Transcription
STUDENT HANDBOOKRevised April 2020-1-
TCU Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook--Table of ContentsContentPageWelcome . 4TCU Nursing . 4Vision, Mission, and Core Values . 4Program Goals . 5Baccalaureate Nursing Program Outcomes . 5Accreditation . 5Licensure . 6TCU Discrimination Policy . 6Technical Standards . 6Change in Health Status . 8Student’s Responsibility . 8Mid-Semester Grades . 8Withdrawal from a Course After the Last Day to Drop (Q grade) .8Nursing Enrollment . 9Admission and Enrollment in the Nursing Major . 9Nursing Prerequisites . 11Nursing Progression Policies . 11Graduation Policies . 12Policies for Accelerated BSN Track (ABT). 12Expectations of All Nursing Students in Concepts and Practica Courses . 12Policy for Required Drug Testing and Criminal Background Screening .12-16Texas Board of Nursing Requirement . 16Pre-Clinical Dosage Calculation Assessment Policy and Procedures . 16Mathematical Rounding Policy for Drug Calculations . 18Guidelines for Reporting of Incidents . 18Attendance . 18Final Assessments . 18Standardized Grading Scale . 18Chain of Communication . 18Formal Complaints . 19Classroom / Clinical Participation . 19Community Experiences – Personal Safety . 20Medication Administration . 20Professional Attire . 20Inclement Weather Policy . 21TCU Nursing Policy for Electronic Assessment . 22TCU Nursing Position Statement on Student Travel with AgencyPreceptors or Mentors . 24Student Fees . 24Immunizations and Documentation Required Prior to Enrollment in Clinical Courses .24-25Required Health Insurance . 26Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Policies . 26Student Name Badge . 28Student Nurses’ Association . 28ResourcesEmployment . 29-2-
TCU Health Professions Learning Center . 29Assessment Program Policy Statement . 29Sigma Theta Tau International . 29Honors Program . 30Professional Behavior . 30Professional Conduct Statement . 30Unsafe Nursing Practice. 30Code of Ethics for Nurses . . 31Social Media Policy . 32Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure . 33AdvisingWhat a Student Can Expect from an Adviser . 33What an Adviser Can Expect from the Student . 34BSN Degree Requirements – Nursing Prerequisites/Core Curriculum . 35BSN Suggested Plan of Study . 36Accelerated BSN Track (ABT) Plan of Study. 37How to Graduate on Time. . 38Disability Support Services . 40Texas Board of Nursing . 40-3-
WELCOMEWelcome to Texas Christian University (TCU) and the Harris College of Nursing and HealthSciences Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. During the next several semestersyou will learn the art and science of professional nursing, gaining career skills designed to carryyou well into the 21st century. The TCU Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook contains thepolicies and procedures that apply to nursing students at TCU. The Handbook also introduces thestandards of professional nursing. In order for TCU Nursing to provide the best educationalpreparation for you, all of us—faculty, staff, and students—are accountable for the informationcontained in this handbook.We value your choice to become a student in our program, recognizing the privilege andresponsibility you have granted us. Welcome to TCU Nursing.TCU NURSINGThe Nursing program endorses the Mission, Vision and Core Values of Texas Christian University.TCU Nursing VisionTo be a leader in nursing education, practice, and scholarship.TCU Nursing MissionTo equip individuals to deliver evidence-based care, advance nursing scholarship, and lead practiceinnovation.TCU Nursing Core ValuesAltruism: Concern for the welfare and well-being of others, a commitment to caring andcompassion. In professional practice, altruism is reflected by the nurse’s concern for the welfare of patients,family members, other nurses, members of the healthcare team, and populations.Autonomy: Professionalism, lifelong learning, personal wellness, and responsibility, while upholdingthe right to self-determination. In professional practice, autonomy is demonstrated when the nurse respects patients’ rights tomake decisions about their health care. In addition, autonomy is demonstrated when thenurse exercises independent and interdependent decision-making in accordance with thescope and standards of nursing practice.Civility: “An authentic respect for others that requires time, presence, willingness to engage ingenuine discourse, and intention to seek common ground that governs both speech and behaviortowards others” (Clark, 2016) In professional practice, civility is promoted through a culture where others(peers/patients/caregivers) feel validated and valued. Civility must be present forprofessionalism to occur.Human Dignity: Respect for the inherent worth and uniqueness of individuals and populations,exercising civility in all circumstances, promoting wellness and holism, confidentiality and privacy. In professional practice, human dignity is reflected when the nurse values and respects allpatients, family members, colleagues, and populations.4
Innovation: Commitment to creativity, ingenuity, and curiosity in practice and scholarship,teaching/learning, and improved performance and outcomes. In professional practice, innovation is evident when the nurse utilizes updated knowledge todevelop a new or novel approach which enhances health and education.Integrity: Commitment to accountability, transparency, stewardship, citizenship, honesty, andveracity, in accordance with an appropriate code of ethics and accepted standards of practice. In professional practice, integrity is demonstrated when the nurse is honest and provides carebased on an ethical framework that is accepted within the profession.Social Justice: Dedication to upholding moral, legal, and humanistic principles. In professional practice, social justice is evident when the nurse advocates assuring equaltreatment under the law and equal access to quality health care for all.Teamwork: Respect for the value of interprofessional collaboration, effective communication,academic-practice partnerships, and community engagement. In professional practice, teamwork is reflected when the nurse promotes change agency andtransformation among patients, community members, and members of the healthcare team.Approved NFA 04-26-2018Program GoalsThe program goals of TCU Nursing are as follows: Prepare graduates who are competent to meet the unique, multiple, and complex human healthneeds of a global society. Promote values and behaviors that encourage respect for diversity, acknowledge human worthand dignity, and support professional nursing practice. Foster an appreciation for the necessity of learning, thinking critically, and continuing to growpersonally and professionally. Contribute to the nursing profession and to society by engaging in scholarship, leadership, andservice. Support the University’s mission, vision, core values, and goals.Baccalaureate Nursing Program Outcomes (revised 9/27/2018)Upon completion of the baccalaureate nursing program, the generalist graduate will:1. Demonstrate values and behaviors that support the vision, mission, and core values of TCUand TCU Nursing.2. Meet complex health needs of individuals, families, populations, and communities.3. Apply Leadership and management principles to achieve safe, high quality, person-centeredcare.4. Use information management systems and technology to provide care and optimize patientoutcomes.5. Engage in scholarship, leadership, and service.AccreditationTCU Nursing, enabled by a trust fund established by the late Dr. Charles Houston Harris, wasorganized as an academic unit of TCU in 1946. The nursing program is accredited by the TexasBoard of Nursing (BON), P.O. Box 430, Austin, TX 78767-0430; (512)305-7400. TCU Nursingachieved national accreditation in 1952 and has remained accredited since that time. In addition tothe BON accreditation, the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate NursingEducation (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120;(202) 887-6791.5
LicensureGraduates are eligible to sit for the examination for licensure as a registered nurse (R.N.) in Texasor any other state in the United States. Successful completion of the National Council LicensureExamination (NCLEX) in one state qualifies graduates to apply for licensure in any other state.In compliance with the policy of the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), all applicants are informed thatcompletion of the BSN degree does not guarantee eligibility for the registered nurse licensureexamination. Professional character is necessary for an individual to conform to the requirements ofthe Nurse Practice Act. Individuals should seek special advising prior to enrolling in anyprofessional nursing program in Texas if they have a personal history involving conditions that mayendanger the health and safety of a person. Such conditions include but are not limited to a felonyconviction involving acts likely to affect professional practice; a misdemeanor conviction involvingmoral turpitude; or physical or mental disability/illness, including prior or continued drug or alcoholabuse that influences the ability to practice professional nursing. (Texas Board of Nursing, excerptsfrom the Rules and Regulations Relating to Professional Nurse Education, Licensure, PeerAssistance and Practice, Texas Administrative Code, Title 22, Part 11, Chapters 215 and 217).TCU Discrimination PolicyTCU is committed to providing a positive learning and working environment free from discriminationand harassment. In support of this commitment, TCU prohibits discrimination and harassment onthe basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genderexpression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, andany other basis protected by law. Inquiries about TCU’s policies and compliance with Title IX, TheAge Discrimination Act of 1975, or the aspects of TCU’s equal opportunity or affirmative actionprograms should be directed to:Dr. Kathy Cavin-TullVice Chancellor, StudentAffairs TCU Box 297043Sadler Hall, Room4017 Fort Worth, TX76129 [email protected] STANDARDSTexas Christian University Harris College of Nursing provides the following description of technicalstandards to inform incoming and enrolled students of the performance abilities and characteristicsthat are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the nursing curriculum and provideeffective and safe health care. To enter, remain, and progress in the nursing program, the studentmust meet these technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations and maintainrelated satisfactory demonstration of these standards. Please note that examples of the technicalstandards and abilities listed below are not inclusive.After sufficient education, the student will be expected to perform the following technical standards:6
Acquire Information: Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences in nursing courses such as lecture,group work, and physical demonstrations. Acquire information from written documents and computer systems (e.g., literature searchesand data retrieval). Identify information presented in images from paper, slides, videos, and transparencies. Recognize and assess patient changes in mood, activity, cognition, verbal, and non-verbalcommunication.Use and Interpret: Use and interpret information from assessment techniques/maneuvers such as those involvedin assessing respiratory and cardiac function, blood pressure, blood glucose, neurologicalstatus, etc. Use and interpret information related to physiologic phenomena generated from diagnostictools (i.e. sphygmomanometer, otoscope, stethoscope) during a comprehensive assessmentof a client or patient.Motor: Possess psychomotor skills necessary to provide holistic nursing care and perform or assistwith procedures, treatments, and medication administration. Practice in a safe manner and appropriately provide care in emergencies requiring life supportprocedures and perform standard precautions.Communication: Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and families from a variety of social,emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. Communicate effectively with faculty, preceptors, and all members of the healthcare teamduring practicum and other learning experiences. Accurately elicit information including a medical history and other information needed toadequately and effectively evaluate a client of patient’s condition. Document effectively and accurately.Intellectual Ability: Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize data related to the diagnosis andtreatment of patients. Exercise proper judgment and complete responsibilities in a timely and accurate manneraccording to the advanced generalist nursing role. Synthesize information, problem solve, and think critically to determine the most appropriateintervention or assessment strategy. Ask for help when needed and make proper judgments of when a nursing task can or cannotbe carried out alone.Behavioral: Maintain mature, sensitive, effective relationships with clients/patients, families, students,faculty, staff, preceptors and other professionals under all circumstances. Exercise skills of diplomacy to advocate for patients in need. Possess emotional stability to function under stress and adapt to changing environmentsinherent to the classroom and practice settings.7
Character: Demonstrate necessary personal qualities of concern for others, integrity, accountability,interest, and motivation. Demonstrate intent and desire to follow the ANA Standards of Care and Nursing Code ofEthics.Used with permission by Rush University College of Nursing.Adapted from AACN White Paper on Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Nursing EducationalPrograms for the California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (CCEPD)Statement on Disability Services at TCU: Texas Christian University complies with the Americanswith Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding students withdisabilities. Eligible students seeking accommodations should contact TCU Student DisabilitiesServices. Accommodations are not retroactive; therefore, students should contact the Coordinator assoon as possible in the term for which they are seeking accommodations. Further information can beobtained from the Center for Academic Services at (817) 257-7486 or academic [email protected] IN HEALTH STATUSStudents who experience a change in their health status that may affect their ability to functionsafely or meet course objectives in the practicum and/or classroom setting must notify theirassigned faculty. The faculty member may require documentation from the student’s health careprovider indicating the student’s functional abilities and/or limitations.STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITYThe faculty and academic advisers are available to help students understand and meet academicrequirements for a degree, but the students themselves are responsible for understanding andfulfilling the requirements. The degree cannot be awarded until all requirements as defined by theTCU Academic Undergraduate Catalog are met. It is essential that each student become familiarwith all requirements and remains informed throughout the program.MID-SEMESTER GRADESAt mid-semester the faculty will identify students with unsatisfactory progress in any course.Students will be sent an academic warning letter from the Registrar. It is the student’sresponsibility to seek the assistance necessary to successfully complete the course inquestion.WITHDRAWAL FROM A COURSE AFTER THE LAST DATE TO DROP (Q grade)If a student experiences an extenuating circumstance such as severe illness or death in the familywhich impacts the ability to be successful in coursework, she/he may be eligible for a grade of“Q”. The grade of “Q” indicates that the course was dropped by permission of the dean.The student should meet with the Director, Undergraduate Nursing to discuss the request.Students will be referred to Campus Life who will obtain documentation and make arecommendation as to the awarding of the Q grade. If approved, the Associate Dean for Nursing8
and Nurse Anesthesia will assign a grade of “Q” (dropped by Dean’s permission) and will notifythe Registrar’s Office of such action.Note:1. Performing poorly in a class is not in and of itself considered to be a justifiable reason to dropa class after the deadline.2. The Q grade is given to all courses in which the student is enrolled for that semester—notto selected courses.3. A Q grade is not awarded retroactively after grades are posted.NURSING ENROLLMENTNursing enrollment policies appear in the current TCU Undergraduate Catalog. TheTCU Nursing policies appear in the Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences (HCNHS)section of the catalog.The current TCU Undergraduate Catalog contains policies specific to University academicprobation and suspension.ADMISSION AND ENROLLMENT IN THE NURSING MAJORA. TCU Continuing Students (entered TCU as a freshman; major-nursing)Continuing TCU nursing majors should submit Intent to Enroll in first nursing courses byOctober 1 for the spring semester and February 1 for the fall semester.B. Change of Major Students (entered TCU as a freshman; major other than nursing)A TCU student may change to the nursing major if he or she has completed one semester ofcoursework at TCU and has a 2.5 TCU cumulative GPA. It is strongly recommended that thechange of major be completed as soon as possible, but at least one semester prior to the firstsemester of nursing courses. Change of major requests must be completed by Feb. 1 for thespring semester. Students who enter nursing after the first semester of their freshman year willbe on a 4 1/2 year plan of study.C. Transfer Students (out of high school at least one full semester and attempted collegeor university work elsewhere for credit)Transfer applicants use Nursing CAS (Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs).The deadline for application for initial entry into nursing courses by transfer students is Feb. 1for the fall semester. Admission Assessment (A2) scores are required with the application.Transfer applicants are advised to contact TCU Nursing as early as possible in the applicationprocess.The number of transfer students admitted to nursing courses is determined by the availability offaculty, facilities and the number of qualified continuing TCU students. Selection of transferstudents for initial entry into nursing courses is based on indicators of the applicant's likelihoodof success in the program and in professional practice.Transfer students may not pursue a nursing major at TCU if they have been enrolled in anothernursing program and were not in good standing upon exit or are not admissible to the previousprogram(s). All transfer student applicants who have been previously enrolled in a nursingprogram must submit a letter from the dean or director of that program indicating eligibility9
status for readmission.D. Accelerated BSN Admission CriteriaTCU Nursing offers an accelerated BSN track. Applicants with a bachelor's degree must havea GPA of 3.0 or higher in their first degree or their math and science prerequisites. Applicantswithout a bachelor's degree must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in their current coursework ormath and science prerequisites. Pathophysiology is a prerequisite for entry into theaccelerated nursing track.The 16-month course of study is full time with coursework beginning in August of each year.Admission is competitive based on academic record, entrance assessment scores andcompletion of all prerequisite courses and core curriculum. Students must also comply withother admission requirements listed above. Those interested should contact TCU Nursing foradmission requirements unique to this program.E. OtherReenrollment – The student who has been a nursing major and leaves TCU must apply forreenrollment after an absence of a full fall or spring semester. If the student meets enrollmentcriteria, the Registrar’s Office will contact TCU Nursing to receive approval for the student toreenroll as a nursing major. The student must meet the requirements for graduation basedupon the published TCU Catalog at the time of reentry into the nursing major. Reenteringstudents may be required to pass comprehensive mastery assessment(s). Reenrollmentdepends on clinical space availability in practicum courses.Additional Bachelor Degree – A student with a previous undergraduate degree from TCU mustmeet the same enrollment requirements as other TCU students. A student with a Bachelordegree from another university is considered a transfer student.F. Enrollment Requirements for Nursing Coursework.Once admitted to the nursing program, students must meet calendar deadlines for applicationto enroll in courses. The following prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher beforeentering the first semester of nursing courses. Students taking nursing prerequisites whomake a C- will not meet the nursing program’s entrance criterion.Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL 20204 / Lab) . 4Anatomy & Physiology II (BIOL 20214 / Lab . 4Microbiology (BIOL 20234 / Lab) . 4Human Development (NURS 10303) . 3Introductory Psychology (PSY 10213) . 3Introductory Sociology (SOCI 20213) . 3Math - Elementary Statistics (MATH 10043) . 3Nutrition (NTDT 20403) . 3 TCU Continuing students must take 2 of the 3 nursing prerequisite lab sciences (BIOL 20204Anatomy & Physiology I, BIOL 20214- Anatomy & Physiology II, BIOL 20234-BasicMicrobiology) at TCU to be eligible to begin nursing coursework.It is recommended that students have no more than 18 credit hours of TCU CORE Curriculum(TCU CC) that have not been completed. Enrollment in all courses limited to the nursing major10
requires at least a 2.5 TCU cumulative GPA. Students who show an inability to achieve ormaintain a 2.5 GPA may be discontinued from the major. American Heart Association’s BLS Provider CPR certification. Documentation of required immunizations (contact TCU Nursing for list) Completion of Admission Assessment Assessment (A2) (go to www.nursing.tcu.edu toschedule) – (continuing and transfer students must submit scores). Students may take the A2once in a 12 month period. Documentation of health insurance Drug screen and criminal background check as required by health care agencies BON criminal background check (see policy)NURSING PREREQUISITESNursing prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher before enteringnursing coursework. Students taking nursing prerequisites who make a C- will not meet thenursing program’s entrance criterion.Transfer of Nursing Prerequisite CoursesTCU students completing prerequisites Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II,and/or Microbiology at other universities must follow the University’s Transfer Credit Policy andTCU Nursing policy that these courses be completed at an approved four year institution.NURSING PROGRESSION POLICIES Enrollment in all nursing courses limited to the nursing major requires at least a 2.5 TCUcumulative GPA.Students may repeat one nursing course if less than a “C” or a “No Credit” (NC) grade isearned.Students are discontinued from the major if grades of “C-“, “D”, “F”, or “NC” are earned in twoor more nursing courses (excluding NURS 10303). This policy ap
Welcome to TCU Nursing. TCU NURSING The Nursing program endorses the Mission, Vision and Core Values of Texas Christian University. TCU Nursing Vision To be a leader in nursing education, practice, and scholarship. TCU Nursing Mission To equip individuals to deliver evidence-based care, advance nursing scholarship, and lead practice innovation .
