MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM

GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK2006-2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface………………………………………………………………………………………iSouth University Non-discrimination Policy………………………………………………..iOverview of the South University BSN Program..................................................................iiDefinitions of Nursing...........................................................................................................iii

GENERAL INFORMATIONMission Statement..................................................................................................................1Purpose...................................................................................................................................1Department of Nursing Philosophy.......................................................................................1Conceptual Framework Pillars...............................................................................................3Program Objectives................................................................................................................4Outcome Statement................................................................................................................4Graduation Requirements......................................................................................................5Disability Services.................................................................................................................6Essential Functions Related to the Profession of Nursing.....................................................6Prerequisite Requirements for the South University MSN Program.....................................7South University Master of Science in Nursing Program......................................................7Graduate Project.....................................................................................................................8

ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND NURSING DEPARTMENT POLICIESGrading System......................................................................................................................9Progression Policy.................................................................................................................9Criteria for all Required Papers.............................................................................................9Academic Integrity.................................................................................................................9Dismissal from Nursing Program..........................................................................................9Student Complaint (Grievance) Procedure............................................................................10Professional Communication.................................................................................................10Faculty Advisors....................................................................................................................10Natural Disasters or Extreme Weather Conditions................................................................10Academic Integrity.................................................................................................................11

INFORMATION RELATED TO PRACTICE COURSESPractice Setting Requirements ..............................................................................................11Student Health Requirements................................................................................................11Health Insurance....................................................................................................................11Student Liability Insurance....................................................................................................11Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Course.....................................................................11Drug Testing..........................................................................................................................11Nursing Practice Policies.......................................................................................................12

APPENDICES Appendix A South University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Code of EthicsAppendix B Master of Science in Nursing Preceptor Evaluation of Student Clinical Performance

Preface

Welcome to the South University Masters of Science in Nursing Program. It is our wish that you will experience personal satisfaction with your education at South University as you build on your foundation in the profession of nursing.

The purpose of this handbook is to serve as a reference for nursing department policies and information. Students are required to read this handbook and the South University Student Handbook to promote effective communication and positive student outcomes. Please note that the information and policies contained in this handbook may be revised at any time. You will be officially notified of any changes as soon as possible.

The faculty, staff and administration are committed to assisting you in your educational and career goals. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.

The Nursing Program supports the South University policy of nondiscrimination.The following policy is reprinted from the South University catalog:

South University is an equal opportunity university open to any qualified individual without regard to race, religion, sex, age, color, national or ethnic origin, or disability. Pursuant to all applicable federal anti-discrimination laws and regulations, South University does not discriminate against any of the protected categories of individuals in the administration of its policies, programs or activities. This non-discriminatory policy includes admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment practices, and all other university-related programs.

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OVERVIEW OF THE SOUTH UNIVERSITYMASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM

The faculty of South University Master Program in Nursing (MSN) recognizes the importance of advanced practice nurses to provide education to nurses in the community, in staff development and as faculty in schools of nursing. The program further realizes that clinical expertise needs to be complemented by specialized knowledge in education, such as teaching/learning theories, curriculum development and outcome measurement. To that end, the South University MSN program has been developed using the core graduate nursing elements and elements of the APN clinical core. The program reflects the faculty belief in caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and wholism as the conceptual framework pillars of nursing.

The MSN program is delivered in an online format designed for Bachelor’s prepared Registered Nurses that are interested in following an education path in nursing. The program is designed for the motivated student who is dedicated to obtaining the MSN degree. The program can be completed full time in 18 months. Students will be eligible to take the NLN Nurse Educator certification exam, after meeting the practice requirements. The faculty concurs with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in its statement on Distance Education that it is of paramount importance to meet the same academic and support standards as face to face (or on-ground) education programs.

Although this is not an APRN program as defined by The Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (AACN, 1996), the Faculty believe that it is imperative that there is course content included about advanced practice nursing. To this end, a Pathophysiology course and two Advanced Nursing Practice Courses are included in the curriculum. The first Advanced Practice Nursing focuses on acute care and the second Advanced Practice Nursing course focuses on community health. Educators whether in faculty, staff development or community education will be able to combine nursing experience with advanced practice knowledge to provide a well-rounded perspective to their constituents.

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DEFINITIONS OF NURSING

Definitions of nursing have evolved due to changes in healthcare, expectations of nursing practice and the nursing profession. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the professional organization representing the over 2.2 million registered nurses in the United States. The ANA has established definitions of nursing, social policy statements, standards of practice, and a code of ethics. Aspects of the ANA documents are integrated into the framework of the nursing program at South University.

The following is the current ANA definition of professional nursing.Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations. (ANA, 2003)

The values and assumptions that undergird Nursing’s Social Policy Statement are: Humans manifest an essential unity of mind/body/spirit. Human experience is contextually and culturally defined. Health and illness are human experiences. The presence of illness does not preclude health nor does optimal health preclude illness.

The ANA Social Policy Statement of 1995 emphasizes four essential features of contemporary nursing practice:

attention to the full range of human experiences and responses to health and illness, without restriction to a problem-focused orientation

the integration of objective data with group’s subjective experience application of scientific knowledge to the processes of diagnosis and treatment provision of a caring relationship that facilitates health and healing.

The “Practice of Professional Nursing” is defined by the Florida Board of Nursing in the Florida Statutes 464 Rule 464.003 Definitions (3) (a):“Practice of Professional Nursing” means the performance of those acts requiring substantial specialized knowledge, judgment, and nursing skill based upon applied principles of psychological, biological, physical, and social sciences, which shall include, but are not limited to:1. The observation, assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation of

care: health teaching, and counseling of the ill, injured or infirm; and the promotion of wellness, maintenance of health, and prevention of illness of others.

2. The administration of medications and treatments as prescribed or authorized by a duly licensed practitioner authorized by the laws of this state to prescribe such medications and treatments.

3. The supervision and teaching of other personnel in the theory and performance of any of the above acts.

*Students are encouraged to read the nurse practice act in the state in which they practice. The student is directed to the following source to find the appropriate State Board of Nursing https://www.ncsbn.org/515.htm

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GENERAL INFORMATION

SOUTH UNIVERSITY-NURSING PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT, PURPOSE, PHILOSOPHY AND

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK PILLARS

MISSION STATEMENT The South University Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program prepares Bachelor’s prepared Registered Nurses to assume the role of educator in the community, in staff development, and as nursing school faculty.

PURPOSECongruent with the mission of South University, the Masters in Nursing program allows students to pursue knowledge and gain professional fulfillment. The MSN program provides a slid foundation in nursing education to serve the community by preparing faculty for schools of nursing and other educational roles.

Nursing faculty serve as educators and role models to provide students with a solid foundation that supports learning and success in practice. Faculty and students work collaboratively to identify student-learning needs and develop strategies that will lead to successful outcomes. The philosophy and conceptual framework pillars of the South University Nursing Program will be modeled and integrated throughout the program. The nursing profession, South University and the nursing program believe in lifelong learning, professional advancement, and contributing to the advancement of the community. The purpose of the Masters of Science in Nursing program is to provide nurses with advanced knowledge in education and nursing which supplies much needed nurse educators as well as prepares students for further study at the doctoral level.

PHILOSOPHYThe South University School of Health Professions offers the degree of Masters of Science in Nursing. The nursing faculty supports the belief that the Masters degree develops and strengthens the profession of nursing.

This philosophy is congruent with the statements of purpose of South University and the Nursing Program and describes faculty beliefs related to nursing, person, community, health, learning, and environment. These components are viewed independently and then interdependently to demonstrate the nursing faculty beliefs of the nursing profession.

We believe that Nursing is a dynamic profession based upon the arts and sciences that works collaboratively with the person and the community to achieve wholistic health care goals. Nursing blends scientific and technical skills with the humanistic art of caring to provide person and community centered care. The nurse models professionalism and caring by using effective communication and critical thinking in an ongoing effort to promote health and well-being in a comprehensive wholistic manner.

Person is viewed as being whole. More than the sum of parts, person is comprised of physiological, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, philosophical and cultural components. Each person is a complex being worthy of human compassion, unconditional regard and concern and deserving of comprehensive wholistic health care. Each person has value to

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self and to the community. Each person has unique individual qualities, values and abilities and shares commonalities with society as a whole. Each person has a responsibility to participate in health maintenance behaviors.

Community is viewed as groups of individuals in various dynamic arrangements. Community may be viewed with specific boundaries such as a finite locality and may be viewed with fluidity and lack of boundaries such as the global community. Community is the blend of all persons and as such requires a wholistic view into cultural, ethnic and religious concerns. Community has common goals and needs related to health, safety, education, and prosperity. The nurse interacts with the community in an attempt to provide education and nursing care to promote health and well-being. Community has a shared responsibility to participate in health maintenance behaviors.

Health is a continuum of physiological, psychological, sociological and spiritual levels of well-being. Health is viewed as a dynamic state in constant flux. Person and Community share responsibility for health maintenance and collaborate with health care providers including nurses to promote health and well-being.

Learning is the ability to attain, retain, and utilize knowledge. Learning occurs by integration of the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains and is enhanced by focusing on the needs of the learner in a wholistic manner. Learning is a continuous process that occurs incrementally throughout the life span. Learning is dynamic and interactive with the teacher and learner both engaged in the teaching and learning process.

The environment encompasses the world in which we live. Environmental influences upon the local and global community include the availability and quality of air, water, food and living conditions. The increasing population of the world, pollution, poverty, hunger, homelessness, and the stressors of war and terrorism threaten our environment. People must collaborate with the global community to preserve our environmental resources, which are in jeopardy.

Nursing interacts wholistically with the person and the community in an effort to achieve health, well-being and learning. Environmental issues must continue to be addressed to protect the individual and the community and to promote health. Communication and critical thinking are integral to promote learning in the person and the community to maintain health and care for the environment. Utilizing components of professionalism, the nurse further provides wholistic care by acting as an advocate in issues with legal, ethical, political, or economic implications. The nurse demonstrates competency in the delivery of complex technical care in addition to the appropriate delegation and management of care.

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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK PILLARS

In addition to the purpose and philosophy, the nursing faculty believes in five integral components to nursing practice. These components are viewed as the Conceptual Framework Pillars. The philosophy is built upon these pillars and they support the structure of the nursing profession. Without the strength of the pillars, the foundation will weaken and fail. These pillars are used within the constructs of each nursing course at South University and shape the way the student will learn, develop and practice.

The Conceptual Framework Pillars of South University are: 1. Caring, 2.Communication, 3.Critical Thinking, 4.Professionalism, and 5.Wholism. Each pillar is defined separately and then interdependently to demonstrate their interconnectedness.

CaringCaring encompasses the nurses’ empathy for and connection with the patient as well as the ability to translate the values of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice into compassionate, sensitive, appropriate care.

CommunicationCommunication is a dynamic, complex, interactive circular process by which information is shared between two or more individuals. Conveyed formally or informally, communication may be verbal, nonverbal, or written in a social, personal, or therapeutic manner. Three elements included in the communication process are the sender, the message and the receiver. Communication is a learned process influenced by an individual’s past experiences, sociocultural background and competency.

Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking is highly developed thought, the outcome of which reflects assimilation of inquiry, reasoning, analysis, research and decision-making. Knowledge is generated and learning occurs with the application of critical thinking relevant to the discipline of nursing.

ProfessionalismProfessionalism is a multifaceted process involving competency, legal, ethical, political and economic is-sues. Nurses utilize the fields of law and ethics in reference to standards of practices, legal interpretations, and shared beliefs concerning health-related behaviors. Professional issues play an ever-increasing role in the standards and delivery of health care by the contemporary nurse.

WholismWholism is the unity and completeness of person. Wholism recognizes that persons are entire entities composed of complex, integrated systems. Conditions of the body, mind and spirit are influenced by culture, religion, education, environment, standard of living, interpersonal relationships, gender and developmental stage. Wholistic nursing practice focuses on the whole being in the attempt to achieve optimal wellness through comprehensive health promotion, disease/illness prevention and restorative care of person, family, and community.

Integration of Conceptual Framework PillarsNursing practice is based upon caring. The nurse applies the components of professionalism together with critical thinking and effective communication skills to engage in wholistic caring for person, the family or the community. The conceptual framework pillars are singularly important and collectively essential as the underpinnings of the nursing profession.

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PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Graduates of the South University Masters of Science in Nursing Program will:

1. Utilize research in nursing practice.2. Apply nursing and other theories to professional practice.3. Analyze the influence of health care policy on clinical practice.4. Discuss the impact of the organization of the health care delivery system.5. Evaluate ethical decision making strategies. 6. Plan for multicultural educational needs.7. Plan for educational needs of adults learners with diverse learning styles.8. Include concepts of health promotion into practice.9. Utilize concepts from pathophysiology into practice.10. Design a teaching plan that integrates advanced nursing care concepts.11. Demonstrates the ability to design valid and reliable testing.12. Apply rules and regulations related to higher education.13. Function in an academic environment.14. Demonstrate classroom teaching skills.15. Demonstrate clinical teaching skills.16. Develop curriculum for academic and other environments.17. Evaluate curriculum for academic and other environments.18. Discuss the scholarship of education.

OUTCOME STATEMENT

1. Ninety percent (90%) of the graduates of the South University Master of Science in Nursing Program will be practicing as nurse educators within one year of graduation.2. Ninety percent (90%) of the graduates who meet eligibility requirements will take the NLN Nurse Educator Certification Exam with one hundred (100%) pass rate.3. Ten percent (10%) of graduates of the South University Master of Science in Nursing Program will begin Doctoral studies.4. Ninety percent (90%) of employers will report satisfaction with the graduate based upon:

Effective communication with peers, learners and supervisors. Demonstration of caring behaviors toward learners. Expression of ideas clearly and concisely. The ability to give and receive criticism and positive feedback. The ability to use moral reasoning to perform in an ethical manner. Approach learners in a wholistic manner. Act as a professional role model. Think critically in order to solve problems and practice creatively.

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Standards of Performance1. Students must be able to reason, analyze, integrate, synthesize, and evaluate in the

context of their nursing activities within each course in the program.2. Students must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing, with faculty,

other students, staff, and others relevant to their course of study.3. Expression of ideas and feelings must be clear and appropriate.4. Students must be able to maintain mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with

patients, students, faculty, staff, and other professionals.5. Students must possess good emotional health consistent with the use of intellectual

abilities and be able to employ sound judgment.6. Students must demonstrate a willingness and ability to give and receive criticism and

positive feedback.7. Students must possess the ability to reason morally and practice nursing in an ethical

manner.8. Students must not have any impairment that would preclude continuous performance of

all of the above activities, or any and all other activities that are integral to the success of an MSN student.

CommencementCommencement exercises are held once a year at the end of Spring quarter. A graduation

application should be completed two quarters, or four to six months prior to the anticipated graduation date. Online students should contact their academic advisor for a graduation application. A graduation fee is due and payable during the student’s last quarter of enrollment.

Each student must satisfy the following requirements in order to graduate:

1. Students must satisfactorily complete all course requirements as described in the university catalog for the program in which he/she is enrolled.

2. Student must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.3. Student must abide by all University rules and regulations and settle any financial

obligations.4. Honor graduates are distinguished by a gold seal on their diploma, a special designation

in the graduate program, and an addition to their honor medallion to their caps and gowns.

a. High Honors: 3.9-4.0b. Honors: 3.75-.89

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DISABILITY SERVICESSouth University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the recruitment and admission of students, in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, or in the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by federal laws and regulations. The designated coordinator for compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the Dean of Student Affairs.

The Dean of Student Affairs provides assistance for students with disabilities. Services are varied depending on individual needs and include, but are not limited to individual campus orientation, academic accommodations, and assistance in university activities. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Dean of Student Affairs for appropriate academic accommodations.

Students with disabilities, whether a visible or hidden disability, are required to provide appropriate documentation of that disability to the Dean of Student Affairs. Once registered, the Dean of Student Affairs will work collaboratively with the student and faculty to provide the best accommodation for the student to have a successful academic career. The Dean of Student affairs will protect the confidentiality of the student’s disability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS RELATED TO THE PROFESSION OF NURSING

Students in the nursing program at South University must demonstrate the ability to perform specific cognitive functions and psychomotor skills in order to succeed in the profession of nursing. Nursing students must possess the ability to perform all functions that are necessary components of the nursing program. Any student with a documented disability who wishes to discuss reasonable accommodations is encouraged to meet with the Dean of Student Affairs.

The Dean of Student Affairs will determine what reasonable accommodations may be provided for students with disabilities.

The following Core Performance Standards are necessary for all nursing education programs for program admission and progression as described by the Southern Regional Educational Board Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing. See http:///www.sreb.org

1. Critical Thinking : demonstrate judgment and identify cause/effect relationships in the clinical setting as well as develop and utilize nursing care plans.

2. Interpersonal skills : demonstrate effective interactions with clients and colleagues from various social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds

3. Communication skills : demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills while interacting in all learning environments.

4. Motor skills : demonstrate physical ability to assess clients, perform technical skills involving gross and fine muscular movements and motor strength.

5. Mobility - demonstrates ability to move effectively in patient care areas; perform CPR.

6. Sensory Integrity : demonstrate ability to effectively assess and care for clients utilizing the senses of sight, hearing, smell and touch.

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PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SOUTH UNIVERSITY MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM

Holds a valid, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the state in which the student completes all practicum courses.

Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited program and a GPA of 2.7 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Prior to acceptance into the Graduate Program, the student must have completed a three (3)-semester credit hour undergraduate course in descriptive and inferential statistic with a grade of C or better.

SOUTH UNVIERSITYMASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING CURRICULUM

CurriculumSession 1NSG5001 Role of the Nurse EducatorSession 2NSG5002 Advanced Theoretical Perspectives for NursingSession 3NSG5003 Advanced PathophysiologySession 4NSG6001 Advanced Nursing Practice ISession 5NSG6002 Advanced Nursing Practice IISession 6NSG6003 Teaching and Learning Strategies in NursingSession 7NSG6101 Nursing Research MethodsSession 8NSG6102 Evaluation of Educational Outcomes in NursingSession 9NSG6103 Curriculum Design & Evaluation in Nursing EducationSession 10 & 11 (11 week session)NSG6201 Practicum in Nursing Education ISession 12 & 13 (11 week session)NSG6202 Practicum in Nursing Education IISession 12 & 13 (11 week Session)NSG6999 Graduate Project in Nursing Education

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GRADUATE PROJECT

The research project is a cumulative experience where students demonstrate the integration of research, practice and theory via a scholarly research based project. The project will demonstrate the following competencies:

Developing a research project. Choosing an appropriate theory for the research project. Developing a review of the literature for the research project. Developing an appropriate methodology for the research project, including data

collection and analysis Writing the project for publication in a scholarly journal Conducting a formal presentation of the project.

The project will be a demonstration or application of a clinically based topic.Project Committee:The project committee will consist of one faculty member and one other person with at least a Master’s Degree. The second committee person should be the individual on site who is mentoring the student. The Committee Chair must hold a terminal degree in Nursing. The committee chair in conjunction with the student will choose the project committee. The project committee will evaluate the written project and presentation and will determine whether the student passes.

Time requirements:The project must be completed in 11 weeks, so some preparation is required prior to enrolling in the course. It is suggested that your question and plan be formulated in NSG6101 Research Methods.

Suggested Time Table For Full Time Students:

Session 7:Choose Committee Chair Approval of Project

Session 8, 9, 10, 11Introduction & Literature ReviewDraft of MethodologyFinal approval to Start Project.

Session 12 & 13Implementation and Presentation of ProjectDefense meeting with Thesis Committee

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ACADEMIC INFORMATION

&NURSING

DEPARTMENT POLICIES

GRADING SYSTEM

The nursing department will follow the South University grading policy with the following inter-pretations.

Course Grade Range InterpretationA 90-100 ExcellentB 80-89 Above averageC 70-79 Average

PROGRESSION POLICY

Graduate students must maintain a standard minimum GPA of 3.0 or better. Failure to do so for two consecutive terms will result in an automatic dismissal from the program. A student may not graduate from the MSN program with less than a cumulative GPA of 3.0. All degree requirements must be completed within five (5) years.

CRITERIA FOR ALL REQUIRED PAPERS1. All written assignments require the use of Microsoft Word.2. Assignments are submitted to faculty as an email attachment.3. Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation are essential components of scholarly writing.4. All papers must follow the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA

format) reference manual (5th ed.).5. Papers submitted late will be subject to a reduction in the grade.6. Incidents of plagiarism will be subject to the South University Academic Integrity policy

(see the South University Student Handbook).

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

The South University Nursing Program teaches and models professionalism. Students are held accountable for maintaining academic integrity. The nursing program supports and follows the academic integrity policy as written in the South University Student Handbook.

DISMISSAL FROM NURSING PROGRAMA student is subject to dismissal from the South University Nursing Program due to the following conditions:1. Failure to maintain a standard minimum GPA of 3.0 or better. (see Progression Policy)2. Breech of academic integrity.3. Violation of the South University Nursing Program Code of Ethics.4. Dismissal from the university due to disciplinary violations per the South University Code

of Conduct as stated in the South University Student Handbook.Students dismissed due to item #1 should refer to the South University Catalog for the appeals procedure. Students dismissed due to items 2, 3, or 4 should refer to the discipline procedure in the South University Student Handbook.

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STUDENT COMPLAINT (GRIEVANCE) PROCEDURE

Effective communications are encouraged between nursing administration, faculty, staff and students. If a student has an issue that is unable to be resolved within the Nursing Department, that student may follow the Student Complaint Procedure as written in the South University Student Handbook.

PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION

Students are encouraged to communicate with faculty advisors, faculty and student advisors. Please utilize the phone numbers or email addresses below to contact the online nursing Program Directors. Course faculty members provide students with email addresses and phone numbers at the beginning of each session. Program Director Fulltime Online Nursing Faculty:

Sheila Marks 863-859-9506 or smarks@southuniversity.edu Assistant Online Program Director

Jessica Masoner 412-995-2952 or jmasoner@southuniversity.edu

FACULTY ADVISORS

Students are assigned to an advisor during the first session of the program and are encouraged to make appointments as needed during the program.

NATURAL DISASTERS OR EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS

If your geographical location is expecting extreme weather conditions or a natural disaster, which may cause power outages and may possibly inhibit your ability to remain connected to the internet, make sure you are safe first, but if possible, inform your faculty member so that a work plan can be made.

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INFORMATION RELATED TO PRACTICUM

COURSES

PRACTICE SETTING REQUIREMENTS

Any time you have contact with a patient or a student for a University project or requirement it is considered a practice setting.

You are responsible for having a letter of agreement in place when practicing in an organized practice setting. For example, if you are conducting a physical examination on someone in the hospital setting, you are in an organized practice setting. If you are conducting this same physical examination on a family member or friend, you are not in an organized setting. If you are unclear about the difference, please discuss this with your faculty facilitator.

You are responsible for obtaining this letter of agreement prior to the start of the session. Nametags must be worn at all times identifying you as a South University Graduate

student. Attire is expected to be professional and appropriate to the setting.

STUDENT HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Students are required to adhere to the health requirements of their practice settings.

HEALTH INSURANCESouth University advises and encourages each nursing student to carry Health Insurance or comparable coverage for emergency medical care. Some of the clinical facilities and agencies may require proof of health insurance coverage prior to student participation at clinical sites.

Students are responsible for any expenses related to any illness or accidents that may occur while participating in the South University nursing program.

STUDENT LIABILITY INSURANCEAll nursing students are provided with a professional liability insurance policy through South University. This policy is limited to students during their clinical practicum courses taken at South University.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION Students must provide proof of completion of the American Heart Association Health Care Provider level CPR course prior to participation in any practicum course.

DRUG TESTINGMany health care facilities require that all persons caring for patients submit to drug screening. Students will submit to urine drug screening when it is required by the practice facility. Students with positive urine drug screens will not be permitted to attend clinical practice courses, which could result in dismissal from the nursing program. A student with a positive urine drug screen will be required to obtain medical clearance to assess “fitness for duty”. Students are responsible for the financial costs of required drug tests.

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NURSING PRACTICE POLICIES1. Preceptors will be asked to complete an evaluation of student performance at the end of

each session. The evaluation provides the student with feedback related to their practice performance. Students must pass all course objectives at the end of session evaluation in order to pass the practice course. For 11 week sessions a mid term evaluation of performance will be completed at week 5.

2. Students must complete the required hours in the practice setting. Each practicum course is a four credit course, which is calculated at a 3:1 ratio. This means that each practicum course is comprised of 12 hours per week x 10 weeks equaling 120 academic (50-minute hours or 100 clock hours. The 100 hours per practicum will include a weekly faculty facilitated seminar and student teaching experiences.

3. Students are required to notify their preceptor the event of an absence or tardiness to the clinical practice setting prior to the scheduled educational experience.

4. Students with any condition (regardless of cause) that impairs their judgment and ability to function are not permitted in any practicum setting.

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

SOUTH UNIVERSITYMASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM

CODE OF ETHICS

1. Practice of nursing: Nursing students will abide by all Board of Nursing rules and regulations as defined in the state or country in which they practice. The student must have a license to practice in the state in which they are practicing.

2. Provision of care: Graduate students will incorporate the foundational pillars of caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism and wholism when caring for learners, patients, families and communities. Recognizing the inherent worth and uniqueness of individuals and populations the graduate student demonstrates respect of the patients’ rights to make decisions about their health care.

3. Social Justice: Graduate students support fairness and nondiscriminatory behaviors to assure equal treatment under the law to learners and patients.

4. Professional integrity: Graduate students are honest, respect human dignity and demonstrate accountability for their own actions. Graduate students protect patients from harm by seeking to remedy errors made by self or others. Graduate students take action to prevent or limit unsafe or unethical health and nursing care practices by self and/or others.

5. Confidentiality: Graduate students value and preserve the confidentiality of patients and health care providers.

6. Rules, regulations and policies: Nursing students will abide by the rules and policies of the South University Graduate Student Handbook, the South University Student Handbook, and that of any assigned facility or agency utilized in a South University educational experience.

A violation of the South University Code of Conduct or the South University Master of Science in Nursing Program Code of Ethics may result in dismissal from the nursing program. Students who violate any ethical code will be afforded due process, as specified in the South University disciplinary procedure.

I have read the South University Student Handbook, South University Code of Conduct, and the South University Master of Science in Nursing Program Code of Ethics and agree to abide by the regulations delineated in each.

STUDENT NAME (PRINT)

/ / STUDENT SIGNATURE DATE

___ _____________ / / WITNESS SIGNATURE DATE

SOUTH UNIVERSITYMaster of Science in Nursing

Preceptor Evaluation of Student Clinical Performance

Student Name: Course Number/Title: _______

Preceptor: Clinical Facility:

Preceptor Evaluation of Student Clinical PerformanceThe Preceptor Evaluation of Student Clinical Performance addresses practicum objectives as they relate to the Conceptual Framework Pillars: Caring, Communication, Critical Thinking, Professionalism, and Wholism. Practicum performance will be formally evaluated by the preceptor and discussed with the student and supervising faculty member providing feedback to facilitate clinical learning at midterm (Week 5) and final (Week 10). A failure to meet an objective requires a written and verbal Clinical Student Counseling Report completed by the supervising faculty. Students may receive a failure at the mid-term evaluation period only. Students must pass all objectives at the final evaluation in order to pass the course.

Evaluation CriteriaPass – Successfully meets the objective. Fail – Does not meet the objective.

Conceptual Framework Pillars Midterm FinalCaring Pass Fail Pass Fail1. Demonstrates caring behaviors toward learners and with others they

encounter.2. Integrates caring and concern for humanity with scientific knowledge to

promote health and quality of life. 3. Demonstrates awareness of and accepts responsibility for self.4. Inspires trust through caring competent nursing behaviors.Communication Pass Fail Pass Fail1. Communicates effectively with learners, patients, families and

communities in any setting.2. Effectively evaluates learner needs and provides feedback to learners. .3. Exhibits effective and timely documentation during teaching practicum.4. Accepts and profits from constructive feedback.Critical Thinking Pass Fail Pass Fail1. Conducts assessment of learners.2. Explains the application of teaching/learning theories.3. Is able to apply an ethical decision-making framework as indicated.4. Applies critical thinking skills in establishing priorities and formulating

decisions. .Professionalism Pass Fail Pass Fail1. Arrives on time to practicum experiences and conferences.2. Attends all practicum experiences.3. Notifies preceptor of absences.4. Maintains confidentiality and observes HIPPA regulations.5. Is a positive role model for learners.6. Follows rules and regulations of practice setting.7. Demonstrates initiative, assertiveness and self-direction in seeking out

learning opportunities..

Conceptual Framework Pillars Midterm Final

Wholism Pass Fail Pass Fail1. Recognizes unique needs of all learners and utilizes information to provide

comprehensive, wholistic learning experiences.2. Honors human dignity and respects learners.3. Provides professional wholistic nursing care based on knowledge derived

from theory and research.4. Recognizes conditions of the body, mind, and spirit that are influenced by

culture, religion, education, environment, standard of living, interpersonal relationships, gender, and developmental stage.

MIDTERM SUMMARY:

PRECEPTOR SIGNATURE____________________________________DATE__________________________

STUDENT COMMENTS: ______

STUDENT SIGNATURE____________________________________ DATE__________________________

FINAL SUMMARY:

PRECEPTOR SIGNATURE_________________________________ DATE___________________________STUDENT COMMENTS:

STUDENT SIGNATURE DATE

I AFFIRM THAT THE STUDENT HAS SPENT _________HOURS UNDER MY DIRECTION.

PRECEPTOR SIGNATURE___________________________DATE_________________________