LVC Student Handbook PN Rev 2-2020 Final 20200702 · Las Vegas College Practical Nurse Student Handbook Rev 1‐2020A, effective 7/2/2020 PRACTICAL NURSE Diploma Program 15 Months

Practical Nurse Student Handbook

170 N. Stephanie Street Henderson, NV 89074

702-567-1920 www.lvcollege.edu

Revision 1-2020A, Effective 7/2/2020

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TABLEOFCONTENTS

SECTIONI:INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................6CourseSequenceWelcomeOverviewofPracticalNurseProgramANACodeofEthicsforNursesNevadaAdministrativeCodeandBoardofNursingScopeofPractice

SECTIONII:MISSIONANDPHILOSOPHY.............................................................................................10MissionandValuesPhilosophyandPurposeTeaching‐LearningProcessEndofProgramStudentLearningOutcomes

SECTIONIII:ACADEMICPOLICIES......................................................................................................13GeneralProgressionPoliciesTutoringAcademicAdvisingOnlineLearningAcademicProbationAcademicDishonestySECTIONIV:COURSEPOLICIES...........................................................................................................17ClassroomDressCodeAssignmentsExamPolicyExam/QuizMake‐upANoteonClassroomAttendanceandTardiness

SECTIONV:CLINICAL,SIMULATION,ANDSKILLSLABPOLICIES...........................................................19CertificationsandRequirementsAttendancePolicy(Clinical)NoCall,NoShowPolicyDressCodeforClinical,Simulation,andLabSmoking/TobaccoUsePolicyNearMissandIncidentReportsClinicalGradingPolicyClinicalVariancesClinicalandSimulationOrientationExposureIncidentInfectiousDiseaseStandardsofStudentClinicalConductandStudentAccountability

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SafeClinicalandSimulationPracticePolicyCriticalBehaviorUnsatisfactoryClinicalBehaviorSkillsLabActivitiesClinicalSiteorDayRequests

SECTIONVI:STUDENTCONDUCTANDOTHERPOLICIES.....................................................................31StudentConductandDisruptiveBehaviorCertificatesandLicensesSocialNetworkingandSocialMediaPolicyFoodandBeverageProfessionalBoundariesDrugandAlcoholAbusePolicyStudentHealthStudent’sFamilyResponsibilitiesTransportationOutsideEmployment

SECTIONVII:STUDENTORGANIZATIONSANDACTIVITIES.................................................................37LVCStudentNurseClassOfficersCommitteesPinning

SECTIONVIII:PNLICENSUREINFORMATION……………………………………………………………………………………….38PracticalNurseLicensureApplicationReviewofApplicationLicensureFees

SECTIONIX:APPENDICES..................................................................................................................40EssentialSkillsandFunctionalAbilityStandardsBloodbornePathogenEmployeeProtectionPolicyandExposureControlPlanAcknowledgementofDisclosureForm–Nursing

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PRACTICALNURSEDiploma Program

15Months–55.5QuarterCreditUnits

ThePracticalNurseprogramwillpreparethenursingstudentforentrylevelrolesasalicensedpracticalnurseintheever‐evolvinghealthcarefield.Theprogramincludesafocusontheories,concepts,andprinciplesofnursing.Italsodelvesintotheimportantareaofleadingandmanagingaswellaspertinentlegalissuesfacedbynursingleadersandmanagers.Agraduateofthisnursingprogramwillbepreparedtoassumetheentrylevelroleofhealthproviderinaglobalsociety.Heorshewillbeabletodeliverculturallyproficientcarewhilemeetingthephysical,spiritualandpsychosocialneedsofclients.Atthecompletionofthisprogram,thenursingstudentwillbepreparedtotaketheNCLEX‐PNexamforpracticalnursinglicensure.Oncelicensed,theindividualmayusethetitleofLicensedPracticalNurseandpracticeinentry‐levelstaffpositionsinvarioushealthcareagencies.

Theory

ContactHours

Clinical/LabContactHours

TotalContactHours

QuarterCredits

QuarterI BSC1085 Anatomy&PhysiologyI(1st6weeks) 40 0 40 4

BSC2085L Anatomy&PhysiologyILaboratory(1st6weeks)

0 0/40 40 2

BSC1086 Anatomy&PhysiologyII(2nd6weeks) 40 0 40 4

BSC2086L Anatomy&PhysiologyIILaboratory(2nd6weeks)

0 0/40 40 2

TotalHours 80 0/80 160 12

QuarterII

SLS1115 StrategiesforNursingSuccess 30 0 30 3

NUR1020 FundamentalsofNursingI 20 0/20 40 3

NUR1145 PharmacologyofNursingI 15 0 15 1.5

MAT1033 CollegeAlgebra 40 0 40 4

TotalHours 105 0/20 125 11.5

QuarterIII NUR1027 FundamentalsofNursingII 20 0 20 2NUR1027L FundamentalsofNursingIIClinical 0 45/20 65 2.5NUR1150 PharmacologyofNursingII 20 0 20 2PN1200 IVTherapy 10 0/20 30 2

TotalHours 50 45/40 135 8.5

QuarterIV NUR1210 NursingCareoftheAdultI 40 0 40 4

NUR1211L NursingCareoftheAdultIClinical 0 90/20 110 4

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PN1500 IntroductiontoCommunityHealth&Mental

HealthNursing20 0 20 2

PN1510L IntroductiontoCommunityHealth&Mental

HealthNursingClinical0 20/0 20 .5

TotalHours 60 110/20 190 10.5

QuarterV NUR2212 NursingCareofAdultClientII 40 0 40 4

NUR2213L NursingCareoftheAdultIIClinical 0 90/20 110 4

PN1400 IntroductiontoMaternal/ChildNursing 20 0 20 2PN1410L IntroductiontoMaternal/ChildNursing

Clinical0 15/10 25 1

PN1600 NCLEX‐PNReview 20 0 20 2

TotalHours 80 105/30 215 13 TotalProgramHours 375 260/190 825 55.5

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SECTIONI:INTRODUCTION

WELCOME

Welcometotherewardingandchallengingcareerofnursing!ThePracticalNurseProgramatLasVegasCollege(LVC)isdesignedtoprovidestudentswiththelearningresourcestoacquiretheknowledgebaseandtodevelopthenecessaryskillsandpreparednesstograduate,taketheNCLEX‐PN®examinationandbecomelicensedasaPracticalNurse(PN).Ourcurriculumrequiresthatstudentsassumetheresponsibilityfortheirlearning,decision‐makinganddemonstrationofindependentthinking.Criticalthinkingandproblem‐solvingskillsareofutmostimportancetobecominganeffectiveandsafepracticingnurse.

Thenursingprogramfacultyandstaffhavesetthestandardsforstudentstobeginthelife‐longlearninginnursing.LasVegasCollegePracticalNurseProgramisaprogramthatmeetsthecurriculumguidelinesoftheNevadaBoardofNursing.Programpolicies,proceduresandrequirementshavebeenestablishedtorepresentthestandardsfornursingeducationandsafeclinicalpractice.

ThisNursingStudentHandbookaddresses:

Programpolicies,proceduresandrequirementsoftheLasVegasCollegePracticalNurseProgram.

Guidanceformaintainingcurrent,goodstandingintheprogram.

Thisstudenthandbookisreflectiveofthepoliciesofthenursingprogramandadditionsmaybeaddedasneeded.LVCreservestherighttomakechangesatanytime.Studentswillbenotifiedofhandbookchangesastheyarise.ThePracticalNursingStudentHandbookisacompanionpublicationtotheStudentCatalogasitrelatestonursingstudentsandcoveringothertopicsrelatedspecificallytothenursingprogram.However,intheeventofaconflictbetweenapolicyintheCatalogandthisHandbook,theCatalogwillsupersedeandcontroloverthisHandbook.

OVERVIEWOFNURSINGPROGRAM

LasVegasCollegeoffersadiplomaprogramtopreparethestudenttobeeligibletotaketheNCLEX‐PNexamination.UponsuccessfulcompletionoftheNCLEX‐PN®examinationthestudentcanworkasalicensedpracticalnurse.

Thisisafive‐quarterprogramwhichincludesbothgeneraleducationandnursingcoursesandleadstoadiplomainpracticalnursing.Studentsinthisprogramtypicallyhavenoformalacademicnursingbackground.Inthisprogramstudentsgainproficiencythroughbothclass(theory)andclinicalexperiencesinavarietyofsettings.

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AMERICANNURSESASSOCIATION(ANA)CODEOFETHICSFORNURSES

Thenursingprofessionworkswithotherhealthcaregroupstopromotehealth,alleviatesufferingandattaintherapeuticgoalsbaseduponhumanneed.Eachnursehastheresponsibilitytoindividuals,sickorwell,theirfamilies,andthepublic.Suchresponsibilityrequiresethicalpracticesandadherencetothelawsrelevanttonursing.

1. Thenursepracticeswithcompassionandrespectfortheinherentdignity,worth,anduniqueattributesofeveryperson.

2. Thenurse'sprimarycommitmentistothepatient,whetheranindividual,family,group,community,orpopulation.

3. Thenursepromotes,advocatesfor,andprotecttherights,health,andsafetyofthepatient.

4. Thenursehasauthority,accountabilityandresponsibilityfornursingpractice;makesdecisions;andtakesactionconsistentwiththeobligationtoprovideoptimalpatientcare.

5. Thenurseowesthesamedutiestoselfastoothers,includingtheresponsibilitytopromotehealthandsafety,preservewholenessofcharacterandintegrity,maintaincompetence,andcontinuepersonalandprofessionalgrowth.

6. Thenurse,throughindividualandcollectiveeffortestablishes,maintains,andimprovestheethicalenvironmentoftheworksettingandconditionsofemploymentthatareconducivetosafe,qualityhealthcare.

7. Thenurse,inallrolesandsettings,advancestheprofessionthroughresearchandscholarlyinquiry,professionalstandardsdevelopment,andthegenerationofbothnursingandhealthpolicy.

8. Thenursecollaborateswithotherhealthprofessionalsandthepublictoprotecthumanrights,promotehealthdiplomacy,andreducehealthdisparities.

9. Theprofessionofnursing,collectivelythroughitsprofessionalorganizations,mustarticulatenursingvalues,maintaintheintegrityoftheprofession,andintegrateprinciplesofsocialjusticeintonursingandhealthpolicy.

Source:AmericanNursesAssociation.(2015).CodeofEthicsforNurseswithInterpretiveStatements,SilverSpring,MD:Author.

ANArecognizesthatnursingstudentsarenotonlythenursesoftomorrow;theyaretheANAmembersoftomorrow!Foraccesstoallavailableresources,benefits,articlesandspecialdiscountsbesuretosign‐uptoseethemembersonlysectionofthesite.Asanursingstudent,accessisfree.Allyouneedtodoise‐mailyourname,schoolandcurrentyearinschoolto[emailprotected]andapromocodewillbesentimmediatelytoyou.

NEVADABOARDOFNURSINGADMINISTRATIVECODEFORNURSINGSTUDENTS

Inaddition,theLVCnursingprogramadherestotheNevadaBoardofNursingAdministrativeCodeforNursingStudents:

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PerformanceofTasks

1. Anursingstudentmay,asanapprenticenurse,performthosetaskswhichhehassuccessfullydemonstratedinhisprogramofeducationif:

(a) Thenursingstudentworksasanapprenticenurseinalicensedhospitalforacutecare,alicensedhospitalforlong‐termcare,acommunityhealthclinic,orahealthmaintenanceorganization,andworksunderthesupervisionofalicensedpracticalnurseorregisterednursewhoisatthesitewherecareisprovided;

(b) Thenursingstudentpresentstothisemployersatisfactoryevidencefromhisschoolofnursingofasuccessfuldemonstrationofhisskills;

(d) Thedescriptionofthepositionofapprenticenurseprovidedbythehealthcarefacilityemployingthenursingstudentidentifiestherolesandresponsibilitiesoftheposition;

(e) Thetasksdelegatedtothenursingstudentactingasanapprenticenurseareidentifiedinthehealthcarefacility’sdescriptionofthepositionandhavebeenapprovedbytheboardastasksthataredelegabletothenursingstudent;

(f) Thereisaformalprocedureforthenursingstudenttorefusetoperformanytaskuntilheiscomfortablewithhisabilitytodososafely;and

(g) Thenursingstudent,actingasanapprenticenurse,identifieshimselfasanapprenticenurseonhisnametagwhenrecordingpatients’recordsandinhisintroductiontopatients.

2. Whileperformingnursingfunctionsasanapprenticenurse,thenursingstudentissubjecttotheprovisionsoftheNursePracticeActandregulationsadoptedbytheboard.

Prohibitedacts

Anursingstudentwhoisworkingasanapprenticenursemaynotdelegatehisdutiesorsuperviseotherpersonnel.

ThefollowingistakenfromtheNevadaStateBoardofNursingScope‐of‐PracticeDecision‐MakingGuideline:

StatutoryDefinitionofthePracticeofNursingandDefinitionsforPNPractice

The“Practiceofnursing”,asdefinedinNRS632.0169,meansthegeneralobservation,diagnosisandtreatmentofchangesinaperson’shealth.Thetermdoesnotincludeactsofmedicaldiagnosisorprescriptionoftherapeuticorcorrectivemeasures,exceptasauthorizedbyspecificstatute.

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The“Practiceofprofessionalnursing”means,accordingtoNRS632.018,theperformanceofanyactintheobservation,careandcounseloftheill,injuredorinfirm,inthemaintenanceofhealthorpreventionofillnessofothers,inthesupervisionandteachingofotherpersonnel,intheadministrationofmedicationsandtreatmentsasprescribedbyanadvancedpractitionerofnursing,alicensedphysician,aphysicianassistantlicensedpursuanttochapter630or633ofNRS,alicenseddentistoralicensedpodiatricphysician,requiringsubstantialspecializedjudgmentandskillbasedonknowledgeandapplicationoftheprinciplesofbiological,physicalandsocialscience,butdoesnotincludeactsofmedicaldiagnosisorprescriptionoftherapeuticorcorrectivemeasures.

StatementRegardingScopeofPractice

Theprofessionofnursingisanautonomousanddynamicdiscipline.Itisaself‐governingprofessionthatisgroundedinscience.Nursingpracticechangesandevolvesinresponsetohealthcareneedsofsociety,technicaladvancements,andtheexpansionofscientificandnursingknowledge.Thescopeofpracticeforeachnursinglicensurecategoryincludesalloftheactivitiesinwhichanursemayengageathis/herleveloflicensure.Withinthatbroaderscope,however,thescopeforeachindividualnursewillvaryaccordingtopracticeexperiencesandprofessionaldevelopmentactivities.

Thelicensedpracticalnurseisresponsibleandaccountable,bothprofessionallyandlegally,fordetermininghis/herindividualscopeofnursingpractice.Activitieswithinanindividualnurse’sscopemuststillfallwithinthebroaderscopewritteninstatute.Thus,thereisnoauthorityforthenursetoincludeindividualactivitieswhichexceedthebroaderscopedefinedbystatute.Practically,thismeansthataphysiciancannotexpandnursingscopeofpracticebydirectinganursetoperformanactivitythatisnotrecognizedbythenursingprofessionaspropertobeperformedbyanurseinNevada.Sincetheroleandresponsibilitiesofthenurse,andconsequentlythescopeofnursingpractice,iseverchangingandincreasinglycomplex,itisimportantthatthenurseisabletomakedecisionsregardinghis/herownscopeofpractice.

LVCPracticalNurseProgramwillteachthecomponentsoftheLPNScopeofPracticetonursingstudentstolearnfortheirfuturenursingpractice.

ItisyourresponsibilitytohaveaccesstotheNursePracticeAct,theNevadaBoardofNursingrules/regulationsandgenerallyacceptedstandardsofnursingpracticeincludingbutnotlimitedtobehaviorindicatinghonesty,accountability,trustworthiness,reliabilityandintegrity.

NursingstudentsareencouragedtosignupfortheJohnson&JohnsonNursingNoteselectronicnewsletter.Thisnewsletterprovidesinformationontheprofessioninrelationtoindustrynews,nursingcareers,makingadifferenceandscholarshipinformation.

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SECTIONII:MISSIONANDPHILOSOPHY

LASVEGASCOLLEGEVISIONToprovideexcellenteducationalopportunitiesthatareresponsivetotheneedsofthecommunityand

tohelpstudentsbettertheirlivesandthelivesofothers.

LASVEGASCOLLEGEMISSIONLasVegasCollegevaluesitsdiversestudentpopulationandiscommittedtoprovidingprofessional,

career‐orientedhighereducation.Theseopportunitiesallowstudentstoreachtheirpersonalandprofessionalgoals.Througheducationalrigor,facultyandstaffwhoarededicatedtostudentachievement,LasVegasCollegepreparesgraduatesforsuccessfulcareers,lifelonglearning,andtoprovideservicetoLasVegasandsurroundingareas.

LASVEGASCOLLEGENURSINGPROGRAMMISSIONSTATEMENT

TheNursingFacultyarededicatedtopreparingoutstandingprofessionalnursescommittedto

excellenceandinnovationinthedeliveryandmanagementofevidence‐basedhealthcarethroughcreative,collaborativeandculturallyfocusededucationalprograms.

TheNursingFaculty’seducationaleffortisdirectedtoprovidinghighqualitystudent‐centeredprogramsofinstructionwhichpreparesuperbprofessionalnursestomeetbasichealthcareneedswhilemaintainingfullregulatorycompliancewithStateBoardofNursingandAccreditationagencies.

ThisNursingFacultyseekstodevelopandtransmitknowledgeregardingnursingpracticeandhealth,illnessandhealingthroughdynamicprogramsofnursingeducationandpractice.

PHILOSOPHYANDPURPOSE

ThephilosophyandpurposeoftheLVCNursingProgramisbasedonthebeliefthatindividualsareholisticbeingswhopossessuniquephysiological,psychological,socio‐cultural,andspiritualqualities.Individualscontinuallyinteractwiththeenvironment,therebylearningandadaptingtoachieveoptimumhealth.

Healthisadynamicstateofwellnessorsystemstabilityinwhichindividualsadapttochangesintheinternalandexternalenvironmentstomaintainharmonybetweentheirphysiological,psychological,socio‐cultural,andspiritualstates.Responsibilityforhealth/illnesscareissharedmutuallybyprovidersandindividualsreceivingcare.Healthattainment,maintenance,restoration,andqualitycarearerightsofeachindividualregardlessofrace,religiousbeliefs,nationality,social,orfinancialstatus.

Societyhastheresponsibilitytoitsmembersbothindividuallyandcollectivelytoprovideanenvironmentthatfostershealthpromotion,attainment,maintenance,andrestoration.Societymust

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strivetoachieveoptimalcarewithinalegalandethicalframeworkwhilemanagingeconomicrestraintsandtechnologicaladvancesinhealthcare.Environmentisviewedasanopensystemwithinwhichtheindividualinteractscontinuously.Ithasbothinternalandexternalcomponents,whichareaffectedbychangeswithinthephysical,emotional,spiritual,economic,andculturalstateoftheindividual.

Nursingisbothanartandscienceandnursesprovidenursingcarewithintheirscopeofpractice.Itisauniqueprofessionthatdealswithallofthedynamicsaffectingindividualsandviewstheindividualasaholisticbeing(Bio‐psycho‐social‐spiritual).Nursescollaboratewithothermembersofthehealthcareteamtoencourageindividualstoparticipateintheircare.Thefoundationofnursingpracticeisthenursingprocess,whichthenurseusestoassistindividualsandfamiliestoattainmutuallyagreedupongoals.

Licensedpracticalnursesprovidecarewithintheirscopeofpractice.Thenursingprocessisusedforassessing,diagnosing,planning,implementing,andevaluatingofhealthcareservicesandcareoftheindividual.Sincethedeliveryofhealthcareisdynamic,thelicensedpracticalnurseevaluatesindividualsbasedontheirgoalachievement,needforreassessmentandrefocusofprioritieswiththeultimateendofsettingnewgoals.Careisgivenwithinasoundlegalandethicalframework.

Thelicensedpracticalnurseisexpectedtodevelopnecessaryskillsforcollaborationwithmembersofthehealthcareteamincludingtheclient,familyand/orsignificantothers.

TEACHING‐LEARNINGPROCESS

Learningisacontinuous,active,lifelongprocess.Learningprogressessequentiallyfromsimpletocomplexandresultsinbehavioralchangesincognitive,psychom*otor,andaffectivedomains.Nursesseekeducationalresourcesthatprovideopportunitiesforlearningexperiencesthatmaintainandenhanceknowledgeandskills,aswellasthosethatfostercontinuedcompetence,nursingpracticeandincreasedprofessionalgrowth.

Theteaching‐learningprocessisatit*bestwhenstudentsactivelyparticipateintheirlearningexperiencesandtakeresponsibilityforachievingprogrammaticcompetencies.Inthisprocesstheteacherisafacilitator,coach,counselor,andresourceperson.Furthermore,theteacherandstudentsharetheresponsibilityofbuildinganatmospherethatfostersalearningcommunitythatpromotesintellectualcuriosity,criticalandanalyticalthought,andindividualcreativity.Tothatend,thefacultyusesavarietyofteachingtechniquestoaccommodatestudentsfromdiversebackgroundsandexperiences.

Hence,nursingeducationisbothasystemandaprocess.Studentsbringwiththemabroadrangeofexperiencesaswellastheirabilitytorespondtoandadapttoongoinginputsandexpectedbehavioralchanges.Theseinputsawakenstudentstotheirabilitytodelivernursingcare.TheNursingFacultyarecommittedtofacilitatingthisprocessthroughtheirmonitoringtheteaching‐learningenvironmenttoensureoptimalexperiencesandevaluatingthestudentsandprogramtoachievetheoutcomeofsafeandeffectivepractitionersofnursing.

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ENDOFPROGRAMSTUDENTLEARNINGOUTCOMES

UponcompletionoftheLVCPracticalNursingProgram,thegraduatewill:

Applythenursingprocessinmanagingthecareforclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

Incorporatecriticalthinkingwhenmanagingcareforclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

Applyeffectivecommunicationskillstoestablishandmaintaintherapeuticandprofessionalrelationshipsinmanagingcareforclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

Integrateprinciplesofhumandevelopmentwhenprovidingnursingcareforclients,groupsandfamiliesacrossthelifespan.

Incorporateknowledgeofculturalandsocioeconomicfactorsinthemanagementofnursingcareforclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

PracticesafelywithintheroleoftheLicensedPracticalNurseasa:

o Providerofcareby:

Integratingbio‐psychosocialandscientificprincipleswhenprovidingtechnicallycompetentcareforclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

o Managerofcareby:

Collaboratingasamemberofthehealthcareteamtomanagethecareofclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

Delegateactivitiestomanagethecareofclients,groupsandfamiliesinavarietyofhealthcaresettings.

o Memberofthedisciplineofpracticalnursingby:

Practicingwithintheethicalandlegalframeworkoftheprofessionofpracticalnursing.

Formulatingaplanforcontinuingprofessionaldevelopment.

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SECTIONIII:ACADEMICPOLICIES

GENERALACADEMIC&PROGRESSIONPOLICIES

AllNursingStudentsmustunderstandthat: NursingCoursesmustbetakenintherequiredsequenceasoutlinedinthecurriculum. Anoverallcoursegradeofa“C”(76%orabove)isrequiredtopasseachNursingTheory

course.Allnursingclinicalcoursesmustbecompletedata‘Satisfactory’leveltopassthatcourse.

AllNursingTheory,LabandClinicalportionsofeachcoursemustbepassedinordertopassthespecialtynursecourse.Ifastudentfailseitherthetheory,lab,orclinicalcomponentofacoursetheyfailallthreeandwillberescheduledforallthreecomponentsthefollowingquarter.

Dosagecalculationitemswillbeonallexamsineverycourse. Priortofinalcalculationofthecoursegrade,anaverageof76%intheexamitemcategory

mustbeachieved(including,butnotlimitedto:quizzes,midterm,final,courseexams,ATIexam).Oncetheexamcategoryisscoredandaveragesovera76%,theremainderofthecourseworkwillbecomputedintothefinalgrade. Thefinalgradeforthecoursemustalsobe76%orhighertosuccessfullypassthecourse.

Graderoundingisnotallowedwhencalculatingfinalcoursegrades.Thegradeearnedisthegradethatwillberecorded.

Quizzesareofferedduringtheallottedtimebytheinstructor.Thestudentmaymakeuponequizoroneexampercourseperquarter(excludingATIProctoredExamsandFinalExams).Noadditionalopportunitiesformake‐upwillbeofferedregardlessofthecirc*mstanceoftheadditionalmissedquiz/quizzes.

Thenursingfacultyencouragesstudentstoreviewgradedassignments,quizzes,andexamsforthepurposesofclarificationofinformation.Shouldanursingstudentwishtodisputetheirassignment,test,orquizgradetheymustdosowithinfivecalendardaysoftheduedateortestdateinwritingtotheinstructor.

Forthepurposesofretentionandprogression,studentswhofailclinicallyandwithdrawordroppriortotheacademicpenaltydateestablishedbythecollegewillbeconsideredtohaveincurredacoursefailure.

NogradelowerthanaCisacceptedinanynursingcourseorgeneraleducationcourse. Studentsmustcompleteallrequiredpre‐requisitesand/orco‐requisitesbeforeprogressing

tothefollowingquarter. Astudentwhofailsanytwonursingcourseswillbedismissedfromthenursingprogram. Thefollowingprogressionpolicywillapplytothesegeneraleducationcoursesonly:

StrategiesforNursingSuccessandAnatomy&PhysiologyIandIItheoryand/orlab.Anystudentfailingoneofthesecoursesmayonlyrepeatthatcourseonetime.Ifcourseisfailedonsecondattempt,studentwillbedismissedfromthenursingprogram.(PleaserefertotheStudentCatalogforappealprocess.)

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Tore‐enteranursingcourseafterafailureorwithdrawal,thestudentmustseethePracticalNursingDepartmentChairandtheremustbespaceinthecohortforre‐entryprovidedtheywerenotdismissedfromtheprogramduetosecondnursingcoursefailure.

Priortoeachnursingclinicalcoursethestudentwillberequiredtotakeadosagecalculationquiz.Apassingscoreof90%isrequiredinallclinicalcourseswiththeexceptionofdosagecalculationquizzesinQuarter4andQuarter5requiringapassingscoreof100%.Thestudentwillbeallowedoneadditionalopportunitytoretakepriortotheendofweektwoofthequarter.Ifthestudentdoesnotpassthequizbytherequiredscoreontheseopportunities,theywillberequiredtowithdrawfromthetheoryandclinicalcourse.Thestudentwillhavetore‐enterthetheoryandclinicalthenexttimetheyareofferedbasedontheavailabilityofspace.

Healthrequirements,EssentialSkillsandFunctionalAbilitiesStandards,HIPAAandOSHAtrainingandCPRcertificationmustbemaintainedandcurrent.

Allnursingstudentsmustcomplywithstateandfederallaws,aswellastherulesandregulationsatclinicalsites,includingbutnotlimitedtocriminalbackgroundchecksanddrugtesting.

ThesepoliciessupersedeallCollegepoliciesindecisionsrelatedtoprogressionandretentioninthenursingprogram.

StudentSuccessPlan(SSP)

StudentsuccessoutcomesistheprimaryfocusforprovidingSSP.ItisstronglyencouragedstudentsattendSSPonthedatesthetheoryinstructordesignatesorafterconsultingwithstudentssoarrangementscanbemade.Oncethefirstquizortestislowerthan76%itishighlyrecommendedthestudentattendSSP.Untilthequizzesandexamsaremaintainedat80%oraboveitisrecommendedthestudentscontinuetoattendSSP.Twohourswillbesetasideeachweekthroughouttheprogramtoassistwithstudentsuccess.

TUTORING

Studentswhoarehavingdifficultywiththeory,laborclinicalconceptswillhavetheavailabilityofaninstructorinSSPtotutorinordertoprovideclarificationandadditionalinformation.Peertutoringmaybeavailable.

ACADEMICADVISING

StudentsenterLVCwithvariedbackgroundsandmotivatingfactors.Tomaintainthestandardsoftheschoolandtoservethebestinterestofeachstudent,academicadvisingbytheNursingDepartmentChairand/orNursingFacultyisanon‐goingprocessanddoneattheendofeveryclinicalcourse.Itremainsthestudent’sresponsibilitytoensureallgeneraleducationcoursesarecompletedbytheendofthe5thquartertobeeligibletograduate.Anadvisorforeachcohortisavailable.

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ACADEMICPROBATION

Attheendofanyevaluationperiod,whenthestudentfallsbelowtherequiredacademicprogressstandardsfortheCollege,thestudentshallreceiveawrittenwarningandbeplacedonacademicprobation.PleaserefertotheStudentCatalogforinformationrelatedtoStandardsofSatisfactoryAcademicProgress(SAP).

ACADEMICDISHONESTYWITHINTHENURSINGDEPARTMENT

LVCPracticalNursingDepartmentexpectseverystudenttoengageinallscholasticpursuitsinamannerthat is beyond reproach. Students are required tomaintain complete honesty and integrity in theclassroomand/or laboratory.Any student foundguiltyofdishonesty in scholasticwork is subject todisciplinaryaction.

ThePracticalNursingDepartmentgoalisthateachstudentcompleteshisorherownworkinordertomastertheskillsneededtodeliversafe,competentnursingcare.AcademicDishonestyiscontrarytothisgoalandrepresentsbothunprofessionalconductandlackofgoodprofessionalcharacter.

Academicdishonestyincludes,butisnotlimitedto,cheatingonscholasticwork,plagiarismandcollusion.

Cheatingonscholasticworkincludes,butisnotlimitedto:

Copyingfromanotherstudent’stestpaperorotherscholasticwork.

Using,duringatest,materialsorequipmentnotauthorizedbythepersonadministeringthetest.

Collaborating,withoutauthority,withanotherstudentduringanexaminationorinthepreparationofscholasticwork.

Knowinglyusing,buying,selling,stealing,transportingorsoliciting,inwholeorinpart,thecontentsofanun‐administeredtest.

Soliciting,bribingorcoercinganinstructortoalterthescoreorgradeachievedonatestorotherscholasticwork.

Substitutingforanotherstudent,orpermittinganotherstudenttosubstituteforone‐self,totakeatestorprepareotheracademicworkorlaboratoryassignments/experiments.

Soliciting,bribingorcoercinganotherpersontoobtainanun‐administeredtest/examinationorinformationaboutanun‐administeredtest/examination.

Usingthoughts,words,orexpressionsofother’sworks,includingweb‐basedinformation,asone’sown(plagiarism).

Allstudentconductwillsupportacademichonesty.Anystudentparticipatinginanyformofacademic

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dishonestyorotherwiseinviolationoftheStudentCodeofConductwillbescheduledtoseethePracticalNursingDepartmentChair.Thestudentmaybesuspendedordismissedfromtheprogram.Anystudentcaughtengaginginanyoftheactionsdefinedabovewillreceivean“F”orzerogradeforthatspecificoccurrence.

Inadditiontotherulesandregulationscontainedinthishandbook,studentsareexpectedtoadheretothepoliciesofLVC,andtherules,regulationsandpoliciesofanyotherinstitutionorfacilitywheretheymaybeassigned.PracticalnursingstudentsareexpectedtoadheretoallexpectationsintheStudentCatalogasdescribedinthePracticalNurseStudentHandbook.

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SECTIONIV:COURSEPOLICIES

CLASSROOMDRESSCODE

Youareenteringthenursingprofession.Asaprofession,nursinghasdistinctdifferencesfromnon‐professions,includingexpectationsofdress.Themannerinwhichyoudressreflectstheprideyouhaveinyourself,yourschool,andyourprofession.Themannerinwhichyoudressalsoreflectstheimportanceoftheexperienceandisanindicationofyourself‐discipline,notonlyindress,butinotherareas.ThepurposeofthispolicyistoelaborateonthedresscodeestablishedintheStudentCatalogandtosetguidelinesforprovidingasafeandcomfortablelearningenvironment.Thedresscodefortheoryclassesisanysolidcolorscrubs.Studentsarepermittedtowearthree‐quarterorlongsleeveshirtsundertheirscrubtopinwhite,black,blueorgrey.Anynecklinefortheshirtispermitted(turtleneck,V‐neck,scoopneck).Nothingistobewornoveryourscrubs.Studentsarenotallowedtowearouterwear(jackets,sweaters,cardigans,hoodies,sweatshirts,labcoats,warmupjackets)aftertheyarriveintheclassroom,sotheyshouldconsiderthethicknessoftheshirtundertheirscrubs.Ifstudentsfindtheclassroomtemperaturetoocold,athermalorheaviershirtmaybeappropriate.Studentscanwearanystyleorcolortennis/sneakers/athleticshoeswithclosedtoeandheel.Socksshouldbewhite,natural,orblack.Thedresscodeforclinical,labandsimulationisdiscussedinthefollowingsection.CollegeAlgebraistheonlyclassthatisexemptfromthenursingstudentdresscode.

Thosewhocontinuallydisregardthedresscodewillbewarnedanddisciplinaryactionwillbetaken.Ifastudentcontinuestoviolatethispolicy;actionmayincludedismissalfromtheprogram.Astudentmaybeexcludedfromclassorclinicalifthestudent’sappearanceisoffensive,presentsad*straction,orisnotinkeepingwiththispolicy.Studentsareresponsibleforallteaching/learningexperiencesmissed.

ASSIGNMENTS

Assignmentsaredueatthebeginningofclassonthedatepublishedinthecoursesyllabus.Homeworkassignmentsthatarerequiredtobeturnedinbutnotgradedarecountedaseitherpresentorabsentontheduedate.Assignmentsthatreceiveindividualgradeswillreceive10%offperdaythattheyarelate.Assignmentsturnedinafter3daysfromtheduedatewillnotbeacceptedandwillcountasazero“0”forthegradeonthatassignmentunlessotherwisenotedincoursesyllabus.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytocompleteallworkinatimelymanner.ThestudentshouldnotexpecttheinstructororPracticalNursingDepartmentChairtoprovideextracreditassignmentsforthepurposeofpassingacourse.

EXAMPOLICY

Studentswhoarelatefortheirscheduledexamhavethechoicetotakeitintheremainingtimeorreceivea10%deduction.Studentsneedtousethebathroompriortoenteringtheexamtestingroom.Nothingisallowedontheexamtable.Allphonesandallelectronicdevicesmustbeturnedoffandplacedina

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separateareaofthetestinglocationasdesignatedbyyourinstructor.Studentswillonlybeallowedtoleavethetestingroomforanemergency.Studentsmustnotaccessanystudymaterialsoraskforhelp.Studentsmaynotdiscussexamitemsoranswerswithanyotherstudentincludingpostinganswersordiscussionblogsontheinternet.Examcontentwillcovernursingconceptstaughtinthecourseaswellasconceptspreviouslycovered.Contentmaycomefromtheassignedresourcesaswellasresourcestheinstructordeemsappropriatetomeetcourseobjectives.

Astudentwhoviolatestheexamregulationsorrules,orengagesinirregularbehavior,misconductand/ordoesnotfollowtheproctorswarningtodiscontinueinappropriatebehaviormaybedismissedfromtheexam.Additionally,theexamresultmaybewithheldorcancelledandotherdisciplinaryactionmaybetakenincludingdismissalfromtheprogram.

EXAM/QUIZMAKE‐UPS

Studentsareallowedtomake‐uponequizoroneexampercourseperquarter(excludingATIProctoredExamsandFinalExams).Studentswhomissanexam/quizneedtotakeitwithin48hoursofitbeinggiven(Example:testgivenat0800Mondaymustbetakenby0800Wednesday).Therewillbeanautomaticdeductionof10%fromtheexam/quizgradewithoutwrittendocumentationofanextenuatingcirc*mstancecontributingtothemissedexam/quiz.Itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttocontacttheinstructortoarrangeatimetotakethemissedexam/quiz.Iftheexamisnotmadeupwithin48hours,itwillbescoredzero“0”.Thereisnomake‐upforfinalsunlessthereareextenuatingcirc*mstancesandarrangementshavebeenmadewiththeinstructorpriortothefinalexamwheneverpossible.

ANOTEABOUTATTENDANCEANDCLASSROOMTARDINESS

AsexplainedinthefullattendancepolicyintheStudentCatalog,regularattendanceiscrucialtosuccessfulprogramcompletionandfailuretoadheretotheattendancepolicycanresultinsuspensionandeventerminationfromschool.Ifastudentwillbeunavoidablyabsent,he/sheshouldcalltheinstructorpriortotheclassdate/time(nomessagesviaanotherstudent,isacceptable)asyouwouldalertyouremployerifyouaregoingtomisswork.Studentswhoareabsentfromtheclassroomhavetheresponsibilitytoacquireinformationfromafellowstudent.Ifastudentisgoingtobetardy,theyshouldwaitforthebreaktoentertheclassroom.Again,itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttogettheinformationmissedduetotardiness.

GRADINGPOLICIES

PleaserefertotheStudentCatalogforthefullgradingpolicy.

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SECTIONV:CLINICAL,SIMULATION,ANDSKILLSLABPOLICIES

CERTIFICATIONSANDREQUIREMENTS

AllstudentsmustmaintaincurrentAmericanHeartAssociationCPRcertificationandup‐to‐dateimmunizationsandhealthrequirementstobeenrolledinaclinicalcourse.Thesedocumentsaretobeuploadedbythestudenttothedocumentmanagementsystembythelastdayofthesecondquarter.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoensuretheserequirementsarecurrentandtherecordsaremaintained.Ifthestudentdoesnotmaintaintherecordscurrent,theymaynotbeabletoprogressforwardwithnursingcoursesthathaveacorrespondingclinical.

Priortoclinicalthefollowingneedtobecompleted:

Provideproofofcurrentimmunizationsasrequiredbyclinicalagencies ProvideproofofcurrentAmericanHeartAssociationCPR/Chokingtraining‐BasicLife

Supportthatincludesinfant,childandadultwithAEDasrequiredbyclinicalagencies.Noonlinecards

Provideacopyofhealthinsuranceorasignedwaiver Havephysicalexaminationclearancebyalicensedprovider(withinsixmonthsofthe

student’sfirstclinicalrotation) Passacriminalbackgroundcheckanddrugtest

Alistingofadditionalclinicalrequirementsfollows:

2stepTBskintestorQuantiferonorChestX‐raywithproofofpositiveskintestorquantiferon BLS(mustbeAHA) MMR2dosesorpositivetiter Varicella2dosesorpositivetiter HepB3dosesorpositivetiterorwaiver Tdap FluShot

ATTENDANCEPOLICY

Thefacultyconsiderslaboratory/clinical/practicum(henceforthreferredtoas“clinical”)attendanceessentialforprovidingopportunitiestoapplytheorycontenttohealthcaresettingsandpractice.

ClinicalTardinessPolicy

Tardinessisdefinedasnotbeingpresentandpreparedtobeginclinicalatthedesignatedstarttime.Intheeventthatcirc*mstancespreventastudentfromarrivingontimetotheclinicalexperience,thestudentisexpectedtodothefollowing:

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NotifytheClinical/LabInstructoratleastthirtyminutespriortothescheduledarrivaltime.ThiscommunicationmustbedirectlyfromthestudenttotheInstructor.

Uponarrivaltotheclinical/labsetting,reportimmediatelytotheInstructor.TheInstructorwilldeterminewhetherthestudentisabletoparticipateintheclinical/labexperienceorreceiveanabsencefortheday.Ifthestudentisdismissedfromtheclinical/labexperienceforanyreason,thestudentreceivesanabsencefortheday.

Foreachtardy,thestudentwillreceiveaClinicalVarianceForm.Twoclinicalvarianceswillresultinclinicalfailurewhichwillresultinfailureofthecourse.

Clinical/LaboratoryAbsencePolicy

Clinical/Lababsenceswillnotbescheduledformake‐upopportunitiesunlessgrantedbythePracticalNursingDepartmentChairaftersubmissionofanExtenuatingCirc*mstanceRequest.Seepolicybelow.Thismayresultincoursefailureifthestudenthasnotmettheminimumclinicalhours.

Itismandatorythatstudentsattendallclinical/labexperiences.Anystudentnotmeetingtheminimumnumberofhoursrequiredpercoursewillnotmeetthecreditrequirementsofthecourseresultingincoursefailure.Studentsmayrequestconsiderationofanextenuatingcirc*mstanceregardingtheabsence.SeeExtenuatingAbsenceRequestprocedurebelow.Make‐upopportunitiesarenotguaranteedregardlessofthecirc*mstanceoftheabsence.

Intheeventaninstructormustsendastudentoffoftheunit,includingbutnotlimitedtoillness,inappropriatedress,inappropriatebehavior,lackofprepfortheclinicalexperience,lateness,useofanytobaccoproductwhileinuniformand/orinbusinesscasualforanyclinicalexperience,orforcomplianceissues,theabsencewillbecountedasaclinicalabsenceforthatday.

Intheeventastudenthasreceivedasubpoenatoappearincourt,isselectedforjuryduty,isonleaveduetobereavementorhasrequiredmilitaryservice,thestudentwillberesponsibleformeetingwiththeDepartmentChairorherdesigneetodiscussthesituationathandonanindividualbasis.Thestudentmustbeabletoprovideacopyofthesubpoena,courtdocumentsormilitaryorders.

Circ*mstancesthatmayaffectthesafetyofothersorthestudent’ssafety,suchaspregnancy,communicabledisease,orinjury,willrequireaReturntoWorkCertificatewithoutrestrictions.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytocommunicatesuchcirc*mstancestothePracticalNursingDepartmentChair.

FailuretofollowthereportingproceduresfortardinessandabsenceswillresultinthestudentreceivinganunsatisfactoryontheclinicalevaluationandaClinicalVarianceFormandmayresultincoursefailure.

ProcessforClinicalAbsence

StudentswhomissanyclinicalexperienceforreasonsthatarenotdeemedextenuatingmustmeetwiththePracticalNursingDepartmentChair.ThePracticalNursingDepartmentChairwilldetermineifamake‐upopportunitywillbegranted.Ifamake‐upopportunityisnotgrantedorunavailable,thestudentwillnotbeabletomeettherequiredclinicalhoursforthecourseresultingincoursefailure.

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ProcessforExtenuatingCirc*mstancesRequests

Astudentwhoisabsentfromclinicalmayrequestconsiderationofextenuatingcirc*mstances.Extenuatingcirc*mstancesaredeemedthosethatareseriousinnatureandthereforethefollowingpolicyisinreferencetotheentiretyofthenursingprogramandnotpercourse.Extenuatingcirc*mstancerequestswillonlybeconsideredforillness/injuryofthestudentoranimmediatefamilymember,deathofthestudent’simmediatefamilymember,juryduty,militarydeploymentorlegal/courtdates.Documentationmustbesubmittedwithinfive(5)daysofabsence.

Requireddocumentationforextenuatingcirc*mstanceconsideration:

SeriousIllnessorInjury:

o Emergencydepartment,urgentcare,orhospitaldischargepaperworkrelevanttothe

acuteillness

Deathofimmediatefamilymember:

o Evidenceofdeath

JuryDuty

o Jurysummons

MilitaryDeployment

o Deploymentorders

Legal/CourtDates

o Courtdocumentswithdateslisted

FirstClinicalAbsence:

Immediatelyuponreturntoschool,thestudentmustsubmittheExtenuatingCirc*mstancesformtothePracticalNursingDepartmentChairalongwiththerequireddocumentation.ThePracticalNursingDepartmentChairwillconsiderallrequestsanddetermineifamake‐upopportunitycanbegranted.Make‐upopportunitiesmustbeinaccordancewiththeclinicalcourseobjectives.Ifamake‐upopportunityisnotgrantedorunavailable,thestudentwillnotbeabletomeettherequiredclinicalhoursforthecourseresultingincoursefailure.

SecondClinicalAbsence:

Immediatelyuponreturntoschool,thestudentmustsubmittheExtenuatingCirc*mstancesRequestformtothePracticalNursingDepartmentChairalongwiththerequireddocumentation.ThePracticalNursingDepartmentChairwillconsiderallrequestsanddetermineifamake‐upopportunitycanbe

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granted.Ifamake‐upopportunityisnotgrantedorunavailable,thestudentwillnotbeabletomeettherequiredclinicalhoursforthecourseresultingincoursefailure.

NOCALL,NOSHOWPOLICY

Astudentwhoisabsentfromclinical,simulation,orlabinstructionwithoutgivingpriorandpropernotification(NoCall/NoShow)willreceiveawrittenwarning(ClinicalVarianceForm).AsecondNoCall/Noshowfromclinical,simulation,orlabinstructions,withoutgivingpriorandpropernotificationwillresultincoursefailure.Communicatinganabsencewillbedonebynotifyingtheclinicalinstructorandleadinstructorbyphone.Notificationviaemail,textmessage,oraskinganotherstudenttorelaythemessageisnotacceptable.Thispolicyappliestotheentiretyofthepracticalnursingprogram,notpercourse.

DRESSCODEFORCLINICAL,SIMULATION,SKILLSLAB

Inordertodemonstrateprofessionalism,theLVCnursinguniformwillberequiredtobewornatalllaboratory,simulation,andclinicalexperiences.

Studentsarerequiredtopurchasetherequirednursinguniformfromtheschool.LVChascontractedwithauniformcompanytoprovidethebestuniformsforourstudents.

DRESSCODEFORLABORATORY,SIMULATION

UniformsStudentsareexpectedtowearanyscrubs(solidcolor).Studentsarepermittedtowearthree‐quarterorlongsleeveshirtsundertheirscrubtopinwhite,black,blueorgrey.Anynecklinefortheshirtispermitted(turtleneck,V‐neck,scoopneck).Nothingistobewornoveryourscrubs.Studentsarenotallowedtowearouterwear(jackets,sweaters,cardigans,hoodies,sweatshirts,labcoats,warmupjackets)aftertheyarriveintheclassroom,sotheyshouldconsiderthethicknessoftheshirtundertheirscrubs.Ifstudentsfindthetemperaturetoocold,athermalorheaviershirtmaybeappropriate.ShoesStudentscanwearanystyleorcolortennis/sneakers/athleticshoeswithclosedtoeandheel.Socksshouldbewhite,natural,orblack.DRESSCODEFORCLINICAL

Uniforms

TheLVCnursingscrubuniformwillbeworntoandfromtheclinicalsitewiththeappropriatenon‐visibleundergarments.Studentsarepermittedtowearthree‐quarterorlongsleeveshirtsundertheirscrubtopinwhite,black,blueorgrey.Anynecklinefortheshirtispermitted(turtleneck,V‐neck,scoopneck).Nothingistobewornoveryourscrubs.Studentsarenotallowedtowearouterwear(jackets,sweaters,cardigans,hoodies,sweatshirts,labcoats,warmupjackets)aftertheyarriveintheclassroom,sotheyshouldconsiderthethicknessoftheshirtundertheirscrubs.Ifstudentsfindthetemperaturetoocold,athermalshirtmaybeappropriate.Uniformsshallbeclean,ironedandfitproperlytoallowforeaseinbendingandstooping.

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Noadjustmentstotheuniformaretobemade(pantslower,topshigher)thatexposebodyskinparts.StudentsmustweartheissuedLVCscrubtopthatisembroidered.ThescrubbottomcanbetheLVCissuedbottomoraplainbottomwithcuffedankles(nocargopantswithpockets)inthematchingcolor.Nootherexceptionsareallowed.Shoes

Studentsmustwearwhiteleatherorvinylshoeswithwhiteshoelaces.Nomorethan5%ofanothercolorcanbevisible.Theshoesmustbekeptclean,haveaclosedtoeandheel,andnomeshtops.Studentsmustwearwhite,naturalorblacksocksorwhite,nude,orblacksupporthosierywiththeiruniform.OTHERDRESSCODERULESFORCLINICAL,SIMULATIONANDSKILLSLAB

IdentificationStudentIDbadgesaretobewornontheleftsideupperchest.TheIDbadgesaretobewornatalltimes,inANYclinicalfacilitybyeachstudent.Noexceptions.

Hair,NailsandMake‐up Hairmustbeneatandclean,ofaprofessionalconservativehaircutandstyle(unacceptable:

long,spiked,multicolor,etc.)andMUSTbeoffthecollarinthebackwiththehairinthefrontabovetheeyebrows.Thecolormustbeanaturaloccurringcolor(nopurple,etc.)

Nailsshouldbeshortandnonailpolishispermittedintheclinicalarea.Artificialnailsandnailenhancementsarenotpermitted.

Make‐upmustbeofaprofessionalconservativenature(minimal)andappropriateforaworkenvironment.Perfume,cologne,scentedlotions,and/oraftershavearenotpermittedduetothepotentialofallergiesofclientsandco‐workers.

Malestudentsmustbecleanshaven;ifastudenthasabeardormoustacheitmustbeneatandcloselytrimmed.

Personalgroomingisrequired.Studentsareresponsibleformaintaininggroomingstandards.Offensivebodyodorisnotacceptable.

Jewelry Onepairofstud(nodangleorhoop)earringsispermittedinthelowerearlobesonly.Noother

visiblefacialorbodypiercingispermittedintheclinicalareaincludingbutnotlimitedtonoserings,eyebrowringsorbars,cheekrings,tongueringsorliprings.

Earlobegaugesarepermittedonlyiftheyaresolidandplain.Clearplasticgaugesarenotallowed.Ifthegaugeisnotsolid,itmustberemovedandtheholemustbecoveredbyabandage.Agaugewithanopenholeortheholeleftoncethegaugeisremovedpresentaliabilityandmustbecovered.

Ringsareapotentialsiteforharboringofmicroorganisms,aweddingorengagementringarepermitted,exceptinareasuchastheoperatingroom,deliveryroomandnewbornnursery.

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Ringswithlargestonescanpresentasafetyhazardforthestudentand/orclientthusitisbesttoremovethesepriortocomingtotheclinicalarea.

Awatchwithasecondhandmustbewornintheclinical/labareas.

Nootherjewelryispermitted.

OtherIssues Anytattoos,woundsorbodypiercingmustnotbevisibleandshallbecoveredwithadiscrete,

samecoloredskinbandageorsleevetothewristatalltimes.

Hats,caps,otherclothingoraccessoryitemsthatarenotpartofthenursingprogramuniformarenotpermitted.

Studentsrepresenttheschoolandtheprofessionofnursingwhileintheclinicalarea.Inadequategroomingand/ornotadheringtotheuniformrequirementscanreflectbadlyonboth.

Chewinggumisnotpermitted.

Astudentmaybedismissedfromtheprogramandreceiveafailinggradeinthecoursebasedontheinabilitytoplacethestudentinaclinicalfacilityduetononcompliancewiththeprofessionalappearancepolicies.

Whenattendingeventsthatdon’trequiretheLVCnursinguniformtheattiremustbebusinessprofessionalinnature.NOthinorsee‐throughclothes,sleevelesstops,sundresses,haltertops,tanktops,T‐shirts,shorts,minidresses,sweattopsorpants,jeans,joggingsuitsorhighheelshoes.

Smoking/TobaccoUsePolicy

Nostudentshallengageintheuseoftobaccowhileinuniformand/orinbusinesscasualforanyspecificclinicalexperience.Thisincludeschewabletobaccoproducts,snuffandsmokingbyinhaling,exhaling,burningorcarryinganylightedcigarette,cigar,pipeorothersuchdevicewhichcontainstobaccoorothersmokeorvaporproducingproductssuchase‐cigarettes.Shoulditbedeterminedthatastudenthasengagedintheuseofanytobaccoproductwhileinuniformand/orinbusinesscasualforanyclinicalexperience,thestudentwillbesentoffoftheclinicalunitand/oranyotherclinicalexperienceandbesenthome.Thiswillresultinanabsenceforthatclinicalexperience.SmokingontheLVCcampusisrestrictedtobehindtheschoolawayfromthedoors.Pleaseusespecifiedreceptaclestodisposeofsmokingwaste

NEARMISSANDINCIDENTREPORTS

AnynearmisswillberecordedontheappropriateformandturnedintotheleadinstructorforreviewandthentothePracticalNursingDepartmentChairtodeterminetrainingissues.

IncidentswillberecordedontheincidentreportformandimmediatelyreportedtotheleadinstructorandPracticalNursingDepartmentChair.

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CLINICALGRADINGPOLICY

Clinicalexperiencewillbeevaluatedthroughfacultyobservation,verbalcommunicationwiththestudent,writtenwork,andclinicalsitestaffreportsusingtheClinicalEvaluationForm.EvaluationwillbebasedonachievementofcourseandprogramobjectivesusingtheClinicalEvaluationForm.Allareasaretoberated.AratingofPassrepresentssatisfactoryperformanceandaratingofFailrepresentsunsatisfactoryperformance.ThestudentmustachievearatingofPassineachareabythecompletionofthecourseinordertoachieveapassinggradeforthecourse.AratingofFailinanyoftheclinicalareasattheendofthecoursewillconstituteafailureforthecourse.

Facultywillholdevaluationconferenceswiththestudentatmid‐term(asapplicable)andattheendofeachcourseandanytimeasneeded.Finalevaluationconferenceswiththefacultyaremandatoryandwillbeheldduringthelastweekofeachclinicalrotation.Astudentmayrequestadditionalconferencesatanytimebycontactingtheclinicalfaculty.Astudentwhor*ceivesanunsatisfactoryevaluationduringthecoursewillberequiredtocompleteaClinicalVarianceForm.

CLINICALVARIANCES

ThepurposeoftheClinicalVarianceFormistodevelopaplanofactiontocorrect,eliminate,orimprovetheunsatisfactorybehavior.Whenanunsatisfactorybehaviorintheclinicalorpractic*msettingrequirescompletionofaClinicalVarianceForm,thefacultyandstudentaretoadheretothefollowingprocedure:

1. Thestudentiscounseledbytheclinicalinstructorregardingtheunsatisfactoryclinicalbehavior.TheinstructordocumentsthebehaviorontheappropriateareaoftheevaluationtoolandtheClinicalVarianceForm.

2. TheclinicalinstructorsendsacopyoftheClinicalVarianceFormtotheLeadFacultyforthecourseandthePracticalNursingDepartmentChairandmayconsultthem,asneeded.

3. Astudentwillfailtheclinicalportionofthecourseandbesubjecttoprogramdismissalif:a. TwoClinicalVarianceFormsarereceivedbythestudentb. TheClinicalVarianceFormprovidesdocumentationthatthestudentcommittedan

egregiousbehaviororabehaviorwhichnegativelyimpactstheclient’sstatus

CLINICALANDSIMULATIONORIENTATION

Clinicalorientationprocedures(includinglabandsimulation)varyperfacility.Attendanceismandatoryandmayincludebutnotlimitedtocomputerorientationandfacilitypoliciesandprocedures.

EXPOSUREINCIDENT

LVCstrivestomaintainasafelearningenvironmentforitsstudents.Becauseoftheinherentriskinvolvedwithcertainaspectsofthenursingprogram,itisimpossibletopreventallaccidentsthatmightresultina

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studentbeingexposedtopotentiallydangerousbodilyfluids.LVCadherestotheproceduresoutlinedintheExposureControlPlan(AppendixB).

INFECTIOUSDISEASE

Nursingstudentscareforawidevarietyofclientwithbothknownandunknowndiseases.Thisimpliesacertainrisktothenursingstudentasaproviderofhealthcare.Thisriskcanbedecreasedbystrictadherencetoacceptedinfectioncontrolguidelines.Theseguidelinesincludethestandardprecautions,thebasicprinciplesofmedical/surgicalasepsis,healthcarefacilitycontrolpoliciesandmaintenanceofindividualpersonalhealthbythestudentthroughbasichealthandimmunizationpractices.

AnystudentwithaknownmedicalconditionwhichmayposearisktotheclientorwhoisplacedatriskbycaringforclientswhohaveinfectiousdiseasesshoulddiscusstheirriskwiththeirpersonalphysicianandthePracticalNursingDepartmentChairtoclarifystudentandcollegeresponsibilitiesandrequirements.

StudentswhohaveahealthissuemustinformthePracticalNursingDepartmentChairoftheircondition.Astudentwithaninfectiousdisease,includingAIDS,whoissymptomatic,mustnotbeinvolvedindirectclientcare.Writtenclearanceforthestudenttoreturntodirectclientcaremustbeobtainedfromthestudent’sprimarycarephysician.Thiswrittenclearancemustbepresentedtotheinstructorbeforethestudentcanreturntotheclinicalsetting.Anystudentwhohasbeenexposedorpotentiallyexposedtoaninfectiousdiseaseduringclientcaremustreporttheexposureimmediatelytotheclinicalinstructor.

AnannualInfluenzavaccineduringOctobertoMarchisanadditionalrequirementaddedtotheclinicalrequirementspertheclinicalsitesrequestthatisalsohighlyrecommendedbyCDCforallhealthcareproviders.Ifyouhavehadapastreactiontothevaccine,thencompleteaninfluenzawaiver.Ifthatparticularclinicalsitewillnotacceptasignedwaiverthanthestudentismovedtoanotherclinicalsiteifavailable.

STANDARDSOFSTUDENTCLINICAL/SIMULATIONCONDUCTANDSTUDENTACCOUNTABILITY

Nursingstudentsareheldtothesamestandardsofcareasthoseapplicabletothelicensedpracticalnurse.Standardsofpracticearedevelopedbyprofessionalorganizationswhichserveasguidelinesinmaintainingqualitypractice.

Everypersonhastherighttoexpectsafecompetentcareevenwhensuchcareisprovidedbyastudentaspartofclinicaltraining.

Theinstructorwillbetheultimateauthoritytojudgestudentperformanceintheclinicalsetting.Itismandatorythattheinstructorhaveunquestionedauthoritytotakeimmediatecorrectiveactionintheclinicalareawithregardtostudentconduct,clinicalperformance,andclientsafety.

Astudentmayberefusedaccesstoanyclinicalfacilityforinfractionsoffacilityrulesandregulations.Astudentinvolvedinanadverseoccurrencewhichcausesorhasthepotentialofcausingseriousharmtoanother(client,staff,visitor,otherstudent,etc.)willbedismissedfromtheprogram.

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TheBoardofNursingrequiresnursingprofessionalstobefullyaccountablefortheirclinicaldecisionsandactions.Accountabilityisthequalityorstateofbeingresponsibleandanswerableforone’sdecisions,actions,andbehavior.Nursescommittedtointerpersonalcaringholdthemselvesaccountableforthewell‐beingofclientsentrustedtotheircareandareaccountabletotheirclientsandtheircolleagues.Theyarelegallyandethicallyresponsibleforanyfailuretoactinasafeandprudentmanner.ThestateNursePracticeActgivesnursesandstudentnursestherighttoperformabroadrangeofdependentandindependentfunctions.Enjoyingthisprivilegemeansthattheyalsoassumelegalandethicalresponsibilityforsafeandeffectiveperformanceatalltimes.Standardsofpracticehavebeendevelopedbyprofessionalorganizationswhichserveasguidelinesinmaintainingqualitypractice.

FortheLVCpracticalnursingstudent,accountabilitymeansthatthestudentwillbe,atalltimes,willingtolearnandpracticenursingwithcommitmentandwithpersonalintegrity.Itmeansbeingattentiveandresponsivetotheneedsofindividualclientsandcolleagues.Asthestudentacquiresnursingknowledgeandskills,she/hewillassumeprofessionalresponsibilitiesanddevelopcompetencieswhichwillshapeher/hisattitudeofcaring.Thisattitudeofcaringandofbeingaccountabledevelopsasthestudentbecomessensitivetotheethicalandlegalimplicationsofnursingpractice.Innursing,thecommongoalistoprovidethehighestqualityofcaretoallindividualsentrustedtoourcare.Tosuccessfullyachievethisgoal,thestudentshouldbededicatedtothefollowingactions:

Sharingideas,learningexperiences,andknowledge, Upholdingthephilosophiesandpoliciesofthecollege,thenursingprogram,theclinical

agencieswithinwhichthestudentpracticesandtheBoardofNursing, Maintainingthehighestideals,morals,personalintegrity,andethicspossible, Makingacommitmenttobeingfullyaccountable,responsible,andanswerablefor

her/hisacademicandclinicaldecisions,actions,andbehavior.

Inbeingdedicatedandcommittedtopracticingtheprinciplesofaccountability,theLVCpracticalnursingstudentcanhavethepersonalandprofessionalsatisfactionofknowingthatshe/heisdoingeverythingpossibletopromotetrustworthinessinbothconductandactions.

SAFECLINICALANDSIMULATIONPRACTICEPOLICY

AllstudentsenrolledintheLVCPracticalNursingProgramarerequiredtopracticeclinicallyinaccordancewiththeestablishedSafeClinicalPracticeGuidelines.StudentsarerequiredtosignthestudenthandbooksignaturepagewhichincludestheSafeClinicalPracticePolicy.Acopyofthesignedstatementwillbekeptinthestudent’sacademicfile.Failuretoabidebythesestandardswillresultindisciplinaryactionasdescribedinthefollowingprocess.Inallclinicalsituations,thestudentisexpectedtopracticewithresponsibilityandaccountabilityasapracticalnursingstudent.Safeclinicalperformancealwaysincludes,butisnotlimitedtothefollowingbehavior;therefore,thestudentisexpectedtoatminimum:

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Bepreparedforclinicalassignments.

Ensureyouhaveallyourequipment(watchwithsecondhand,bandagescissors,penlight,pens,IDbadge,stethoscope,andsafetygoggles).SafetygogglescanbepurchasedthroughtheBusinessOffice.

Practicewithinboundariesofthenursingstudentrole

Considerallclient/familyinformationasstrictlyconfidential.Suchinformationshallnotbediscussedwithanyoneexceptinstructors,peers,andsignificanthospitalpersonnel.KnowHIPAAguidelines!

Submitreportsonclientstoinstructorsusingclientinitialsonly,nevertheclient’sfullname.

Removethenameoftheclientfromcopiesofdocumentsusedinconjunctionwithlearningactivities.

Promptlyreportsignificantclientinformationincludingerrorsandnursingactionstakeninaclear,accurateandcompleteverbalorwrittenmannertotheappropriateperson(s).

Consultwiththeinstructorifthestudentbelievesthatcirc*mstancesregardingtheclientwillinterferewithgivingeffectivecare(e.g.,personalfriend,familymember).

Maintainaprofessionalattitudeatalltimeswhencaringforclients.

Communicate any criticism of a clinical site, an individual, or an instructor to the NursingDepartmentChair,andrefrainfromcriticaldiscussionoutsidetheschoolorwithotherstudents.

Behonest at all times.A studentwhowould cheaton a testultimately is cheating clients.Astudentwho is less thancompletelyhonest in theclinicalarea jeopardizesclientsafetyand issubjecttoterminationfromthenursingprogram.

Beresponsibleforhis/herownlearning,andhelppromoteanatmospherewhichfacilitatesmaximumlearningforhis/herclassmates.Astudentwillnotobstructthelearningprocessofothersbycausingundueanxietyforanyreason,includingmonopolizinginstructor’stime.

Conducthimself/herselfatalltimesinaprofessionalmanner.

Seeknecessaryclientreferral(withinstructorapproval)tohelpsolveclient’ssocialproblems.

TheLVCpracticalnursingstudent,besidesfollowingthecollegerulesandregulations,isalsoexpectedtocomplywithpoliciesandproceduresofthefollowing:

o ThisStudentHandbooko Coursesyllabio Agencyinwhichtheclinicalexperienceisoccurring(Clinicalsite)o AppropriateNurseStandardsofPracticeestablishedbytheStateBoardofNursing

(NursePracticeAct)

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CRITICALBEHAVIOR

Consistentperformanceofcertainbehaviorisdeemedcriticalintheclinicalsetting.FailuretoconsistentlyperformanyONEofthecriticalbehaviorwillresultinanunsatisfactorygradeinclinical,andthusagradeofFinthecourse.ThecriticalbehaviorlistedbelowcorrelateswiththeLasVegasCollegeNursingStudentLearningOutcomeslistedinthishandbook.Thenursingstudentwill:

Showevidenceofpreparationfortheclinicalexperience.

Calculatemedicationscorrectlywithadoublecheckbytheinstructorordesignee.

Administermedicationscorrectlywithadoublecheckbytheinstructorordesignee.

Reporterrorsandnearmisseventsimmediately.

Maintainmedicalandsurgicalasepsis.

Performpsychom*otorskillsatexpectedcompetencylevel.

Adheretoclinicalsiteguidelines.

Giveaccuratereportsintheclinicalsetting.

Recognizehazardsandtakesappropriateaction.

Demonstraterespectfortherights,dignity,andindividualityofallpersons,includingbutnotlimitedto:maintainingconfidentialityconsistentwithHIPAAregulations,providingprivacy,andavoidingstereotyping.

Establishtherapeuticrelationshipswithpersons.

Makingnursingdecisionsthatarewithinethical‐legalparametersandconsistentwithHIPAAregulations.

Demonstrateresponsibilityandaccountabilityatalevelconsistentwiththeexpectedknowledgebase.

Utilizethenursingprocessatalevelconsistentwiththeexpectedknowledgebase.

Modifybehaviorinresponsetoguidance.

DemonstratebehaviorconsistentwithprofessionalnursingrolesandAmericanNursesAssociationCodeofEthics,including,butnotlimitedto:motivation,integrity,communication,leadership,organizationalskills,abilitytoworkunderstress,appearance,punctuality,andattendance.

UNSATISFACTORYCLINICALBEHAVIOR

Unsafebehaviorconsistingofactionsthatdonotdemonstratetheminimumbehaviordescribedassafeclinicalperformancemayrequireanunsatisfactoryratingontheclinicalevaluations,aFacultyConference,

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and/oraClinicalVarianceinclude,butarenotlimitedto,thefollowing:

1. TardinessandAbsence(seeClinicalTardinessandAbsencePolicies)2. Failuretocommunicateappropriatelyandrespectfullywithfaculty,patients,peers,andhealth

careteammembers.3. InabilitytomeetormaintainthebehavioridentifiedintheAmericanNursesAssociation

CodeofEthicsandStandardsofProfessionalPracticeincluding,butnotlimitedto: Failuretoincorporatecaringbehaviorinpatientcare,i.e.meetingbasicneedsina

timelymanner,demonstratingcompassion Inappropriatebehaviorsuchasabusivelanguage,threats,assaultandbattery,theft,

disruptivetalking,chemicalimpairment,andinsubordination4. Failuretomaintaintherequiredlevelofcompetency,including,butnotlimitedto:

NotfollowingtheSixRightsofMedicationAdministration. Inadequatepreparationforclinicalassignment. Demonstratingincompetenceontheclinicalunit. Failuretomaintainpatientconfidentiality. Failuretomaintainpatientsafety.

5. Failuretomeetcourserequirementsandobjectives,tofollowschoolpolicies,andtoupholdCollegevalues.

SKILLSLABACTIVITIES

Theskillslabprovidestheopportunityforthestudenttopracticekeyskillsfortheclinicalareagivingthestudenttheconfidencetoperformtheseskillswhenworkingwithclients.Practicesometimesinvolvesworkingwithotherstudentswhoposeasclients.Manyproceduresarepracticedintheskillslab,however,LVCdoesnotallowstudentstopracticegivinginjectionsoneachotherorfacultymembersoncampuspropertywithouttheappropriatesignedwaiver.Practicingbloodglucosesticks,subcutaneousandintradermalinjectionsonanotherpersonisvoluntaryandnotanexpectationofthecourseofprogram.Studentsvolunteeringtoparticipateinsubcutaneousandintradermalinjectionsonanotherpersonarerequiredtosignawaiverpriortotheirparticipation.Studentswillpracticeinjectionsusingmannequins/practicearmsorotherlearningtooldesignatedbytheinstructor.Otherlearningmedia(e.g.,videos,writtenmaterials,CDs)maybeusedtoreinforcethisproceduretopreparestudentsforclinicalrotationswheretheywillbeexpectedtoadministerinjections.

StudentsarerequiredtocompleteandpassallSkillsLabassignmentswhicharemandatoryforeachcourse’sactivities.

CLINICALSITEORDAYREQUESTS

Clinicalsiteordayrequestsarenotaccepted.ClinicalassignmentswillbepostedbytheendofWeek10ofthecurrentquarterfortheupcomingquarter.Theseassignmentsaretentativeandaresubjecttochangeafterfinalgradesarepostedintheeventthatthestudentprogressionaffectsthebalanceoftheclinicalgroups.

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SECTIONVI:STUDENTCONDUCTANDOTHERPOLICIESLVC’srulesandrequirementsconcerningstudentconduct,includingbutnotlimitedtothefullCodeofStudentConduct,formaldisciplinaryandgrievanceprocedures,andtheschool’scompletedrugandalcoholabusepolicyareclearlyexplainedintheStudentCatalog.ThissectionofthePracticalNurseStudentHandbookdoesnotreplacetheStudentCatalog,itdrawsattentiontoandelaboratesoncertainaspectsoftheCatalogpoliciesthatNursingstudentsarelikelytofindmostimportant.

STUDENTCONDUCTANDDISRUPTIVEBEHAVIOR

Thecollegeseekstopromoteaneducationallysoundenvironmentfreefromdisruptionsinlearningwhethertheinstructiontakesplaceatthecollegeorclinicalsite.Instructorsmaydeterminethetimeandmannerforstudentquestionsandinteractions.Instructorswillestablish,communicateandenforcereasonableclassroomrulesofbehavioranddecorum.Thispolicyisnotintendedtodiscourageappropriateclassroomexpression,discussionordisagreementbutrathertopromoterespectfulinteractions.Incivilitywillnotbetolerated;mayleadtodismissalfromtheprogram.

Disruptivebehaviorisnotonlydisrespectfultotheprofessionalfacultyandfellowstudentsbutalsonegativelyimpactsthelearningenvironment.Duringclassthefollowingwillnotbetolerated:

Arrivinglatetoclass,laborclinical. Leavingtheclassroom,laborclinicalareaearlywithoutauthorization. Privateconversationsduringclass,laborclinical. Useofcellphonestotalk,textorphotograph(cellphonesmustbeturnedoffinthe

classroom,labandclinicalareas). Usingthecomputerandorinternetforpersonalactivities(e.g.,e‐mail). Sleeping. Profanityorbullyinglanguageorbehavior Whenastudentengagesindisruptiveactivitytheinstructorwillrequestthatthestudent

leavethearea.

Tardinessandmovementinandoutoftheclassroomduringlectureisdisruptive.Onceattendancehasbeentakenstudentsnotpresentwillbeconsideredtardyorabsent.Tobenefitfullyfromthescheduledlearningactivitiesstudentsmustremainintheclassroomduringthesession.

Ethicalbehaviorisimperativeforindividualsenteringthenursingprofession.Thefollowingbehaviorwillnotbetoleratedbythecollege,thenursingprogram,anyfacultymemberorclinicalagencies:

Beingundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugsoncampusorataclinicalsite(Forcausedrugscreenscanbeperformedatanytime).(AsdiscussedlaterinthissectionofthisHandbookandinthefullDrug‐FreeSchoolsPolicyintheStudentCatalog.)

Useofprofanityintheclassroom,oncampusorattheclinicalsite.

Fightingorthreateninganotherstudentorstaffmemberoncampusorattheclinicalsite.

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Beingdisrespectfultofacultymembers,staffmembers,clinicalsitestafforfellowstudents. Falsificationofrecordsintheclinicalarea.

Failuretoreporterrorsintheclinicalarea.

CERTIFICATESANDLICENSES

AllnursingstudentswhoareenrolledinnursingclinicalcoursesholdingorreceivingacertificateasaNursingAssistantand/orlicenseasaPractical/VocationalNursemustremainingoodstandingwiththeBoardofNursing.Thisincludesallalliedhealthregulatoryboardsaswell.StudentsreceivinganydisciplinaryactionsmustnotifythePracticalNursingDepartmentChairwithin5daysofoccurrence.ThePracticalNursingProgramreservestherighttorestrictthestudent’sparticipationinclinicalexperiencesandinvolvementinpatientcareuntilthecertificateand/orlicenseisvalidandunrestrictedorthetermsoftheactionaremet/dismissed.

SOCIALNETWORKINGANDSOCIALMEDIA

PerHIPAAnopatient,clinicalsituation,orpicturesaretobesharedonasocialmedianetworksuchasbutnotlimitedto:Facebook,TwitterandYouTube.

SocialMediaPolicybyAmericanNursesAssociationandNationalCouncilofStateBoardsofNursing:

AmericanNursesAssociation’sPrinciplesforSocialNetworking:

Nursesmustnottransmitorplaceonlineindividuallyidentifiablepatientinformation. Nursesmustobserveethicallyprescribedprofessionalpatient‐nurseboundaries. Nursesshouldunderstandthatpatients,colleagues,institutionsandemployersmayview

postings. Nursesshouldtakeadvantageofprivacysettingsandseektoseparatepersonalandprofessional

informationonline. Nursesshouldbringcontentpostedbythirdpartiesthatcouldharmapatient’sprivacy

rights,orwelfaretotheattentionofappropriateauthorities. Nursesshouldparticipateindevelopinginstitutionalpoliciesgoverningonlineconduct.

6TipstoAvoidProblems:

Rememberthatstandardsofprofessionalismarethesameonlineasinanyothercirc*mstance. Donotshareorpostinformationorphotosgainedthroughthenurse‐patientrelationship. Maintainprofessionalboundariesintheuseofelectronicmedia.Onlinecontactwithpatients

blursthisboundary. Donotmakedisparagingremarksaboutpatients,employersorco‐workers,eveniftheyarenot

identified. Donottakephotosorvideosofpatientsonpersonaldevices,includingcellphones. Promptlyreportabreachofconfidentialityorprivacy.

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FOODANDBEVERAGE

Closedcontainerfluidsareallowedinthenursingskillslab,butnotfood.Nofoodordrinkisallowedinthecomputerorsimulationlabs.

PROFESSIONALBOUNDARIES

Studentsenrolledinaprogramofstudyinnursingmustlearntheimportanceofestablishingandmaintainingprofessionalboundaries.Inastudentrole,professionalboundariesexistbetweenthestudentandthefacultyandbetweenthestudentandtheclient.StudentsunclearofproperbehaviororofanappropriateresponsetoaclientshouldconsulttheirinstructorortheNursingDepartmentChair.

Pleaseaddressfaculty,staff,andclientsbytheirappropriatesurname—Dr.,Mrs.,Mr.,Ms.,Miss,Professor,etc.,unlessotherwisedirectedsobytheclient.

DRUGANDALCOHOLABUSEPOLICY

LasVegasCollegehasaresponsibilitytomaintainasafeenvironmentforitsstudentsaswellasmaintainingsafeconditionsforclients.StudentsshouldfamiliarizethemselveswiththefullDrug‐FreeSchoolsPolicyintheStudentCatalogaswellastheinformationinthisHandbook.Studentswillneedtocompleteandpassadrugscreeningwhichshowsnoevidenceofillegaldrugusage:

CriminalBackgroundandDrugScreeningSuccessfulcompletionofmultipleweeksofhands‐onappliedtrainingatanoffsitethird‐partyexternship,internship,preceptorship,orclinicalcourse(collectivelyreferredtoasExperientialTraining)isoneoftherequirementsofallNursingandAlliedHealthprogramsatLasVegasCollege(LVC).Studentsenrollinginoneoftheseprogramsmustunderstandandagreethatitisthestudent’sresponsibilitytodetermineifanypastcriminalconvictionswillpreventthemfromobtaininganyrequiredstatelicensefromtheNevadaStateBoardofNursingorfromanyothergovernmentalentity;disqualifythemfromExperientialTraining;ordenythemfutureemployment.StudentsagreetopromptlyadviseLVCiftheircriminalhistory,occurringatanytimepriortoorduringtheirenrollmentmaydisqualifythemfromobtaininganyrequiredstateorlocallicense,permitorcertification;ExperientialTraining;oremployment.AllExperientialTraininglocationsrequirestudentstosuccessfullypassarequiredcriminalhistorybackgroundcheckandadrugtestpriortobeingallowedonsiteatsuchlocations.StudentsenrollinginprogramswithExperientialTrainingsignanacknowledgementform,consentingandspecificallyagreeingtohaveLVCanditsdesignatedagentsasbothaconditionpriortotheirenrollmentandatanytimeduringtheirenrollmentundertakeallrequiredbackgroundchecks(aFACISLevel3Searchoritsequivalentfornursingstudents),andtocollectblood,hair,urineand/orsalivasamplesfromthestudentforallrequiredmedicalteststodeterminethepresenceoruseofalcohol,drugsandcontrolledsubstances.Ifstudentsdonotpassanycriminalhistorybackgroundcheckand/ordrugtesteitherpriortotheirenrollmentoratanytimeduringtheirstudentenrollment,thentheywillbe

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disqualifiedfrombeingenrolledandtakinganyExperientialTraining.Insuchevent,ifalreadyenrolled,thestudentswillbesubjecttobeingimmediatelydismissed,failedorwithdrawnfromtheirprogramassolelydeterminedbyLVC.Inaccordancewiththeirproceduresandpolicies,thestateofNevada,ExperientialTraininglocations,andpotentialemployerswillalsorequirestudentstoprovideproofofimmunizationandpassarequiredphysicalbyadoctor.StudentsenrollinginprogramswithExperientialTrainingshouldunderstandthatthehoursrequiredatExperientialTrainingsitescanvaryfromdaytodayandfromweektoweekdependingontheneeds,rules,regulationsandschedulingofthelocationsite,includingthepossibilityofrequiredweekendhours,earlymorningorlateeveninghours. TheyshouldunderstandthatthehoursrequiredatExperientialTrainingsitesmay,atsometimes,conflictwiththeirscheduledclassroomhoursatLVC.TheremaybeinstanceswheretheywillneedtochangetheirscheduledclassroomhoursatLVC,forexample,morningtoafternoonoreveningclasses,inordertomeettheExperientialTrainingrequirementsoftheirprogram.

Anystudentundertheinfluenceofdrugsoralcoholduringaclinicalexperiencemayposeserioussafetyandhealthrisks,notonlytothemselves,buttoallthosewhoworkwiththemandtoclientsforwhomtheyprovidecare.Theunlawfulpossession,use,orsaleofillegaldrugs,prescriptiondrugs,overthecounterdrugs,and/oralcoholintheclinicalsite,posesanunacceptableriskforunsafeclientcare.

Thedefinitionofimpairmentasrelatedtonursingpracticeoccurswhenalcohol,drugsand/ormentalillnessinterfereswiththenurse/studentnurse’sjudgment,interpersonal,cognitiveandorpsychom*otorskillsthusimpairingthenurse’sabilitytofunctioninaprofessionalrole.

LVCnursingfacultyrecognizethat: Alcoholism,drugabuseandormentalillnessarediseasesandshouldbetreatedassuch. Mentalillnessmaybeanyacuteorchronicconditionthatdisruptsthethinking,moods,

functioningorfeelings.Itcanalsoaffecttheabilitytocopewiththedemandsofthenursingprogram/courses.

Impairmentcanalsoinvolvetheuse/abuseofprescriptionandover‐the‐countermedications,illegaldrugs,alcoholorinhaledsubstances.

Healthandpersonalproblemsinvolvinganyorallofthesediseasescanaffectthestudent’sacademicandclinicalperformanceandtheimpairedstudentisadangertoselfandseriousdangertotheclientsinthestudent’scare.

Nursingstudentswiththesediseasescanbehelpedtorecover. Itistheresponsibilityofthenursingstudenttovoluntarilyseekdiagnosisandtreatmentfor

anysuspectedillness. Confidentialitywillbeexercisedwhenhandlingthediagnosisandtreatmentofthese

diseases.

LVCfaculty,studentsandclinicalsitenursesarerequiredtoreportanysuspiciousbehaviorandarrangedrugandalcoholtesting.

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Reasonablesuspicionofsubstanceabuseisconsideredwhenanystudentdemonstratesunusual,unexplainedbehaviorintheclinicalsiteenvironmentorduringclinicalexperiences.Observablesignsmightinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

Slurredspeech. Odorofalcoholonbreathorperson. Unsteadygait. Disorientedorconfusedbehavior. Significantchangesinworkhabits. Observedbehaviorindicativeofhallucinations. Unexplainedaccidentorinjury. Sloppy,inappropriateclothingand/orappearance. Physicallyassaultive,threatening,undulytalkative,exaggeratedself‐importance,making

incoherentorirrelevantstatementsintheclinicalsitesetting. Excessivesickdays,excessivetardinesswhenreportingforclinicalorclass. Misseddeadlines,carelessmistakes,takinglongerthancustomarytocompletework. Coordination(notnormal,swaying,staggering,lackofcoordination,graspingforsupport). Performance(unsafepractices,unsatisfactorywork). Alertness(changeinalertness,sleepy,confused). Demeanor(changeinpersonality,fighting,excited,combative,aggressive,violent,

argumentative,indifferent,threatening,antagonistic). Eyes(bloodshot,dilated). Otherclinicalobservationsconsistentwithimpairment.

Drugtestingmayberequiredforanystudentwhodemonstratesbehaviorofreasonablesuspicion(seeabove)intheclinicalenvironment.

Drugtestingmayberequiredforanystudentwhodemonstratebehaviorsuspiciousofsubstanceabuseimpairmentandwhohasaccessand/ordirectresponsibilityforcontrolledsubstancesifknowndrugsofabusearemissingorotherwiseunaccountedforwhileintheclinicalsite.Thisdeterminationwillbemadeonacase‐by‐casebasisbytheclinicalsitemanageroradministratorandthePracticalNursingDepartmentChair,orthePracticalNursingDepartmentChair’srepresentative.

Thestudentwhoissuspectedofsubstanceabuseimpairmentwillbeescortedtothecollectionsitewiththeappropriatefacultymemberorassignedpreceptor.Allwillremainatthecollectionsiteuntiltherequiredspecimensareobtained.

Followinganincidentthatrequiresdrugoralcoholtesting,thestudentwillbesenthomebycaborresponsibleindividual.Undernocirc*mstanceswillthestudentbeallowedtodrivehome.Arrangementswillbemadesothatthestudentwillbeathomeaftertheincidentwithanotherindividual.

Thestudent’sconfidentialitywillbestrictlymaintained.Thetestresultswillbecommunicatedonlytothestudent,thePracticalNursingDepartmentChair,andthephysicianreviewingtheresultswiththestudent.

RecordswillbemaintainedinaseparatefilebytheCollegeinasecuredarea.

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Anyviolationofthispolicybyastudentwillresultindisciplinaryactionincludingdismissalfromthenursingprogram.

Consuming,beinginthepossessionoforundertheinfluenceofalcoholicbeveragesordrugsonthecollegepropertyorclinicalsiteisstrictlyprohibited.Noexceptions.Anystudentwhoexhibitssignsofbeingundertheinfluenceofalcohol,drugabuseormentalillnesswillberemovedfromtheclassroomorclinicalsettingandtheestablishedprocedureforassessmentandrehabilitationwillbefollowed.

STUDENTHEALTH

Duringthecourseoftheprogramitisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoinformthePracticalNursingDepartmentChairofanychangesinhealthstatus(i.e.,notabletomeettheEssentialSkillsandFunctionalAbilityStandards)thatcouldaffecthisorherabilitytomeetobjectivesintheclinicalarea(thisincludespregnancy).Aphysician’sclearancemayberequiredforthestudenttoreturntotheclinicalarea.Inabilitytomeetclinicalobjectivesduetohealthreasonsmayrequirewithdrawalfromtheprogram.LasVegasCollegedoesnotprovidehealthservices.

STUDENT’SFAMILYRESPONSIBILITIES

Adultstudentsoftenhavemanyresponsibilitiesinadditiontoschool.Itisimportanttohaveacontingencyplaninplacepriortostartingclasses.Back–upchildcareprovidersandtransportationmaybenecessaryandpartofthestudent’scontingencyplan.Absencesrelatedtofamilyresponsibilitiesandtransportationissuesarenotexcusedandtimeandcompetenciesmustbemade‐upaswithanyabsences.

TRANSPORTATION

TheCollegedoesnotprovidetransportation.Someclinicalexperiencesrequirethestudenttotravelinamulticountyarea.Studentsareresponsibleforprovidingtheirowntransportationtoallclinicalexperiences

OUTSIDEEMPLOYMENT

Itisthestudent'sresponsibilitytosetprioritiesregardingemploymentandclassschedules.Whenattendingclassorintheclinicalareastudentsmustbealert.Outsideemploymentshouldneverimmediatelyprecedeclassorclinicaltimesincestudentsmaybeexhaustedfromthedemandsofworking.Thisendangersthestudent,clientandothers.Sleepingduringclassorclinicalisprohibited.

COMMUNICATIONMODESANDQUESTIONS

Notextmessagingduringclass,laborclinical.Electronicdevicesmayonlybeusediftheinstructorhasrequestedthestudenttodoso.

Studentsneedtoreviewbulletinboardsinhallwaysforkeyinformationregarding:Scheduling,professionalismandgeneralcontentatleastonceperweek.

AllLasVegasCollegestudentswillbegivenanLVCemailaddress.Studentsarerequiredtomaintaintheirlvcollege.eduemailaccountsandshouldcheckemaildailytoinsurereceivingofadequatecommunicationsfromtheinstructorandcampus.Noemailswillbesenttothestudent’snon‐schoolemailaccounts.

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SECTIONVII:STUDENTORGANIZATIONSANDACTIVITIES

LVCSTUDENTNURSECLASSOFFICERS

Eachnursingcohortwillelecttwoofficersfromtheircohort.Thiswilloccurbythesecondquarter.Thecohortofficerswillberesponsibleforattendingmonthlynursingfacultymeetings.Priortothemonthlymeeting,thecohortofficersshoulddiscusswiththecohortanycohortissuesorconcernstopresentatthefacultymeeting.Theywillalsoberesponsibleforthedisseminationofinformationpresentedatthefacultymeetingtotheremainderofthecohort.

COMMITTEES

Additionally,allstudentsareencouragedtoprovideinputondecisionsincludingadmissionstandards,curriculum,studentservicesandtheteaching/learningprocess.Studentsareinvitedtobecomeactiveonnursingfacultycommittees.Thefollowinglistincludesexamplesofwaysthatstudentscanbecomeinvolvedingovernance:

Participateinendofquarter,endofprogramandalumnisurveys. Providehonestandfairfeedbacktoyourfacultywhenaskedtocompletefacultyandcourse

evaluationsattheendofthequarter. ParticipateinStudentNurseAssociationactivitiesorcollegeactivitiessuchashealthfairsand

communityservice Volunteer,inwritingfornursingfacultycommitteemembershipinwritingtothePractical

NursingDepartmentChairinreferencetoFacultymeetings,Curriculum,Advisory,etc. Provideinputwhenyourpeersarerepresentingyourstudentissuesatcommitteemeetingsand

theStudentNurseAssociationmeetings. StudentServices:IgniterAmbassadorsrolemodelandprovidesupporttofellowstudents.

PINNING

TheLVCNursingpiniswornbynursinggraduatesofourprogramasaproudtestimonyoftheirachievements.Thisbeautifulpinispresentedtoeachgraduateatthepinningceremony.

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SECTIONVIII:PNLICENSUREINFORMATION

PRACTICALNURSELICENSURE

UpongraduationfromtheLasVegasCollegePracticalNurseProgramthestudentwillhavelearnedthetoolstoachievethestandardsofcompetentperformanceassetforthbytheNevadaBoardofNursing.ThestudentwillalsobeeligibletotaketheNationalCouncilLicensureExamination(NCLEX‐PN®).

SuccessfulcompletionoftheexamqualifiesthegraduatetoseekemploymentasaPracticalNurseandtousethetitleofpracticalnurseandtheinitialsPN.

Acandidatewhohasgraduatedfromastateapprovednursingschoolmaytaketheexaminationinanystate.

Note:IfaNurseapplicanthaseverbeenconvictedofafelonyormisdemeanortherewillbeaninvestigationtodetermineifthecandidatemeetsthestandardsrequiredtositforthelicensureexamination.

APPLICATION

AtthebeginningofQuarter5intheNCLEXreviewcoursetheschoolwillprovideallthestudentswithanapplicationpackettopreparethemfortheNCLEX‐PN®exam.

Thestudentwillcompletetheapplicationwithhis/herinformation.

REVIEWOFAPPLICATION

StatutesallowtheBoardofNursingoffice30daystoprovidealetterregardingthestatusofthelicensureapplication.Within30daysofthedatetheapplicationhasbeenvalidated,thestudentwillbesentaneligibilitylettertotaketheexamination,oraletterrequestingadditionalinformation/documentation.Studentswillbenotifiedwithin30daysofthereceiptoftheapplicationandfeeandnotifiedofstatus.Studentswillbenotifiedofthestatusoftheirapplicationwithin30daysofreceiptofthecompletedocumentsandfees.

Noapplicationiscompleteuntilallrequireddocumentationandfeesarereceived.Applicationsarereviewedinorderofthevalidationdate.Everyquestionontheapplicationmustbeanswered.Candidatesmustincludeallmisdemeanorsandfelonies,evenifadjudicationwaswithheld.TheBoardofNursingwilldenyanapplicationifthecandidateisfoundtohaveprovidedfalseinformationontheapplication.

WhenthecandidatehassuccessfullyregisteredfortheNCLEX‐PNlicensingexaminationthroughPearsonVueviaphone,mailoron‐line;senttheApplicationandfeeforNurseLicensetotheBoardofNursing;completedthePetitiontoGraduate,andthePracticalNursingProgramChairhasapprovedtheapplicant’sapplicationanduploadedofficialtranscriptstotheBoardofNursing,thecandidateshouldreceivetheATT(AuthorizationtoTest)whichenablesthecandidatetoregisteratoneofthesitestotaketheNCLEX‐PNexamination.

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LICENSUREFEES

Licensurefeesare$200fortheNCLEX‐PNexamthroughPearsonVueand$100fortheNevadaStatePNapplication.ThesefeeswillbepaidbyLVCafterthegraduatecompletestheHURSTReviewandChecklist.Graduateswhoelecttotakethelicensureexaminationinanotherstatewillberesponsibleforpayingtheirownlicensurefees.

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SectionIX:Appendices

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AppendixA

EssentialSkillsandFunctionalAbilityStandards

EssentialSkillsandFunctionalAbilityStandardsItisessentialthatnursingstudentsbeabletoperformanumberofphysicalactivitiesintheclinicalportionoftheprogram.Ataminimum,studentswillberequiredtoliftclients,standforseveralhoursatatimeandperformbendingactivities.Studentswhohaveachronicillnessorconditionmustbemaintainedoncurrenttreatmentandbeabletoimplementdirectclientcare.Theclinicalnursingexperiencealsoplacesstudentsunderconsiderablementalandemotionalstressastheyundertakeresponsibilitiesanddutiesimpactingclient’slives.Studentsmustbeabletodemonstraterationalandappropriatebehaviorunderstressfulconditions.Individualsshouldgivecarefulconsiderationofthementalandphysicaldemandsoftheprogrampriortomakingapplication.

EssentialSkillandFunctionalAbility

Standard ExamplesofRequiredActivities

MotorAbilities ‐Physicalabilitiesandmobilitysufficienttoexecutegrossmotorskills,physicalenduranceandstrengthtoprovideclientcare.

Mobilitysufficienttocarryoutclientcareproceduressuchasassistingwithambulationofclients,administeringCPR,assistingwithturningandliftingclients,providingcareinconfinedspacessuchasatreatmentroom,operatingsuite,etc.

ManualDexterity ‐Demonstratefinemotorskillssufficientforprovidingsafenursingcare.

Motorskillssufficienttohandlesmallequipmentsuchasinsulinsyringe,administermedicationsbyallroutes,andperformtracheotomysuctioning,inserturinarycatheter,etc.

PerceptualSensoryAbility

‐Sensoryandperceptualabilitytoassessandmonitorclients

Sensoryabilitiessufficienttohearalarms,accusatorysounds,cryforhelp,etc.

Visualacuitytoreadcalibrationson1ccsyringe,assesscolor(cyanosis,pallor,etc.)

Tactileabilitytofeelpulses,temperature,palpateveins,etc.Olfactoryabilitytodetectsmokeornoxiousodor,etc.

BehavioralInterpersonalEmotional

Abilitytorelatetoclients,familyandotherhealthcareproviderswithhonesty,integrityandnondiscrimination.‐Capacityfordevelopmentofmature,sensitiveandeffectivetherapeuticrelationships

Establishrapportwithothers. Workwithateam. Emotionalskillssufficienttoremain

calminanemergencysituation. Behavioralskillssufficientto

demonstratetheexerciseofgoodjudgmentandpromptcompletionofallresponsibilitiesassigned

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‐Abilitytoworkconstructivelyinstressfulandchangingenvironmentswiththeabilitytomodifybehaviorinresponsetoconstructivecriticism.‐Capacitytodemonstrateethicalbehavior,includingadherencetotheprofessionalnursingandstudenthonorcodes.

Adaptrapidlytoenvironmentalchangesandmultipletaskdemands.

Maintainbehavioraldecoruminstressfulsituations.

SafeEnvironmentforClients,FamiliesandCo‐Workers

‐Abilitytoaccuratelyidentifyclients.‐Abilitytoeffectivelycommunicatewithothers.‐Abilitytoadministermedicationssafelyandaccurately.‐Abilitytooperateequipmentsafely.‐Abilitytorecognizeandminimizehazardsthatcouldincreaseinfectionsandaccidents.

Prioritizestaskstoensureclientsafetyandstandardofcare.

Maintainsadequateconcentrationandattentionintheclinicalenvironment.

Seeksassistancewhenclinicalsituationrequiresahigherlevelofexpertise.

Respondstomonitoralarms,emergencysignals,calllightsandordersinarapidandeffectivemanner.

Takethenecessaryprecautionswhendealingwithbodyfluids,etc.

Communication ‐AbilitytocommunicateinEnglishwithaccuracy,clarityandefficiencywithclients,familiesandothermembersofthehealthcareteam(includingspokenandnon‐verbalexpressions,affectandbodylanguage).‐Requiredcommunicationabilitiesincludingspeech,hearing,reading,writing,languageskillsandcomputerliteracy.

Givesverbaldirectionstoandfollowsverbaldirectionfromothermembersofthehealthcareteamandparticipatesindiscussionsonclientcare.

Elicitsandrecordsinformationabouthealthcareissuesandresponsesfromclientsandtheirfamilymembers.

Conveysinformationtoclientsandothersasnecessarytoteach,directandcounselindividualsinanaccurate,effectiveandtimelymanner.

Establishesandmaintainseffectiveworkingrelationshipswithclients,familiesandthehealthcareteam.

Recognizesandreportscriticalclientinformationtothehealthcareteam.

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CognitiveConceptualQuantitativeAbilities

‐AbilitytoreadandunderstandwrittendocumentsinEnglishandsolveproblemsinvolvingcalculationandreasoning.‐Abilitytocomprehendspatialrelationships.‐Abilitytogatherdata,developaplanofaction,establishprioritiesandevaluatetreatmentplans.‐Abilitytoreacteffectivelyinanemergencysituation.

Calculateappropriatemedicationdosagegivenspecificclientparameters.

Collectdate,prioritizeneedsandanticipateoutcomes.

Analyzedatatodevelopaplanofcare. Comprehendspatialrelationshipsin

ordertoadministerinjections,startintravenouslinesorassesswoundsofvaryingdepths.

Recognizeanemergencysituationandrespondeffectivelytosafeguardtheclient,familyandco‐workers.

Transferknowledgefromonesituationtoanother.

Accuratelyprocessesinformationonmedicationcontainers,physicianorders,monitorequipmentcalibration,printeddocuments,flowsheets,policyandproceduremanuals,etc.

PunctualityWorkHabits

‐Abilitytoadheretothenursingpolicies,proceduresandrequirements.‐Abilitytocompleteclassroom,labandclinicalassignmentsontime.‐Abilitytoadheretoclassroom,labandclinicalschedules.

Attendsclass,labandclinicalpunctually.

Abletodrivetoanumberofdifferentclinicalsitesatdifferenttimesduringtheday.

Reads,understandsandadherestoallpolicies,proceduresandrequirements.

Contactnursingfacultymemberinadvanceforanyabsenceorlatearrival.

Understandandcompletesassignmentsbyduedateandtime.

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AppendixB

BloodbornePathogensEmployeeProtectionPolicyandExposureControlPlan

PurposeLasVegasCollege(LVC)iscommittedtoprovidingasafeandhealthfulenvironmentforemployeesandourentirecampuscommunity.ThispolicyestablishesanExposureControlPlaninanefforttoeliminateorminimizeoccupationalexposuretobloodbornepathogensinaccordancewithOSHAstandard29CFR1910.1030,"OccupationalExposuretoBloodbornePathogens."PolicyLVCwillmaintaincompliancewithOSHAstandard29CFR1910.1030,"OccupationalExposuretoBloodbornePathogens."AllLVCemployees,andespeciallythoseinjobclassificationswhereoccupationalexposuretobloodbornepathogensisapossibility,mustfollowLVC’sExposureControlPlantohelpensurethehealthandsafetyofourcampuscommunity.TheExposureControlPlanprovidesuniversalprecautionsandworkpracticecontrolsforallemployees,aswellastraining,reportingandvaccinationstandardsforemployeeswhohaveapotentialforoccupationalexposure.Bloodbornepathogensmeanspathogenicmicroorganismsthatarepresentinhumanbloodandcancausediseaseinhumans.Thesepathogensinclude,butarenotlimitedto,hepatitisBvirus(HBV)andhumanimmunodeficiencyvirus(HIV).EmployeeswhohavebeenidentifiedashavingthepotentialforoccupationalexposurewillreceiveanexplanationofthisExposureControlPlan.Thisprogramwillalsobereviewed,asisneeded,inrefreshertraining.AllemployeeshaveanopportunitytoreviewthisplanatanytimeduringtheirworkshiftsbycontactingtheCampusDirector.ProcedureEmployeeExposureDeterminationOccupationalexposuremeansreasonablyanticipatedemployeecontactwithbloodorotherpotentiallyinfectiousmaterialsthatmayresultfromperforminganemployee’sduties.Thiscontactincludesspecificeye,mouth,othermucousmembrane,nonintactskinorparenteralcontact.LVChasdeterminedthatallemployeesinthefollowingjobclassificationshaveoccupationalexposure,andincludedisalistofthetaskstheyperform:

Classification/TasksNone

LVChasdeterminedthatsomeemployeesinthefollowingjobclassificationshaveoccupationalexposure,andincludedisalistofthetaskstheyperform:

Classification/TasksAlliedHealthEmployees

Conductingmedicaltrainingusingintravenousinjectionsorbloodwithdrawal Removalofcontaminateditems Decontaminationofareaandequipment

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SupervisorsandManagers

Respondingtoemergencies Removalofcontaminateditems Decontaminationofareaandequipment

MethodsofComplianceToprovideemployeesthehighest levelofprotectionagainstbloodbornepathogens,LVCusesuniversalprecautions,personalprotectiveequipment,workpracticecontrols,trainingandvaccinationforhepatitisB.UniversalPrecautionsUniversalprecautionsareanapproachtoinfectioncontrolinwhichallhumanbloodandcertainhumanbodyfluidsaretreated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, HCV and other bloodborne pathogens. The following rules ofuniversalprecautionswillapplytoallpotentialexposuresituations:

Allvictimsofmedicalemergenciesareconsideredpotentiallyinfectiousandthesameinfectioncontrolprocedureswillbeusedforeachone.

Allhumantissueandbodyfluidsareassumedcontaminatedwithbloodbornepathogens. Allneedlesandsharpinstrumentsareassumedcontaminatedwithbloodbornepathogens.

Employeesmustneverassumethatcertainvictimsofmedicalemergencies,suchaschildrenortheelderly,cannotbecarriersofHIV,HBVorotherbloodbornediseases.WorkPracticeControlsWorkpracticecontrolsarecontrolsthatreducethelikelihoodofexposurebyalteringthemannerinwhichataskisperformed(e.g.,prohibitingrecappingofneedlesbyatwo‐handedtechnique).Employeesexposedtopotentiallyinfectiousmaterialsmustcarefullyfollowtheseprocedurestoprotectthemselvesfromdisease:

1. Gloves:Gloveswillbewornanytimecontactwithpotentiallyinfectedblood,tissueorbodyfluidoccursandwhenevercontactwithaninjuredorillemployeeisanticipated.Gloveswillalsobewornduringexaminationsandothermedicalpatientcontact.

2. Handwashing:Employeesshallwashhandswithrunningwaterandsoap:

Afteranycontactwithbloodorotherpotentiallyinfectiousmaterials Afterremovalofglovesorotherpersonalprotectiveequipment Beforeexaminingortreatingapatient

Alternateformsofskincleansinganddecontaminationmustbeusedifhandwashingfacilitiesarenotreadilyavailableorthewatersupplysystemisdamaged.Antiseptic,packagedtowelettesareavailableforthispurposeinallfirstaidandemergencyresponderkits.Iftheseareused,employeeswillwashhandswithsoapandrunningwaterassoonaspossible.

3. MucousMembranes:Ifasplashofbloodorotherbodyfluidcontactstheeyes,mouth,noseoranyotherareaofexposedskinduringemergencymedicalcare,theseareaswillbeflushedwithwaterassoonaspossible.

4. Food:Employeesmustavoideating,drinking,handlingcontactlensesorapplyingcosmeticsinanyareaswhere

thereisareasonablelikelihoodofexposuretoinfectiousmaterials.

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PersonalProtectiveEquipmentPersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE)isspecializedclothingorequipmentwornbyanemployeeforprotectionagainstahazard.Generalworkclothes(e.g.,uniforms,pants,shirtsorblouses)notintendedtofunctionasprotectionagainstahazardarenotconsideredtobepersonalprotectiveequipment.PPEprovidesaneffectivebarrieragainstthepassageofsuchmaterialsthroughtotheemployee'sclothing,skin,eyes,mouthorothermucousmembranes.ThefollowingPPEarereadilyavailableinfirstaidandemergencyresponderkits:

Glovesinvarioussizes Masksandeyeprotection Resuscitationshields,masksandotherdevicesforCPR

Theseitemswillbereplaced,cleaned,ordisposedofatnocosttotheemployee.EmployeeswillwearPPEwhenevercontactwithbloodorapotentiallyinfectiousmaterialispossible.Appropriatesplashprotectionwillbewornwheneversplashofthesematerialsisreasonablyexpected.BeforeusingPPE,employeesshouldinspectitforsignsofwearordamageandreplaceitasnecessary.PPEdesignedforsingleuse,suchasdisposablegloves,mustbereplacedassoonaspossibleafteritbecomescontaminated,tornorpunctured.Disposableitemsshallnotbewashedordecontaminatedforre‐use.Reusableitems,suchassafetyglasses,shouldbedecontaminatedafterbeingexposedtopotentiallyhazardousmaterials.EmployeesmustremovePPEpriortoleavingtheworkareaandplaceitinanappropriatecontainerforstorage,decontaminationordisposal.EmployeesshouldnevertakepotentiallycontaminatedPPEhomesincethiscouldexposetheirfamiliestoinfectiousmaterials. PPEclothingthatbecomescontaminatedorpenetratedbybloodwillberemovedassoonaspossibleandplacedinleakproofplasticbagsforappropriatedisposal.Housekeeping

Allequipmentandworksurfacesthathavebeencontaminatedwithbloodorotherpotentiallyinfectiousmaterialswillbecleanedanddecontaminatedwithanappropriatedisinfectant.

Tongs,forcepsorabrushanddustpanshallbeusedtopickupcontaminatedbrokenglass. Allinfectiouswastewillbeplacedinred‐coloredplasticbagsfordisposal. Contaminatedsharpswillbediscardedincontainersthatarecloseableandpunctureresistant.Thecontainers

willthenbediscardedintored‐coloredplasticbags. Allregulatedwastewillbediscardedaccordingtofederal,stateandlocalregulations.

HepatitisBVaccinationandPost‐ExposureEvaluationandFollow‐upHepatitisBVaccinationAsafeandeffectivevaccinehasbeendevelopedtopreventthetransmissionofHepatitisB.Thisvaccineisavailabletoallemployeeswhohaveapotentialforoccupationalexposuretobloodorotherpotentiallyinfectiousmaterials.Thereisnocosttoemployeeswhor*ceivethevaccine.ThehepatitisBvaccinationwillbemadeavailabletoemployeeswithapotentialoccupationalexposurerisktobloodbornepathogensaftertheyhavereceivedthetrainingrequiredbythisplanorwithin10daysofthestartofanassignmenttoajobclassificationthatcarriesariskofexposure.Employeesarenotrequiredtoreceivethevaccination,however,anyemployeewhor*fusesthevaccinemustsignarefusalform.If,afterrefusingthevaccine,theemployeedecidesatalatertimetoacceptthevaccination,itwillbeprovidedatnocost.IftheU.S.PublicHealthServicerecommendsroutineboosterdosesofvaccineatafuturedate,theboosterswillbeprovidedatnocosttotheemployee.

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Post‐ExposureEvaluationandFollow‐upAnexposureincidentmeansaspecificeye,mouth,othermucousmembrane,non‐intactskin,orparenteralcontactwithbloodorotherpotentiallyinfectiousmaterialsthatresultsfromtheperformanceofanemployee'sduties.Ifsuchanexposureincidentoccursatwork,theeffectedemployeewillnotifyhis/hersupervisorimmediatelyandcompleteanExposureIncidentReportwhichwillbeforwardedtotheCampusDirector.TheCampusDirectorwillcoordinatewithalicensedhealthcareprovidertoobtainaprompt,confidentialmedicalexaminationandfollow‐upfortheexposedemployee.Theevaluationwillincludeatleastthefollowing:

Documentationontherouteofexposureandcirc*mstancessurroundingtheincident. Identificationofthesourceindividual,ifpossibleandpermittedbylaw. Testingofthesourceindividual'sbloodforHIVandHBVifconsentcanbeobtained.Ifconsentfromthesource

individualcannotbeobtained,theemployerwilldocumentthatconsentcouldnotbeobtained.IftheHIVandHBVstatusofthesourceindividualisalreadyknown,thebloodneednotbetested.

Resultsofthesourceindividual'stestwillbemadeavailabletotheexposedemployeeassoonasitisready.Theexposedemployeewillbeadvisedofthelawsregardingdisclosureofthesourceindividual'sidentityandinfectionstatus.

Theexposedemployee'sbloodwillbetestedafterconsentisobtained.Postexposureprophylaxis(prevention),whenmedicallyindicated,willbeprovided.Theexposedemployeewillbeeligibletoreceivecounselingandevaluationoffuturepotentiallyrelatedillnesses.

Theevaluationandfollow‐upwillbedonewithoutcosttotheexposedemployee.CompletedocumentationoftheincidentandacopyoftheOSHAregulationwillbeprovidedtotheevaluatinghealthcareprofessional.Post‐ExposureReportsTheevaluatinghealthcareprofessionalwillfurnishawrittenopinionwithinfifteendaystotheCampusDirector,whowillprovideacopytotheexposedemployee.Thereportwillcontainthefollowing:

RecommendationregardinghepatitisBvaccination Opinionforpost‐exposureevaluationandfollow‐up Noticethattheemployeehasbeengiventheresultsoftheevaluation Noticethattheemployeehasbeentoldaboutpotentialmedicalconditionswhichmayrequirefurther

evaluationortreatmentAllotherfindingsofthemedicalevaluationareconfidentialandshallnotbeincludedinthewrittenreport.Thesefindingswillbereportedonlytotheexposedemployee.Ifnecessary,counselingbyaqualifiedprofessionalwillbemadeavailable,atnocost,totheexposedemployee.UndeterminedincidentsAnyemployeewhor*ndersfirstaidduringamedicalemergencyatworkwillnotifyhis/hersupervisorassoonasfeasibleandcompleteanExposureIncidentReportbeforetheendoftheworkshift.Thereportwillincludethenamesofallfirstaidprovidersandadescriptionoftheincident,regardlessofwhetherPPEwasused.ThisreportwillbeforwardedtotheSchoolDirectorandusedtodetermineifanexposureincidentoccurred.Effectedemployeeswillbetoldthefindingsofthisreviewandadvisedoftheirrightstomedicalevaluationasdescribedbythisexposurecontrolplan.Regardlessofwhetherornotanexposureincidentoccurred,thehepatitisBvaccinationwillbemadeavailabletoallinvolvedunvaccinatedemployeeswithintwenty‐fourhours.LabelingThelawrequiresthatlabelsandsignsareusedtoidentifyandwarnemployeesofpotentiallyinfectiousmaterials:

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Warninglabelswillbeaffixedascloseaspossibletoallcontainersofpotentiallyinfectiouswastes,suchas

bloodybandagesorsoiledPPE.Thewarninglabelswillcontainabiohazardsymbolandthewordbiohazard. Redbagsorcontainersmaybesubstitutedforlabels.Anyredbagorcontainer,whetherornotitislabeled,will

beassumedtocontainpotentiallyinfectiousmaterials. EmployeesshouldnotifytheCampusDirectorand/ortheNursingorAlliedHealthDepartmentChairifthey

discoverregulatedwastecontainersorcontaminatedequipmentwithoutproperlabels.CommunicationofHazardstoEmployeesInformationandTrainingEmployeeswhohavebeenidentifiedashavingthepotentialforoccupationalexposuretobloodbornepathogenswillreceiveroutinetrainingorinformationonhowtoprotectthemselvesfrominfection.Trainingwillbeprovidedannuallyandwithintenworkingdaysfromthestartofanewassignmentortransferofanemployeetoapositionthathasbeenidentifiedashavingapossibleexposure.ContentofTrainingEmployeesattendingatrainingwillreceiveacopyofthisExposureControlPlan.Theemployeetrainingprogramwillcoverthefollowingtopics:

DescriptionandexplanationoftheBloodbornePathogensStandard Epidemiologyandsymptomsofbloodbornediseases Modesoftransmissionofbloodbornepathogens Descriptionandexplanationofthisexposurecontrolplan Methodsforrecognizingtasksthatmayinvolveexposuretoinfectiousmaterials Preventivemeasuresforreducingexposure Properuse,removal,anddisposalofpersonalprotectiveequipment InformationonthehepatitisBvaccine Appropriateactiontotakeintheeventofanexposure Informationonpostexposureevaluationandfollow‐up Explanationoflabelsandsigns

RecordkeepingTrainingRecordsTrainingrecordsarecompletedforeachemployeebytheCampusDirectororDepartmentChairuponcompletionoftraining.Thesedocumentswillbekeptforatleast3years.Thetrainingrecordsshouldinclude:

thedatesoftrainingsessions; thecontentsorasummaryofthetrainingsessions; thenamesandqualificationsofpersonsconductingthetraining;and thenamesandjobtitleofallpersonsattendingthetrainingsessions.

MedicalRecordsTheCampusDirectormaintainsmedicalrecordsaremaintainedforeachemployeewithoccupationalexposureinaccordancewith29CFR1910.1020,“AccesstoEmployeeExposureandMedicalRecords.”Medicalrecordsshallincludethefollowinginformation,asappropriate:

Employee'snameandsocialsecuritynumber

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A copyofemployee'shepatitisBvaccination status including thedatesofallvaccinations receivedandanymedical records regarding theemployee'sability to receivehepatitisBvaccinationORa copyof the signedrefusalform

Acopyofanypostexposuremedicalevaluationandfollow‐up Acopyofthehealthcareprofessional'swrittenopinionoftheexposureevaluation Acopyoftheinformationprovidedtothehealthcareprofessional

Allemployeemedicalrecordsareconfidentialandwillbemaintainedforthedurationofemploymentplus30years.SharpsInjuryLogAllpercutaneousinjuriesfromcontaminatedsharpswillberecordedintheSharpsInjuryLog,whichismaintainedbytheCampusDirector.ContaminatedSharpsmeansanycontaminatedobjectthatcanpenetratetheskinincluding,butnotlimitedto,needles,scalpels,brokenglass,brokencapillarytubes,andexposedendsofdentalwires.AllincidencesrecodedintheSharpsInjuryLogmustincludeataminimum:

dateoftheinjury typeandbrandofthedeviceinvolved departmentorworkareawheretheincidentoccurred explanationofhowtheincidentoccurred.

TheSharpsInjuryLogisreviewedannually,andeachyear’sSharpsInjuryLogismaintainedforaminimumof5yearsfollowingtheendofthecalendaryearcovered.EvaluationandReviewProcedureforTheEvaluationofCirc*mstancesSurroundingExposureIncidentsTheCampusDirector,inconjunctionasneededwiththeNursingandAlliedHealthDepartmentChairs,willreviewthecirc*mstancesofallexposureincidentstodetermine:

Workpracticecontrolsinuseatthetime Exposurecontrolplancompliance Adescriptionofthedevicebeingused(includingtypeandbrand) Protectiveequipmentorclothingthatwasusedatthetimeoftheexposureincident(gloves,eyeshields,etc.) Locationoftheincident Procedurebeingperformedwhentheincidentoccurred Employee’straining Lessonlearnedand/orprocedureimprovementsneeds

AnnualReviewofExposureControlPlanThisexposurecontrolplanwillbereviewedannuallyorwheneveranexposureincidentoccursbytheCampusDirector,assistedbytheNursingandAlliedHealthDepartmentChairs.Itwillberevisedtoreflectnewormodifiedtasksandprocedureswhicheffectoccupationalexposureornewemployeepositionswithoccupationalexposure.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTOFDISCLOSUREFORM‐NURSING1. I am aware that to practice nursing as a practical nurse in any state or U.S. territory, I must pass the National Council of Licensing

Examination for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN®) prior to being able to work in the healthcare field as a PN. Initials

2. Because of the nature of the practical nursing program and regulations by state boards of nursing, I understand that a “For Cause” drug/alcohol screening can be done anytime there is suspicion of substance abuse at either the campus or clinical site. Initials

3. I understand that a medical or criminal background check failure will prohibit me from completing my practical nursing program at LVC. Depending on the state requirements, a failed background check may or may not disqualify me to sit for the PracticalNurse Licensing Examination (NCLEX-PN®). Initials

4. I understand that I must complete and pass all of the required courses of my program by the end of my last quarter to be eligible to graduate. Initials

5. I understand that successful completion of the nursing program qualifies me to sit for the licensure examination, but does not guarantee passage of the licensing examination, job placement, or employment in nursing. Further I confirm that no guarantee of employment has been made to me by any school employee. Initials

6. I understand it is my responsibility to verify the transferability of all courses. I also understand official transcripts must be submitted to the Registrar prior to the end of the first quarter to be considered for transfer. Initials

7. I have received and read the Practical Nurse Student Handbook, Acknowledgement of Disclosure Form – Nursing, Essential Skills and Functional Abilities Standards, and Safe Clinical Practice Guidelines and agree to abide by the standards/policies stated. Initials

8. I understand the study requirements of the Practical Nurse Program, the need for reliable transportation, the attendance policy, the grading policies, progression policies, and the need to be professional at all times. Initials

9. I understand that during the course of the program additional policies may be instituted as needed and to address the requirements of assigned clinical sites. When in the clinical site, I agree to abide by the policies and procedures of that site. Initials

10. I hereby grant LVC my consent to use worldwide in perpetuity, my name, voice, signature, photograph, biography, and likeness, my

employer’s name, and my job title in any and all forms of publicity and training materials, including without limitation, advertising, press releases, promotions, television and radio commercials, and in any medium, such as print, electronic, Internet or broadcast media. I further authorize LVC the worldwide right in perpetuity to use, record, reproduce, distribute, broadcast or disseminate any information I have authored or provided to it, including written or spoken comments, and any abridgments, excerpts, paraphrasing, or derivative works of such comments. I waive the right to inspect or approve any draft or finished training material, advertisem*nt, press release, promotional piece, publicity piece, and/or television and radio commercial produced by LVC under this Consent. Initials

11. I give permission for the nursing faculty and/or Practical Nursing Department Chair or designee to share my personal information, including but not limited to name, date of birth, documentation of the health and safety requirements, etc. with clinical sites requesting this information. I understand this information may be needed to enter me in their security system, computer system and/or medication administration system, etc. or other applicable systems in order for me to participate in clinical learning experiences. Initials

SIGNATUREOFSTUDENTPRINTEDNAME DATE

Thisformwillbemaintainedinthestudent’sfilethroughoutthepracticalnursingprogram.

LVC Student Handbook PN Rev 2-2020 Final 20200702 · Las Vegas College Practical Nurse Student Handbook Rev 1‐2020A, effective 7/2/2020 PRACTICAL NURSE Diploma Program 15 Months - [PDF Document] (2024)

References