“An Equal Access/Equal Opportunity College”
Revised July 2010
*Subject to change/revisions as needed

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Dear Nursing Student:
Congratulations and welcome! You are on the path toward a profession as a nurse. The faculty and staff at Seminole State College‘s Nursing Department are committed to your success.
You have demonstrated your potential for success with the completion of the prerequisite courses.
This handbook is designed to provide guidelines, policies, and procedures for your continued success.
Please review the handbook carefully. Ask questions if you do not understand a section.
On behalf of the faculty, we wish you success in your academic endeavors leading to a career in nursing. We are excited to assist you in meeting your educational goals.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Cicotti, RN, MSN
Director of Nursing
Lydia Gaud, RN, MSN
Program Manager – ADN
Naomi Rivera, RN, MSN
Program Manager - PN
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ADN and PN Programs
Administration, Faculty and Staff
Program Accreditation
Mission Statement of Nursing Department
Purposes of the Nursing Programs
General Information & Requirements
Academic Integrity
Nursing Ethics
Policy of Nondiscrimination
Equal Access/Equal Opportunity
Disability Services at Altamonte Springs Campus
Physical Limitations
Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression
Core Performance Standards
Professional Behavior
Flexibility
Class Conduct
Study Habits
Employment
Employment Termination
Student Representatives
Student Services
Student Resources
Student Activities
Student Travel
Student Records
Electronic Communications (Pagers/Cell Phones/PDA) in Clinical Areas)
Computer Access
Clinical Requirements
CPR Certification
Textbooks
Nursing Program Satisfaction Survey
Pinning Ceremony
Graduation Ceremony
Eligibility for NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN
Background Check of Students
Emergency Information
College Wide Emergency Conditions
The Nursing Department Office
Health Related Policies
Health Record
Accident and Incidents
Health Insurance
Accident Insurance
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Medical Equipment in Clinical Setting
Pregnancy
Physician or Health Care Provider Release
Drug Screen Policy
Impaired Student Protocol
BSI/Standard Precautions for Health Care Students Caring for all Clients/Patients
Latex Sensitivity
Dress Code Guidelines
General Information
Clinical Uniform
Lab Uniform
Professional Appearance: (Clinical and Lab Uniform)
Smoking Policy
Skills Lab Policies
Attendance Policy
Promptness
Class Attendance
Electronic Attendance
Clinical Attendance
Clinical Make-Up
Evaluation and Grading
Course Evaluation
Clinical and Lab Evaluation
Incomplete Coursework
Medication Safety Competencies
Withdrawal
Testing and Remediation Program
Overview
Criterion Referenced Proficiency Levels Guidelines
Student Incentives for Testing
Remediation Program
ATI-Comprehensive Predictor Examination
Disciplinary Actions
Medication Variance (MV)
Variance Record (VR)
Warning
Academic or Clinical Probation
Suspension
Dismissal
Nursing Program Progression
Progression in the Nursing Program
Re-enrollment in the Nursing Program
Readmission in the Nursing Program
Transfer Policy
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Petitions and Grievance Process
Division of Career Programs Procedures for Addressing Student Concerns
Written Statement of Student Concerns
ADN Section
PN Section
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ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY AND STAFF
Dr. E. Ann McGee
Dr. Carol Hawkins
President 2010
Vice-President of Institutional Research and Grants
Dr. James Henningsen
Dr. Marcia Roman
Interim Vice-President of Educational Programs
Interim Vice-President of Student Success Services
Joseph Sarnovsky Vice-President Vice President Administration & Business Services
Angela Kersenbrock, RN, MSN Dean Career Programs
Lynn Colon Dean of Altamonte Campus
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Cheryl Cicotti, RN, MSN cicottic@seminolestate.edu
Lydia Gaud, RN, MSN gaudl@seminolestate.edu
Naomi Rivera
riveran@seminolestate.edu
Joanne Moats moatsj@seminolestate.edu
Director of Healthcare Programs
Program Manager – Associate Degree
Clinical Coordinator
Program Manager
Program Manager
– Practical Nursing
– CNA
Marge Thompson, RN, MA, MS thompsom@seminolestate.edu
Marguerite Abel, RN, MSN abelm@seminolestate.edu
Lab Coordinator/Instructor
RN Faculty Member
Laura Aromando, RN, MSN, ARNP RN Faculty Member aromandl@seminolestate.edu
Christine Banta, RN, MSN bantac@seminolestate.edu
Lois Hopkin RN, MSN
RN Faculty Member
RN Faculty Member hopkinl@seminolestate.edu
Mary Kostenbauder, RN, MSN, ARNP RN Faculty Member
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Judy Laney, RN, MN RN Faculty Member, Nursing Scholarships laneyj@seminolestate.edu
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RN/PN Faculty Member 6122 Randy Miller, RN, MSN millerr@seminolestate.edu
Jane Muszynski, RN, MSN, ARNP muszynskij@seminolestate.edu
Sheron Rowe, RN, MSN
RN Faculty Member 6077
6074 RN Faculty Member
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Sharon Saidi RN, MSN saidis@seminolestate.edu
RN Faculty Member
Leslie Sammarco, RN, MSN RN Faculty Member sammarcol@seminolestate.edu
RN Faculty Member Jessica Shearer RN, MSN shearerj@seminolestate.edu
Ilona Sheplan RN, MSN, ARNP sheplani@seminolestate.edu
Wells, Latoya, RN MSN
RN Faculty Member
Maureen Tremel, RN, MSN RN Faculty Member tremelm@seminolestate.edu
RN Faculty Member wellsl@seminolestate.edu
Wells, Marilyn RN, MSN RN Faculty Member wellsmv@seminolestate.edu
Patti Yorty, RN, MSN yortyp@seminolestate.edu
RN Faculty Member
Career Program Advisor, Nursing Molly Yanni yannim@seminolestate.edu
Rita Nuesca nuescar@seminolestate.edu
Belle Lynch lynchb@seminolestate.edu
Office Supervisor
Administrative Assistant
Carlos Ovalle ovallec@seminolestate.edu
Instructional Technology Support Specialist
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Program Accreditation
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The RN nursing program at Seminole State College are fully accredited by the National League for
Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. The PN nursing program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Additional information related to tuition, fees and length of program for SSC or other accredited nursing programs can be obtained by contacting:
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
1-800-669-1656 and website is www.nlnac.org
The Florida Board of Nursing
4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin # CO2
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252
1-850-245-4125 and the website is www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing
Mission Statement of Nursing Department
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The Seminole State College Nursing Department provides the highest quality education for individuals who desire a career in the health profession. A variety of educational experiences which promote critical thinking and the development of technical skills are integrated throughout the curriculum. Our graduates are prepared to meet the current and future healthcare requirements of the we serve.
Purposes of the Nursing Programs
The Nursing Programs of Seminole State College strives to:
1. Support and assist in the implementation of the purposes and mission of the College.
2. Prepare individuals to maintain the highest standard of nursing practice commensurate with their level of education.
3. Provide and encourage career mobility leading to the Associate in Science Degree in
Nursing or the Practical Nursing Licensure and beyond.
4. Develop teaching strategies that meet a variety of learning needs and assure quality of education.
5. Provide nursing education opportunities without regard for age, race, or sex.
6. Serve as a catalyst for positive change in the delivery of health care and the practice of nursing.
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GENERAL INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS
The policies and procedures contained in this handbook apply to students in both the
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Associate Degree Nursing Program and the Practical Nursing Program. All other Seminole
State College policies in the college catalog must also be adhered to.
Students are required to review the handbook at the beginning of each semester.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
As a member of the Seminole State College, a student is expected to be honest in all of his or her academic coursework and activities. Academic dishonesty such as cheating of any kind on examinations, course assignments, or projects, plagiarism, misrepresentation, and the unauthorized possession of examinations or other course-related materials, is prohibited.
Plagiarism is unacceptable to the College. Academic work submitted by students is assumed to be the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression. When students borrow ideas, wording, or organization from another source, they are expected to acknowledge that fact in an appropriate manner. Plagiarism is the deliberate use and appropriation of another's work without identifying the source and trying to pass off such work as the student's own. Any student who fails to give full credit for ideas or materials taken from another has plagiarized.
Any student who shares his or her work for the purpose of cheating on class assignments or tests or who helps another to cheat or plagiarize is subject to the same penalties as the student who commits the act. When cheating or plagiarism has occurred, the instructor may take academic action ranging from denial of credit for or assigning a grade of "F" on a specific assignment, examination, or project, to assigning a grade of "F" for the course. The student may also be subject to further sanctions such as disciplinary probation, suspension, or dismissal from the College.
NURSING ETHICS
Ethics are the principles of conduct governing the student as an individual or a member of a nursing group. It is a code of behavior. In addition to the student nurse‘s responsibility for learning about nursing, the Code of Ethics requires that the student nurse shall:
1. Accept the responsibility of providing care to any individual
2. Keep in confidence all information about the patient, family, peers, and agency
3. Follow the rules and routines of the agencies in which he/she is associated
4. Perform only functions of which he/she is prepared
5. Keep relationships with patients on a professional basis
Any breach of conduct in a clinical area, which results in a clinical agency banning the student from their facility, may result in dismissal from the nursing program.
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Equal Access/Equal Opportunity:
The District Board of Trustees of Seminole College affirms its equal opportunity policy in accordance with the provisions of the Florida Educational Equity Act and all other relevant State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, creed, disability, or marital status against a student or an employee is prohibited. The College accepts the commitment to provide equal access and equal opportunity for all services made available by the
College and to conduct all programs and activities without discriminating against a person because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, creed, disability, or marital status.
Seminole State College has developed a procedure for responding to complaints dealing with alleged discrimination made by an employee, a student, or an applicant for employment or admission to the
College. It is the intent of the Board of Trustees that a speedy resolution of an allegation be reached in a manner that is free of coercion, interference, restraint, discrimination, or reprisal and that affords the complainant adequate opportunity to resolve the complaint.
It is the responsibility of the E quity coordinator to coordinate the College‘s equal opportunity policy and to investigate a complaint alleging discrimination which is received by the College. A copy of the
College‘s grievance procedure is available from the College‘s Equity Coordinator (407 708-2069).
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Disability Support Services:
In coordination with Disability Support Services, reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified students with disabilities. Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is required to speak with Disability Support Services and the nursing course coordinator(s) as early in the semester as possible. It is the student‘s responsibility to make contact at least one week prior to the first exam of the semester. The Disabilities Support Services office will inform the course coordinator(s) of the needed accommodations. Disabilities Support Services at the
Altamonte Springs Campus is located in the Student Services area on the first floor of the campus.
The Disabilities Office hours are posted in the Student Services area and online at www.seminolestate.edu/dss. Students may also contact a Disabilities Specialist on any Seminole
State College campus
Physical Limitations:
Bedside nursing can be physically demanding of the nurse. Student nurses provide care that includes activities such as turning, lifting, and transferring patients. Hospital protocol requires all health care workers to be physically stable in order to provide care. Hospitals have the authority to deny the use of their facilities to students when the safety of care provided to patients could be
. compromised. Any student absent due to medical reasons must have a medical release prior to returning to a clinical experience.
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Issue
Critical Thinking
Motor Skills
Hearing
Visual
Tactile
Interpersonal
Communications
Mobility
CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION AND PROGRESSION
Standard
Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment.
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces.
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and access health needs.
Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care.
Ability to read printed or
Computerized care records.
Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment.
Example
Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations, develop nursing care plans.
Establish rapport with patients
& clients and colleagues.
Explain treatment procedures, initiate health teaching, document and interpret nursing actions and patient/client responses.
Move around in patient‘s rooms, work spaces, and treatment areas, administer cardio-pulmonary procedures.
Calibrate and use equipment; position, transfer, and lift patients/clients.
Hears monitor alarm, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds, cries for help.
Observes patient/client responses. Perform physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, e.g. insertions of a catheter.
Read electronic or printed medical records. Able to document in medical records.
Perform palpation functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention.
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Core Performance Standards:
The core performance standards are designed to serve as measurement of a student's eligibility to progress, either with or without an accommodation, through the nursing programs. Admission to and progression in the nursing programs are not based on the standards alone. The standards are designed to assist each student in determining whether accommodations or modifications are necessary. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of these measurements without accommodations or modifications, that student should contact a Disabilities Specialist. The
Specialist will work with the student's clinical instructors, course coordinator, program manager and
Director of Nursing in determining, on an individual basis, whether or not the necessary accommodations or modifications can be made reasonably.
Professional Behavior:
Nursing is a profession which has earned the public‘s trust. The importance of student integrity, trustworthiness and honesty are very serious concerns due to the implications of patient safety. A faculty member may refuse to have a student continue in a course and the college may dismiss a student from the program if the student‘s behavior/character does not uphold the professionalism of nursing. The nursing department will have a zero tolerance policy regarding any breach of professional behavior. Students are expected to behave in a professional manner in the classroom, lab or clinical sites or at any time they are involved in a nursing department activity or represent
Seminole State College.. The College defines professionalism according to the Florida Nurse
Practice Act. This entire document may be obtained by contacting the Florida Board of Nursing at
4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN CO-2, Tallahassee, FL, 32399-3252 or at the web address www.doh.state.fl.us. Professional behavior includes honesty in all educational endeavors, avoidance of ethical and legal impropriety, punctuality for all clinical, classroom and laboratory sessions. Use of professional communication skills and language with instructors, staff, students and others encountered while representing the nursing department.
Dishonest, disruptive, disorderly, fraudulent, abusive, harassing, unethical or illegal behaviors or encouraging these behaviors in others are unacceptable any time. Violations of professional behavior will lead to disciplinary action which may include dismissal from the program.
A student in Seminole State College ‘s nursing programs will: demonstrate emotional maturity, cooperation, sound judgment, dependability, and self-reliance. The student will accept and use constructive input to modify their behaviors/actions. The student conducts self in a courteous, manner and demonstrates respect for self, faculty, peers, staff and patients. This respect will include avoidance of the use of profane language or behaviors. The student will not engage in any dishonesty related to cheating, plagiarism and fabrication.
Flexibility: Students are expected to be flexible in terms of clinical and class days. Students will be notified in advance if schedule changes are needed.
Class Conduct:
Courteous, professional conduct is expected in the classroom at all times. Students should arrive on time for class. Punctuality is a component of professionalism.
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Cell phones, PDAs or other electronic communication devices should not be used during class and are to remain in the silent mode. Students using laptop computers should arrive prior to class to set up to avoid distraction during class. Laptops are to be used only for class related activities. Any student using a laptop computer during class for non class activities will forfeit the right to bring a laptop into the classroom.
There is to be no talking and side conversations during class, other than if structured into the class learning activities. Dialogue between students and faculty should be respectful. For the benefit of the class, students are requested to be on time and leave only when class has ended.
Study Habits:
Successful students set aside each day for study. Reading the assignments before class increases the value of attendance. Students should plan to study at least two hours outside class for every credit hour earned. Evaluated in this way, nursing education is a full-time job.
Employment:
To be successful in the nursing program students should not to take on more responsibilities than can be managed. The following guidelines are suggested for time management:
1. The minimum class, clinical, and study time commitment to the nursing program is approximately 40 hours per week.
2. Full-time employment is not encouraged due to clinical and classroom commitments.
3. 20-24 hours per week is the maximum employment workload recommended by the faculty.
4. Work commitments prior to clinicals are strongly discouraged.
5. The need to work is not a valid reason to miss class, clinical, lab, or course activities.
Nursing scholarships are also available through the S eminole State College‘s Foundation.
Employment Termination:
If a student has been terminated from employment at any healthcare facility used by Seminole State
College
‘s nursing programs as a clinical site, it is the student‘s responsibility to notify the program manager. Alternate arrangements, if possible, must be made for clinical placement. If alternate clinical sites cannot be arranged, the student may be required to change tracks, be out of progression, or dismissed from the program.
Student Representatives:
Students are elected by their peers to serve as liaisons to faculty. These students or their alternates regularly attend faculty/curriculum meetings to identify student concerns and make recommendations to policies that influence programs. Students, who want to share concerns, ask questions, or give suggestions are encouraged to follow the protocol of contacting their elected representatives who then follow through with the responsibility of sharing the feedback with his/her classmates. In addition, selected portions of these meetings are open to any students. All students will be dismissed from the meeting prior to discussion of confidential issues
Guidelines for Presenting Issues at Faculty/Curriculum Meetings:
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The student representative should meet with class members (face-to-face, electronically, etc) to collect data.
The student representative will present the issues submitted by individuals to determine
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3. its effect on the class as a whole. Issues affecting individuals, as opposed to the class unit should not be presented at the faculty meeting but should be resolved individually.
The class representative will contact the program manager at least one week before the next scheduled faculty meeting to be placed on the agenda to present the issues.
Student Services:
A variety of services are provided by the Student Services Department. Services include assisting students in the accomplishment of goals, academic advising, career and personal counseling.
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Orientation classes and other focused programs to meet specific needs can also be provided.
Additionally, nursing faculty members are available to advise and make necessary referrals as well as for academic advisement for nursing students. Individual appointments need to be made directly with the faculty.
Student Resources:
Resources available at Altamonte Springs and/or Sanford Lake Mary Campus:
1. Assessment and Testing Center
2. Career/Placement Center
3. Counseling
4. Disability Support Services
5. New Directions
6. STAR Lab Altamonte 220
7. Learning Center
8. Computer Labs/Library
9. Financial Aid
See the Seminole State College Student Handbook and Catalog for details.
Student Activities:
Seminole State College students may participate in the Student Governance Association, campus clubs and organizations, games and intramural activities and intercollegiate athletics. Student activities are designed to help students with their educational and social development.
Student Travel:
In order for a Seminole State College student to travel to a college sponsored event at a state or national conference, retreat, meeting or other activity, the student must be enrolled in a degree seeking college credit or career program at Seminole College and must have a 2.0 or higher cumulative grade point average.
A student who participates in college sponsored travel to a conference, retreat, meeting or other activity shall agree to abide by all regulations as published in the Seminole State College catalog, the Seminole State College Student Handbook, and other College publications, as well as all federal state, or local laws.
Additional rules that the student is expected to follow while at the conference, retreat, or meeting location and that the student agrees to abide by as a condition of their participation are as follows: a) Attendance at all conference sessions, meetings, meals and activities is mandatory, unless otherwise indicated by the advisor or sponsor.
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 b) The student must agree to refrain from possessing or using alcohol or illegal drugs; c) No participant may leave the conference site without their advisors expressed permission; d) No personal visitors are permitted at the conference, meeting or hotel site; e) The student must agree to comply with directions of College officials authorized and acting in the performance of their duties.
If a student does not attend a conference, retreat or meeting that he or she had agreed to attend and for which Seminole State College had paid airline, registration, hotel, meal, or other expenses in advance, the student shall be liable for all expenses that could not be recovered by the College due to the student‘s non-participation. A hold will be placed on the student‘s record until all such liabilities are paid to the College.
If a student attends a conference, meeting or retreat and does not fulfill all of their obligations as a participant or violates college rules or regulations while at the conference, retreat or meeting, the student shall be liable to repay the College for the portion of the total expenses involving the conference, meeting, or retreat that the student did not attend. Such expenses could include, but are not limited to, airline, registration, hotel, meal and other travel expenses. The club advisor, faculty sponsor, or administrator involved with scheduling the event, in consultation with the Vice
President for Student Success Services, will decide the amount to be repaid to the College by the student.
Student Records :
Student files containing admission and progression data in the program will be maintained in the nursing department office. This file is the property of the nursing department. Students many request to view these records at any time. A request to copy parts of the file should be submitted to the department secretary at least two working days in advance. Student files will be maintained in the nursing department for a period of five years.
Employers often seek information and recommendations from faculty about current and former students. A reply will only be furnished w hen the student‘s written permission to release such information has been sent to the instructor.
Reference requests should include the student‘s name while in the program and the dates of program attendance.
Electronic Communications (Pagers/Cell Phones/PDA) in Clinical Areas:
Students may not, under any circumstances, use a cell phone including text messaging, in patient care or public areas of the hospital (including the cafeteria, hallways, and restrooms). Students may keep their cell phones on vibrate in their uniform pockets for emergencies. If the student‘s cell phone should vibrate while in a patient care area, the student should let the phone go to voice mail without answering it, complete whatever they are doing and then go into the employee lounge. Once in the lounge, the student may listen to their voice mail and decide if the message constitutes an emergency and return the call. If the emergency requires multiple phone calls, the student should inform the instructor of the situation. Violation of electronic communication policy may result in an unsatisfactory evaluation for the clinical day.
Computer Access:
All students in the nursing program must either own a computer with internet capabilities or have access to one. Computers are available to students in Seminole State College computer labs and
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Clinical Requirements:
Clinical sites mandate that students have completed various requirements prior to beginning the clinical experience. Examples (but not an inclusive list) include hospital and computer orientation, confidentiality forms, CPR certification, and health status/immunization documentation. Students are responsible for completing and maintaining all clinical requirements to progress in the course(s) and program. Failure to do so will result in unexcused clinical days until the requirements are completed.
When students attend onsite clinical facilities‘ orientations, the students are considered to be in a clinical setting. The nursing student dress code and professional behaviors are in effect.
Program and clinical requirements are housed on an electronic database. Students are responsible for setting up their database account with:
American Database www.americandatabase.com
CPR Certification:
Students must be CPR certified from the first day of the clinical experience through the final day of the program. The only acceptable CPR certification is through the American Heart Association Course C for Healthcare Providers. Failure to maintain current certification will result the student being denied
 access to the clinical facility until certification is obtained.
Textbooks:
Textbook lists for each course may be accessed and textbooks ordered at www.efollett.com or the campus bookstore. Text requirements are also listed in the course syllabus.
Nursing Program Satisfaction Survey:
At the conclusion of the nursing program, students will be asked to complete an anonymous online survey to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
Pinning Ceremony:
The nursing department is proud to sponsor the tradition of pinning to recognize graduates at or near the completion of the ADN and PN programs. Working with the Director of Healthcare
Programs and a faculty advisor, the senior nursing students assist with the planning of the pinning ceremony. Only professional nursing pins may be used for the pinning ceremony. The nursing student clinical uniform dress code is strictly enforced for the pinning ceremony. Failure to adhere to pinning ceremony guidelines will result in dismissal from the event.
Graduation Ceremony:
College wide graduation exercises are held twice a year in May and December.
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Students must complete all program requirements as verified by a grad check.
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Students must file an application for graduation in the Registration Office by the deadline date in the College calendar.
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Graduation fees and other college obligations must be paid.
Eligibility for the NCLEX®:
The Florida Board of Nursing (BON) performs computerized criminal background checks on all
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 applicants for nursing licensure to determine eligibility. This background check may include the record of all arrests, not merely convictions. Anyone ever arrested or given notice to appear in court before a judge is likely to have an arrest record. Often students planning to apply for admission to a nursing program contact the BON office questioning their ―chance of licensure‖ with an arrest record. The BON staff cannot provide the applicant information regarding the possibility of licensure, as BON policy, rules and Florida statutes may change by the time the applicant is ready to apply for licensure. An arrest history by itself does not disqualify a person from licensure.
Prospective nurses should be advised that often a judge withholds adjudication of guilt in an offense and informs the defendant that he or she ―won‘t have a record‖. However, this information is not always reliable, and the individual, in fact, may have a record. Falsification of a document and attempt to procure a license by knowing misrepresentation are violations of the
Nurse Practice Act.
Applicants for the NCLEX® exam who have criminal records (as described above) must submit their application one month early for the licensure exam. There is no guarantee that these applicants will be approved to sit for the NCLEX® examination.
A letter of reference on Seminole State College letterhead from the Director of Healthcare
Programs must also be submitted to the FBN for any student with an arrest record. This process is done by making an appointment with the Director of Healthcare Programs. All documents concerning the criminal records must be presented at the time of the appointment.
Seminole State College Procedure for NCLEX® Applicants:
All graduating students must complete a college graduation check the semester prior to graduating. This process will be coordinated by the program manager.
The grad check will verify that there are no ―holds‖ or restrictions on the student‗s record. If the check reveals any issues concerning graduation, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the college records department in a timely manner to resolve the concerns. Any student with a hold or restriction will not have their name forwarded to the Florida Board of Nursing until the issue is cleared.
Eligible graduating students‘ names will be submitted to the Florida Board of Nursing approximately one month after completion of the nursing program. Students are not call the nursing department to try to hasten this process.
Criminal Background Check:
An applicant for Seminole State College ‘s Nursing programs must be free of offenses that would prevent employment in a health care setting. This policy, required by the clinical agencies that the programs utilize for clinical experiences, complies with state and federal regulations. Each applicant will be screened through a Seminole State College approved criminal background check process. All fees for required background checks are the responsibility of the applicant. Any student with a criminal background that includes the following felony guilty convictions, judgments of quality, regardless of adjudication, or pleas of Nolo Contendere to crimes listed in Florida State/United
States Statute will not be eligible for admission: a) FL Section 435.04 a –uu
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Below is a non-inclusive list of the offenses :
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Vehicular homicide
- Assault
- Battery
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated battery
- Kidnapping
- False imprisonment
- Sexual battery/misconduct
- Prostitution
- Lewd and lascivious behavior
- Arson, theft, robbery, and related crimes
- Fraudulent sale of controlled substances
- Drug offenses involving a minor
- Incest
- Abuse or neglect of a disabled adult or elderly person
- Exploitation of a disabled adult or elderly person
- Child abuse
- Aggravated child abuse
- Negligent treatment of children
- Sexual performance by a child
- Delinquency and/or dependency of a child
- Resisting arrest with violence
- Obscene literature
- Violation of drug abuse prevention and control laws if the offense is a felony or a minor involved
- DUI (felony) b) FL Section 409.920 relating to Medicaid provider fraud, if the offense was a felony c) FL Section 409.921 relating to Medicaid fraud, if the offense was a felony d) FL Section 741.28 relation to domestic violence e) FL Section 784 relating to assault, battery, and culpable negligence, if the offense was a felony f) FL Section 810.02 relating to burglary g) FL Section 817 relating to fraudulent practices h) FL Section 831 relating to forgery and counterfeiting i) FL Section 893 relating to drug abuse present and control j) Title 21 United States Code ss. 801-970 pertaining to public health and welfare, etc. k) Title 42 United States Code ss. 1395-1396 pertaining to controlled substances
These statutes can be viewed at: flsenate.gov/Statutes/indexcfm http://uscode.house.gov/search.criteria.shtml
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While enrolled in any of the Seminole State College nursing programs, the student is also responsible for notifying the program manager of any arrests regardless of adjudication, that occur after acceptance and during enrollment in the program. Failure to promptly notify the program manager shall be grounds for dismissal from the program. After admission into the program, the
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 student must remain free of the disqualifying charges listed in the above mentioned state statutes.
Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.
Emergency Information:
In the event of an emergency, a message can be delivered to the student by calling the nursing department administrative assistant at 407 404-6081.
College Wide Emergency Conditions:
To verify that the college is open and classes are being held, please call 407 708-2290 or 407 708-4722.
The Seminole State College home page (www.seminolestate.edu) will display updated emergency announcements. Any class announcements will be posted on the course website.
The Nursing Department Office Hours:
The nursing department office hours are:
Fall and Spring Semesters
– Monday through Friday 8 AM – 6:30 PM
Summer Semester
– Monday through Thursday 7 AM – 6:30 PM
Any student assignments must be turned in during regular office hours unless otherwise specified.
Health Record:
Upon admission to the nursing program, each student must submit a current (within one year) and complete health assessment form. All health requirements and the health assessment form is a part of the ―student check-list packet‖. Students will not be allowed to start or continue in clinical experiences without the health form and required immunizations on file.
Accidents and Incidents:
Students must report all accidents or incidents to an instructor immediately. If a student is injured on campus or in the clinical setting an accident report (FCCRMC Accident Report). The clinical instructor has this accident report. The accident report should be returned to the Director of Nursing within 24 hours of the event. Students are initially responsible for any medical expenses incurred.
Students may elect to file a claim for reimbursement with the college
‘s insurance carrier.
Reimbursement forms may be obtained from the nursing department office assistant.
If the incident or accident occurs in a clinical setting, the site will require that the student also completes the facility‘s incident report.
Medical Equipment in Clinical Setting:
Students who require medical equipment (for example, slings, braces, or crutches) must have a release from a physician or health care provider to be allowed in the clinical setting. Clinical facilities have the right to refuse clinical placements to students with any of the above mentioned equipment.
Pregnancy:
Students who are pregnant should tell their instructor as soon as the pregnancy is verified. Though the student‘s right to privacy is recognized and respected, it is important that the faculty be aware of the situation so as to inform the student of, and give the best possible protection against,
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 environmental dangers in the clinical setting. A student, who is pregnant and chooses to remain in the course, will do so at her own risk. A physician ‘s or health care provider‘s release is required to continue in the clinical setting once the pregnancy is verified.
Physician or Health Care Provider Release:
In the event that a physician
‘s or health care provider‘s release is required after an injury, illness, or pregnancy, the following criteria must be met:
1. Demonstrate the ability to fulfill the requirements and objectives of the nursing course while maintaining safety of student and client.
2. Light duty (for example ―no lifting‖ or ―no standing for prolonged periods‖) designations cannot be accommodated in a clinical setting.
3. Notify instructor regarding any change in health status.
Drug Screen Policy:
Clinical sites require drug screening of students before beginning a clinical experience. Students will be asked to undergo drug screening as a condition of their clinical experience, and must be prepared to comply with this requirement. The cost of the screening is the responsibility of the student. The nursing department is informed and becomes involved when the drug screening results are positive and the student is denied access to the facility. In this case, a meeting will be scheduled with the student and the program/college representatives for appropriate action and follow up (as outlined in
Student Code of Conduct).
Impaired Student Protocol:
An impaired student nurse is one whose ability to practice is impaired by drug and/or alcohol abuse or use. Students enrolled in the nursing program are prohibited from reporting to duty in a clinical facility, class, or any school related activity under the influence of alcohol, unauthorized narcotics, or controlled substances. It is the instructor‘s responsibility to implement the policy when a student displays behaviors that reflect impaired clinical judgment, inappropriate clinical practice, and/or inappropriate behavior. Observed impairment of a student may be evidenced and identified by many factors. These include, but are not limited, to the following:

Odor of alcohol o n or about the student‘s person

Slurred speech, unsteady gait

Unacceptable, inappropriate and/or unusual behavior

Repeated accidents or errors without apparent causes

Unexplained mood swings

Atypical poor personal hygiene

Impaired judgment

Chronic absenteeism or tardiness

Lethargy and repeated sleeping in class

Hyperactivity

Unsafe clinical practice/placing clients at risk
Reasonable suspicion that a student is impaired will be documented by a faculty member. These behaviors may be observed/reported by faculty or other observer where the student is assigned.
After observed suspected impairment, the faculty will immediately initiate the policy of the clinical facility related to student/staff impairment. If no policy is in force the student will be directed to the appropriate lab for drug and/or alcohol screening. Safe transportation will be secured. All tests and
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 treatments are the financial responsibility of the student. Refusal by the student to comply with the requested testing or assessments (which may include drug/alcohol screening) or refusal to submit the results to the college will result in the student being dismissed from the nursing program.
The impaired student may be restricted from all course activities until the resolution of lab tests is available and appropriate action is determined. Completion and/or repeat of the course will be contingent upon assessment findings and a successful treatment outcome and will also be determined on an individual case-by-case basis by the Director of Healthcare Programs.
If screenings are positive, the college will refer the impaired student to the Florida Board of Nursing
Intervention Project for Nurses or other appropriate program for treatment. The impaired student will be dismissed from the Nursing Program in compliance with the dismissal policy. Readmission to the program is discretionary and is dependent on the student continuing in a treatment program outlined by the Intervention Project. The cost of treatment and after care is the responsibility of the student.
BSI/Standard Precautions for Health Care Students Caring for all Clients/Patients:
Because all health professionals are at risk for exposure to the many and varied infectious diseases, the faculty of Seminole State College‘s Health Programs has developed client/patient care guidelines to assist students in protecting themselves and to assist in decreasing the spread of disease.
Observe three cardinal rules of protection:
1. Consider all blood, blood products, body fluids (tears, oropharyngeal secretions, sputum, amniotic fluid, breast milk, genitourinary discharge, wound drainage and vomitus) and excrement (urine and feces) potentially infectious.
2. Use barriers to protect self: for example – gloves, gown and/or apron, mask and/or goggles.
3. Wash hands with disinfecting soap before and after each client/patient contact.
The following recommendations are therefore incorporated into practice at Seminole State College:
1. Sharp items (needles, scalpels, blades, and other sharp instruments) should be considered as potentially infectious and be handled with extraordinary care to prevent accidental injuries. These items should be placed in designated puncture resistant containers located as close as practical to the area in which they are used. To prevent needle stick injuries, needles should not be recapped, purposely bent, broken, removed from disposable syringes, or otherwise manipulated by hand.
2. When the possibility of exposure to blood or any other body fluid exists, routinely recommended precautions should be followed. Gloves should be worn during, but not limited to, the following: a. b. c. d. e. mouth care placement or removal of bedpan or urinal perineal care catheter care all parenteral injections f. g. emptying any drainage bags starting and discontinuing intravenous fluids/heparin locks; converting IV to saline lock; changing IV tubing. collection of specimens - such as accuchecks, drawing blood, urine, stools, h. sputum etc. i. dressing changes, including perineal pads, or reinforcement of dressings j. k. l. handling newborn infants prior to and during first bath cleaning up any body fluids ostomy care
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 m. all suctioning and suction devices n. o. p. shaving nasogastric tube insertion, maintenance, and discontinuation changing contaminated linen
3. Gowns and gloves should be worn during but not limited to the following: a. dressing changes b. c. handling newborns prior to first bath ostomy care d. suctioning
4. Gown, masks, gloves, and protective eyewear or face shields are to be worn during procedures that are likely to generate airborne droplets, to protect exposure of mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes (such as suctioning).
5. If contaminated with blood, body fluids or excrement, wash the area immediately and thoroughly with antiseptic, antimicrobial soap. In case of blood spills, clean immediately with bleach and water (1:10) solution prepared daily or other appropriate solutions. All contamination incidences are to be written up as a critical incident for Seminole State College and follow up protocol for the institution, so that faculty may review process to avoid repeated incidents.
6. Gloves need to be changed between every client/patient and every procedure. For example, a different pair of gloves would be worn for emptying a Foley drainage bag and for administering an intramuscular injection, even for the same client/patient. Consult the instructor when in doubt.
7. Soiled articles, linen, and trash should be bagged for proper disposal according to institutional policies.
8. To minimize the need for emergency mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices should be located and available for use in areas where the need for resuscitation is most likely.
9. Students who have any infectious illness, open lesions or weeping dermatitis are not to participate in direct client care or handling client care equipment until the condition resolves, as verified by infection control nurse, instructor or physician release.
10. All specimens containing blood, body secretions and/or excrement should be placed in a specimen container. The lid should be securely tightened to prevent leakage during transport.
Care should be taken during specimen collection to avoid contamination to the outside of the container and the laboratory form that accompanies the specimen. The specimen should be placed in a plastic bag and taped closed for transport. Follow institutional protocol for specimen collection and transport.
11. Reusable contaminated equipment such as humidifiers, nebulizers, suction bottles and the like, must be first emptied in the toilet in the patient's room while wearing protective gown, mask, apron, goggles, and then double-bagged and labeled for sterilization.
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EXPOSURE TO BLOOD OR BODY FLUIDS
( Needle stick, mucous membranes, or broken skin)
Immediately following exposure:
First Aid
Bleed the wound if applicable and vigorously wash area with soap and water.
Copiously rinse eyes or mucous membranes with water.
↓
Report incident to faculty.
Confidentiality maintained.
Faculty calls Infection Control nurse or other designated clinical site personnel.
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Seminole State College Accident/Incident Report completed by faculty and submitted to DON
Clinical Facility:
Clinical facility protocol for exposure
Student healthcare provider (ER, Health Dept.,
HMO, etc.)
Student reports to facility‘s for baseline testing

Student has the right to refuse testing.
Must sign declination form
Payment is the responsibility of the student‘s

Appropriate OSHA forms completed
(maintained for 30 years)
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LATEX SENSITIVITY
Who is at Risk?

People who use latex in their jobs.

People frequently exposed to latex in medical procedures

People allergic to certain foods, including bananas, avocados, peaches, cherries and chestnuts, are more likely to be latex sensitive.
Warning Signs:

Dry, crusty, hard bumps, sores and horizontal cracks on skin may manifest as itchy dermatitis on the back of the hands under the gloves.

Red, raised, palpable area with bumps, sores and horizontal cracks may extend up the forearm. Occurs after a sensitization period. Appears several hours after glove contact and may persist many days.

Wheal and flare response or itchy redness on the skin under the glove. Occurs within minutes, fades away rapidly after removing the glove. In chronic form may mimic irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms can include facial swelling, rhinitis, eye symptoms, generalized urticaria, respiratory distress, and asthma. In rare cases, anaphylactic shock may occur.
Students with Latex Allergies:
Latex free gloves can be ordered for students with latex sensitivities. Students are required to carry these gloves to clinical with them.
Strategies for Risk Reduction:

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


Use powder free gloves that are low in protein and chemical allergens.
Wear gloves that are appropriate to the task.
Avoid latex gloves for food service, cleaning, hairdressing, and other situations where latex will contaminate the environment and cause unnecessary risk of sensitization.
Wash, rinse, and dry hands thoroughly after removing gloves or between glove changes.
Use a pH-balanced soap and avoid skin contact with damaging chemicals.
Remove gloves at least hourly to air and dry hands.
Use only non-oil-based hand care products with gloves while at work.
Apply non-sensitizing products outside of work to restore the skin's lipid barrier.
Wear synthetic gloves or cotton liners with latex work gloves for wet work.
Seek early medical diagnosis, and use gloves that match the diagnosis.
There is no treatment for latex allergy except complete avoidance of latex to prevent reactions and sensitization.
Latex gloves should never be worn in the vicinity of sensitized patients or colleagues, nor should care be provided using latex gloves or medical devices.
Latex sensitive persons must never wear latex gloves and need to take the following precautions.

Avoid all forms of exposure to latex

Alert physicians, colleagues and employers of the diagnosis and the need to avoid latex.


Wear a medic alert bracelet.
Carry auto-injectable epinephrine.
Carry non-latex gloves and emergency medical instructions.
Make preparations for latex-safe medical care with providers and health facilities.
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EVERYDAY ITEMS WITH LATEX:
Disposable diapers
Hand grips on racquets and tools
Catheters
Bandages
Elastic linings in clothes
Hot water bottles
Tires
Rubber gloves
Scratch-off portion of lottery tickets
Implants
Anesthesia masks
Balloons
Shoes
Mouth guards
Rubber toys
Eye-dropper
Carpet backing
Blood pressure cuffs
Baby bottle nipples
Syringe stoppers
Buttons on calculators and remote control devices
Diaphragms
LATEX SENSITIVITY PROTOCOL:
Student Responsibilities:
1. Report any signs of latex sensitivity to the Lab Instructor/Clinical Instructor immediately.
2. Remove gloves immediately.
3. Wash hands - flush with warm water.
4. DO NOT TOUCH face, eyes or other parts of the body.
5. Complete Seminole State College Accident /Incident report (done by faculty member).
6.
Faculty to call 911 if student‘s symptoms are life threatening call 911 and notify of severity.
For more information about latex sensitivities:
OSHA website http://www.osha.gov
www.latex.org
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Men:
White socks, and white undershirt are acceptable.
Shoes:
Shoes should be white, leather, professional shoes in a conservative style with closed toes and heels. Shoes should be new or nearly new in appearance, clean and polished. Clean shoes also need clean laces. Leather athletic shoes are acceptable without colored logos.
Jackets:
Only designated Seminole State nursing jacket may be worn while giving patient care and in lab settings.
Name Tag:
The Seminole State College Picture ID badge will be the name tag used for class and clinical.
Dress Code Guidelines
The guidelines for dress and demeanor of the student nurse in uniform are to dress and act as a representative of Seminole State College and the nursing department. Students who do not comply with the dress code guidelines may be dismissed from the clinical area. Also, additional hospital or health agency policies regarding dress code must be followed. The criteria are subject to change based on policy revision and adaptation by the clinical facility.
Nursing student uniforms will be ordered online. Only approved uniforms will be worn in the clinical setting.
General Information:
Clothing must be clean, unstained, wrinkle free, of good fit, and not frayed or unduly worn.
Clinical Uniform:
Women:
White plain socks or knee high socks (no ankle length or sport socks) are acceptable with pants. All dress uniforms must be worn with white non-textured stockings. Dress hemline should be knee length or longer.
Undergarments:
Appropriate skin color underwear is also considered part of the uniform. No long sleeve undergarments to be worn under uniforms.
Accessories:
The student nurse uniform is completed with the following accessories: bandage scissors (the small, pediatric size is recommended as they stay in the pocket better), a watch which reads hours, minutes, and seconds, safety goggles, pocketsize spiral notebook, pen light; and black ball point pens. A quality stethoscope is also required.
Lab Uniform:

Royal blue uniform pants.

White Seminole State nursing polo shirt
– must be ordered at orientation.

Seminole Statue Picture ID badge

Socks and shoes per uniform policy.

Students should wear the /lab uniform when picking up assignments at the hospital.
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Professional Appearance: (Clinical and /Lab Uniform)
In order to maintain a professional appearance:

Hair must be kept off the collar. It should be contained and not fall forward or obstruct vision.
No hair ornaments are allowed.

Beard must be neat, clean and well-trimmed.

One pair of post-style earrings is allowed in the earlobe of the ear. Visible body piercing, such as a nose/brow/tongue rings, and tattoos are not allowed while in uniform.

Wedding bands are the only acceptable rings to be worn. No other jewelry (for example: bracelet or necklace) is allowed.

Nails should be short in length, not extending past the end of the finger. Artificial nails are not allowed. Clear nail polish may be worn.

Make-up should be conservative if worn.

Perfumes, colognes, and scented lotions are not to be worn in the clinical site.

Appropriate personal grooming and hygiene are necessary, including body cleanliness, oral hygiene and use of deodorants.

Students are not to chew gum in the lab, class or in clinical.
Smoking Policy:
Smoking is not permitted while in uniform or when representing the nursing department. In addition, the odor of smoke may not present on the student.
A. The skills lab is an extension of clinical and therefore should be treated as such. Scheduled lab sessions and practice times that are built into the courses are mandatory. Students who violate the attendan ce policy (as defined by the College‘s policy) will be placed on an attendance contract by the program manager.

B. Some simulation experiences in the lab replace clinical hours. Therefore, any student who misses the simulation day will be required to makeup the learning experience. The student must register and pay for a clinical makeup day. All lab assignments must be completed prior to attendance at lab.
C. No food or drinks are to be consumed in the lab.
D. Students are required to wear the lab uniform during all lab hours. Students who are not dressed appropriately will be sent home and must make up the absence.
E. The lab environment must be treated the same as a clinical environment. Horse play, cell phone use, sitting on beds, distracting behaviors (i.e., constant talking, attending to personal needs) will not be allowed. Students will be warned if the behavior persists the students will be asked to leave the lab. Leaving the lab environment will count as an absence for that lab.
F. The telephones in the lab are n ot for student‘s use. In the case of a bona fide emergency, students may ask an instructor to use the phone. Students may not take it upon themselves to use the phone without permission.
G. Students must complete all lab assignments prior to lab attendance. Lab supplies (lab bags) are to be brought to lab for both for practice and skill evaluations. Students who are unprepared will be sent home just as if being unprepared in the clinical setting.
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H. Students who miss a lab that covers skills not included in skills evaluations will be required to attend an open lab and to be evaluated on the missed skill.
I. Any equipment used in the lab must be returned to its designated place after use.
Equipment includes but is not limited to: IV pumps, poles, dynamaps, beds (remade and straightened), medication carts, chairs, TV‘s, bedside and overbed tables, stretchers, paper towels, garbage cans, manikins, transportation carts, books and AV equipment. Any equipment found to be broken or malfunctioning should be brought to the attention of the lab staff so that the equipment may be repaired or replaced.
J. Students may be allowed to borrow certain equipment from the lab. There is a sign out book for checking out equipment. Failure to return any loaned items may affect a grade release.
K. Practice time and open lab time for skills will be prominently displayed in the lab area on the bulletin board and on the web. Please refer to posted open lab (OL) assignment for availability. If supervised practice or extra time is needed make an appointment with the lab coordinator either verbally or via phone (407-404-6068) so that lab time with an instructor or tutor can be arranged. If a student is unable to keep an appointment, the student should call the lab instructor at least two hours ahead of time to cancel the appointment.
L. The hallways and study areas are common use areas. Please be courteous and fair to peers.
M. There are many lab resources (AV media, open labs, one-on- one practice with lab assistants, etc.) available for students to enhance learning.
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N. The lab office is located in room 405 and the telephone number is 407 404-6112.
Attendance Policy
Promptness:
The faculty has prepared classes and clinical experiences which are both meaningful and relevant. As time for instruction is limited, it is important that each class begin on time. Students who arrive late will be sent home from clinical and a clinical make up day scheduled.
Class Attendance:
The College policy states, "A student who is absent from a class ten percent of the scheduled class time is subject to be dropped without warning by the instructor." (6HX25-5.2400). A student may be readmitted at the discretion of the instructor. Students who violate the attendance policies will be placed on an attendance contract by the Program Manager.
Students must register for each course before the 1 st
day of attendance of that course. No student will be allowed to attend class without first registering for the course. Verification of registration will take place on the first day of class.
Electronic Attendance:
Classroom and lab attendance will be taken electronically for every scheduled session. The electronic process is:

Students will wear their Seminole State College ID at all times while on campus
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Students will swipe their Seminole State College ID card at the attendance computer in the classroom and/or lab o Electronic attendance will be available beginning 10 minutes prior to class or lab until the start of class/lab o No students are to swipe in once the class or lab has begun o Students who are tardy or forget to swipe in prior to class/lab will swipe in at the break o Students may swipe for themselves only. Any student who swipes in for another student is in violation of the College‘s academic integrity policy

Any student that does not successfully swipe in must complete a manual attendance form o The form is available from course faculty members on the day of the attendance issue only o The student will turn in the completed form to a course faculty member o Excessive use of manual attendance records is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action

If a student is not in compliance with the College attendance policy (maximum of 10% of course time missed), the student will receive a message on their College email account that the student is in violation of College policy

Further absences will result in disciplinary action

Students may view their electronic attendance record at: www.seminolestate.edu/applications/attendance/
Clinical Attendance:
Clinical experiences are an essential component of nursing education. Therefore, except in case of emergency or illness, students are to be present for all clinical experiences. The instructor must be notified in advance of any clinical absence. Students should know how to contact the instructor, the assigned clinical unit and the nursing department of unexpected absences from clinical. Failure to contact the instructor about a clinical absence will be considered a ―no call no show‖ and the student will be placed on clinical probation.
Each clinical absence must be made up. Unless specifically noted in the course syllabus, the clinical attendance policy is:
RN Program:

Any course with consecutive (back-to-back) clinical days
– Students may not be absent for more than one clinical week or two clinical days.

Specialty courses (NUR 2310C, NUR 2423C, NUR 2463C, NUR 2520C, NUR 2943C) with non consecutive clinical days – Students may not be absent for more than one clinical day.

All other courses with non consecutive clinical days – Students may not be absent for more than two clinical days.
PN Program: See individual course syllabus.

Additional clinical absences will result in the student being unsuccessful in the course.
Students may not leave the clinical site during clinical hours except if dismissed by the instructor, as in the case of illness or unpreparedness. Students may not return to their cars or go outside during the clinical day. Meal and rest breaks are to be taken within the assigned agency. When a student leaves the client care area for meals or break, the student must notify the instructor and staff nurse so that patient care is not compromised.
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Clinical Make-Up:
Students who are absent for any reason on regularly scheduled clinical days will make up the missed clinical time on a clinical makeup day(s). Prior to scheduling a makeup day, students must register and pay a fee through the registration process. The makeup registration form is available from the nursing department administrative assistant. Makeup days will be scheduled in advance and may be on days not usually designated as clinical days. Clinical makeup days may be at an alternate facility and/or with an alternate instructor. Students must be registered at least twenty-four hours prior to clinical makeup date/time and show proof of registration to the course coordinator prior to attending clinical makeup. Questions concerning makeup days may be discussed with the clinical instructor or course coordinator. Students who do not complete all required clinical hours prior to the end of the semester will receive an incomplete for the course grade.
EVALUATION AND GRADING
I. Course Evaluation: Student performance will be evaluated based on theoretical, clinical, and dosage objectives. These objectives, learning activities, and methods of evaluation are unique for each course. The grading policy for each course is published in the course syllabus. The following regulations apply to the overall curriculum:
A. Grades:
1. The student must pass theoretical, clinical, and dosage components to receive a grade in the course.
2. A grade of
―C‖ or better must be attained in all nursing and general education courses leading to the ADN or PN completion. a. In the RN program, a grade of 78% must be the exam average of all exams
(equally weighted) including the final exam, before the additional assignments are included in the final grade. b. In the PN program, a grade of 78% must be obtained on a majority of exams (unit and final exams) before any additional assignments are included in the final grade. A student must pass, with a minimum of 78%, a majority of the exams
(unit and final) in order to progress to the next course.
3. The grading scale is:
A
B
C
D
F
92 -100
85 - 91
78 - 84
70 - 77
69 and below
4. Rounding Policy:
All grades (exams, projects, paperwork, clinical, etc., are rounded to 1/10 th
. Numbers 0.5 and above are rounded up to the next whole number while numbers below 0.5 are rounded down. For example: a grade of 89.49 is rounded to 89 while a grade of 89.50 is rounded to 90.
5. Grades of "I" (incomplete) must be made up according to college policy.
6. A summative unsatisfactory clinical evaluation will result in a grade of "F" for the course
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 unless the student withdraws according to the withdrawal policy.
7. A student, who is in jeopardy of failing the course in either the theoretical or clinical components, will be notified in writing by the course coordinator.
B. Theoretical Examinations:
1. All course exams and quizzes will be designed by the course instructors.
2. In the event of absence for an exa m see the ―make-up test policy‖.
3. Policy for Test Taking: a. The following options are at the discretion of the instructor: seating arrangement, leaving the room during a test, and stopping the examination for any violation of the test taking policy. b. Personal belongings, including cell phones, PDAs and other electronic communication devices must be left along the walls of the classroom. Desks must be cleared during exam. Students will need a # 2 pencil and a simple calculator.
Cell phones or PDAs may not be used as calculators. c. Cell phones and PDAs must be turned off during exams. Failure to do so will result in progressive disciplinary action. d. Evidence of cheating during a test will be grounds for dismissal from the program with a grade of ―F‖ for the course due to unprofessional behavior. A statement to this effect will be placed in the student‘s personal file. If there is evidence of verbal or nonverbal communication between students during an examination, the examinations will be taken from the participating parties by the instructor. f. An individual testing plan will be developed for any student with documented disabilities in conjunction with Seminole College Disability Services. The exam will be given so that the student completes the exam at the same time as students in the classroom setting. Appointment times must be made by the student for the testing center. The Altamonte Springs testing center is located in room A 104 and can be reached at 407 404-6136. g. A student with a failing grade average will be notified of that average after each exam by way of a computer printout answer sheet or on the online course site. The student is responsible for contacting the course coordinator regarding his/her academic concerns.
5 . Late for Exam Policy:
Students who are late to class on exam days will not be allowed to start the test and will be required to take a make-up exam in the testing center on their own time. Faculty will post a sign on the classroom door when the test packets are distributed. Arrival after the sign is posted is considered a late arrival.
6. Make-up Exam Policy:
The student must contact the course coordinator to determine when the make-up exam will be available in the testing center. In the event of absence for an exam, the student must notify the course coordinator prior to the scheduled exam time. Failure to do so will eliminate the opportunity to take a makeup exam. All make-up tests will be a different style (essay, short answer, etc.) than the original style. All students are responsible for making an appointment time with the testing center online according to the testing center policy. Use the following link to access to schedule the appointment with the testing center: http://www.serminolestate.edu/testing/make_up.htm
7. Request for Exams To Be Taken At A Time Other Than Scheduled:
No exams may be taken before the scheduled exam time. Any exam that is requested to
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
 be taken after the scheduled exam time will be an alternate format exam. The timeframe for completing a requested late exam is:


Unit exam: Must be taken within 7 days of the scheduled exam
Final exam:
The student will receive an ―I‖ for the course and must complete the final exam within 10 days of the start of next semester‘s classes as published by the College Academic Calendar.
Making arrangements for alternate exam times is the responsibility of the student.
Failure to complete the exam in the specified time frame will result in a zero on the exam.
8. Exam Reviews: a. Review of exams is the option of the instructors and will not be scheduled until all students have taken the test. b. Reviews are scheduled outside of regularly scheduled class time. c. Student participation is not required, but considered a learning situation. d. A designated classroom for test review will be announced. Students must attend group test reviews before seeking individual help from faculty members. e. Students should bring computer test results print outs to the review. f. The instructor will review answers and rationale on the exam questions. Review is not a time for arguing validity of exam elements. A test item challenge form is available for questioning an exam item. Students will be dismissed and excluded from test reviews if persistent disruption occurs. g. Once the next course exam is given the previous exam is no longer available for review. h. Exam review is a secure process. Students are to follow directions of faculty. Note taking or recording of the review is prohibited.
C. Written Work:
Written assignments such as nursing process papers, reports, and prep forms are due as assigned. Points will be deducted for late assignments as per the course syllabus. In extenuating circumstances, and with faculty approval, additional time can be contracted for completing assignments. To receive an additional time contract, students should contact their clinical instructor prior to the due date. Students have only one week after a grade is received to question the grade with the original instructor. Grades will not be revisited after that time.
II. Clinical and Lab Evaluation: Important components of the educational process in the nursing program are clinical and laboratory experiences. In both the lab and clinical settings, students will learn nursing skills needed to be safe, efficient, caring professionals.
A. Clinical Evaluation:
Clinical experiences are graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory based on the Criteria for
Clinical Performance guidelines. The clinical evaluation tool, found in the course syllabus, describes these performance guidelines and method of grading clinical performance. Clinical evaluations are based on program outcomes.
Each clinical week, the student will use the clinical evaluation tool for self evaluation of the week‘s clinical performance and as a place to write about the learning experience. The faculty member will review the student‘s assessment and document any concerns with the
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
 performance guidelines. The student will review the faculty member‘s comments the next clinical week and initial/date the evaluation.
Evaluation of nursing skills in a clinical setting is accomplished by instructor observation of the student's clinical performance. Clinical performance is evaluated by observation of patient care and by review of patient care records (charting and nursing care plans) documented by the student.
Faculty members have the responsibility to evaluate each student's ability to provide safe care for clients. Any student having difficulty performing clinical skills will be referred to the skills lab instructor for specific remedial instruction, practice, and demonstration of skill. Any student who is unable to demonstrate satisfactory performance and progress in meeting clinical requirements will be placed on clinical probation (see Probation section).
Midterm and final clinical evaluations will be scheduled between the clinical instructor and the student to review the components of the evaluation. A satisfactory clinical evaluation is required to successfully complete the course.
1. Clinical Preparation: a. The student is responsible for obtaining clinical assignments in person on the day prior to the clinical experience. Refer to the individual course syllabus for specific guidelines for each clinical rotation. b. If the clinical instructor determines that a student is unprepared for his/her assignment, at the instructor's discretion, the student may be asked to leave the clinical area. This day will be considered a clinical absence and must be made up. A
Variance Record will be written. c. A student must report to the instructor for guidance if a situation presents that is beyond their knowledge base. d. Failure to perform in a safe and satisfactory manner will result in the student being dismissed from the clinical area. This unsatisfactory performance will be determined by the faculty in accordance with professional practice standards. The student will also receive a grade of ―U‖ unsatisfactory for the clinical component of the course. e. It is not possible for a student to receive a passing grade for a course with an unsatisfactory summative clinical evaluation.
B. Skills Lab Evaluation:
Many clinical skills are evaluated in the campus lab. Students will view a demonstration and/or audio visual materials, practice, and then be tested on selected clinical skills. Opportunities will be available to observe an instructor-led demonstration and for supervised practice as needed before return demonstrations are scheduled. During skill testing the lab instructor's role will be for evaluation purposes only, with no teaching available. Therefore, ample practice for mastery is encouraged. Schedule of lab availability for practice will be posted in the lab. The skills lab evaluation process is:
1. Students are to complete all assignments prior to testing.
2. Designated check off sheets, if applicable, and lab supplies (lab bags) are to be brought to testing. Bring only supplies needed for that day‘s skills to the lab. Leave lab bags, book bags, and belongings in hallway.
3. Lab uniforms must be worn for testing.
4. On testing days if the student is not in uniform or lacks supplies, the student will be
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 considered a no show and will not be tested. The student will have to make an appointment with the lab instructor to be tested. The time frame for completion of testing will be set forth by the course coordinator.
5. If a student is not present at the appointed time and does not call the lab coordinator or course coordinator in advance, the student will be considered a no show.
6. No shows for skill testing will be considered a failure.
7. During skills evaluation, there will be no coaching or teaching by faculty.
8. There will be a time limit set for completion of the skill/skills. Inability to complete the skill/skills within the specified timeframe may lead to failure. As testing progresses, instructors will alert students to the time remaining for skill completion.
9. Testing times will be posted in the lab. If the nursing course is web enhanced, testing times will be posted on the course‘s online site. Students should be ready to proceed with testing at the scheduled time.
10. Criteria for successful completion of skills testing are provided in the course syllabus/skills manual or the course‘s online site.
11. Students unable to perform skills testing satisfactorily must make an appointment with the lab instructor to remediate and retest. Testing or retesting must be completed within the frame set forth by the course coordinator, must be at the convenience of lab instructors, must be outside of class time, and within available lab scheduled times.
12. If unsuccessful at testing after two attempts, the student must petition the faculty for permission to have a third attempt at the skill. The student who is granted a third attempt will need to retest under the supervision of two instructors. Please note that some retests may also require additional work. A third failure will lead to course failure.
III. Incomplete Course Work:
Any student who has incomplete course work at the end of the semester will receive an incomplete for the course regardless of the reason for the incomplete or the student ‘s grade in the course. The instructor will submit a change of grade when all the course work is completed. Please note that an incomplete grade will automatically convert to a grade of ―F‖ after a predetermined length of time. (See College policy for incomplete grades).

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Medication Safety Competencies
Medication Safety Competencies are presented at four levels.
• Level One during Fundamentals of Nursing (NUR1020C)
• Level Two during Basic Medical Surgical Nursing (NUR1210C) or Career Transition (NUR
1030C)
• Level Three during Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing (NUR2212C)
•
Level Four during Complex Medical Surgical Nursing (NUR2251C)
Competency is defined at 100% accuracy on each level competency evaluation. Students are provided three opportunities during the designated semester to achieve competency.
Competencies on each level include skills in the cognitive domain of learning ranging from the knowledge level through analysis level. The cognitive domain involves knowledge and the development of intellectual skills. This includes the recall or recognition of specific facts, procedural patterns, and concepts that serve in the development of intellectual abilities and skills. There are six major categories, which, starting from the simplest behavior to the most complex are knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The categories can be thought of as degrees of difficulties. That is, the first one must be mastered before the next one can take place.
Medication Safety Competencies have been organized into 11 Concepts. Each topic is presented from simple to complex and students progress from Level One through Level Four
• Concept 1: Systems of Measurement
• Concept 2: Medication Equipment
• Concept 3: Medication Orders
• Concept 4: Medication Dosage
•
Concept 5: Medication Labels
•
Concept 6: Oral Medications
•
Concept 7: Topical Medications
•
Concept 8: Intradermal Medications
• Concept 9: Subcutaneous Medications
• Concept 10: Intramuscular Medications
• Concept 11: Intravenous Medications and Solutions
Level 2 Competencies
2.1. Concept: Systems of Measurement
2.1.1. Matches common units of measurement to equivalents units within the same and between different systems of measurement from memory. (C1: knowledge)
2.1.2. Translates common units of measurement from apothecary and household systems to equivalent metric system units from memory.
(C2: comprehension)
2.2. Concept: Medication Equipment
2.2.1. Explains relationship of needle length and administration of right
dose of 1M and SC injections. (C3: application)
2.2.2. Describes differences between single dose ampules and multidose vials. (C2: comprehension)
2.2.3. Differentiates between three types of insulin syringes.
(C2: comprehension)
2.2.4. Locates accurate measurement on insulin syringes that equates to ordered
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
 dosage. (C3: application)
2.2.5. Recognizes when inaccurate quantity for computed dose is measured in syringe. (C4: analysis)
2.2.6. Identifies correct port for adding medication to IV solutions. (C1: knowledge)
2.3. Concept: Medication Orders
2.3.1. Identifies incomplete drug orders. (C4: analysis)
2.3.2. Selects times for medication administration according to ordered
frequency for drugs that require modification or exemption from
standard administration schedule. (C3: application)
2.3.3. Identifies when scheduled times for a medication are miscalculated.
(C6: evaluation)
2.4. Concept: Medication Dosages
2.4.1. Determines if an ordered dosage of drug for an adult (all routes and
indications) matches the recommended dosage. (C4: analysis)
2.4.2. Contrasts steps to calculate safe dosage using body weight method
Between single and daily dosing. (C4: analysis)
2.5. Concept: Medication Labels
2.5.1. Selects right drug, using drug reference book, for medication ordered
by brand name when only generic name is listed on label. (C3: application)
2.5.2. Identifies the dosage concentration of a parenteral solution.
(C2: comprehension)
2.5.3. Identifies the final dosage concentration of a parenteral solution from
a reconstituted powder. (C4: analysis)
2.5.4. Identifies the correct insulin label that corresponds to the drug order.
(C3: application)
2.5.5. Identifies the correct heparin label that corresponds to the drug order.
(C3: application)
2.6. Concept: Oral Medications
No new skill introduced
2.7. Concept: Topical Medications
No new skill introduced
2.8. Concept: Intradermal Medications
No new skill introduced
2.9. Concept: Subcutaneous Medications
2.9.1. Calculates a routine dose of subcutaneously medication when the
order and the supply dose are identical units. (C3: application)
2.9.2. Identifies when order and the supply dose are different and require a
unit conversion prior to calculation of dose. (C4: analysis)
2.9.3. Calculates correct total volume to withdraw into syringe when mixing
two types of insulin. (C3: application)
2.9.4. Appraises dosage calculation for accuracy prior to administration of
subcutaneous medication. (C6: evaluation)
2.9.5. Recognizes when calculated volume exceeds the maximum
recommended volume for subcutaneous injection site. (C4: analysis)
2.10. Concept: Intramuscular Medications
2.10.1. Calculates a routine dose of intramuscular medication when the
order and the supply dose are identical units. (C3: application)
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
2.10.2. Identifies when order and the supply dose are different and require a
unit conversion prior to calculation of dose. (C4: analysis)
2.10.3. Uses correct concentration in dosage calculation formula for
premixed solutions as well as reconstituted powders. (C3: application)
2.10.4. Calculates correct total volume to withdraw into syringe when mixing
two types of compatible medications
2.10.5. Appraises dosage calculation for accuracy prior to administration of
intramuscular medication. (C6: evaluation)
2.10.6. Recognizes when calculated volume exceeds the maximum
recommended volume for intramuscular injection site. (C4: analysis)
2.11. Concept: Intravenous Medications and Solutions
2.11.1. Calculates a routine dose of IVPB medication when the order and the
supply dose are identical units. (C3: application)
2.11.2. Identifies when order and the supply dose are different and require a
unit conversion prior to calculation of dose. (C4: analysis)
2.11.3. Calculates an accurate dose of an additive to the maintenance IV
solution. (C3: application)
2.11.4. Identifies in a drug reference the information needed to determine
recommended concentration of IVPB solutions. (C4: analysis)
2.11.5. Identifies in a drug reference the information needed to determine
recommended rate of infusion of intermittent IV solutions (IVPB).
(C4: analysis)
2.11.6. Calculates infusion time for manually regulated IV maintenance
infusions. (C3: application)
2.11.7. Evaluates infusion of manually regulated IV to determine if drip rate
needs to be recalculated. (C4: analysis)
2.11.8. Selects correct heparin solution to be used for heparin locks.
(C3: application)
2.11.9. Identifies nursing actions to be followed on standard drug protocols.
(C4: analysis)

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
Achieve 100%
Move to Level 2 – NUR 1210C
OR NUR 2212C
Medication Safety Competency
Steps for Success
Level 1 – NUR 1020C (Generic) OR NUR 1030C
Review Level 1 competencies
Complete assigned readings and study guides.
Attend class lecture and practice sessions.
Seating 1
Less than 100%
Attend scheduled group review.
Remediate on own, with peer, or at STAR Center.
Achieve 100%
Move to Level 2 –
NUR 1210C OR NUR 2212C
Seating 2
Less than 100%
Attend scheduled group review.
Prepare self -evaluation statement identifying problem areas and planned remediation strategies.
Remediate on own, with peer, STAR Center or in prepared skills lab stations as determined by self-evaluation.
Achieve 100%
Move to Level 2
–
NUR 1210C OR NUR 2212C

Seating 3
Present self -evaluation statement.
Less than 100 but at least 85%
Attend individual review with identified remediation faculty.
Participate in formulation of success plan goals and actions.
Move to Level 2 – NUR 1210C OR NUR 2212C
Meet with remediation faculty to review progress on success plan prior to Level 2
38

Less than 85%
Inability to move to
Level 2 –
NUR 1210C OR
NUR 2212C


Medication Safety Competency
Steps for Success
Level 2 –
NUR 1210C OR NUR 2212C
Review Level 2 competencies
Complete assigned readings and study guides.
Attend class lecture and practice sessions.
Achieve 100%
Move to Level 3 – NUR 2212C
Seating 1
Less than 100%
Attend scheduled group review.
Remediate on own, with peer, or at STAR Center.

Achieve 100%
Move to Level 3 – NUR 2212C
Seating 2
Less than 100%
Attend scheduled group review.
Prepare self -evaluation statement identifying problem areas and planned remediation strategies.
Remediate on own, with peer, STAR Center or in prepared skills lab stations as determined by selfevaluation.
Seating 3
Present self -evaluation statement.
Achieve 100%
Move to Level 3 – NUR 2212C
Less than 100 but at least 85%
Attend individual review with identified remediation faculty.
Participate in formulation of success plan goals and actions.
Less than 85%
Inability to move to
Level 3 –
NUR 2212C
Move to Level 3 – NUR 2212C
Meet with remediation faculty to review progress on success plan prior to
Level 3 Seating 1 and as needed.
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
Medication Safety Competency
Steps for Success
Level 3 –
NUR 2212C
Review Level 3 competencies
Complete assigned readings and study guides.
Attend class lecture and practice sessions.
Seating 1
Achieve 100%
Move to Level 4 – NUR 2251C
Achieve 100%
Move to Level 4
– NUR 2212C
Less than 100%
Attend scheduled group review.
Remediate on own, with peer, or at STAR Center
Remediate on own, with peer, or at STAR Center.
Seating 2
Less than 100%
Attend scheduled group review.
Prepare self -evaluation statement identifying problem areas and planned remediation strategies.
Remediate on own, with peer, STAR Center or in prepared skills lab stations as determined by selfevaluation.

Seating 3
Present self -evaluation statement.
Achieve 100%
Move to Level 4 – NUR 2251C
Less than 100 but at least 85%
Attend individual review with identified remediation faculty.
Participate in formulation of success plan goals and actions.
Less than 85%
Inability to move to
Level 4 –
NUR 2251C
Move to Level 4
– NUR 2251C
Meet with remediation faculty to review progress on success plan prior to Level 3 Seating 1 and as needed.
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

Withdrawal
Students should be aware that a reduction in course load ma y jeopardize the student‘s athletic eligibility, financial aid, veteran‘s benefits, standards of progress, or student Visa status.
Faculty have the right to withdraw a student from class for ―no shows‖ (W-4) or excessive absences
(W-2) as determined by the established College guidelines. If a student is withdrawn from a course as a result of a cancelled section, the student may see a counselor regarding selection of another course.
A full refund is granted for cancelled courses.
Students with a failing average will be notified via the course online site or in person that they must choose either withdraw from the course by the college withdrawal deadline or stay in the course and receive the grade earned for the course.
Any withdrawing student should confer with the course coordinator. Often, seemingly insurmountable problems can be managed by alternatives other than withdrawal. Students will only be allowed one withdrawal from a nursing course during the program (see students out of progression policy).
Students who withdraw from a course must follow the re-enrollment procedure in order to be considered for progression. When withdrawal from a course is necessary, an exit interview should be scheduled with the program manager after the student has completed the withdrawal procedure

 through the registrar.

Testing and Remediation Program
Overview:
All students participate in the nursing department‘s testing and remediation program.
The program assists faculty and students in the identification of strengths and areas needing further development so that:
(1) Students will have the greatest opportunity to successfully complete the nursing program
(2) Graduates will have the nursing knowledge required for licensure and entry-level competence for nursing practice
(3) Data from the testing and remediation program is used for program outcome evaluation.
The nursing department has chosen to use Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI)‘s Assessment-
Driven Review program which is designed to provide students with various learning tools that assists them in reviewing course content, identifying strengths and weaknesses, improving test taking abilities, and ultimately successfully passing the NCLEX® for licensure. The program consists of:
(1) Self Assessment Inventory after nursing orientation
(2) Assessment of nursing knowledge (course mastery topical exam) after core nursing courses
(3) Comprehensive NCLEX® readiness examination that is administered near the end of the program
(4) NCLEX® Review Course for RN students
Results of the content-specific course examinations, administered after core nursing courses, are used to identify those students who have not mastered content areas and need remediation. As part of this program, students receive study guides with a CD in the content areas of:
(1) Fundamentals of Nursing
(2) Pharmacology
(3) Mental Health
(4) Nutrition (PN)
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

(5) Medical/Surgical Nursing
(7) Maternal/ Newborn Nursing
(9) Nursing Care of Children
(6) Nursing Leadership (ADN)
(8) Nursing Management (PN)
Students have an opportunity to take the course mastery topical nonproctored exam (practice tests) as many times as they wish during the semester (usually beginning about halfway through the semester) prior to taking the course mastery topical exam at the end of the specified courses.
Feedback about the test results is provided to the students as part of the overall program. This feedback is in the form of a detailed assessment of their individual performance on the designated test and provides scores for mastery of nursing content areas, nursing process, critical thinking phases, therapeutic intervention, communication skills, and cognitive levels.
Criterion Referenced Proficiency Levels Guidelines:
Performances course mastery topical exams are based on Criterion Referenced Proficiency Levels.
The Criterion Referenced Proficiency Levels are as follows:
The student meeting the criterion established for Level Three is:

Very likely to exceed NCLEX® standards in this content area.

Demonstrates a higher than expected level of knowledge in this content area that confidently supports academic readiness for subsequent curricular content.

Exceed most expectations for performance in this content area.

Demonstrates achievement of a level of competence needed for nursing practice in this content area that exceeds most expectations.

Meets benchmark and does not require remediation.
The student meeting the criterion established for Level Two is:

Fairly certain to meet NCLEX® standards in this content area.

Demonstrates a level of knowledge in this content area that more than adequately supports academic readiness for subsequent curricular content.

Exceed minimum expectations for performance in this content area.

Demonstrates achievement of a satisfactory level of competence needed for nursing practice in this content area.

Meets benchmark and does not require remediation.
The student meeting the criterion established for Level One is:
 Is likely to just meet NCLEX® standards in this content area.
 Demonstrates the minimum level of knowledge in this content area required to support academic readiness for subsequent curricular content.
 Meets the absolute minimum expectations for performance in this content area.
 Demonstrates achievement of a minimum level of competence needed for nursing practice in this content area.
 Does not meet benchmark and requires focused self-remediation.
The student scoring below Level One did not meet the criterion established for Level One.
 Does not meet benchmark and requires mandatory remediation.
Student Incentives for Testing: To encourage students to do their best work on course mastery topical exams, the following incentives will be used:
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

 Proficiency Level 3 5 extra points added to course final exam grade
 Proficiency Level 2 3 extra points added to course final exam grade
Remediation Program:
All students achieving Proficiency Level One or below on any course mastery topical examination must participate in a focused self-remediation plan. All students are then strongly encouraged to retake course mastery topical exam (a different version) by midterm of the next semester. A variety of learning resources may be used in the remediation process, including:
(1) Case study approach to focus on critical thinking and application of the nursing process
(2) Selected components of ATI Content Mastery Series review modules
(3) Non-proctored online practice assessments
(4) ATI PLAN DVD nursing review disk
(5) Course materials
Students are responsible for planning their remediation process and completing the plan. Faculty members who are content experts in all of the covered areas are available for specific nursing content questions.
The career program advisor will coordinate administration a second proctored course mastery topical examination to students achieving below Proficiency Level One. Times and dates of retakes will be determined by the career program advisor. Failure to achieve a Level Two on the second proctored exam will further highlight the need for the student to continue with a remediation plan.
ATI - Comprehensive Predicator Examination:
The Comprehensive Predictor Examination will be used to evaluate the students‘ synthesis of knowledge acquired throughout the nursing program. The examination will be given to students near the end of the nursing program. A predicted probability score of at least 91% (raw score of 72% on the exam) or greater must be achieved to pass NUR 2943C (ADN) or PRN 509C (PN). Each student will be allowed to take the comprehensive predictor examination up to three times.
The first administration of the ATI Comprehensive Predictor will occur:

ADN Day Track – Endo of NUR 2251C

Transition Track – End of NUR 2251C

ADN Evening/Weekend Track – End of NUR 2423C

PN Track – Beginning of PRN 0509C
The first Comprehensive Predictor attempt w ill serve as a ―pretest‖ or diagnostic exam at this time. A student who achieves a 91% predicted probability score (raw score of 72% on the exam) or higher on the pretest diagnostic exam will be deemed to have demonstrated mastery of content acquired throughout the nursing curriculum and will have met the requirement of passing the ATI
Comprehensive Predictor for the program.
Any student who does not achieve a 91% predicted probability score (raw score of 72% on the exam) or greater on the diagnostic exam will be required to develop and complete a self directed remediation plan. The student will retake the ATI Comprehensive Predictor at the midpoint of the final semester of the program. If the student does not achieve a 91% predicted probability score
(raw score of 72% on the exam) or greater on the second attempt, the student will retake the
Predictor for a third and final time in the last semester.
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

Any students who does not achieve a 91% predicted probability score (raw score of 72% on the exam) or greater on the third attempt will receive a failing grade in either NUR 2943C or PRN
0509C. The student who is unsuccessful is encouraged to continue in the remediation process while waiting to re-enroll in the course if the student is eligible to return to the program (see the reenrollment and/or readmission policies in the student nurse handbook). If a student is not eligible to return based on these policies, the student will be dismissed from the program.
44




Testing Time
After orientation to nursing program
End of NUR 1210C
End of NUR 2212C
End of NUR 2423C
Day Track
End of NUR 2520C
End of NUR 2310C
End of NUR 2251C
Day Track
End of NUR 2423C
Evening/Weekend Track
Midpoint of NUR 2943C
All Tracks
End of NUR 2943C
Generic Track – Proctored Exams
Proctored
Achievement Test
Desired Minimum
Testing Outcome
ATI Self-Assessment
Inventory
Desired Program Outcome
Early data about students‘ learning style characteristics, thinking processes, work values, and professionalism
Fundamentals of Nursing
Pharmacology in Nursing
Practice
Maternal/Newborn
Nursing
Mental Health Nursing
Proficiency Level Two
Proficiency Level Two
Proficiency Level Two
Proficiency Level Two
Proficiency Level Two or higher after
2 nd
proctored assessment
Proficiency Level Two or higher after
2 nd
proctored assessment
Proficiency Level Two or higher after
2 nd
proctored assessment
Proficiency Level Two or higher after
2 nd
proctored assessment
Pediatric Nursing
Medical Surgical Nursing
Proficiency Level Two
Proficiency Level Two
Proficiency Level Two or higher after
2 nd
proctored assessment
Proficiency Level Two or higher after
2 nd
proctored assessment
Comprehensive Predictor
Maternal/Newborn
Nursing;
Comprehensive Predictor
Predictive probability score of at least 91%
(raw score of 72% on the exam)
Proficiency Level Two
Graduates‘ NCLEX-RN® first time passing rate at or above state average
Proficiency Level Two or higher after
2 nd
proctored assessment
Graduates‘ NCLEX-RN® first time passing rate at or above state average
Comprehensive Predictor
#2 (if needed)
Comprehensive Predictor
#3
(if needed)
Predictive probability score of at least 91%
(raw score of 72% on the exam)
Predictive probability score of at least 91%
(raw score of 72% on the exam)
Predictive probability score of at least 91%
(raw score of 72% on the exam)
Graduates‘ NCLEX-RN® first time passing rate at or above state average
Graduates‘ NCLEX-RN® first time passing rate at or above state average
45




Testing Time
As Needed
Non Proctored Exams
– ALL RN Programs
Achievement Test
Focused Medical Surgical
Desired Minimum
Testing Outcome
Proficiency Level Two
Desired Program Outcome
Proficiency Level Two
Testing Time
After orientation to nursing program
End of NUR 1030C
End of NUR 2463C
Transition Track- Proctored Exams
Proctored
Achievement Test
ATI Self-Assessment
Inventory
Fundamentals of Nursing
Pediatrics
Maternal/Newborn
Desired Minimum
Testing Outcome
Proficiency Level Two
Proficiency Level Two
Desired Program Outcome
Early data about students‘ learning style characteristics, thinking processes, work values, and professionalism
Proficiency Level Two or higher after 2 nd
proctored assessment
Proficiency Level Two or higher after 2 nd
proctored assessment
Follow generic track for all other courses
46
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

Testing Time
After orientation to nursing program
End of PRN 0003C
End of PRN 0004C
End of PRN 0120C
End of PRN 0383C
Beginning of PRN 0509C
Midpoint of PRN 0509C
End of PRN 0509C
Practical Nursing
Achievement Test
Desired Minimum
Testing Outcome
ATI Self-Assessment
Inventory
Fundamentals of Nursing
Nutrition
Mental Health
Proficiency Level Two
Proficiency Level Two
Desired Program Outcome
Early data about students‘ learning style characteristics, thinking processes, work values, and professionalism
Proficiency Level Two or higher after 2 nd
proctored assessment
Proficiency Level Two or higher after 2 nd
proctored assessment
Maternal/Newborn
Nursing
Pediatric Nursing
Proficiency Level Two
Proficiency Level Two or higher after 2 nd
proctored assessment
Medical Surgical Nursing
Pharmacology
Comprehensive Predictor
Management
Comprehensive Predictor
#2
(if needed)
Comprehensive Predictor
#3
(if needed)
Proficiency Level Two
Proficiency Level Two or higher after 2 nd
proctored assessment
Predictive probability score of at least 91%
(raw score of 72% on the exam)
Proficiency Level Two
Predictive probability score of at least 91%
(raw score of 72% on the exam)
Predictive probability score of at least 91%
(raw score of 72% on the exam)
Graduates‘ NCLEX-PN® first time passing rate at or above state average
Proficiency Level Two or higher after 2 nd
proctored assessment
Graduates‘ NCLEX-PN® first time passing rate at or above state average
Graduates‘ NCLEX-PN® first time passing rate at or above state average
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Disciplinary Actions
Variance Policies
Medication Variance (MV):
A student enrolled in a nursing program who makes a medication error will receive a Medication
Variance and Evaluation Report as soon as the variance occurs or is discovered. The student is then responsible for completing specific assigned work and meeting with the instructor.
1) Medication Variance - A medication variance is any deviation in the calculation, preparation, or administration of medication resulting in a violation of one or more of the six rights of medication administration.
2) Occurrence of a Medication Variance as a Nursing Student
– Students are expected to be knowledgeable about the medications they administer and to correctly answer questions regarding the medications. Students are expected to be knowledgeable about methods of administering medications (within the course objectives) and are expected to administer all medication according to the six rights It is not an error to ask questions about medication administration, whether the student is confused about the medication, calculation, or questions the validity of a prescription. Questions, based on knowledge about the medication administration process, are always acceptable.
Medication variances may include, but are not limited to: a) Incorrect medication b) Incorrect dosage c) Incorrect route d) Incorrect equipment (for example: wrong syringe or needle) e) Too early or too late administration f) Wrong patient g) Wrong injection site h) Wrong route of administration
Examples of variances include the student: a) Presenting incorrect calculations to the instructor. b) Preparing medications and leaving the area where meds were prepared as though to administer to a patient, and, an error in preparation has been made. c) Failing to identify the patient each time a medication is given. d) Administering a medication and violating one or more of the six rights.
Students who make a medication variance not involving a patient will complete a Seminole
State College Variance Report. The student is responsible for completing the form and making an appointment with the instructor.
3) Client Medication Variance – Students must review the clinical site‘s medication administration policy and be aware of what constitutes the facility
‘s definition of a medication error. A medication error is usually defined as a violation of one or more of the six rights at the time of administration of medication to the patient (or at the time the medication should have
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 been administered). The student violating the agency‘s medication administration policy must immediately notify their clinical instructor, appropriate facility nursing staff and follow the agency policy for medication variance.
Procedure:
1) If the variance violates the agency‘s policy, complete that facility‘s variance form and implement the clinical site
‘s procedure immediately. Client safety is of utmost importance.
2) Complete the Seminole State College Medication Variance and Evaluation Report as soon as possible.
3) Within one week, arrange to meet with clinical instructor.
4) A copy of the Medication Variance and Evaluation Report will be forwarded to the program m anager. Based on the instructor‘s evaluation of the variance, the student will be required to complete a complete medication administration skills test in the skills lab. In addition, the student may be required to: a) View instructional audio visual materials b) Pharmacology review c) Article critique d) Any additional assignment required.
Note : The Director of Nursing reserves the right to institute immediate discipline including dismissal from the program, for any medication variance that, in his/her judgment, is lifethreatening in nature, or, if the student demonstrated unsafe or inappropriate behavior in making or reacting to the variance.
Variance Record (VR):
A Variance Record will be written for unsatisfactory or unsafe clinical behavior(s), and breach of professional conduct. The original VR will be placed in the student's permanent file and a copy will be given to the student.
The purposes of the VR are to: a. Inform the student of an unsatisfactory or unsafe incident. b. Develop, in conjunction with the instructor, a plan to avoid similar incidences in the future. c. Assist the student in self-evaluation of clinical behavior(s), which resulted in the unsatisfactory or unsafe incident.
Examples of unsatisfactory and unsafe clinical behaviors are: a. Not adequately prepared for clinical assignment. b. P erforms procedure without instructor‘s knowledge. c. Performs unsatisfactorily in a critical safety area: priority setting, medication, safety (see
Clinical Evaluation Tool). d. Failure to perform previously learned skills i.e., checking armband, wearing gloves, etc. e. Medication error.
Warning:
Depending upon the nature of the variance, a student may be placed on clinical warning in the form of a clinical contract. Any additional Variance Records or lack of compliance with the contract will
 result in probation.
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Academic or Clinical Probation:
When significant academic or clinical concerns arise with a student, the student will be placed on probation. When a student is placed on probation, either clinical or academic, a Student Counseling form is initiated.
Probation is the period of time designated by the nursing faculty, program manager, and/or Director of Nursing, during which a student must meet specific requirements as noted in the clinical contract.

The clinical contract requirements must be met in order to continue in the nursing program.

Purpose of Probation:
The purpose of probation is to formally recognize that a student is not making satisfactory progress in the conditions of probation are intended to:
A. Recognize performance needing improvement at an early date.
B. Provide a specific occasion for guidance and counseling.
C. Give the student an opportunity to correct deficiencies and to demonstrate satisfactory performance. The reasons for probation will be given to the student in writing along with requirements for removing this designation.
Reasons for Probation:
A. Failure to make satisfactory progress in relation to course requirements: classroom, clinical laboratory, or campus lab.
B. Student behavior and/or performance endangering either the student's and/or client's safety, such as, but not limited to:
1. Administering medications and/or treatments in a negligent manner.
2. Performing treatments or procedures on a client beyond the limit of their educational preparation in the nursing program.
3. Leaving a nursing assignment without properly advising appropriate personnel.
4. Violating a client's human rights, dignity, or discriminating in any way in providing nursing care to a client or the client‘s family or significant other.
5. Failing to follow specific rules and guidelines for each nursing course.
C. Multiple Variance Records in one clinical day.
D. No call/no show for clinical experience.

Procedure for Clinical Probation:
A. Variance Record is written
B. Counseling and/or remediation will be suggested by the instructor.
C. Variance Records will be reviewed at the next faculty meeting. Additional recommendations may be made by the faculty to ensure student and patient safety and to uphold quality of care.
D. Failure of the student to demonstrate satisfactory performance in the area of concern, additional Variance Records, or multiple areas of unsatisfactory performance on the Clinical
Evaluation Tool, will result in the student being placed on clinical probation. Determination of probationary status occurs after review by the faculty teaching the course and the program manager.
E. The student on clinical probation is counseled by instructor and/or program manager to confirm understanding of the situation.
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F. The student may be placed in another clinical group to be evaluated by another instructor.
G. The student may continue in the course while on clinical probation.
H. The length of probation for clinical reasons will be determined by the nursing faculty.
I. Failure to meet the requirements for removal of probation by the designated due date will subject the student to dismissal from the program.
J. Completion of the requirements for removal of probation will remove the probationary status.
There is no set number of Variance Records that result in probation or dismissal. The determination of probation is discretionary based on the nature of the Variance Record and faculty review of the circumstances.
A student may be suspended from clinical activities if the specific requirements of probation are not met. Dismissal from the program may also occur.
Dismissal:
Dismissal is the termination of the student's enrollment in the nursing program. As of the date of dismissal, that student may not attend classes, or any clinical laboratory or clinical experience. The student is not eligible for readmission to any nursing program.
Reasons for Dismissal:
A. Failure to meet requirements for removal of probation.
B. Violations of the attendance policy.
C. Unethical, unsafe, dishonest behavior and behavior which consistently demonstrates a lack of judgment may result in the student‘s withdrawal from the clinical experience or immediate dismissal from the nursing program. Some examples are, but not limited to:
1. Attending any clinical learning activity in the nursing program while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or non-prescribed use of prescription drugs which affect alertness, judgment or mood. (See Impaired Student Protocol).
2. Failure to meet background check policy.
3.
Falsifying or altering a client‘s record.
4.
Knowingly administering medications or treatments without a physician‘s order.
5. Violating the confidentiality of information or knowledge concerning a patient and/or the patient‘s family.
6. Stealing.
7. Cheating.
8. Unprofessional behavior.
9. Failure to maintain clinical requirements (CPR, immunizations, computer training, etc.)
Procedure for Dismissal:
A. The student will have an exit interview with the faculty member and program manager.
A. The student will be assisted to explore educational and career options for continuing growth.
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NURSING PROGRAMS CLINICAL ACTION PROCEDURE
(Student has Variance Record)
↓
Instructor Notified
↓
Investigates & takes appropriate action
↓
1. Variance Record written
2.
3.
Recommendations given
Student signs VR which is placed in student‘s record
4. Student receives copy
 /  \
 Student complies Student does not comply with
with recommendation recommendation or student complies
but has additional variances
↓ ↓
No further incidents Team meeting with Director of Nursing
↓ ↓
No action Counseling form &/or clinical contract
↓
Clinical probation
↓
Inform student in writing
Student understands terms of clinical probation
/ \
Student does not comply with terms of Student progresses satisfactorily in
probation/contract or additional VR clinical setting
↓ ↓
Faculty discussion No further action required
↓
Clinical failure
↓
Student may attend class but not clinical for the term
↓
Dismissed from nursing program
/ \
Decision accepted Dismissal
by student Appealed by student in writing within 5 working days
Student may attend class but not clinical during appeal process
↓
Follow Seminole State Appeals Process
*Additional variances mayor may not result in dismissal depending on the nature of the variance
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Nursing Program Progression
To progress in the nursing program, the following criteria are required:
1) Complete each nursing course with a grade of ―C‖ or higher. a. Successful nursing course completion includes passing the theoretical, clinical/lab, and dosage components of the course as per the course syllabus. b. Complete benchmark testing as per the course syllabus.
2) Students may withdraw, regardless of the reason, from one nursing course without consequence. The students must follow the re-enrollment process after the withdrawal.
3) Students may re-enroll in a nursing course providing: a. The student has not failed two nursing courses not taught in the same semester. b. The student has not failed a nursing course and had more than one course withdrawal while in the nursing program.
4) Maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification
5) Maintain all required health standards.
6)
Maintain all clinical agencies‘ requirements needed to attend clinical experiences.
7) Have FIT mask test documentation on file.
8) Maintain acceptable Criminal Background Check requirement. If the student has been out of the nursing program for a semester, a new Criminal Background Check is required.
Any student who is unsuccessful in a course must meet with the program manager to discuss their options for re-enrollment or career advising.
Re-enrollment in the Nursing Program
Students may be considered for re-enroll in a nursing course providing that the student has not been unsuccessful in two nursing courses not taught in the same semester or had combinations of nursing course failures and withdrawals as outline in the nursing program progression guidelines.
Re-enrollment Procedure for Students:
The student must:
1) Submit a completed re-enrollment application to the program manager by the deadline date. The application can be obtained from the program manager.
2) Include all documentation listed on the application packet checklist.
3) Meet with the program manager and retention specialist(s) to discuss plans for course success if re-enrollment is approved.
4) Agree to re-enrollment plans and requirements.
5) Re-enrollment is on a space available basis and is not guaranteed in the same track (days, evening/weekends, and online) or in the next academic semester. a. Selection priority for re-enrollment:
1) Student withdrawing for personal reasons with satisfactory course grade(s)
2) Student with academic/clinical failure, or withdrawal with unsatisfactory course grade(s), with have documented remediation
3) Student with academic/clinical failure, or withdrawal with unsatisfactory course grade(s), with have no documented remediation
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6) Students who re-enroll may be out of course progression (as defined by the curriculum). It is the students‘ responsibility to notify the program manager by midterm of the current semester of the course(s) to be taken to be taken in the next semester. This process will determine if space is available in the next course(s).
7) Re-enrolled students, who have had a previous course failure or withdrew with a failing grade, will be on academic/clinical probation during the next nursing course(s).
8) Students must re-enroll within two years of leaving the nursing program (either by withdrawal or course failure).
Once the student has followed the re-enrollment procedure, a decision will be made jointly by the program manager and retention specialist(s) concerning the s tudent‘s re-enrollment request.
A student has the right to appeal this decision as per the college appeal process.
The process can be reviewed at: http://www.seminolestate.edu/catalog/studentinfo/academic_policies/appeals_process.htm
Readmission in the Nursing Program
A decision to readmit a student who has received unsuccessful grades in two nursing courses in different semesters, or, a combination of course failure and withdrawals (outlined in the nursing program progression guidelines) may be related to influences outside of the student‘s control that are unrelated to academic ability. These influences and issues should have been discussed with the student‘s course leader prior to failure/withdrawals. There is no guarantee that readmission to the program will occur and the circumstances leading to course failures/withdrawals must be extraordinary and non-academic in nature.
Readmission Procedure for Students:
The student must:
1) Submit a completed readmission application to the program manager by the deadline date.
The application can be obtained from the program manager.
2) Include all documentation listed on the application packet checklist.
3) Meet with readmission committee (program manager, retention specialist(s), and Director of Nursing.
4) Agree to readmission plans and requirements.
5) Readmitted students, who have had previous course failures, will be on academic/clinical probation during the next nursing course(s).
6) Students who are readmitted may be out of course progression (as defined by the curriculum). It is the students‘ responsibility to notify the program manager by midterm of the current semester of the course(s) to be taken to be taken in the next semester. This process will determine if space is available in the next course(s).
7) Readmission is on a space available basis and is not guaranteed in the same track (days, evening/weekends, and online) or in the next academic semester.
8) Students must apply for readmission within two years of leaving the nursing program.
Once the student has followed the readmission procedure, the readmission committee will
 convene to review the student‘s documentation and make a recommendation to the Director of
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Nursing regarding readmission to the nursing program. Based on the committee‘s recommendation, the DON will make the decision concerning readmission.
A student has the right to appeal the decision of the readmission committee and the DON as per the college appeal process.
The process can be reviewed at: http://www.seminolestate.edu/catalog/studentinfo/academic_policies/appeals_process.htm
Transfer Policy
Students may be considered for transfer into Seminole State College‘s nursing program on a space available basis and if the student has not been out of a nursing program for more than two years.
Transfer Procedure for Students:
The student must:
1. Complete all
Seminole State College‘s admission requirements.
2. Submit a completed transfer application to the program manager by the deadline date.
The application can be obtained from the program manager.
3. Include all documentation listed on the application packet checklist.
4. Transfer is on a space available basis and is not guaranteed in the requested track.
Selection priority for transfer students: a. Student withdrawing for personal reasons (non academic) with satisfactory course grade(s) in previous nursing program b. Student with one academic/clinical failure, or withdrawal with an unsatisfactory course grade in previous nursing program c. Student with two academic/clinical failures, or withdrawals with unsatisfactory course grade(s) in previous nursing program
5. A student applying for transfer must be accepted for enrollment in a Seminole State
College nursing course within two years of leaving a nursing program. Any longer time periods out of a nursing program will mandate that the student make initial application for admission to the program.
6. Complete at least 25 percent of the total nursing degree requirements at Seminole State
College.
7. Meet with the program manager and career program advisor to discuss plans for course success if transfer is granted.
8. Agree to above course success plan.
9. Any transfer student, who have had a previous course failure or withdrew with a failing grade, will be on academic/clinical probation during the first Seminole State College nursing course(s).
10. If transfer is approved, the student must successfully complete, on the first attempt, the skills assessment, dosage exam, and benchmark testing at the level of proficiency of the course(s) prior to the one for which transfer is requested. Failure to complete these requirements will result in the student not being eligible for transfer.
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11. Students who transfer into the program may be out of course progression (as defined by the curriculum) during the program. It is the students‘ responsibility to notify the program manager by midterm of the current semester of the course(s) to be taken to be taken in the next semester. This process will determine if space is available in the next course(s).
Once the student has followed the transfer procedure, a decision will be made by the program manager c oncerning the student‘s transfer request. A student has the right to appeal this decision as per the college appeal process.
The process can be reviewed at: http://www.seminolestate.edu/catalog/studentinfo/academic_policies/appeals_process.htm
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Division of Career Programs Procedure for Addressing Student Concerns
This procedure describes the required process for addressing student academic concerns within the Division of Career Programs (including the nursing department). The student will:
STEP 1: Consult with faculty
The student shall request a conference with the professor involved. Every effort shall be made by the student and the professor to resolve the issue at this level. Should the student feel uncomfortable with such a meeting, the student may request a conference with the program manager of that area.
STEP 2: Document the concern in writing & consult with program manager
If step one does no t resolve the issue to the student‘s satisfaction, the student may request to schedule a conference with the program manager of that area. The student must submit a “Written
Statement of Student Concern ” to the program manager at least 5 working days prior to the scheduled conference. Within 5 working days after the scheduled conference, the program manager will send a letter to the student, Director of Nursing and Dean documenting their decision.
STEP 3: Document the concern in writing & consult with Director of Nursing
If step two does not resolve the issue to the student‘s satisfaction, the student may request to schedule a conference with the Director of Nursing. The student must submit a “Written Statement of Student Concern” (form attached) to the Director of Nursing at least 5 working days prior to the scheduled conference. Within 10 working days after the scheduled conference, the Director of
Nursing will send a letter to the student, Dean and program manager documenting their decision.
STEP 4: Document concern in writing & consult with Dean of Career Programs
After completion of the above steps, if the student still remains dissatisfied, the student may request to schedule a conference with the Dean of Career Programs. Prior to scheduling the conference, the student must submit a
“Written Statement of Student Concern” to the Coordinator of Career Programs. The Coordinator will review the documentation and schedule a formal conference with the Dean of Career Programs to address the issue. They will investigate the student concern and meet with the student. Within 10 working days after the conference, the
Dean will issue a final written determination to the student.
NOTE:
The nursing faculty members are here to teach, guide, support, and evaluate student progress through the program. The faculty‘s years of clinical and academic experience enable them to enhance students‘ learning process. Faculty members are valuable resources for students to seek direction and advice regarding their clinical and academic performance.
Students must assume responsibility for complying with the above procedure. Failure to do so will result in significant delays in addressing the concern. Please note that grade appeals must be filed before the expirations of the term following the term in which the grade was received. Grade appeals filed after that time will not be heard. This procedure is in compliance with the Seminole
State College’s grade appeals process - See
Seminole State College’s catalog for details.
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
Division of Career Programs
Written Statement of Students Concern
Last Name
Address
( )
Area Code
First Name
City,
Phone Number
State
Student ID#
Email Address
Zip
Program Date
Describe the situation. Attach additional sheets if necessary. Include names of professor involved and document dates of all conferences.
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


Student Signature:
Date:
59

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Table of Contents
ADN Section
Major Goal of the ADN Program
Philosophy of Nursing
Code of Ethics
Nursing Education
Associate Degree Nursing Core Competency Measures
ADN Program Outcomes
ADN Skills or Procedures in the Clinical Setting
Curriculum Sequence
UCFSeminole State College‘s Concurrent AS-BSN Program
Nursing Student Association
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67
69
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MAJOR GOAL
Of the Associate Degree Nursing Program
The graduate will receive the Associate in Science Degree in Nursing and be prepared to pass the Florida State Board Examination in order to assume the role of the entry level registered nurse. The Associate Degree Nurse will use the nursing process to assist clients with actual or potential commonly recurring health problems. The graduate will function as a member of the health care team and assist clients to meet their bio-psychosocial and spiritual needs. The graduate will be prepared to practice in entry level registered nurse positions in a variety of health care settings.
The graduate will be prepared to pursue advanced nursing education as career goals change.
NURSING EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING
The Department of Nursing at Seminole State College shares the mission of the College in its pursuit of learner-centered, quality education that anticipates the needs of the students and the community that it serves. The nursing faculty approaches this commitment taking into account the mission and definitions of professional nursing practice. The philosophical beliefs of the faculty at
Seminole State College Nursing Department are based on their expanded definitions of the four concepts of nursing's metaparadigm - person, environment, health, and nursing.
The person is defined as an individual, a family, or society who brings unique characteristics to the nurse/person interaction. Each person has his own unique construct of reality, assigned meanings, and interpretations, which are drawn largely from life experiences.
The environment is the combined internal and external forces - physical, emotional, interpersonal, social, cultural, and spiritual - through and in which the person constantly interacts. The person attempts to develop harmony with the environment to achieve biopsychosocial equilibrium.
Health is a dynamic, self-defined state of being. Health is impacted by the process of human development, attainment of basic needs, meaningful work, quality of life, and social well-being.
Health exists along a continuum from wellness to illness and reflects the person's interrelationship of mind, body, and spirit. Health promotion, maintenance, and restoration focus on individual behaviors, risk factors, and lifestyle, and emphasize the value of the individual and the importance of personal responsibility. Health is complex and requires that nurses, as health care providers, consider not only the individual, but also family and population groups and the economic sociopolitical and cultural context of healthcare. Care and caring are basic to health promotion, maintenance, and restoration.
Nursing is an evidence-based practice discipline which integrates a body of specialized knowledge drawn from the physical, biological, psychological, and social sciences.
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The goal of nursing is to assist clients in attaining their maximum health potential. Nursing has both collaborative and independent functions that assist the well or ill client to perform activities that promote, maintain, or restore health; or lead to a peaceful death. Nurses utilize a holistic approach in partnership with the client through the caring application of the nursing process: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Nurses utilize sound judgment, effective communication, and critical thinking skills; and incorporate legal and ethical accountability while providing quality care. The activities within the scope of nursing are guided by professional and regulatory organizations that define standards of practice and ethical behaviors.
CODE OF ETHICS
Nurses function under specific legal and ethical guidelines. The following is the American Nurses‘
Association Code of Ethics for nursing.
1. The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.
2.
The nurse‘s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group or community.
3. The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient.
4. The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse‘s obligation to provide optimum patient care.
5. The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth.
6. The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving healthcare environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality health care and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action.
7. The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development.
8. The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting, community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs.
9. The profession of nursing, as represented by associations and their members, is responsible for articulating nursing values, for maintaining the integrity of the profession and it‘s practice, and for shaping social policy.
…American Nurses’ Association
(2001)
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NURSING EDUCATION
The nursing faculty respects and supports the individual characteristics each person brings into the academic environment through diversity in values, ethnicity, sociocultural, and racial backgrounds. This diversity is also reflected in the healthcare setting. The nursing faculty endeavor to transmit this value to students in order that they may deliver culturally-sensitive care to all populations.
The nursing student is viewed as an autonomous, ethical, self-motivated, adult learner whose ultimate goal is to become a contributing member of the nursing profession. The nursing faculty is committed to facilitating the student's assimilation into the profession by providing a caring learning environment of mutual respect. Students are exposed to knowledge that enables them to provide a safe, effective environment of care that facilitates promotion, maintenance, and/or restoration of the client's biopsychosocial integrity. It is the faculty's belief that student learning is the process of comprehending, analyzing, applying, and internalizing a body of knowledge. Core competencies expected of the student nurse throughout and at the completion of the nursing education program are:
I . Caring is the humanistic, altruistic, compassionate, empathetic, and reflective relationship between the faculty, the nursing student, and the client. This caring relationship and ongoing caring interventions fosters a healing environment that protects and promotes the client‘s dignity and respects diversity. Caring is the essence of nursing and, therefore, the moral imperative that defines the ethics of nursing. All other core competencies are reflections of the caring professional nurse.
II Clinical competence is the observable, measurable, and deliberate integration of knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience within the context of evidenced-based practice that leads to quality client outcomes.
Decision making involves critical thinking which is an attitude and reasoning process involving a number of intellectual skills. Critical thinking enables one to rationally examine ideas, beliefs, assumptions, principles, arguments, conclusions, and actions in a variety of health care settings to meet client outcomes.
III. Communication is the art and technique of honest, effective human interaction with individuals, groups, and institutions that informs and influences health care decisions. Communication is expressed verbally, behaviorally and technically and is central to a person's cultural identity. Communication is the means through which people express their most complex thoughts, beliefs, and values. Effective technical communication skills ensure confidentiality and enhance accurate and timely documentation. The ability to communicate effectively is essential.
IV. Commitment to professionalism embodies high ethical and moral standards of behavior and thoughts that are reflective of the registered nurses professional social contract. This social contract reflects client advocacy and understanding of the economic and social /global forces that impact the delivery of healthcare. The
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 professional nurse seeks lifelong learning opportunities that contribute to the profession's body of knowledge, the nurse's self-development, and the enhancement of professional growth in others.
V.
Collaboration and management of care is the ongoing cooperative, creative, joint effort with the health care team to meet client and organizational outcomes. This partnership is best exemplified through effective clinical decision-making, problemsolving, prioritization, delegation, and management of care across health care settings.
It is our belief that teaching and learning requires the application of critical, analytical, and creative thinking that allow for the integration of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor dimensions. These interactions are essential to build competence in a practice profession. The nursing faculty believes in a curriculum that allows for the faculty and learners' exploration of various teachinglearning modalities that take into consideration our diverse student population.
Seminole State College Of Florida
Associate Degree Nursing Educational Competencies and Graduate Outcomes
Graduates of Seminole State College Associate Degree Nursing program meet the core competencies of the philosophy of nursing education developed by the nursing faculty and the core competencies for graduates of Associate Degree programs formulated by the National
League for Nursing.
I. Caring Interventions a. Provides and coordinates humanistic, altruistic, compassionate, and empathetic clientcentered care that protects and promotes the client‘s dignity. b. Implements care with consideration for the cultural diversity, spirituality, developmental level, and uniqueness of each client and significant support person(s) .
c. Provides a safe physical and psychosocial environment for the client.

II. Clinical Competence and Decision Making a. Utilizes critical thinking skills and evidenced based information in making clinical judgments and management decisions to ensure accurate and safe care. b. Uses the nursing process to assist clients and significant support person(s) in meeting biopsychosocial needs in health promotion, restoration and health maintenance c. Performs comprehensive physical, cognitive, functional, and psychosocial assessments/reassessments to determine the clients‘ health status. d. Collects and analyzes relevant data to establish a plan for nursing care e. Develops, implements, evaluates and modifies teaching plans based on individual client and significant support person(s) health status and educational capabilities. f. Performs nursing skills accurately and safely in a variety of clinical settings.
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 g. Evaluates and modifies care in meeting individualized client outcomes.

III. Communication a. Utilizes therapeutic communication skills with clients and significant support person(s). b. Maintains organizational and client confidentiality. c. Communicates (including reporting and documentation) relevant, accurate, and complete information in a concise and clear manner.
d. Utilizes appropriate channels of communication.
e. Utilizes information technology within approved guidelines to ensure effective communication regarding the clients‘ status.
IV. Commitment to Professionalism a. Practices nursing within the legal, ethical, and regulatory standards of professional nursing practice. b. Reports unsafe practices of healthcare providers using appropriate channels of communication. c. Participates in ongoing professional development that supports personal and professional growth d. Advocates for client rights. e. Practices within the parameters of individual knowledge and experience. f. Recognizes the impact of economic, political, social, and demographic forces on the delivery of healthcare. g. Serves as a role model for nursing.
V. Collaboration and Management of Care a. Prioritizes client care. b. Demonstrates accountability for nursing care given by self and/or delegated to others. c. Delegates appropriately, supervises adequately, and evaluates tasks assigned to assistive personnel d. Provides assistive personnel with relevant instruction to support achievement of client outcomes e.
Collaborates with health care team to assure the client‘s access to available community resources. f. Collaborates cooperatively, creatively, and openly with the health care team in meeting client and organizational outcomes. g. Coordinates the decision making process with the client, significant support person(s), and the other members of the health care team. h. Coordinates the implementation and continuity of client care within and across health care settings. i. Participates in problem identification and data collection for research, quality control, or improvement process to meet client outcomes. j. Demonstrates competence with current technologies.
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ADN Program Outcomes
Nursing student academic achievement is evaluated by program outcomes. The ADN program outcomes are:
 Seventy percent or more of students will graduate within three years after beginning the
RN program.
 Ninety percent of graduates will be employed in nursing within one year of graduation.
 The pass rate of the NCLEX-RN® for graduates will be at or above the state pass rate.
 Eighty percent of graduates will report satisfaction with the level of education received at
Seminole State College.
The program outcome data is collected, analyzed, and trended on a yearly basis. Outcome results are available for review.
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ADN Skills or Procedures in the Clinical Setting
A.
Observational Skills: The student may " observe only " the following skills; the student MAY
NOT perform these skills:
1. IV push medications
2. Administration of blood or blood products a. Whole blood b. Packed red blood cells c. Fresh frozen plasma d. Platelets
3. Administration of medication used as a chemotherapeutic agents
4. Administration of experimental drugs
5. Administration or titrating of any IV piggyback or IV fluid containing a. Vasoactive medication b. Cardiac medications c. Insulin d. Heparin
6. PCA pump setup or syringe change
7. Access or flush a implanted subcutaneous port
8. Telephone or verbal orders a. The only exception is in NUR 2943C Practicum and Client Care
Management. T he student‘s assigned preceptor must directly supervise and cosign all orders taken by the student
9.
Acknowledging (―red lining‖ or noting) new orders
10. Witness to consents
11. Counting of narcotics
12. Blood draws from ports, arterial lines, central lines, PICC lines
13. Discontinuation of any type of arterial line or arterial access
14. Advanced cardiac life support procedures such as defibrillation, external pacemaker application, cardiac rhythm interpretation, etc.
15. Cervical exams
.
B. Supervised Skills: The student may perform the following skills with direct supervision of the staff nurse, preceptor or clinical instructor through the entire process:
1. Observe and monitor clients receiving blood transfusion.
2. Hang IV fluids
3. Venipuncture (as per hospital policy)
4. Administer intravenous piggy back medications
5. Removal of fecal impaction.
6. Administer of subcutaneous insulin or heparin
7. Administer intravenous heparin and saline flushes
8. Medication administration
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C. Other Skills: The staff nurse is responsible for the client‘s care. Nursing care delegated to the student nurse by the staff nurse/preceptor/clinical instructor must be in accordance with hospital and College policy and based on their judgment of student performance.
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STATUS
CURRICULUM SEQUENCE
For Students Starting Prior to August 2010
TERM I
Fall Semester
Aug-Dec
FRESHMAN NUR 1020C
Fundamentals of Nursing 7
NUR 1142C
Fund of Pharmacology For
Nursing Care 2
Generic Track------ 72 Credits
DAY TRACK
TERM II
Spring Semester
Jan-May
NUR 1210C
Basic Concepts in Medical
Surgical Nursing 6
NUR 2520C
Concepts in Mental Health
Nursing 4
TERM III
Summer Semester
May-June
TERM IIIB
Summer Semester
July-Aug
SENIOR NUR 2212C
Advanced Concepts in
Medical Surgical 6
NUR 2310C
Concepts in Pediatric Nsg 4
NUR 2251C NUR 2943C
Complex Concepts in Medical Practicum and Client Care
Surgical Nursing 6 Management 3
NUR 2423C
Concept Mat,/Newborn Nursing 4
EVENING/WEEKEND TRACK
FRESHMAN NUR 1020C
Fundamentals 7
NUR 1142C
Pharmacology 2
SENIOR NUR 2212c NUR 2251C
Advanced Concepts M/S
Nursing 6
Complex Nursing MS 6
NUR 2520
Concepts in Mental Health 4
NUR 2310C
Concepts Pediatric 4
NUR 1210
Basic Concepts in Medical Surgical Nursing 6
NUR 2423C NUR 2943C
Maternal/Newborn Nursing 4 Practicum & Child Care
Management 3
TERM IIIB
Summer
June-Aug
NUR 1030C
Career Transition
CAREER TRANSITION TRACK ------ 62 Credits
TERM I
Fall Semester
Aug-Dec
TERM II
Spring Semester
Jan-May
TERM IIIA
Summer Semester
May-June
NUR 2212C NUR 2251
Advanced Concepts in Complex Concepts in NUR 2943C
Med/Surg 6 Med/Surg 6
Practicum and Client Care
NUR 2520C NUR 2463C Management 3
Concepts Mental Health 4 Maternal/Child Nursing 4
*
*
NUR 2932
Selected Topics in Nursing 2
*
*
TERM IIIB
Summer Semester
July-Aug
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Status
First Year
Senior
Status
First Year
Senior
Senior
GENERIC CURRICULUM SEQUENCE STUDENTS STARTING AUGUST 2010
Fall Term
Aug.-Dec.
Spring Term
Jan.-May
Summer Term A
May-June
Summer Term B
July-Aug.
NUR1020C (7)
Fundamentals of Nursing
NUR1141C (2)
Fundamentals of
Pharmacology for
Nursing Care
NUR2212C (6)
Advanced Concepts in
Medical Surgical Nursing
NUR1210C (6)
Basic Concepts in Medical
Surgical Nursing
NUR2520C (4)
Concepts in Mental Health
Nursing
NUR2251C (6)
Complex Concepts in
Medical Surgical Nursing
NUR2423C (4)
Concepts in Maternal/Newborn Nursing
NUR2310C (4)
Concepts in Pediatric Nursing
NUR2943C (3)
Practicum and
Client Care
Management
Fall Term
Aug.-Dec.
Spring Term
Jan.-May
NUR1020C (7)
Fundamentals of Nursing
NUR1141C (2)
Fundamentals of
Pharmacology for
Nursing Care
Summer Term A
May-June
Summer Term B
July-Aug.
NUR1210C (6)
Basic Concepts in Medical Surgical
Nursing
NUR2310C (4)
Concepts in Pediatric
Nursing
NUR2520C (4)
Concepts in Mental
Health Nursing
NUR2943C (3)
Practicum and Client
Care Management
( Term IA only —August-
October)
NUR2212C (6)
Advanced Concepts in
Medical Surgical Nursing
NUR2423C (4)
Concepts in Maternal/
Newborn Nursing
NUR2251C (6)
Complex Concepts in Medical Surgical
Nursing
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TERM IIIB
Summer
June-Aug
NUR 1030C
Career Transition
CAREER TRANSITION TRACK
TERM I TERM II TERM IIIA TERM IIIB
Fall Semester
Aug-Dec
Spring Semester
Jan-May
Summer Semester
May-June
NUR 2212C NUR 2251
Advanced Concepts in
NUR 2520C
Complex Concepts in NUR 2943C
Med/Surg 6 Med/Surg 6
Practicum and Client Care
NUR 2463C
Management 3
Concepts Mental Health 4 Maternal/Child Nursing 4
NUR 2932
Selected Topics in Nursing 2
*
*
*
*
Summer Semester
July-Aug
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
UCFSEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE’S Concurrent AS-BSN Program
School of Nursing
Enrollment Option
This program was designed by the UCF School of Nursing to create partnerships with area colleges in order to help combat the nursing shortage in the Central Florida area and to offer an alternate nursing education opportunity for students who are wait listed for enrollment in our limited enrollment program and an opportunity for qualified ASN students to earn their BSN sooner. This program allows integrated concurrent enrollment in both associate and baccalaureate nursing programs simultaneously. It is designed for academically talented students who desire a BSN in nursing.
The program allows qualified students to enroll in an associate degree nursing program while beginning courses in the UCF BSN program. Every semester students will take 8-10 credits of AS credit and 1-6 credits of UCF nursing course work. After five semesters, students graduate with the AAS in nursing, and are eligible to take the NCLEX exam and, once licensed, practice as an
RN. After an additional one semester of full time study or two semesters of part time study, these students will complete the BSN in nursing.
Future plans call for this program to be developed in partnership with other interested area colleges. It will offer academically talented AS students the opportunity to complete one half to the BSN program while enrolled in the associate degree program.
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
FLORIDA NURSING STUDENT ASSOCIATION (FNSA) and
NURSING STUDENT ASSOCIATION OF SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE
The key to the future of the profession of nursing is having "one strong voice" that represents nurses.
Seminole State College student organization is the precursor for future professional involvement.
The FNSA is the largest independent student professional organization in the state, and is designed specifically for nursing students. On a state level, the FNSA is active in legislative and educational activities, and health projects.

FNSA membership provides for networking with an anticipated 25,000 other nursing students who take advantage of activities and benefits the association has to offer. FNSA's leadership activities may include: representation in the annual House of Delegates, opportunities to run for state and national office, chances to win scholarships, contests and prizes for students, their nursing program, and an opportunity to influence future nursing practice.
The faculty strongly encourages all students to join the Nursing Student Association of Seminole
State College. Meetings times will be posted in common areas of the Altamonte Springs Campus.
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Table of Contents
PN Section
Introduction
Philosophy of the Practical Nursing Program
Conceptual Framework
Practical Nursing Program Outcomes
Practical Nursing Program Outcome Evaluation
Scope of Practice & Education for Practical Nursing Students
Curriculum Sequence
Practical Nursing Program Clinical Attendance
Medication Safety – Dosage and Calculation
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INTRODUCTION
The practical nursing program is approved and accredited by the State Department of Education and the Florida State Board of Nursing. The graduate of this program is eligible to take the
National Board Licensure Examination (NCLEX®-PN) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Florida.
Clinical client care experiences are correlated with each of the following courses: Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Medical-Surgical Nursing II, Maternal Child Nursing, and
Gerontological Nursing. These clinical experiences will be correlated with classroom theory and clinical lab practice/testing. Selected observational experiences will be offered in specialty areas as well as in agencies.
The graduate of this program is prepared as a beginning safe practitioner who functions to meet the nursing needs of persons of various age groups, to assist clients in the promotion and maintenance of their health, and to be a responsible member of an interdisciplinary health-care team.
PHILOSOPHY OF THE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM
The practical nursing faculty believes that man (all people, men, women and children) is a holistic being. Man is complete and unified; and cannot be viewed as merely the sum of his parts. Each man is unique, thinking being who makes choices, possesses value and dignity, and strives toward attainment of his needs. Man does not live alone, but exists interdependently with the environment. The environment is the sphere of reference in which man strives for attainment of his needs. The environment may include the family, the culture, and the in which man resides.
The statements of belief include:
1. Concepts of Nursing:
Health, the need and right of each person, is the ongoing effort of man to maintain balance in his ever-changing environment. Man constantly strives toward an optimal level of health, wellness, and self-actualization, moving toward interdependence rather than dependence.
Nursing is the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of actual or potential alterations in health. Nursing is a science and an art which recognizes the inherent worth of the individual, the value of human life, and the attainment of the highest standard of wellness.
2. Concepts of Practical Nursing Education:
Education is a dynamic and continuing process of growth and adjustment during which the student, interacts with the environment, assimilates knowledge and acquires attitudes, appreciations and competencies. Through education and the environment, positive change in personal behavior and development of professional behavior is achieved. Practical nursing education benefits when it is within the structure of the college where the student may pursue general education courses, as well as vocational credit nursing courses. The college encourages the involvement of representatives in determining present and future training needs and the implementation of appropriate curricula to satisfy the needs identified. The college believes that the interest of the students, the business/industry, and
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 the college are best served through the advisory partnerships that have been and will be established.
In accordance with our philosophy, which emphasizes career mobility and articulation with college programs, practical nursing education is constructed to present an orderly and systematic framework, which builds upon common basic principles from the social, biological and psychological sciences. The program is planned to provide continuity, sequence, and integration of learning experiences so that the student may progress from simple basic nursing care to that which is more complex.
The practical nursing curriculum is constructed to build on students‘ previous learning experience. It provides fundamental knowledge to all students. The program provides for learning differences among students. All qualified individuals should have an opportunity for upward mobility in nursing. As faculty, it is our responsibility to provide learning experiences that build on to the students‘ previous educational experiences.
Practical nursing education must provide the learner with the knowledge to qualify for the licensing examination and develop basic competencies as stated by the Florida
Department of Education and the State Board of Nursing. It is a program of correlated theory and clinical experience. The science and technology of nursing change rapidly.
Therefore, nursing education should focus on the concepts and principles inherent in meeting the basic human needs.
3. Concepts of the Teaching/Learning Process:
The faculty believes that optimal learning occurs when:
A. The environment encourages freedom of inquiry, thought, and expression.
B. Learning progresses from the simple to the complex.
C. The responsibility for learning is placed on the learner.
D. There is a close correlation between theory and practice.
E. Ample opportunity for application and practice of theoretical concepts is provided.
F. Individual differences and needs are considered.
G. A variety of instructional methods are offered to meet the different learning styles of the learner.
H. Opportunity for credit is allowed for previous learning.
I. Education is viewed as a life-long process to assist the individual to adapt to changes in his environment.
Nursing principles are the tools of nursing practice and education. Nursing principles are the method whereby nursing knowledge is transferred into practice.
A varied program of theory, and correlated clinical, experiences and individualized advisement encourages the student to develop confidence as a person and a nurse who now, and in the future, will be a contributing member of society.
The philosophy of the program of practical nursing supports and is consistent with the purpose of the college. This philosophy was developed by the faculty in 1975 and has been revised and
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 approved yearly. The latest philosophy was reviewed and approved by the total nursing faculty in
2006.
Conceptual Framework
The faculty of the practical nursing program believes that the conceptual base for the program is the descriptive outcome of the interaction between man, environment, health, and nursing. The major sub-concepts are:
A. Basic human needs as developed and defined by Abraham Maslow.
B. The nursing process: the tool by which nursing assists the client to attain human needs.
C. Man, nursing, and health all exist within the framework of environment and interact among themselves to define holistic man. To further integrate the presentation of the interrelationships of man, nursing, environment and health, the faculty has isolated threads evident throughout the program of study. Along with the framework, these threads serve to unify the curriculum into a cohesive whole. Each thread is identified to insure that it is included in each course. The threads are:

Cultural diversity

Legal and ethical issues

Critical thinking

Growth & development across the lifespan

Communication and interpersonal skills

Nutrition and diet therapy

Professional adjustments and professionalism
Practical Nursing Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the practical nursing program the student will demonstrate the following within the scope of practice of practical nursing:
A. Integrates theoretical knowledge into clinical practices evidenced by assigned clinical activities, post conference participation and discussion with clinical faculty.
B. Utilize nursing principles to assist clients in meeting basic human needs.
C. Provides client-centered care considering the uniqueness of each individual and family.
D. Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for personal and professional behavior and growth.
E. Practices according to the legal and ethical standards of nursing.

F. Utilizes effective interpersonal skills to establish collaborative relationships with peers, clients, their families, and health team members.
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Practical Nursing Program Outcome Evaluation
The practical nursing program outcomes are evaluated in the following ways:
 Seventy percent or more of students will graduate within two years after beginning the program.
 Ninety percent of graduates will be employed in nursing (or pursuing an RN degree) within one year of graduation.
 The pass rate of the NCLEX-PN® for graduates will be at or above the state pass rate.
 Eighty percent of graduates will report satisfaction with the level of education received at
Seminole State College.
The program outcome data is collected, analyzed, and trended on a yearly basis. Outcome results are available for review.
Scope of Practice & Education for Practical Nursing Students
Students must have and are expected to check the health care provider‘s orders daily to verify the clients‘ medications, procedures, treatments, diet, and activities of daily living.
There are procedur es that may be ordered that are not in the scope of a practical nurse‘s education and therefore, not in a student practical nurse‘s role. The following are examples of
 procedures that practical nursing students cannot perform under any circumstances:
1. Hanging of blood or blood products (students may be part of the pre-infusion data gathering and ongoing observations such as vital signs and reporting of any untoward reactions as well as observing the site only)
2. Single, double, triple lumen central lines (for example, subclavian lines, PICC lines,
Groshong catheters, infuse-Aports, Hickman catheters). The practical nursing student‘s role for these central lines is observation of the site, dressing, and intactness of the unit, correct infusion rate, and correct solution hanging. The SPN cannot perform the following skills for central lines:

Drawing blood from any ports



Injecting medications or flushes
Dressing or tubing changes
Hanging solutions
3. Cardioversion
4. Certain medications, medication delivery routes, and IV solutions:

Chemotherapy drugs: preparation and administration


Medications administered via a central line IV
IV push (IVP) medications
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

Medications added to an IV solution: preparation and administration
Hanging IV solutions with medication additives
5. Telephone or verbal orders from any health care provider
6. Assessment of patients a. Practical nurses collect patient data. Assessments are done only by registered nurses
Practical nursing students, with the permission and supervision of the clinical instructor, may perform the following procedures:
Peripheral IV‘s and saline locks:

Observe the site/s



Change the dressing/s
Hang the standard IV bags of fluid without additives
Discontinuation of IV‘s/saline locks
Suctioning: Nasopharyngeal or tracheotomy stoma only

No nasotracheal or deep tracheal suctioning

No suctioning of the tracheobronchial tree during tracheotomy stoma suctioning
Skills that have been taught during the practical nursing program
Student guidelines are taught in the classroom, skills lab, and clinical setting throughout the practical nursing program. It is the student‘s responsibility to check with their clinical instructor prior to performing any procedure so that the instructor may assist the student in learning the student prac tical nurse‘s role.
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Course Number
HSC 1531*
Curriculum Sequence
Practical Nursing Program
1350 Hours
Prerequisites
Course Name Credit
Medical Terminology 3
Hours
45
HSC 1000*
HIM 1450*
Introduction to Health Care
Anatomy and Physiology
3
3
45
45

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





* College Credit Course
Term II
Nursing Courses
Term III Term I
Course
PRN 0003C
Fundamentals of
Nursing
Spring Semester
January - May
Credit Hours Course
13.5
405
Summer Session
PRN 0004C
May – June
Medical Surgical
Nursing I
Credit Hours Course
13.5
405
Nursing II
PRN 0120C
Fall Semester
August - December
PRN 0383C
Medical Surgical
Credits Hours
6.43
193
Maternal Child
Nursing
PRN 0509C
3.57
107
Gerontology
Nursing
3.50
105
Total Hours: 1350
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Practical Nursing Program Clinical Attendance
In addition to the nursing department attendance policies (listed in the first section of the handbook), the following attendance policies are required of all student practical nurses:

A total of three clinical absences will be allowed during the entire program. A student who has more than three clinical absences will be dismissed from the practical nursing program.

For OB/PEDS clinical rotation zero absences are allowed. Students missing these clinical hours will receive an incomplete for the course and the clinical hours will be made up in the subsequent term.
Medication Safety – Dosage and Calculation
PRN 0001C Fundamentals of Nursing:
Students will be given four dosage exams during PRN 0001C Fundamentals of Nursing. A score of 90% is required on the first exam. Any student who fails to achieve a 90% on the first exam will be required to complete remediation with the nursing tutor or STAR lab staff member. The student then must meet the medication safety requirement by obtaining a 90% on one of the remaining three dosage exams. If the student does not obtain a 90% on any of the remaining three exams, remediation is required, with the nursing tutor or a STAR Lab staff member, before attempting the next ex am. The amount of remediation will vary based on the student‘s needs.
Students who achieve 90% on the first dosage exam must maintain at least an 80% on each of the three subsequent exams. Any student who does not continue to obtain at least an 80% on all subsequent exams will receive an ―I‖ for the course. The student will be required to remediate with the nursing tutor or a STAR lab staff member and then demonstrate a competency level of at least 80% on an additional dosage exam before continuing to next course.
Failure to obtain a grade of 90% after four attempts will result in an ―F‖ for the course, regardless of the theory grade and the student will not be able to continue in the practical nursing program.
PRN 0004C Medical Surgical Nursing I:
Students will be given five dosage exams during the PRN 0004C Medical Surgical Nursing I and three dosage exams during PRN0383C Medical Surgical Nursing II. A score of 100% is required on the first exam in each course. Any student who fails to achieve 100% on the first exam will be required to complete remediation with the nursing tutor or STAR lab staff member before attempting the next exam. The amount of remediation will vary based on the student‘s needs.
After this remediation, the student may meet the 100% requirement by obtaining a 100% score on one of the remaining dosage exams. Remediation is required prior to each exam if a 100% has not been achieved.
Those students that achieve a 100% on the first dosage exam must maintain at least an 80% on each subsequent exam. Following achievement of 100%, a student that falls below an 80% will be required to demonstrate a competency level of 100% again. Remediation, as described above,
 will be required if at least an 80% grade is not obtained on the subsequent exams.
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Any student who fails to demonstrate competency of 100% by the last dosage exam in the course will receive a course grade of ‖F‖ regardless of the theory grade earned. The student will not continue in the practical nursing program.
Dosage and Calculation Exam Specifics:
A calculator may be used when designated by faculty. The nursing department will provide the calculators. The student will only use the calculators provided by the department.
Scratch paper will also be provided. Each student will write their name on each scratch paper page. The scratch pages will be attached to the dosage calculation exam. The student‘s math on the scratch page(s) will be used to help determine what, if any, deficits the student has and the tutoring that is needed.
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