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Dominican College
Undergraduate
Nursing Student Handbook
Spring 2009
Division of Nursing
Prusmack Center
Dominican College
470 Western Highway
Orangeburg, New York 10962
(845) 848-6028 or (845) 848-6029
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mission Statement ……………………………………………………..2
Philosophy of the Division…………… ……………………………….3
Academic Options…………………………………………………….4-8
Traditional .................................................................................. 4
ABSN ......................................................................................... 5
Weekend ABSN…………………………………………………….6
ARN………..
.............................................................................. 7
LPN to BSN ............................................................................. 7-8
IV.
Advisement………………………………………………………………8
V.
Academic Integrity………………………………………………………9
VI.
Academic Requirements .................................................................... 9
Grade Scale .............................................................................. 10
Skills Lab Certification............................................................... 11
Medication Calculations Requirement ...................................... 11
Licensure Examination Requirement........................................ 12
Test Taking Protocol ................................................................. 12
Criminal Background Checks & Drug Testing.................................. 12
Grievance Procedure ................................................................ 13
VII.
Filing Intent……………………………………………………………..14
VIII. Academic Standing Protocol……………………………………..14-15
IX.
Clinical Protocols ......................................................................... 16-18
Physical Clearance ................................................................... 17
Malpractice Insurance ............................................................... 18
X.
Writing Style ..................................................................................... 18
XI.
Advanced Standing / Challenge Exams / CLEP ......................... 19-20
RN ............................................................................................. 19
LPN ........................................................................................... 19
XII.
Nursing Organizations (SNADC, Sigma Theta Tau)…………………………21
Peer Tutoring .................................................................................... 22
XIII. Campus Resources
Library, Resource Center, & Bookstore ................................... 23
XIV. Pinning Ceremony ............................................................................ 23
I.
II.
III.
2
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Division of Nursing at Dominican College. The Dominican College
Catalog and Student Handbook contain guidelines for which all students are
responsible. The nursing faculty prepared this Handbook to outline policies specific to
the Nursing Division. Retain this Handbook for reference throughout your nursing
program.
Students must obtain a copy of and adhere to policies contained in the Nursing
Students’ Handbook, which is available in the Division Office. The Handbook may be
downloaded from the DC portal (http://www.my.dc.edu).
MISSION STATEMENT
The aim of Dominican College is to promote educational excellence, leadership, and
service in an environment characterized by respect for the individual and concern for
the community. The College is an independent institution of higher learning, Catholic
in origin and heritage. In the tradition of its Dominican founders, the College fosters
the active, shared pursuit of truth and embodies an ideal of education rooted in the
values of reflective understanding and compassionate involvement.
Committed to building its programs upon a strong liberal arts foundation, the College
maintains a student-centered climate and offers an array of degree opportunities in
liberal arts and sciences, business, and the professions on the undergraduate and
graduate levels. While the majority of its students are from its geographic region, to
those emerging educational needs it is particularly responsive, its diverse student
body includes national and international representation of all races and religions.
Dominican College is dedicated to the principle that its educational programs and
services must be both challenging and supportive, distinguished both by high
standards and by attention to the needs and potential of the individual student.
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PROGRAM MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY
The mission of the Division of Nursing is to educate, empower and serve current and
future nurse professionals and their communities in the college tradition of excellence,
leadership, and service. Grounded in the liberal arts, the nursing faculty designs
curricula that assists students to learn reflective understanding and compassionate
involvement, a sense of ethical, civic, and social responsibility, and to contribute to the
larger society of which they are a part.
The beliefs and values of the Division of Nursing are consistent with the mission of
Dominican College of Blauvelt. The nursing faculty is committed
to the development of caring leaders who pursue personal and educational excellence
through service to society. Faculty support a curriculum that teaches achievement
and encourages students to value personal integrity, empowers students to live with
purpose, prepares students for productive careers, and generates inquisitive minds
that demonstrate how to use knowledge to effect change in society.
CURRICULUM COMPLETION OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the Curriculum for a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing the student
will:







Incorporate aspects of complexity, openness, and change as they relate to
nursing practice and health care delivery.
Maximize interpersonal relationships that strive to promote and restore health.
Synthesize, evaluate, and communicate information using purposeful, logical,
reflective thinking.
Demonstrate proficient communication skills that indicate clinical,
technological, and ethical competence.
Demonstrate accountability and commitment to the current and ongoing
responsibilities of a professional nurse in contemporary society.
Empower oneself and others to achieve personal and professional goals.
Analyze human and environmental situations to generate logical conclusions
and ideas.
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
ACADEMIC OPTIONS
The Division of Nursing offers a traditional program leading to a Bachelor of Science
in Nursing degree for students with no prior background in nursing and for licensed
practical nurses. An Accelerated (ABSN) Option is available to applicants holding a
non-nursing baccalaureate degree, and who have completed the science, social
science and academic prerequisites. An upper division RN to BSN program is
available to RNs in a Weekday/Evening Accel option. All pre-requisite courses must
be completed prior to entry into any option offer in the nursing division.
The Nursing curriculum is designed to prepare nurse generalists at the baccalaureate
level who will be able to promote health and provide nursing care to people of all
ages, and across all socio-economic levels. Students are admitted to one nursing
option only and follow course sequencing for that option. Transfer across options is
available when students satisfy criteria set for admission to that option, and only on a
space available basis. All nursing courses in the nursing curriculum must be taken in
sequence. Each option has a particular sequence:
TRADITIONAL OPTION
Summer Session
NR 101 - Transitions I (3)
Semester III
NR 222 - Introduction to Professional Nursing I (5)
NR 235 - Principles of Health Assessment (3)
Semester V
NR 330 - Parent-Child Nursing (5)
NR 331 - Professional Practice Concepts (2)
NR 320 - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (5)
Semester VII
NR 450 - Adult Health Nursing II (5)
NR 463 - Community Health Nursing (2)
Semester IV
NR 224 - Introduction to Professional Nursing II (5)
NR 228 - Pharmacologic Agents (3)
Semester VI
NR 340 - Adult Health Nursing I (5)
NR 345 - Family Health Nursing (5)
NR 353 - Nursing Research (3)
Semester VIII
NR 465 - Nursing Leadership/Management (5)
NR 467 - Nursing Seminar (2)
5
ABSN OPTION
Semester I – SUMMER TRIMESTER
NR 222
NR 224
NR 228
NR 330
NR 331
NR 235
-
Introduction to Professional Nursing I (5)
Introduction to Professional Nursing II (5)
Pharmacologic Agents (3)
Parent-Child Nursing (5)
Professional Practice Concepts (2)
Principles of Health Assessment (3)
Semester II – FALL TRIMESTER
NR 340 - Adult Health Nursing I (5)
NR 345 - Family Health Nursing (5)
NR 320 - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (5)
WINTERSESSION
NR 353 - Nursing Research (3)
Semester III – SPRING TRIMESTER
NR 450
NR 463
NR 465
NR 467
-
Adult Health Nursing II (5)
Community Health Nursing (5)
Nursing Leadership/Management (5)
Nursing Seminar (2)
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ACCELERATED B.S.N. - WEEKEND OPTION
24 month program: Six trimesters of 12 weekends each
YEAR 1
Trimester 1
Summer
NR 222 Introduction to
Professional Nursing I
Trimester 2
Fall
NR 224 Introduction to
Professional Nursing
(Part B)
NR 224 Introduction to
Professional Nursing II
(Part A)
NR 235 Principles of
Health Assessment
NR 228 Pharmacologic
Agents
NR 331 Professional
Practice Concepts
Trimester 3
Spring
NR 340 Adult Health
Nursing I
NR 345 Family Health
Nursing (Part A)
NR 330 Parent-Child
Nursing
YEAR 2
Trimester 4
Summer
Trimester 5
Fall
Trimester 6
Spring
NR 345 Family Health
Nursing (Part B)
NR 450 Adult Health
Nursing II (Part B)
NR 465 Nursing
Leadership/Management
NR 320 Psychiatric/
Mental Health Nursing
NR 353 Nursing Research
NR 467 Nursing Seminar
NR 450 Adult Health
Nursing II (Part A)
NR 463 Community
Health Nursing
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RN to BSN
ACCELERATED WEDNESDAY OPTION (ACCEL RN)
Year I
Year II
Session I -
NR 235 - Principles of Health
Assessment (Part I) (3)
Session I -
NR 463 - Community Health
Nursing (5)
Session II -
NR 235 - Principles of Health
Assessment (Part II)
Session II -
NR 463 - Community Health
Nursing (Part II) (5)
Session III -
NR 331 - Professional Practice
Concepts (2)
Session III -
NR 465 Nursing Leadership/
Management (Part I) (5)
NR 345 - Family Health Nursing
(Part I) (5)
Session IV -
NR 465 Nursing Leadership/
Management (Part II)
Session IV -
NR 345 - Family Health Nursing
(Part II)
Session V -
NR 353 - Nursing Research (3)
Session VI -
Free electives
NR 467 Nursing Seminar (2)
Advance Standing: Registered Nurses (RN)
Registered nurse applicants from accredited associate degree programs may
be awarded 33 - 36 credits for previous undergraduate lower division nursing
coursework.
Advance Standing: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)
LPN’s who hold New York State Licensure must follow the same course progression
as Traditional students. Prior to entry into the nursing sequence, LPN’s must pass the
following examinations:


Anatomy and Physiology I and II (arranged through the Science department).
A standardized validation examination in nursing, considered the equivalent of
NR 222 (5 credits), must be passed to achieve nursing credits
A total of 5 nursing credits and up to 6 science credits may be awarded for
achieving a passing grade on these examinations.
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Summary of Requirements: The Major in Nursing
Nursing students must complete a minimum of 131 semester hours for award
of the baccalaureate degree. Unless attending full-time, students in the RN to BSN
option must complete a minimum of 57 liberal arts credits prior to entering the nursing
sequence.
ADVISEMENT
All students are assigned an academic advisor upon entry to the college. A nursing
faculty advisor is assigned when students begin nursing courses. ABSN students are
advised by the ABSN Coordinator when beginning the ABSN option. All
Weekend/Accel RN students are advised upon entrance to the college by their
respective coordinators.
Faculty advisor lists are posted on bulletin boards in the Prusmack Center. In
addition, this information is available in the Registrar's Office and in the Division of
Nursing Office. Office hours for advisors are obtained by calling the Division of
Nursing Office. The number is: (845) 848-6028 or 848-6029 or the Weekend ABSN
and Accel RN Office (845) 848-6031.
Prior to registration each semester or trimester, an appointment should be made with
your advisor to review your program of study. A list of courses that are offered each
semester is available from the Registrar’s Office. It is recommended that students
refer to the list in advance of the appointment.
It is recommended that students also meet with their advisors periodically to assess
their progress.
It is required that all students contact their advisors to drop, add or withdraw from a
course.
A student presenting appeals has the right (a) to know the reason for the assigning of
the penalty, (b) to expect that College officials will make a good-faith inquiry into the
facts that resulted in the penalty, (c) to be given an opportunity to present the
student’s own version of the facts, (d) to receive a decision emerging from the
exercise of honest discretion based on the knowable facts, and (e) to be given that
decision within a reasonable time (as conditioned by the availability of the persons
involved).
STATEMENT OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
(Published in the Dominican College Student Handbook and Catalog)
STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
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“As students and faculty of Dominican College and as members of a larger academic
community, we hold ourselves responsible for the maintenance of academic integrity.
Our standard of integrity precludes any form of knowing and willful misrepresentation
of one's work or performance in fulfilling course requirements or any other requisites
for certificates and degrees.”
BREACHES OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Breaches of academic integrity include such practices as:
1.
plagiarism, that is, failing to adequately acknowledge the source of words or
ideas other than one's own
2.
copying or buying completed assignments, research results, or creative
works - even with the knowledge and permission of the author if the work
is represented as one's own
3.
fraudulent procurement, use, or distribution of examinations
4.
giving or receiving information during examination
5.
using unauthorized materials during an examination
6.
signing another's name to examinations, reports, contracts or papers
7.
misrepresentation of reasons for not completing assignments, for not appearing
at examinations, or for prolonged absence from class
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
The Division of Nursing conducts its own review and selection process for admission
into nursing options. All students requesting admission into nursing options must
have a minimum cumulative index of 2.70 and a C+ in all natural sciences courses.
Nursing candidates are required to take the English Placement and the Mathematics
Placement examinations upon entrance into the College. These examinations
determine assignment to appropriate level courses in each subject area. It is required
that Traditional nursing students take two mathematics courses: MA 113 and MA 225.
In order to continue in nursing programs, all nursing students are required to maintain
a cumulative 2.70 GPA. A minimum cumulative grade point average
of 2.7 must be maintained each semester for progression in all nursing options.
Students who fall below a GPA of 2.70 are in academic jeopardy and are not
permitted to continue in nursing. To successfully continue in a nursing option a
minimum grade of C+ is required in all natural science and nursing courses.
Students may repeat the prerequisite science courses one time only and must
achieve a C+ in all science prerequisites for admission to all nursing options.
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Performance in clinical and college lab components of nursing courses is evaluated
on a Pass/Fail basis. A failure in clinical or college lab performance results in a grade
of "F" for the course. The course of study must be completed within a six year time
frame, beginning with the semester of entry into the first nursing course.
Any incident of unsafe practice in the clinical area may result in removal of the student
from direct patient contact and in a failure for the course. The course syllabus is a
contractual agreement between student and course instructor. Each student is given a
course syllabus on the first day of class. Course requirements are documented on
each course syllabus. Course objectives are listed in course syllabi and clinical
evaluation records. Papers, care plans, presentations, examinations and test formats
are determined by each course instructor. Nursing students are responsible for
reading and understanding course objectives needed to successfully pass each
nursing course.
The grading system for all tests/papers is as follows:
GRADE SCALE
96 - 100
92 - 95
88 - 91
84 - 87
80 - 83
76 - 79
72 - 75
68 - 71
64 - 67
60 - 63
below 60
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
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STUDENTS TAKING NURSING CLASSES ACROSS OPTIONS
Nursing students enrolled in an Option who wish to re-take a non-clinical
nursing course in another Option must get approval from their academic
advisor and program coordinator. Students who are allowed to take a class
in another option will be admitted to that class enrollment permitting.
SKILLS LAB CERTIFICATION
Students are required to sign a Student’s Certification Contract with the
Skills Lab Instructor. (Skills laboratory policies are located in Appendix B).
MEDICATION CALCULATION EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
Students who do not hold a professional nursing license take a Medication
Calculations Exam once each semester or trimester at an appointed time as
designated in the course Syllabus. It is recommended that remediation be
completed by the student based on the strengths and weaknesses of the
student’s test results. The medication calculations exam will be given in:
NR 224 - Introduction to Professional Nursing II
NR 330 - Parent-Child Nursing
NR 340 - Adult Health Nursing I
NR 450 - Adult Health Nursing II
NR 463 - Community Health Nursing
In the ABSN option, the medication calculations exam will be given in:
NR 224 - Introduction to Professional Nursing II
NR 340 - Adult Health Nursing I
NR 450 - Adult Health Nursing II
(WABSN only NR 330 – Parent-Child Nursing)
The passing grade for medication calculations exams is 90%. Students who do
not achieve a grade of 90% on the first exam are strongly encouraged to develop
a learning plan prior to taking a second exam. If a grade of 90% is not achieved on
the second exam, the student will receive a grade of “F” for the course.
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LICENSURE EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT
RN pre-licensure students must participate in diagnostic exercises developed
by Educational Resources, Inc. and administered by the Division of Nursing.
Students must succeed on the simulated comprehensive NCLEX examination
given at the end of the program, and attend and complete the ERI 4 day NCLEX
Review course. Seniors take the simulated examination during the final
semester. The 4-day NCLEX Review course will be given after graduation.
TEST TAKING PROTOCOL
The Division of Nursing has instituted a Test Taking Protocol that is followed by all
instructors. Students are not re-admitted to the testing room once an examination
begins. Students having questions during the examination must remain in their seats.
If a student is found cheating, either by giving or receiving information, the exam is
taken away and a grade of Zero (0) is assigned. The handling of electronic devices
during examinations will be determined by the instructor and included in the course
syllabus. At the discretion of the Nursing faculty and the Academic Standing
Committee, the student may be asked to withdraw from the Nursing Program.
Plagiarism results in a course failure, and possible expulsion from the Nursing program.
The instructor is obligated to record the incident, a copy of which is kept in the student's file and
made available for student review. The student's advisor is informed of the incident by the
instructor of the course. The student has the right to appeal through the grievance procedure.
All cell phones and computer related devices must be turned off during lectures and labs. They
must be turned off and placed on the instructor’s desk during examinations and quizzes. All
devices will be returned after the test. Any student found with a cell phone or computer related
device in his/her possession during a test,
will receive a grade of Zero (0) for the exam. A second violation may result in dismissal.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS AND DRUG TESTING FOR CLINICAL AGENCIES
Students will be required to complete criminal background checks and/or drug testing
as mandated by clinical agencies and/or the Division of Nursing. The cost of the background
checks and/or drug testing is the responsibility of the student. A decision
by any agency to prohibit a student from attending clinical will be final.
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GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
The procedure to follow for a grievance is:
1.
meet with course instructor
2.
meet with academic advisor
3.
meet with Program Coordinator
4.
meet with Division Director
If necessary, referral is made to the Academic Standing Committee in the Division of Nursing.
Subsequent appeal procedures are initiated by the student as outlined in the College
Student Handbook and outlined as below:
Persons penalized for violations of academic integrity may appeal their cases by
applying to the next level of academic authority, i.e., from the Instructor to the
Discipline Coordinator/Program Director, to the Division Director, and finally to the
Dean, who may refer the matter to the Committee on Academic Standards for review
and recommended action. The Dean may require that the appeal at this level be
presented in writing.
At times of year when the instructor is maintaining a regular schedule on campus, a
student wishing to initiate the appeal process is expected to do so within two weeks of
being notified that a penalty has been imposed. The same time is allowed for any
subsequent appeals from level to level in the process. In the event of a delay
necessitated by prolonged absence on the part of the instructor or (in the case of
subsequent appeals) the appropriate authority at a new appeals level, the student is
expected within two weeks to file notice of the intended appeal with the Dean, who will
reinstitute the process at such time as an informed and balanced review can be
conducted.
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FILING AN INTENT FORM
To successfully continue in a nursing option a minimum grade of C+ is required
in all natural sciences and nursing courses.
Repetition of a nursing course requires that the student file an Intent Form. This form
documents the student's commitment to continue in the nursing program. Students
are required to see their advisors to complete the Intent Form. Each Intent Form is
reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee of the Division of Nursing. This
Committee reserves the right to determine whether a student continues in the nursing
program. Permission to continue in the nursing program does not guarantee an
available opening into the nursing course needed by the student. Students will
be able to return to their next nursing course on a space available basis. A maximum
of one nursing course may be repeated only once and only with permission of
the Academic Standing Committee in the Division of Nursing.
NURSING ACADEMIC STANDING COMMITTEE PROTOCOL
Admission to Nursing Courses
CURRENTLY ENROLLED STUDENTS, WITH A PASSING GRADE, HAVE FIRST
PRIORITY INTO NURSING COURSES IN THEIR PROGRAM OPTION.
When space is not available for students requesting entrance, the following
guidelines prevail:
a.
Second priority will be given to transfer students who have successfully
completed challenge exams.
b.
Third priority will be given to students who are in good academic
standing as defined by the Academic Standing Committee, and whose
entrance into a specific nursing course has been previously delayed.
c.
Fourth priority will be given to students who have failed and need to
repeat a nursing course
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PROCEDURE FOR READMISSION INTO THE NURSING SEQUENCE
1.
The student files an Intent Form including the date of the request. This Form
is filed in the office of the Division of Nursing with the Chairperson of the
Academic Standing Committee.
2.
Recommendations are then made in writing by the Nursing Academic
Standing Committee to the program coordinator.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS
It is expected that all nursing students maintain a professional demeanor since their
behavior is reflective of professional nursing. Faculty persons should not be
contacted at home, unless they give permission and provide a number at which they
may be reached.
Faculty members have the obligation to promulgate this standard and to instruct their
students to:
1.
observe standards of integrity in dealing with the college administration
and faculty; and,
2.
learn and apply appropriate research procedures.
An understanding of the theory behind documentation is necessary, not just to avoid
unwitting plagiarism, but to promote serious scholarly pursuits.
Students have the right to learn and develop in an environment characterized, so far
as possible, by academic integrity. Thus, if students observe a breach of integrity cheating on an examination, for example - they have a right to report it to the
instructor and to expect that the instructor will take appropriate corrective action. Any
action taken by the instructor must begin with independent, discreet, and certain
validation of the report.
PENALTIES
Depending on the nature and seriousness of the breach in academic integrity,
the instructor may impose one or more of several penalties in common use at
institutions of higher education. (See test taking protocol and policies for breaches of
Academic Integrity).
Repeated violations of academic integrity will result in dismissal from the College.
CLINICAL PROTOCOLS
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STUDENTS MUST WEAR A COLLEGE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION AT ALL TIMES
IN THE CLASSROOM AND CLINICAL AREAS.
l. UNIFORM DRESS CODE
Acute Care Facilities
Official white dress or pants suit uniform with Dominican College patch on left sleeve.
Dress hem must be at the knee. Official lab coat with Dominican College patch on
sleeve may be worn over the uniform. Sweaters are not permitted. Surgical scrub
sets may be required as per instructor.
Official white closed uniform shoe with plain white stockings. Sneakers, clogs, slipons or sandals are not permitted.
Dominican College identification pin is worn on the left side of uniform/lab coat.
Ambulatory Care Agencies, Home Health Agencies, and Psychiatric Settings
Professional conservative attire such as navy blue slacks or skirts with a white or light
blue top. Denim jeans/skirts and T-shirts are not permitted. Dark blue, black, or
brown shoes. Dominican College identification pin.
All Settings
Hair is worn off the collar. Dangling earrings, necklaces and bracelets are not
permitted. Rings are not permitted except for stainless plain wedding bands. Nails
must be short and without nail polish; no artificial nails are allowed. Male students
must be clean shaven with no facial hair. Any visible body piercing jewelry is not
permitted in the clinical setting. No open-toed shoes are permitted in clinical.
Students are required to follow all agency protocols regarding dress code, attire and
facial hair.
Weekend and ARN students are required to wear a lab coat and a Dominican College
identification pin for all clinicals, unless otherwise indicated by instructor.
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II. ATTENDANCE IN THE CLINICAL SETTING
Students must report on time to clinical facilities. Attendance is mandatory at all
college labs/clinical sessions. Clinical absence may result in a clinical failure. Clinical
groups are assigned by faculty. Students are responsible for providing their own
transportation to all clinical agencies and must adhere to agency policies. Students
must consult the course syllabus for additional details regarding attendance
requirements.
HEALTH INSURANCE/LICENSURE
All nursing students participating in clinical rotations at Dominican College must have
copies of required health and insurance information on file in the Division of Nursing.
No student will be permitted in the clinical setting unless all requirements are
on file. Requirements are subject to change, based on county, state and
agency requirements.
The following information must be current and on record prior to the first class day of
all clinical courses:
1.
An annual physical examination. Physical examination forms (Form 1)
may be obtained from the secretary in the Division of Nursing, the ABSN
Coordinator, or the Weekend/Accel RN office. These exams must be
completed annually.
2.
A negative 2 step PPD (Mantoux Skin test) annually, or an official report
of treatment if the TB results are positive. The tests are given 1-3 weeks
apart. In all persons with a positive PPD, an annual chest x-ray
evaluation and evidence of treatment must be provided, according to
clinical site requirements.
3.
Proof of Diphtheria/Tetanus (dT) (Form 2) immunization within the last 10
years.
4.
Evidence of Hepatitis B Vaccine (HBV) (Form 2), vaccination, or HBV
positive titer or Waiver. (Waivers are available from the secretary in the
Division of Nursing, the ABSN Coordinator, or the Weekend/Accel RN
Nursing office).
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5.
Serum titer results of rubeola, mumps, rubella and varicella (Form 2) (if
titers are negative, proof of immunization is needed with the exception of
varicella). The actual numerical lab results of titers with written
numbers are needed. Reports of past exposure, antigen levels or
vaccination are not sufficient.
6.
Liability (malpractice) insurance of at least one million dollars per occurrence
times three. Copy of the face sheet of policy with amount
of coverage and expiration date must be provided. Application forms are
available from the secretary in the Division of Nursing, the ABSN Coordinator,
and/or Weekend/Accel RN Nursing office.
7.
RN and LPN students must have a current copy of their professional
license visually verified by an advisor. Evidence of verification is
placed in their file.
8.
Students must submit a valid driver’s license, current auto
insurance card and car registration when required by specific agencies.
9.
CPR - American Heart Association "Course C: Basic Life Support
for Healthcare Providers". Programs are regularly scheduled
by the American Heart Association in a variety of locations.
Call your local American Heart Association or acute care facility
for dates and times of offerings. CPR certification is required beginning
with NR 222 and must be kept current throughout the nursing sequence.
All of the above listed requirements must be satisfied prior to attendance in any
clinical course.
WRITING STYLE
The Division of Nursing requires that all formally written papers follow the American
Psychological Association (APA) writing style.
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, latest edition,
should be purchased by all nursing students and adhered to when writing formal
papers.
Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (2001)
(5th ed.) Washington, DC: APA.
The Manual is on reserve in the Library and may be purchased at the College
Bookstore.
CHALLENGE EXAMS
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Sciences
Students may challenge Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Chemistry, and Microbiology at
the discretion of the Science Coordinator. These in-house challenge exams are
administered through the Science Division. Arrangements to take these exams are
made individually by calling the Science Coordinator at (845) 848-6007. There is a
processing fee and an additional transfer-of-credit fee which is posted to student
accounts when credits appear on transcripts.
Nursing
RN Candidates:
1) Registered nurse applicants will be awarded 31 credits after completion of
NR 331 and NR 335 with a grade of C+ or better.
2)
A minimum GPA of 2.70 is required prior to entry into all nursing courses
3) A minimum grade of C+ is required in BI331: Integrative Physiology
LPN Candidates:
The faculty of the Division of Nursing recognizes the knowledge of LPNs through
award of course credit by examination. Prior to entrance into the generic nursing
sequence, the following examinations must be passed:
a) Anatomy & Physiology I & II (arranged through Science Department).
b) A standardized validation examination in Nursing, considered the equivalent of
NR 222 (5 credits), must be passed to achieve nursing credits.
A total of 5 nursing credits and up to six science credits may
be awarded for achieving a passing grade on these examinations.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Challenge Exams for Prospective LPN Students
LPN Challenge Exams are offered twice yearly in October and May. There is a charge
for each of the exams. This fee is paid at the Business Office (Cooke Hall) prior to
taking the exam. Receipt of payment must be submitted with registration for the
examination.
Dates and pre-registration forms for LPN exams are available from the LPN advisor.
CLEP:
The College Level Examination Program offers two kinds of examinations: the CLEP
General Examinations and the CLEP Subject Examinations. The CLEP General
Examinations are designed to provide a comprehensive measure of undergraduate
achievement in basic areas of liberal arts (English Composition, Mathematics, Natural
Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences and History). The subject examinations are
designed to measure achievement in specified undergraduate courses and are similar
to final or end-of-course examinations offered in colleges throughout the country.
CLEP tests are administered during the third week of each month throughout the year
except February and December, at colleges and universities listed in "CLEP Test
Centers and Other Participating Institutions.”
Students who feel they may be eligible for credit through CLEP examinations must
seek advice and obtain signatures from their advisors and from the Academic Dean.
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NURSING ORGANIZATIONS
Sigma Theta Tau
Sigma Theta Tau is the International Honor Society for Nursing. Zeta Omega is the
chapter to which Dominican College belongs along with Pace University, Mercy
College, and the College of New Rochelle. Sigma Theta Tau promotes excellence in
nursing practice through research and leadership by recognition and support. Sigma
Theta Tau publishes a quarterly journal, newsletters, and a directory of researchers.
The on-line Virginia Henderson Library is a rapidly expanding resource for its
members. Zeta Omega Chapter regularly presents scholarly programs.
Membership in Sigma Theta Tau is by invitation only during senior or junior year. For
undergraduate students, eligibility is based solely on academic achievement as
evidenced by a student's cumulative index of 3.0 or better. The top one-third of
students from each option is invited. Two faculty members must recommend each
applicant. An induction ceremony is held each year for new members and their
guests.
Student Nursing Association of Dominican College
All students in the Division of Nursing are members of the Student Nursing
Association of Dominican College (SNADC). In order to be an active member,
students are required to attend a minimum of 3 meetings each academic year. In
addition, students are encouraged to serve as student representatives on nursing
division and college wide committees, and to engage in SNADC activities and
programs.
The purposes of SNADC are to promote collaboration among students, faculty, and
administration, represent student interests in student government functions, and
provide programs of professional interest to its members. SNADC represents a
channel of communication for students to express concerns or issues within the
Division of Nursing.
SNADC also publishes newsletters and sponsors social events. Officers, class
representatives, and the faculty moderator are elected by members each Fall.
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PEER TUTOR PROGRAM
SNADC sponsors a Peer Tutor Program which is available to all students enrolled in
nursing courses. The Peer Tutor Program provides individualized assistance with
academic instruction, support and study skills. Students interested in becoming peer
tutors should contact the president of SNADC.
Criteria for Eligibility for Becoming a Peer Tutor:
1.
Nursing students who have completed both Introduction to
Professional Nursing courses (NR 222 and NR 224) or RN/LPN
students who have successfully completed at least six credits of
baccalaureate nursing courses.
2.
GPA of 3.0 or above
3.
Recommendation from faculty advisor
4.
Interview with course faculty member
5.
Ability to participate in summer and/or fall workshop for
orientation (2-4 hours)
6.
Availability to tutor 2 - 4 hours per week
Guidelines for Peer Tutor Program:
1.
Peer tutor program is administered by SNADC President and
SNADC Faculty Moderator.
2.
Peer Tutor carries no more than 2 students per semester.
3.
Tutoring sessions last from 1 - 2 hours per week.
4.
Mutual objectives, meeting dates and times are established during
the first session. The plan is documented and submitted to the
SNADC President and Faculty Moderator.
5. Peer Tutor submits a brief written evaluation of activities to
President and faculty moderator after each session.
SNADC
6. Compensation of $8.00 per hour is given to the Peer Tutor by the student.
Students interested in using the Peer Tutor Program should contact the
President of SNADC who will assist in obtaining a Peer Tutor.
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CAMPUS RESOURCES
Library:
The book collection is located in Rosary Hall. The magazine
and periodical collection is located within the main Library.
Computers are available and students have remote access to
several search engines. Students must visit the library to
obtain access codes.
Library hours are posted on the library door or can be
obtained by calling the Librarian at (845) 848-7505.
Resource
Center:
The Writing Center is located in Rosary Hall and is open
during the day, one evening per week, and weekend hours
are posted. Call to check hours (845) 848-4056.
Bookstore:
The Bookstore is located in Granito Center. Call for hours of
operation: (845) 680-0353.
PINNING CEREMONY
Students who have completed required courses for the BSN degree are awarded the
Dominican College Nursing Pin at a special Pinning Ceremony. The event is held
during the second week of May. SNADC arranges the purchase of pins in early
Spring.