FALL 2021-SUMMER 2022 - PAUL M. WILES SCHOOL OF NURSING PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM - POLICY AND INFORMATION BOOK - Forsyth Tech
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PAUL M. WILES SCHOOL OF NURSING
PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM
POLICY AND INFORMATION BOOK
FALL 2021-SUMMER 2022
1TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome .........................................................................................................................................5
Foreword .........................................................................................................................................5
Mission ............................................................................................................................................6
Practical Nursing Education ..............................................................................................................6
The Practical Nurse...........................................................................................................................7
Conceptual Framework ....................................................................................................................7
Educational Outcomes.................................................................................................................... 10
Estimated Cost for the Practical Nursing Program............................................................................ 11
Resource Personnel ........................................................................................................................ 12
Faculty ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Advisor and Advisee Program ......................................................................................................... 14
Student Code of Conduct and Responsibilities ................................................................................. 14
Assigned Campus Policy ................................................................................................................. 14
Professionalism in the Practical Nursing Program ............................................................................ 15
Accommodations for a Disability .................................................................................................... 16
Technical Standards ....................................................................................................................... 17
Attendance Policy .......................................................................................................................... 22
Classroom Etiquette/Responsibilities .............................................................................................. 24
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices ........................................................................................................... 24
Voice/Picture Recordings .......................................................................................................................... 24
PN Program Grading Scale .............................................................................................................. 25
Calculation of Grades ..................................................................................................................... 25
Progression Policy .......................................................................................................................... 25
Testing Policy ................................................................................................................................. 25
2Test Reviews .................................................................................................................................. 26
Graded Assignments ...................................................................................................................... 27
Computer Assignments ............................................................................................................................. 27
Quizzes- Given In Class .............................................................................................................................. 27
Graded Learning Activities (GLA)- Outside of Class Assignments ............................................................. 27
Lab Tests.................................................................................................................................................... 27
Pharmacology Calculation Tests ............................................................................................................... 27
Standardized Tests .................................................................................................................................... 27
Clinical ....................................................................................................................................................... 27
Recommended Interventions for Student Success ........................................................................... 28
Program Requirements................................................................................................................... 29
Health Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 29
Malpractice Insurance............................................................................................................................... 29
CPR ............................................................................................................................................................ 29
Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening ...................................................................................... 29
Nurse Aide II Certification ............................................................................................................... 30
Contact Information ....................................................................................................................... 30
Social Networking Policy ................................................................................................................ 30
Patient Confidentiality Policy .......................................................................................................... 30
Lines of Communication ................................................................................................................. 31
Dress Code While in the Lab or Clinical Setting ........................................................................................ 32
Adherence to the Dress Code ................................................................................................................... 32
Special Clinical Observation: ..................................................................................................................... 33
Clinical Conferences .................................................................................................................................. 34
Clinical Assignments .................................................................................................................................. 34
Safe Medication Administration Policy............................................................................................ 35
Unsafe Clinical Practice Policy ......................................................................................................... 35
Physical and Emotional/Behavioral Health Policy ............................................................................ 36
Student Accident or Exposure Incidents While in a Clinical Setting or at Forsyth Tech ...................... 36
Forsyth Tech - Health Technologies Division Information and Policies .............................................. 38
Student Academic Appeals ....................................................................................................................... 38
Academic Appeal: Clinical Experience ...................................................................................................... 38
Academic Appeal: Due Process ................................................................................................................. 38
Readmission Guidelines for the Practical Nursing Program .............................................................. 42
3Transfers into the Practical Nursing Program................................................................................... 43
Transfer Student Credit ............................................................................................................................. 43
Pinning Ceremony and Graduation Guidelines ................................................................................ 44
Pinning Ceremony ..................................................................................................................................... 44
Licensure Information .................................................................................................................... 46
National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) ................................ 46
Preparing for the Licensure Examination.................................................................................................. 47
Student Consent and Release ......................................................................................................... 48
Addendums to policy- Covid-19…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 48
4WELCOME
Congratulations on your acceptance into the Paul M. Wiles School of Nursing Practical Nursing Program.
The Practical Nursing faculty welcomes you as you begin your journey toward a career in Nursing.
Nursing plays a significant role in health promotion and health maintenance in our society.
The journey towards this career requires you to be an active participant in your education. The Practical
Nursing faculty is available to support and guide you in your educational process. We hope, by working
together, that you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
This is the initial step in your nursing career as nursing requires life-long learning.
Again, the Practical Nursing faculty welcomes you and wishes you success in meeting your career goals.
Sincerely,
Practical Nursing Faculty
Reviewed 1/2020
FOREWORD
The policies in this book are effective for all Practical Nursing students. A lack of knowledge will not be
an acceptable excuse should any student fail to abide by the policies. For this reason, each student
should read the policies carefully. The student should talk with their Advisor, Lead Instructor, or
Department Chair if he/she does not understand any of the policies. The student is also expected to
follow the policies in the Forsyth Technical Community College Catalog and Student Handbook.
The Practical Nursing faculty reserves the right to make changes in the regulations, course, fees,
procedures, and other matters of policy and procedure as deemed necessary. Every effort will be made
to minimize the inconvenience these changes might create for students.
Reviewed 1/2020
5MISSION
The Practical Nursing program supports the mission of the North Carolina Community College System
and the mission of Forsyth Technical Community College. The faculty is committed to providing
accessible high-quality nursing education to meet the diverse and changing healthcare needs of the
service area and to promoting the development of qualified graduates prepared for the professional
role of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the entry level. Graduates of this program meet the
education requirements to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). The philosophy
of the Practical Nursing Program is derived from statements about the health, quality of life,
achievement of potential, the individual, environment, health, nursing, the practice, and education of
the practical nurse.
Within this mission, the goal of nursing faculty is to promote the highest quality of nursing care to the
individual, families and significant persons, and the community. The aim is to facilitate optimum health,
quality of life and achievement of potential for the individual.
PRACTICAL NURSING EDUCATION
Nursing education at the practical nursing level, in the North Carolina Community College System, is a
process that facilitates changes in behavior, the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary
to function in the entry level role of the LPN. The curriculum is conceptually based and founded on
principles of adult and collaborative learning. Basic assumptions include self-direction, utilizing adult
experience, and problem- and activity-centered learning. (Rachel, 2002)
It incorporates evidence-based nursing theory and practice, general education, and the sciences in an
environment conducive to learning. The conceptual design defines the essential elements as the
environment, quality of life, achievement of potential, and health. The organizing framework contains
content related to the individual, the health care system and nursing.
The Practical Nursing program at Forsyth Technical Community College provides an education that is
flexible, progressive, and sensitive to the changing needs of the individual, significant support person(s),
and community. Through these educational experiences, students will have the opportunity to develop
critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Learning is a continuous process that results in a change of behavior and occurs when the individual is
challenged and motivated to enhance personal knowledge. Teaching and learning is an interactive
process between teacher and learner. The responsibility of the faculty of Forsyth Technical Community
College Practical Nursing Program is to facilitate the student’s understanding and ability to meet the
competencies for nursing practice through the design and evaluation of learning experiences. The
nursing student is responsible for actively participating in learning experiences and the development of
knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide quality individual centered nursing care.
6THE PRACTICAL NURSE
The graduate of the Practical Nursing program at Forsyth Technical Community College is prepared to
practice as an entry level nurse. The practice of practical nursing is directed toward meeting the health
care needs of individuals throughout their lifespan. The LPN role is characterized by evidence-based
clinical practice with the provision of care for individuals and groups of individuals in structured settings.
The role of the LPN is a dependent role under the supervision of the registered nurse (RN) and other
health care providers approved by North Carolina law. In accordance with the North Carolina Board of
Nursing Administrative Code, 21NCAC 36.0225, Components of Nursing Practice for the Licensed
Practical Nurse (LPN), the LPN accepts assignments that can be safely performed and participates in
assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the client’s response to health care interventions. The
Practical Nurse graduate demonstrates the competencies identified by the National League of Nursing
(2010) and the Institute of Medicine (2003) to provide nursing care. The practical nurse graduate is
prepared to be a responsible life-long learner.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The conceptual model provides a framework to prepare learners for new instruction and motivates by
making a meaningful connection for the learner. The learner must attain mastery of each part of the
framework; the individual, the healthcare system and nursing in order to understand the complete
curriculum. (Knowles, 2005). The domains of the individual, the healthcare system, and nursing provide
the conceptual framework guiding the practical nursing curriculum. Concepts are organized within each
of these domains and learning occurs from simple to complex.
Definitions:
Individual
The faculty of Forsyth Technical Community College believe that each individual is a complex,
multidimensional, unique, and significant being possessing inherent value and worth, and a member of a
family, community, and culturally diverse society. All individuals have dynamic bio-physical,
psychological, socio-cultural, spiritual, and developmental needs that contribute to health, quality of life,
and achievement of potential. Adaptation to the environment requires the individual to change
throughout the lifespan. Each individual has a right to healthcare and to information that will assist him
or her to participate actively in his or her health care in order to achieve the highest level of wellness
possible. All individuals should be cared for, respected, nurtured, understood, and assisted. In order to
provide care, nurses must view the individual at the center of any nursing activity.
Healthcare System
According to von Bertalanaffy (1968) a system consists of the coming together of parts, the power
comes from the energy of the interconnection and the way the parts come together. The community
healthcare system is a macrosystem and consists of a variety of parts or microsystems. Clinics, hospitals,
pharmacies, laboratories, long term care and Internet sites are microsystems that are connected by
patients and information to improve health. (IOM, 2001)
7Nursing
Nursing is a science and the art of integrating and assimilating knowledge and skills derived from
biological, sociological, and behavioral sciences and information technology to deliver client-centered,
culturally competent, holistic care. Through caring, empathy, ethics, and the development of a
therapeutic relationship with the individual and significant support person(s), the nurse integrates the
art of nursing with the scientific foundation for nursing practice that utilizes the nursing process.
Incorporating documented best practice, the LPN functions dependently under the supervision of the
registered nurse and collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to assist individuals to reach their
maximum health potential through assurance of quality client outcomes, promotion of wellness,
prevention of illness, and restoration of health or assistance in achieving a dignified death. Emphasis is
also placed on cost-effective care to facilitate the achievement of positive individual and organizational
outcomes.
Environment
The individual is in constant interaction with a changing environment that consists of both internal and
external forces that varies throughout the lifespan and has the potential to cause stress in the individual.
The nurse can assist the individual to alter aspects of the environment and to utilize his/her innate and
learned coping mechanisms to adapt to these stressors.
Health
Health is a dynamic, ever-changing state of mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, which exists on a
continuum from optimal wellness to illness and ending in death. The individual’s needs for healthcare
are determined by his/her position on the continuum. Each individual’s health is based on his/her
cultural perceptions and beliefs of health and illness and the ability to adapt to internal and external
environmental forces. The individual is responsible for and capable of identifying, learning, and
practicing health behaviors that can promote wellness, prevent illness, restore or maintain wellness, or
achieve a dignified death.
Quality of Life
Quality of life involves five domains including physical, functional, psychological, social, and spiritual
well-being. The individual’s perception of and satisfaction with activities of daily living contributes to
their worth, meaning, or satisfaction. This empowers the individual to cope successfully with the full
range of challenges encountered in the real world. (Ignatavicius & Workman (2006).
Achievement of Potential
Achievement of potential is the individual’s growth toward attaining one’s utmost ability and quality of
life. It is based on the individual’s choices, perceptions, personal goals, life experiences, and holistic
health.
8NLN Core Competencies for Practical Nursing
Core competencies are the discrete and measurable skills, essential for the practice of nursing (NLN,
2010)
• Human Flourishing: Promote the human dignity, integrity, self-determination, and personal
growth of patients, oneself, and members of the health care team
• Nursing Judgment: Provide a rationale for judgments used in the provision of safe, quality care
and for decisions that promote the health of patients within a family context
• Professional Identity: Assess how one’s personal strengths and values affect one’s personal
identity as a nurse and one’s contributions as a member of the health care team
• Spirit of Inquiry: Question the basis for nursing actions, considering research, evidence,
tradition, and patient preferences
Institute of Medicine Competencies
The five core competencies identified by the IOM for healthcare providers are; patient centered care,
interdisciplinary teams, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. (IOM, 2003)
References
Bertalanaffy, L. V. (1968). General system theory: Foundations, development, applications (Rev. ed.).
New York: George Braziller.
Ignatavicius, D. & Workman, L. (2006) Medical surgical nursing: Critical thinking for collaborative care
(5th ed.). St. Louis, MS: Elsevier.
Institute of Medicine. (2001). Crossing the quality chasm: A new health care system for the 21st century.
Washington, D.C.: National Academy of Science.
Institute of Medicine. (2003). Health professions education: A bridge to quality. Washington, DC: The
National Academies Press.
Knowles, Holton & Swanson (2011). The Adult Learner. St. Louis, MS: Elsevier.
National League for Nursing. (2010). Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Practical/Vocational,
Diploma, Associate Degree, Baccalaureate, Master’s, Practice Doctorate, and Research Doctorate
Programs in Nursing. New York: National League for Nursing.
Rachal, J., (2002). Andragogy’s detectives: a critique of the present and a proposal for the future. Adult
Education Quarterly, 52 (3), 210-222.
Revised 6/2015
Reviewed 1/2020
9EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the Practical Nursing Program, the graduate will upon licensure:
1. Participate in evaluating the concepts of the holistic individual and client response in the
promotion of health, wellness, illness, quality of life, and the achievement of potential.
2. Practice professional nursing behaviors, within the ethical-legal practice boundaries of the LPN,
incorporating personal responsibility and accountability for continued competence.
3. Participate in providing evidence-based nursing care, from an established plan of care, based on
biophysical, psychosocial and cultural needs of clients in various stages of growth and
development while assisting them to attain their highest level of wellness.
4. Reinforce and /or implement the teaching plan developed and delegated by the registered
nurse to promote the health of individuals, incorporating teaching and learning principles.
5. Participate in the nursing process to provide individualized, safe and effective nursing care in a
structured setting under supervision.
6. Demonstrate caring behaviors in implementing culturally competent, client-centered nursing
care to diverse clients across the lifespan.
7. Participate in Quality Improvement (QI) by identifying hazards and errors and by suggesting, to
the RN, changes to improve the client care process.
8. Utilize informatics to access, manage, and communicate client information.
9. Participate in collaboration with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, as assigned by the
registered nurse, to support positive individual and organizational outcomes in a safe and cost-
effective manner.
Revised 6/2015
Reviewed 1/2020
10ESTIMATED COST FOR THE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM
FIRST (1ST) SEMESTER
Books and Modules......................................................................................................................... $850.00
Supplies ............................................................................................................................................. 600.00
Tuition (In State) ............................................................................................................................... 936.00
Criminal Background Check .............................................................................................................. 134.50
Student Activity Fee ............................................................................................................................ 35.00
Liability Insurance ............................................................................................................................... 18.00
Student Parking ................................................................................................................................... 25.00
Lab fees ............................................................................................................................................. 199.00
Total ............................................................................................................................................. $2797.50
SECOND (2ND) SEMESTER
Books and Modules........................................................................................................................... $50.00
Tuition (In State) ............................................................................................................................... 860.00
Student Activity Fee ............................................................................................................................ 35.00
Lab Fee .............................................................................................................................................. 199.00
Total .............................................................................................................................................. $1144.00
THIRD (3RD) SEMESTER
Modules ............................................................................................................................................ $20.00
Tuition (In State) ............................................................................................................................... 784.00
School Pin ............................................................................................................................................ 40.00
NCLEX Fee ......................................................................................................................................... 200.00
Criminal Background Check ................................................................................................................ 38.00
NCBON Application for Licensure ....................................................................................................... 95.00
Lab Fee .............................................................................................................................................. 199.00
Total .............................................................................................................................................. $1376.00
ESTIMATED TOTAL
$5317.50*
*cost varies depending on a number of variables
Revised 1/2021
11RESOURCE PERSONNEL
Health Technologies
Dean, Health Tech Linda Latham 757-3288
Associate Dean Sharon Moore 734-7569
Department Chair Angie Lundgren 734-7157
Staff Assistant, Nursing Bailey Roberts 734-7411
Retention Manager, Health Tech
Student Success
Counseling/Retention Services 734-7239
Student Success Center 734-7156
Director, Accessibility/Disability Dr. Sarah Hawks 734-7155
Services
Admissions Counselors
Director, Admissions Heather Azu 734-7331
Admissions Counselor, PN Nick Foley 734-7258
Financial Aid
Director, Student Financial Services Adina Long 734-7272
Reviewed 3/2021
12FACULTY
Associate Dean
Sharon Moore
Office: BGH 200
Phone: 734-7569
Email: smoore@forsythtech.edu
PN Department Chair
Dr. Angie Lundgren
Office: 202
Phone: 734-7157
Email: alundgren@forsythtech.edu
Lead Instructors
1st Semester – Dr. Kristy Rowley
2nd Semester –Dr. Tracy Campbell
3rd Semester – Dr. Kristy Rowley
Instructor Office Phone Email
Tracy Campbell BGH 222 757-3472 tcampbell@forsythtech.edu
Laura Galloway BGH W209 734-7361 lgalloway@forsythtech.edu
Tonya Jennings BGH 281 757-3296 tjennings@forsythtech.edu
Kristy Rowley BGH 219 757-3249 krowley@forsythtech.edu
Pam Wright BGH 218 757-3339 pmwright@forsythtech.edu
Stephanie Martin BGH 224 734-7179 Scmartin@forsythtech.edu
Revised 3/2021
13ADVISOR AND ADVISEE PROGRAM
Faculty in the Practical Nursing Program maintains communication with students through the Forsyth
Tech Advisement Program. Students are assigned to faculty advisors when admitted to the Practical
Nursing Program. The advisor remains the same throughout the program. Advisors offer the student
academic guidance in efforts to successfully complete the Practical Nursing Program. Advisors can make
referrals to students for services available on campus.
Faculty are available for advisement at scheduled office hours or by appointment. Each student should
request a conference with their advisor during the first two weeks of each semester. Students and
advisors should have advisement conferences regularly and as requested by the advisor.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Practical Nursing Program adheres to the guidelines and policies established by Forsyth Tech. Upon
enrolling in Forsyth Tech, the student acknowledges acceptance of the policies/rules of Forsyth Tech.
Simultaneously, the student is guaranteed rights as a citizen and student.
The Forsyth Tech catalog explicitly states the Student Code of Conduct and Responsibilities. Important
information discussed within this topic include student rights, general campus policies/rules, violations
of code of conduct, disciplinary procedures, and student appeals committee. Practical Nursing students
are responsible for abiding by the Code of Conduct and Responsibilities established by Forsyth Tech.
Reviewed 1/2020
ASSIGNED CAMPUS POLICY
After admission into the practical nursing program, there will be no changes in class/campus site
assigned by the admissions office of Forsyth Technical Community College. You will remain at the
designated class/campus site that was indicated on your program application until the end of the
program. Any request for changes in class/campus site must be presented to the department chair with
evidence of the need, this need must be of extenuating circumstances to be considered by the
department chair.
When clinical assignments have been completed, any request to change clinical sites must be requested
through the lead instructor. If a student is requesting a clinical site change, it is the student’s
responsibility to find another student to change clinical sites with. The need for requesting a clinical site
change must be of extenuating circumstances. The student that has agreed to change clinical sites must
meet the criteria to change sites and must not have been assigned the clinical instructor or clinical site in
a previous semester. The final decision to change the student’s clinical site will be the made by the lead
instructor and the department chair.
Revised 1/2020
14PROFESSIONALISM IN THE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM
The nursing profession demands that individual be responsible, accountable, self-directed and
professional in behavior. The process of becoming a professional person begins upon entering a
professional education program.
Students demonstrate professionalism by:
• attending classes and clinical experiences
• exhibiting courteous behavior to faculty and fellow classmates
• being prepared for class/lab/clinical assignments
• being punctual for class/lab/clinical
• professional dress in class/lab/clinical
• abiding by the policies of the college and program
The policies found in this book are reflective of the professional behaviors expected in the nursing
program. Policy violations are cumulative throughout the entire program; a student may be dismissed
from the program based on the number or severity of the violations. Students are allowed no more
than 3 policy violations in the same area and no more than 5 total during the program. Students will
be dismissed from the program if either of these occur.
Reviewed 1/2021
15ACCOMMODATIONS FOR A DISABILITY
The Accessibility Services Office is dedicated to meeting the needs of the increasing number of
college students with disabilities. Our mission is to ensure that students with disabilities have
equal access to educational opportunities at Forsyth Tech. The Accessibility Services Office
provides assistance and encouragement to meet the challenges of college life.
Believing that students with disabilities can better advocate for their needs with greater success,
we at Forsyth Tech strive to empower students in every way possible. We believe that
empowering students to maximize their abilities build the foundation for college success. In strict
compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall solely by reason
of his or her disability be excluded from the participation in, denied benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any program or any activity of this institution.
If you have a disability and would like to request services and accommodations, you must register
with the Accessibility Services Office, located in the Strickland Center Suite 2414. You will be
required to provide current, official documentation of your disability.
Please contact Accessibility Services Office / ADA, at (336) 734-7156. The Accessibility
Services Counselors will work with you to determine appropriate services and
accommodations. Registering with the Disability Services Office early is important as certain
services and accommodations take time to arrange.
16FORSYTH TECH – PAUL M. WILES SCHOOL OF NURSING
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
(Functional Abilities Essential for Nursing Practice)
The purpose of the School of Nursing is to educate students to meet the program outcomes and to
ensure that no graduate will pose a danger to the patient. Nursing students will receive both classroom
and clinical instruction in multiple nursing specialty areas (Medical/Surgical, Maternal/Child, Pediatric,
Mental Health, etc.) and will be required to demonstrate competency in each area.
In order to provide safe and effective patient care in the Paul M. Wiles School of Nursing, the student
must be able to demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodation, physical, cognitive, and
behavioral abilities required for satisfactory completion of all aspects of the program curriculum and
clinical agency requirements.
Students admitted to the Paul M. Wiles School of Nursing gain experience in many settings that can be
physically demanding, e.g., hospitals, long term care facilities, public health and community agencies,
school settings and clinics. During each clinical experience, the nursing student is assigned clinical care
which may include medication administration and direct patient care. Students will be expected to
adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 which safeguards
patient confidentiality.
Transportation to and from health care facilities is the responsibility of the student.
Please carefully read the Paul M. Wiles School of Nursing Technical Standards:
Functional Ability Standard Examples of Required Activities
Observation
Visual Normal or corrected visual • See objects up to 20 feet
ability sufficient for accurate away
observation and performance of • Read and interpret the
nursing care electronic medical record
and/or associated paper
medical records
• Visual acuity to read
calibrations on 1 ml syringe
• Assess skin color (cyanosis,
pallor)
17Functional Ability Standard Examples of Required Activities
Hearing Auditory ability sufficient for • Hear normal speaking level
physical monitoring and sounds
assessment of patient health • Hear auscultatory sounds
care needs • Hear auditory alarms
(monitors, fire alarms, call
bells)
• Hear cries for help
Smell Olfactory ability sufficient to • Detect odors from patient
detect significant environmental (foul smelling drainage,
and patient odors alcohol breath)
• Detect smoke
Tactile Tactile ability sufficient for • Feel vibrations (pulses)
physical monitoring and • Detect temperature
assessment of patient health changes
care needs • Palpate veins for
cannulation
Communication
Communication Oral communication skills • Give verbal direction to or
sufficient to communicate in follow verbal directions
English with accuracy, clarity from other members of the
and efficiency with patients, health care team and
their families, and other participate in health care
members of the health care team discussions of patient
team, including non-verbal care
communication such as • Elicit and record
interpretation of facial information about health
expressions, affect, and body history, current health
language state, and responses to
treatment from patients or
family members
• Convey information to
patients and others as
necessary to teach, direct,
and counsel individuals in
an accurate, effective, and
timely manner
18Functional Ability Standard Examples of Required Activities
Motor Function
Gross Motor Skills Gross motor skills sufficient to • Move within confined
provide the full range of safe spaces, such as treatment
and effective patient care room or operating suite
activities • Assist with turning and
lifting patients
• Administer CPR and
maintain current
certification
Fine Motor Skills Fine motor skills sufficient to • Pick up and grasp small
perform manual psychomotor objects with fingers, such
skills as insulin syringe, pills
• Perform tracheotomy,
suctioning, inserting urinary
catheter
Behavioral and Social
Emotional/Behavioral Emotional stability and • Establish rapport with
appropriate behavior sufficient patients, instructors, and
Professional Attitudes and to assume responsibility/ colleagues
Interpersonal Skills accountability for actions • Respect and care for
persons whose appearance,
Present professional condition, beliefs, and
appearance and demeanor; values may be in conflict
demonstrate ability to with their own
communicate with patients, • Deliver nursing care
supervisors, and co-workers to regardless of patient’s race,
achieve a positive and safe work ethnicity, age, gender,
environment. Follow religion, sexual orientation,
instructions and safety or diagnosis
protocols. • Conduct themselves in a
composed, respectful
Honesty and integrity beyond manner in all situations and
reproach with all persons
• Work with teams and
workgroups
• Establish and maintain
therapeutic boundaries
• Demonstrate emotional
skills to remain calm and
maintain professional
decorum in an
emergency/stressful
situation
• Demonstrate prompt and
safe completion of all
patient care responsibilities
19Functional Ability Standard Examples of Required Activities
• Adapt rapidly to changing
environment/stress
• Exhibit ethical behaviors
and exercise good
judgement
Intellectual, Conceptual, and Quantitative Abilities
Cognitive/Quantitative Abilities Reading comprehension skills • Calculate appropriate
and mathematical ability medication dosage given
sufficient to understand written specific patient parameters
documents in English and to • Analyze and synthesize
solve problems involving data and develop an
measurement, calculation, appropriate plan of care
reasoning, analysis, and • Collect data, prioritize
synthesis needs and anticipate
reactions
• Transfer knowledge from
one situation to another
• Accurately process
information on medication
containers, providers’
orders, equipment
calibrations, policy and
procedure manuals, and
medical records
Conceptual/Spatial Abilities Conceptual/spatial ability • Comprehend spatial
sufficient to comprehend three- relationships in order to
dimensional and spatial properly administer
relationships injections, start intravenous
lines, assess wounds of
varying depths
Clinical Reasoning Ability to reason across time • Evaluate patient or
about a patient’s changing instrument responses,
condition synthesize data, draw
sound conclusions
Physical Ability
Physical Endurance Physical stamina sufficient to • Walk/stand for extended
remain continuously on task for periods of time, turn,
up to a 12-hour clinical shift position, and transfer
while standing, sitting, moving, patients
lifting, and bending to perform • Manually resuscitate
patient care activities patients in emergency
situations
Physical Strength Physical strength sufficient to • Push and pull > 100 pounds
perform full range of required • Life/move heavy objects
patient care activities from 35-50 pounds
20Functional Ability Standard Examples of Required Activities
Mobility Physical ability sufficient to • Move around in work area
move from room to room and and treatment areas
maneuver in small spaces; full • Position oneself in the
range of motion to twist/bend, environment to render care
stoop/squat, reach above without obstructing the
shoulders and below the waist, position of other team
and move quickly; manual and members or equipment
finger dexterity; and hand-eye
coordination to perform nursing
activities
21ATTENDANCE POLICY
The faculty believes that teaching and learning are interactive processes that facilitate the achievement
of objectives by the learner. Attendance in class, clinical, and lab is crucial to meet the learning
objectives. Hours allotted for absences are for emergencies only.
I. Classroom:
A. The student is expected to attend all class sessions and to be on time. The door to the
classroom will be locked at the start time of class. Students who are late or those that leave
the classroom before a break is given by the instructor may enter on a class break.
Attendance time begins at the time the student enters the classroom. Absences will be
documented by the amount of time missed each class session.
B. Students are responsible for any classroom work which has been missed due to absences.
C. After incurring the maximum number of hours allowed for classroom absences, the student
will be removed from the program.
D. The lead instructor of the course will hold a conference with a student who is habitually
tardy to class. A classroom tardy is defined as coming to the classroom after the specified
time. This also includes returning late from breaks.
II. Lab:
A. The student is expected to attend all scheduled lab sessions and to be on time. The door to
the lab will be locked at the start time of class. Students who are late will be allowed to
enter the classroom on the hour. If you arrive late, but before the hour mark, please wait
quietly in the hall until it is time for you to enter the classroom. Attendance time begins at
the time that the student enters the classroom. Absences will be documented by the
amount of time missed each lab session.
B. The student must sign the roll upon entering lab for the day and when leaving for the day.
Failure to sign will count as an absence for that day. It is not the faculty’s responsibility to
ensure that each student signs the roll. DO NOT sign for another student or sign for a
different class time as this is considered falsifying a class roll. Students will be subject to
disciplinary actions.
C. A student who is absent from lab is responsible for all missed work and is encouraged to
attend open lab hours to practice skills taught in the missed lab.
D. After exceeding 6.5 hours of absences in lab, the student will be removed from the program.
III. Clinical:
A. The student who is absent from clinical is required to notify the clinical instructor prior to
the beginning of the clinical day. Clinical instructors will provide the student with a contact
22number/email on the first day of the clinical experience. Failure to follow the clinical
attendance policy related to notifying the instructor will result in the following actions:
• First infraction – Policy violation and documented on clinical evaluation form
• Second infraction – anecdotal report to permanent record and possible dismissal from
the Practical Nursing program
B. Allowed hours of absence from clinical:
Hours of Clinical Absences by Course
NUR 101 7 hours
NUR 102 11 hours
NUR 103 12 hours
After incurring more than the allowed hours of absences, the student will be withdrawn
from the program with a grade of F for the class.
B. Students are expected to arrive to the clinical unit or out rotation unit 10 minutes prior to
the start of the clinical day/evening. If the clinical or out rotation is scheduled to start at
*6:30 am, the student is expected to arrive on the clinical unit or the designated area by the
clinical instructor at *6:20 am. If the student arrives to the clinical or out rotation unit late,
up to *6:40 am, the student will be given a policy violation (see below). If the student arrives
to the clinical unit or out rotation after *6:40 am, the student will be asked to leave the
clinical area and will receive a clinical absence for that day.
1. First infraction – Policy violation and documented on clinical evaluation form.
2. Second infraction – anecdotal report to permanent record and possible dismissal from
the Practical Nursing program
• *Policies are subject to change; addendums will be provided when changes occur. **
• *Clinical and out rotation start times vary; this policy applies to all start times.
Revised 3/2021
23CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE/RESPONSIBILITIES
The student is expected to participate in classroom discussion and to ask questions. The student should
not hesitate to ask questions and clarify information that is not understood. The student is responsible
for his/her learning and needs prior to each class, lab or clinical.
CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Classroom and Lab
The use of electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, netbooks, tablets, wearable and recordable devices,
etc.) for learning purposes is permitted provided they do not disrupt the learning environment or violate
academic integrity as defined by the student Code of Conduct. Students who do not comply will be
considered in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
(Student Code of Conduct)
While in a nursing class or lab, all devices will be placed in a silent or mute mode. Students who disrupt
class with electronic devices will be dismissed from class.
Clinical Area
Cell phones or electronic devices will not be allowed in the clinical/patient areas at any time.
Students are not to receive or make telephone calls in the clinical area except in extreme emergency.
Students are not to make personal calls from the clinical area. Students are allowed to access their
electronic devices in designated non-patient care areas, for completing clinical assignments only, this
area may be designated by the instructor.
Internet access is limited to school related websites and content while in the clinical area and/or clinical
site.
Students are responsible for all items brought into the class, lab and/or clinical environment.
VOICE/PICTURE RECORDINGS
Voice/picture recording in class may be done with the permission of the faculty. There will be no
voice/picture recording in the clinical settings. Any electronic devices used in clinical for written
assignments are not allowed to be used to take pictures of the patients, equipment, staff, clinical
instructors, clinical groups or any other clinical or work-related items on any assigned clinical site
property. Photographs of any kind are not allowed in clinical settings. Violation of this policy may result
in immediate dismissal from the Practical Nursing program.
Reviewed 1/2020
24PN PROGRAM GRADING SCALE
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 70 – 79
D = 60 – 69
F = 59 and below
CALCULATION OF GRADES
There will be no rounding at any time in the calculation and recording of grades. Grades are carried out
to the hundredths place. (Example: grade 69.9 will be recorded as 69.9 which is a D)
PROGRESSION POLICY
A grade of at least a B must be maintained in all NUR courses in order to progress and graduate in the
Practical Nursing Program.
A grade of C or better must be maintained in all required/related courses and program specific courses
or their equivalents and is mandatory for admission and progression in the program (BIO 163, PSY 150,
ENG 111). If a student receives a grade that is less than C for one of these courses, then the student will
be dropped from the program.
TESTING POLICY
All students in the Practical Nursing Program are to review and abide by the following testing
expectations. This policy applies to tests given in the classroom and skills lab portions of the course.
Students will take tests on the day and time scheduled.
• If a student arrives to class or lab late on the day of the tests, he/she will remain outside of the
class and may not enter the classroom during the testing period.
• If the student attends any portion of the class or lab on the day of a test, the student will be
required to take the test that day, immediately after class is over. The make-up test will not be
the same test given in class.
• If the student is absent on the day of a scheduled test, he/she must contact the lead instructor
by email or telephone by the end of the class on test day. If the student is unable to speak with
the instructor, the student should leave a message on voicemail. Failure to contact the
instructor will result in a loss of 10 points on the make-up test.
• If absent, the student must contact the lead instructor to make arrangements for the make-up
test. The make-up test will be taken on the first day the student returns to class/clinical/lab or
at the discretion of the lead instructor of the course. Failure to take the make-up test on the
designated day will result in a grade of zero. The make-up test must be completed outside
regularly scheduled class, clinical, or lab time.
• A student is allowed two unit make up tests in Nur 101 and 102, and 1 make up test for Nur 103.
A grade of zero will be recorded for any subsequent missed unit tests.
25• The only item the student is to bring into the classroom is their pencil, highlighter, calculator
and car keys, which are to be placed under their chair. Books, book bags, and purses are not
allowed in the classroom during a test.
• Cell phones, smart watches or other electronic devices are not allowed in the testing area.
• Food and drink are prohibited in the classroom during a test.
• No hats or hoods are to be on your head during a test.
• The student is to sit at the seats designated by faculty and are not to move a test booklet
location.
• The honor code statement must be signed on the student’s test booklet.
• The student is to place their name on the test booklet and scantron
• Complete the student ID section of the scantron by bubbling in your 7-digit assigned number.
• During the test if the student has a question, they are to raise your hand and the faculty will
come to them. Faculty cannot explain a question or define any terms during a test. Do not leave
your seat.
• When finished with the test, the student will turn the test booklet and scantron over and remain
in their seat. The faculty proctors will pick up your test and any other testing items at the end of
the testing period. Students are to remain quietly in their seat until the test time expires.
• In the event of a personal emergency during a test, the student should raise their hand to alert
the faculty proctor.
Revised 3/2021
TEST REVIEWS
The faculty will review all unit tests, the review will be announced via Blackboard, email or in class.
Reviews may be held outside of the regularly scheduled class hours. Students must take the time during
the test review to look at the questions and their answers, students will not be allowed to view the test
again after the review has ended. Students that score an 80 or below are expected to stay for all unit
test reviews.
During test reviews the student is expected to abide by the following guidelines:
• No books, paper, writing implement or recording or electronic devices will be used during the
review (no items allowed on the desk during a review).
• There will be no arguing with faculty about test questions during the review. Students will be
dismissed and given a policy violation for incivility at that time.
• If you disagree with the answer to a question, you are to write a rationale for your answer and
submit in writing to the instructor who developed the test within 7 days of the review. The final
decision regarding the question, is determined by the faculty that developed the test and the
department chair.
• Any unit exam issues must be resolved prior to the next exam.
• Remediation activities or assignments may be assigned by the lead instructor.
• The test booklet is to be turned in to the instructor before leaving the classroom.
• If you are unable to attend the scheduled review, you have 7 days from the review day to
schedule an appointment with the instructor who developed the test to review your individual
test. Students are given one opportunity to review the written test, in test review as a group or
by scheduling an appointment with faculty within 7 days of the class test review.
• Scantron sheets will never be returned to a student once submitted for grading.
• There will not be a scheduled review of final examinations.
26Revised 3/2020
GRADED ASSIGNMENTS
COMPUTER ASSIGNMENTS
The grade achieved on the computer-based assignment will be the grade recorded.
QUIZZES- GIVEN IN CLASS
Quizzes may be announced or unannounced by the instructor. There will be no opportunity to make-up
missed quizzes due to absences; if absent for a quiz no grade will be given.
GRADED LEARNING ACTIVITIES (GLA)- OUTSIDE OF CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
Graded learning activities include worksheets, papers, or other assignments given by the instructor. A
zero will be given if the assigned work is not turned in or completed on the specified day and time. If a
student is absent on the specified day that assignments are due, the student must submit the GLA the
first day he/she returns to class/lab/clinical.
LAB TESTS
In NUR 101 Lab the student will be given written and skills tests during the semester. The average for
the grades must be 80 or higher in order to receive a passing grade in lab. The student must receive a
passing grade in the NUR 101 lab in order to successfully complete the NUR 101 course.
PHARMACOLOGY CALCULATION TESTS
Each semester the student must receive a grade of 80 or higher on a pharmacology calculation test in
order to pass the nursing course (NUR 101, NUR 102, and NUR 103). Each student is given three
opportunities to achieve this grade. The first pharmacology test will be scheduled during class time. If
needed, subsequent tests will be scheduled outside of class time with the lead instructor of the course.
Students will be provided a calculator to use during the pharmacology calculation test. Failure to make
a grade of 80 or higher on the 3rd attempt will result in immediate dismissal from the program.
STANDARDIZED TESTS
Throughout the Practical Nursing Program, you will be asked to take standardized tests offered by
Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI). These assessments provide you with information related to your
comprehension of nursing content and are an opportunity to practice NCLEX formatted questions. The
data that these assessments provide correlates to success on the NCLEX examination. The student will
be expected to take the examination when they are scheduled.
Students are required to stay the entire time scheduled for the exam. Students completing the exam
prior to the allotted time may only utilize the functions of the HESI while waiting for the end of the
testing period. There will be no make-up of standardized tests. Remediation will be required of all
students not meeting the specified benchmark for the exam.
CLINICAL
Evaluation of clinical performance is described in the clinical evaluation tool. The student must receive a
passing grade in clinical to successfully complete the course. Failure of the clinical component results in
failure of the course.
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