nursing student handbook - cape breton university
TRANSCRIPT
Cape Breton University
Nursing Student Handbook
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE NURSING PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT OF NURSINGSCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH
Our Students… Our Program… Our Future…
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Welcome to CBU Department of Nursing Cape Breton University promises and delivers an exceptional educational experience for students. Our Faculty, Nursing Practice Educators, students and graduates are recognized nationally and internationally for innovative accomplishments from academic excellence to athletic prowess. These successes contribute to Cape Breton University’s growing reputation for excellence both in and out of the classroom.
The CBU nursing program offers three distinct entry points. They are Direct Entry (from high school) Advanced Standing (students who have completed some or all of a previous university degree) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to RN. The direct entry program runs 8 semesters over a three-year period and the advanced standing program and LPN students’ study 6 semesters over a two-year period.
The ‘Nursing Student Handbook’ is intended for students to provide them with information regarding the nursing program and Cape Breton University. Keep your handbook available as you progress through the nursing program.
Enjoy and make the most of every opportunity for learning, personal, and professional growth.
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Vision, Mission, and Values ...................................................................5Students .............................................................................................5Health ................................................................................................5Nursing ..............................................................................................5Environment ........................................................................................5Scholarship .........................................................................................5Collaboration ......................................................................................5Philosophy ...............................................................................5Curriculum Core Concepts ..........................................................6Health for All .......................................................................................6Critical Inquiry .....................................................................................6Social Justice and Equity ........................................................................6Nursing Knowledge .............................................................................6Professionalism ....................................................................................6Collaboration ......................................................................................7Program Goals ..........................................................................7Direct Entry and Advanced Standing Course Sequence ..................8Mandatory Documentation .........................................................9Program Related Information ......................................................9Communication.. .................................................................................9Email ................................................................................................ 10Telephone ......................................................................................... 10Meetings .......................................................................................... 10Nursing Uniform Package .................................................................... 10Nursing Society ..................................................................................11International Nursing Experience ......................................................... 12Nursing Informatics ............................................................................ 12Professionalism .................................................................................. 12NCLEX- RN ........................................................................................ 13Skills Lab/Simulation Lab/Computer Lab .............................................. 13Committees ...................................................................................... 13Academic Support for Students ................................................. 13Mentoring & Student Advising ............................................................. 13Library .............................................................................................. 14Center for Student Success ................................................................. 14Max Bell Health Center ....................................................................... 14Policies and Guidelines ............................................................ 15Attendance Guidelines ....................................................................... 15Missed Practice Time Policy ................................................................ 16Inclement Weather Policy .................................................................... 18Professional Dress Policy ..................................................................... 19Progression Policy .............................................................................. 21Conduct During Exam Policy ...............................................................23Reintegration to Nursing Practice Policy ................................................24Nursing Practice Improvement Policy ....................................................27Student Learning Plan ............................................................. 31
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Vision, Mission, and ValuesVisionThe BScN Program aspires toward excellence in nursing education, practice, and scholarship. Our graduates will be prepared to meet the challenges of advancing health for all in the 21st century.
MissionOur mission is to prepare nursing students to achieve excellence in the provision of safe, competent, compassionate, and ethical care. We are committed to fostering a learner-centered environment that instills values of critical inquiry, reflective practice and life-long learning. We will develop, advance, and disseminate nursing knowledge, while working proactively to advocate for and work toward eliminating social inequities.
ValuesStudentsWe value that our students become critical thinkers who are culturally sensitive and globally aware.
HealthWe value health as a resource for living and recognize the importance of the determinants of health and the principles of primary health care.
NursingWe value the influence of the Baccalaureate preparation for professional nursing practice on health outcomes.
EnvironmentWe value an academic environment that honours professional conduct, academic freedom, collaboration and integrity while respecting the diversity and unique contribution of all individuals.
ScholarshipWe value advancement in nursing knowledge to improve nursing education, nursing practice and health outcomes.
CollaborationWe value working collaboratively with our partners toward building a healthier Cape Breton.
PhilosophyThe Department of Nursing at CBU believes that nursing is a rich blend of art and science that focuses on promoting optimum health and providing safe, ethical, compassionate care across the lifespan to individuals, families, communities and populations. Nursing has a unique body of knowledge and is evidence-based on theories, research, evaluation and experiential learning from nursing, health sciences, social sciences and liberal arts. Nursing is a practice discipline, directed toward health promotion, illness and injury prevention, health maintenance, health restoration, and the facilitation of a dignified and peaceful death.
Professional education focuses on the development of the person to be a critically reflective practitioner. Through the integration of theory and practice an environment is fostered that stimulates curiosity, self-direction, accountability, social responsibility and a commitment to lifelong learning. Our philosophy is therefore based on assumptions about the nature of nursing and the nature of a professional education. It builds on the program’s vision, mission and values through the development of the core concepts for the nursing curriculum. The nursing curriculum is an intentional blending of courses from many disciplines. It integrates theory and practice to facilitate self-growth, critical inquiry, and commitment to lifelong learning. Teachers and learners are engaged in the continuous development of professional competencies in a complementary process that recognizes the strengths of both.
The philosophy also provides the foundation for the program’s academic plan and strategic priorities.
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Curriculum Core ConceptsHealth for AllThe promotion of optimum health is the overall goal of nursing (Nova Scotia College of Nursing [NSCN], 2008). Health is viewed as a resource for everyday living and is a dynamic process for the individual, family, community and population. A range of personal, social economic and environmental factors referred to as the ‘Determinants of Health’ (DOH) influence or determine health status. A system based on a primary health care approach is recognized as the key to achieving the goal of health for all.
Critical inquiryThe program incorporates critical inquiry within class and nursing practice through research, reflection and evaluation. Development of critical inquiry is supported through learning experiences that incorporate questioning, discussing and active listening, thereby promoting a climate of research mindedness.
Social Justice and EquityThe program encourages a non-discriminatory approach to care respecting individuality and celebrating differences. Culturally sensitive relationships grounded in respect and trust is cultivated. The curriculum fosters awareness of global health challenges and the need to work collaboratively with partners in health care and government to ensure appropriate and fair distribution of resources.
Nursing Knowledge The program values baccalaureate preparation for professional nursing practice and fosters an awareness of nursing sensitive outcomes. Nursing scholarship is promoted to meet the demands of an increasingly complex health care system and the challenges for preparing nurses for their roles in the 21st century.
Professionalism The art and science of professional nursing is incorporated throughout the program. All nursing courses include the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Code of Ethics and Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses.
CollaborationCollaboration is an integral component of professional nursing education. The program fosters and sustains interprofessional, interdisciplinary and intersectoral partnerships.
Program GoalsThe CBU BScN Program is designed to accomplish the following 12 goals:
1. To prepare professional nurses to engage in health promotion, prevention, curative, supportive and rehabilitative care, including palliation (across the life span) in a variety of settings.
2. To promote and implement the philosophy of primary health care.
3. To develop skill in ethical, moral, and legal decision-making with respect to health and health care delivery.
4. To promote accountability, responsibility, and self-regulation.5. To implement nursing practice models reflective of various
nursing theories. 6. To actualize the values of social justice and equity.7. To foster research mindedness and research utilization.8. To promote the development and integration of evidence-
informed knowledge.9. To promote multi-sectorial and trans-disciplinary collaborative
participation in health care delivery and research.10. To promote facilitative and deliberate interaction and
enactment of the advocacy role.11. To develop leadership capacity.12. To nurture personal and professional development.
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Three Year (Semesters 1-8) Direct Entry BScN Program Course Sequence
Semester One Semester Two
Course No. Description Cr. Course No. Description Cr.BIOL2203 Human Anatomy (65 or >) 3 BIOL2203 Nursing Physiology (65 or >) 3CHEM1104 General Chemistry l 3 MICR2101 Microbiology (65 or >) 3PSYC1101 or Intro to Psychology, 3 PSYC1101 or Intro to Psychology,PSYC1103 Natural Science or PSYC1103 Natural Science or Human Science Human Science 3ENGL1100 English 1104 (65 or >) 3 COMM1103 Interpersonal Communication 3PHIL1103 Critical Thinking 3 MATH1109 Statistics (65 or >) 3Overall Average (65 or >) 15 Overall Average (65 or >) 15
Two Year (Semesters 3-8) Advanced Standing
Semester Three Semester Four
Course No. Description Cr. Course No. Description Cr.NRSG2101 Professional Formation l 3 NRSG2301 Health & Illness l 3NRSG2201 Foundations of Nursing l 3 NRSG2203 Foundations of Nursing ll 3NRSG2401 Health Promotion & 3 NRSG2501 Pathophysiology 3 Assessment lNRSG2403 Health Promotion 3 NRSG2503 Pharmacotherapeutics 3 & Assessment lINRSG2901 Nursing Practice 3 NRSG2903 Nursing Practice Integration ll 3 Integration lOverall Average (65 or >) 15 Overall Average (65 or >) 15
Semester Five Semester Six
Course No. Description Cr. Course No. Description Cr.NRSG3101 Professional Formation ll 3 NRSG3304 Health & Illness lV 3NRSG3301 Health & Illness ll 3 NRSG3501 Nursing Research 3NRSG3303 Health & Illness lll 3 NRSG3902 Nursing Practice Integration lV 6NRSG3900 Nursing Practice 6 ELECTIVE 3 Integration lllOverall Average (65 or >) 15 Overall Average (65 or >) 15
Semester Seven Semester Eight
Course No. Description Cr. Course No. Description Cr.NRSG4101 Professional Formation lll 3 NRSG4902 Nursing Practice Integration Vl 15NRSG4501 Theory & Practice Synthesis 3 NRSG4900 Nursing Practice 6 Integration VELECTIVE 3 Overall Average (65 or >) 15 Overall Average (65 or >) 15
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Semester Three LPN-BScN Pathway (Students join in Semester 4-8)
NRSG0201:75 Transitioning to the Role of a Professional Registered Nurse 3NRSG0203:75 The Roles of the Registered Nurse in Evidence-Informed Practice 3MICR2101 Microbiology (65 or >) 3MATH1109 Statistics (65 or >) 3ENGL1100 English 1104 (65 or >) 3Overall Average (65 or >) 15
All course descriptions can be found in the Cape Breton University Academic Calendar. www.cbu.ca/current-students/registrars-office/academic-calendar/
Mandatory DocumentationThe following documentation is mandatory for entrance to Cape Breton University BScN Program. It is strongly encouraged that students maintain their own personal health record by keeping copies and receipts of all documentation. Immunization documentation must be submitted as a complete package. Partially completed documentation will not be accepted.
Mandatory Documents
Child Abuse Registry FormIncluded in Welcome Package sent to you from the CBU Nursing Department.
Police Record CheckLocal Police Department or RCMP Detachment.
Health Science Placement Network Consent FormIncluded in Welcome package sent to you from the CBU Nursing Department.
First Aid for semester 3 and CPR Health Care Provider course (yearly)St. John Ambulance. Note: CPR must be updated annually & proof of recertification must be placed on your file.
Student Health Immunization Record Included in Welcome Package. Must be completed and signed by a Health Professional. Confirmation of childhood immunizations can be obtained from Department of Health and/or Family Physician.
Mantoux Testing (TB 2 Step)Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), or Family Physician. Completed documentation is required.
Annual Flu Vaccine (Highly Recommended) Can be obtained at Max Bell Health Center CBU or any Flu Vaccine Clinic.
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Program Related Information
CommunicationAs a university student, you are responsible for your success. To be successful you will need to be proactive during your academic career by attending classes, submitting assignments on time and communicating with your course professor.
Each course syllabus will have specific contact information for the Course Professor and related Course Instructors/Nursing Practice Educators. This contact information should be used as your primary means of communication for course and nursing practice related issues.
EmailA Cape Breton University Webmail account is provided to you upon registration. Your CBU webmail address will be the primary means to communicate important information, and all email communication will be sent to this account. It is imperative that you check your CBU webmail on a regular basis to ensure you remain informed of important information. Only emails with a subject line completed and sent from the CBU accounts will be answered.
When communicating via email to staff or faculty, it is important that you include your semester of study and specific request or question. Also, please remember the following:• Topic in subject line is mandatory• Include a salutation, e.g. “Hello Professor….”• Verify address and reread your email before you send it (does it make
sense? Spelling errors? Does it include all pertinent information?)• Include a brief subject line telling the reader immediately what the
email is in regard to• Be brief and clear; be professional, your name and course you are
enrolled in• Do not email when angry or upset• Do not use email for urgent matters
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TelephoneRefer to your course syllabus for telephone information for course-specific professors and Nursing Practice Educators, or to the CBU website (www.cbu.ca) to contact other Department staff for reasons not relating to courses. Home telephone numbers will not be given out by the university and students should not telephone faculty or staff at home. Previously or personally acquired contact information is not to be used to contact faculty or Nursing Practice Educators. For example, cellular phone numbers for specific use during nursing practice rotations – these numbers should be deleted from your records upon completion of the course.
MeetingsIf you are asked to meet with a faculty or nursing practice educator or staff member, it is important to arrive on time. If you are going to be late, or if you need to re-schedule the meeting, you are expected to speak with the person you were scheduled to meet with.
Nursing Uniform Package All students are expected to dress in a professional manner and follow the Professional Dress Policy. The policy can be found in the policy section of the handbook. All CBU Nursing Students are required to purchase a nursing package from Keltic Clothing Ltd., 70 Dodd Street, Sydney NS. Phone: 1.902.539.6006 www.kelticclothing.ca
Students will be notified of when the uniform sizing and ordering will be done.
The package includes:
• 3 Uniform Pants • 3 Uniform Tops• 1 Lab Coat • 1 Pair of Shoes/Sneakers• 1 Stethoscope • 1 Blood Pressure Cuff and Case• 1 Watch • 1 Personalized Name Tag• 1 Pocket Organizer complete • Amodex
with bandage scissors, penlight, 4 color pen wound measurement
Total Package Price is $650.00 taxes included (price for September 2019). Price subject to change.Student fee to be reimbursed to CBU is $40.00.
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Additional Program Related CostsIn addition to program tuition costs, students will need to plan for the following mandatory testing, certification etc. expenses. Please note these are approximate costs and are subject to change.
Required Texts ................................................... $1200.00Uniforms ............................................................ $650.00HESI examinations .............................................. $500.00First Aid and HCP-CPR ......................................... $200.00Dementia Training course ...................................... $120.00Nursing Society membership .................................. $40.00Criminal Record check ........................................... $30.00Crisis Prevention Intervention Training course ........... $20.00Approximate cost ..............................................$2760.00
Nursing PracticeIn order to assure that students get access to quality nursing placements, it is possible that students may need to attend practice during days, evenings and weekends. Every effort will be made to inform students of their schedule before they go into nursing practice.
Nursing SocietyThe CBU Nursing Society is a very active student organization on and off campus and involves nursing students from every semester of the program. It includes social, fundraising and academic activities. Your participation in the activities of the Nursing Society will prove rewarding for you, provide an excellent opportunity for you to meet other nursing students across both nursing programs and provide opportunities for leadership development. Membership in the Society is mandatory, and the Society requires a membership fee, which is included in your uniform package. Membership in your student organization will help your professional development and provides a link to other Nursing Societies across Canada. To qualify for student academic awards, membership fees must be current. The Canadian Nursing Students Association (CNSA) is the national voice of Canadian Nursing Students. Information is available at www.cnsa.ca.
Students are encouraged to act as delegates and attend conferences as participation is seen as an educational experience that fosters leadership. Become active in the Nursing Society in the beginning of your program and you will realize the benefits of being part of this group throughout your years of study. Cape Breton University Nursing Students must be members of the Student Nursing Society to qualify for nursing awards. These awards are distributed annually at the Nursing Society Banquet. There are awards allocated for each year of the program.
International Nursing ExperienceDuring the senior semester of your studies, you may have the opportunity to be part of an International Nursing Experience. The programs vary each year. You will learn more about this experience as information becomes available.
Nursing InformaticsThe Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) (2012) supports “the integration of nursing informatics in curricula and professional practice” (p. 5). Faculty and Nursing Practice Educators at Cape Breton University have been instrumental in implementing the use of ‘Nursing Central’ an online resource for students to use in the nursing practice area on their handheld device. Cape Breton University currently holds a site licence for Nursing Central which is available to all students in the program. Nursing students are also trained on the Meditech system which is the online Electronic Medical Record (EMR) currently used in various practice settings in the Nova Scotia Health Eastern Zone.
Professionalism The Nova Scotia College of Nursing is the regulatory body that governs Registered Nurses in the province of Nova Scotia. The College’s mandate is to protect the public by promoting good practice within the nursing profession, preventing poor practice, and intervening when practice is unacceptable.
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Nursing is a profession, and nurses are professionals. Professionalism is an attitude. It is a way of thinking that is demonstrated in your actions and appearance. Nurses are obligated to practice according to The Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses and Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Code of Ethics. The Standards of Practice can be found at www.nscn.ca. The Code of Ethics can be found at www.cna.ca.
The NSCN website is a resource that is available to nursing students and practicing registered nurses. Below are links to important information for students as begin to transition into becoming a Registered Nurse in Nova Scotia.
https://cdn1.nscn.ca/sites/default/files/documents/resources/Becoming_RN_RSA.pdf https://cdn1.nscn.ca/sites/default/files/documents/resources/DocumentationGuidelines.pdf https://www.nscn.ca/professional-practice/practice-support/practice-support-tools/entry-level-competencies/entry-level-competencies-registered-nurses-nova-scotia
https://www.nscn.ca/registration-licensing/licensing-exams/rn-np-jurisprudence-exam https://www.nscn.ca/professional-practice/continuing-competence/continuing-competence-program/continuing-competence-program-rns-and-nps
NCLEX-RNCape Breton University BScN degree prepares and provides graduates with a generalist undergraduate education. Effective January 2015, the NCLEX-RN® is the licensure exam in Canada (except Quebec); Application process for a temporary graduate nurse license and application for the NCLEX-RN ® exam is completed through the NSCN. Resources for the NCLEX-RN can be found at https://www.nscn.ca/registration-licensing/licensing-exams/nclex-rn-exam.
Skills Lab/Simulation Lab/Computer LabThe Nursing Skills Lab is located in A227 and is managed by the Skills Lab (SL) Coordinator. The SL Coordinator also oversees the Nursing Simulation Lab in A234. These areas contain books, audiovisual materials, computer software, health related equipment and supplies, as well as many other resources to enhance nursing student learning. The labs are areas for students to practice psychomotor skills and critical thinking abilities utilizing low to high fidelity simulators. Students who require additional learning and support with psychomotor skills, medication administration, assessments and pathophysiology, etc. can be referred to the Skills Lab for practice and remediation. Simulation is integrated into the nursing curriculum to allow students to bridge theory to practice in a safe, interactive learning environment. The simulation experience consists of pre-work, simulation and debriefing. The debriefing exercise is used as a reflective practice tool to promote positive learning outcomes.
CommitteesCape Breton University Department of Nursing values the input of students in the curricula. There are several department committees that include student representation. Such committees include: Program Evaluation and Student Advisory. We encourage you to become involved and have a voice.
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Academic Support for StudentsBelow is a list of a few of the student services available at CBU. For a complete list please visit the CBU website. www.cbu.ca/current-students/student-services/
Mentoring & Student AdvisingCBU’s Department of Nursing strives to prepare students to achieve excellence in their education and profession. All students will be assigned a Faculty or Nursing Practice Educator (NPE) advisor upon acceptance into the BScN program. Students will receive an information package from the department with the name and contact information of their advisor. The nursing department advisor will follow the student throughout the program and be will be a resource for questions or concerns. All first-year students are required to meet with an enrolment specialist in the first year advising center before registering for courses.
LibraryCBU has a library onsite that is fully accessible to students in person and online. Students require their Student ID to obtain a library code. Student ID’s are available at Student Services. www.cbu.ca/library
Center for Student Success CBU offers many services through the Center for Student Success such as the Jennifer Keeping Accessibility Center, Writing Center, Student Union Tutoring, and Academic Success Coaching. Information on these resources can be found at www.cbu.ca/success
Max Bell Health CenterCBU offers a Health Center on campus. The center is managed by Judy Kelley, RN and is staffed by several physicians, Registered Nurses, and other health care providers. Online information can be found at www.cbu.ca/current-students/student-services/health-wellness/
Policies and GuidelinesIn the event of a discrepancy between this document and the official policies/guidelines, the latter shall prevail.
Attendance GuidelinesAs part of the University community, students play a key role within the institution. The University strongly recommends that students attend class regularly. It is clear that those students who attend class on a regular basis will have a better chance of success in their studies. The University also recognizes that students are ultimately responsible for their actions, and consequently CBU does not publish an institution-wide mandatory class attendance policy. Students cannot fail solely due to absence from class.
Nursing is both an art and a science that requires technical skill and knowledge of nursing’s unique philosophy and ideology. These dimensions of nursing are taught and learned by students in the classroom and nursing practice components of the program in a manner that reflects the profession’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. In all learning environments, students are socialized into their professional role and are thus required to demonstrate knowledge and application of professional nursing standards and ethics. In the nursing practice and classroom component of the program, the ethic of accountability is reflected in attendance. All nursing students are therefore required to attend all nursing classes, nursing practice conferences, and nursing practice sessions.
Students who do not demonstrate exemplary attendance may be deemed unsuitable for nursing by not meeting the standards of ethical behavior for the profession. Consistent absenteeism, which reflects a lack of professional accountability, can result in a student being asked to withdraw from the program.
Attendance will be taken on a regular basis in all classes, nursing practice conferences, and nursing practice experiences. All labs associated with nursing courses are considered Nursing Practice.
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Students who are absent from class/nursing practice, or any portion thereof without notifying faculty or Nursing Practice Educator with a valid reason, will have their attendance record reviewed. Students’ attendance records will be included in student evaluations.
Students are responsible for notifying the faculty or Nursing Practice Educator, and the nursing practice placement/agency, in advance of an absence. Students need to provide the faculty or nursing practice educator with a written explanation for all absences. These notes will be included in student evaluations and in the students file.
The following guidelines as stated by the university Max Bell health centre are to be followed if absence is due to health reasons. For protracted illness or illness occurring during examination periods, upon request the nurse or the physician may provide health excuses to students for whom they have direct knowledge of the illness occurring during the time in question. If an “after the fact” request is made, the physician or nurse is unable to provide an excuse, but the student is encouraged to discuss the matter with the professor concerned.
In the event of inclement weather, students need to exercise prudent judgment in relation to the decision to travel to the nursing practice area.
Missed Practice Time PolicyPolicy Area: BScN Program Category: Nursing PracticeTitle of Policy: Time Missed Policy Policy #: 6Effective Date: January 1, 2019 Page Number: 2Approved Date: 2015 Approved: WCC and Nursing DeptRevision Date: January 2020
Professionalism The art and science of professional nursing is incorporated throughout the program. All nursing courses include the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Code of Ethics and Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses.
CollaborationCollaboration is an integral component of professional nursing education. The program fosters and sustains interprofessional, interdisciplinary and intersectoral partnerships.
Program GoalsThe CBU BScN Program is designed to accomplish the following 12 goals:
1. To prepare professional nurses to engage in health promotion, prevention, curative, supportive and rehabilitative care, including palliation (across the life span) in a variety of settings.
2. To promote and implement the philosophy of primary health care.
3. To develop skill in ethical, moral, and legal decision-making with respect to health and health care delivery.
4. To promote accountability, responsibility, and self-regulation.5. To implement nursing practice models reflective of various
nursing theories. 6. To actualize the values of social justice and equity.7. To foster research mindedness and research utilization.8. To promote the development and integration of evidence-
informed knowledge.9. To promote multi-sectorial and trans-disciplinary collaborative
participation in health care delivery and research.10. To promote facilitative and deliberate interaction and
enactment of the advocacy role.11. To develop leadership capacity.12. To nurture personal and professional development.
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Policy StatementNurses are committed to providing safe, competent and ethical care to the public in accordance with the Nova Scotia College of Nursing’s Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses (NSCN, 2017) and the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (CNA, 2017).
Introduction Nursing education and learning occurs in a variety of settings and is designed to develop nursing competencies in a purposeful manner and across a continuum. Nursing practice competence is built on evidence-based knowledge, skill, and judgment. Attaining competence in practice requires that students actively engage in all planned nursing practice experiences throughout the program. Nursing practice hours are designed to enable students to achieve the Entry-level Competencies for Registered Nurses (NSCN, 2017). Any missed practice hours can interfere with adequate development and assessment of student competencies (knowledge, skill, judgment) and jeopardize successful completion of the required course outcomes.
Process1. Nursing Practice is mandatory.2. Students must notify their instructor and assigned placement
area at least 1 hour prior to any missed time.3. If a student does not meet the nursing practice requirements of
a course, a plan for makeup of missed time will be developed and a cost to the student may be incurred.
4. If special circumstances are to be considered for time missed, the student must apply in writing to the Chair of the Nursing Department and the Dean of the School of Education and Health (for review).
5. Athletes will be accommodated as per CBU’s policy.
Recording of Missed Time Department Tracking Process for missed nursing practice time: 1. Missed practice time will be reported daily by the NPE/
Faculty/ICA to the Nursing Practice Integration course professor.
2. Missed practice time will be tracked by the assigned NPE/Faculty/ICA and recorded on each students’ course evaluation.
3. Missed practice time will be tracked by the Nursing Practice Integration course professor following each nursing practice integration course on the time-missed tracking document. It will be passed on to the subsequent Nursing Practice Integration course professor, the Chair and the Academic Life Coordinator.
4. Missed practice time will be recorded in the Health Sciences Placement Network (HSP net) program and a letter placed on the student’s academic file by the Academic Life Coordinator.
5. Missed practice time will be monitored by the Nursing Department Chair in each semester.
References CNA Code of Ethics. (2017). Retrieved from https://nscn.ca/sites/default/files/documents/resources/code-ofethics-for-registered-nurses.pdf
NSCN Entry Level Competencies. (2017). Retrieved from https://nscn.ca/sites/default/files/documents/resources/EntryLevelCompetenciesRN.pdf
NSCN Standards of Nursing Practice. (2017). Retrieved from https://nscn.ca/sites/default/files/documents/resources/RN%20Standards%20of%20Practice.pdf
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Inclement Weather PolicyPolicy Area: BScN Program Category: Nursing PracticeTitle of Policy: Inclement Weather Policy Policy Number: 4Effective Date: Nov 2018Page Number: 1Approved Date: Nov 2018Approved By: WCC & Department of NursingRevision Date: Reviewed By: DON
Policy StatementCape Breton University Department of Nursing recognizes that inclement weather can affect student’s ability to get to areas of nursing practice. The safety of students is of the utmost importance.
ProcessCBU nursing will follow the CBU inclement weather policy. The policy can be found on the CBU website at https://www.cbu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/inclement-weather-policy.pdf
Nursing PracticeWhen a storm is predicted, and students are scheduled for practice the instructor will wait until such time that a decision is made by the university regarding campus closure. If the campus remains open the students will proceed to their assigned nursing practice area.
If students are in their final nursing practice integration course placement, they will follow the policy of the institution in which they are working.
At all times students are to use their judgement to ensure safety during inclement weather.
Professional Dress Policy Area: BScN Program Category: Nursing Practice Title of Policy: Professional Dress Policy Policy #: 1Effective Date: June 2018 Page Number: 2Approved Date: June 2018 Approved by: Department of NursingRevision Date: June 2018
Policy Statement Nursing students are required to dress in a professional and well-groomed manner and wear required uniforms in specific nursing practice settings. Students who do not adhere to this policy may be asked to leave the nursing practice area as determined by the Nursing Practice Supervisor. This will be noted in the Student’s Evaluation.
Introduction and Guiding PrinciplesThe Department of Nursing at Cape Breton University (CBU) requires students to adhere to the Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses (NSCN, 2017) and the Code of Ethics (CNA, 2017). The Professional Dress Policy is based on three guiding principles: 1. Infection Control2. Safety and 3. Professionalism. Students are required to adhere to the policy during all nursing practice experiences.
Specific consideration to individual needs must be addressed with the Nursing Practice Supervisor. Accommodation is considered as long as the request aligns with the above guiding principles.
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Process The Cape Breton University nursing student’s uniform consists of:1. A white scrub top and white lab coat with the CBU logo on the left
sleeve and hunter green scrub bottoms. Undershirts must be white.2. Shoes are white or black “nurses” shoes or all-white or black running
shoes. 3. Student name bar on the front, left of the uniform. 4. A watch with a second hand, stethoscope, bandage scissors and pen.
Procedures1. Students are expected to dress in a professional, well-groomed
manner. Uniform is to be clean, wrinkle free and properly fitted. Shoes are to be clean with a fully closed heel and toe.
2. Students are to adhere to dress policy for the agency in which they are practicing in regards to the type of dress such as uniform, professional dress or business casual. No combination of black and white or colored patterned uniform is acceptable.
3. Appropriate dress for community experiences is unique to the placement. Students, therefore, must consult with the Nursing Practice Supervisor and organization to discuss required dress.
4. Students may change in and out of uniform at the institution where they are practicing or wear a full-length coat to completely cover the uniform. Thus, short-length coats, jackets, or sweaters, etc. are not acceptable. Uncovered uniforms and nursing shoes are to be worn on the premises only.
5. Undergarments must be discreet and non-visible. When wearing professional dress in a practice setting, things to avoid would be: T-shirts with logo, jeans, shorts, hats, workout clothes or yoga pants, anything wrinkled, dirty, torn, stained or in need of repair, tank tops, spaghetti strap or strapless dresses, plunging or deep V-neck shirts or blouses, mini- skirts, flip flops, open toed shoes, tight-fitting, sheer clothing, sequins or glitter, leather pants. This list may not be inclusive.
6. Male students who are not full-bearded must be clean-shaven. Full beards must be neatly trimmed.
7. Students must adhere to the No Scent policy.8. Hair must be clean, tied back and off the shoulder.9. Religious head covers must be fastened securely and non-dangling.10. Fingernails must be clean and short. No nail polish or acrylic nails
permitted. 11. Acceptable jewellery is stud earrings, wedding band, watch and
medical alert identification.12. Tattoos may need to be covered and meet the guiding principles. 13. Body piercing jewellery may need to be covered and meet the
guiding principles.
ReferencesBuresh, B., & Gordon, S. (2000). From silence to voice: What nurses know and must communicate to the public. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Nurses Association.
Cape Breton University. (2007). Scented Product Policy. Retrieved from http://www.cbu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Scent-Reduction-Policy.pdf
Callaghan, I. (1998). Bacterial contamination of nurses’ uniforms: A study. Nursing Standard, 13(1), 37-42.
Capital Health Administrative Manual. (2005). Policy and Procedure: Dress Standards.
Parker (2004). Infection control: Maintaining the personal hygiene of patients and staff. British Journal of Nursing, 13(8), 474-478. Approved 2014.
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Progression PolicyPolicy Area: BScN ProgramCategory: Nursing ProgramTitle of Policy: Progression PolicyPolicy Number: 3Effective Date: June 2016Page Number: 1Approved Date: June 2016Approved By: Department of NursingRevision Date: Reviewed By: DON
Policy Statement Our mission is to prepare nursing students to achieve excellence in the provision of safe, competent, compassionate, and ethical care. In an effort to achieve this the student must meet mandatory academic requirements to progress from one term to the next in the Nursing Program. Students’ academic requirements are based on the course grades recorded on their transcript.
IntroductionDirect Entry Students - Term 1 and Term 2
In each of the following five courses:Students must achieve a minimum grade of 65%BIOL2203ENGL 1100 level courseBIOL 2204MICR2101MATH1109
In each of the following five courses:Students must achieve a minimum grade of 50%PSYC1101 CHEM1104PHIL 1103PSYC1103COMM1103
All Nursing students (Advanced Program and Direct Entry) - Term 3 to 8
In each Nursing Course:Students must achieve a minimum grade of 65% in the combined mark from their midterm exam and their final exam.andStudents must achieve a minimum final grade of 65%.
In each Non-Nursing Course:Students must achieve a minimum grade of 50%.
Students must achieve an overall average of 65% in each Term
(Final grades for electives and transfer credits will be included and calculated in the designated semester they appear on the student’ degree audit.)
ProcessStudents who fail to meet the progression requirements outlined will be designated as a Failure to Progress (FTP). FTP students will not progress to the next term.
Failure to Progress 1 - A student who fails to progress for the first time will be permitted to repeat the course/courses the next time it is offered in the timetable or through tutorials (based on availability of resources). If the student subsequently passes the course and meets the other progression requirements, the student will be permitted to enroll in the next term.
Failure to Progress 2- A student who fails to progress for a second time will be dismissed from the program for one year. Students may reapply to the program after one year. Readmission to the program is not guaranteed.
The maximum number of failures to progress is two
If a student were readmitted to the nursing program, a subsequent failure to progress would result in permanent dismissal from the program.
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Departmental Process for Failure to Progress The Chair and/or the Director of the Nursing Program will meet individually with the student deemed a FTP.
A summary letter of the FTP and the meeting will be placed on the student’s file.
The Dean of the School will be notified. A letter informing the student of the FTP will be sent from the Dean’s office to the student at the end of the Semester. A copy of the letter will be placed on the student’s file.
At Risk StudentsNursing students will be designated as an At-Risk Status if they meet the following criteria:
Students achieve less than a 70 % average in the combined mark from their midterm and final exams in a nursing course.
Students achieve less than as an overall average of 70 % in an academic Semester.
Departmental Process for At Risk Students The Chair and/or the Director will meet individually with each student deemed “At Risk”.
A letter summarizing the meeting will be placed on the student’s file. The Dean of the School will be notified of a student’s At-Risk Status and a letter will be sent from the Dean’s office to the student. A copy of the letter will be place on the student’s file.
Conduct During ExamGuideline Area: BScN ProgramCategory: ExaminationsTitle of Guideline: Conduct During ExamGuideline Number: 1Effective Date: Jan 2019Page Number: Approved Date: Dec 2018Developed By: Audrey Walsh, Janet Kunkhe, Karen Kennedy, Angela MacDonald, Barb Jamieson, Cyndee MacPhee
Nursing students are required to conduct themselves in all areas as professional future nurses. Student nurses and Registered Nurses ascribe to the Code of Ethics. This extends to the examination arena.
Rules for the Conduct of Examinations1. No person is allowed in an examination room during an examination
except the candidates concerned and those supervising the examination.
2. Candidates must appear at the examination room for a computer exam at least ten minutes before the commencement of the examination. For a paper exam, students will wait outside the exam room until advised by the instructor to enter the room.
3. Candidates shall bring their photo identification (signed Photo ID) and place it in a conspicuous plan on their desks.
4. All coats and jackets, hats should be placed at the front of the room; all note and books, pencil cases, electronic devices such as watches, smart glasses, turned off cell phones, laptops and other unauthorized aids as well as purses should be placed at the front of the room.
5. Candidates are not allowed to reach into pockets or any part of their clothing until the exam is over. Ripped jeans cannot be worn during exams. No hoodies or tops with frontal pouch pockets are to be worn. The candidate’s usage of pens, pencils, paper, whiteboards during exams will be at the discretion of the professor. During computer exams, the computer calculator will be minimized, and placed in the lower left corner of the computer screen.
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6. The proctor has authority to assign seats to candidates.7. Candidates shall not communicate with one another in any manner
whatsoever during the examination. Candidates may not leave the examination room unescorted for any reason, and this includes using the washroom.
8. During a computer exam no other tabs are to be open other than the exam itself.
Reintegration to Nursing Practice PolicyPolicy Area: BScN ProgramCategory: Nursing PracticeTitle of Policy: Reintegration to Nursing Practice Policy Number: 2Effective Date: Nov 2016Page Number: 1Approved Date:Approved By: NPIC & Department of NursingRevision Date: Nov 2016Reviewed By: Guy La Fosse, Q.C.
Policy Statement Continuing competence, the ongoing “ability …to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and judgment required to practice safely and ethically in a designated role and practice setting” (CRNNS, 2008, p. 3), is a requirement for annual licensure renewal for graduate nurses and a condition from which the student nurse is not exempt.
Introduction and Guiding PrinciplesIf a student’s progression in the nursing program has been interrupted for any reason, the student will be required to complete a nursing practice reintegration process before being permitted to re-enter the practice area.
Regardless of the timeframe or underlying circumstances, it is anticipated that through this process, students will regain lost skills, abilities, and confidence to such an extent that they will be able to continue to grow in the practice of nursing relative to their program level.
Although there may be some variation in the clinical reintegration process based on individuals’ unique learning needs, the following guidelines will normally apply to re-entry students:
Process1) After reviewing the steps of and rationale for previously
learned psychomotor skills, students must practice these skills in the nursing lab.
2) Once students feel they are ready, they must arrange to successfully perform a return demonstration of these skills for the Nursing Lab Coordinator.
3) Students must review the principles of safe medication administration as well as the numeracy skills necessary for accurate medication dosage calculation.
4) Students must review the nursing process and the care planning guidelines.
5) Prior to beginning their next practice rotation, students must meet with the F/NPE to whom they have been assigned to discuss the clinical reintegration process just completed.
6) If, at any time, assistance is required or concerns arise, students must consult the Program Chair about any such concerns.
Prior to returning to the program, students must submit proof of up-to-date immunization, evidence of current certification in standard first aid, Level C CPR, CPI, and documentation re: a criminal record check and screening through the home province child abuse registry.
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Reference College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia. (2008). Building your profile: A guide to continuing competence and professional development. Halifax, NS: Author.
Reintegration Process Package
STUDENT NAME: ___________________________________
ID: _______________________________________________
Year or Semester RETURNING TO: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
PREAMBLE: Should a student’s progression in the nursing program be interrupted for any reason, the student will be required to complete a nursing practice reintegration process before being permitted to re-enter the practice area.
Continuing competence, the ongoing “ability …to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and judgment required to practice safely and ethically in a designated role and practice setting” (CRNNS, 2008, p. 3), is a requirement for annual licensure renewal for graduate nurses and a condition from which the student nurse is not exempt.
Regardless of the timeframe or underlying circumstances, it is anticipated that through this process, students will regain lost skills, abilities, and confidence to such an extent that they will be able to continue to grow in the practice of nursing relative to their program level.
Students will be responsible to complete this self-learning package prior to the returning to practice.
STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS: You will practice each skill 3 times in the nursing lab. After completion of each skill you will mark it with your initials. Once the list is complete you will sign the bottom of your learning package and arrange to successfully perform a return demonstration of these skills for the Nursing Lab Coordinator. You will show a copy of your completed skills to your Faculty/NPE member prior to entering the hospital setting and they too will sign that they have reviewed your list. The signed document will be placed on your file.
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SKILL INITIAL INITIAL INITIAL
1. Bed Making ___ ___ ___
2. Bed Bathing ___ ___ ___
3. Vital Signs and Oximetry Reading ___ ___ ___
4. Positioning, Range of motion (ROM), Transfers ___ ___ ___
5. Glucometer Testing. Review in Potter and
Perry (Skills text) ___
6. Physical Assessment ___ ___ ___
7. Set-Up and Monitoring of Intravenous Therapy (IV) ___ ___ ___
8. IV Removal ___ ___ ___
9. Saline lock flush ___ ___ ___
10. Medication Administration: oral, S/C (including insulin
and butterfly, IM, IV, topical, ears/eyes/none (including
medication calculations. ___ ___ ___
11. Compresses (warm/cool/ice pack). Review in Potter
and Perry skills text. ___ ___ ___
12. Nasogastric tube care, medication administration,
irrigation, tube removal ___ ___ ___
13. Indwelling and straight urinary catheterization/
catheter removal (male/female) ___ ___ ___
12. Setup and monitoring of continuous Bladder Irrigation.
Review in Potter and Perry Skills text. ___
13. Intermittent Bladder Irrigation. Review in Potter and
Perry skills text ___
14. Simple Dressing ___ ___ ___
15. Wound Irrigation ___ ___ ___
16. Drain Shortening. Review in Potter and Perry skills text. ___ ___ ___
ONLY ONE INITIAL REQUIRED.
ONLY ONE INITIAL REQUIRED.
ONLY ONE INITIAL REQUIRED.
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17. Hemovac/Jackson Pratt removal. Review in Potter
and Perry skills text. ___ ___ ___
18. Suture/clip/staple/removal ___ ___ ___
19. Nursing Process and Care Planning. Review in Potter
and Perry skills text. ___
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Prior to returning to the program, you must submit proof of up-to-date immunizations,
evidence of current certification in Standard, First Aid, Level C- CPR, CPI and
documentation re: a criminal record check and screening through the home province
child abuse registry.
Student Signature: _______________________________________________________
NPE/Faculty Signature: ___________________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________________________________
ONLY ONE INITIAL REQUIRED.
Nursing Practice Improvement PolicyPolicy Area: BScN ProgramCategory: Nursing PracticeTitle of Policy: Nursing Practice Improvement PolicyPolicy Number: 5Effective Date: Nov 2016Page Number: 1Approved Date: Nov 2016Approved By: NPIC & Department of NursingRevision Date: Nov 2016Reviewed By: Guy La Fosse, Q.C.
Policy StatementAll nurses in Nova Scotia have standards that they must follow in order to be able to work in the profession. These standards set the legal and professional responsibility of nurses and outlines what we should expect from any nurse in any workplace in this province. NSCN, (2019).
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The Nursing Practice Committee is a standing committee within the Department of Nursing and is governed by the Department of Nursing bylaws. This eight-member committee consists of Faculty and Nursing Practice Educators elected by the Department along with the Department Chair, Director and School Dean as ex-officio committee members. Students are entitled to have a support person present at any meeting with NPC.
Process
Nursing Practice Improvement (NPI)A student is identified as needing practice improvement when the student has not met or minimally met the expected outcomes in a nursing practice area. The nursing practice area (on or off campus) includes but is not limited to hospitals, nursing laboratories, long-term care residences and community agencies. The expected outcomes reflect the nursing program - those identified in course objectives along with the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (Canadian Nurses Association, 2017), Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses (Nova Scotia College of Nursing, 2017) and Entry Level Competencies for Registered Nurses in Nova Scotia (Nova Scotia College of Nursing, 2013)
Process for Identifying a Student in Need of NPI:• The Faculty, Nursing Practice Educator, or ICA assigned to
the student in the nursing practice area who has concerns about the performance of a student in nursing practice must first meet with the student to discuss his/her concerns and provide the student with written documentation outlining those concerns together with documented corrective feed-back to deal with those concerns. This documentation will be reflected on the student’s weekly evaluation form.
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• If sufficient improvement is not demonstrated within a reasonable period, the F/NPE/ICA will inform the student of the need for the student to develop a written Plan for Improvement (format outlined in the Nursing Handbook). The F/NPE/ICA will provide the student with a written list of specific concerns and examples, along with expected areas for improvement. The F/NPE/ICA will then meet with the student to review and agree upon an approved Plan for Improvement. The F/NPE/ICA will place a signed copy of this approved plan in the student’s file.
• If, after the implementation of the student’s Plan for Improvement, insufficient improvement occurs within a reasonable period, or if additional problems are noted which are brought to the student’s attention, the F/NPE/ICA will notify the student in writing that s/he will consult the Nursing Practice Committee (NPC) about those concerns. The F/NPE/ICA will notify the NPC Chair and the course professor in writing about the concerns.
• The F/NPE/ICA shall ensure that any and all documentation related to the student’s performance is provided to the NPC Chair and to the student. The NPC Chair will contact the student and NPC to arrange a meeting within 5 working days, if practicable, after receiving the documentation.
• Following the aforementioned meeting, the NPC Chair will provide a written decision made by NPC, outlining the basis for that decision. Following receipt of that decision the F/NPE/ICA will meet with the student to review the decision and have the student sign acknowledging having received and reviewed the decision. The signed decision will be placed in the student’s file and a copy of the decision will be given to the student.
• The NPC Chair will, as soon as is possible, will advise the Term Coordinator, the Department Chair, the Director and Program Support person for the Department of the decision. Following receipt of the decision, the Term Coordinator will be responsible to ensure that the Department of Nursing members receive this information.
Guidelines for Monitoring and Counselling Students on NPI:• The NPC Chair shall keep a log of all students on NPI and will provide
a copy of the log to the appropriate Term Coordinators and Nursing Practice Integration Professors at the beginning of each term. The Nursing Practice Integration Professors and/or Course Professors shall be responsible for notifying F/NPE/ICA within their group, who will be assigned a student on NPI. In such cases, the F/NPE/ICA shall review the student’s file.
• Students who are on NPI shall be responsible to arrange for meeting(s) with each F/NPE/ICA who will be supervising them; prior to their experiences/rotations in order to review the student’s written Plan for Improvement. The F/NPE/ICA will ensure that those student(s) will receive assignments in the nursing practice area(s) focusing on opportunities for student learning/practice in areas identified as needing improvement. F/NPEs/ICA will evaluate the student(s) progress or one-to-one discussions in the practice labs and provide additional support to the student(s) where needed. Students are required to reflect on their progress and document within their self-evaluation tool.
• If the student(s) demonstrates sufficient evidence to support consistent notable improvement after their next assigned nursing practice rotation, the NPC shall remove the student(s) NPI status. This change in status will be noted in the student’s evaluation document in the nursing practice area(s) or in a letter written by the F/NPE/ICA teaching the nursing practice lab. After this occurs, the NPC Chair will notify the Term Coordinator and Program Support person who will remove the NPI status from the student’s file.
• If, at the end of the above noted timelines, insufficient improvement occurs or additional problems are identified to the student by the F/NPE/ICA, a decision will be made by the NPC (in consultation with the F/NPE/ICA) to either extend the student(s) NPI, or recommend that the student(s) receive a Nursing Practice Failure (NPF), Nursing Practice Suspension (NPS) or remediation. Decisions regarding NPF, NPS or remediation will require consultation with the Department Chair, Director, Term Coordinator and course professor and the student(s) will be given an appropriate opportunity to review any and all material which is being relied upon and be provided with an opportunity to respond.
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Nursing Practice SuspensionA student may be placed on NPS if there are documented physical or emotional issues that negatively affect their ability to perform nursing practice duties in a safe manner. In cases where the health or safety of a client may be at risk, immediate NPS will be instituted followed by consultation with the Program Chair and Director. The F/NPE/ICA will then notify the NPC Chair to arrange a meeting. NPS may also be imposed following referral for NPI or NPF. There shall be sufficient information provided about the student’s physical or emotional issues to deem the NPS as being necessary and temporary. As well, the student on his/her own initiative may request NPS for the above noted reasons. If able, the student may continue to take theory courses while on NPS. The Dean and Director will make the final decision on a student’s application for NPS and inform the NPC Chair, Nursing Program Chair, Term Coordinator, and Course Professor of their decision.
The decision for a student to return to nursing practice shall be made by the Dean in consultation with the student, Director, Program Chair and NPC Chair. The decision on this issue will be signed by the student and Dean or Director and placed in the student’s file. The student will be given a copy of this document.
Prior to returning to the nursing practice area, the student will be required to complete a reintegration process as determined by the Director, Course Professor and Department Chair.
Nursing Practice FailureA student on NPI who fails to demonstrate consistent improvement in identified areas of concern or fails to comply with recommendations set forth by NPC will be considered for NPF. This may also be imposed on a student who is not on NPI in circumstances where the student is considered unsafe in nursing practice after receiving formative feedback or when there are clear indications that the student’s performance poses a serious risk to one or more clients or others, physically, emotionally or both.
This includes behaviour that violates legal, ethical, moral and professional standards as stipulated in the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (Canadian Nurses Association, 2017); the Entry-Level Competencies of Registered Nurses in Nova Scotia (Nova Scotia College of Nursing, 2013); the Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses (Nova Scotia College of Nursing, 2013); and/or the CBU Nursing Program objectives and/or specific course objectives.A student who receives NPF will not receive credit for the course, even if a passing grade has been earned in the theory component of the course. (This applies to a theory course with a nursing practice lab assigned to it). If the NPF occurs in a Nursing Practice Course, the student will be required to repeat the course. A second failure in any course will result in dismissal from the program for one year.
Process for Imposing Nursing Practice Failure• Any F/NPE/ICA who determines a student’s performance poses an
immediate serious risk in the nursing practice area shall remove the student from the practice area immediately. The F/NPE/ICA will then notify the Program Chair, NPC Chair and Director of this decision.
• The F/NPE/ICA will document their concerns and forward that information to the student, Program Chair, Director, course professor and NPC Chair. The F/NPE/ICA will arrange a meeting with the student and NPIC Chair to advise the student that NPF is being considered. If the F/NPE/ICA is unable to contact the student for this meeting, a registered letter will be mailed to the student at the students last known mailing address outlining their concerns.
• If practicable, the NPC Chair will within 5 days of receiving this information, arrange a meeting with the committee, student, Director, Program Chair, course professor and the referring F/NPE/ICA. The F/NPE/ICA and the student should ensure that all relevant written information related to the student’s performance is provided to the NPC Chair who will distribute this information to those attending the meeting. The student is encouraged to bring forth any additional information that may assist in the decision.
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• Following the meeting and review of the documentation, evidence and submissions from both parties (F/NPE/ICA and student) a recommendation will be made by NPC to impose NPF, NPI, NPS or to dismiss the matter with no penalty. The Dean will make the final decision regarding NPF and will provide a copy of the decision to the student by registered mail sent to the student’s last known mailing address. Where practicable, the Dean will meet with the student to inform the student of this decision.
• If the decision is not NPF but is one of the other options listed in paragraph 4, a remediation plan will be instituted. Such a remediation plan may be developed by the NPC in consultation with the Dean, Director, Program Chair, course professor and F/NPE/ICA who referred the student. This plan will be presented to the student by the F/NPE/ICA and Program Chair with all documentation related to this decision signed by the student and F/NPE/ICA. The original signed document will be placed in the student’s file and the student will be given a copy.
- Any students repeating a course after failure will be required to complete a remediation plan designed by the NPC, Director, Program Chair, course professor and F/NPE/ICA. Such students will remain on NPI and will be required to develop a written plan for improvement. The student will meet with NPC to review this plan prior to assignment to a nursing practice area. The NPI rank will remain in place for the remainder of the program. A second NPF will result in dismissal from the program for one year.
ReferencesCanadian Nurses Association. (2017). Code of ethics for registered nurses. Ottawa: Author.
Nova Scotia College of Nursing. (2017). Standards of practice for registered nurses. Halifax: Author.
Nova Scotia College of Nursing. (2013). Entry level competencies for registered nurses in Nova Scotia. Halifax: Author.
Student Learning PlanThe Learning Plan, developed by the student, is in the form of a care plan. The statement will consist of a problem (area for improvement)
followed by related to (Standards of Practice) followed by as evidence by (what had occurred). The area for improvement and the related to will come from the Student Evaluation form. The statement will be followed by interventions (activities to implement) and evaluation. When a student is asked to develop a learning plan, the student will develop it and then review it with their Practice Educator.
ReferencesNova Scotia College of Nursing. (2020). Continuing competence program. Retrieved from https://www.nscn.ca/professional-practice/continuing-competence/continuing-competence-program
STATEMENT
EXAMPLE:Requires improvement in performance of psychomotor skills (medication preparation) related to knowledge-based practice and competence as evidence by miscalculation of drug dosage.1. Requires improvement in performance of adequate preparation
for all nursing practice assignments.2. Requires improvement in the ability to bridge theory to practice.3. Requires improvement in the ability to apply knowledge and skills to
perform thorough client assessment.
INTERVENTION
EXAMPLE:1. Review the standards related to competence.2. Review medication preparation and drug calculations in Potter
and Perry and Drug calculation text.3. Research all medications and calculations prior to nursing practice.
1. Review standards r/t competency.2. Do thorough research on client.3. Take researched material and look up and read about clients condition,
medications, nursing diagnosis, interventions.4. Have notes with me to keep me focused and on track.
EVALUATION
1. Listed interventions completed.2. Successful medication administration and drug calculations in the
practice area.
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1250 Grand Lake Rd, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada B1M 1A2
Tel: (902) 563-1330 | email: [email protected]