Spring 2021 RN-BSN Program Nursing Student Handbook - Pikes Peak Community College
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RN-BSN Program
Nursing Student Handbook
Spring 2021
Welcome!
On behalf of our RN-BSN faculty, we would like to congratulate you on taking this next step to
furthering your nursing career! We are excited to have you in our Program and hope that you will feel
free to ask questions or to approach us with your concerns.
Best wishes for a successful year in our Program!
Amber Lippincott, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
Associate Dean of Nursing
Medical Sciences Division
Pikes Peak Community College
I am the RN-BSN Coordinator and am available to answer questions and help you navigate through the
program. I can help you review your transcripts and plan your course schedules. Please do not hesitate to
reach out!
Randee Nyman, MSN, RN, CNE, CCRN-K, CNS
Assistant Professor
Pikes Peak Community College
randee.nyman@ppcc.edu
(719) 502-3525
Nursing Student Handbook Provision
This Nursing Student Handbook (Handbook) contains pertinent information affecting students, current
through the date of its issuance. To the extent that any provision of this Handbook is inconsistent with
State or Federal law, State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education Policies (BPs)
or Colorado Community College System President’s Procedures (SP’s), the law, BPs, and SPs shall
supersede and control. BPs and SPs are subject to change throughout the year and are effective
immediately upon adoption by the Board or System President, respectively. Students are expected to be
familiar with and adhere to the BPs, SPs as well as College directives, including but not limited to the
contents of this Handbook.
To access BPs and SPs, see Board Policies and System Policies
Nothing in this Handbook is intended to create (nor shall be construed as creating) an express or
implied contract or to guarantee for any term or to promise that any specific process, procedures,
or practice will be followed or benefit provided by the College. Pikes Peak Community College
reserves the right to modify, change, delete, or add to the information in this Handbook as it
deems appropriate.
2TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL POLICIES
Mission of College & Nursing Program 5
Philosophy of the PPCC Nursing Program 5
Accreditation 7
Nursing Program Organizing Framework 7
PPCC RN-BSN Program Student Learning Outcomes 8
Nursing Program Outcomes 9
Admission Criteria 9
States that allow RN-BSN programs for out of state students 10
Application Procedure 11
Work Experience Verification Form 12
RN-BSN Program Curriculum 13
NUR Course Transfer Policy 13
Sample Curriculum Plan for licensed RNs 14
Sample Curriculum Plan for dual enrolled students 15
Student Standards of Conduct 16
Nursing Program Student Code of Conduct 16
Student Concerns 17
E-mail Communication 17
PPCC Online Netiquette Policy 18
Academic Honesty 20
Student Organizations 20
Nursing Student Crisis Fund 20
Title IX: Preventing and Reporting Sexual Harassment and Sexual 21
Misconduct
Non-Discrimination Statement 21
Drug Testing/Alcohol Testing/Criminal Background Check 21
Policy on State Board of Nursing Disciplinary Action and Violation of 24
Disqualifying Criminal Offenses
Technical Standards/ Essential Requirements policy 24
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Accessibility Services 29
PROGRESSION/STOP OUT/ READMISSION POLICIES
Graduation 30
Withdrawal 31
Incomplete 31
Student Progression/Continuation/Dismissal/Stop-Out/Readmission 31
Policy
Student Readmission Plan 33
EVALUATION AND GRADING POLICIES
Grading Scale 34
Testing & Quiz Policy 34
Discussion Post Rubric SAMPLE 35
APA Papers 36
3PRACTICUM POLICES
Practicum Expectations 36
Practicum/Clinical Site Non-Responsible for Pay 36
Practicum Rotations & Assignments 36
Professional Behavior 37
HIPPA 37
FERPA 37
Social Media Policy 37
Personal Appearance & Grooming 39
Practicum Absences 39
Return to Clinical after illness or injury 39
Practicum/Clinical Incidents 39
Liability Insurance 40
Worker’s Compensation Policy 40
Reporting of Accidents/Injuries 41
SIGNATURE/HEALTH FORMS
Student Confidentiality Agreement 43
Acknowledgment of Written Requirements 45
RN-BSN Immunization Record Requirements Form 46
4Mission Statement of PPCC and the PPCC Nursing Department
The Mission of Pikes Peak Community College states:
Our mission is to provide high-quality educational opportunities to all with a focus on student success
and community needs, including:
• Occupational programs, including certificates, associate and bachelor degrees, for youth and
adults in career and technical fields;
• Two-year transfer educational programs to qualify students for admission to the junior year at
other colleges and universities; and
• A broad range of personal, career, and technical education for adults.
The mission of the PPCC RN to BSN program states:
The mission of the PPCC nursing RN to BSN completion program is to provide a quality education that
prepares the learner to be an integral part of the nursing profession by engaging in lifelong learning that
advances nursing practice. The nursing program is dedicated to providing our students with diverse
experiences to meet the healthcare needs of our community members.
Philosophy of the PPCC Nursing Program
The Pikes Peak Community College Nursing Program Philosophy Statement is based on the following
key concepts and guides our curriculum:
The Individual
The individual is unique and complex, a holistic being of biological, psychological, social, cultural, and
spiritual dimensions. Each person is influenced by his/her genetic inheritance, biological make-up,
culture, and the physical and social environment in which one exists. Each individual operates within a
personally determined value system which is acquired and shaped through experience, personal
judgments, and interaction with others. Individuals possess deliberative abilities and have the potential
to make rational decisions about their lives, their health, and their own goals. Individuals possess
inherent human rights and are deserving of respect and support in accordance with their basic needs.
Health
Health is a dynamic state that is influenced by each individual’s inherited characteristics and life
experiences. At any given time, a person’s health status is seen as being at a point on a continuum that
extends from high-level wellness to the cessation of life. Human beings possess adaptive and
recuperative abilities; individuals can alter their health status as a result of individuals moving in either a
positive or negative direction on the health-illness continuum in response to their own efforts and/or
through intervention of the health care system. Individuals who have achieved a reasonable level of
understanding have the right to information regarding their health and are entitled to make choices about
their health care and status and the care they will receive. Wellness is viewed as a dynamic state of
physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Wellness is defined by the individual’s
perception of wellness and influenced by the presence of disease and the individual’s ability to adapt.
5Nursing Practice
Nursing is a humanistic, service discipline founded on knowledge from the sciences, humanities, and
human experience. It is a scholarly profession that utilizes theories from nursing and other disciplines to
guide its practice for the promotion of health, care of the sick, and support to individuals and families in
the final stages of life. The focus of nursing care is to meet the needs of the individual who functions as
a member of a family, culture, and society. Whatever affects any part of an individual affects the whole,
hence the emphasis for the holistic nursing approach. Nursing provides education and supportive,
recuperative care for individuals needing assistance in attaining or maintaining health or coping with
illness. An emphasis of nursing care is the promotion of the highest level of wellness achievable by the
individual and the society as a whole. An attitude of empathic caring is an essential element of effective
nursing care. The nursing process is utilized by nurses within their roles, as they work cooperatively
with patients, families, and groups in finding solutions to individual and community health problems.
Nurses provide care without bias to all persons needing their service regardless of the individual’s race,
creed, culture, religious orientation, or health status. Nursing requires continuous updating of its
knowledge base and treatment modalities to promote evidence-based practice in response to emerging
health care problems, scientific discoveries, and new technologies in the profession. The discipline of
nursing encompasses a wide range of technical skills and scientific knowledge.
Teaching/Learning/Nursing Education
Learning is the acquisition of knowledge, understanding and skills as demonstrated in the change in
behavior that persists. Learning is the cultivation of the potential of the individual and is more
effectively achieved when learning opportunities are integrated and meaningfully related to the learner’s
interests and level of achievement. The potential for education can exist in any situation, but the
responsibility for learning lies solely with the learner.
The nursing education process is seen as a cooperative effort requiring extensive interaction between
students and faculty. A variety of teaching/learning strategies is utilized to meet the individualized needs
of students in both the academic and practice settings. Curriculum content is designed to proceed from
the simple to the complex and progresses from the known to the new material.
Nursing education is seen as a continuous, life-long process through which individuals expand learning,
enhance practice ability, or qualify for advanced employment positions. Specific processes are provided
to facilitate progression from the practical nurse to the associate degree professional nurse and then to
the baccalaureate nurse level and are defined and validated through the Colorado Articulation Model.
The Profession of Nursing
The Licensed Practical Nurse cares for medically stable patients with predictable outcomes under the
supervision of a professional nurse, MD, podiatrist, or dentist.
Associate degree education is one of the established entry points into professional nursing practice. At
the associate degree level, nursing education is directed toward facilitating the student to develop the
basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for professional practice. Upon entry into practice, the
associate degree graduate is prepared to function as a novice generalist in the roles of provider of care,
manager of care, and member within the discipline of nursing. The nurse provides direct care to patients
with complex health needs, adjusting care as patient situations change; collecting and analyzing data
from patients, families, and other health care resources; formulating appropriate nursing diagnoses,
implementing therapeutic interventions, and developing/revising plans based on effectiveness. The
ADN-RN maintains professional relationships by advocating and supporting patient decisions, and by
collaborating and communicating with patients, families, and other health professionals. The ADN-RN
manages the care of assigned patients and supervises care given by other licensed and unlicensed health
6personnel.
The baccalaureate degree nurse is distinguished from the associate degree nurse in the breadth and depth
of knowledge regarding evidence-based practice and research critique. Baccalaureate degree nurses are
poised to take on leadership roles both within the hospital setting and in the communities they serve.
They will demonstrate excellent critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills to the patients and
populations they provide care for.
Accreditation
PPCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central
Association, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (312) 263-0456.
The RN-BSN Program at PPCC is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on
Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, 202-887-
6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
PPCC’s ADN Nursing Program has continued full approval from the Colorado State Board of Nursing
and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly
NLNAC.
Colorado Board of Nursing
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 894-2430
Colorado Board of Nursing
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Phone: (404) 975-5000
Fax: (404) 975-5020
Email: info@acenursing.org
Web: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
RN-BSN Nursing Program Organizing Framework
The Pikes Peak Community College Nursing RN-BSN Program Organizing Framework has as its
foundation, the arts, sciences, humanities, and nursing knowledge. The structure of the curriculum is
built upon five key concepts from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of
Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice which are: quality care, professionalism,
communication, leadership, and critical thinking/clinical reasoning. These guiding concepts are
foundational to education for the roles of the baccalaureate nurse and represent our Student Learning
Outcomes. The curriculum is also guided by The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional
Nursing Practice from the American Associate of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the American
Nursing Association (ANA) standards.
7These concepts thread through each course and guide the development of each part to create a whole
curriculum. This structure promotes the progressive development of breadth and depth of knowledge.
Concepts of research, leadership, and community health nursing are emphasized in differentiating the
RN-BSN program from a diploma or associates degree program preparing students for initial RN
licensure.
The desired characteristics of program graduates reflect the concepts in this framework and are
summarized as competencies in the NLN roles of the nurse; Provider of Care which incorporates teacher
and advocate, Designer/Manager/Coordinator of Care, and Member of the Profession. The generalist
BSN nurse must direct care of the sick in a variety of diverse environments, participate in health
promotion and clinical prevention, and also incorporate population-based health care to communities in
need. These desired characteristics are defined further in program-specific competencies and are used to
guide content, course objectives, and the outcome evaluation processes.
PPCC RN-BSN Nursing Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the RN-BSN Nursing Program, the following outcomes are expected of the
graduate:
1. Quality care
Interpret research to promote best practice and use data to monitor the outcomes of care processes.
Propose an evaluation process to continuously improve the quality and safety of health care systems
and deliver quality care to individuals and diverse populations. (E1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9*)
2. Professionalism
Formulate a plan that demonstrates an enhanced commitment to professionalism embracing
excellence, caring, legal and ethical practice, civility, accountability, and professional development.
(E1, 2, 5, 6, 8, &9)
3. Communication
Evaluate effective communication and collaboration with colleagues, inter-professional groups, and
members of the community to promote health, safety, and well-being across the lifespan and across
the continuum of the healthcare environment. (E1, 2, 6, 7, 8, & 9)
4. Leadership
Evaluate the contribution of leadership, quality improvement principles, and impact of
organizational systems in transforming, managing, and coordinating safe, quality, and cost-effective
person-centered care. (E2, 3, 5, 6, 8 & 9)
5. Critical thinking/clinical reasoning
Integrate a systematic process of critical inquiry with nursing, natural and behavioral sciences, arts
, and humanities to make evidence-based practice decisions to improve the nursing care of
individuals, families, populations, and communities. (E1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
*E1-9 refer to Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice
8RN-BSN Nursing Program Outcomes
Nursing Program Outcomes are developed as performance indicators that provide evidence that the
PPCC RN-BSN nursing program is meeting its mission and goals set by the faculty. Program Outcomes
show the effectiveness of the educational program and serve as a mechanism to guide program
development and revisions. RN-BSN Program Outcomes have been developed using the Commission
of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) standards and guidelines. The following
RN-BSN Nursing Program Outcomes are congruent with the mission and philosophy of PPCC and the
Nursing Program.
• Outcome #1 Program completion: At least 70% of our students will complete the program
within 150% of the time of starting their first RN-BSN nursing course.
• Outcome #2 Employment Rate: At least 70% of our RN-BSN graduates surveyed will be
either employed or have returned to school to complete a graduate degree.
• Outcome #3 Program satisfaction: At least 80% of program graduate survey respondents
will report satisfaction with their program of study.
Admission to the RN-BSN Completion Program will be based on the following criteria
“Limited Space is available in the RN-BSN completion program. The program will be filled with
qualified applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis.”
Admission Requirements
• Current RN License in good standing from Colorado or compact state
• Associate Degree or Diploma from a regionally accredited college*
• Recommended GPA of 2.5 in nursing courses
• Current BLS Certification
• Current Vaccinations/Titers for Flu, DTaP, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella & TB.
• 1,000 hours of work experience in the last 3 years unless graduation from RN program within 3
years.
• After provisional acceptance to the RN-BSN program, the student will have 30 days to complete the
Drug Screen and Background Check.
*Institution must be regionally accredited by one of the following agencies:
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher
Education (NEASC-CIHE)
• The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACS)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and
Junior Colleges (WASC-ACCJC)
9• Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and
Universities (WASC-ACSCU)
Does your state allow for you to attend an RN-BSN program in Colorado?
1. Check the SARA website at https://www.nc-sara.org/sara-states-institutions. Currently, there is
only 1 state (California) on the website that IS NOT part of the SARA agreement.
2. Do you have a Colorado or Compact State RN License? Please verify that your RN compact
license is from an Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) state at the following website:
https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm Here is a list of the current compact states
that are part of the compact agreement:
• Arizona • Montana
• Arkansas • New Hampshire
• Colorado • New Mexico
• Delaware • Nebraska
• Florida • North Carolina
• Georgia • North Dakota
• Idaho • Rhode Island
• Iowa • South Carolina
• Kansas • South Dakota
• Kentucky • Tennessee
• Louisiana • Texas
• Maine • Utah
• Maryland • Virginia
• Mississippi • West Virginia
• Missouri • Wisconsin
3. Does your state board of nursing regulate RN-BSN education in your state? If you do not see
your state of residence on the list below, please contact your state board directly to find out if
they have regulations or restrictions on RN-BSN education programs in Colorado.
• Arizona • New Hampshire
• Arkansas • New Mexico
• Colorado • Nebraska
• Delaware • North Carolina
• Florida • North Dakota
• Georgia • Rhode Island
• Idaho • South Carolina
• Kansas • South Dakota
• Kentucky • Texas
• Maine • Utah
• Maryland • Virginia
• Mississippi • West Virginia
• Missouri • Wisconsin
10Application Procedure
1. Attend an RN-BSN information session either in person or virtually.
2. Apply to PPCC’s RN-BSN program via the PPCC Website for licensed RNs and via the paper
Dual enrollment packet for current ADN students. The BSN specific application will only be
open during application cycles. (Months of March, June & October)
3. Upload or provide a copy of your unofficial transcripts, showing your conferred degree from a
regionally accredited college.
4. Upload a copy of your Colorado or compact state nursing license, from the DORA website.
5. Upload a copy of your current BLS certification Card
6. Upload a copy of your Current Vaccinations/Titers for Flu, DTaP, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella
& TB. (A form will be provided for you on the nursing department website)
7. Upload your work verification form verifying that you have received your degree/RN license
within 3 years or providing evidence of 1000 hours of work experience.
8. After you receive a student ID number (S number) from the school you will be required to send
official transcripts to the transcript evaluator at PPCC.
9. After you receive provisional acceptance to the RN-BSN program you will have 30
Calendar days to complete a background check and drug screen per our Human Resources
department.
10. Complete the RN-BSN program orientation in-person or on-line during the first week of May,
August or January.
11Work Experience Verification Form Supplemental Documentation
__________By initialing here, I certify that I am exempt from the work experience verification
requirement because I have graduated from a regionally accredited nursing program within the last three
years. Stop here and upload this document as part of the RN-BSN program supplemental materials
application.
RNs who graduated more than three years before applying for admission to PPCC’s RN to BSN
completion program must have 1000 hours of employment as an RN.
To be completed by the applicant:
Name Signature
Complete Address Phone Number
The above applicant is applying to the RN-BSN Completion Program at Pikes Peak Community
College.
He/She is requesting _________________________________________ (Name of Hospital/Agency) to
furnish PPCC with the following information.
To be completed by the employer:
The above-named person was employed by:
Name of Hospital/Agency Date of Employment
From To
Employment was (circle one) For a total of how many Position or Title
hours?
Full-time
Part-time
Description of Job Duties:
By completing this form for the applicant you are verifying the above to be true and accurate:
Name/Title Signature Date
Hospital/Agency Complete Address Phone
12Pikes Peak Community College RN-BSN Program Nursing Curriculum
RN-BSN Degree 120 credits total
71.5 Credits awarded for ADN/AAS degree or Diploma and an active RN license
30.5 Credits for RN-BSN Courses
18 General Education Credits
• English 122 (3 credits)
• Math 135 Statistics (3 credits)
• GT-HI1 History Course (3 credits)
• GT-AH1243 Arts & Humanities Courses (6 credits)
• GT-SS1,2 or 3 Social Sciences (3 credits)
Courses in the RN-BSN Curriculum
• NUR 301 Integration into BSN Practice (3 credits)*
• NUR 302 Trends in Nursing Practice (3 credits)
• NUR 303 Nursing Research & EBP (3 credits)
• NUR 408 Legal & Ethical Issues (3 credits)
• NUR 409 Leadership in the Nursing Profession (3.5 credits)**
• NUR 410 Community Health Nursing & Practicum (6 credits)**
• NUR 411 Senior Seminar (3 credits)
Plus choose 2 of the following electives:
• NUR 304 Informatics Healthcare Technology (3 credits)
• NUR 305 Emergency Preparedness (3 credits)
• NUR 306 Gerontology Nursing (3 credits)
• NUR 307 Behavioral Health (3 credits)
*Must be taken prior to any 300 or 400 level courses in the progam
**These courses contain practicum hours and students must have an active RN license to enroll.
Transfer Policy for NUR Courses
Students may meet with the RN-BSN program coordinator or Nursing Program Director to gain
approval to transfer in courses from another BSN program. The student is responsible to provide the
syllabus, course description, and copy of a transcript showing credit hours and grade earned for the
course they are attempting to transfer in. The course must match a NUR course offered in the RN-BSN
program in credit hours and content provided. This will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Additionally, students must have 30 credits (not counting the block credits) earned from PPCC to be
awarded a degree from PPCC.
NUR courses taken at another Colorado Community College will be allowed transfer if instructed to the
current CCCS RN-BSN curriculum guidelines.
13Sample of Student Progression through a 5-semester Program of Study for Licensed RNs
Semester 1st or 2nd Course # Course
bi
1st Semester 301 Integration into BSN Practice
1st Bi 3 credit/45-hour theory course
1st Semester 302 Trends in Nursing Practice
2nd Bi 3 credit/45-hour theory course
2nd Semester 303 Nursing Research / EBP
1st Bi (pre-requisite of Math 135 Stats)
3 credit/45-hour theory course
2nd Semester 304 Informatics / Healthcare Technology
2nd Bi 3 credit/45-hour theory course
Choose 1 Elective:
OR 307 Behavioral Health
3 credit/45-hour theory course
3rd Semester 305 Emergency Preparedness
Choose 1 Elective: 3 credit/45-hour theory course
OR 306 Gerontology Nursing
3 credit/45-hour theory course
4th Semester 408 Legal & Ethical Issues
1st Bi 3 credit/45-hour theory course
4th Semester 409 Leadership in the Nursing Profession
2nd Bi 3.5 Credits
(41.25 theory hours and 22.5 practicum hours)
5th Semester 410 Community Health Nursing Practicum
1st Bi 6 Credits
(67.5 hours theory and 45 practicum hours)
5th Semester 411 Senior Seminar
2nd Bi 3 credit/45-hour theory course
** In addition, 18 credits of general education courses must be completed for graduation.
14RN-BSN Dual Enrollment Option – Sample Curriculum
*This plan will vary greatly for individual students, as some already hold a bachelor’s degree in
another field of study and have completed their general education requirements. This chart starts from
the time they are admitted to the Associate Degree Nursing Program at PPCC
Semester Courses Credits
Semester 1 NUR 109 Fundamentals in Nursing 6
NUR 112 Basic Concepts of Pharmacology 2
History General Education Course 3
MAT 135 Statistics 3
During Semester 1, students will apply and be admitted to the
RN-BSN program for Semester 2 start date.
Semester 2 NUR 106 Medical & Surgical Nursing Concepts 7
NUR 150 Maternal-Child Nursing 6
NUR 301 Integration Into BSN Practice 3
NUR 302 Trends in Nursing Practice 3
Summer NUR 303 Nursing Research and EBP 3
English 122 General Education Course 3
Social Science General Education Elective 3
NUR 212 Pharmacology II 2
Semester 3 NUR 211 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing 4
NUR 206 Advanced Concepts of Medical-Surgical 6.5
Nursing
Arts or Humanities General Education Elective (1) 3
NUR 408 Legal & Ethical Issues 3
Semester 4 NUR 216 Advanced Concepts of Medical-Surgical 5
Nursing II
NUR 230 Transition to Professional Practice 4
Arts or Humanities General Education Elective (2) 3
NUR 304 Informatics OR 3
NUR 305 Emergency Preparedness
NCLEX After Semester 4, the Student will have graduated from the
ADN program and be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam
Summer NUR 409 Leadership in the Nursing Profession & 3.5
Practicum
NUR 306 Gerontology Nursing OR 3
NUR 307 Behavioral Health
Semester 5 NUR 410 Community Health Nursing & Practicum 6
NUR 411 Senior Seminar 3
15Student Standards of Conduct
Along with this Nursing Student Handbook, the PPCC Nursing Program follows the policies and
procedures listed under the PPCC Student Code of Conduct. Students are expected to adhere to both
sets of policies and procedures at all times. Any student who does not follow these or any Program
requirements shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the RN-BSN
Nursing Program and expulsion from Pikes Peak Community College.
Complete information for the PPCC Student Code of Conduct can be accessed at the website list below.
In addition, the Nursing Program has additional policies and expectations for nursing students. (See also
Technical Standards/Essential Requirements Policy, and the Nursing Program Code of Conduct section
[below]).
The PPCC Student Code of Conduct can be accessed at:
PPCC Student Code of Conduct
Nursing Program Student Code of Conduct
Any student who does not follow these or any Program requirements shall be subject to disciplinary
action, up to and including dismissal from the Nursing Program and expulsion from Pikes Peak
Community College.
The Student must safeguard the patient’s right to privacy by maintaining the confidentiality of
information concerning the patient. As part of this, the student must understand and comply with the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) at all times.
1. Safe nursing practice is expected at all times. Any mistake, accident, or unusual occurrence
involving a student must be reported immediately to the instructor and the appropriate healthcare
team member so that prompt action can be taken to initiate treatment or to alleviate harm.
2. Any substantiated instance of falsification of medical records will result in dismissal from the
Nursing Program.
3. Students must comply with all policies of individual clinical sites to which they are assigned.
4. Students must adhere to required student documentation required for clinical and comply with due
dates. Students without current documentation will not be allowed to go to a clinical site under any
circumstance and will be held out for that semester. (See Student Readmission Policy)
5. Students must maintain a “C” or better in each required course.
6. Professional conduct and courtesy toward peers, faculty, staff, patients, and families are expected in
all classes, conferences, labs, simulations, and clinical experiences. Tardiness, personal
conversations, extraneous noise, leaving class frequently, etc. are distracting to others in the learning
environment. Cell phones must be turned off or on silent mode during class, lab time, and
simulation time. Students must follow the Nursing Student Handbook mandates related to cell phone
use in the clinical component of any NUR course.
7. Students are required to notify the course faculty of impending absences, tardiness, or early
departure. (See individual course syllabi).
8. Students must abide by the Alcohol and Drug Testing Policy, (refer to the link: Alcohol and Drug
testing policy).
9. Students must be able to meet the Technical Standards and Essential Requirements to complete the
course and clinical objectives. (See Technical Standards/Essential Requirements Policy).
16Student Concerns
The Student Concerns Policy is stated below and can be accessed in the PPCC catalog at Student
Concerns Policy
Any student who wishes to pursue an instructional concern or change of grade must exhaust the
following options in sequential order before petitioning the Vice President of Instruction.
1. The student must meet with the instructor and attempt to resolve the problem.
a. If there is no resolution, proceed to step 2.
The student must state the concern in writing and meet with the lead faculty (in the case of an
adjunct instructor) or the Associate Dean of Nursing (in the case of a full-time faculty).
a. Departments may require specific documentation. For the Nursing Department please
request a “Statement of Student Concern” form, fill out, and return it to the Associate
Dean of Nursing. Please contact the Nursing Program at 502-3450 with any questions.
b. If there is no resolution, proceed to step 3.
2. If the student contests the Associate Dean of Nursing’s decision, he/she must submit the request
in writing to the Vice President of Instruction.
a. The request should include documentation of everything that the student wants to be
considered in the decision.
b. The Associate Dean of Nursing will also submit all written documentation and
recommendations to the Vice President of Instruction.
3. The Vice President for Instructional Services or a designee will notify the student of the decision
in writing. This decision will be final.
See the following link for the grievance procedures: Student Grievance Procedure
Email Communication
All email communication will be through PPCC Student and Faculty College email accounts. Faculty
will not acknowledge student’s email messages via personal email accounts. It is the responsibility of
the college faculty, according to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to maintain
confidentiality by communicating only to the student enrolled in the class and not others who may have
access to personal email accounts. Students can only email faculty utilizing faculty’s college email
accounts. Grades are only to be communicated via posting on D2L and the student college email
account.
17Connor’s top twelve student ground rules for online discussion.
Participate. There will be no lurking in the background. This is a shared learning environment,
which means everyone will participate in the learning environment. It is not enough to log on and read
the discussion posts of others. Everyone must contribute.
Report glitches. Discussion forms are electronic. They break. If for some reason you are
experiencing difficulty with the discussion forum, contact me and let me know. Chances are you are not
the only one. If you don’t tell me, I don’t know that you are having problems.
Help others. If you see one of your classmates is struggling be willing to help them. Sometimes
hearing it from a fellow student helps a lot.
Be patient. Read everything in the discussion thread before replying. This will help you to not
repeat what someone else has already contributed. Acknowledge the points that you agree with and
suggest alternatives for points with which you don’t.
Be brief. Be clear and articulate your point without being preachy or pompous. Be direct and stay
on point. Don’t lose yourself or your readers to overly wordy sentences or paragraphs.
Use proper writing style. This is a must. Write as if you were writing a term paper. Correct
spelling, grammatical construction, and sentence structure are expected in every other writing activity
associated with scholarship and academic engagement. Online discussions are no different.
Cite your sources. Another big must! If your contribution to the conversation includes intellectual
property (authored material) of others, e.g., books, newspaper, magazine, or journal articles- online or in
print- they must be given proper attribution.
Emoticons and Texting. Social networking and text messaging have spawned a body of linguistic
shortcuts that are not part of the academic dialogue. Please refrain from :-) faces and c u l8r’s.
Respect Diversity. It’s an ethnically rich and diverse, multi-cultural world in which we live. Use no
language that is – or could be construed to be – offensive towards others. Racists, sexist, and
heterosexist comments and jokes are derogatory and/or sarcastic comments and jokes directed at
religious beliefs, disabilities, and/or age.
No yelling. Step carefully. Beware the electronic footprint you leave behind. Using bold upper-case
letters is bad form, like stomping around and yelling at somebody. (NOT TO MENTION BEING
HARD ON THE EYE).
18No Flaming. Criticism must be constructive, well-meaning, and well-articulated. Please, no
tantrums. Rants directed at any other contributor are simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The
same goes for profanity. The academic environment expects a higher-order language.
You Can’t Un-Ring the Bell. Language is your only tool in an online environment. Be mindful.
How others perceive you will be largely- as always- up to you. Once you’ve hit the send button, you’ve
rung the bell. Review your written posts and responses to ensure that you’ve conveyed exactly what you
intended. This is an excellent opportunity to practice your proofreading, revision, and rewriting skills—
valuable assets in the professional world for which you are now preparing.
Reference:
Conner, P. (n.d.) Netiquette: Ground Rules for Online Discussion. The Institute for Teaching and
Learning. Retrieved from http://teaching.colostate.edu/tips/tip.cfm?tipid=128
19Academic Honesty
The Academic Honesty Policy for all PPCC students is quoted below:
“Students are expected to conduct themselves according to the highest standards of honesty in the
classroom, shop, or laboratory. Failure to do so is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including
suspension or expulsion from Pikes Peak Community College.
Academic honesty is a fundamental value of higher education. It means that you respect the right of other
individuals to express their views and that you do not plagiarize, cheat, falsify, or illegally access College
records or academic work. You are expected to read, understand, and follow the Student Code of Conduct.
Academic dishonesty is defined as the unauthorized use of assistance with the intent to deceive a faculty
member or another person assigned to evaluate work submitted to meet course and program requirements.
Examples of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to the following:
• the submission, in whole or part, of material prepared by another person and represented as one’s
own;
• plagiarism, which is defined as the act of taking the writings, ideas, etc., of another person and
passing them off as one’s own;
• the unauthorized use of notes, books, or other materials; the deliberate, unacknowledged reference
to the work of another student; or the soliciting of assistance from another person during an
examination;
• illegitimate possession and/or distribution of test materials or answer keys;
• unauthorized alteration, forgery, or falsification of official academic records.”
Students in the PPCC Nursing Program will adhere to the Academic Honesty Policy and are expected to
maintain academic integrity as it pertains to their own education, that of others in the Program, and that of
others at this institution.
The PPCC catalog link for this policy is: Academic Honesty
Student Organizations
The PPCC Nursing Program supports the student organization called PPCCANS (PPCC Association of
Nursing Students). Students in any semester of the Program are encouraged to join. Please see the
current student PPCCANS faculty advisor or any of the student members for information on meetings,
activities, and membership. The current faculty advisor for PPCCANS is Nichole Moore, MSN, RN.
Contact her at Nichole.Moore@ppcc.edu
Nursing Student Crisis Fund
The Nursing Student Crisis Fund was established to aid nursing students in the event of an extreme
financial crisis during the academic year. Alumni are encouraged to contribute to the fund to help future
nursing students. It is the hope of the Nursing Program that graduates will continue to make
contributions to the fund so that future classes will have a source of emergency funds.
Funds do not take the place of financial aid and monetary gifts provided to students in need are not
subject to repayment to the Crisis Fund. Funds are limited to a maximum of $500 to be given once
20during a student’s time in the Nursing Program if needed. Emergency situations are classified as events
that seriously inhibit a student’s financial ability to continue their nursing education. Student inquiries
should be directed to the Nursing Program Assistant. Assistance is contingent upon available funding
and meeting eligibility requirements.
Title IX: Preventing and Reporting Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
Pikes Peak Community College is firmly committed to maintaining a work and learning environment
where students, faculty, and staff are treated with dignity and respect. Sexual harassment, sexual
misconduct, and acts of discrimination are illegal, often demeaning for the individual student or
employee, and can disrupt the College’s positive learning and working environment. As such, all
members of the College community have a responsibility to be aware of what behaviors constitute these
actions/offenses and to help create an environment free of harassment or discrimination. Information
regarding Sexual Misconduct is available in SP 4-120a Sexual Misconduct and may be accessed at
https://www.cccs.edu/policies-and-procedures/civil-rights-and-sexual-misconduct-resolution-process/
Non-Discrimination Statement
Pikes Peak Community College prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment including those
that violate federal and state law, or the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational
Education Board Policies 3-120 or 4-120. The College does not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender,
race, color, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy
status, religion, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation in its employment practices or
educational programs and activities. Pikes Peak Community College will take appropriate steps to
ensure that the lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in
vocational education programs. In addition, Pikes Peak Community College prohibits retaliation against
any person because such person has opposed any discriminatory or unfair employment practice or filed
or participated in any investigation of grievance process on campus or within the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or other human
rights agencies.
Information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures can be accessed at Title IX Sexual
Harassment
Drug Testing/Alcohol Testing/Criminal Background Check
To ensure the safety of patients, faculty, staff, and students, the use of drugs or alcohol by students is
prohibited when participating on campus in Nursing Program classes, clinical, simulation, or labs at
PPCC. The PPCC Nursing Department supports and enforces a zero (0) tolerance alcohol and drug
policy.
All nursing students will be expected to pass the drug tests and criminal background checks to receive
full acceptance to the Nursing Programs at PPCC. Students may also be subject to suspicion-based
testing while in the program. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the results of their drug test
with a member of the human resources staff. Students who fail testing will not be admitted to the
Nursing Program. All background checks and drug testing information is kept confidential. Any
violations of the program or college drug and alcohol policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to
and including expulsion from PPCC.
21The drug test and/or any necessary transportation to a testing facility must be paid for at the
student’s expense. For initial drug testing, students must use the designated lab and testing date
identified by the PPCC Nursing Department. Please refer to the Nursing Program web site for forms and
payment information.
Subsequent placement at PPCC Nursing Program clinical sites is contingent upon the presentation of a
negative drug test. Nursing students may be subject to random, mandatory drug testing at the clinical
agency in which they practice. Students may also be responsible for that cost. If results are
inconclusive, mandatory testing will be required at the student’s expense. Students testing positive will
be immediately dismissed from the clinical agency. If a positive test is reported, the student must meet
with the RN-BSN Coordinator and the Nursing Program Director and will be administratively
withdrawn from the Nursing Program.
Any student who is readmitted to the Nursing Program for any reason must repeat the CBI and drug
testing procedure at their own expense (see Student Readmission Policy).
Refusal to Participate
Students may refuse to participate in initial or suspicion-based testing. However, those students refusing
will not be admitted into the Nursing Program and any student who refuses to test based on reasonable
suspicion while they are in the program could lead to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal
from the Nursing Program.
Please refer to the PPCC Student Conduct policy related to drugs and alcohol: Alcohol and Drug policy
Although possession and use of marijuana consistent with the requirements of the Colorado Constitution
is no longer a crime in the State of Colorado, the possession and use of marijuana remain illegal under
federal law. Consistent with federal law, including the Controlled Substances Act and the Drug-Free
Schools and Communities Act, the use and/or possession of marijuana continues to be prohibited while a
student is on campus, including any time the student is in a clinical experience or representing the
College.
Only the person for whom a prescription drug is prescribed can bring the medication onto PPCC
property or a clinical setting. The prescription drug must be in its original container. The student must
use the prescription drug only in the manner, combination, and quantity prescribed. Suspicion based
alcohol or drug testing will be performed if performance or behavior in the nursing program is suspected
to be substance-related.
Suspicion Based Testing
The Nursing Department may test students on a reasonable cause basis. If a student is having
performance problems that a faculty member or clinical staff believe may be related to alcohol or drug
use, or if the faculty member or clinical staff directly observes behavior in the clinical setting that may
be alcohol or drug-related, the student will be requested to submit immediately to drug or alcohol testing
at the student’s expense. If this must be performed at an alternative site, transportation must be arranged
via taxi and the student is responsible for paying for transportation. Continuance in the Nursing
Program is contingent on consent by the student for testing. Refusal to consent to testing will result in
disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the Program. The Program has the right to access
and review the results of any testing. If the test is positive and/or the student is impaired, the student
22will be sent home via alternative transportation, at the student’s expense. A positive test will result in
student dismissal from the Nursing Program.
Definitions:
Alcohol Testing: Providing a breath, blood, or urine sample to determine the presence of alcohol.
Authorized Lab: A collection site or sites identified by the PPCC Nursing program where students may
present themselves for the purpose of taking a drug test.
Controlled Substance: has the meaning assigned by the Title 21 United States Code (USC)
Controlled Substances Act Section 21 USC 802 and includes all substances listed on Schedule I through
V as they may be revised from time to time (21 CFR 1308), such as amphetamines, natural and synthetic
opiates, marijuana, cocaine, barbiturates, methadone, phencyclidine, benzodiazepines and
propoxyphene, and their metabolites, methaqualone, and prescription drugs for which the student does
not have a current prescription.
Drug Test: Providing a blood and/or urine sample to be analyzed for the presence or absence of specific
controlled substances, as well as for substitution, adulteration, or dilution of the sample.
Positive Test: The presence in the test sample of illegal drugs and/or metabolites, or of prescription
drugs and metabolites for which the student does not have a current prescription (excluding medical
marijuana), at levels exceeding current testing guidelines. Dilute test results may be considered to be
positive test results.
Drug: Any substance (other than alcohol) that is a controlled substance as defined in this section.
On Duty Time: Beginning when a student arrives at a clinical rotation site until the time he/she leaves
the clinical rotation site, or all-time actively participating in any PPCC Nursing Program class, lab,
simulation, or other activities including volunteer activities.
Reasonable Cause: When the College or clinical rotation site believes the actions or appearance or
conduct of a nursing student who is on duty is indicative of the use of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Suspicion-Based Testing: The student may be required to submit to a drug test if Nursing Program
personnel or clinical site personnel have reasonable cause to believe that a student’s performance
problems or displayed behavior may be substance-related.
Criminal Background Investigation
All students must complete and pass the Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) and drug testing
before admission to the Nursing Program. If the background investigation reveals information relevant
to the application, the designated individual responsible for background checks may request additional
information from the applicant. Any offenses uncovered as a result of the background check shall be
reviewed on a case by case basis. A non-passing background check may result in a student not being
admitted or not being allowed to continue in the Nursing Program.
Nursing students may also be subject to additional background checks mandated by a clinical site. In
the event a nursing student is not cleared for clinical assignment, related to an additional background
23check requirement, the student will have the opportunity to discuss the results of their background check
with a member of the human resources staff. Progression in the Nursing Program will be handled on a
case-by-case basis. The student may be subject to additional background screening, at the student’s
expense; may be required to take a leave of absence from the Nursing Program, or may be subject to
dismissal from the Nursing Program.
In addition, all re-entering students or students transferring into the Program must repeat the CBI and
drug testing before they will be allowed to into the Nursing Program.
State Board of Nursing Disciplinary Action and Violation of Disqualifying Criminal Offenses
Any student who has received disciplinary action affecting their registered nurse licensure is to
immediately inform the RN-BSN Coordinator and the Nursing Program Director in writing.
Any violation of the disqualifying criminal offenses that occur after admission to the Nursing Program
must also be immediately reported to the RN-BSN Coordinator and the Nursing Program Director in
writing.
Failure to inform the Nursing Program will result in immediate administrative withdrawal from the
current nursing course(s). Depending on the actions and reports from the State Board of Nursing or the
result of a repeat background test (at the student’s expense), the student may be given an administrative
withdrawal from the PPCC Nursing Program.
Students should be aware of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) State Nursing Program
disqualifying offenses available on the CCCS website.
Technical Standards/ Essential Requirements Policy
PPCC Nursing Student: Technical Standards/ Essential Requirements Policy
1. Disability-Related Information - Students are expected to participate fully in activities required by
the Program. (See the Essential Skills and Functional Abilities for Nursing Students, shown below).
2. It is recommended that students requiring accommodations set up their initial appointment with the
Office of Accessibility Services (719-502-3333) prior to starting the RN-BSN program. Students
having a temporary medical condition that inhibits or restricts their activities while in the Program
should also contact Accessibility Services. Specific information regarding the accommodation
process is outlined below.
3. Should a student become unable to participate fully in the Program’s activities, he or she may be
granted an Incomplete or be administratively withdrawn. Questions regarding a grade of
Incomplete or an administrative withdraw should be directed to the Nursing Department.
Essential Skills and Functional Abilities for Nursing Students
Individuals enrolled in the PPCC Nursing Program must be able to perform the essential skills as
established by the Program. If a student believes that he or she cannot meet one or more of the standards
without accommodations, the student should request an ADA Interactive Session by contacting Human
Resource Services at 502-2600.
24Functional Standard Examples of Required Activities in
Ability Clinical, Simulation, Skills Lab, and
Lab Practice
Motor Physical abilities and mobility Mobility is sufficient to carry out patient
Abilities are sufficient to execute gross care procedures such as assisting with
motor skills, physical endurance, ambulation of clients, administering CPR,
and strength, to provide patient assisting with turning and lifting patients,
care. providing care in confined spaces such as
treatment room or operating suite.
Lift and/or support 50 pounds.
Manual Demonstrate fine motor skills Motor skills sufficient to handle small
Dexterity sufficient for providing safe equipment such as insulin syringe and
nursing care. administer medications by all routes,
perform tracheotomy suctioning, insert a
urinary catheter.
Perceptual Sensory/perceptual ability to • Sensory abilities are sufficient to hear
Sensory monitor and assess clients. alarms, auscultatory sounds, cries for
Ability help, etc.
• Visual acuity to read calibrations on 1
cc syringe, asses color (cyanosis,
pallor, etc.).
• Tactile ability to feel pulses,
temperature, palpate veins, etc.
• Olfactory ability to detect smoke or
noxious odor, etc.
Behavioral/ Ability to relate to colleagues, • Establish rapport with patients/clients
Interpersonal/ staff, and patients with honesty, and colleagues.
Emotional civility, integrity, and in a • Work with teams and workgroups.
nondiscriminatory manner. • Emotional skills are sufficient to
• Capacity for development of remain calm in an emergency situation.
mature, sensitive, and effective • Behavioral skills are sufficient to
therapeutic relationships. demonstrate the exercise of good
• Interpersonal abilities are judgment and prompt completion of all
sufficient for interaction with responsibilities attendant to the
individuals, families, and diagnosis and care of clients.
groups from various social, • Adapt rapidly to environmental
emotional, cultural, and changes and multiple task demands.
intellectual backgrounds. • Maintain behavioral decorum in
• Ability to work constructively stressful situations.
in stressful and changing
environments with the ability
to modify behavior in response
to constructive criticism.
• Capacity to demonstrate
ethical behavior, including
adherence to the professional
25nursing code and student code
of conduct.
Safe • Ability to accurately identify • Prioritizes tasks to ensure patient
environment patients. safety and standard of care.
for patients, • Ability to effectively • Maintains adequate concentration and
families and communicate with other attention in patient care settings.
co-workers caregivers. • Seeks assistance when the clinical
• Ability to administer situation requires a higher level of
medications safely and expertise/experience.
accurately. • Responds to monitor alarms,
• Ability to operate equipment emergency signals, call bell from
safely in the clinical area. patients, and orders in a rapid effective
• Ability to recognize and matter.
minimize hazards that could
increase healthcare-associated
infections.
• Ability to recognize and
minimize accident hazards in
the clinical setting including
hazards that contribute to
patient family and co-worker
falls.
Communication • Ability to communicate in • Gives verbal directions to or follows
English with accuracy, clarity, verbal directions from other members
and efficiency with patients, of the healthcare team and participates
their families, and other in health care team discussions of
members of the health care patient care.
team (including spoken and • Elicits and records information about
non-verbal communication, health history, current health state, and
such as interpretation of facial responses to treatment from patients or
expressions, affect, and body family members.
language). • Conveys information to clients and
• Required communication others as necessary to teach, direct, and
abilities, including speech, counsel individuals in an accurate,
hearing, reading, writing, effective, and timely manner.
language skills, and computer • Responds to monitor alarms,
literacy. emergency signals, call bell from
• Communicate professionally patients, and orders in a rapid effective
and civilly to the healthcare matter.
team including peers, • Establishes and maintains effective
instructors, and preceptors. working relations with patients and co-
workers.
• Recognizes and reports critical patient
information to other caregivers.
Cognitive/ • Ability to read and understand • Calculates appropriate medication
Conceptual/ written documents in English dosage given specific patient
Quantitative and solve problems involving parameters in the minimum amount of
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