VOCATIONAL NURSE
& REGISTERED NURSE
STUDENT HANDBOOK
ADDENDUM
2015- 2016
NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
Table of Contents
TOPIC
PAGE
Section 1- General Information
Welcome
Mission Statement
Philosophy
Conceptual Framework
Purpose
Program Goals
Entry Level Competencies
Board of Nursing Clearance
Declaratory Orders
4
5
5
6
7
7
7-9
9
9
Section 2 – School Policies
Attendance & Grades
Communication Requirements
Clinical Evaluation & Grading - Attendance
Clinical Make-up Guidelines
Theory Evaluation & Grading
Exam/Quiz Policy
Academic Advising
Academic Progression Policy
Petition for Reinstatement
Graduation
Assessment Technologies Institute
School Hours
Classroom Dress Code
Use of Social Media
Confidentiality
Code of Conduct
Professional Behavior
Immunizations
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Drug Screen Policy
Background Check
Health Insurance
Standard Precautions /Occupational Exposure
10
10
10
11
12
12
13
13
14-16
16
16
17
17
17
17-18
18-20
20-21
21-23
23
23
24
24
24
Section 3 – Student Schedules
Course Dates
25
Section 4 – Student Involvement
Student Advisory Council
Course & Faculty Evaluations
25
25
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
Table of Contents cont.
TOPIC
PAGE
Student Organizations
25
Section 5 – Student Services
Student Services
26
Appendices:
A – Student Faculty & Course Evaluation
B – Clinical Site Evaluation
Signature Page
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
Welcome to the Nursing Programs at Career Point College! You are a part of a very
select group and should be proud to have this opportunity. I am looking forward to
working with you as you progress through the program. I understand you will be faced
with many challenges both personal and academic during the next year. Please know
that I and the faculty are available to offer support and guidance along the way. This
education path you have selected will be intense and demanding however, I believe the
rewards will be remarkable.
This handbook is an addendum to the Career Point College (CPC) New Student
Handbook. The handbooks are designed to provide information and policies related to
CPC and the nursing programs. All students are responsible for the information provided
and expected to adhere to all policies. In the case of duplicated policies the Nursing
Division policy will apply to you.
I wish you the best of luck as you begin this journey.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Cook
Jennifer Cook, MSN, RN
Director of Nursing, ADN Program
Career Point College
jcook@careerpointcollege.edu
210-298-2072
Wanda G. Cordaway
Wanda G. Cordaway, BSN, RN
Director of Nursing, LVN Program
Career Point College
wcordaway@careerpointcollege.edu
210-298-2037
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION
MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE NURSING PROGRAMS
Career Point College’s Division of Nursing Program is committed to providing students
the opportunity to receive a quality, career-focused education that will assist them to
succeed in the workplace, while functioning as a competent member of the healthcare
team.
PHILOSOPHY
Congruent with CPC’s mission and student learning objectives, the philosophy of nursing
education is one of commitment to lifelong learning and the provision of safe,
compassionate, quality nursing care to individuals, families and communities. The nurse
is committed to the promotion and restoration of health and the prevention of illness in
individuals, families, groups and communities. The nurse participates in the nursing
problem-solving process by performing full assessments, planning and modifying plans
of care, delegating or implementing care appropriately within the nurses’ scope of
practice and the evaluation of client outcomes.
Learning is the result of goal-directed interactions between student and instructor.
Learning integrates theory, lab (simulation) and clinical experiences ranging from simple
to complex along the health-illness continuum. Building on the student’s past
experiences, knowledge and skills is emphasized to provide the foundation for life-long
learning.
THE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN NURSING - REGISTERED NURSE
CURRICULUM -CONCEPT BASED CURRICULUM
1. Concept-based Models; creates a mental bridge between factual knowledge and
conceptual understanding, so students integrate their thinking as they relate facts
to organizing concepts (classification of information). New knowledge is linked to
prior knowledge, and students achieve deeper levels of understanding.
(H. Lynn Erickson, Concept Based Curriculum and Instruction)
2. Concept-based Curriculum vs. Traditional Curriculum
 Traditional curriculum requires students to “cover” topics, memorize facts,
and restate them for evaluation purposes.
 Concept-based method stresses, identifying and thinking through concepts
(generalities) and “big ideas”. It encourages critical thinking and use of
previous experiences.
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
3. Conceptual Lens
 Focuses on concept
 Forces thinking to the integration level
Students see patterns and connections at conceptual level as they relate topic to
the broader study framed by the lens
THE VOCATIONAL NURSING - CURRICULUM
1. VN Courses incorporate the key concepts of the individual, society, and health
throughout the curriculum. The individual uses self-care and adaptation to reach
the optimal state of health within society. The nurse uses the nursing process to
assist the individual with performing self-care activities and/or adaptation
strategies throughout the lifecycle.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
1. Each individual is an interactive, complex spiritual and bio-psychosocial being
influenced by society, family, friends and the environment. Each individual strives
to satisfy essential human needs identified by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Each
person is a thinking being who uses problem solving, self-care (Orem) and
adaptation (Roy) to work within society to achieve an optimum level of health and
quality of life. Individuals are influenced by stresses, cultural factors, past
experiences and the desire to meet essential needs. The nursing student helps
individuals recognize the nurse's role in education for preventing illness, restoring
and maintaining health, and planning interventions to maximize self-care abilities
and minimize the impact of illness on adaptation including mind, body and spirit.
2. Society is composed of the individual, family, friends, other people and the
environment. Each individual is part of a system composed of a constantly
changing environment and interpersonal relationships.
Communication and
maintenance of interpersonal relationships within society facilitate adaptation to
changes in the environment, roles, systems and family. Society depends on an
individual's optimal level of health and the collaborative support of nurses to prevent
illness, maintain & restore health, and assist with adaptation to self-care deficits.
3. Health is the optimal state of the individual on a wellness illness continuum. Health
exists when the individual is able to perform self-care to achieve the highest level of
wellness and quality of life. The individual's level of health is influenced by stress,
crises, internal and external systems, hygiene and physiologic changes throughout
the life cycle. The nurse assists the individual in satisfying his/her basic need to
achieve health by encouraging preventive and restorative health behaviors in a
variety of settings. When an individual is unable to adapt to illness, the nurse
performs prescribed interventions to facilitate adaptation to the highest level of selfcare.
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
4. Nursing is a service oriented profession that facilitates the individual's adaptation to an
optimal state of health by supplementing, restoring and maintaining self-care. Nursing uses
a problem solving process to assess, plan and implement nursing actions and evaluate the
responses of individuals. The nursing student serve as a supportive health care team
member and gathers data, records observations, and communicates information relative to
patient problem lists, nursing care plans and evaluations of the individual's response to
medical and nursing interventions.
5. Education is based on a conceptually based curriculum approach. The process includes
didactic instruction, practical exercises and clinical experiences ranging from simple to
complex interventions that support adaptation to self-care on the wellness illness continuum
throughout the life cycle. The nursing student learns through goal-directed collaboration
with instructors to achieve the terminal learning objectives of the course and gain skills for
continued learning throughout their career.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Division of Nursing Program is to prepare selected and qualified
candidates to:
1.
Provide basic nursing support within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act
during the delivery of nursing care.
2.
Function as efficient, effective, safe and competent nurses by demonstrating
personal integrity, accountability, responsibility, dependability and initiative.
PROGRAM GOALS
Upon successful completion of the program the graduate student will be prepared to:
1.
Practice as a safe, competent VN/RN under the direction of an approved
provider as defined by Rule 217.11, Standards of Nursing Practice (Texas,
BON).
2.
Function as a provider of care using the nursing process to assist in the
determination of predictable healthcare needs of clients.
3.
Function as a coordinator of care of licensed and unlicensed staff in
structured healthcare settings according to designated job descriptions.
4.
Assume the role of a member of a profession by: demonstrating
accountability and responsibility for quality care; serving as client advocate
and representing the positive contribution RNs make to nursing.
ENTRY-LEVEL COMPETENCIES
Entry level competencies expected of the graduate nursing student from Career Point
College are based on the entry level competencies established by the Texas board of
Nursing and include the following:
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
MEMBER OF THE PROFESSION
1.
2.
3.
4.
Function within the nurse’s legal scope of practice and in accordance with the
policies and procedures of the employing health care institution or practice setting.
Assume responsibility and accountability for the quality of nursing care provided to
patients and their families.
Contribute to activities that promote the development and practice of vocational
nursing.
Demonstrate responsibility for continued competence in nursing practice, and
develop insight through reflection, self-analysis, self-care, and lifelong learning.
PROVIDER OF PATIENT-CENTERED CARE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Use clinical reasoning, critical thinking and established evidence-based policies as
the basis for decision making in nursing practice.
Assist in determining the physical and mental health status, needs, and preferences
of culturally, ethnically, and socially diverse patients and their families based on
interpretation of health–related data.
Report data to assist in the identification of problems and formulation of
goals/outcomes and patient-centered plans of care in collaboration with patients,
their families, and the interdisciplinary health care team.
Provide safe, compassionate, basic nursing care to assigned patients with
predictable health care needs through a supervised, directed scope of practice.
Implement aspects of the plan of care within legal, ethical, and regulatory
parameters and in consideration of patient factors.
Identify and report alterations in patient responses to therapeutic interventions in
comparison to expected outcomes.
Implement teaching plans for patients and their families with common health
problems and well-defined health learning needs.
Assist in the coordination of human, information, and materiel resources in
providing care for assigned patients and their families.
PATIENT SAFETY ADVOCATE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
8
Demonstrate knowledge of the Texas Nursing Practice Act and the Texas Board of
Nursing Rules that emphasize safety, as well as all federal, state, and local
government and accreditation organization safety requirements and standards.
Implement measures to promote quality and a safe environment for patients, self,
and others.
Assist in the formulation of goals and outcomes to reduce patient risks.
Obtain instruction, supervision, or training as needed when implementing nursing
procedures or practices.
Comply with mandatory reporting requirements of the Texas Nursing Practice Act.
Accept and make assignments that take into consideration patient safety and
organizational policy.
NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
MEMBER OF THE HEALTH CARE TEAM
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Communicate and collaborate with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary
health care team to assist in the planning, delivery, and coordination of patient
centered care to assigned patients.
Participate as an advocate in activities that focus on improving the health care of
patients and their families.
Participate in the identification of patient needs for referral to resources that facilitate
continuity of care, and ensure confidentiality.
Communicate and collaborate in a timely manner with members of the
interdisciplinary health care team to promote and maintain optimal health status of
patients and their families.
Communicate patient data using technology to support decision making to improve
patient care.
RNs assign nursing care to LVNs or unlicensed personnel based upon an analysis
of patient or unit need.
Supervise nursing care provided by others for whom the nurse is responsible.
BOARD OF NURSING (BON) CLEARANCE
All students are required to obtain/have BON clearance to start the Vocational Nursing or
Registered Nursing programs. Blue cards or clearance letters must be submitted to the
nursing division before students can begin their first term.
DECLARATORY ORDERS
Prospective students who know they have a positive criminal background are required to
complete “Declaratory Orders” for the Texas Board of Nursing Examiners. This packet can
be obtained by going to the BON
website
at:
http://www.bon.texas.gov.
The
“Declaratory Order” must be submitted and results received by the Vocational Nursing
Program before the applicant to the VN Program. This process can take as long as 3-6
months; therefore, prospective students with a criminal background are encouraged to start
this process early.
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
SECTION 2 – SCHOOL POLICIES
ATTENDANCE & GRADES
Nursing students are expected to demonstrate a commitment and responsibility to
clients during their clinical learning experiences. This can best be demonstrated by
consistent on-time attendance to scheduled clinical experiences. Absences and
tardiness interfere with the student’s ability to attain clinical competence and meet
course objectives.
Attendance is strongly encouraged, especially for laboratory and clinical learning
experiences. Absence from clinical and laboratory learning experiences will result in a
reduction in the student’s grade for those courses. Students cannot have more than
one clinical absence. Students will only be able to make up one clinical absence.
COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS
All students are required to contact their instructor prior to class starting if they will not be
able to attend. Any student missing two or more consecutive days is required to
contact their Student Service Coordinator (SSC) and VN/RN Director of Nursing
(DON).
CLINICAL EVALUATION AND GRADING – ATTENDANCE
NOTE: No student may attend a clinical class unless required vaccinations and
CPR certification are up to date and on file with the Clinical Coordinator.
Tardiness
 If a student arrives 15 or more minutes late for clinical at the start of the shift or
following a break, he/she will have 50 points deducted from his/her daily grade.
Leaving Early
 If a student leaves 15 or more minutes before the instructor dismisses, the students
from clinical, he/she will have 50 points deducted from his/her daily grade.
Absences
 Students who will be absent for any reason must communicate with the instructor
before the clinical experience. He/she will have 100 points deducted from his/her
daily grade. First clinical absence the student will be put on attendance
probation, the second absence the student will/may be terminated from the
program.
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16

The missed clinical must be made-up with in the week of the missed clinical, or the
student will receive a 0, the maximum grade will be 75. Excused absences will
only by approved by the DON and student should provide documentation.
Excused absences will consist of illness, either self or child; jury duty;
bereavement; reservist duty; no other reasons will be accepted.
If returning from surgery or any major illness must provide full release from doctor
before returning to the clinical site, no light duty will be accepted.
Documentation supporting the required missed activity must be turned in to the
ADON/DON or clinical coordinator so that the makeup can be authorized.



CLINICAL MAKE-UP GUIDELINES
Listed below are guidelines that the clinical instructors will follow when a student misses
a clinical day.











Clinical make-up authorization forms must be submitted to the Clinical
Coordinator with documentation by the Clinical Instructor within 1 week of the
absence in order to have clinical make-up consideration. Without appropriate
documentation attached, a make-up will not be considered
Documentation includes a physician or clinic note, an ER/Hospital dismissal note,
a jury summons, etc.
Clinical make-up must be scheduled within 1 weeks of the missed clinical
experience
Only excused absences will be allowed a clinical make-up. Extenuating
circumstances will be evaluated on an individual basis
If the student missed the scheduled make-up; another make-up time will not be
scheduled
Students who are no call/no show for clinical will not be allowed to make-up a
clinical absence and must see the SSC of students/DON/Program Coordinator
before returning for next clinical shift
No clinical make-up will be considered unless it is greater than 4 hours.
If students know there will have a future absence, the student must obtain prior
authorization from ADON/DON and make-up the clinical time before the
scheduled absence date
Each request for clinical make-ups will be reviewed and decisions will be made
on an individual basis
Clinical make-ups will not be allowed beyond the end of each term
No clinical make-ups will be allowed within the last two weeks of the
clinical rotation
No Show/No Call
If a student does not notify the instructor that he/she is unable to attend clinical,
he/she will have 100 points deducted from his/her daily grade, will be required to
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
meet with the appropriate DON, and will be placed on probation. Subsequent or
repeat occurrences may result in termination from the VN and RN program.
THEORY EVALUATION AND GRADING-ATTENDANCE
A final grade of 75% is considered passing in all nursing courses. Inability to achieve at
least a 75% will result in failure of the course.
Grading Scale
A
90-100
4 grade points
B
80-89
3 grade points
C
75-79
2 grade points
F
74 or below
0 grade point
Additional Letter Codes:
I – Incomplete
R – Repeated
W – Withdrawal
TO – Test Out
EXAM/QUIZ POLICY
Tardiness
 If a student arrives late for an exam he/she will not be allowed to take the exam.
 If the instructor deems that there is a valid reason for the tardiness the student
may be allowed to take a different version of the exam at a later time to be
determined by the instructor. There will be a 10% penalty applied to the exam
grade. There will be no make-up for quizzes.
No Show/No Call

Students that fail to attend a scheduled exam without notifying the instructor will
receive a zero on the exam. .
Absences


12
Students that are unable to resolve schedule conflicts or that are ill for a graded
experience (test or presentation), must communicate with the instructor as soon
as possible. The make-up of the missed exam or presentation must be
scheduled on the day the student returns to school and completed within one
week of the absence or the student will receive a zero. There will be up to a 10%
penalty applied to the exam grade. There will be no make-up for quizzes.
Extenuating circumstances will be evaluated by the individual faculty
and/or ADON/DON.
NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
ACADEMIC ADVISING


Students will receive individual advising if their progress is not satisfactory and
are strongly encouraged to approach their instructor if they need assistance in
understanding the course material. Advising is mandatory when the student is
failing a course at any time during the term.
A mid-term clinical evaluation is conducted with all students to notify them of their
clinical performance status.
PROGRESSION AND GRADUATION
ACADEMIC PROGRESSION POLICY
If a student fails a subject(s) in any term, the progression committee will decide if the
student may repeat all classes in that term or be terminated from the program. If a
student is allowed to remain with the program and repeat, the student will be required to
see the SSC for academic probationary advising.
-A student will be placed on academic probation if any of the following occurs:
-A cumulative GPA below 2.0
-A grade of < 75% or below in a required course or in a clinical course.


A student will be terminated from the program if he/she earns a grade of<
75% or below in a second required course, either theory or clinical.
All Proctored ATI Assessments within Nursing Courses must be passed
with a Level 2 to pass each Nursing Course.
The student will be notified by the DON of their academic probation prior to re-entering
the course. A time limited plan of action (“i.e., Remediation Plan”) for the student to
improve his/her academic performance will be developed at that time, put in writing,
signed by the advisor and the student, and placed in the student’s file.
During the period of probation, the student must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better, or
he/she is subject to termination from the program. The progression committee will
document the Remediation Plan and set a date (midpoint of the course) for the student
and the committee to meet again and evaluate progress. If at midpoint the student’s
current grade in the repeated course is < 75%, the student may be terminated by the
appropriate VNDON or the RN DON at Career Point College.
Students terminated from Career Point College after the second failed course will
be allowed to re-apply for admission to Career Point College after 2 months per
admissions policy. The student may petition for readmission for the VN/RN Nursing
Program earlier than the 2 months if they meet the requirements outlined below in the
Petition for Reinstatement policy. A petition will be considered by the committee and is
not a guarantee of reinstatement.
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
Once the student has regained a GPA of 2.0, earned a grade of 75% or better in a
repeated required course, and/or demonstrated satisfactory performance in a clinical
course, she/he may petition to be reinstated in good academic standing.
Graduation is contingent upon the student being in good academic standing, meeting all
CPC requirements, and completing required clinical hours and experience.
PETITION FOR REINSTATEMENT (This policy supersedes the Re-entry after
Termination Policy included in the institutional catalog)
Eligibility
Ordinarily, eligibility for reinstatement begins no sooner than 2 months after your
termination. You are encouraged to file your petition six weeks before the start date so
that if you are reinstated, you can pre-register in a timely fashion.
Your petition MUST reach the Academic &Progressions committee prior to the start of
the next session that you are petitioning to enter. You may not petition for a course that
has already started.
Procedures

Begin your typed petition by stating your name (include names used previously at
CPC), your email address, telephone number, and the course you wish to return
to. Then, describe in detail the reasons for the non-productive behavior that
resulted in your academic failure.

Be specific. Describe your study habits, the amount of time you dedicated to
studying, the conditions under which you lived while attending school, your
involvement in other activities, such as employment, and any other information
relevant to your poor academic performance.

Be clear about your strategy for a successful return to CPC. Do not make vague
statements, e.g., “I plan to study more.” Explain the courses you plan to retake,
and state the goals you have made for yourself academically. Please limit your
petition to two pages.
Requirements
For consideration to be reinstated sooner than the 2 month requirement, the student
must have achieved the following objectives:
1) The student must have taken at least one ATI Exam and scored the minimum
requirement of Level 2.
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
2) Have a documented reason for the second failure; catastrophic illness or death within
the immediate family. (The student must have achieved > 75% in the course prior to the
incident.)
3) You must ask two people (no relatives, peers, or spouses) who have known you
during your attendance at CPC, to write letters of reference about your readiness to
return to CPC. The letters should include the person’s name, title, if any, address,
signature and telephone number, and must be mailed directly to Director of the VN/RN
Nursing programs at the address above by the person writing the reference letter.
Withdrawal

A student wishing to withdraw from the program should contact the
SSC/ADN/VNDON.
Termination




A student will be immediately terminated from the Nursing Programs when the
student’s behavior in any school related activity is determined to be inconsistent
with professional responsibility and accountability.
A student will be immediately terminated from the Nursing Programs for
unprofessional conduct that is likely to deceive, defraud or injure clients or the
public by any act, practice or omission that fails to conform to the accepted
standards of the nursing profession.
A student that is considered unsafe in the clinical area will be immediately
terminated from the VN/RN Program.
Specific behaviors that will lead to immediate termination from the program:
o Patient abuse, neglect or abandonment
o Endangering the patient’s safety by not being mentally prepared, for
example working the night before.
o Substance abuse
o Theft
o Endangering the school’s relationship with a clinical agency
Probation


15
Students will be placed on a 30 day or more probation for the following
behaviors:
o Failure to report a medication error
o False Documentation
o Dishonesty
o Plagiarism
o Insubordination
Students that fail to meet the terms of the probation period may be immediately
terminated from the VN/RN program.
NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16

Students that have a repeat offense will be immediately terminated from the
program.
Graduation
Graduation from the program does not guarantee eligibility to take the National
Council Licensing Examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).




Permission to take the NCLEX-RN/PN, which is granted by the Texas Board of
Nursing (BON).
When submitting an application to the BON, the applicant is required to provide
history regarding felony convictions, treatment and/or diagnosis of a mental
illness and drug or alcohol abuse. If the applicant answers “Yes” to any of these
questions, he/she will be requested to submit detailed information to the BON.
The BON will investigate and make a decision regarding eligibility of the applicant
to take the NCLEX-RN/PN. The student may call (512) 305-7400 for questions.
Declaratory Orders must be started prior to admission to program.
Student must achieve level two on all ATI Assessments.
Completing Virtual ATI and obtaining “Green Light” is required for completion of
the program and eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN/PN for licensure... The student
must also have their ATI green light in order to be eligible for pinning and
graduation. If the student does not have their green light by the pinning date, the
student will continue in Virtual ATI until green light is achieved. The student will
have thirty (30) days to accomplish this or will be dropped from the Nursing
Program.
ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE, LLC (ATI)







16
The RN program uses the services of ATI to assist in the assessment of student
development and individual student remediation needs.
ATI partners with nursing programs to improve nursing students’ pass rate on the
NCLEX® and specialize in assessments for admission screening, critical
thinking, and clinical content mastery.
The student must have taken at least one ATI Exam and scored the minimum of
a Level 2.
Computerized tests will be administered at the end of each nursing content area
to identify students’ overall mastery of the nursing content.
Students will receive detailed score reports after each assessment.
Students will also have access to the ATI’s virtual NCLEX Review Course.
Once a student receives the “Green Light” from their coach CPC will assist in the
scheduling and pay for the students’ initial NCLEX-RN exam.
NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
SCHOOL HOURS
Classroom and laboratory experiences will be scheduled during the regular published
CPC hours (6:00am – 10:30pm). Clinical experiences may be scheduled Monday
through Sunday and may begin as early as 6:00 am and end as late as 10:30 pm.
Please see the institutional catalog for additional information.
CLASSROOM DRESS CODE
Nursing scrubs are to be worn when attending didactic classes. The student may wear
printed scrubs or the color of their choosing with the exception of all black, all red, or all
white. Nursing or athletic shoes are worn with scrubs. Students are required to wear
scrubs by the first day of school. Please see the institutional catalog for additional
information.
USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
While social media allows the College to reach many audiences including faculty, staff
and students, use of social media by nursing students presents special concerns for
privacy and confidentiality. Using social media related to confidential information about
the School (including the faculty, staff and students), patients or clinical affiliates
(agencies/facilities with which the CPC has entered a contractual relationship to provide
clinical experience opportunities for students) is restricted.
Social media is defined as, but not limited, to web-based or mobile technologies used for
interactive communication. Examples of social media include but are not limited to
collaborative projects (e.g., Wikipedia), blogs and microblogs (e.g., Twitter), content
communities (e.g., YouTube), social networking sites (e.g., Facebook), virtual game
worlds (e.g., World of War Craft), virtual social worlds (e.g., Second Life), and texting.
Regardless of how these forms of media are used, students are responsible for
the content they post or promote. Content contributed on these platforms is
immediately searchable and shareable, regardless of whether that is the intention of the
contributor. Once posted online, the content leaves the contributing individual’s control
forever and may be traced back to the individual indefinitely. Accordingly, the use of
social media for clinical discussions that include any identifiable information related to
patients or affiliated clinical facilities is prohibited.
Students who violated this policy will face the administrative actions which
includes; Warning/Suspension/Probation/Termination from the program.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The student understands that by law any and all information obtained while providing
nursing services or any information learned while working and studying in a health care
facility will remain confidential at all times. This includes anything from a patient record
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
or oral information obtained. Making photocopies of patient records, tape recordings and
cameras (or camera phones) are not allowed. If these items are found, the student may
be terminated from the program. See the institutional catalog for additional policies
related to The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Refer to the CPC Catalog under the headings of “student conduct”, “academic honesty”
and “administrative actions” warning/suspension/probation/termination”.
Additionally, all nursing students are held to the Texas Board of Nursing Rule
217.12Unprofessional Conduct which follows:
The unprofessional conduct rules are intended to protect clients and the public from
incompetent, unethical, or illegal conduct of licensees. The purpose of these rules is to
identify unprofessional or dishonorable behaviors of a nurse which the board believes
are likely to deceive, defraud, or injure clients or the public. Actual injury to a client need
not be established. These behaviors include but are not limited to:
1. Unsafe Practice – actions or conduct including, but not limited to:
A. Carelessly failing, repeatedly failing, or exhibiting an inability to perform
vocational, registered or advanced practice nursing in conformity with the
standards of minimum acceptable level of nursing practice set out in Rule217.11;
B. Carelessly or repeatedly failing to conform to generally accepted nursing
standards in applicable practice settings;
C. Improper management of client records;
D. Delegating or assigning nursing functions or a prescribed health function when
the delegation or assignment could reasonably be expected to result in unsafe or
ineffective client care;
E. Accepting the assignment of nursing functions or a prescribed health function
when the acceptance of the assignment could be reasonably expected to result
in unsafe or ineffective client care;
F. Failing to supervise the performance of tasks by any individual working pursuant
to the nurse’s delegation or assignment; or
G. Failure of a clinical nursing instructor to adequately supervise or to assure
adequate supervision of student experiences.
2. Failure of a chief administrative nurse to follow appropriate and recognized
standards and guidelines in providing oversight of the nursing organization and
nursing services for which the nurse is administratively responsible.
3. Failure to practice within a modified scope of practice or with the required
accommodations, as specified by the board in granting a coded license or any
stipulated agreement with the board.
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4. Careless or repetitive conduct that may endanger a client’s life, health, or safety.
Actual injury to a client need not be established.
5. Inability to Practice Safely-demonstration of actual or potential inability to practice
nursing with reasonable skill and safety to clients by reason of illness, use of alcohol,
drugs, chemicals, or any other mood-altering substances, or as a result of any mental or
physical condition.
6. Misconduct-actions or conduct that include, but are not limited to:
A. Falsifying reports, client documentation, agency records or other documents;
B. Failing to cooperate with a lawful investigation conducted by the board;
C. Causing or permitting physical, emotional or verbal abuse or injury or neglect
to the client or the public, or failing to report same to the employer,
appropriate legal authority and/or licensing board;
D. Violating professional boundaries of the nurse/client relationship including but
not limited to physical, sexual, emotional or financial exploitation of the client
or the client’s significant other(s);
E. Engaging in sexual conduct with a client, touching a client in a sexual
manner, requesting or offering sexual favors, or language or behavior
suggestive of the same;
F. Threatening or violent behavior in the workplace;
G. Misappropriating, in connection with the practice of nursing, anything of value
or benefit, including but not limited to, any property, real or personal of the
client, employer, or any other person or entity, or failing to take precautions to
prevent such misappropriation;
H. Providing information which was false, deceptive, or misleading in connection
with the practice of nursing;
I. Failing to answer specific questions or providing false or misleading answers
that would have affected the decision to license, employ, certify or otherwise
utilize a nurse; or
J. Offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving or agreeing to receive, directly or
indirectly, any fee or other consideration to or from a third party for the
referral of a client in connection with the performance of professional
services.
7. Failure to repay a guaranteed student loan, as provided in the Texas Education Code,
or pay child support payments as required by the Texas Family Code.
8. Drug Diversion – diversion or attempts to divert drugs or controlled substances.
9. Termination from a board-approved peer assistance program for noncompliance and
referral by that program to the BON.
10. Other Drug Related-actions or conduct that include, but are not limited to:
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
A. Use of any controlled substance or any drug, prescribed or un-prescribed, or
device or alcoholic beverages while on duty or on call and to the extent that
such use may impair the nurse’s ability to safely conduct to the public the
practice authorized by the nurse’s license;
B. Falsification of or making incorrect, inconsistent, or unintelligible entries in
any agency, client, or other record pertaining to drugs or controlled
substances;
C. Failing to follow the policy and procedure in place for the wastage of
medications at the facility where the nurse was employed or working at the
time of the incident(s);
D. A positive drug screen for which there is no lawful prescription; or
E. Obtaining or attempting to obtain or deliver medication(s) through means of
misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception and/or subterfuge.
11. Unlawful Practice – actions or conduct that include, but are not limited to:
A. Knowingly aiding, assisting, advising, or allowing an unlicensed person to
engage in the unlawful practice of vocational, registered or advanced practice
nursing;
B. Violating an order of the board, or carelessly or repetitively violating a state or
federal
law relating to the practice of vocational, registered or advanced
practice nursing, or violating a state or federal narcotics or controlled
substance law;
C. Knowingly aiding, assisting, advising, or allowing a nurse under Board Order
to violate the conditions set forth in the Order; or
D. Failing to report violations of the Nursing Practice Act and/or the Board’s
rules and regulations.
12. Leaving a nursing assignment, including a supervisory assignment, without notifying
the appropriate personnel.
13. Criminal Conduct – including, but not limited to, conviction or probation, with or
without an adjudication of guilt, receipt of a judicial order involving a crime or criminal
behavior or conduct that could affect the practice of nursing.
PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR
Students are required to observe the following behavior guidelines in the clinical agency.
Remember, we are guests in their facility.
1.
2.
3.
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Students are to adhere to all the guidelines and policies outlined by the
agency during orientation.
Students may not bring children to the agency at any time.
Students must park only in designated areas.
NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Students will be in the clinical agency only when supervised or with
permission of their instructor. Students will report to and not leave the
assigned unit unless authorized to do so by their instructor.
Students will not use cell phones, text messaging devices, or pagers in the
clinical setting. If student needs to be reached or make a personal call during
clinical hours, it must wait until a break period. Violation of the policy will
result in the student being formally counseled and further instances will result
in probation or termination from the program.
Proper attire to include school patch and nametag are to be worn. Students
will be terminated from the agency setting and counted absent if they
are not properly dressed.
Adhere to all instructions given by the clinical instructor and professional staff.
Patient care experiences are a privilege, not a right of the student. If the
instructor determines that the student is unprepared to function safely in
clinical, the student will be terminated from the unit and sent to the college to
meet with the Clinical Coordinator.
Students are guests at the clinical agency. Treat all staff, patients, and family
with respect and conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.
Confrontational behavior between students and staff is not allowed. Seek the
guidance of your instructor if disagreements or misunderstandings arise.
Maintain open communication between yourself, your instructor and the staff
members. If you want to leave the nursing unit to go to another area of the
agency, ask permission of the instructor and “report off” to the staff member.
Approach the staff with an eager attitude for learning patient care. All skills
and nursing interventions must be performed under the direct
supervision of your instructor, or with your instructor’s permission, under the
supervision of a staff nurse.
Students are subject to all policies regarding drugs, alcohol, and criminal
background checks of the agency. Sites may require screening prior to
starting a clinical rotation, random drug testing, and back ground checks
beyond those required by Career Point College.
At the beginning of every clinical rotation, each student will sign a clinical
contract for that session and is expected to adhere to its guidelines.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS (IN THE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR RN
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE IMMUNIZATION IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS (FOR
THOSE UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE)
Immunization requirements are based on the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) immunization recommendations for health-care workers and The
Texas Department of State health services immunizations requirements for nursing
students. Student exceptions to the immunization policy will be determined by the
student’s primary health care provider documentation and in consultation with the clinical
agency.
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The following is a list of necessary immunizations required for all nursing students
attending this nursing program. Proof of immunization must be documented in the
student record and may be reflected on a shot record, physical examination report, or a
letter from a health care provider. All immunizations will be completed within two weeks
of the class start. Career Point College complies with all state health care provider laws
and regulations.
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
One immunization within the past 10 years
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Two inoculations from childhood should be shown on records. If only one is
documented, then a recent inoculation as an adult must also be provided. If none from
childhood can be shown, then two inoculations at least 28 days apart will be required.
Proof of immunity may also be shown by positive titer results for pregnant students.
Varicella (also known as chicken pox)
Two inoculations will be given four weeks apart or one inoculation with proof of
childhood disease. For pregnant students, proof of immunity may be obtained by a
vaccination record or a positive titer.
Hepatitis B (HepB)
According to Texas Administrative code, Title 25, part I, Chapter 97, Subchapter B,
Rules 97.62, 97.64, 97.65, the Texas Department of Health requires that “all health
professions students shall receive a complete series of Hepatitis B Vaccine prior to the
start of direct patient care or show serologic confirmation of immunity to Hepatitis B
virus”. Career Point College (CPC) requires the first two doses prior to clinical.
Dose #1…….prior to admission to the nursing program
Dose #2…….must be taken 1 month after Dose #1 and prior to the first clinical
rotation
Dose #3…….must be taken 4-6 months after Dose #1
Failure to achieve all three doses as scheduled will result in termination from the nursing
program until student can prove completion of the Hepatitis B Vaccine series. Students
failing to follow up with scheduled Hep B series may need to restart series that their own
expense.
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
Tuberculosis Skin Test or Chest X-Ray (PPD)
All students must have the results of a TB skin test taken within 60 days of admission to
the program. If a TB skin test is contraindicated due to a previous reaction, the student
is required to submit the date of the reaction to the test and proof of a negative chest xray taken within 12 months of entry into the program. Note: A chest X-ray does not
preclude a skin test for students who have not experienced a positive or reactive
skin test.
Flu Vaccine
All students are required to show proof of a current fall seasonal influenza vaccine prior
to the beginning of clinical rotations. The date will be provided by the program.
Students will allergies must provide written documentation from their Health Care
Provider and complete a “Declination form”. Students who are unable to receive a flu
shot will be required to wear a mask during clinical experiences from September until
April or at the discretion of the host clinical site.
Note:




Should the student be allergic to any of the above immunizations, he/she must provide a
letter from a physician stating this. Women who are pregnant should not be immunized. A
letter will be required from their provider and positive titers must be provided to determine
immunity.
Additional immunizations or health screenings may be required to meet clinical agency
requirements.
Students are responsible for keeping their original immunization record and providing the
campus with a copy for their student record.
Failure to comply with policy and procedure regarding all immunizations prior to the start
of clinical rotations will result in immediate termination from the program.
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) CERTIFICATION
Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for health professionals from the
American Heart Association is required of all nursing students upon admission to the VN
program and prior to attending the first clinical in the RN program, and must be
maintained throughout the program. The student will not be permitted to attend clinical
without current certification.
DRUG SCREEN POLICY
All students are required to provide a urine drug screen that indicates negative results.
As a condition of continuance in the program, random drug screening may be required at
the discretion of College administration and/or clinical facility. If a random drug screen is
positive, it will result in the student being terminated from the program, is non-eligible for
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
re-entry and will be reported to the TX Board of Nursing. A drug screen may be done
randomly and without probable cause. The student must comply with the drug screen
request or he/she will be terminated from the program.
BACKGROUND CHECK
All students are required to have a noncontributory (clear) background check and be finger
printed prior to admission. The student is advised that another criminal background check may
be required at the discretion of a clinical facility. Please see the institutional catalog for
additional information.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Students should provide complete health insurance coverage for themselves in case of
accident or illness that might occur during their clinical experiences. Clinical sites may
require the student to show proof of medical insurance prior to their assignment at that
facility. Career Point College does not guarantee to any student that they can be
reassigned to a different clinical site if the student is unable to show proof of current
medical insurance. Students enrolled in “Care Link” provided by University Health
System are considered to have insurance.
STANDARD PRECAUTIONS/OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE:
Students are expected to use standard precautions and to comply with all safety
standards and procedures. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. Students
must immediately report to their instructor any exposure to potentially infectious
materials. The instructor will follow host clinical site policy/protocol and students will be
monitored by the host’s facilities Employee Health Department if applicable. If the site is
CPC the following will occur for an incident of potential exposure:



Area of exposure will be immediately washed with soap and water.
Area will be covered/secured (bandage)
Student will be sent to a contracted urgent care center (NOVA Medical or
GONZABA) for treatment/care. This will occur the same day of incident. If blood
born pathogen exposure is identified student will be offered prophylactic
measures if warranted by the urgent care center.
Students are also responsible for reporting any injury/illness which occurs during a
clinical experience. There is no charge for medical care or follow up care related to the
occurrence (must be authorized by CPC)
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Student Schedules– Section 3
PROGRAM LENGTH
The Day RN Program consists of four to eleven week levels scheduled over 18 months
excluding breaks and holidays. The Night RN Program consists of five to twelve week
levels scheduled over 27 months including breaks and holidays. Ongoing feedback will
be provided by course faculty and all full quarter credit hours courses will include an end
of level student evaluation.
The Day VN Program consists of three 16 week levels scheduled over one calendar
year. The Night and Morning VN Programs consists of three 6 month levels scheduled
over 18 months. Ongoing feedback will be provided by course faculty and all full quarter
credit hours courses will include an end of level student evaluation.
Student Involvement – Section 4
STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
At the end of the first term, students will elect 4 students to represent their class at a
monthly meeting with the VN/RN Director of Nursing. The meetings will include VN/RN
students and will be used to discuss specific student concerns and to solicit input from
students regarding policies and procedures and curriculum planning.
COURSE AND FACULTY EVALUATIONS
Students will be given the opportunity to evaluate courses and faculty at the end of each
course. Clinical faculty will seek input from students in the evaluation of clinical sites and
preceptors. Feedback from the students will be considered in the program and course
planning process (see Appendix A for student faculty & course evaluation & Appendix B
for clinical facility evaluation).
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
The Student Nurse Association is open to all VN/RN Program students.
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NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK ADDENDUM 2015-16
Student Services – Section 5
1. Nursing Program staff is able to refer students to support agencies as needed for
medical or other personal needs.
2. Assistance with transportation/ VIA bus pass
3. Financial Assistance – government loans & private financing.
4. Job placement assistance.
5. Day Care
6. Transportation Loans
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