2020-2021 Western New Mexico University - School of Nursing
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Western New Mexico University
2020-2021
Student Handbook:
Polices and
Procedures
for the
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN)
Graduate Nursing Programs
School of Nursing
Western New Mexico University
1TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgement of Handbook…………………………………………………………………4
Mission/Vision/Values/Goals/Outcomes.…............................................................................... 5
School of Nursing Faculty…………………...…………………………………………………….6
Accreditation……………………………………………………………………………………...7
Student Affirmation……………….………………………………………………………………8
MSN Program and Admission Requirements. ............................................................................ 9
Employment/RN license/Progression…………………………………………………………….9
Resident credit/Transfer policy…………………………………………………………………..10
Program Description/Plan of Study/Retention .......................................................................... 11
MSN Course List ......................................................................................................................12
Graduate Course Descriptions/Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)
………………………………………………………………………………………………...13-15
Practicum Agency Clearance
Requirements…..……………………………………………………………………………...16-17
COVID-19 Contingency Plan….. ………………………………………………………………..18
MSN Program Guidelines………………………………………………………………………...19
Student Accessibility Information…………………………………………………………….20-21
Essential Eligibility Requirements for Participation in SON…………………………………….22
Technology Requirements/Online Learning……………………………………………………..23
Attendance/Appearance.……………………………………………………………………...24-25
Student Clinical Error/Student Health Information…………………………………………..26-27
Needle Stick Policy…………………………………………………………………………...27-28
Student Retention and Progression. ................................................................................... ..29-34
Code of Conduct/Code of Civility……………………………………………………………….35
HIPAA/Social Networking Policy ........................................................................................... .36
Criminal Background Checks/Student
2Impairments…………………………………………………………………………………..37-41
APA Style Guidelines for Nursing Papers/Plagiarism.............................................................42-43
Graduate Nursing Student Involvement/Communications Policy Statement ............................. 44
Early Academic Warning System Policy .................................................................................. 45
Written Work/Student Grievance and Appeal Process ......................................................... 46-46
Dismissal Policy..................................................................................................................47-50
Student Academic Complaints Procedure ............................................................................ 51-52
Scope of Practice/Program Evaluation...................................................................................... 53
Handbook Acknowledgement Form………………………………………….………………….54
Affirmation Form…………………………………………………………… ....... ……………..55
Clinical Occurrence Form…………………………………………………...…… ….………….56
Licensure as an active RN Form………………………………………………… ………..…….57
Employment Verification Form…………………………………………………… ………..…..58
Photograph Release and Waiver Form…………………………………………………..... …….59
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Statement…………………………… ...... ………………60
3Student Responsibility and Acknowledgement of Handbook and Policies and Procedures
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program at Western New Mexico
University are responsible for their knowledge of and adherence to regulations printed in these
Graduate Nursing Student Guidelines.
The School of Nursing reserves the right to modify any provisions or requirements when such action
will serve the interest of the patient, the nursing program or its students. Notification of changes will
be communicated to students ongoing.
Student will complete an acknowledgement form of receipt, review and understanding of the
MSN Student Handbook: Policies and Procedures in appendix 1 and return to the Nursing Advisor.
4MISSION
The mission of the Western New Mexico University School of Nursing MSN Program
is to provide an inclusive, diverse, innovative, and caring community of learners for the
advancement of higher level of nursing knowledge based on evidence-based practices
while promoting values of community, nursing scholarship, and sound practices for the purpose
of promoting health and wellness in rural, regional, national, and international communities.
VISION
The MSN program prepares the nurse at a higher level of advanced nursing knowledge to be a
leader in healthcare delivery systems of rural, regional, national and international communities.
CORE VALUES
Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, and Scholarship
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The MSN program with its focus on community and rural/frontier healthcare strives
to facilitate the ability of graduate nursing students to achieve the following objectives:
1. Excellence in clinical practice and healthcare delivery to communities and rural/frontier areas.
2. Integrity as healthcare professionals entrusted with the lives of individuals, especially those
who reside in the communities and rural/frontier areas of southwestern New Mexico.
3. Leadership as healthcare professionals dedicated to the overall health and well-being of
communities and rural/frontier areas.
4. Scholarship by means of maintaining and attitude of lifelong learning.
PROGRAM GOALS
1. The graduate of the MSN program will become a leader in promoting improvement in quality
outcomes in the healthcare system through initiatives, interprofessional collaboration, education,
and innovation.
2. The graduate of the MSN program will demonstrate excellence and professionalism in practice,
relationships, collaboration, and community.
3. The graduate of the MSN program will develop the habit of utilizing evidence-based practices to
solve issues or problems in any healthcare, community and global settings.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Graduates of the MSN program are prepared to:
1. Become leaders for the purpose of promoting changes to improve quality outcomes.
2. Promote and instill excellence through lifelong learning and education.
3. Initiate, build, and lead interprofessional healthcare teams through collaboration.
4. Discern, steer, and integrate care services throughout the healthcare delivery system.
5. Create, develop, and implement innovative nursing practices.
6. Translate evidence into practice through research and scholarship.
5SCHOOL OF NURSING FACULTY
Associate Dean School of Nursing, Kimberly Petrovic
Director of Graduate Nursing Programs, &
Co-Lead Instructor of Graduate Nursing Programs
Co-Lead Instructor of Graduate Nursing Programs Scott Nguyen
Faculty:
Full Professor(s): Charnelle Lee
Associate Professors Alexis Harsh
Rachel Owen
Kimberly Petrovic
James Vigil
Krista Wood
Assistant Professors Jennifer Franz
Rhea Ann Hazen
Scott Nguyen
Jamie Leah Tolley
Erin Wood
Instructors Mary Flores
Lorenzo Saenz
6Accreditation Statement
Western New Mexico University’s accreditation is reaffirmed by the Higher Learning
Commission (HLC). The commission is scheduled to conduct its next reaffirmation of
accreditation for WNMU in 2022-2023. Please see http://www.hlcommission.org/Directory-of-
HLC-Institutions.html for additional details.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is in the process of seeking accreditation
from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750,
Washington, DC 20001, telephone (202) 887-6791. The (virtual) site visit is expected in
November 2020.
7Student Affirmation
Student enrollment in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Western New Mexico
University (WNMU) School of Nursing does not imply nor guarantee admission to the Family Nurse
Practitioner (FNP) Post-Master’s Certificate Program at WNMU.
Furthermore, the student understands that he or she must meet the admission requirements including
at least 2 years of Registered Nurse (RN) experience within the past five years by the time of
application submission to the FNP Post-Master’s Certificate Program.
Students will complete the affirmation form in Appendix 2 of the MSN Student Handbook: Policies
and Procedures and return this form to the Nursing Advisor.
8MSN PROGRAM & ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Western New Mexico University offers an MSN program. Students shall be selected for
admission to the graduate program (MSN) on a competitive basis. The Master of Science in
Nursing (MSN) program is presented entirely online via the Canvas LMS. Graduates of the
MSN program will be prepared for positions in leadership, management, community and
healthcare delivery systems.
Program admission requirements:
1. A minimum GPA of 3.0.
2. GRE is not required.
3. Must hold a valid RN license from any state in the U.S.
4. Student with a pre-licensure nursing GPA 2.75 to 2.99 may have one attempt to enroll in two
concurrent 3-credit nursing courses conditionally. Successful completion of two concurrent
3-credit courses both with a grade of A or B allows the student to progress to full admission.
5. Completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course within the last 5 years.
6. Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions.
7. Three letters of recommendation. Two letters from academics and one from a supervisor.
8. Personal Statement. Address the following: Why do you want to enroll in our program?
Employment Verification
While active RN employment verification is not a prerequisite for admission to the MSN program,
it is required for determining sequence of clinical/agency clearance requirements. The employment
verification form can be found in appendix 5.
Active RN License
Students will maintain an active RN license in New Mexico or multi-state RN license. Students
will complete acknowledgement form in appendix 4 and submit to the Nursing Office.
Practicum Progression Requirement
Students convicted of a felony may not be eligible for nursing licensure in the state of New Mexico.
Any individual who has a felony conviction should contact the New Mexico Board of Nursing for
further information prior to enrolling in the WNMU nursing program. A criminal background check is
performed on all students entering the program, and students may be unable to complete a clinical
rotation because of the host facility’s policy regarding felony convictions or failure to disclose a felony
conviction in the application process. Students unable to participate in a clinical rotation due to a
previous felony conviction or students who fail to disclose a felony conviction in the application
9process will not be able to complete the program.
Resident credit requirements:
Sufficient coursework must be taken through WNMU to satisfy the resident credit requirement.
Transfer Student Policy
Students applying to transfer to the MSN Program at Western New Mexico University from
another academic program must be admitted to the University and submit official transcripts
from the college/university they attended to the admissions office.
Transfer credit will be granted after a review of transcripts by the Admissions Officer and the
School of Nursing Chair. A grade of “B” or better is required for transfer of credit.
Students wishing to transfer may be asked to submit a catalog or course description in effect at
the time the course was taken as a condition to receiving transfer credit for such coursework.
Students requesting transfer credit for nursing courses must have attended a state board of
nursing approved school of nursing or an accredited college/university.
Any student wishing to transfer to WNMU should review the academic regulations regarding
transfer credit in the University catalog.
Transfer Credit:
A maximum of nine (9) transfer credits may be applied towards the MSN.
10Program Description: The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at WNMU
encompasses 33 credit hours and may be completed in as few as four (4) semesters.
Holidays and breaks follow the regular WNMU academic calendar. All graduate nursing courses
are completed online. There is a practicum component in Nursing Professional Development I &
II, which can be completed in the community where the student lives.
Plan of Study: Students beginning the program will be required to take NUR 501, NUR 507,
and BSAD 506 in their first semester (Please see course description in this handbook). These
courses will provide the incoming MSN student a foundation for success in the program.
Recommended course load for students employed full time is nine hours or less. Students who
are employed full time and are considering taking a course load greater than the recommended
nine credits must obtain faculty approval.
Retention in the MSN program requires that students receive a minimum grade of “B” (80%).
Students must assume responsibility for monitoring their own progress throughout the semester.
If the student is having difficulty, it is her/his responsibility to seek help from the nursing faculty
or their advisor. Students must receive a passing grade in their practicum regardless of the
didactic grade to continue in the program.
General Education and Other Course Requirements for this Major
General Education Supporting Coursework Credits are based on the year of entry, and
must comply with university guidelines.
11MSN Graduate Nursing Courses
NUR 501 Theory & Science of Nursing 3 credits
NUR 502 Research Utilization for Evidence-Based Practice 3 credits
NUR 503 Informatics and Healthcare Technology 3 credits
NUR 505 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits
NUR 507 Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments 3 credits
NUR 510 Advanced Health Assessment 3 credits
NUR 515 Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan 3 credits
NUR 520 Epidemiology and Population Health 3 credits
NUR 595 Nursing Professional Development I 3 credits
NUR 596 Nursing Professional Development II 3 credits
BSAD 506 Survey of Finance Topics in Healthcare or 3 credits
BSAD 505: Health Care Sys/Orgs
Total 33 credits
12Graduate Nursing Course Descriptions
NUR 501 Theory & Science of Nursing (3 credits)
Course Catalog Description: This graduate-level course will provide the foundation
necessary to understand the development, analysis, and evaluation of nursing theory
including the major streams of nursing scientific development. The focus of the course is on
the application of theory for evidence-based practice. The integration of leadership theory
also will be emphasized using collective theories from other disciplines such as the
educational, sociological, behavioral, and biomedical sciences.
NUR 502 Research Utilization for Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
Course Catalog Description: This graduate-level course will analyze research principles to
address clinically-derived questions in nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on problem
identification, design principles, sources and levels of evidence, and the utilization of
research.
NUR 503 Informatics and Healthcare Technology (3 credits)
Course Catalog Description: This course is designed to provide a foundation in the
understanding of the concepts and principles of healthcare information technology.
The course will explore information systems, electronic health records, clinical decisions,
telemedicine, bio-informatics, e-Patients, social media tools, data science and analytics as
well as implementation.
NUR 505 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
Course Catalog Description: This graduate-level course focuses on the pathophysiological
processes across the lifespan that alter health status. Emphasis is placed on the development
of clinical reasoning skills that will distinguish the relationships between normal physiology
and specific system alterations produced by injury and/or disease as related to etiology,
pathogenesis, developmental and environmental influences, and clinical manifestations of
major health problems.
NUR 507 Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments (3 credits)
Course Catalog Description: This course examines health care policy in terms of
contemporary issues related to the delivery of health care, health care access, ethics, quality,
and cost. The course will be presented from a Public Health perspective with the critical
analysis of health policy and legal issues with special emphasis on health and health care
disparities in target populations.
13NUR 510 Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
Course Catalog Description: This graduate-level course presents the principles and
techniques of advanced health assessment across the lifespan as they are examined and
practiced in the development of the clinical basis for advanced nursing practice. The
course focus is on the acquisition of advanced health assessment and clinical reasoning skills.
Faculty and preceptors facilitate the didactic and clinical hours respectively, including a
2-credit didactic component and 1-credit clinical practicum (45 clinical hours with preceptor
supervision).
NUR 515 Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
Course Catalog Description: This graduate-level course focuses on the nursing management
of pharmacologic therapies associated with common healthcare problems across the lifespan.
The course expands the baccalaureate foundation of applied pharmacology with application
of pharmacokinetic methods, pharmacodynamic principles, and pharmacotherapeutic nursing
interventions.
NUR 520 Epidemiology and Population Health (3 credits)
Course Catalog Description: An introductory course to epidemiology and its approach to
problems of health and disease in target populations. Basic concepts and the application of
epidemiology and biostatistical principles for clinical practice will be presented.
NUR 595 Nursing Professional Development I (3 credits)
Course Catalog Description: This course examines the history and role of the community
& rural/frontier health nurse. The course includes an introduction to the elements of portfolio
requirements related to ANCC certification as an Advanced Public Health Nurse (APHN)
and presents step-wise approach to gaining certification. Students will identify an area of
interest related to community/rural/frontier health nursing for further development of a
scholarly project. (Please note that the APHN no longer is offered by AACN. Nonetheless,
students will create a portfolio of graduate work as demonstration of coursework.)
NUR 596 Nursing Professional Development II (3 credits)
Course Catalog Description: Provides transition from theory to practice through synthesis
of theory, public health concepts/principles and skills gained throughout the program through
development of a scholarly project related to Rural/Frontier Health Nursing. Dissemination
scholarly project presented as a poster or podium presentation at WNMU Research
Symposium or faculty approved nursing conference. Prerequisite: NUR 595 Professional
Development 1
14BSAD 506 Survey of Finance Topics in Healthcare (3 credits)
Course Catalog Description: The course provides a survey of financial topics pertinent to
healthcare. The student will become familiar with the financial issues consequential to the
healthcare.
BSAD 505: Health Care Sys/Orgs (3 credits)
Course Catalog Description: The course discusses healthcare systems and organizations
from a business perspective. Students will gain familiarity with applicable business theories
relevant to the healthcare industry.
15Clinical/Practicum Agency Clearance for Advanced Practice I and II (NUR 595 and NUR 596)
Students enrolled in Professional Development for Advanced Practice I and II (NUR 595 and
NUR 596) must ensure the following are current and documented in the student file for the duration
of the course:
Immunity to rubella.
If born after 1956, proof of rubeola immunity.
Current evidence of a negative TB skin test.
Professional liability insurance.
Current AHA CPR.
Hepatitis B immunization.
Annual influenza vaccination.
Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)
All students in the FNP program are required to pass a written exam and take the Objective
Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) on campus in order to graduate.
A faculty member will evaluate and assess the student’s readiness to begin clinical/practicum if
they decide to go further onto the Post-MSN FNP program.
The prerequisites for taking the OSCE are completion of Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced
Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment.
The student must a achieve a minimum of 80 percent on OSCE evaluation in order to move on within
the MSN program.
16Entry and Clinical/Practicum Agency Clearance Requirements
Initial entry into the MSN program:
(Required by July 26th of each year for incoming first year students).
CPR Certification CPR Certifications that are Not Accepted
Current CPR card (American Heart Others such as American Red Cross, are not
Association only) with a hands-on skills accepted.
testing component. Internet only courses do not meet minimum
criteria and will not be accepted.
Proof of Immunity (either a vaccination or a positive titer) for the following
preventable diseases.
Rubella (German Measles) Rubeola (Measles)
Varicella (Chicken Pox) Mumps
Hepatitis B (May include documentation that vaccination series is in progress for the series of
three injections). According to CDC recommendation for the Heplisav-B® (HepB-CpG)
Vaccine, 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart is accepted.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) immunization received or documented, within the
last 10 years.
Influenza (Flu) vaccine (required after admission and prior to clinical agency experiences in
keeping with annual release schedules of the updated flu vaccine formulation).
If the student has not worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) for the past two years:
Completion & Documentation of a recent negative 2-step tuberculosis (TB) skin test (PPD),
or a negative chest x-ray. Students with a false-positive reaction history to the PPD to follow
CDC guidelines.
If the student has worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) within the past one year:
Completion & Documentation of a recent negative 1-step tuberculosis (TB) skin test (PPD),
or a negative chest x-ray. Students with a false-positive reaction history to the PPD to follow
CDC guidelines.
Completion of two background checks: New Mexico Department of Health (fingerprinting)
and a national background check included in the Castle Branch fee.
Drug Screens at the student’s expense (required at the beginning of MSN program).
Annual Requirements: (Due by August 15th of each year for returning students)
Drug Screens at the student’s expense (may be required annually at any time throughout the
educational experience at WNMU) depending on clinical site requirements or due to signs of
mental/physical impairment indicative of alcohol or drug abuse.
Influenza (Flu) vaccine (required after admission and prior to clinical agency experiences in
keeping with annual release schedules of the updated flu vaccine formulation).
Verified Blood Borne Pathogen Certificate training.
Documentation of a recent negative 1-step tuberculosis (TB) skin test (PPD), or a negative
chest x-ray. Students with a false-positive reaction history to the PPD to follow CDC
guidelines.
FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION BY THE CORRESPONDING PROGRAM
DEADLINE (AS LISTED ABOVE) EACH YEAR WILL RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM
17COVID-19 Contingency Plan
1) If the School of Nursing or instructor deem it unsafe for students to participate in practicum,
then alternative virtual simulation will be provided in accordance to CCNE guidelines.
2) Alternative to practicum may include simulation or individual or collaborative projects. The
instructor may develop other means to satisfy the practicum requirement of the MSN program.
3) Students are responsible for monitoring their health. If students display symptoms or feel sick
and test positive for COVID-19, they should not participate in practicum, notify the instructor
of this, and discuss their conditions with their doctors and follow CDC guidelines.
4) Students are responsible for maintain health insurance. If they do not have health insurance,
they are encouraged to discuss this with WNMU Student Services.
18GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS IN THE MSN PROGRAM
Responsibilities of the Student
I. Students are required to pay all tuition and fees when they are due. Students having
financial problems must see the WNMU Financial Aid Officer.
II. Students should check announcements and campus emails frequently (at least daily).
III. Students requiring special needs accommodation should register at the special-needs office.
IV. Students in the nursing program are expected to buy their own supplies, including
stethoscope and protective eyewear, as indicated by clinical settings.
V. Students are also expected to purchase and maintain individual malpractice insurance while
in the MSN program.
VI. Students are responsible for their own transportation and lodging for out of town clinical
rotations, practicum, or field trips.
VII. As the nursing courses are online, it is the responsibility of the student to familiarize
themselves with all aspects of the online course.
VIII. Students need to post assignments in appropriate places, and check and reply to email and
discussion boards per each class syllabus guidelines. Students are responsible for knowing
and following the course timeline, including all assignment due dates, and exam due dates.
If a student is not clear about the use of the online program, then she/he should contact the
instructor to make the arrangements for tutoring related to the use of online platforms.
IX. Students must follow time guidelines for all assignments, and be on time for all practicum
placements. Persistent tardiness and/or absences constitute grounds for course failure.
X. Any fund-raising activities undertaken by students related to any school coursework or clinical
requirements, etc. must be approved by the School of Nursing administration (up to and
including the Associate Dean) or faculty advisor for the WNMU Chapter of the National
Student Nurse Association (NSNA). Efforts must adhere to established WNMU and NSNA
rules, regulations, and guidelines (if applicable) prior to any undertakings.
19Student Accessibility Information
Services for students with disabilities are provided through the Student Accessibility Services in the
Center for Student Success (Juan Chacon Building, Room 212). Services include but are not limited
to: alternative text, assistive technology information, campus housing arrangements, campus
accessibility, new student orientation, testing accommodations, advocacy, or assistance with any
other campus disability-related needs. In order to qualify for these services, documentation must be
provided by certified health care professionals. Please contact the ADA/Student Accessibility
Services Coordinator. (JoBeth Erling, MSW (p) 575.538.6138
(jobeth.erling@wnmu.edu;accessibility@wnmu.edu)
Testing and Accommodations
Testing accommodations are provided when there is a disability-related need for them. Faculty are
not expected to lower their academic standards using accommodations available, students should be
able to demonstrate their knowledge without the need for alternative tests or different
evaluation/grading standards. The accommodation letters state the appropriate testing
accommodations, depending upon the nature of the course-work and the disability-related needs of
the student.
20Some of the most commonly requested accommodations:
• Extended time: the request for extended time is one of the most common accommodations
for all disability groups. The most frequent accommodation is time and one half, although
rarely double time is requested. Unlimited time is not recommended unless this option is
available to all students.
• Accessible testing site and accessible seating: students who may need front row seating
include those who cannot walk up or down steps, have difficulty maneuvering through a row
of seats, have vision or hearing impairments, or have disabilities that affect their ability to
remain focused on visual or auditory lecture material.
• Computer access: many students can independently complete essay exams on computers;
others may need technology such as print enlargement, speech output, speech recognition
or a spell-check program, available through the service office by advance arrangement.
• Quiet /separate testing environment: some students may require a low distraction
environment, need to verbalize the questions or their responses, have physical needs to
change position, or stand inside the test room to relieve pressure on an injured area. All
students should have testing environments comparable to those of their classmates – i.e.
testing space free from frequent interruptions, with proper writing surface, seating and
lighting.
JOBETH ERLING, MSW
Coordinator of Student Accessibility Services
Center for Student Success
Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
PO Box 680 | Silver City, NM 88062
t 575.538.6138| e jobeth.erling@wnmu.edu
21Essential Eligibility Requirements for Participation in the School of Nursing
The following essential eligibility requirements for participation in the School of Nursing and
examples of necessary activities (not all inclusive) should be used to assist each applicant/student in
determining whether accommodations or modifications are necessary.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS SOME EXAMPLES OF NECESSARY
ACTIVITIES
Critical thinking abilities sufficient for clinical Identify cause/effect relationships in clinical
judgment. situation; develop nursing care plans.
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with Establish rapport with patients/families and
individuals, families, and groups from a variety of colleagues.
social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual
backgrounds.
Communication abilities sufficient for interactions Explain treatment procedures, initiate health
with others in verbal and written form. teaching, document and interpret nursing actions
and patient/client responses.
Abilities sufficient for observation and
assessment necessary in nursing care. Observe patient responses.
Abilities sufficient to monitor and assess health Hear monitor alarms, emergency signals,
needs. Auscultate sounds, and cries for help.
Abilities sufficient to move from room to room and Move around in patients' rooms, work spaces, and
to maneuver in small places. treatment areas, and administer cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation.
Abilities sufficient for physical assessment. Perform palpation, functions of physical
examination and/or those related to therapeutic
intervention, e.g. insertion
of a catheter.
Abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective Calibrate and use equipment; position
nursing care. patients. Safely lift and move patients.
22Technology Requirements
It is required that students have access to a desk or laptop computer that is capable of high-speed
internet use. Computers are available for check out, on a first-come, first-serve basis –at the WNMU
media center. Computers should have the capability to support the Canvas learning management
system. A current version of JAVA, Microsoft Office 2010 or higher for documents and written
assignments and Adobe Reader for opening PDF files is needed.
Smart-phone application: Access to a smart –phone to load unbound medicine a nursing reference
application is recommended. These are essential to have during clinical to look up patient laboratory
results, medications, and other findings that will help you care for a patient.
Online Learning
Canvas: The School of Nursing utilizes Canvas, an internet-based learning platform, which allows
for submission of assignments, take exams, view grades, discuss course readings and topics, etc.
Students access Canvas from their WNMU account.
Course Syllabi: All graduate nursing course syllabi are posted in the Canvas class at the beginning
of the semester. Students are responsible for accessing the course and reviewing the syllabus. If the
student does not understand or have questions about the course, it is the student’s responsibility to
ask the instructor.
Academic Honesty and Code of Civility (Conduct): The Western New Mexico University policies
on academic honesty and student codes of conduct specified in the WNMU Catalog and WNMU
Student guidelines apply to students in the graduate nursing programs. Students will be expected to
abide by these policies and by all regulations established by the university. Please access and read the
WNMU Student Handbook for information https://admin.wnmu.edu/handbooks/student-handbook/
Students must follow time guidelines for all assignments and be on time for all practicum
placements. Persistent tardiness and/or absences constitute grounds for course failure.
Online Exams: Failure to complete online exams during the time period allotted will result in
a grade of zero for the exam. Exception will be made and a make-up exam will be offered if
the student has a reasonable excuse for not taking the exam during the regular time period and
has contacted the instructor in a timely manner. Illnesses will require a signed note from the
student’s healthcare provider.
23Attendance
Attendance is important and is tracked in online courses within the Canvas learning management
system faculty tracking mechanisms. Unexcused absences will trigger the Early Academic
Warning System.
Absences from arranged practicum hours require that the community agency/preceptor be notified
at least one hour prior to the absence. Any missed practicum hours must be rescheduled with the
community preceptor.
Appearance
Professional dress is expected for all community experiences during the MSN program. Check
with the community practicum leader and the facility for expectations regarding dress code.
When attending practicum agency sites or attending any other scholarly function, students will wear
the school uniform and identification badge. The required nursing student uniform consists of the
following:
Purple short-sleeved scrub top with pockets and nursing student patch sewn on the left shoulder.
Students may wear a long-sleeved t-shirt under the scrub top.
Matching purple scrub pants
Shoes should be white or black with minimal colored trim and closed toes made of leather or other
impermeable material.
University photo ID with Program Level identification ribbon
Clinical facility id as required
Stethoscope
Bandage scissors
Watch with a second hand (digital/Fitbit watches are not allowed)
Appearance and Hygiene
Students are expected to follow the rules of good hygiene and to be clean, odor-free, and
well-groomed at all times. Hair must be neat and clean. Long hair must be pulled back. Beards,
mustaches, and sideburns must be neatly trimmed and must meet infection control guidelines for
personal protective equipment.
No bandanas or other hair or head coverings are permitted. Fingernails are to be clean and short.
Artificial nails are not permitted. While in uniform, undergarments must be worn but must not be
visible. Fragrance may not be worn in class or clinical settings.
In the practicum settings, students are required to wear the complete student uniform. A flat wedding
band with no protrusions, wrist watch, and small pierced jewelry (studs) are the only permissible
articles of jewelry. Chewing gum, tobacco products of any kind, and foul language are not permitted
in clinical or classroom settings. Students in violation will be asked to leave the classroom, lab, or
24clinical agency, and will accrue an absence. Students who present themselves to the clinical setting in
violation of the dress code will be sent home to change, resulting in either an absence or a tardy.
Picture identification badges are to be worn at all times by lanyard or pocket clip. It is considered
unprofessional (as well as an infection control concern) to wear the uniform any place other than
the clinical setting. Please do not wear the student uniform after clinical agency experiences while
shopping, eating out at restaurants, etc.
25Student Practicum Clinical Error Policy
The faculty recognizes that no student will intentionally make an error when participating in
practicum involving patients. They also realize that students are human and that mistakes can
and do occur.
In order to ensure patient safety and as a result of an increasingly litigious society, the faculty has
determined that in order to protect the patient, the student, and to verify that the student is a safe
practitioner, the following procedures will be followed if a clinical error occurs.
When a student or a licensed personnel member recognizes that an error has been made, it is the
student’s responsibility to report the error immediately to the MSN nursing faculty, community
agency and to follow liability insurance and community agency protocol. An incident/clinical
occurrence report will be filled out and filed with WNMU School of Nursing, and the community
agency according to agency policy. See appendix 3 for the clinical occurrence form.
Failure to complete the steps outlined within 10 class days will result in suspension of the student
from the community setting and may result in dismissal from the program.
Student Health
Student Health Services (https://health.wnmu.edu/?lang=en) are now being provided by Hidalgo
Medical Services (HMS). WNMU student fees cover health service expenses as follows:
Registered students who pay tuition and fees are eligible to receive five medical visits, 15 mental
health visits and one dental visit to HMS annually. Additional visits or outside referrals and
services will be seamlessly provided and billed according to the students’ insurance or income
levels, as the students will have become established patients of HMS upon their first visit by HMS.
To make a medical, dental or mental health appointment at HMS, call 1-888-272-3596.
Accidents
Any accidents that occur while in the practicum setting must be reported immediately to the
instructor/preceptor.
Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol is grounds for dismissal from the program. Students who appear
to be impaired while engaged in public contact related to coursework can be asked to submit to
a drug or alcohol tests at their own expense. Student who refuse to submit to testing will be
sent home by their community preceptor. The preceptor will notify the faculty of the incident.
Illnesses or injury incurred during participation in the nursing program are not covered by the
university risk management policy or the clinical agency policies (employee health or worker
compensation policies). Students are encouraged to purchase personal medical insurance
26coverage before attending an affiliated clinical agency.
Students are expected to schedule doctor or dentist appointments for themselves or family
members at times that do not conflict with class, test and/or clinical times.
Any accidents that occur while in the clinical setting must be reported immediately to the
instructor.
Needle-Stick Policy
Students sustaining a needle stick injury and/or percutaneous or mucous membrane exposure to
blood and bodily fluid should:
1. Report the incident to the faculty immediately.
2. Complete an Incident Report form for the facility and WNMU School of Nursing.
3. Report the incident to the infection control nurse at the facility.
4. If the patient agrees to be tested and the necessary provider’s order is
obtained, lab work can be drawn from the patient.
5. If the patient refuses to have the necessary lab tests run, the student is to
report to the Public Health Department for laboratory work.
6. The student will have samples drawn for laboratory tests according to the
following protocol for WNMU:
a. a. If the needle stick is sustained during the hours that Hidalgo Medical
Services is open, then the student will present to HMS to collect and
process samples for related laboratory work following current CDC
guidelines and based on the risk from the source patient. Evaluation and
management of exposure will follow the latest CDC guidelines for
exposures which place students at risk of blood borne infection.
b. Risk assessment will be determined by patient health history and/or actual
or suspected disease diagnosis. Laboratory tests will include screening for
Hepatitis and HIV status, as well as other laboratory tests as needed based
on the source-patient risk concerning the exposure.
c. Post-exposure-prophylaxis should be initiated for the student within 72
hours if the source patient is actively infected with HIV or is considered
a high-risk patient. This protocol should follow the latest CDC guidelines
as well.
d. If Hidalgo Medical Service is not available, then the student will present to
the closest available emergency room to collect and process samples for
related laboratory work at the student’s expense.
e. Current CDC guidelines can be obtained by calling 1-888-448-4911. CDC
information is available to healthcare providers as needed.
27f. The student is responsible for scheduling any follow-up laboratory work
that is needed with his/her private healthcare provider, then Hidalgo
Medical Services, health department or the hospital in the student’s locale.
g. Financial costs related to such testing and/or examination will be the
responsibility of the student and not the university.
Evaluation and management of exposure will follow the latest CDC guidelines for exposures.
28STUDENT RETENTION AND PROGRESSION
1. Graduate nursing students enrolled in the MSN program must achieve a minimum
score of 80 percent or higher in coursework and courses with a “B” or better.
2. Individual assignments and/or exam scores shall not be rounded up nor down. For
example, a 79.7 will not be rounded up to 80%.
3. There are no retakes of exams or extra credit opportunities offered within individual
courses.
4. Complete scoring and grade calculation information is offered within the course
syllabus for each individual course, and the scoring and grade calculation information
contained within an individual course syllabus shall determine the final grade
calculation for that course.
5. A student who has failed one course or receive a grade less than 80 percent will be
ineligible to progress within the MSN program.
6. Student may reapply to the program.
7. The criteria for passing practicum components are included in the evaluation tool within the
courses. Students will be evaluated at mid-course and again just prior to completion of the
course.
8. Students marginally passing or potentially failing will be placed on probationary status.
Conditions of probationary status will be detailed in a Learning Contract with the student.
9. As adult learners, students are expected to assume responsibility for monitoring their own
progress throughout the semester. If a student experiences difficulty, then it is the student’s
responsibility to seek help from the nursing faculty and/or the Academic Support Center.
Assignments and Due Dates
Assignments are due by the dates specified in the assignment schedule. All assignments/
discussions are due Mountain Time (MST).
If an assignment will be late, then the instructor must be contacted before the due date and will
decide whether to grant an extension or not. If the instructor is not contacted prior to the
assignment due date, then a score of ‘0’ will be given for that assignment. Late assignments will
not be accepted without prior arrangements. If an extension is granted, then there will be a 5%
(or 5 points) grade deduction per day up to 3 days. After 3 days, a score of ‘0’ will be given for
the assignment.
29Incomplete Grade(s)
The MSN program follows the university’s incomplete grade guidelines. It is the responsibility of
the student to contact the instructor to request a grade of “I” and develop a plan to complete
coursework. Students may not request an incomplete if they are failing (F) a course.
Service Learning
Service Learning at WNMU engages students in structured community service activities and
guided reflection as a part of the academic curriculum. Service learning gives students real-world
experiences to enhance their learning while helping to address community needs and foster civic
engagement through volunteerism.
The components of service learning at WNMU are:
1. Intentional and meaningful connections to curriculum.
2. Student reflection through thinking, talking and writing about experiences.
3. Building and sustaining community partnerships.
4. Assessment used to ensure that both learning outcomes and contributions to the community are
meaningful. Students in the MSN program are expected to follow service-learning guidelines
within the course syllabus.
30Grading, Exam, and Progression Policies
The grading scale in the WNMU MSN Program is as follows:
GRADING SCALE
A 90 – 100
B 89 - 80
C 79 - 70
D 69 - 60
F 59 and below
Again, it is necessary to obtain a grade of at least 80% or “B” or better to maintain progress
and remain in the MSN program. The School of Nursing will NOT round scores up or
down. Any one course failure at any point in the MSN program will result in dismissal from
the program. Students may petition to reapply to the MSN program. Students who are
readmitted after one-year dismissal will be required to repeat the entire program and shall
not receive credit for courses completed successfully prior to the dismissal. A course
withdrawal will not be treated as a failure.
Extra Credit Policies
The WNMU School of Nursing does not allow extra credit assignments within courses. Students
who encounter difficulties with course material are recommended to contact faculty as soon as
such difficulties surface within a course. There will be no extra credit opportunities to allow
students who are unsuccessful in course assignments and/or exams to achieve passing scores.
Exam Policies
Exams must be taken at scheduled times. Students must notify the instructor prior to the exam
time if they will be unable to take the exam at the designated time. Failure to notify faculty will
earn the student a grade of zero, with no option of a make-up exam. Missed exams must be re-
scheduled with course faculty within 24 hours and taken within one week of the original exam
day/time. Students will be allowed to make up a maximum of two exams in different courses per
semester (one exam per course if the student is taking two courses) so long as faculty receives
notification prior to the missed exam. Any additional exams missed after the student has
completed two different make-up exams shall receive a score of zero (0).
31Exam Study Guides
It is the policy of the WNMU School of Nursing Program that no exam study guides shall be
offered to students prior to administration of written formative (progress) and summative exams.
Exam Administration
1. Cell phones are to be turned off and not accessible (that is, within reach of the student) in the
testing areas.
2. All student possessions (backpacks, cell-phones, water bottles, hats, etc.) must be left out of the
testing areas and completely out of reach of students. The student may have nothing but the
computer keyboard and mouse during the testing period. Blank sheets of paper are not allowed.
No cell phones, even if used as a calculator, are permitted.
3. Students are not permitted to have notes and/or textbooks at their desk during testing.
4. There will be no discussion of test items between students and faculty on the day of the exam.
5. If a student is absent from a test, the student may take a different test than the one administered
in the course at the regularly-scheduled time. The replacement test may be of a different format
(essay, short- answer, etc.) but will be of similar complexity and will address the assigned
content.
6. Students are not permitted to talk to one another during exams. Printed or electronic copies
of exams or course materials (including screen shots, print screens, etc.) may not be taken.
To do so constitutes grounds for a grade of zero on the exam and dismissal from the graduate
nursing program.
7. All exams will be taken electronically via computerized testing. Students may make an
appointment with a faculty member to review examinations should student questions or concerns
remain after exam completion and after all students have taken the exam. Any requests to meet
with faculty to discuss an individual examination or assignment must be received within five
(5) university working days of the date of the posting of results or scores. Student requests to
review exams and/or meet with faculty concerning a specific examination or assignment shall
not be honored if received more than five (5) university working days after the date of the posting
of results or scores.
32Testing Center Policy and Procedure for
Makeup Exams and Students with Approved Accommodations
The WNMU testing center is located in the Juan Chacon Building (JCB) on the 3rd floor within
in the student success center. Students who need a quiet testing area or those who need to test
outside of the normal testing time (make-up exams) will be going to the testing center to take
their proctored tests. Students testing in the center that qualify for a quiet testing and/or extended
time for testing will need to submit an accommodation letter from JoBeth Erling. The letter is
submitted to the faculty course coordinator each semester, and is not placed in the students file.
JoBeth Erling is located in Student Accessibility Services, JCB Room 212.
This letter must be submitted before testing is allowed in the center. The faculty teaching the
class will be responsible for notifying the testing center at the beginning of the semester, and
making sure that a spot and a proctor are available for the student to test on a certain date and
time. The testing center requires a 48-hour notice, but exceptions are possible by calling the
testing center supervisor. The procedure for using the testing center is as follows.
I. Check in with the faculty of record at the school of nursing.
II. Belongings (cell phones) can be placed in a locker at the testing center, or in the
classroom based on instructor preference.
III. Report to the testing center and sign in with the receptionist.
IV. The testing center director/staff will open the door and help with the seating.
V. Each student will be given a set of blue headphones (provided at the center).
VI. Sign-in and the faculty proctor will open the test.
VII. Proctoring of the test will occur simultaneously with the other students in the class.
Definitions of Excused and Unexcused Absences: A practicum absence is defined as “excused”
when the student personally notifies the instructor prior to the absence (notification method is at the
discretion of the faculty). Examples of excused practicum absences include, but are not limited to:
personal illness, family death, unexpected life emergencies. The determination of what constitutes
an excused absence is at the discretion of the assigned practicum faculty member.
An unexcused clinical absence is defined as:
1. A student being absent without prior notification to the instructor facilitating that clinical
experience.
2. A student who is sent home for being unprepared for clinical,
3. Tardiness or late arrival that may result in an excused or unexcused absence at the discretion of
the clinical instructor.
4.A student over the allowed 2 unexcused absences will be dismissed from the program
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