for licensure to be eligible to take the licensing examination after graduation. Applicants and nursing students may voluntarily seek a declaratory order from the Board of Nurse Examiners in regard to convictions, mental illness and/or chemical dependency in order to determine eligibility for licensure. Students are encouraged to confirm their eligibility as soon as possible. Information regarding the declaratory order process may be found at the Texas Board of Nursing’ website at: http://www.bne.state.tx.us/forms_declaratory_order.asp Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 30 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS DEGREE PLANS Students are responsible for knowing degree requirements and for enrolling in courses that fit their degree programs. Students are likewise responsible for knowing the School of Nursing program regulations with regard to the standard of work required for continuance and eligibility for graduation. The School of Nursing, through the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (COUS), reserves the privilege of revising degree requirements at any time when it is in the best interest of the students and the School. EXCESS HOUR RULE 30-Hour Rule Undergraduate students initially enrolled as undergraduates in an institution of higher education beginning the 2006 Fall semester and subsequent semesters may not exceed 30 hours more than the minimum number required for the completion of their degree program. 45- Hour Rule Undergraduate students initially enrolling as undergraduate in an institution of higher education beginning the 1999 Fall semester, but no later than the 2006 Summer semester, may not exceed 45 hours more than the minimum number required for completion of their degree program. For more information, click on the following link http://catalog.uthscsa.edu/generalinformation/excesscredithourspolicy/ DEGREE CANDIDATES A candidate for a degree must (1) register in the semester in which the degree is to be received and (2) file an Application for Graduation Form degree with the Office of the Registrar during the semester prior to the term in which the degree is to be granted. The Application for graduation is the student’s responsibility. Guidelines for submission of the application for graduation can be found at the following link: http://students.uthscsa.edu/registrar/2013/04/applying-for-graduation/ Degrees will be conferred only on official dates publicly announced. Commencement ceremonies are held in December and May of each year. GRADUATION Official commencement ceremonies are held each year in December and May. Official School of Nursing graduation invitations are ordered at the Bookstore on the Health Science Center's Long campus. Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 31 REGISTRATION AS A PROFESSIONAL NURSE A student seeking registration as a professional nurse must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) administered by the Board of Nursing for the State of Texas. The Board may refuse to approve persons to take the licensure examination, may refuse to issue or renew a license or certificate of registration, or may refuse to issue a temporary permit to any individual who has been arrested for anything other than a minor traffic violation. An individual applying for the NCLEX-RN examination must answer the questions listed below: 1. Has any licensing authority ever refused to issue you a license or ever revoked, annulled, cancelled, accepted surrender of, suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew a professional license, certificate or multi-state privilege held by you now or previously, or ever fined, censured, reprimanded or otherwise disciplined you? 2. Have you ever been convicted of a crime other than minor traffic violations? 3. Have you been diagnosed with or treated or hospitalized in the past five (5) years for schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder? (You may answer “no” if you have completed and/or are in compliance with TPAPN, Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses, for mental illness.) 4. Have you been addicted to or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug within the past five (5) years? (You may answer “no” if you have completed and/or are in compliance with TPAPN for substance abuse.) 5. Have you ever been issued any order concerning your eligibility for examination or licensure by this Board? 6. Are you currently the target or subject of a grand jury or governmental agency investigation? The student will receive information about Initial Licensure and instructions through the Office for Academic Affairs. All 120 hours for the degree must be completed before the student is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. A student planning to take the NCLEX-RN in another state must obtain information regarding procedure from the agency responsible for professional nurse registration in that state. NCLEX-RN APPLICATION For information regarding applying to take the NCLEX-RN examination in the State of Texas, please contact the TX Board of Nursing at http://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure examination.asp Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 34 Final numeric grades are calculated to two decimal places and rounded mathematically as follows: • Less than 0.50 – Round down to next whole number – (i.e.“89.49” would be rounded to “89”) • 0.50 or greater – Round up to next whole number – “90.50” would be rounded to “91” The policy for rounding the final grades does include the score of "74.5" rounding to a grade of "75" for a letter grade of C. Students must make a “C” (75) or higher in all nursing courses to progress in the program. INCOMPLETE GRADES A student may be granted a grade of “Incomplete” (I) for a course when the student is unable to complete all course work within allotted semester time under certain special circumstances. The student wishing to petition for extended time to complete course requirements must request the extension, incomplete grade, from the faculty. An Agreement for a Grade of Incomplete form must be signed by both the student and the course instructor and/or course coordinator. Forms are available in the Office for Academic Affairs. The faculty may consult with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies regarding the effect of granting a grade of ”I” on the student’s progression in the nursing program. Students have up to one calendar year to complete course work that is incomplete. However, if the incomplete course is a pre-requisite to another course, progression in the program will be delayed. If the course is a required course, the student will not be allowed to progress in the program until the incomplete grade has been removed and a letter grade substituted. Once the coursework is completed, the faculty member must complete a Change of Grade Report Form. If coursework is not completed by the designated date, the course grade of “I” will be converted to an “F”. SATISFACTORY PROGRESS To be considered as making satisfactory progress, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above with no grade lower than C in required upper-division nursing courses. Students will be required to take the standardized exams throughout the program as part of coursework. UNSATISFACTORY PROGRESS An undergraduate student who earns a D, F or W, in a required nursing course must repeat the course in question during the semester immediately following receipt of a failing grade or during the next semester in which the course is offered following receipt of a failing grade based on space- available. Newly admitted students, enrolled students and students who have withdrawn in good standing have priority over other students seeking to repeat a course. Students who receive a D, F, or W in a clinical course must request permission to repeat a clinical course. Requests to repeat the course will be reviewed by the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (COUS). Course and clinical faculty will review the performance of the failing student and will make recommendations to the COUS based on the student’s overall performance in the course in question. Students who have a documented pattern of unsafe or unprofessional clinical performance during the semester and have not improved following remediation will be rated as low priority for repeating the course and may not be permitted to repeat the course. Therefore, the student who is not granted permission to repeat a failed course in the semester immediately following a failure or during the next Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 35 semester in which the course is offered due to a documented pattern of significant unprofessional or unsafe performance will be dismissed from the nursing program. Unsafe clinical performance is defined as “an act that is harmful or potentially detrimental to the patient, self, or other health personnel” (Luhanga, Yonge, & Myrick, 2008, p. 1). Unprofessional conduct is defined as the rules set forth in the Texas State Board of Nursing Rules and Regulation § 217.12. Unprofessional Conduct. The purpose of these rules is to identify unprofessional or dishonorable behaviors of a nurse which the board believes are likely to deceive, defraud, or injure clients or the public. Actual injury to a client need not be established. Students who earn a D or F in a required course, or whose average falls below C (GPA falls below 2.0), will be placed on academic probation for one semester/term. If at the end of the semester/term, the student has achieved a GPA of 2.0 or above with no grade lower than C in required nursing courses, he or she will be removed from academic probation. Students who earn a D or F in two required nursing courses (or from the same course twice) will be dismissed academically from the undergraduate nursing program and will be ineligible for readmission. Dismissed students will have the opportunity to petition for reinstatement in the program at the conclusion of the semester in which they receive a failure in a clinical or a 2nd D, or F in a required course. Students will be provided ten minutes to present to the voting members of the Committee on Undergraduate Studies the extenuating circumstance that caused their low performance and the plan for success if provided the opportunity to continue in the program. Students will only be allowed to continue if the faculty perceive there to be conditions beyond the students control that caused their unacceptable academic performance and the student is able to demonstrate that those issues have been resolved. ADVISEMENT PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS ON ACADEMIC PROBATION Students who are allowed to repeat a course or who is on academic probation will be required to participate in an advisement program. Students will be required to sign a contract with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies agreeing to participate in the advisement program. Students will also be required to meet regularly for the advisement program with the Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement. Failure to comply with the contract constitutes cause for dismissal. INTRA SEMESTER REPORT At the middle of each semester, the faculty reports the names of students doing work below the passing grade to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies. Students may be referred to the Student Success Center and/or the Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement for advising. Students who are failing will receive a midterm fail notice. REPETITION OF A COURSE Students cannot retake nursing courses for a grade in which they have already received a passing grade. Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 36 TESTING POLICY Exam Administration: Faculty are dedicated to providing optimum testing environments that demonstrate the values of fairness, honesty, accountability, and integrity, consistent with the School of Nursing Code of Professional Conduct. In the School of Nursing Code of Professional Conduct, students vow to promote and maintain an honest and effective physical and online learning environment. As a reminder, all nursing students vow on their honor as a member of the nursing profession to take ownership for their actions and to uphold the values of nursing. This is achieved during exams by observance of these instructions: All undergraduate course examinations and required ATI examinations will be given at the Health Science Center. Extraordinary exceptions may require remote proctoring and will be approved by the Course Coordinator and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies. An example would be healthy students who are under quarantine status by CDC guidance may be allowed to test using remote proctoring systems. All students must present their university photo ID badge for entry into the exam, whether on-campus or remote. For remote exams using ExamMonitor, a baseline photo and biometric data to identify each student is required and established during the mock exam process. For on-campus exams, if the badge is forgotten, the student will present state or government ID. If the student has no ID available, they may be admitted to the exam with a printout of their Starfish Profile picture. The immediate testing seating area is limited to: computer, required privacy screen, calculator (if necessary) and pencil. Drinks are allowed only for exams more than two hours in length. For on-campus testing, earplugs and scratch paper are allowed. For remote testing, earplugs and scratch paper are prohibited. Exceptions can be sought through consultation with the Associate Dean. Hats, caps, or head coverings may not be worn during exams except those required for religious purposes. Students who must leave the room, should notify the proctor. No extra time is provided when a student must leave the room. For remote testing, students without accommodations may not leave the room, take the computer to another room, or use headsets. For remote testing, exam behaviors that may be flagged as lacking integrity include: excessive eye movement away from the computer screen during the exam talking during the exam communicating with others during the exam other persons in the room A post exam review may be conducted. Note-taking during the review is prohibited. Discussion of test content should not occur. Any sharing of information related to the exam is grounds for a zero grade for all students involved and may result in further disciplinary actions. The following guidelines support a quiet environment, as free from distraction as possible: Stored electronic devices must be powered down to reduce distraction and reduce interference with WiFi access. Proctors will take action to remove any items causing noise disturbances during testing. Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 39 *Level 1 and below: An individualized student success plan will be developed and implemented in conjunction with faculty to help student attain content mastery. **Focused review consists of printing out the specific proctored “report” and using either the available ATI templates or a plain piece of paper to handwrite all of the missed items under “Topics to Review” and label each missed item with the topic descriptors. This handwritten remediation will be stapled with the student’s proctored “report”. The RN Comprehensive Predictor will be given twice in NURS 4420 (traditional B.S.N program) or NURS 4423 accelerated B.S.N program). • Each student will enroll in the Virtual ATI program. • The student is expected to obtain a 74.0% on the RN Comprehensive Predictor (96% predicted probability of passing the NCLEX-RN) or greater on their individual score. • All students achieving below 74.0% on initial RN Comprehensive Predictor (96% predicted probability of passing the NCLEX-RN) will engage in a required handwritten focused review* under “Topics to Review” on all missed items stapled with their ATI “Report” within 10 business days. • The course coordinator/designee will track students needing to turn in the student focused review. • If the student has not turned in the required focused review before course grades are due, the course coordinator will be notified and the student will be notified to complete the focused review. • A second RN Comprehensive Predictor will be given before the end of the semester. • If the student does not achieve the required 74.0% on the either the first or second RN Comprehensive Predictor (96% predicted probability of passing the NCLEX-RN) or greater on their individual score, the student will receive an incomplete in the course and will be required to complete all the Virtual ATI Program through Module 9 Leadership-Management. When the student has completed Module 1 to Module 9 of the Virtual ATI Program, the student will receive credit for the course. GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN WORK All written work is to be submitted on the announced due date(s) and time (s) unless the student has made previous arrangements with the faculty member. Penalties may apply to late submissions as noted in course syllabus. Guidelines for written work have been approved and adopted by the faculty. Every student is expected to follow these guidelines: All students are required to use the official source book for citation and writing protocols. The official source book to be used at every level of the undergraduate curriculum and in the graduate program will be the most recent edition of the Publication Manual of The American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C. Students are expected to follow the guidelines set forth in this manual; it is the only acceptable source book. The Catalog addresses plagiarism in the section that addresses scholastic dishonesty under procedures and regulations governing Student Conduct and Discipline. Any student found guilty of plagiarism is subject to disciplinary penalty ranging from written reprimand, zero on the work, failure in the course to dismissal from the program. Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 40 CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS CORE PEFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR EVALUATTING NEED FOR SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE SCHOOL OF NURSING Nursing education and nursing practice require significant emotional, intellectual, and physical capabilities. Professional nurses must have the knowledge and the ability to address the biological, psychological, intellectual, social, cultural, environmental, and spiritual dimensions of clients. We therefore believe it is important for prospective nursing students to have a realistic view of the demanding nature of the baccalaureate nursing curriculum before they commit to this field of study and practice. The baccalaureate nursing student must be able to demonstrate attainment of those competencies needed to provide patient-centered care built on nursing knowledge, theory and research; including the adaptation and application of knowledge derived from a wide array of other fields and disciplines. (AACN Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice, 2008). “Baccalaureate prepared nurses provide patient-centered care which identifies, respects and addresses patients’ differences, values, preferences and expressed needs” (IOM, 2003). Patient-centered care also involves the coordination of continuous care, listening to, communicating with, and educating patients and caregivers regarding health, wellness, and disease management and prevention. The generalist nurse provides the human interface between the health care system and the patient by translating interventions, communications, and needs for patients. A broad-based bio-psycho-socio-behavioral skill set is required to fill this human interface role. (AACN Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice, 2008). Baccalaureate nurses are providers of direct and indirect care; designers, coordinators and managers of care; and members of the profession. (AACN Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice, 2008). Registered Nurse licensure requirements are tied to statutes and regulations – the minimal, essential requirements for safe, competent practice. It is the School of Nursing’s responsibility to assure that this requirement is met before a graduate is certified to take the NCLEX. Texas does not have a limited licensure for the practice of nursing. Therefore, all graduates of the baccalaureate program for initial licensure must be able to practice competently and safely in all areas required in the curriculum and reflected in the School of Nursing Core Performance Standards. UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing Undergraduate Program faculty endorse the recommended “Core Performance Standards” of the Southern Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing. The standards follow this section and an example is provided for each standard. Nursing students are required to perform each of these Core Performance Standards successfully to complete the program. These core performance standards are congruent with the Texas Board of Nursing expectations of any individual seeking initial licensure as a registered nurse, as well as with The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 41 In compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (2008), the School of Nursing does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. Disability is defined in the Act as a (1) physical or mental impairment that substantially limits at least one major life activity of an individual; (2) a record of such impairment; or (3) being regarded as having such an impairment. For the purposes of nursing program compliance, a “qualified individual with a disability” is one who, with or without reasonable accommodation or modification, meets the Core Performance Standards for participation in the program. The Core Performance Standards are not used as admission criteria however are used by faculty to inform their decisions regarding whether students will be able to meet the requirements of the program and to determine what accommodations may reasonably be necessary. They are therefore provided to each prospective student so that the student may determine whether accommodations or modifications are necessary. As a potential student you are encouraged to contact the Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement in the School of Nursing if you believe that you cannot meet one or more of the following standards without reasonable accommodations or modifications as well as with any questions you may have about your abilities to function emotionally, intellectually or physically in the classroom, in the lab, or in various clinical settings. The nursing program in conjunction with the ADA Compliance Office will determine, on an individual basis, whether or not the necessary accommodations or modifications can reasonably be made. Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 44 • Relating to Nurse Education Licensure and Practice). C. I will conduct myself at all times in a professional manner. I will: • Exhibit honesty, openness, and evenhandedness (fair and impartial) in dealing with others. • Maintain a professional appearance at all times and adhere to the dress code defined within the School of Nursing Student Handbook. • Take responsibility for my actions, acknowledge my limitations, and ask for assistance when needed. • Ensure the health and welfare of others is not compromised as a result of my actions. • Not be deceitful or self-serving. • Achieve satisfactory balance in personal, community, and professional activities. • Accommodate a fellow professional’s request for my knowledge and expertise. • Support my fellow professionals if they should falter. • Identify any person whose ability is impaired, support them as they seek rehabilitation, and help them to reintegrate into the community. • Not harass other individuals, including participation in behavior that is severe, pervasive or persistent to a degree that a reasonable person similarly situated would be prevented from accessing an educational opportunity or benefit. This behavior includes, but is not limited to, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, and coercion. In addition, harassment may be conducted by a variety of mediums, including but not limited to, physical, verbal, graphic, written or electronic. The School of Nursing will not tolerate harassment to include harassment against individuals based on sexual identity, race /ethnicity religion, gender, and/or sexual orientation, stalking, or physical threats of violence. • Not allow personal conflict to interfere with objectivity in relationships with colleagues or patients. • Not participate in activities that include hazing, theft, vandalism, abuse of alcohol in violation of University rules, illegal or unauthorized use of firearms or explosives, or the act of using, possessing, being under the influence of, manufacturing or distributing illegal drugs or illegally obtained/possessed controlled substances. • Refrain from a manifestation of bias, including sexual, marital, disability, racial, ethnic, or cultural harassment. • Not engage in physical abuse of others to include any intent or attempt to cause injury or inflict pain; or causing injury or inflicting pain. Also causing physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative. It is not a defense that the person, group, or organization against whom the physical abuse was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the physical abuse. School of Nursing Honor Code I vow on my honor as a member of the nursing profession to take ownership for my actions and to uphold the values of nursing. Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 45 NETIQUETTE Netiquette guidelines provide information for behaving properly online, when using email, tweets or texts so that you may successfully communicate your thoughts in a manner that is respectful and avoids misunderstandings with others. • Be courteous about what you say to or about others in any electronic format. In electronic communication the golden rule is "Remember the Human." Remember there is a real person with real feelings on the receiving end of your email or post. • Be respectful and open to opinions and ideas that differ from yours. The exchange of diverse thoughts, ideas and opinions are an important part of the scholarly environment. Keep in mind that the people in your classes may come from different backgrounds and have views that may vary significantly from your own. • Flaming (defined as posting of messages that are deliberately hostile and insulting in an online social context) is never appropriate. While everyone (learners and instructors alike) is encouraged to share ideas and opinions openly, you should never use insults or resort to name-calling even if you disagree strongly with what someone else has written. • When responding to messages or posts made by others, address the ideas, not the person. • It’s often best to avoid using sarcasm and humor online. Without social cues, such as facial expressions and body language, a remark meant as humorous could come across hurtful or offensive. Keep in mind that ‘emoticons’ (such as J) may not convey your tone or intent. • Capitalizing whole words is generally seen as SHOUTING and is difficult for most people to read. Use all capital letters sparingly, such as to highlight an important word or point. • Think and reread what you’ve written before you post! Make sure that what you’ve written makes sense (is clear and to the point). • Remember you are responsible for the content you communicate on CANVAS. What you write represents you, so use appropriate language. Remember that all writing should be professional, consisting of complete sentences, and free of grammatical and spelling errors. • Be aware that distributing copyrighted materials, such as articles and images, is illegal. Most of the materials on the Internet are copyrighted. The only time it’s ok to distribute materials from the Internet is when you are sure those materials are "fair use." To be safe, if you want to share materials with classmates and/or your instructor, share the web link or URL only. • To avoid plagiarism, make sure you properly cite all source materials. All materials should be cited unless you are the author of the content. • Protect your privileges in online communication (avoid posting spam or emailing chain letters). Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 46 DRESS CODE Classroom Attire and Decorum Clothing worn to classes at the HSC may be scrubs or business casual. . It is recommended that fashion excesses and extremes be avoided. This is a professional school and development of appropriate professional presentation is a part of belonging to the profession. Over exposure, excessively tight clothing, hats, shorts, t-shirts, pajamas, active wear, offensive/obscene sayings on clothing, etc. are not appropriate. Intact jeans are allowed. Use of perfume and cologne in excess is inappropriate since others may have allergies or unpleasant reactions (e.g., nausea, difficulty breathing, etc.). Good personal hygiene is essential. An unclean, unkempt appearance and unpleasant body or breath odors are not acceptable. This includes the smell of tobacco products. Students are expected to observe the following guidelines for classroom behavior. Students not in compliance with dress code policy may be asked to leave the learning environment. 1. Neither children nor pets may be brought to classes. Children must not be left unattended in any area in the school. 2. Guests may be brought to class if permission is received from the faculty member in charge of the class. 3. Professional behavior suggests that students notify faculty when audio taping the lecture. 4. Students are expected to be seated by the designated starting time for class. If late or missing lecture, it is the student’s sole responsibility to receive missed lecture content from peers. 5. Place cell phones and other devices capable of producing sound on mute or vibrate. Students will be located for emergencies by the Office for Academic Affairs. White lab coats may be expected to be worn to the following or as allowed by instructor: 1. Colloquium/Research/Poster & Podium Presentations 2. Interviews 3. Community Engagement Activities 4. Clinical Skills Lab 5. Student Leadership Functions 6. On Campus Presentations by Invited Guests 7. During Inter-professional Education Activities Clinical Attire Projecting a professional image is the responsibility of all students and faculty. Appearance reflects upon the individual, the School of Nursing and the nursing profession. The following are guidelines for clinical attire. Individual agencies may determine further dress code requirements at their discretion. Students arriving to the clinical agency not in compliance with the dress code policy may be asked to leave the clinical setting and may be counted as an absence. If counted as an absence, no alternative or make-up experiences for this violation will be offered. A student badge will be provided at a small cost, and be worn at all times when the student is in the clinical setting. Student badges must be visible and worn above the waist. The School of Nursing logo should be worn on the pocket of the lab coat. The logo should be sewed on so the edges do not curl; Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 49 Faculty, Staff, and Student Matters in collaboration with the Student Success Center. Requests should be made by the student at least 2 months before graduation. Honor cords. Approved nursing organizations may provide cords for those who have met the organization’s criteria. Up to three honor cords may be worn by undergraduate nursing students. ID Badges ID card/badge holders must wear the ID badge at all times while on property owned or under the control of the Health Science Center. The ID badge is be worn on the upper chest and be clearly visible to someone facing the wearer. The ID card may be worn attached to a clip, in a clear plastic card holder, on a lanyard or other device clearly visible. The ID card must be worn vertically so that patients, guests and fellow employees can easily read it. ID cards/badges must be free of decoration. The ID card holder may display small items such as recognition pins or professional affiliation pins; but, such items must not restrict the view of the ID card or its use as a key card. The plastic ID card holder may include other cards (e.g., mission statement and emergency cards). Such cards may not restrict the view of the ID card and must not contain a magnetic strip (e.g., credit card). Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 50 STUDENT CONCERNS OFFICIAL STUDENT COMPLAINTS This policy provides guidelines for the collection and record retention of official student complaints submitted to an institutional officer of UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing. The purpose of this policy is to provide a mechanism for tracking the timeliness of responses to complaints as well as the outcome of complaints. In addition, this policy provides a mechanism for identifying patterns or systemic problems with institutional quality or with factors related to the General Institutional Requirements or Criteria for Accreditation. Definitions: Complaint Log - a confidential record of student complaints which identifies the persons involved with individual complaints and the outcomes of the complaints. Student complaint - focused principally on complaints made formally by a student, and addressed to an institutional officer with the responsibility to handle the complaint. Minor complaints –complaints that, after appropriate evaluation, are deemed to have little or no effect on the well-being of students, faculty, staff or the school of nursing as a whole. Institutional Officer – a dean, an associate dean, department chair or anyone in an administrative role who has the responsibility to handle the complaint. Applicability This policy applies to institutional officers with responsibility to handle student complaints. Procedure • Complaints must be dealt with in a timely manner and in a way that demonstrates fairness to students, faculty and staff. The student has 10 business days after the occurrence to submit a complaint. Within 7 business days of the receipt of complaint, the institutional officer will respond to the student in writing with feedback regarding status of the complaint resolution. • Complaint logs must be reviewed by the officers of the institution or their designees to assess patterns to the complaints that might suggest problems with institutional quality or with factors related to the General Institutional Requirements or Criteria for Accreditation. Complaint logs will be reviewed by the appropriate Associate Deans in September of each year to draft a report that will be shared with Committee on Undergraduate Studies (COUS), the Committee on Graduate Studies (COGS), Faculty Council and Faculty Assembly • Complaint logs must be used to record receipt of a student complaint and at a minimum must contain the date of receipt, persons involved and the resolution of the complaint. The amount of detail provided may vary according to the complaint but should be sufficiently documented to provide the issues and resolutions. • Complaints from parents, employers, community residents, or former students or alums do not need to be recorded although they may be tracked if a unit wishes to do so. Minor complaints Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 51 do not need to be recorded on the complaint log. However, the complaint log should include complaints that are of a non-academic as well as an academic nature, provided these complaints are from current or recent students. • The privacy of students as well as the privacy of other parties must be enforced in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Responsibility Act (FERPA). Do not share complaint logs with anyone if the logs contain student and/or other names on it. Electronic copies of student complaint logs must be password protected. Supporting Documentation • Student Complaint Process Academic Flow Chart • Student Complaint Process Non-Academic Flow Chart • Confidential Record of Student Complaint Form • Complaint Log Records Retention • The Office for Academic Affairs maintains records of student complaints related to academic matters and the Associate Dean for Student Services and Engagement maintains records of student complaints related to non-academic matters. • The Confidential Record of Student Complaint Form will be retained for five years following the student’s graduation and then destroyed per University policy. • The Complaint Log will be retained for the period of program re-accreditation and subsequently destroyed per University policy. Title IX UT Health San Antonio is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination in accordance with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities. Visit the UT Health San Antonio Title IX Office website for more information about the University’s Notice of Non- Discrimination on the Basis of Sex and the Sexual Misconduct Policy HOP 4.2.2. For questions, to submit a report, or file a complaint regarding sex discrimination or sexual misconduct/sexual harassment, contact: Dr. John Kaulfus, Title IX Coordinator Email: TitleIX@uthscsda.edu Phone: (210) 450- 8131 Website: https://students.uthscsa.edu/titleix/ The UT Health San Antonio Compliance Hotline is a confidential hotline available 24/7 for anonymous reporting. Online: Compliance Hotline Phone: 1-877-507-7317 Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 54 ACADEMIC APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES Student academic appeals and grievances are handled through established policies and procedures for the School of Nursing as outlined in the following UT Health San Antonio Course Catalog – School of Nursing Policies: • Academic Appeals and Grievances • Procedure for Academic Review (Grade Appeal Process) • Procedure for Second Readers of Papers and/or Projects • Non-Academic Appeals and Grievances RESOURCES Click on the link below to find information regarding: Catalog, Degree Requirements, Library, School Policies, Program Policies, Student Life, Calendars, Financial Aid, Work-Study-Scholarship Program, Scholarships, Traineeships, Forms, Graduation Information, Registrar’s Office, Blackboard, Webmail, Bookstore, Counseling, Helpdesk, Tuition and Fees, Program Cost Sheets, ADA and ADA Request Forms, Emergency Information, UT Police, and Campus Maps. http://students.uthscsa.edu/current-students/ Office for Academic Affairs This office supports the school's educational goals of educating a diverse student body to become excellent nurses and nurse scientists. The office provides oversight of the development, implementation and evaluation of the curriculum to ensure the quality of education offered. The office serves as a resource for faculty and students in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Major responsibilities include: • Strategic planning for academic programs • Academic advisement and student progression issues • Clinical site development and management of clinical contracts • Coordination of accreditation and regulatory requirements • Coordination of course schedules and maps • Depository for student program plans, comprehensive exams, inquiry project and thesis/dissertation approvals and electronic inquiry projects. • Development and coordination of academic policies and procedures • Program evaluation oversight, including course and teaching evaluations Office of Admissions The Office of Admissions provides and coordinates admissions, student services and a variety of academic and non-academic services. Our team assists with career guidance, referral for personal counseling, learning strategies, financial aid and scholarships, student Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 55 organizations and commencement. We are also responsible for coordinating career fairs in the fall and spring. We engage with our diverse students and communities to produce the future nursing leaders of our expanding world who will lead the transformation of nursing care to make lives better through education, research and practice. Student Success Center The Student Success Center in the School of Nursing offers a variety of student services, programs, and facilities that are available to help students to transition successfully to their professional environment and receive maximum benefit from the total nursing school experience. The Student Success Center provides students with a full spectrum of academic support beginning with first semester mentoring and continuing with academic preparation for their licensure exam after graduation. A list of services provided can be found at the Student Success Center website. Career Services and Guidance The OASS team organizes a career fair every fall and spring. The goal of the fair is to bring employers to campus to meet with junior and senior students. The fall fair is normally organized in October and the spring fair in early March. It is recommended that students prepare a resume or curriculum vitae prior to attending the fair. The OASS team can provide input on resume writing at the professional success seminar series scheduled each fall semester. In the spring, students preparing to find a job are invited to attend a seminar about appropriate etiquette and protocol during the job search. For further details about preparing a cover letter or resume, please visit the Purdue University Owl at the link below: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/. Financial Aid and Scholarships The School of Nursing recognizes that a professional degree can be expensive. The Office of Financial Aid and Veteran’s Affairs in conjunction with the OASS team strives to lessen the financial hardship through grants, scholarships, and loans for eligible students. School of Nursing students must apply for need-based financial aid via the FAFSA. For further details about grants and loans, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (210) 567-2635 or visit their website. In addition to aid offered by the Office of Financial Aid, the School of Nursing awards scholarships funded by private donors to eligible applicants. Applications are provided to enrolled students and candidates in the fall, spring and summer semesters. Applications are distributed to enrolled students via e-mail to their livemail account. A Scholarship Committee composed of faculty and staff determine awards. Visit the SON Financial Aid and Scholarships site for details Emergency Loans The purpose of the SON Emergency Fund is to assist students by providing interim funding for educational needs until long-term financial aid is available. The funds will be made ONLY for educational necessities room and board, hospitalization not covered by insurance, and other Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 56 unplanned emergencies. Emergency funds provided might impact financial aid and are count as income. Read the Emergency Fund Policies and Conditions for further information. Student Health Services The Student Health Clinic at the San Antonio campus offer many services, including: • Health Promotion/Disease Prevention • Acute Minor Illness and Injury • Routine Physical Exams • Women's & Men's Health • Contraceptive Counseling • STD Screening / Treatment • Immunization • TB Screening • Stable Chronic Disease Management (e.g., asthma, diabetes, hypertension) Phone: (210) 567-WELL (9355) Personal Counseling Format of services: Individual counseling, couples counseling, medication consultation, workshops that focus on study skills, time management, stress management or other topics may be arranged for a group by contacting the office. The following services are provided: 1. Academic Difficulties • Test or performance anxiety • Conflict with instructor or clinical supervisor • Organizing and learning course objectives • Time management 2. Career Issues • Clarifying career goals and interests • Confronting doubts about career choice • Identifying a specialty interest 3. Medication Consultation • Evaluation and medication treatment • Medication management 4. Personal Problems • Increasing self-confidence and coping with self doubt • Managing stress effectively • Coping with feelings of depression and/or anxiety • Developing self assertion • Overcoming self-defeating behavior • Relationship issues 5. Substance abuse • Evaluation • Referral • Consultation • Education Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 59 THE CENTER FOR COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH PROMOTION WITH WOMEN AND CHILDREN Our School of Nursing collaborates with interdisciplinary academic programs at UT Health San Antonio and community of health care professionals to address health disparities among women and their families. The Center for Community-Based Health Promotion with Women and Children promotes Community- Based Participatory Research (CBPR), a research method that unites communities and academic researchers in the common goal of addressing community-identified needs through a process of sharing power, establishing trust, fostering co-learning, enhancing strengths and ultimately building community capacity. While marginalized and disenfranchised groups have historically had reason to mistrust health researchers, CBPR has emerged as a viable method to promote equity and trust among partners throughout the research process. Our Center promotes collaboration between interdisciplinary academics, community members and healthcare profession students to address health disparities among women and their families, health disparities that are associated with social, political, and economic issues such as poverty, inadequate housing, racism, and lack of access to health resources. Our Center provides mentoring in CBPR methods and scholarship to faculty, students, and community members. THE LIBRARIES The mission of The Libraries is to advance the educational, research, clinical care,and community service programs of UT Health Science Center San Antonio by critically appraising, selecting and organizing health sciences information and by facilitating and maintaining access to these resources for the faculty, staff and students of UT Health San Antonio and for the South Texas community. The Libraries include the Dolph Briscoe, Jr. Library, the Mario E. Ramirez, M.D. Library at the Regional Academic Health Center in Harlingen, the Laredo Regional Campus Library in Laredo, the Jesse H. Jones Comprehensive Research Library at the South Texas Research Park and the P.I. Nixon Medical Historical Library on the 5th floor of the Briscoe Library Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 60 PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS NURSING STUDENT COUNCIL The purpose of this organization is as follows: a. to represent and unite all students in the School of Nursing; b. to provide for and enhance communication between the student of the School of Nursing, students of the greater UT Health San Antonio community, the faculty and administration of the School of Nursing and the of UT Health San Antonio at large; c. to advise and assist the administration in reaching decisions on policy that concerns students of the school of nursing; and d. to assist tin broadening the intellectual, cultural, and recreational opportunities and capabilities of the students of the School of Nursing. NATIONAL STUDENTS NURSES’ ASSOCIATION (NSNA) The purpose of this organization is as follows: a. to mentor students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses b. to convey the standards, ethics, and skills that students need as responsible and accountable leaders and members of the profession. c. to foster the professional development of nursing students. INTERNATIONAL NURSING STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (INSA) The purpose of this organization is as follows: a. to promote understanding of different cultures; b. to provide a venue where students of any cultural background can find a common ground; c. to promote communication and relationships between INSA members, the School of Nursing and the community; and d. to assist in broadening the intellectual, cultural, and recreational opportunities and capabilities of students of the School of Nursing. This organization is open to all students admitted to the School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio. BLACK STUDENT NURSES ASSOCIATION The purpose of this organization is as follows: a. Represent and support both Black and non-black students in their scholastic endeavors. b. Create a forum for dialogue, advocacy, and address societal, health, and cultural issues present in minority communities. c. To serve as an advocate for the student body, national and state organizations, and groups of marginalized and disenfranchised individuals at the UT Health San Antonio SON. d. To contribute to the education of nursing students that facilitates care delivery that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered to all clients, particularly vulnerable medically underserved populations. This organization is open to all students admitted to the School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio. Undergraduate Student Handbook Revised 08/01/2022 Page 61 MEN IN NURSING The purpose of this organization is as follows: a. to provide a social setting for male nursing students to meet; b. to have guest speakers inform men on their perspectives of the occupation; and c. to have community service projects directed words helping men in the community. Membership in this organization shall be open to currently enrolled student of UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing. HISPANIC NURSES ASSOCIATION The purpose of this organization is as follows: a. To have direct input into standards of nursing education and to influence the education process. b. To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities towards improved health care and social issues. c . To promote and encourage recruitment efforts, participation in student activities, and educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, or economic status. Membership in this organization shall be open to currently enrolled student of UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing. PARENTS IN NURSING SCHOOL (PINS) The purpose of this organization is as follows: a. To support parenting and non-parenting individuals in undergraduate or graduate nursing programs at UT Health San Antonio. b. To promote and encourage community service activities with an emphasis on education and health promotion for other parents in underserved communities. c. To provide opportunities that allow parents in nursing school to participate in activates like volunteering, supplemental instruction session, and group tutoring that generally occur outside normal childcare hours. PIVIOT PIVIOT is a non-profit organization established for the purpose of promoting health and wellness among the pediatric population. SAN ANTONIO STREET NURSING The purpose of San Antonio Street Nursing is to provide on-site nursing care to the indigent population of San Antonio and educating UT Health San Antonio Nursing students about healthcare delivery to this population. SIGMA THETA TAU Sigma Theta Tau is the National Honor Society of Nursing. Constituent chapters are established in accredited collegiate schools of nursing. The organization recognizes superior achievement, and the development of leadership qualities, fosters high professional standards, encourages creative work, and strengthens commitment to ideals of the profession. Membership is by invitation only. Invitations will be sent to candidates selected by the faculty who have leadership and research abilities, who have completed one-half of the nursing programs, and who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher. Graduate students who are currently members of Sigma Theta Tau