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Stephen F. Austin State University Richard

and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing

Policy and Procedures Manual

for Graduate Students

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GRADUATE PROGRAM STUDENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES

(Arrangement is in numerical order by the number of the policy. The

appropriate form is aligned behind the policy for your convenience.)

Policy Status

Policy Number

Form Available

Title of Policy Page Number

Graduate

Program

Student Policies

and

Procedures

1 Admission 3

2 Progression 6

3 3 Jeopardy Letter: Notice of Score/Average of less than

80%

7

4 Graduation 9

5 Withdrawal 12

6 6 Reinstatement 13

7 Dismissal 16

8 Mobility 18

9 Grading Policy for the Graduate Program 20

10 Forgiveness of Grades for Consideration of Admission 21

11 Retention 22

12 Academic Grievance Policy 23

14 Transportation of Patients/Client 24

15 15 Faculty and Course Evaluations 25

16 16 Evaluation of Clinical Agency by Students 30

17 17 Evaluation of Preceptor by Students 32

18 Evaluation of Student Clinical Performance 34

19 19a,

19b,

19c

Program Evaluation 35

20 Records Retention 45

21 21 Clinical Incident 46

22 Student Services 47

23 23 Criminal Background Check 53

24 24a;

24b

Immunization of Students 56

25 Liability Insurance Requirements 61

26 Health Insurance for Students 62

27 Health Care provider BLS Certification for Students 63

28 Writer's Guide 64

29 29 Blood or Body Fluid Exposure - Student/Faculty 65

30 Absence from Clinical 68

31 Academic Advisement 69

32 Nursing Peer Review for Graduate Student 71

2

POLICY NO. 1 Policy and Procedures Manual for Graduate Students

Student Policy Subject: Admission

REVISED OR REVIEWED DATE July,

2011

PAGE

l o f 3

SON Director Signature Date

POLICY

Minimum admission requirements for the graduate program are established by the faculty of the DeWitt School of Nursing. The number of graduate students admitted each semester is determined by availability of appropriate qualified faculty and/or clinical resources. Applicants are reviewed on an individual basis.

PROCEDURE

The application process will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Admission and

Scholarship Policies for Graduate and Professional Programs, which was adopted by the 77th Session

of the Texas Legislature, and which amends Chapter 51 of the Texas Education Code. All interested

students must first apply to the University Graduate Studies office and apply to the SON graduate

program through the Nursing CAS system. The SON graduate program requirements are:

Application deadline – The deadline for applications for admission to the fall class will be April 1st.

Transcripts - Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended must be submitted with the

application.

Grade Point Average – An applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on courses taken in their

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, exclusive of freshman/sophomore level courses. If a

transition program was taken in order to obtain a BSN, the GPA will include nursing courses taken at

the Diploma or Associate Degree Nursing program as well as those courses taken in the transition

program. If a student does not meet the minimum GPA requirement, it is possible to be admitted on a

probationary status. The student will contact the department advisor to discuss options.

Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program.

Prior to enrollment, the student must have completed the equivalent of 1 year of full-time clinical

experience as a Registered Nurse. Proof of clinical experience must be submitted with the application.

Show proof of current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Texas.

Submit 3 references (2 professional, 1 academic)

Submit a one-page computer generated essay describing philosophy of advanced practice nursing and

personal/professional goals.

If admitted, copies of current immunizations-i.e., TB, Tetanus, MMR, Hepatitis B series, Varicella,

and others as required in the immunization policy and a copy of current Basic Life Support (BLS)

Health care Provider certification must be submitted for registration for the first semester and kept

current throughout the program.

Applicants from countries other than the United States must also meet the admission requirements for

international students seeking a graduate degree at Stephen F. Austin State University.

If English is not the student’s native language, the student must demonstrate English proficiency in

order to begin their academic studies. The minimum score required to demonstrate English

proficiency on the TOEFL is at least 550 on the paper-based version or 79 IBT (Internet-Based).

English proficiency may be demonstrated in several ways through working with the Office of

International Programs.

Once requirements are verified by the University Graduate Studies office, the completed

application is submitted to the DeWitt SON. The SON has final decision making regarding

acceptance into the FNP program. This annual process will precede fall admission to ensure that

outstanding nurses are selected.


Student Policy Subject: Progression


2011

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l o f l


POLICY

Graduate Program requirements for progression include the following:

1. A minimum grade of "B" is necessary in all required nursing courses for the Graduate

Program degree. Only one course may be repeated to achieve a course grade of “B”.

Students have the responsibility of monitoring grades in the course websites throughout

the semester and in communicating with course instructors regarding grade status. Two

course failures will results in dismissal from the program. Graduate statistics is not

considered a nursing course; however the grade does count in overall GPA.

2. Core courses must be taken in sequence, as indicated in the SFASU catalog.

3. Students on conditional admission status will be granted full acceptance status after the

successful completion of 9 semester credit hours of designated coursework prior to

petitioning the Student Affairs Committee for a change in admission status.

4. Only one nursing course within the Graduate Program curriculum may be repeated and

only once.

5. Degree plans are to be filed on all students who are accepted into the Graduate Program by the end of the first semester.

6. Advisors are assigned to all students upon admission to the Graduate Program, including

those admitted with conditional status. The student is responsible for contacting the

advisor, signing the degree plan and turning in required documentation.

7. Any deviation from written graduate policy must be approved by the School of Nursing

Policy & Procedure Committee.

6


Student Policy Subject: Jeopardy Letter: Notice of Score

/ Average of Less than 80%

REVISED OR REVIEWED DATE

July, 2011

PAGE

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POLICY

Students are expected to meet the standards of the DeWitt School of Nursing at all times. A system exists to assist Graduate Program students at the first sign of academic difficulty. This system includes counseling services, financial aid assistance, and an academic advisor who can assist students in resolving problems and making decisions. The system includes a mechanism to alert the student who may be in jeopardy.

A student will receive written notice in the form of an electronic letter from the faculty member when the student's grade average in the didactic portion of the course is at any time less than 80% and/or after each examination or assignment when a grade lower than 80% has been achieved. The written notice will include what action the student should take as a result of grades. It will be the student's responsibility to follow through with the suggested action. A copy of the letter will be sent to the student's advisor and a copy will be placed in the student's academic file. The student's advisor may require a conference to assist in the development of the action plan.

PROCEDURE

Issuance of jeopardy letters is intended only as a courtesy to students. All students are on notice and are expected to know:

1. They are responsible for appraising themselves of their grade on each exam or assignment;

2. Each grade that is below 80%, or 'B' in the Graduate Program, is considered unsatisfactory; and,

3. Each unsatisfactory grade calls for remedial action. The failure of a faculty member to issue a jeopardy letter or the failure of a student to receive a jeopardy letter does not in any way affect the validity of the grade assigned or the need for corrective action.

The student should contact the faculty member and advisor to discuss the course and further assistance for areas of need.

7

FORM 3

Stephen F. Austin State University

DeWitt School of Nursing

Graduate Program

Date

Name

Address

City, State ZIP

SUBJECT: Jeopardy Letter: Notice of Score/Average of less than 80%

Dear Student's Name:

I have received notification of your performance in the Course Name course. Your success in

the nursing program is very important to us. Please contact the lead faculty, Name, and your

advisor to discuss options to facilitate your progress in this course.

Sincerely,

Name

Graduate Program Coordinator

Cc: Lead Faculty

Advisor Student File

COURSE: DATE:

FACULTY: __________________

PRESENT COURSE AVERAGE:

COMMENTS:

8


Student Policy Subject: Graduation

REVISED OR REVIEWED DATE July, 2011

PAGE

l o f 3


POLICY

The general requirements for the Graduate Program degrees follow the University criteria:

1. The Graduate Program degree without thesis requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of

course work. The Graduate Program degree with thesis requires a minimum of 30

semester hours (with some exceptions which require 36 hours), including six hours thesis.

2. If a graduate minor and/or electives are approved, the Graduate Program major is

minimally 18 semester hours and must total more hours than does the minor. The graduate

minor is minimally nine semester hours. A maximum of six semester hours may be in

electives.

3. Excluding the M.B.A., M.S.W., the Master of Forestry and the Master of Professional

Accountancy degree, to major or to take a minor of 15 semester hours in an academic

field, the student must present an undergraduate background of a least 18 semester hours in

that field or in closely related work.

4. Course work used to satisfy requirements for a previous master's degree (whether taken at

SFA or elsewhere) may not be used to satisfy requirements for a second master's degree at

SFA.

5. To earn a graduate degree, a student must have graduate grade point averages of 3.0, on a

4.0 scale, in both the major and overall. The computation of the overall grade point average

includes all courses in the major and minor and those elective courses selected to complete

the degree requirements. In the case of repeated courses only the higher grade will be used

in the computation of grade point averages according to University policy. No course with

a grade below C can be used to satisfy degree requirements.

6. Work offered for the master's degree should be in courses numbered 500 and above.

7. At least 24 semester hours of graduate work must be completed in residence (including

on-campus, off-campus, distance education, field-based, practicum, internship and thesis

courses), and at least half of the work in the major and in the minor must be completed in residence.

8. In addition to satisfying all course work for the graduate degree, the student must satisfy all other requirements, including the final comprehensive examination and, if applicable, the thesis.

9. All work on a graduate degree must be completed within six years of the time the student first enrolls in graduate courses, whether the courses are taken here or elsewhere. For exceptions, see the statement in the "limitation of time" section of the Graduate Bulletin.

PROCEDURE

Criteria for graduation will follow the SFASU Graduate School policy. To graduate and receive a diploma, the student must:

1. Have been admitted to the Graduate School;

2. Have submitted all required credentials including: a. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended as an

Undergraduate student. b. Official transcripts showing graduate courses to be transferred from

Another university.

3. Have a degree plan on file with a minimum of 36 hours for a non-thesis program and a minimum of 30 hours for a thesis program.

4. Have been admitted to candidacy. (See form at http://www.sfasu.edu/graduate/documents/admission-to-candidacy.pdf

5. Have completed all coursework, including transfer work, within 6 years of the time started.

6. Have completed all coursework with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better and a GPA of 3.0 or better in your major and minor, considered separately.

7. Have satisfactorily completed the comprehensive or culminating requirement while enrolled at SFASU.

8. If applicable, have completed all thesis requirements.

10

http://www.sfasu.edu/graduate/documents/admission-to-candidacy.pdf

http://www.sfasu.edu/graduate/documents/admission-to-candidacy.pdf

9. Have applied for graduation and paid all graduation fees by the deadline states in the

Graduate Bulletin.

11


Student Policy Subject: Withdrawal


July, 2011

PAGE

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POLICY

A student who withdraws from a course after the date stipulated in the calendar will receive a grade of WP, if passing, or WF, if failing. No student may drop a course after the terminal date stipulated in the calendar. A student who ceases to attend classes without officially withdrawing from the courses or the University is subject to being awarded grades of F or QF in such courses.

Application for withdrawal from a course or from the University must be initiated in the Office of the Registrar. A student discontinuing courses without permission or persisting in continued absence from duties, either in study or research, may be withdrawn from the University at the discretion of the academic dean. In such an instance, the student is subject to being awarded grades of F in all courses.

Any student who withdraws from or otherwise leaves the University without clearing his/her financial record, i.e., without having returned borrowed books and equipment, having paid all outstanding University traffic fines, and without having settled other financial matters with the University, will be subject to the following sanctions until such time that the record is cleared:

1. The student will not be permitted to re-enroll.

2. The student will not be eligible to receive a transcript of academic work completed.

3. The student will not be permitted to graduate.


Student Policy Subject: Reinstatement


2011

PAGE

l o f 3


POLICY

Students who would like to be reinstated to the Graduate Program must file a special consideration petition with the SON Student Affairs Committee.

PROCEDURE

To determine if the graduate student may be reinstated, the following procedures must be followed:

1. The student will submit a special consideration petition (Form 6) to the Student Affairs Committee requesting reinstatement in the Graduate Program. The student is to include information along with any supporting documentation as to why he/she should be reinstated.

2. The Student Affairs Committee will forward the documentation to the faculty teaching the designated course.

3. The faculty teaching the designated course will review the documentation and submit their recommendation to the Student Affairs Committee.

4. If documentation is considered to be sufficient, the Student Affairs Committee will recommend approval or disapproval. The committee will then forward to the SON Graduate Faculty Team.

5. The SON Graduate Faculty Team will recommend approval or disapproval. The FNP Program Coordinator will sign the appropriate form and forward to the SON Director.

In extraordinary circumstances, the University, at its sole discretion, may allow a student to be reinstated in classes after the 20th class day. In this case, a per credit hour reinstatement fee will apply. During summer sessions, the reinstatement fee will be incurred after the 15th class day. Students are advised to contact the SFA Business Office (936-560-6960) to determine the total amount due for reinstatement.

13

Form 6



Graduate Program

Special Consideration Petition Instructions

A separate form must be completed for each course you are requesting to petition. There are three main areas of petition for special consideration. These are:

I. Mobility

A course taken at another college or university may be accepted as a degree requirement in the DeWitt School of Nursing. The courses must first have transferred into SFASU as a different course number from the degree requirement, or as an enbloc course. In order to petition for a substitution or transfer of a course you must:

a. Complete a special consideration petition form specifying which transferring course you would like to substitute for the required course. A course number with dashes following it is considered an enbloc class and does not transfer as an exact match for a required class.

b. Submit a copy of the necessary transcript to show the grade made in the Petitioned course.

c. Attach either a copy of the transferring course syllabus or the transferring course description from the graduate bulletin of the college where it was taken.

II. Forgiveness of Grades for Consideration of Admission

Grades are generally not forgiven unless they are greater than seven years old. However, under extraordinary circumstances, i.e., death of a family member or an extended illness, grades may be forgiven for a course or a semester. The courses, even if repeated, must first be accepted by SFASU for credit. In order to petition for forgiveness of grades, you must:

a. Complete a special consideration petition form specifying which grades you would like forgiven. For example, you may want to request that the first grade for NUR 435, Fall 2012, be replaced with the same course repeated in Spring, 2012.

b. Attach a paper to the petition to specify the reason the grade should be forgiven. c. Submit a copy of the transcript.

III. Special considerations or concerns (for use by DeWitt SON students). Attach a paper, as instructed on page two, section III of the following form, explaining your request. Reasons to petition may include: a. Request to repeat a nursing class dropped or failed. b. Make up missed clinical assignments that are over the 10% rule. c. Grievance

d. Other concerns

When completing the special consideration petition form, please be sure to attach all requested documentation and any other information that might justify your position in requesting special consideration.

Deliver or mail special consideration petition and attachments to:

SFASU, DeWitt SON, 5707 North Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75965

14

Special Consideration Petition

SFA ID# (required if you ever attended SFA) _________________________

Name _____________________________ SSN ____________________ _Date

Address ______________________________________________________________________ Street/P.O City State Zip E-mail address: _________________________ Daytime telephone number _______________

I. Mobility:

1. School where course credit was awarded: ____________________________________

2. Course number/name/credit hours of the course completed? _____________________

3. Course number/name of substitution request? ________________________________

4. a. Attach course description/course syllabus for completed course being petitioned.

b. Attach an unofficial transcript copy of grade earned.

II. Forgiveness of Grade:

1. School where course credit was awarded: ___________________________________

2. Course number/name of the course completed? _______________________________

3. Reason for forgiveness request. Type the petition concerns on a separate page and

attach the typed page to this document.

4. Attach an unofficial transcript copy of grade(s) earned.

III. Special Considerations/Concerns (DeWitt SON students only). Discuss concerns (see

instruction page for suggested topics of concern). Type the petition concerns on a separate page

and attach the typed page to this document. If petitioning for the 10% rule, a recommendation

for your clinical instructor is needed and must also be attached.

DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE STUDENT AFFAIRS

COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE NOTES:

SON Student Affairs

Committee Decision: _____ Approve _____ Disapprove

SON Graduate Faculty Team _____Approve _____ Disapprove

SON Graduate Program Coordinator _____Approve _____Disapprove

SON Director _____ Approve _____Disapprove


Student Policy Subject: Dismissal


2011

PAGE

l o f 2


POLICY

Students enrolled in the Graduate Program assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner

compatible with established standards of Stephen F. Austin State University, the DeWitt School of

Nursing (SON), and advanced practice nursing.

PROCEDURE

Students violating the University or SON policies will be subject to disciplinary action and may be

dismissed from the nursing program. Acts for which students are subject to disciplinary action

include, but are not limited to:

1. Violation of University policies for which dismissal from the University is imposed;

2. Providing any information that is false, deceptive, and/or misleading in connection with one's own application to the DeWitt School of Nursing for acceptance into the Graduate Program;

3. Failing to maintain minimum academic standards;

4. Failing to accurately, or intelligibly, report or document a client's symptoms, responses, or progresses, or failing to do so under circumstances that indicate a disregard for client safety and welfare;

5. Failing to document or make false documentation in records pertaining to the treatment plan;

6. Passing, or attempting to pass, a forged, altered, or falsified prescription;

7. Performing, or attempting to perform, advanced nursing care techniques or procedures

beyond expected student competencies or scope of practice;

8. Violating the confidentiality of information concerning the client except, or as allowed, by law;

16

9. To cause, suffer, permit, or allow physical or emotional injury to the client, or failing to report

same, in accordance with incident reporting procedures in effect where the student is receiving

clinical instruction; and,

10. Leaving a clinical assignment without notifying appropriate personnel.

Students have the responsibility to be physically and mentally prepared, present, and punctual for all

clinical assignments and appointments. Students will not be excused early to go to work.

If the student is unable to keep a clinical appointment with an agency or preceptor, it is the

responsibility of the student to notify the agency, preceptor, and instructor. The student is expected

to display professional behavior by not accepting gifts or gratuities from clients.

Students will receive written documentation of the incident, including the consequences for

actions within one week of the incident.

17


Student Policy Subject: Mobility


2011

PAGE

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POLICY

Under certain circumstances, a graduate student may transfer from 6 to 12 semester hours of graduate course work taken at other accredited institutions. The student pursuing a master's degree with thesis may transfer a maximum of 6 hours; a student pursuing a master's degree without thesis may transfer a maximum of 12 semester hours.

To transfer any credit from other institutions, however, the student must submit an official transcript of the courses to be considered and have the approval of the appropriate academic department and academic dean. The work must have been taken not earlier than six years prior to the student's first graduate enrollment at SFASU. Moreover, if the student fails to complete work on the graduate degree at SFASU before the expiration of the six years, the transfer credit will not be applicable toward a degree at SFASU.

Any course accepted by transfer will carry credit but not grade point value. Moreover, to transfer credit, the student must have earned a grade of B or higher on the course.

The exception is that ALL hours earned in a SFASU certificate program can be considered for transfer into a graduate program.

PROCEDURE

To determine graduate required course equivalency, the following procedures must be followed:

1. The student will submit a special consideration petition {refer to Policy No. 6 for Form 6) to the Student Affairs Committee requesting granting of equivalency credit for the course. The student is to include information about how and when the required knowledge and skills were acquired, along with any supporting documentation, i.e., course syllabus, documentation of grades, etc.

2. The Student Affairs Committee will forward the documentation to the faculty teaching the designated course.

18

3. The faculty teaching the designated course will review the documentation and submit their

recommendation to the Student Affairs Committee.

4. If documentation is considered to be sufficient, the Student Affairs Committee will

recommend approval or disapproval. The committee will then forward petition to the SON

Graduate Faculty Team.

5. The SON Graduate Faculty Team will recommend approval or disapproval and the FNP

Program Coordinator will sign the appropriate form and forward to the SON Director.


Student Policy Subject: Grading Policy for the

Graduate Program


July, 2011

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POLICY

The student's grades are determined by daily work, oral and written quizzes, course assignments, clinical evaluations, and final examination. The grades which may be assigned are as follows:

A; Excellent F; Failing WF; Withdrew Failing

B; Good P; Passing WF; Withdrew Passing

W; Withdrew QF; Quit Failing

WH; Grade Withheld

A grade of A for a semester gives the student four grade points per semester credit hour; B, three grade points per semester credit hour.

A grade of WH is assigned only when the completion of the work is not possible because of circumstances beyond the control of the student. A grade of QF is assigned only when the student quits attending classes without officially dropping the course. In the case of the awarding of a WH grade, the work must be completed within a calendar year or the grade automatically becomes an F. A student may not receive a grade of WH upon dropping a course. To graduate, a student may not discard any courses in order to improve the grade point average (GPA).

All courses are computed in the grade point average. No nursing course with a grade below B can be used to satisfy degree requirements. A non-nursing graduate course may meet graduate degree requirements as long as the overall GPA remains a 3.0. A student may repeat one course one time. In the case of these repeated courses, the higher grades only will be used in the computation of the GPA.

20


Student Policy Subject: Forgiveness of Grades for

Consideration of Admission


2011

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POLICY

Students who are applying to the DeWitt School of Nursing Graduate Program, who have grades over than seven (7) years, may appeal to have the grades from these courses dropped from GPA calculations.

PROCEDURE

The student who is requesting that grades be deleted should submit a special consideration petition {Form 10a) along with the completed application folder that:

1. specifies which grades are to be deleted;

2. details the reasons why these grades are not representative of the student's current work;

3. includes the reasons that the poor grades were achieved; and,

4. explains what factors have changed to assure higher grades.

The student should recognize that this allows consideration of the application, but does not guarantee admission to the program.

The form is submitted to the SON Student Affairs Committee who reviews and makes a recommendation to the SON Graduate Faculty Team.

The SON Graduate Faculty Team approves/disapproves the request. The Graduate Program Coordinator signs the appropriate form {refer to Policy No. 6 for Form 6) and forwards to the SON Director.

21


Student Policy Subject: Retention


July, 2011

PAGE l o f l


POLICY

The DeWitt School of Nursing shall ensure that students have successfully mastered the knowledge and skills in a course which is required for progression to the sequential level of difficulty in the curriculum. To pass nursing courses, the student must:

1. Have a weighted mean test score of 80%, or better;

2. Have an overall course grade of 80%, or better;

3. Receive a grade of PASS for the clinical portion of courses with a clinical component;

4. Meet all course requirements as specified in course syllabi and related School policies.

Students who fail to meet any one or more of these criteria will receive a grade of F for the course.

Students who fail any two (2) nursing courses will be dismissed from the SFASU DeWitt School of Nursing Graduate Program.

One nursing course may be repeated one time only.

PROCEDURE

1. On the first failure of a nursing course (grade less than a “B”), the student must petition the SON Student Affairs Committee.

2. The SON Student Affairs Committee will meet and make recommendations to the Graduate Faculty Team for progression. If there are insufficient clinical spaces available to accommodate the number of students recommended for progression, the FNP Program Coordinator will prioritize the list of students, as recommended by the Graduate Faculty Team, and submit the list to the Director of the SON for final disposition.

3. Students who voluntarily withdraw from the program must petition SON Student Affairs Committee for readmission. Students will be readmitted on a case by case basis.

22


Student Policy Subject: Academic Grievance


July, 2011

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POLICY

It is important that students be given the right to be heard. A graduate student who wishes to appeal a

grade or file a complaint may do so in a structured manner.

PROCEDURE

1. The student must first attempt to resolve any conflict with the faculty member. This should

be done within six (6) months from the end of the semester in question.

2. If the conflict is not resolved, the student shall follow the following order of informal dispute resolution: FNP Program Coordinator and SON Director.

3. If the conflict is not resolved, the matter will be referred to the SON Student Affairs

Committee. A special consideration petition (refer to Policy No. 6 for Form 6) should be

completed and turned in to the SON Student Affairs Committee. The SON Student Affairs

Committee will approve or disapprove of the request. The special consideration petition

will then be forwarded to the Graduate Faculty Team. The Graduate Faculty Team will

approve/disapprove of the petition and FNP Program Coordinator will sign and forward to

the SON Director.

4. Following the Director's decision, if the student chooses to pursue further academic

redress, the student shall adhere to University policies on the appeal of grades and

conflict (SFASUP&P A-2, Academic Complaints).

5. The grade documented by the instructor shall remain in effect until the appeal process is

concluded. Any associated effect (loss of eligibility or privilege) shall be invoked even

though an appeal is pending. All grades, records, and related materials shall be maintained

for a period of six months or until the case is resolved.


Student Policy Subject: Transportation of Patients /

Clients


PAGE

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POLICY

Students shall not transport clients in their vehicles. This policy protects both students and patients/clients. When patients/clients are in need of transportation for health purposes, volunteers and agencies may provide this service.

Contact the faculty for more information.

PROCEDURE

None listed.

24

POLICY NO. 15 Policy and Procedures Manual for Graduate

Students

Student Policy Subject: Faculty and Course

Evaluations


2011

PAGE

l o f 5

SON Director Signature • Date

POLICY

All students shall be given the opportunity to evaluate faculty and courses online

at the completion of each course.

BACKGROUND

Student evaluation of course and instructor effectiveness is valuable to instructors as they

strive for excellence in teaching performance. Student input serves to enhance the teaching-

learning process by providing faculty with appraisals of areas of strengths and areas of

needed change and/or improvement.

A student should regard the evaluation of course faculty as both a privilege and a right,

with inherent responsibility for objectivity. This concept necessitates the evaluation be

done in a positive manner which focuses on course content, instructor's knowledge and

expertise, and content presentation rather than on teacher personality.

The instructor's responsibility in the teaching-learning process is to give serious thought to

student input and to implement changes, when appropriate and feasible, within curricular

design constraints.

PROCEDURE

For each course the student will be given the opportunity online to complete questions listed

on Form 15a (Student Evaluation of Course) during the time frame for evaluations provided

by the University. Each online student evaluation of the course and instructor with

comments will be anonymous and confidential.

Evaluation results of course and instructor will be reviewed by the SON Director, FNP

Program Coordinator, the Evaluation and Program Effectiveness Committee, will be

reported to the appropriate committees/Graduate Faculty Team, and the instructor before

being placed in the instructor's permanent record. Evaluation results of course and faculty

items below the 80 percent favorable benchmark will require the completion of a Summary

Report by the instructor and submitted for review to the Graduate Program Coordinator and the

Evaluation and Program Effectiveness Committee.

The Student Evaluation Summary Report will be placed in the Evaluation and Program

Effectiveness Manual after the action taken is reviewed by the committee.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

End-of-Semester Web-based Evaluation Summary of Contents

Required by All Students in Online Courses

(Policy No. 15)

SFA Distance Education End-of-Semester Survey

Approximately how far is it (one way) from where you live during the semester to the SFA campus?

I live on campus. (1)

1 - 5 miles away (2)



More than 80 miles away. (5)

Which statement(s) best describe your situation this semester? CHECK ALL THAT APPLY.

The only courses I took were online courses from SFA. (1)

I took some on-campus courses at SFA. (2)

I took some online courses from other institutions. (4)

I took some on-campus courses from other institutions. (5)

Why did you choose to take a course from SFA in an ONLINE format?

The course was only offered online. (1)

I live too far away to come to campus often. (2)

I live close enough, but I have work obligations, family obligations, conflicting class schedules, or

other situations that prevent me from taking the face-to-face course at the time slot it was offered

on campus. (4)

Other (6)

Please select the best answer based on your experience this semester.

Agree (1) Disagree (2) I did not use this

resource. (3)

The Tech Support &

Resources section of

SFA ONLINE helped

me succeed in my

online course(s).

The SmarterMeasure

Readiness Indicator

helped me prepare for

success.

The D2L Tutorials on

the SFA ONLINE

website were helpful

to me.

The Desire2Learn

(D2L) system was

reliable and all of the

tools worked well.

The

COLLABORATE

web conferencing tool

worked well and the

instructions were

helpful and easy to

locate.

When I contacted

D2L Student Support,

they were courteous

and helpful.

My phone calls to

936-468-1919 and/or

email requests to

[email protected] were

promptly returned.

I am satisfied with the

D2L Student Support

I received after 5:00

p.m. and on

weekends.

I am satisfied with

how D2L worked on

my cell phone or

tablet PC.

Overall, I am satisfied

with my experience as

on online student at

SFA.

Comment/questions:

If you could suggest one thing to SFA instructors that they should ALWAYS do or include in their

ONLINE courses, what would you suggest?

If you could suggest one thing to SFA instructors that they should NEVER do or include in their

ONLINE courses, what would you suggest?

What was the best thing about your OVERALL experience as an SFA online student?

What can SFA do to improve the OVERALL experience for online students?


Student Policy Subject: Evaluation of Clinical Agency by

Students


2011

PAGE

l o f 2


POLICY

To facilitate effective evaluation of clinical educational experiences, students will be provided with the opportunity to assess their clinical sites for achievement of course objectives. The purpose of the clinical agency evaluation is to facilitate identification of strengths and weaknesses in the educational program within the School of Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Program.

PROCEDURE

At the completion of each clinical nursing course, students will be asked to evaluate online the clinical agency/agencies (Form 16) in which they practiced.

The. Evaluation and Program Effectiveness Committee will compute and analyze the results and report the results to faculty, according to the Graduate Program Master Evaluation Plan.

30

Form 16



Graduate Program

Student Evaluation of Clinical Site

The purpose of this tool is to assist the student in providing the course coordinator and clinical faculty with formal feedback.

Directions: Please answer the questions and evaluate the clinical agency by using the Likert Scale:

N/A=Non-applicable; 5=Strongly Agree; 4=Agree; 3=Neutral; 2=Disagree;

l=Strongly Disagree

The clinical site:

1. Provided adequate space.

2. Provided adequate time to see patients.

3. Provided sufficient numbers of patients to meet student learning needs.

4. Provided the types of patients (age, type of problem, etc.) to meet student learning needs.

5. Allowed students to select patients according to their needs.

6. Provided the opportunity to follow-up with patients and/or problems of interest.

7. Provided readily accessible diagnostic test results.

8. Provided support staff that were appropriately helpful to the student.

9. Provided support staff that were accepting of the student's role.

10. Provided the philosophy directed toward quality care, health promotion and disease

prevention.

11. Provided procedure and protocol manuals, educational materials, and have personnel to

adequately support the student in advance practice nursing.

12. Provided community resources, other agencies, and professional disciplines involved with

patient care.

13. Is recommended for future student placement.

31


Student Policy Subject: Evaluation of Preceptor by

Students


2011

PAGE

l o f 2


POLICY

To facilitate effective evaluation of clinical educational experiences, students will be provided with the opportunity to assess their clinical preceptors. The purpose of the preceptor evaluation is to facilitate identification of strengths and weaknesses in the educational program within the School of Nursing Graduate Program.

PROCEDURE

At the completion of each clinical nursing course, students will be asked to evaluate online the preceptor (Form 17) under whom they practiced.

The Evaluation and Program Effectiveness Committee will compute and analyze the results and report the results to the Graduate Faculty Team, according to the Graduate Program Master Evaluation Plan.

FORM 17


Dewitt School Of Nursing

Graduate Program

Student Evaluation of Clinical Preceptor

The purpose of this tool is to assist the student in providing the course coordinator and clinical faculty with formal feedback.

Directions: Please answer the questions and evaluate the preceptor by using the Likert Scale:

N/A=Non-applicable; 5=Strongly Agree; 4=Agree; 3=Neutral; 2=Disagree; l=Strongly Disagree

The preceptor:

1. Assisted with setting goals and provided constructive feedback. 2. Maintained confidentiality of patient. 3. Maintained confidentiality of work performance. 4. Demonstrated understanding and promoted the FNP role. 5. Functioned as a patient/family advocate. 6. Interacted well with co-workers and ancillary personnel. 7. Considered the student's individual learning needs. 8. Communicated clinical knowledge well. 9. Utilized other members of the healthcare team (i.e. social worker, dietician, allied health

professionals) 10. Helped identify learning needs. 11. Suggested or provided additional learning experiences (i.e. related cases, etc.). 12. Collaborated with the student in making drug treatment choices, monitoring dosages and

length of treatment, and reviewing lab and x-rays. 13. Provided immediate and adequate feedback to questions and patient presentations? 14. Reviewed differential diagnoses with the student. 15. Facilitated decision making. 16. Encouraged questions. 17. Provided alternative experiences when there were few or no patients. 18. Encouraged independence, as appropriate. 19. Helped the student recognize and utilize resource persons. 20. Remained accessible for consultation.


Student Policy Subject: Evaluation of Student Clinical

Performance


July, 2011

PAGE

l o f l


POLICY

Students will receive formative clinical evaluations throughout the semester.

PROCEDURE

Each student will receive a written clinical evaluation at the completion of each clinical course. This evaluation will be discussed with the student. The student will be asked to sign and date the evaluation before it is filed in his/her permanent record. If, for any reason, the student disagrees with the clinical evaluation, the student will be referred to the SON Academic Grievance policy {Policy No. 12).

34


Student Policy Subject: Program Evaluation


2011

PAGE

l o f l O


POLICY

To ensure a quality program, evaluation must take place both during the instruction phase and

following graduation.

PROCEDURE

Follow-up evaluations of graduates and employers are included in SON Graduate Program outcomes.

Students are strongly encouraged to maintain a current physical/mailing address and e-mail address

in the DeWitt School of Nursing in order to participate in the evaluation process and receive alumni

benefits. Graduates will be sent Form 19a and Form 19b; employers will be sent Form 19c.

Form 19a 2020 May DeWitt SON Evaluation of Curriculum by MSN-FNP Graduates Form A

1. Month/Year of Graduation from MSN program (please click the only bubble listed): May, 2020

2. Type of MSN graduate (please click the only bubble listed): Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

3. I have applied and accepted employment at this time in the role of a MSN-FNP. Yes No

4. If yes, please indicate 1) city and state and 2) name of employer in the box below:

5. If no, please state the reason for not applying for employment in the role of a MSN-FNP at this time (please check all that apply):

a. employment opportunities not available

b. waiting to pass the Certification Exam

c. taking the Certification Exam in another state, (please indicate the state): d. moving to another state (please indicate the state): e. Other:

6. Please state reason for not accepting employment in the role of a MSN-FNP (please check all that apply): a. waiting to pass the Certification Exam

b. salary

c. benefits

d. Other

7. Please state the reason you have not been hired for employment in the role of a MSN-FNP (please check all that apply): a. employment opportunities not available

b. unable to be hired due to lack of experience as a MSN-FNP

c. have not passed my Certification Exam

d. other

8. Number of employment positions in the role of a MSN-FNP you were offered, but did not accept: a. none

b. 1

c. 2

d. 3

e. 4 or more

36

9. Recommendation of DeWitt School of Nursing: Would you recommend the SFASU DeWitt School of Nursing to someone interested in obtaining a MSN-FNP degree?

a. Yes

b. No

10. INSTRUCTIONS: Consider the statements below and in the space provided after each one, indicate the extent of your agreement, neutrality or disagreement, by clicking on the appropriate bubble to your response from the scale provided:

Category selections for Questions 1 through 10 are: Disagree; Neither Agree nor Disagree; Agree.

1. The SON prepared me to integrate nursing science with knowledge from ethics, the biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences as the basis for the advanced level of nursing practice.

2. The SON prepared me to implement and evaluate effective strategies for managing the ethical and legal dilemmas inherent in patient care, the healthcare organization, and research.

3. The SON prepared me to employ effective communication and collaborative skills in interdisciplinary teams for the purpose of creating change in the global healthcare arena.

4. The SON prepared me to synthesize concepts, including psychosocial dimensions and cultural diversity, related to clinical prevention and population health by implementing and evaluating interventions to address global health promotion/disease prevention efforts, improve health status/access patterns, and/or address gaps in care of individuals, aggregates, or populations.

5. The SON prepared me to promote and evaluate use of health care information systems and patient care technology, including consumer health information sources.

6. The SON prepared me to demonstrate leadership in the development and implementation of institutional, local, state, federal, and/ global health policy.

7. The SON prepared me to critically appraise existing literature from nursing and other disciplines using advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability to determine and implement the best evidence for practice.

8. The SON prepared me to advocate for the advanced practice role within the policy and healthcare communities.

37

9. The SON prepared me to demonstrate continuing N^,

competence, growth, and development in the profession.

10. Comments are welcomed

Survey Powered by Qualifies

38

Form 19b 2020 May DeWitt SON Evaluation of Curriculum by MSN-FNP Graduates

FormB

1. Month/Year of Graduation from MSN program (please click the only bubble listed): May, 202-

1. Type of MSN graduate (please click the only bubble listed): Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

2. Which Certification Exam did you take? a. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) b. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

c. Other:

3. When did you pass the Certification Exam after graduation?

a. within 3 months

b. 4-6 months

c. after 6 months

d. have not passed

4. I have applied and accepted employment at this time in the role of a MSN-FNP. a. Yes

b. No

5. Employment: How long have you been employed in healthcare in your role as a MSN-FNP?

a. Within 3 months

b. 4-6 months

c. I have yet to obtain a position as a MSN-FNP

6. Please state the reason you have not been hired for employment in the role of a MSN-FNP (please check all that apply): a. Employment opportunities not available

b. Unable to be hired due to lack of experience as a MSN-FNP

c. Have not passed my Certification

d. Other

7. Immediate Supervisor In order for your current supervisor to receive a survey from SFA SON, please list the following in the box below: 1) Your name, 2) Name of current supervisor, 3) Current supervisor work e-mail address, or 4) current supervisor work address:

39

8. Current Employer Please indicate the 1) City, State and 2) Name of Employer in the box below:

9. Post-Graduate Education:

Are you planning on pursuing post-graduate education?

a. Yes

b. No

10. Post-Graduate Education:

What type of post-graduate education are you planning on seeking?

a PhD

b. DNSc

c. DNP

d. Other

11. Post Graduate Education: When do you plan on enrolling in post-graduate education?

a. within 3 months

b. 4-6 months

c. after 6 months

d. Other

12. Specialty Training and/or Certifications:

a. What additional training have vou participated in?

b. What certifications are vou working on?

c. What certifications have you been awarded?

13. Professional Organizations and Associations:

a. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

b. American Nurses' Association (ANA)

c. Sigma Theta Tau International (Sill)

d. Texas Nurses'Association (TNA)

e. Texas Nurse Practitioner (TNP)

f. Other

14. Community Involvement: Do you belong to a community based and/or community service organization?

a. Yes, (provide name of organization'):

b. No

15. Recommendation of DeWitt School of Nursing: Would you recommend the SFASU DeWitt School of

Nursing to someone interested in obtaining a MSN-FNP degree?

a. Yes

b. No

40

17. INSTRUCTIONS: Consider the statements below and in the space provided after each one, indicate the extent of

your agreement, neutrality or disagreement, by clicking on the appropriate bubble to your response from the scale

provided:

Evaluation categories for Questions 1 through 9 are: Disagree; Neither Agree nor Disagree; Agree.

1. The SON prepared me to integrate nursing science with knowledge from ethics the biophysical,

psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences as the basis for the advanced level of nursing practice.

2. The SON prepared me to implement and evaluate effective strategies for managing the ethical and legal

dilemmas inherent in patient care, the healthcare organization, and research.

3. The SON prepared me to employ effective communication and collaborative skills in interdisciplinary

teams for the purpose of creating change in the global healthcare arena.

4. The SON prepared me to synthesize concepts, including psychosocial dimensions and cultural

diversity, related to clinical prevention and population health by implementing and evaluating

interventions to address global health promotion/disease prevention efforts, improve health

status/access patterns, and/or address gaps in care of individuals, aggregates, or populations.

5. The SON prepared me to promote and evaluate use of health care information systems and patient

care technology, including consumer health information sources.

6. The SON prepared me to demonstrate leadership in the development and implementation of institutional, local,

state, federal, and/ global health policy.

7. The SON prepared me to critically appraise existing literature from nursing and other disciplines using advanced

levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability to determine and implement the best evidence

for practice.

8. The SON prepared me to advocate for the advanced practice role within the policy and healthcare communities.

9. The SON prepared me to demonstrate continuing competence, growth, and development in the profession.

10. Comments are welcomed:

Survey Powered By Qualities

FORM19c

2015 December DeWitt SON Evaluation of Curriculum of

MSN-FNP Graduate by

Employer Form C

Name of SFASU DeWitt School of Nursing MSN-FNP Graduate who graduated _

Name of employee who graduated from SFASU DeWitt School of Nursing:

1. Employment: How long have you known this employee who graduated from SFASU DeWitt

School of Nursing from the MSN-FNP program? (please state in months and years):

a. Within 3 months

b. 4-6 months c Other

2. Current employer:

(please indicate: 1) city, state and 2) name of employer in the box below):

3. Please list up to 3 competencies in nursing practice that could be implemented in our nursing program to better prepare our graduate nurses.

4. INSTRUCTIONS: Consider the statements below and in the space provided after each one, indicate the extent of your agreement, neutrality or disagreement, by checking the appropriate bubble to your response from the scale provided:

Evaluation categories for Questions 1 through 9 are: Disagree: Neither Agree nor Disagree: Agree

1. The SON prepared the graduate to implement and evaluate effective strategies for managing the ethical

and legal dilemmas inherent in patient care, the healthcare organization, and research.

2. The SON prepared the graduate to employ effective communication and collaborative skills in

interdisciplinary teams for the purpose of creating change in the global healthcare arena.

3. The SON prepared me to synthesize concepts, including psychosocial dimensions and cultural

diversity, related to clinical prevention and population health by implementing and evaluating

interventions to address global health promotion/disease prevention efforts, improve health

status/access patterns, and/or address gaps in care of individuals, aggregates, or populations.

4. The SON prepared the graduate to promote and evaluate use of health care information systems

and patient care technology, including consumer health information sources.

5. The SON prepared the graduate to demonstrate leadership in the development and

implementation of institutional, local, state, federal, and/or global health policy.

6. The SON prepared the graduate to critically appraise existing literature from nursing and other

disciplines using advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability to

determine and implement the best evidence for practice.

7. The SON prepared the graduate to advocate for the advanced practice role within the policy and

healthcare communities.

8. The SON prepared the graduate to demonstrate continuing competence, growth, and

development in the profession.

43

Form 19c Continued: INSTRUCTIONS: Please indicate the extent to which the graduate achieved the

following attributes by clicking on the appropriate bubble from the scale provided.

Inadequate

(fails to meet

minimum

expectations)

Adequate

(achieves

minimum

expectations)

Competent

(achieves most

important

expectations)

Proficient

(achieves

expertise in

attaining

expectations)

N/A

1 Care of Clients:

Assessment

2 Care of Clients:

Diagnosis

3 Care of Clients:

Planning

4 Care of Clients:

Intervention

5 Leadership Skills and

Knowledge

6 Clinical Skills and

Knowledge

7 Verbal Communication

Skills

8 Written Communication

Skills

9 Interpersonal

Relationship Skills

10 Critical Thinking Ability

11 Problem-solving Ability

12 Practice Incorporates

Legal, Ethical, and

Professional Standards

13 Practice Incorporates

Current Knowledge and

Research


Student Policy Subject: Records Retention


PAGE l o f l


POLICY

All student records are to be kept on file by the School until all members of that graduating class have successfully passed the designated credentialing exam, or for two years following graduation. These records will include the following:

1. Clinical evaluations by faculty and preceptors; 2. Major research based protocols developed by student; 3. All major correspondence, including counseling forms, degree plan, and admission and

acceptance letters.

Test grades are kept in each faculty's grade book.

PROCEDURE

A central file for all nursing students will be maintained by the DeWitt School of Nursing (SON).

Required documentations will be added to student's file each semester.

These files will be secured in the SON.

45


Student Policy Subject: Clinical Incident

REVISED OR REVIEWED DATE September,

2011

PAGE

l o f 2


POLICY

Each faculty member is responsible for accurate documentation of incidents in the performance of clinical activities.

An incident may be defined as, but is not limited to, any adverse occurrence or unexpected outcome that could cause, or potentially cause, injury or harm to a patient, visitor, student, or any other person.

PROCEDURE

The student is required to notify faculty at the time of the event and complete the clinical agency's incident report form, if appropriate, and Form 21.

The faculty member is responsible for notifying appropriate agency personnel and the SON at the time of the event.

The faculty member will counsel the student regarding the incident. A copy of the incident report form will be forwarded to the SON Director and FNP Program Coordinator. The form will then be placed in the student's permanent file.

46

FORM 21 INCIDENT REPORT FORM

1. Name of Faculty or Student:

2. Location of Incident: ______

3. Date of incident _________________ Day ______________ Time

4. Name of Supervisor:_____________________________________

5. If the incident involved physical injury:

a. Description of injury (give only factual information: ________________

b. Description of situation resulting in incident:

c. Name(s) of any witnesses to medical care provided at time of injury:

6. Description of action taken at time of incident, including name of person who provided initial health care:

7. Name(s) of any witnesses to incident:

8. Person receiving report of non-injury:

Signature of Supervisor and/or Faculty Member Date

47


Student Policy Subject: Student Services


PAGE l o f 5


POLICY

Alumni Association

Organized in 1928, the Stephen F. Austin State University Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the alumni, friends, and current students of Stephen F. Austin State University through programs, scholarships and activities that create an attitude of continued loyalty and support.

From its on-campus office, the organization sponsors a number of scholarships and awards. It also maintains addresses of ex-students, informs alumni on its activities and information, as well as University events by publishing the Sawdust, the association's official quarterly magazine and other alumni publications, operates the Alumni Chapter programs, sponsors the annual Homecoming and conducts the Mentor Ring program.

The combined contributions to the Alumni Association and Alumni Foundation endowments now total nearly $20 million and have provided more than $1 million in scholarships and awards in recent years. In 1966, the association inaugurated the Distinguished Alumnus Award, presented each year at the membership meeting at Homecoming. Each year, the association honors the recipients of its Distinguished Professor Award and Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, and also hosts a reception for scholarship donors, scholarship recipients, and the 50-year anniversary class.

All former students and SFA friends are encouraged to be active in the Alumni Association through one of the following membership plans: Annual, $50; Joint Annual $75; Student Annual, $25; Life, $750; Student Life, $400; Joint Life, $1000; Senior Life, $500 or Joint Senior Life, $750. Correspondence regarding membership or activities of the organization may be addressed to SFA Alumni Association, P.O. Box 6096-SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75962; Telephone (936) 468-3407, or through its website (www.sfaalumni.com).

Student scholarship applications are available beginning Sept. 1 of each year online. The deadline for applying is February 1 of each year.

Campus Computing and Telecommunications

Information Technology Services (ITS) is responsible for maintaining the availability, functionality and security of the University's administrative computer systems, wired and wireless campus network infrastructures, wide-area network communications, private intranet portal, e-mail services, and telephone system. ITS also provides separate computer repair services and help desks for students and for faculty/staff.

ITS is not the only department that supports computing and technology at SFA. Additional campus-wide services are provided by two other departments, while laboratories and technology centers in the various

schools and colleges offer more specialized support. Collectively, these facilities and services provide

http://www.sfaalumni.com/

students, faculty, and staff with a technology-rich educational environment.

The Office of Instructional technology (OIT) supports faculty and students in the use of instructional technologies to enhance the teaching and learning process. OIT facilitates the integration of technology into instruction in classroom and distance education environments through professional development workshops, consultation and support services for faculty and students. OIT also provides support for all facets of electronically delivered instruction, such as interactive videoconferencing (ITV) and Web-based systems, such as D2L.

The Ralph W. Steen Library provides general student academic computing support, manages a major student computing laboratory, and provides electronic access to informational resources both within and external to the library collections. The library also manages SFA's public web site, https://library.sfasu.edu/#/?_k=j4tcnd

SFA provides all students with robust, personalized software tools and a high-performance network. All students receive both an SFA e-mail account and a private account on MySFA, the University's intranet portal, at the time they are admitted. Students use MySFA to accept financial aid, register for classes, complete class assignments through D2L, check grades, vote in campus elections, respond to surveys, gain access to campus e-mail accounts, learn about upcoming activities, participate in campus groups, enter chat sessions, create personal calendars, and access world, national, and local news. All residence halls rooms have high-speed connections to the Internet.

SFA also participates in the Internet2 research network, a consortium led by 200-plus universities working in partnership with industry and government to develop and deploy advanced network applications and technologies. In addition, SFA is a founding member of LEARN. The Texas Legislature has charged this higher education consortium with building and operating a statewide fiber backbone that will complete the nationwide next-generation National Lambda Rail (NLR) research network. By holding a seat on the LEARN Board of Directors, the University has taken a leadership role in making the latest networking technology available to the state and researchers at SFA.

The University provides free anti-virus software to all students. Through the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at the Baker Pattillo Student Center, popular Microsoft products, such as the Microsoft Office Suite, are available at low cost. The Technical Support Center (TSC), the student technical support facility of the

TSC, is the first line of support for all technology-related questions. Services, such as removing viruses from students' workstations, are available at no cost. The facility is located at 514 E. Austin. Telephone (936) 468-4357) and walk-in service is provided from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., Monday throug

https://library.sfasu.edu/#/?_k=j4tcnd

h Friday. 49

Health Services

University Health Services provides health care services to the University's students. Currently enrolled students are eligible for most clinic services without additional costs, including consultation, diagnosis, and treatment rendered by the clinic staff. In addition, some optional services are provided at low cost. There are no facilities on campus for X-ray, overnight stay, dental, optometry, or pharmacy services. These services may be obtained locally. Clinical laboratory tests performed by outside laboratories may entail a charge to the student, but at a minimal fee.

The clinic is staffed by primary care specialists in pediatrics or family medicine, nurses, certified laboratory personnel, and administrative and clerical personnel.

The clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Patients are seen utilizing an appointment system. Appointments can be made by calling (936) 468-4008. Students' urgent medical problems are seen when students present themselves to the clinic. Walk-in patients will be screened by the nurses utilizing approved protocols. Patients who are screened will be worked into the physicians' schedules, given an appointment time, or treated for minor problems utilizing the approved protocols.

Medicines, X-rays and further consultations with medical personnel, ordered or requested by clinic physicians, must be procured in the community at the student's expense. Students are responsible for any services obtained outside the clinic, including hospital, ambulance or physician fees.

After-hours emergencies are handled through local hospital emergency rooms. Since both the hospital and the doctor charge for these services, every student should be covered by a medical/hospitalization insurance policy. Those students who do not have hospitalization insurance are strongly urged to obtain the university-endorsed student health policy or its equivalent to cover after-hours emergencies, hospitalizations, or injuries requiring referral to a specialist.

For additional information, consult the Health Clinic brochure, visit the website (http://www.sfasu.edu/healthservices/index.asp), or call (936) 468-4008.

Career Services

SFA Career Services (SFACS) offers students and alumni a variety of services designed to assist in the development and implementation of career and life goals. These services include career-related counseling and information; resume and cover letter writing assistance; mock interviews designed to identify effective networking and interviewing strategies, and resources, such as in-house comprehensive career and employer libraries and free career-related publications.

Career Services serves as a liaison between SFA students/alumni and prospective employers offering internship, part-time, and full-time employment opportunities. SFACS connects students and employers through on-campus recruiting, job fairs, and career days. Graduate students wishing to participate in on-campus interviews, the resume referral service, or to access the hundreds of job listings should register with Career Services through Jobs4Jacks.

50

http://www.sfasu.edu/healthservices/index.asp

Disability Services

Stephen F. Austin State University is committed to providing equal opportunities in higher education to academically qualified students with disabilities who demonstrate a reasonable expectation of college success. Students with disabilities who attend SFA will be integrated, as completely as possible, into the University community. The University shares responsibility with the student for modifying campus facilities and programs to meet the individual needs.

Following acceptance for clear admission to SFA, the process of obtaining services and accommodations begins with the submission of documentation by the student and completion of the application for services. Special housing accommodations needed because of a disability should be requested on the request form available through the Residence Life Department or Disability Services. Documentation should provide sufficient evidence of a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Guidelines for documentation are provided by Disability Services and should be reviewed by the student prior to obtaining documentation from a qualified professional. Guidelines for learning disabilities are intended to meet or exceed those adopted by the Association of Higher Education and Disabilities (AHEAD).

Documentation should be submitted well in advance of the initial semester in which accommodations will be requested. Sufficient time is necessary to provide for committee review of documentation and appropriate coordination of services. Recommended accommodations may differ from those provided in the public school setting. The committee review is aimed toward identifying areas of substantial limitation based upon the student's diagnosis and recommending the most appropriate accommodations which can be reasonably expected to assist the student in the post-secondary environment. Refer to the following paragraphs for information on Section 504 and ADA regarding provision of services for persons with disabilities. Requests for additional information should be directed to: Disability Services, P.O. Box 6130, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962-6130. Telephone information includes (936) 468-3004 (voice mail); (936) 468-1004 (TDD); or (936) 468-1368 (FAX). http://www.sfasu.edu/disabilityservices/

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504

Stephen F. Austin State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services or activities, including hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided under provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, concerns or requests for additional information regarding the ADA or the complaint/grievance procedure, may be forwarded to:

51

http://www.sfasu.edu/disabilityservices/

ADA coordinator, Disability Services, P.O. Box 6130, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75962. A copy of the grievance procedure may be obtained from Disability Services in Room 325 of the Human Services Building.

The provision of all reasonable accommodations and services is based upon assessment of the impact of the student's disabilities on his or her academic performance at a given time in the student's life. Therefore, it is in the student's best interest to provide recent and appropriate documentation relevant to the student's learning environment. A school plan, such as an individualized education program (IeP), or a 504 plan is insufficient documentation, but it can be included as part of a more comprehensive assessment battery. A comprehensive assessment battery and resulting diagnostic report should include a diagnostic interview, assessment of aptitude, academic achievement, information processing and diagnosis. Complete documentation guidelines should be obtained from Disability Services.

Persons with disabilities who need special accommodations (including auxiliary aids for effective communication) to participate in programs, services or activities of Stephen F. Austin State University are invited to make their needs and preferences known to the Director of the program, service or activity in which the individual seeks to participate or to the ADA Coordinator.

PROCEDURE

None

52

POLICY NO. 23 Policy and

Procedures Manual for Graduate Students

Student Policy ________________________________ Subject: Criminal Background Check

REVISED OR REVIEWED DATE PAGE

July, 2011 _______ lof3

SON Director Signature ______________________ Date

POLICY

Students admitted to the Graduate Program must satisfactorily complete a criminal background

check review as a condition to admission into the nursing program. The offer of admission is not

final until the background check is completed with results that are deemed favorable. Admission

may be denied or rescinded based on a review of the background check. Students who refuse to

submit to a background check, or do not pass the background check review, may be dismissed

from the program.

Rationale

1. Health care providers are entrusted with the health, safety, and welfare of patients, have access

to controlled substances and confidential information, and operate in settings that require the

exercise of good judgment and ethical behavior. Therefore, an assessment of a student's suitability

to function in such a setting is imperative to promote the highest level of integrity in health care

services.

2. Clinical facilities are increasingly required by accreditation agencies, such as Joint Commission

of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO), to conduct background checks for security purposes on

individuals who provide services within the facility, especially those who supervise care and render

treatment.

3. Clinical practicums are an essential element in certain curriculum programs. Students who

cannot participate in clinical practicum, due to criminal or other adverse activities that are revealed

in a background check, are unable to fulfill the requirements of the program. Additionally, many

healthcare licensing agencies require individuals to pass a criminal background check as a condition

of licensure or employment. Therefore, it is in everyone's interest to resolve these issues prior to a

commitment of resources by the DeWitt School of Nursing and the student or applicant.

4. The Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing is obligated to meet the contractual

requirements contained in affiliation agreements between the University and the various healthcare

facilities. Therefore, all newly admitted students must complete the required

53

background check prior to the initial semester of enrollment in the Graduate Program.

Background Check Report

A. Obtaining a Background Check Report. The DeWitt School of Nursing has designated Certified Background (www.certifiedbackground.com) to conduct the background checks that issue reports directly to the DeWitt School of Nursing. Results from a company other than that designated will not be accepted. Students and applicants must contact the designated company and comply with its instructions in authorized and obtaining a background check. Student and applicants are responsible for payment of any fees charged by the designated company to provide the background check service.

B. Scope. Background checks include the following and cover the past seven years:

■ Texas Statewide Criminal ■ Nationwide Sexual offender Index ■ Residence History ■ Social Security Alert ■ Nationwide Fraud and Abuse Scan ■ Nationwide Patriot Act ■ Additional counties, if out of state

C. Rights. Students and applicants have the right to review the information reported by the designated company for accuracy and completeness and to request that the designated company verify that the background information provided is correct. The student must contact the designated company to challenge the accuracy of the report, if necessary.

Students with a positive hit on the background check will be notified of the need to file a Declaratory Order and will not be released for registration or attendance in any clinical nursing course until a letter from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is issued.

Students who have filed a Declaratory Order and have a letter from the Texas Board of Nursing are exempt from submitting a background check. Students must submit a copy of the letter to the Graduate Program Coordinator, in order to be considered for admission to the program.

Students who have filed a Declaratory Order and have NOT received a letter from the BON are not eligible to enroll in any clinical nursing courses until such time that the letter has been received and a copy is made available to the FNP Program Coordinator.

http://www.certifiedbackground.com/

Form 23



Graduate Program

CONSENT AND RELEASE

Required Background Check

A background check is required as part of the admission process or as a condition of continued enrollment. Some University-affiliated clinical facilities may also require disclosure of a student's background check report prior to permitting the student to participate in the educational program at the facility. Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) DeWitt School of Nursing engages the services of a private agency to conduct this background check. A favorable review of this information by the DeWitt School of Nursing as a condition of admission and continued enrollment is not binding upon a clinical facility. A clinical facility may refuse to permit a student to participate in the clinical practicum at the facility if background check information is not provided, or if upon review of a student's background check, it determines the student is disqualified. Please complete the following information to authorize the DeWitt School of Nursing to obtain and review background check reports.

Signature

Printed Name

ID Number (required)

Date

Return form to:

FNP Program Coordinator



5707 North Street

Nacogdoches, Texas 75965

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Student Policy Subject: Immunization of Students


July, 2011

PAGE

l o f 5


POLICY

Immunizations against communicable diseases are necessary for the health of students, clients, and the public. Immunizations are mandated by the Texas Department of Health, the University, and the clinical agencies.

All students will show proof of current:

1) MMR immunization or serologic confirmation of immunity;

2) Td (tetanus-diphtheria toxoid) immunization;

3) Hepatitis B series or serologic confirmation of immunity;

4) Two (2) doses of varicella vaccine or there is serologic confirmation of immunity;

5) Polio vaccine

6) Meningococcal vaccine

7) Flu vaccine (seasonal and H1N1)

All students will show proof of a TB skin test unless they have had documented significant reactions (10 mm or more). In this event, students will show proof of respiratory examinations once every two (2) years.

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PROCEDURE

1. Each student shall submit records to the DeWitt School of Nursing showing proof of current immunizations as listed above.

2. If a student has significant reaction to the TB skin test (10 mm or more), that student will be referred to the Texas Department of Health (TDH) for follow-up. Students will be placed on suspension from clinical until proof of clearance from the TDH has been presented by the student to the DeWitt School of Nursing.

3. All students SHALL have all immunizations on file in the DeWitt School of Nursing at least TWO (2) weeks (fourteen calendar days) before the first class day of each semester.

4. If students fail to meet the above requirements and do not have all immunizations documented in the DeWitt School of Nursing at least two weeks before the first class day of each semester, they will not be allowed to attend clinical.

5. All students SHALL sign and submit Forms 24a and 24b to the SON Graduate Program secretary within the first week of the first semester of the Graduate Program.

Waiver:

Waivers must be in compliance with the Rules and Regulations of the Texas Department of Health, as set forth below:

Exclusions from compliance are allowable on an individual basis for medical contraindications, reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, and active duty with the armed forces of the United States. Students in these categories must submit evidence for exclusion from compliance, as specified by law.

1. To claim exclusion for medical reasons, the student must present a statement signed by a physician who has examined the student, in which it is stated that, in the physician's opinion, the vaccine required is medically contraindicated or poses a significant risk of the health and well-being of the student or any member of the student's household. Unless it is written in the statement that a lifelong condition exists, the exemption statement is valid for only one (1) year from the date signed by the physician.

2. To claim exclusion for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, a signed affidavit must be presented by the student or the student's parent or guardian, stating that the vaccinations are declined for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. The affidavit will be valid for a two-year period. The student who has not received the required immunizations for reasons of conscience, including religious

57

beliefs, may be excluded from clinical in times of emergency or epidemic declared by the

Commissioner of Public Health.

a. A person claiming exclusion from a required immunization for reasons of conscience,

including a religious belief, may only obtain the affidavit from by submitting a

written request to the department. The request must include: 1. full name of student;

2. student's date of birth (month/day/year)

b. A written request must be submitted through either the United States Postal

Service (or other commercial carrier), by facsimile, or by hand delivery to:

Bureau of Immunization and Pharmacy Support

1100 West 49th Street

Austin, Texas 78756

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Form 24a

VARICELLA VACCINE OR SEROLOGIC CONFIRMATION



Graduate Program

In order to fulfill the requirements on Policy 24(d), Varicella Vaccine, you may select ONE of

the two options below.

Option 1: Attach documentation of TWO Varicella vaccines.

Option 2: Attach serologic confirmation of immunity

FORM 24b RELEASE FOR ELECTRONIC FILING OF

IMMUNIZATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS



Graduate Program

In compliance with the current federal guidelines, mandated by the Health Insurance Portability

and Accountability Act of 1996, regarding release of confidential medical information, the DeWitt

School of Nursing requires your signature on this form. The information submitted documenting

immunizations is placed in an electronic database that is maintained or approved by the DeWitt

School of Nursing. This information is only available to faculty and full-time staff in the DeWitt

School of Nursing. The database provides a tracking mechanism to ensure that all students

maintain current immunization status.

Please read and sign the following. The form will be placed in the student's file in the DeWitt

School of Nursing.

I,_

Print or Type Student name

agree to allow the DeWitt School of Nursing to place the dates of my immunizations in the

immunization/certification database. I also understand that no information will be released,

without my written permission, to any component or individual.

Signature Date

Printed Name

POLICY NO. 25

Policy and Procedures Manual for

Graduate Students

Student Policy Subject: Liability Insurance

Requirements


July, 2011

PAGE

l o f l


POLICY

The Stephen F. Austin State University DeWitt School of Nursing requires all nursing students

who have patient contact to have liability insurance coverage.

PROCEDURE

The liability coverage fee is included in each student's course fees and billed by the University.

NOTE: The liability insurance provides protection for students while they are participating in

clinical practicum, as required for academic course work. Students who have outside employment

are encouraged to obtain continued individual coverage, in addition to the DeWitt School of

Nursing's liability coverage.

61


Student Policy Subject: Health Insurance for Students


July, 2011

PAGE

l o f l


POLICY

All students shall have personal health insurance and shall show proof of that insurance to the DeWitt School of Nursing Graduate Program secretary before the first class day of each semester.

PROCEDURE

1. Upon entry to the DeWitt School of Nursing (SON), the Graduate Program secretary will obtain proof of all students' health insurance coverage. A copy of either the policy or the insurance card, as well as a copy of the student's driver's license or official ID, shall be submitted before the first clinical day in the nursing program.

2. If a student fails to meet the above requirements before the first clinical day of each semester, the student will not be allowed to attend clinical.

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POLICY NO. 27

Policy and Procedures Manual for Graduate Students

Student Policy Subject: BLS Healthcare Provider

Certification for Students


July, 2011

PAGE

l o f l


POLICY

All students shall show proof of current American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification prior to going into the clinical area each semester.

PROCEDURE

1. It is the responsibility of each instructor to make sure that all students have current BLS cards.

2. The student shall provide the DeWitt School of Nursing Graduate Program secretary a copy of the

current BLS certification for placement in the student's file.

3. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the student not be able to attend clinical.

4. BLS certification may be obtained through any American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS course. Each student must maintain a current certification throughout the nursing program.

63

POLICY NO. 28


Student Policy Subject: Writer's Guide


July, 2011

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POLICY

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), latest edition, is to be

used as the standard for written papers. Correct spelling, form, and style for written papers will be

expected for all written course work to be graded.

PROCEDURE

None listed.

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POLICY NO. 29


Faculty Policy / Student Policy

Subject: Blood or Body Fluid Exposure


July, 2011

PAGE

l o f 3


POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to implement a systematic approach for blood or body fluid

exposure, which includes all elements required by the Occupational Safety Health

Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).

The SFASU Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing (SON) is committed to providing a

safe and healthful environment for faculty and students. In pursuit of this goal, the following

policy is provided to eliminate or minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

1. SON recognizes the profession of nursing includes tasks and procedures in which

occupational exposure to blood and/or body fluids may occur.

2. SON faculty instructs students and visually monitors various methods of exposure control to

include, but not limited by:

a. Universal precautions;

b. Using engineering and work practice controls;

c. Personal protective equipment;

d. Following the clinical facilities exposure control plan.

3. Students and faculty have Hepatitis B vaccination on record.

4. Procedure for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up.

PROCEDURE

1. Immediate treatment is provided to the individual at the clinical site where the injury occurs.

The student/faculty will follow the clinical site Bloodborne Pathogen Protocol.

2. The SON requires completion of Form 29a (Incident Report Form) within 24 hours of the

incident.

3. The faculty member will be notified immediately if an exposure occurs, requiring clinical

facility protocol. The student is responsible for ensuring that all medical actions required

by the facility are performed.

In the event the clinical facility requests the SON follow its own protocol, the faculty and student may

consult a private healthcare provider or report to Student Health Services. If the Student Health

Services is used, the protocol is:

a. After reporting to Student Health Services, the Medical Director will contact the

physician of the person who is the source of exposure and ask the physician to obtain

consent for testing from the source person.

b. The Medical Director of Student Health Services will obtain consent from the

exposed student/faculty for testing.

c. Based on the findings of the laboratory studies, the Medical Director of the Student

Health Services will counsel the student/faculty and provide treatment according to

medical protocol.

4. The Medical Director of Student Health Services is notified by the SON, either by requiring

medical treatment and/or copy of Form 29a for University tracking.

5. In either event, notification of blood testing results will follow facility medical protocol.

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FORM 29 INCIDENT

REPORT FORM

1. Name of Faculty or Student:

2. Location of Incident: ________

3. Date of incident ____________________ Day ______________ Time

4. Name of Supervisor: _______________________________________

5. If the incident involved physical injury:

a. Description of injury (give only factual information: _______

b. Description of situation resulting in incident:

c. Name(s) of any witnesses to medical care provided at time of injury:

6. Description of action taken at time of incident, including name of person who provided initial health care:

7. Name(s) of any witnesses to incident:

8. Person receiving report of non-injury:

Signature of Supervisor and/or Faculty Member Date

67


Student Policy Subject: Absence from Clinical


July, 2011

PAGE

l o f l


POLICY

"Absence" means non-attendance at clinical for the entire scheduled period.

In order for an absence to be excused, the student must be excused directly by the clinical instructor. If so directed by the instructor, the student must bring a written excuse by the health care provider.

Unexcused absences are defined as any absence that was not cleared with the instructor prior to the clinical experience, or any absence not directly related to illness of self, or death of immediate family member or significant other.

PROCEDURE:

In the event of an imminent absence, the student will:

1. Notify the instructor according to the instructor's stated instructions in the syllabus.

2. Notify the clinical agency and preceptor, if appropriate, at least one hour prior to scheduled clinical experience.

3. A student may file a special consideration petition to oppose an adverse action pursuant to the ten percent (10%) absence rule to the Student Affairs Committee. The Student Affairs Committee will approve or disapprove the petition and forward it to the Graduate Program for approval/disapproval. The FNP Program Coordinator will sign and forward to SON Director for approval/disapproval. Documentation supporting the reason for the absence will be required with the petition.

POLICY NO. 31


Student Policy Subject: Academic Advisement


July, 2011

PAGE

l o f 2


POLICY

A nursing faculty advisor is assigned to each student upon admission to the Graduate Program.

The advisor serves as the primary academic counselor to the student. Once admitted to the

program, students are to consult with their assigned advisor, Graduate Program Coordinator, or the

Director, for issues related to courses or progression.

The student and advisor will sign a degree plan before the end of the first semester. Students are

responsible for contacting their advisor each semester to review their progress. No student will be

allowed to register for the next semester unless all transcripts are received, all immunizations are

documented, BLS certification and nursing license is current. The student is ultimately

responsible for meeting the requirements for graduation.

Students are encouraged to make appointment with faculty by phone (voice mail is available 24- hours per day) and/or email.

PROCEDURE

Responsibilities:

The faculty advisor will:

1. Review the student's permanent file, which includes an approved degree plan (approved during the student's first semester in the program), and maintain dated notes of contacts with students.

2. Be available to students via phone and email.

3. Provide academic advisement regarding course selection, requirements for

progression and graduation, and resources and referrals, as needed.

4. Identify potential scholarships/awards nominees.

5. Complete degree plans and graduation evaluations.

69

6. Confer with the course faculty and student when academic performance does not meet expectations.

The student will:

1. Review and sign a degree plan during the first semester.

2. Maintain a current name, address and telephone number in their file from time of admission through graduation. Failure to maintain current contact information could delay receipt of important DeWitt School of Nursing messages.

3. Promptly submit transcripts to the Registrar's Office for courses completed at other colleges/universities prior to the end of the first semester of admission.

4. Prior to registration each semester, phone or email the designated faculty advisor.

5. Prior to withdrawing from a course, students are required to consult with the academic advisor. Student's failure to consult with academic advisor prior to withdrawal will jeopardize the student's continuation in the program.

6. If encountering difficulties in academic or clinical matters, seek guidance, resources, and/or referrals from the course faculty and the academic advisor.

7. Notify the Director in writing when:

a. part time enrollment will delay progress;

b. requesting to return after withdrawing or failing a nursing course;

c. desiring to resume one's nursing studies after an absence from the University.

POLICY NO. 32


Student Policy Subject: Nursing Peer Review for

Graduate Student


September, 2011

PAGE

l o f 6


STANDARD POLICY

BACKGROUND

This nursing peer review is established pursuant to the Texas Nursing Practice Act (NPA), Tex.

Occup. Code, section 303, and all provisions of this policy are meant to comply with the NPA

and all the rules and regulations promulgated to implement the provisions of the act.

POLICY

Peer Review means the evaluation of nursing services, the qualifications of a nurse, the quality of

patient care rendered by a nurse, the merits of a complaint concerning a nurse or nursing care, and

a determination or recommendation regarding a complaint. This term includes:

(A) the evaluation of the accuracy of a nursing assessment and observation

and the appropriateness and quality of the care rendered by a nurse;

(B) a report made to a nursing peer review committee concerning an activity under the committee's review authority;

(C) a report made by a nursing peer review committee to another committee or to the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) as permitted or required by law; and,

(D) implementation of a duty of a nursing peer review committee by a member, an agent, or an employee of the committee.

The peer review process is one of fact finding, analysis, and study of events by nurses in a climate of collegial problem solving focused on obtaining all relevant information about an event. After investigation and review, the nursing peer review committee determines whether grounds exist to report the nurse. If grounds exist, the nursing review committee makes the report to the TBON.

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PROCEDURE

Conduct Subject to Reporting

Conduct subject to reporting is defined in Tex. Occup. Code, section 301.401 as conduct which:

(A) violates the NPA or a TBON rule and contributes to the death or serious injury of a patient; (B) causes a person to suspect that the nurse's practice is impaired by chemical dependency or drug or alcohol abuse; (C) constitutes abuse, exploitation, fraud, or a violation of professional boundaries; or (D) indicates that the nurse lacks knowledge, skill, judgment, or conscientiousness to such as extent that the nurse's continued practice of nursing could reasonably be expected to pose a risk of harm to a patient or another person, regardless of whether the conduct consists of a single incident or a pattern of behavior.

Pursuant to Tex. Occup. Code, section 301.410, a person who is required to report a nurse because the nurse is impaired or suspected of being impaired by chemical dependency or mental illness, may report to a peer assistance program approved by the TBON under Chapter 467, Tex. Health & Safety Code, instead of reporting to the TBON or requesting review by a nursing peer review committee.

A person who is required to report a nurse because the nurse is impaired or suspected of being impaired by chemical dependency or mental illness must report to the TBON if the person believes the impaired nurse committed a practice violation.

Committee Selection

The Standards Committee of the SON shall serve as the nursing review committee. The terms "standards committee" and "peer review committee" shall be used interchangeably in this policy. The director of the SON shall not be a member of this committee. If reviewing the practice of a nurse in a specialty area, the chair of the standards committee will request a member of the faculty considered an expert in that specialty to serve on the committee for that review if possible.

Good Faith

The peer review committee shall at all times act in good faith as that term is defined by the

TBON.

Initiation of a Complaint

A written complaint shall be submitted to the chair of the Peer Review Committee. The nursing review committee will then proceed as follows:

72

A. Notice of Complaint

1. Upon receiving a written complaint, the chair of the nursing peer review committee will

provide written notice to the nursing being reviewed:

a. in person, or,

b. by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the nurse's last known address.

2. The notice should inform the nurse that:

a. his/her practice is being evaluated;

b. the date the committee will meet (not sooner than 21 calendar days and not more

than 45 calendar days from date of notice);

c. the nurse has the right to be accompanied to the hearing by a nurse peer or

attorney;

d. the nurse has the right to be represented by an attorney, but must notify the

Standards Committee at least seven (7) days before the hearing;

e. the Standards Committee plans to be represented by an attorney*.

*If an attorney representing the Standards Committee is present at the review hearing in any capacity,

including serving as a member of the Standards Committee, the nurse is entitled to "parity of

participation of counsel." This means the nurse's attorney is able to participate to the same extent and

level as the Standards Committee's attorney; e.g., if the Standards Committee's attorney can question

witnesses, the nurse's attorney must have the same right.

3. The notice shall include:

a. a written copy of the professional review plan, policies and procedures;

b. a copy of Rule 217.19 (Nursing Peer Review);

c. a description of the event(s) to be evaluated in sufficient detail to inform the nurse

of the incident, circumstances and conduct (error and omission), including date(s),

time(s), location(s), and individual(s) involved;

d. the patient/client shall be identified by initials or number to the extent possible to

protect confidentiality BUT the nurse shall be provided the name of the

patient/client;

e. name, address and telephone number of the chairman of the Standards Committee

to receive any response by the nurse;

f. copies of any documents or other material concerning the event OR provide the

nurse the opportunity to review, in person or by attorney, the documents or other

material concerning the event at least 15 calendar days prior to appearing before

the committee;

g. provide the nurse the opportunity to submit a written statement regarding the

event under review

B. Discovery

The nurse shall be provided with a witness list and written testimony or evidence at least 48 hours

in advance of the proceeding.

A nurse whose practice is being evaluated may choose not to participate in the proceeding after

notification. The evaluation will still be done.

C. Committee Meeting

The peer review process is not a legal proceeding; therefore, rules governing legal proceedings and

admissibility of evidence do not apply.

The chairman of the Standards Committee shall preside at the committee meeting conducting the peer

review.

Order of Meeting

1. A representative from the Standards Committee (or counsel, if appropriate) shall make an

opening statement.

2. The nurse (or counsel) will have the opportunity to make an opening statement.

3. The Standards Committee will present its evidence, including witnesses, documents or other

evidence.

4. The nurse will have the opportunity to cross examine witnesses and question the validity and

veracity of documents or other evidence.

5. The nurse will present evidence, if desired, including witnesses, documents or other

evidence.

6. The Standards Committee will have the opportunity to cross examine witnesses and

question the validity and veracity of documents or other evidence.

7. The Standards Committee shall make a closing statement.

8. The nurse will have the opportunity to make a closing statement.

9. The Standards Committee will have the opportunity for rebuttal.

D. Committee Decision

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Standards Committee will meet in private to reach a decision. A

determination that a deficiency in care is attributable to a nurse shall be based on the extent to which the

nurse's conduct was the result of a deficiency in the nurse's judgment, knowledge, training, or skill. It

shall NOT be based on factors outside the nurse's control.

74

The chairman of the Standards Committee will provide written notice to the nurse within ten (10)

calendar days of when the committee's review has been completed:

a. in person, or,

b. by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the last known address of the nurse.

This notice shall permit the nurse to file a written rebuttal within ten (10) calendar days after receiving

notice. This rebuttal shall be made a permanent part of the peer review record.

If a peer review committee finds that a nurse has engaged in conduct reportable to the BON, the

committee shall submit a report to the BON which includes:

a. the identity of the nurse;

b. a description of any corrective action taken against the nurse; and,

c. a statement as to whether the committee recommends that formal disciplinary

action be taken against the nurse.

E. Confidentiality

A nursing peer review committee meeting is confidential and any communication made to a nursing

peer review committee is privileged. It is:

a. not subject to subpoena or discovery in any civil matter;

b. is not admissible as evidence in a judicial or administrative proceeding;

c. may not be introduced into evidence in a nursing liability suit arising out of

the provision of or a failure to provide nursing services.

If a peer review committee determines that a nurse has NOT engaged in conduct required to be

reported to the TBON, an individual whose knowledge of the nurse's conduct was acquired only

through peer review may not report that nurse to the TBON for that conduct. An individual is not

prohibited from reporting the nurse if the individual:

a. has independent knowledge about the nurse's conduct; or,

b. believes the committee made its determination in bad faith.

A member, agent, or employee of a nursing peer review committee or a participant in a proceeding

before the committee may not disclose or be required to disclose a communication made to the

committee or a record or proceeding of the committee.

A person who attends a nursing peer review committee proceeding in any capacity may not

disclose or be required to disclose:

a. information acquired in connection with the proceeding;

b. an opinion formed.

c. an opinion, recommendation, or evaluation of the committee or committee

member

All nurses who participate in a nursing peer review process shall sign a confidentiality agreement.

F. Disclosure of Information

The Standards Committee, on request, SHALL disclose written or oral communications made to the

committee and the records and proceedings of the committee to:

a. a licensing authority of any state; or,

b. a law enforcement agency investigating a criminal matter.

The Standards Committee MAY disclose written or oral communications made to the committee and

the records and proceedings of the committee to:

a. a licensing authority of any state;

b. a law enforcement agency investigating a criminal matter;

c. the association, school, agency, facility, or other organization under whose authority the

committee is established;

d. another nursing peer review committee;

e. a peer assistance program approved by the BON;

f. a government agency or accrediting organization that accredits health care facilities or

schools of nursing or surveys a facility for quality of care;

g. a person engaged in bona fide research, if all information that identifies a specific

individual is deleted.

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