Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program Student Handbook

PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES
The Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program operates within the philosophical framework of the Virginia Community College system and is an integral part of the general structure of Virginia Highlands Community College, Southwest Virginia Community College and Mountain Empire Community College.

These colleges are dedicated to the belief that each individual should be given an opportunity to develop potential and to increase awareness of their roles and responsibilities to society. Society refers to a group of people composed of individuals, families and communities who interact with each other.

The two-year Associate in Applied Science degree curriculum in Nursing is designed to qualify students as contributing members of the health team.

1. The faculty believes that man is an integrated biological-psychological-sociological being who has basic human needs common to all, as well as unique individual needs. Health is a dynamic and fluctuating state of functioning to which man responds as a unified whole. Alterations in health interfere with man’s usual method of satisfying his needs. Nursing is aware of society’s needs and provides a unique health care service.

2. The faculty believes, like Virginia Henderson, a major nursing theorist, that nursing is primarily assisting “the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health, or its recovery (or to a peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge.”1 It is likewise the unique contribution of nursing to help the individual to be independent of such assistance as soon as possible. The nursing process is the system through which nursing care is administered to meet the individual’s health needs.

3. The faculty believes the goal of the associate degree program is to prepare a beginning practitioner rendering direct care. The graduate is prepared to function under the leadership of an experienced registered nurse in a variety of settings. Nursing continues to have three major routes leading to registered nurse licensure. Educational preparation may be diploma, associate or baccalaureate degree.

1Virginia Henderson, The Nature of Nursing, New York: MacMillan, 1966, p 4.

4. The faculty believes that characteristics of the Associate Degree Nursing
practice are delineated as follows:

The practice:

Is directed toward individuals in structured health care settings such as hospitals, nursing facilities, and other community settings.

Uses the nursing process as a basis for care, and includes making nursing judgments based on scientific knowledge.

Is focused on individuals, but is given within context of the family and community, and is found in all settings.

Is under the leadership of a more experienced registered nurse.

5. The faculty believes that education is a continuous process. The curriculum is developed with integrated content and processes which incorporate simple to complex and known to unknown. A multisensory approach to teaching accommodates the various learning styles of the students.

6. The faculty believes that nursing education is accomplished best in an institution of higher learning. The process includes application of principles of natural and social sciences to health care.

7. The faculty believes that learning is acquiring and applying knowledge. Learning is a change in behavior when the student is actively engaged in the educational process. Upon completion of the program, the graduate nurse will be able to meet the program objective.

The program objective is to prepare associate degree nurses who demonstrate the following terminal competencies:2

“Role as a Provider of Care”
As a provider of nursing care, the associate degree nursing graduates use the nursing process to formulate and maintain individualized nursing care plans by:

Assessing:
Collects and contributes to a data base (physiological, emotional, sociological, cultural, psychological, and spiritual needs) from available resources (e.g., client, family, medical records and other health team members).

Identifies and documents changes in health status which interfere with the clients ability to meet basic needs (e.g., oxygen, nutrition, elimination, activity, safety, rest and sleep and psychosocial well being).

Establishes a nursing diagnosis based on client needs.

Planning:
Develops individualized nursing care plans based upon the nursing diagnosis and plans intervention that follows established nursing protocols.

Identifies needs and establishes priorities for care with recognition of client’s level of development and needs, and with consideration of client’s relationship with a family, group and community.

Participates with clients, families, significant others and members of the nursing team to establish to establish long- and short-term client goals.

Identifies criteria for evaluation of individualized nursing care plans.

2Competencies of Associate Degree Nurse Valid Definers of Entry-Level Nursing Practice, National League for Nursing, 1987, pp 25-22.

Implementing:
Carries out individualized care plans according to priority of needs and established nursing protocols.

Participates in the prescribed medical regime by preparing, assisting and providing follow up care to clients undergoing diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures.

Uses nursing knowledge and skills and protocols to assure an environment conducive to optimum restoration and maintenance of the client’s normal abilities to meet basic needs.

“Role as a Communicator”
As a communicator the associate degree nursing graduate:

Assesses verbal and nonverbal communication of clients, families and significant others based upon knowledge and techniques of interpersonal communication.

Uses lines of authority and communication within a work setting.

Uses communication skills as a method of data collection, nursing intervention and evaluation of care.

Communicates and records assessments, nursing care plans, intervention and evaluations accurately and promptly.

Establishes and maintains effective communication with clients, families, significant others and health team members.

Communicates client’s needs through the appropriate use of referrals.

Evaluates effectiveness of one’s own communication with clients, colleagues and others.

“Role as a Client Teacher”
As a teacher of clients who need information or support to maintain health, the associate degree nursing graduate:

Assesses situations in which clients need information or support to maintain health.

Develops short-range teaching plans based upon long-and short range goals for individual clients.

Implements teaching plans that are specific to the clients level of development and knowledge and techniques of interpersonal communications.

Supports and reinforces the teaching plans of other health professionals

Evaluates the effectiveness of clients learning.

“Role of a Manager of Client Care”
As a manager of nursing care for a group of clients with common, well-defined health problems in structured settings, the associate degree nursing program graduate:

Assesses and sets nursing care priorities.

With guidance, provides client care using resources and other nursing personnel commensurate with their educational preparation and experience.

Seeks guidance to assist other nursing personnel to develop skills in giving nursing care.

“Role as a Member within the Profession of Nursing”
As a member within the profession of nursing, the associate degree nursing graduate:

Is accountable for his/her nursing practice.

Practices within the profession’s ethical and legal framework.

Assumes responsibility for self-development and uses resources for continued learning.

Participates within a structured role in research (e.g., data collection)

Works within the policies of the employer or employing institution.

Recognizes policies and nursing protocols that may impede client care and works within the organizational framework to initiate change.

In summary, the faculty believes the most effective nursing curriculum is composed of general education and nursing courses offered in institutions of higher learning. The curriculum is oriented around the nursing process and five Associate Degree Nursing roles outlined by the National League for Nursing Council of Associate Degree Nursing Programs which reflect society’s health care needs.

Revised and Approved: 12/19/90
Revised: 03/20/92
Revised and Approved: 05/12/94
Revised and Approved: 01/05/95
Reviewed & Approved: 08/18/95
Reviewed & Approved: 08/21/96
Approved as Written: 08/21/97
Reviewed: 08/20/98
Revised & Approved: 01/06/99
Revised & Approved: 08/17/99
Reviewed & Approved: 08/17/00
Reviewed & Approved: 08/17/01
Revised and Approved: 05/08/02
Revised and Approved: 08-19-03

FACULTY ASSIGNMENTS--- 2003-2004

TEAM I- NURSING I- NUR 111- Fall and NUR 136 - Fall

Ms. Cathy Canody- VHCC
Ms. Donna Cluesman- MECC, Lead Teacher NUR 136
Ms. Lynn Moretz-VHCC, Lead Teacher NUR 111
Ms. DJ Pruitt-SVCC
Ms. Kim Smith-SVCC
Ms. Deborah Wright-MECC

TEAM II- NURSING II- NUR 112-Spring and NUR 137 - Spring
Ms. Cathy Canody- VHCC
Ms. Donna Cluesman- MECC, Lead Teacher NUR 137
Ms. Lynn Moretz-VHCC
Ms. DJ Pruitt-SVCC
Ms. Kim Smith-SVCC, Lead Teacher, NUR 112
Ms. Deborah Wright - MECC

TEAM III- NURSING III- NUR 211-Fall and NURSING IV- NUR 212-Spring
NUR 236 – Fall and NUR 237 - Spring
Ms. Deborah Clarkston- MECC, Lead Teacher NUR 212
Ms. Barbara Gilbert-SVCC
Ms. Christine Hobbs- SVCC- Grundy
Ms. Kathy Mitchell- SVCC, Lead Teacher NUR 211
Ms. Connie Sherwood- VHCC
Ms. Johanne Watson - MECC
Ms. Kitty Williams-VHCC, Lead Teacher NUR 236/237

TEAM IV- NURSING DIMENSIONS- NUR 254-Spring
Ms. Lois Caldwell- VHCC
Ms. Christine Hobbs- SVCC
Ms. Kathy Mitchell-SVCC
Ms. Deborah Clarkston- MECC

COORDINATING TEACHERS
Ms. Lynn Moretz -VHCC
Ms. Kathy Mitchell - SVCC
Ms. Johanne Watson- MECC

ACHIEVEMENT TESTS
Standardized achievement tests are administered throughout the nursing program at appropriate times and are required to be taken by all students. These tests assist you in determining areas of individual strengths and weaknesses. They do not influence your grade.

The cost of the test may vary from $13.00 to $32.00. This fee should be paid to the nursing program secretary at Virginia Highlands Community College or to the Business Office at Mountain Empire Community College and Southwest Virginia Community College. Second year students are required to take the Mosby Assess Test; this test costs approximately $40.00.

LIABILITY INSURANCE
Each student must have professional liability insurance while enrolled in the nursing program.

If you have any policy that gives you current coverage as a student, notify the nursing program office at the time of registration each fall. You must provide a copy of your policy for the file. If you do not already have a policy, you must purchase an individual policy through the nursing program. To do this, an enrollment form must be completed and include a check. These forms and payments must be returned to the program secretary at Virginia Highlands Community College at the beginning of fall semester each year.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
In view of the nature of the associate degree nursing program objectives and difficulties inherent in “making up” laboratory experiences which have been missed, regular attendance is vital.

Excused absences include a medical excuse (physicians note) or faculty excuse (for illness, death in the immediate family, hazardous weather conditions).

Excessive absences during a semester will require faculty action.

If unable to report for a clinical assignment, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the faculty as soon as possible. Advance notice is advisable.

CLINICAL LABORATORY
All students must be CPR certified each year before attending clinical laboratory. The students must provide the instructor with proof of American Heart Association CPR and tuberculin testing prior to the first clinical laboratory of each fall semester.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Advanced placement will be granted to LPNs who complete the Bridge Course. This course was implemented in summer 1995. Those LPNs who qualify to enroll in summer classes then advance directly into the second year of the program in the fall semester.

GRADING SCALE
Each course is evaluated on a point system. Please see the course outline for the point spread sheet for that course. A student must earn a grade of “C” or better in each nursing course and in BIO 141 and BIO 142 to continue through the program. A grade of “unsatisfactory” in the clinical portion of any nursing course results in an “F” grade for the course, regardless of the theory grade.

READMISSION POLICY/PROCEDURE
Any student who earns a final grade lower than “C” in any nursing course or BIO 141 or BIO 142, must repeat the course and a final grade of “C” or higher before progressing to the next nursing course or graduating from the nursing program (courses can only be taken twice-once as a first time and once as a repeat) . Occasionally, a student will leave the program for personal reasons ( health, finances, etc.) and wish to return at a later date.

Readmission to the program is NOT guaranteed and must follow these procedures: 1) The student must indicate in writing to the Program Director their desire to be readmitted. This letter should be submitted during the last half of the semester before the requested readmission semester; 2) State in the letter what steps have been taken to correct the problem which caused withdrawal from the program. The student will be notified by a letter of the decision concerning the request. If a student is unsuccessful in NUR 111, then the student must re-apply to the program. Readmission is on a space available basis and may be on any of the three campuses.

LICENSURE REQUIRMENTS—COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
1. High School diploma or GED.
2. Diploma or degree from an accredited professional nursing education program.
3. Passed an examination as required by the State Board of Nursing.
4. Have committed no acts which are grounds for disciplinary action set forth in the Code of Virginia. These include, but are not limited to:
a. fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure license
b. unprofessional conduct
c. commission of any felony or any misdemeanor which involves moral turpitude
d. practicing nursing so as to endanger the health and welfare of patients or the public
e. excessive use of alcohol, drugs, chemicals or any material which impedes the safe practice of nursing
f. any physical or mental condition which impedes the safe practice of nursing
g. denial, revocation, suspension or any restriction of licensure to practice nursing in any other state, the District of Columbia, United States possession or territory
5. Excerpt- Code of Virginia:
Section 32.1-126.01. Employment for compensation of persons convicted of certain offenses prohibited; criminal records check required; suspension or revocation of license-
A licensed facility shall not hire for compensated employment persons who have been convicted of murder, abduction for immoral purposes, sexual assault, pandering, crimes against nature involving children, taking indecent liberties with children, abuse and neglect of children (including failure to secure medical attention for an injured child) or obscenity offenses; or persons who have been convicted of crimes against the person, against the property, involving fraud, involving moral and decency or abuse or neglect of any incapacitated adult.

(The above statement are set out and referred to in the following sections of the Code of Virginia:18.2-48; Article 7 of 18.2-61 et seq. of Chapter 4 of Title 18.2; 18.2-355; 18.2-361; 18.2-370.1; 18.2-371.1; 18.2-374.1; 18.2-379; Chapter 4 of 18.2-30 et seq. of Title 18.2; Chapter 7 of 18.2-247 et seq. of title 18.2; Chapter 8 f 18.2-325 et seq. of Title 18.2 and 18.2-369).

UNIFORM CODE

Uniforms
The uniform for female students will consist of:
1. White dress or pant suit, non-see through.
No lace, ruffles, eyelet; please leave tags on uniforms until after faculty approval.
Each uniform must be approved by your faculty advisor.
2. White lab coat
No lace, ruffles, eyelet; please leave tag on until after faculty approval.
3. White hose and/or white socks
If wearing a dress uniform, please wear a white slip
4. White leather shoes
5. A program patch must be sewn on the left shoulder 1-1/2” below the shoulder seam, in the center of the left sleeve of the dress and pant suit top and on the left shoulder of the lab coat. These patches will be purchased in the bookstore.
6. Accessories: name pin
bandage scissors
watch with second hand
black pen and red pen
stethoscope (optional – not required)
safety goggles (optional – not required)
calculator (optional – not required)

The uniform for male students will consist of:
1. White uniform shirt. Each uniform must be approved by your faculty advisor.
2. White pants. Please leave tags on uniforms until after faculty approval.
Please wear white underwear
3. White socks and white leather shoes
4. White lab coat
6. Program patch must be sewn on the left shoulder1-1/2” below the shoulder seam, in
center of the left sleeve of the shirt and on the left shoulder of the lab coat. These
patches will be purchased in the bookstore.
7. Accessories: name pin
bandage scissors
watch with second hand
black pen and red pen
stethoscope (optional – not required)
safety goggles (optional – not required)
calculator (optional – not required)

Grooming Guidelines While in Uniform
1. All uniforms and lab coats should be clean and wrinkle free.
2. The dress hemline should be to the middle of the knee or below.
3. Hose/socks shoestrings should be kept clean and neat.
4. Shoes should be kept clean and white.
5. Hair should be kept under control (clean and neat)
6. Excessive jewelry should be avoided – Medic Alert jewelry will be allowed. One pair of post type earrings only. No visible body jewelry or tattoos.
7. Cologne/aftershave should not be worn while in uniform.
8. Excessive makeup should be avoided
9. Natural, colorless or pale pink fingernail polish may be worn; chipping of polish should be avoided.
10. Fingernails should be reasonable length and clean.
11. Smoking will be permitted outside clinical facilities only.
12. Gum chewing will be permitted only in non-client areas.

SMOKING POLICY
There is to be no smoking during any nursing classes.

Smoking will be permitted outside of clinical facilities only.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
This grievance procedure is intended to provide a fair process for resolving concerns or complaints which are unique to the Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program. All other grievances should be handled in accordance with the grievance policy as set forth in the individual college student handbook.

This grievance procedure is to be used for grievances in nursing classes only.

This procedure shall include, but not necessarily limited to, concerns and disputes involving:

1. Application of a policy or procedure of the program
2. Grades/academic record
3. Discrimination on the basis of race, sex, handicap, etc./ sexual harassment

Recognizing that grievances should be raised and settled promptly, a grievance shall be raised within twenty (20) calendar days following the event giving rise to the grievance; or within twenty (20) calendar days of the time the student reasonably should have gained knowledge of its occurrence.

Procedure
1. Informal meeting-
When a concern or complaint arises, the student must discuss his/her concern with the person allegedly causing the grievance. If the grievance cannot be resolved, the student will meet with the Director of the VATNP. If the Director determines the necessity, the student will then be asked to meet with the teaching team. An attempt will be made to resolve the conflict informally by mutual consent.

2. Written appeal-
If the complaint cannot be resolved informally, the student may file a formal written grievance with the Director within (10) calendar days following the informal meeting. The Director will schedule a date for a meeting between the parties involved. The meeting shall take place within ten (10) calendar days after the receipt of the written appeal. Again, an attempt will be made to resolve the complaint by mutual consent.

3. If the grievance cannot be resolved informally, the Director will render a
written decision within five (5) calendar days of the meeting between parties
involved.

4. If the decision of the Director is still not satisfactory, either party may file a
written appeal within ten (10) calendar days after the receipt of the Director’s
decision, with the Dean of Instruction & Student Services of the college
where the student is registered. The Dean shall conduct an investigation and
render a written decision, within ten (10) calendar days after the receipt of the
written appeal.

5. If the decision of the Dean is not satisfactory, either party may file a written
appeal to the Coordinating Council of the Virginia Appalachian Tricollege
Nursing Program within ten (10) calendar days of the Dean’s decision.

6. The Coordinating Council will review the case and make the final decision,
generally within thirty (30) days.

I have received a copy of the Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program Student Handbook for 2003 – 2004. I have read and agree to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in this Handbook.

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Printed Name

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Signature

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Date