Dabney S. Lancaster Community College Practical Nursing Certificate Program

Information Packet

March 2020

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Table of Contents

An Overview of the Practical Nursing (PN) Certifiate Program ....................................... 3 Philosophy and Purpose …………….. ……………………………………………………….3 Mission and Vision of DSLCC …………………………………………………………………4 Practical Nursing Program Outcomes ............................................................................. 5 Student Learning Outcomes …………………………………………………………………..5 Student Achievement Outcomes ..................................................................................... 5 Essential Functional Abilities ........................................................................................... 6 PN Certificate Program Curriculum ................................................................................. 7 Course Substitutions ....................................................................................................... 8 Criteria for Practical Nursing Curriculum ......................................................................... 9 Course Time Limits ......................................................................................................... 9 Admission Requirements for the PN Certificate Program ............................................... 9 Impact of Criminal Convictions on Board of Nursing Licensure and Certification ………14 Excerpts of Policies from the PN Program Handbook ……………………………………..14 Advanced Standing ...…………………………………………………………………………14 Readmission Policy …………………………………………………………………………..14 Admission for Transfer Students ……………………………………………………………15 Dismissal ………………………………………………………………………………………16 Breach of Confidentiality………………………………………………………………………16 Scholastic Dishonesty ………………………………………………………………………..17 Unsatisfactory Clinical Performance ………………………………………………………..18 Inappropriate Behavior ……………………………………………………………………….18 Substance Abuse ……………………………………………………………………………..18 Violation of Social Media Policy ……………………………………………………………..18 Electronic Technology Policy ………………………………………………………………...19 Student Success Plan - Retention Policy …………………………………………………..20 Progression Policy …………………………………………………………………………….22 Graduation Policy ……………………………………………………………………………..22 Learning Disabilities …………………………………………………………………………..23 Associated Costs .......................................................................................................... 22 Important Names and Numbers .................................................................................... 23 Practical Nursing Program Application ............................................................. Appendix

INSTITUTIONAL POLICY FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

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Dabney S. Lancaster Community College declares and affirms a policy of equal educational opportunity and non-discrimination in the administering of all educational programs and supporting services. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, age, or handicap in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1964. Dabney S. Lancaster Community College is further committed to ensuring equal treatment and equal access to its educational programs and facilities by all students. An Overview of the Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate Program The PN program at DSLCC consists of three semesters (44 credit hours) of full-time study. Students who successfully complete the program earn a Practical Nursing Certificate. They are then eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. DSLCC’s PN Program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing, which may be reached at (804) 367-4515 or 9960 Mayland Dr., Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233. The Practical Nursing Program does not hold national nursing accreditation. Dabney S. Lancaster Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which may be reached at (404) 679-4500 or 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033. Philosophy and Purpose The faculty of the Practical Nursing Program of Dabney S. Lancaster Community College believes that: • Nursing is an art and a science, which endeavors to meet the physiological, social,

and spiritual needs of individuals and families throughout the life span.

• As an essential member of the health care team, the practical nurse utilizes the nursing process to promote and maintain an optimal state of health in the individual, family, and community through the administration of preventative, restorative, and palliative care.

• Practical nursing education is a continuous process through which the learner acquires the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function as a member of the health team to assist with assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care.

• Learning is the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and skill through study and experience.

• Accountability for the teaching-learning process lies with both the teacher and the learner. It is the responsibility of the faculty to identify educational goals, provide theoretical instruction and experiences, which foster the correlation of theory and practice, and evaluate the achievement of the identified goals. The faculty also assumes responsibility for continued education and revision of the program to adapt

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to changes in practical nursing and the needs of the community.

• The purpose of this program is to educate men and women to function as entry-level practical nurses. The school does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religious practices, national origin, age, or sex.

Revised 3/2020 Mission and Vision of DSLCC DSLCC Mission Statement Dabney S. Lancaster Community College provides an opportunity for the extension of knowledge, skills and personal enrichment in a forum that maintains high academic standards, is financially and geographically accessible and respects students’ diverse backgrounds, rights, responsibilities, and abilities. In partnership with local business, industry, government, professions and other educational institutions, DSLCC provides programs and services that prepare members of the community to reach their potential as engaged and learned citizens. DSLCC Vision Statement Dabney S. Lancaster Community College changes lives, strengthens community, and provides pathways to success. DSLCC Values Statements Accessibility. We value the opportunity to provide the residents of our service region appropriate pathways through which they can achieve educational and professional goals without barriers of cost, distance, or time. Learning. We value the process of teaching and learning, the sharing of knowledge, the importance of innovation, and the empowering of all students with the tools to reach their academic potential and maximum career success. Community. We value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and the beliefs that collectively form the DSLCC community, and we embrace these differences among students, employees, and community members as ways to enrich, grow and thrive –as individuals and as an institution. Integrity. We value the belief that the dream of educational attainment is best realized when all members of the DSLCC community respect academic honesty, promote accountability, and demonstrate responsibility for themselves and others.

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https://www.dslcc.edu/catalog-and-student-handbook Practical Nursing Program Outcomes 1. The DSLCC Practical Nursing Program’s annual NCLEX-PN pass rate will be at or

above 80%. 2. 60% of practical nursing admissions will graduate within 2 years of entering the

program. 3. 80% of responding graduates will report satisfaction with the program. 4. 75% of graduates will be employed in a health care setting within 6 months of

graduation, or be enrolled in an advanced degree program. Developed 5/2018 Reviewed 3/2020 Practical Nursing Program Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the Practical Nursing Program the graduate is prepared to:

1. Function as a beginning practitioner under the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner, registered nurse, or a licensed health professional authorized by regulations of the Board of Nursing.

2. Utilize the nursing process with guidance in delivering safe, therapeutic, individualized nursing care to the patient and/or family throughout the life span.

3. Maintain effective professional relationships with the patient, family, and other members of the health care team.

4. Participate in patient and family education to promote, maintain, and restore individual, family, and community health.

5. Assist the patient and family in utilizing community resources to promote and maintain an optimal state of health.

6. Assume responsibility for his/her own continued personal, professional, and educational growth as a practical nurse and private citizen.

7. Function within the legal and ethical limits of the practical nurse role. Revised 3/2020 Student Achievement Outcomes

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate DSLCC

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate National

DSLCC Completion Rate (2-Year Graduate)

Pending (Jan. 1, 2019-Dec. 31, 2019)

Pending (Jan. 1, 2019-Dec. 31, 2019)

78.95% (2019)

93.33% (Jan. 1, 2018-Dec. 31, 2018)

85.91% (Jan. 1, 2018-Dec. 31, 2018)

68% (2018)

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100% (Jan. 1, 2017-Dec. 31, 2017)

83.84% (Jan. 1, 2017-Dec. 31, 2017)

33.33% (2017) (1-Year Completion Rate)

60% (Jan. 1, 2016-Dec. 31, 2016)

83.73% (Jan. 1, 2016-Dec. 31, 2016)

91% (Jan. 1, 2015-Dec. 31, 2015)

81.89% (Jan. 1, 2015-Dec. 31, 2015)

100% (Jan. 1, 2014-Dec. 31, 2014)

82.16% (Jan. 1, 2014-Dec. 31, 2014)

Essential Functional Abilities To provide safe patient care and meet student learning outcomes, nursing students must possess certain functional abilities:

Category Description Gross Motor Skills Gross motor skills sufficient to provide the full range of

safe and effective nursing care activities, such as moving within confined spaces, reaching above shoulders, reaching below waist, standing, and maintaining balance

Fine Motor Skills Fine motor skills sufficient to perform psychomotor skills, such as grasping small objects with hands, keying/typing, pinching, picking, twisting, and squeezing with fingers

Physical Endurance Physical stamina sufficient to perform client care activities for entire length of work role such as standing during surgical or therapeutic procedure, or performing CPR

Physical Strength Physical strength sufficient to perform a full range of motion and client activities such as pulling and pushing 25 pounds, supporting and lifting up to 25 pounds, moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds and squeezing with hands to operate

Mobility Physical abilities sufficient to move from place to place in a quick manner and to maneuver by twisting, squatting, climbing, and walking

Hearing Auditory ability sufficient for physical monitoring and assessment of client health needs, which includes hearing faint body sounds, faint voices, hearing situations when not able to see lips, and hearing auditory alarms

Visual Visual ability sufficient for accurate observation and performance of nursing care, which includes seeing objects up to 20 inches away and 20 feet away, depth perception, peripheral vision, and ability to distinguish color and color intensity

Tactile Tactile ability sufficient for physical monitoring and

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assessment of health care needs which include feeling vibrations, detecting temperature and feeling differences in surface characteristics, sizes, and shapes

Smell Olfactory ability sufficient to detect significant environmental and client odors

Reading Reading ability sufficient to comprehend the written word at a minimum of 10th grade level

Arithmetic Arithmetic ability sufficient to do computations at a minimum of an 8th grade level which includes reading and understanding columns of writing, reading graphic printouts and digital displays, calibrating equipment, converting numbers to and/or from the metric system, measuring time, counting rates, using measurement tools, reading measurement marks, computing fractions, and using a calculator

Emotional Stability Emotional stability sufficient to assume responsibility/accountability for actions, which includes establishing therapeutic boundaries, dealing with the unexpected, adapting to changing environment/stress, focusing attention on a task, performing multiple responsibilities concurrently, and handling strong emotions

Analytical Thinking Reasoning skills sufficient to perform deductive and inductive thinking for nursing decisions, which includes transferring knowledge from one situation to another, processing information, problem solving, evaluating outcomes, prioritizing tasks, and using short term and long term memory

Critical Thinking Skills Critical thinking skills sufficient to exercise sound nursing judgment which includes identifying cause-effect relationships, planning/controlling activities for others, synthesizing knowledge and skills, and sequenced information

Interpersonal Skills Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups respecting social, cultural and spiritual diversity

Communication Skills Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in written and oral form, which includes teaching, explaining procedures, giving oral reports, and conveying information through writing

PN Certificate Program Curriculum

First Semester - Summer Credits

ENG 100 – Basic Occupational Communications 3 HLT 130 – Nutrition and Diet Therapy 1 ITE 115 – Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts 3

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SDV 101 – Orientation to Licensed Practical Nursing 1 NUR 135 – Dosage and Drug Calculations 1 PNE 145 – Trends in Practical Nursing 1 PNE 158 – Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing 1 Credits 11

Second Semester - Fall Credits

PNE 110 – Practical Nursing Health and Disease I 5 PNE 141 – Nursing Skills I 2 PNE 155 – Body Structure and Function 3 PNE 181 – Clinical Experience I 5 Semester Credits 15

Third Semester - Spring Credits

PNE 111 – Practical Nursing Health and Disease II 5 PNE 136 – Care of Maternal, Newborn, and Pediatric Patients 4 PNE 142 – Nursing Skills II 2 PNE 182 – Clinical Experience II 5 PNE 173 – Pharmacology for PN 2 Semester Credits 18

Total Program Credits = 44 Practical Nursing Credits = 36 Support Credits = 8 Course Substitutions

Required PN Curriculum Course Allowed Substitution

ENG 100 – Basic Occupational Communications

ENG 111 – College Composition I (with a course grade of “C” or better)

HLT 130 – Nutrition and Diet Therapy

HLT 230 – Principles of Nutrition and Human Development (within 5 years and a course grade of “C” or better)

SDV 101 – Orientation to Licensed Practical Nursing SDV 100 – College Success Skills

PNE 155 – Body Structure and Function

BIO 141 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I AND BIO 142 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II (within 7 years and a course grade of “C” or better)

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Criteria for Practical Nursing Curriculum All Practical Nursing courses must be taken in the order and semester listed. • All general education courses within the Practical Nursing curriculum must be taken

in or before the semester listed. • Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all Nursing, Biology, and English

courses.

Course Time Limits Readmitting Practical Nursing Students: Due to the rapid changes in health care, any nursing student who withdraws from the nursing program and later applies for readmission must repeat courses with the NUR or PNE prefix if the course is more than 2 years old at the time of readmission. Readmission date is the start date of the semester in which the student would resume their nursing coursework. Credit by exam may be attempted in these courses. All Practical Nursing Students: HLT 130 – Nutrition and Diet Therapy must be repeated or seek credit-by-exam if more than 5 years old. (May substitute HLT 230 – Principles of Nutrition & Human Development if no more than 5 years old). PNE 155 – Body Structure and Function – BIO 141 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I AND BIO 142 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II may be substituted if no more than 7 years old. Labs should be on site. Virtual labs may not be accepted in transfer to some four-year colleges. Admission Requirements for the PN Certificate Program 1. Graduation from high school or GED

• Students must have either graduated from high school or have completed their

GED or have a Home School Transcript of Completion and must be at least 17 years old (see Admission of minors below). High school seniors may apply for admission to the program and may be admitted if their high school graduation will be prior to the start of the Fall Semester of the Practical Nursing Program. An advanced degree of Associate’s or higher may be considered in lieu of high school graduation. Under-Age Students: Those under 18 are restricted by state and federal child labor laws from performing certain skills and operating specific equipment in the clinical area. Therefore, all applicants must be 18 to participate in the fall

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semester which includes the first clinical course. See the Nursing Program Head for further information.

2. Transcripts 3.

• Official transcripts from high school and from colleges attended should be submitted to:

Nursing Office Dabney S. Lancaster Community College 1000 Dabney Drive Clifton Forge, VA 24422 Official transcripts are to be sent to the Nursing Department directly from the

high school or college attended. 4. U.S. Citizenship

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens. If not a U.S. citizen by birth, the applicant must provide immigration or citizenship documentation.

5. Admission to College

• Students must be admitted to DSLCC before being considered for admission to the practical nursing program

• ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMISSION TO THE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM, NOR DOES SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM GUARENTEE AUTOMATIC ADMISSION TO DSLCC’S LPN TO RN TRANSITION PATHWAY.

6. Essential Functional Abilities

• Applicants must meet the functional abilities that are essential to provide safe patient care and meet student learning outcomes (see separate list on page 5).

7. Academic Placement Test Scores

• Students will need to take placement tests in Math to determine if remedial work is required.

• Remedial work must be completed before being considered for admission into the Practical Nursing Program

PLACEMENT TEST REQUIRED SCORE

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Virginia Placement Test (VPT) - Math ** Must pass Units 1-4 The VPT Math Placement test may be waived if student has met any of the following standards:

MATH PLACEMENT MEASURES H. S. GPA OR SCORE RANGE H. S. GPA and Algebra II ** 3.0 or higher SAT Mathematics Score ** 510-520 (or higher) ACT Mathematics Score ** 19-21 (or higher) GED – Math ** 165 or above

** High School GPA (H. S. GPA) is valid for five (5) years after the date of high school graduation. SAT, ACT, and GED Test scores are valid for five (5) years after the date of the test. Virginia Placement Test (VPT) – Math scores are valid for five (5) years after the date of the test. Previously taken developmental courses will be valid for five (5) years after the term taken.

8. Nursing Entrance Test (ATI TEAS Test of Essential Academic Skills)

• Nursing Test (ATI TEAS) Calendar Year – April 1 to March 31 (ATI TEAS test must be taken by March 31)

• Nursing candidates may take TEAS test as many as 3 times during April 1 to March 31 for a SUMMER admission: for example… o For SUMMER 2020: students have from April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020 o For SUMMER 2021: students have from April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021.

• Contact Nursing Office (540-863-2838) for ATI TEAS test registration information.

• Cost of registration and test are $70.00 each time test is taken. • Optional study manuals are available at an additional cost (as of May 2018 cost

is approximately $50.00) • A National Percentile Rank of 35 or greater is required in each of the following

ATI TEAS categories: ATI TEAS TEST REQUIRED NATIONAL

PERCENTILE RANK Individual Adjusted

Score Reading 35 or higher 67.0%

Mathematics 35 or higher 61.0% Science 35 or higher 48.9%

English and Grammar Usage 35 or higher 56.25% • DSLCC Tutoring Center offers TEAS Test Preparation. Students wishing to

participate should complete Math and English placement testing first. Students should then make an appointment to meet with the Nursing Program Head, Tina Hawley, to complete a request form for TEAS Prep Tutoring. Student will then take the request form to the DSLCC Library to make an appointment for an individual tutoring session.

9. Practical Nursing Application Form

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• Forms are available within the Nursing Office or online on the DSLCC website.

(Select “Programs of Study” from the QuickLinks dropdown menu, then select “Practical Nursing”.)

• Applications will be accepted beginning January 1st for Summer admission. Deadline for submission is April 1st. This includes the receipt of all required documentation. (It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required documents are received prior to the April 1st deadline.) The application and supporting documentation should be mailed to the following address: Nursing Office Dabney S. Lancaster Community College 1000 Dabney Dr. Clifton Forge, VA 24422

10. Interview with Nursing Program Head, if Requested At discretion of the Nursing Program Head, an interview may be requested. If requested, the applicant must attend the interview to complete the application process. Interviews will be scheduled if any questions arise from the applicant’s admission paperwork.

11. Notification Policy

• Practical Nursing candidates will be notified via formal letter regarding admission status on or after April 15th.

11. Mandatory Orientation Session

Accepted applicants will be required to attend a mandatory orientation session. Failure to attend the orientation will result in forfeiture of your position in the program, unless due to an extenuating circumstance or emergency.

12. Post-Admission Requirements

These must be completed and results submitted to the nursing office by the deadline set forth at the required orientation session. Those offered admission to the Practical Nursing Program MUST complete the following for final acceptance:

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a. Pre-Entrance Medical Record Form – Physical Exam

b. Up-to-Date Immunizations

i. MMR ii. Varicella iii. Tdap (Tetanus booster) iv. Hepatitis-B (Strongly recommended, but may decline) v. Two-Step Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) vi. Flu vaccine (during season)

It is the responsibility of the nursing student to maintain up-to-date immunizations and to obtain an annual Tuberculin Skin Test while enrolled in the Nursing Program.

c. Drug Screen and Background Check

i. These screenings MUST be obtained through CastleBranch, Inc.

ii. Screenings may have to be repeated based on clinical settings’ contractual agreements.

iii. Students are subject to random screening at any time. iv. Failure to submit to and/or pass the drug screen or background

check will result in denial of admission to and/or dismissal from the Nursing Program

v. Admission drug screen is conducted only once. A finding of an unprescribed substance will result in being declined admission.

vi. Some clinical agencies may require additional drug screens and/or background checks submitted throughout the program.

d. CPR Certification All Allied Health Programs at DSLCC require “CPR for Health Care Providers” certification. American Heart Association for Health Care Providers is recommended. (EMS 100 at DSLCC can be taken as credit or non-credit; credit course may not be covered by financial aid, please check with Student Services. Non-credit is available through Workforce/Continuing Education Department – 540-863-2899).

It is the responsibility of the nursing student to maintain current CPR Certification while enrolled in the Practical Nursing Program.

e. Medical Insurance Coverage

f. Students should have Medical Insurance coverage.

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Impact of Criminal Convictions on Board of Nursing Licensure and

Certification Criminal Convictions can affect an individual during the licensure or certification application process and may affect an individual’s employment options after licensure or certification by the Board of Nursing. All applicants should read the Virginia Board of Nursing Guidance Document: 90-55, Impact of Criminal Convictions on Board of Nursing Licensure and Certification, available at: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/media/dhpweb/docs/nursing/guidance/90-55.pdf A copy may also be obtained by calling the nursing office at 540-863-2838. Excerpts of Policies from the Practical Nursing Program Handbook, available at: https://www.dslcc.edu/academic_program/practical-nursing-program/

Advanced Standing Policy The Practical Nursing Program does not offer advanced standing.

Readmission Policy

Each student requesting readmission to the Practical Nursing Program will be evaluated by the faculty on an individual basis pertaining to his/her level of achievement, compliance with PN Program Policies, and reason for previous withdrawal or dismissal from the practical nursing program.

In regard to the above statement, a student’s request for readmission will be dependent upon the following: 1. A current vacancy in the nursing class. 2. Level of achievement prior to withdrawal. 3. Current health status of student as evidenced by the required health

assessment. 4. Returning student must update criminal background check, drug screen, and

health assessment. 5. Student must submit a formal letter and a “Plan for Success” to the Nursing

Program Head requesting readmission and stating reason(s) why readmission should be granted.

6. All nursing courses older than two years must be repeated. 7. TEAS Admission Test must be within 24 months of admission date.

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8. A student may only be readmitted once unless the first admission was interrupted by a serious mitigating circumstance as approved by the majority of the nursing faculty, or the first admission was directly from high school.

9. The Practical Nursing Program officially begins with the Summer Semester. If a student withdraws or fails to progress academically during the Summer Semester, this “counts” as the first admission. Students who are subsequently readmitted will begin the program as a second admission student.

10. The Nursing Program Head reserves the right to decide on the returning students’ placement with the curriculum; it is very likely that the student will be required to repeat PNE 141/142 and PNE 181/182. Students returning in the spring semester will be required to retake the drug dosage calculation test and pass according to the guidelines.

11. Students who do not successfully complete PNE 141/142 or PNE 181/182, and who wish to return to the practical nursing program during the next calendar year will be required to repeat both courses. Example: A student who fails PNE 141 but passes PNE 181, or who passes PNE 141 but fails PNE 181 will need to repeat both courses.

Admission Requirements for Transfer Nursing Students Admission of Nursing Students transferring Nursing Credits from another college are considered on an individual basis. 1. Nursing Students requesting transfer of Nursing Courses must meet all general

Nursing Program admission requirements. 2. Transfer students must be in good standing with their current nursing program

and college. Good standing is defined as the ability to continue on in their current nursing program, not ineligible due to grades or other circumstances. Good standing is verified by a letter from the Nursing Program Head.

3. Official transcripts, course syllabi, course schedule, and any other course

materials requested must be submitted for review. 4. Credits older than 2.5 years based on admission date, will not be accepted in

direct transfer. Admission date is the start date of the semester in which the student would begin nursing coursework. Credit-by-exam will be offered if equivalency of course material is determined by the Nursing Program Head; a score of 80% or better is required. Exams will be taken in progression according to the course sequence.

5. At least 25% of courses used toward completion of the Nursing Degree must be

taken in residence at DSLCC.

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6. Last semester PNE courses will not be accepted in transfer nor will they be offered for credit-by-exam. Students must complete the PNE final semester courses at DSLCC.

7. Nursing Transfer students may be required to take PNE 141 – Nursing Skills I. If

credit for PNE 141 is given, the student must demonstrate competency of basic nursing skills through successful completion of return demonstration as per a grading rubric/performance skill sheet and written exam.

8. At discretion of the Nursing Program Head, Nursing Transfer students may be

required to take PNE 181 – Clinical Experience I. Dismissal

Faculty reserves the right to require program withdrawal from any nursing student whose health, academic standing, clinical performance, or behavior in the nursing program is unsatisfactory, threatening or potentially unsafe.

Also the following criteria may be used for the dismissal of any nursing student:

Breach of Confidentiality Evidence that the student is inappropriately accessing and/or disseminating information gained in the clinical setting. The following shall be considered a Breach of Confidentiality:

• Disclosing any identifiable patient information to anyone except clinical instructors and those health care professionals who provide direct care to the patient.

• Operating or attempting to operate computer equipment without specific authorization from clinical facility.

• Accessing computer information during clinically related learning experiences.

• Failure to maintain in the strictest confidence computer access passwords or any other computer access codes. This includes disclosing the password or access code to anyone, at any time, for any reason.

• Disclosing any portion of a facility computerized system to any unauthorized individual at any time for any reason.

Scholastic Dishonesty

Integrity of the work done by each student; therefore, it is imperative that students maintain a high standard of individual honor in their scholastic work. Scholastic dishonesty, as a general rule, involves one of the following acts:

• Cheating on an examination or quiz. • Giving or receiving, offering or soliciting information on any quiz or examination,

including the following classes of dishonesty:

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Copying another student’s work. Use during the examination of prepared materials, notes, or tests other than

those specifically permitted by the instructor. Collaboration with another student during an examination. Buying, selling, stealing, soliciting, or transmitting an examination or any

material purported to be the unreleased contents of a coming examination or the use of any such materials.

Substituting for another person during an examination or allowing such substitutions for one’s self.

Bribery of any person to obtain examination information. Plagiarism, the appropriation of passages, either word for word or in

substance, from the writings of another and the incorporation of these passages as one’s own in written work offered for credit.

Collusion, collaboration with another person in the preparation or editing of notes, themes, reports, or other written work offered for credit.

It is always assumed that the written work offered for credit is the student’s own unless proper credit is given to the original author by the use of quotation marks or other explanatory inserts. This includes the copy of laboratory reports and homework or the unchanged use of essential ideas or conclusions of such work as well as the use of themes, theses, books, web pages, or pamphlets without credit.

Examples of collusion include extensive use of another’s ideas for preparing a creative assignment or undue assistance in the preparation or editing of written materials. Collusion may be specifically approved in advance by the instructor.

Unsatisfactory Clinical Performance

Negligence in carrying out nursing skills due to improper technique and judgment as well as failure to exhaust all possible resources to ensure correctness and accuracy in the performance of nursing activities. Inappropriate Behavior

Repeated episodes of behavioral responses in given situations that do not correspond to acceptable or usual patterns of behaving.

Substance Abuse

Evidence of possession or use of drugs that are not medically prescribed is prohibited. Also, the possession or use of alcohol during clinical lab times is prohibited. Suspicion of substance use or abuse will result in further investigation. Students will be required to submit to random drug testing. Failure to submit to and/or pass the drug test will

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result in denial of admission to and/or dismissal from the Associate’s Degree in Nursing Program.

All students must obtain a DMV driving record at the beginning of each academic year to place in their file in accordance with agreements with our clinical sites.

Violation of Social Media Policy The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the appropriate use of, and conduct on, social media sites. Examples of social media include, but are not limited to blogs, microblogs, wikis, virtual worlds, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Twitter, and Flickr. Do NOT post confidential or sensitive information about Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (DSLCC) or its community affiliates including patients, other students, faculty, or staff. Posting of class, lab, or clinical audio or video recordings or photos is prohibited. Students who participate in social networking represent themselves, DSLCC, and the Nursing Department. Think before you post. Use privacy settings when appropriate. You do not have the college’s permission to use the Dabney S. Lancaster Community College name. What you write is your responsibility, and so are any repercussions. The consequences of violating this policy may include disciplinary action up to and/or including nursing program dismissal.

NOTE: Any issue with disciplinary actions will adhere to the procedural guidelines outlined in the DSLCC Catalog & Student Handbook (see Code for Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct and the Student Complaint and Grievance Policy). Electronic Technology Policy SimChart may be used in a variety of settings within the practical nursing program to enhance student learning. The following will be used to guide the student in the proper care of electronic devices and use of SimChart. Use of SimChart:

• Students may use SimChart as part of their classroom, Nursing Skills lab, Simulation lab, or clinical activities.

• The program uses a variety of clinical agencies that may or may not approve of the use of SimChart within the agency. Before taking an electronic device into the clinical area, students must clarify with the clinical instructor if the use of SimChart is permitted within a particular clinical agency.

Caring for the Tablet/Computer:

• Students will be responsible for their own device regardless of the setting. • Students will follow infection control practices when using the device.

Safeguarding and Maintaining the Tablet/Computer:

• The device should be fully charged.

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• The device must have a security code for opening the device if used in the clinical setting and the code must not be shared with others.

• The device should be locked off when not in use in the clinical area. If the device is found unattended with a SimChart program visible in the clinical area, it will be confiscated by the instructor.

• Students will assume full responsibility for the safety of their own device. Clinical agencies and staff, instructors, and the college will not be liable for any damage to or loss of a student’s device.

Prohibited Use with the Device:

• Accessing inappropriate materials. • Illegal activities – for financial or commercial gain. • Violating patient confidentiality (HIPAA). • Unauthorized access – any student found trying to gain access to another

student’s account will be subject to disciplinary action. • Students are expected to use the internet for class, lab, or clinical related

activities only. • Devices are to remain in conference room when in the clinical setting. Devices

must not be taken into the patient rooms or care areas. Appropriate Use of the Device:

• Research • Teaching materials for the class or lab only, not for use in the clinical area with

patients (clinical agencies provide their own teaching materials). • Assigned educational activities as assigned in SimChart.

Student Success Plan – Retention Policy

• Ticket-to-Class:

Pre-Class and Pre-Lab assignments are at the discretion of the faculty. Examples include Case Studies, Adaptive Quizzing, videos, quizzes, reflections, and readings. Preparation allows the student to participate in application and higher-level activities within the classroom. Students that learn to apply information tend to retain the information; in Nursing, retention of information is essential to success. The “Ticket-to-Class” is proof the student completed the assignment. All students must complete a required “Ticket-to-Class”. Those that do not have a “Ticket-to-Class” will go and complete the assignment, and then return to class. It is at faculty discretion whether a “Ticket-to-Class” will be turned in as a printed-paper copy or be accepted on an electronic device.

• Test Review:

All students are encouraged to attend, however, students that do not pass a course test will be required to attend all Test Reviews. The faculty will schedule test reviews as needed.

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• Test Remediation:

All students are encouraged to participate, however, students that do not pass a course test will be required to complete Test Remediation. A Navigate Alert will be submitted by faculty for test failures. Students will need to meet with faculty and may be asked to complete a Loma Linda Test Analysis Worksheet at the first meeting to determine reasons for the test failure. Test Remediation, determined by the course instructor, will include such things as Adaptive Quizzing, study questions, videos, and reading assignments that cover material from the test and will be due one week following the assignment.

870 – 879 – 82% 860 – 869 – 81% 850 – 859 – 80% 840 – 849 – 79% 830 – 839 – 78% 820 – 829 – 77% 810 – 819 – 76% 800 – 809 – 75% 750 – 799 – 74%

PN Information Packet Revised March 2020 21

Progression Policy

To progress to the next semester, students must:

• Complete all Practical Nursing Courses with a ‘C’ or better. • Complete Biology and Health courses with a ‘C’ or better. • Earn a 90% on all Drug Calculation Tests (see Drug Calculation Test in the

Nursing Program Handbook). • Complete the Non-Nursing Courses in or before the semester as it appears in the

curriculum. • Complete all Nursing Courses in the sequence as it appears in the curriculum. • Complete evaluations such as those for Simulation experiences, clinical

instructors, clinical sites, etc. • Demonstrate Essential Functional Abilities (see Appendix A in Practical Nursing

Program Handbook) • Follow all policies as found in the Practical Nursing Program Handbook. • Students in second semester, who withdraw/drop from any non-clinical course

(PNE 110, 141, 155) may NOT remain in PNE 181. • Students in third semester, who withdraw/drop from any non-clinical course (PNE

111, 142, 136, 173) may NOT remain in PNE 182.

Graduation Policy • Complete a minimum of 200 clinical hours for PNE 181 and PNE 182, for a total

minimum of 400 clinical hours. • Complete required specialty clinical hours in mental health, OB, and Pediatrics. • Meet all clinical course requirements. • Complete all Practical Nursing Courses with a ‘C’ or better. • Complete Biology and Health Courses with a ‘C’ or better. • Meet DSLCC Graduation Requirements as found in the College Catalog:

https://www.dslcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/Final-Catalog-2018-2019.pdf

Learning Disabilities

Special testing situations will be established for students with documented learning disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Suzanne Ostling, sostling@dslcc.edu, Disabilities Coordinator, for information about accommodations.

PN Information Packet Revised March 2020 22

Associated Costs

PRE-ENTRANCE ESTIMATED COSTS Nursing Pre-Entrance Examination $70.00 (each time taken)

Criminal Background Check & Drug Screen $152.75 DMV Driving Record $8.00 Health Preadmissions Screen Varies – Check with your healthcare provider CPR Course & Certification $65.00 Total Pre-entrance $295.75 plus health preadmission screen

ITEMS FOR PROGRAM COST QUANTITY TOTAL ATI PN Bundle *TO BE

DETERMINED* 1 *TO BE

DETERMINED* Indigo Blue Scrub Top $20.00 2 $40.00 Indigo Blue Scrub Pants $20.00 2 $40.00

1st Semester lab kit $198.00 1 $198.00

White lab coat $11.00-$20.000 1 $11.00-$20.00 DSLCC PN Patch $9.00 3 $27.00 *Nursing School Pin $40.00 1 $40.00 *Nursing School Lamp $50.00 1 $50.00

*Graduation Uniform $50.00 1 $50.00 *Watch with Second Hand $30.00 1 $30.00 *Nursing Cap $20.00 1 $20.00 Tuition $157.50/Credit 44 $6,930.00 Total for Program $7,445.00 (NOT

INCLUDING ATI PN BUNDLE)

*Funded by class fundraiser

POST GRADUATION ESTIMATED COST VBON Required Fingerprinting and Background Check $45.00 Licensure Fee $170.00 NCLEX-PN Examination Fee $200.00 Total Post Graduation $415.00

Approximate total cost $8,155.75 plus Health Preadmission Screen (NOT INCLUDING ATI PN BUNDLE)

Please note that the costs listed are estimates only and are subject to change. This information is provided for the convenience of students who may wish to develop a budget while completing the nursing program. Check college website for current tuition rates. Check with book store for current price on required books.

PN Information Packet Revised March 2020 23

Important Names and Numbers Nursing Program Head 540-863-2802 Lead PN Faculty Member Laura Meadows, MSN, RN lmeadows@dslcc.edu Nursing Department Administrative Assistant Kyndall Markham, 540-863-2838 kmarkham@dslcc.edu Student Services: 540-863-2820 DSLCC Bookstore 540-863-2908 DSLCC Financial Aid Office 540-863-2821 DSLCC Library 540-863-2864