ADMISSION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
I. NURSING COMMITTEE FOR ADMISSIONS GUIDELINES
The Admissions Retention and Graduation Committee (ARG) is responsible for student admission into the Program for Nursing Education. Committee members review the records of all applicants; make decisions relative to admission, retention and graduation; and review / revise public documents related to the Program.
“Del Mar College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, National origin, religion, handicap/disability, or any other constitutionally or statutorily impermissible reason. This shall include persons with disabilities” (Nursing Education Information Sheet).
“Admission to the College does not automatically qualify the student for admission to the health sciences programs” (DMC College Catalog). Student admission into the Nursing Program is the responsibility of the ARG Committee for admissions. Students must follow admission policy criteria to be eligible for consideration into the Nursing Program of Education by any route.
A. THE FUNCTIONS OF THIS COMMITTEE INCLUDE:
1. Implement admission/readmission/graduation criteria found in the Handbook for Nursing Students.
2. Review and make recommendations for admission/readmission/graduation criteria.
3. Review annually and revise as needed departmental and college publications relating to admission, retention and graduation.
4. Maintain, evaluate, and revise as needed the Prospective Student Orientation Program.
5. Schedule faculty for student advising each semester.
6. Coordinate student recruitment activities.
7. Conduct the Graduate Follow-up Survey and Exit Survey.
B. MEMBERSHIP, MEETINGS AND APPLICANT REVIEW
Membership of the Admissions Retention and Graduation (ARG) Committee is prescribed by the Nursing Faculty By-laws and will consist of at least four Nursing Faculty and at least two members external to the faculty. The chairperson will also invite a representative from the Counseling Department.
The meeting date of the ARG Committee for admission to review applications shall be set by the Committee Chairperson in consultation with the Departmental Chairperson for spring and fall semester admissions.
Applications eligible for review by the committee for admissions are only those applicants who have completed all factors as listed in the procedure(s) for Admission into the Nursing Program: General Admission, eLine, LVN/Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Track, Advanced Standing Examination, or Transfer of Credit Procedures.
II. DATE GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION
Between February 1 and April 1 for Fall Admission Between August 1 and October 1 for Spring Admission A. GENERAL APPLICATION GUIDELINES
It is the responsibility of the applicant to follow and meet all factors required for admission and by the set date guidelines for new or renewal of applications. Factors that guide applicant evaluation for admission are:
1. Admission to Del Mar College.
2. High school graduation with minimum of a C average. Fifteen units should be in academic subjects, with preferably more than one science included or a GED.
3. Acceptable ACT/SAT/COMPASS/THEA scores as designated with minimum recommended scores as:
Reading |
Writing |
Math |
|
|
ACT |
(R) 19+ |
(E) 19+ |
(M) 20+ |
|
SAT |
(V) 500+ |
(V) 500+ |
(M) 500+ |
|
Compass |
84-100 |
Essay 0-6 & 82-100 OR Essay 7 or 8 |
(A) 76-100 & (CA) 1-45 |
|
THEA or TASP |
230+ |
230+ |
270+ or 230-269 & MAA> 13 |
4. Completed Data Sheet for Admission to the Nursing Program into the departmental office. The applicant must provide reference names, addresses and phone numbers from two persons (not relatives). One reference must be the last employer.
5. View Online Information Session (http://www.delmar.edu/rn ) prior to admission into the program.
6. Satisfactory Grade Point Average (GPA) in nursing degree plan courses. The ARG Committee sets the GPA qualifying levels.
7. Successful completion of the number of courses toward nursing degree plan through official transcripts at the DMC Registrar’s office either from DMC course work or acceptable transfer credits from another accredited institution. All general education courses must be taken prior to or concurrently with the semester as assigned in the Nursing Degree Plan.
8. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 program GPA to be considered for admission into the Program.
9. Applicants will be placed in descending rank order according to points earned. Should there be more acceptable applicants than openings available, the student's rank standing will determine selection. Final disposition will be by consensus of Committee members. The formula for determining points earned is as follows:
- Program (degree plan courses only) GPA times number of degree plan courses completed plus HESI A2 points. (e.g. 4.0 x 11 + 10= 54 or maximum points possible.)
- HESI A2 will be offered prior to the application deadline. Schedule testing date at the Del Mar College Testing Center. There is a $25 testing fee.
10. HPRS 1106 Medical Terminology and HPRS 1204 Basic Health Professional Skills must be within two years of the date of admission into the Nursing Program.
11. Re-admitted students will be accepted by the same GPA standards and ranked by the same formula as first-time applicants.
12. Clinical failures, based on violation of standards as stated in Critical Elements (first page of Clinical Evaluation Record), will not be considered for re-admission.
13. Students seeking re-admission must request a letter of recommendation for re-admission from the last clinical instructor/level.
14. Final applicant lists will be made under the headings of ACCEPTED (per end of semester grades), NOT ACCEPTED and ALTERNATE. Names on each list remain stratified by points earned, number of courses completed, and GPA standings.
15. Each applicant shall be notified of admission status from the RN Departmental office by mail. Spring semester students are notified by early December. Fall semester students notified by early May. eLine applicants will be notified within 2-3 weeks of the application submission.
B. A secondary alternate list may be kept by the Departmental Office for applicants who meet all criteria for admission, but who do not meet the deadlines set for admission. In the case that there are more withdrawals before the fall or spring school terms from the original Accepted or Alternate lists to fill available slots and the department kept such a Secondary Alternate List, those late applicants with apparently acceptable credentials shall be reviewed as above. This consideration only will exist after all those on the original lists have been reviewed and final disposition made.
C. Admission to and completion of the academic program for registered nursing does not guarantee eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse. The Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas determines licensure eligibility for those seeking licensure in Texas. A student who is interested in being admitted or has been admitted to the Del Mar Nursing Program may request a Declaratory Order Petition packet from the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460, Austin, Texas 78701-3944; phone number: (512) 305-7400; and website: www.bne.state.tx.us. The Board provides individuals the opportunity to petition the Board to address concerns about eligibility or ineligibility for licensure in accordance with Article 301.257 of the Nursing Practice Act (See Licensure Eligibility Notification Form and Disciplinary Proceedings in Appendix D).
D. Applications for students NOT ACCEPTED are filed in the Departmental Office for one semester. Each student, however, is responsible to re-apply to re-activate an application in the Departmental Office. All applications that are not re-activated will be archived.
IV. LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE (LVN) and PARAMEDIC ENTRY OPTIONS:
LVNs and Paramedics have three options for entry into the Nursing Program:
A. Advanced Standing Examination: The option to challenge an Advanced Standing Examination (ASE) is available. The LVN and paramedic can petition to the Departmental Office for Level I and / or Level II by taking an ASE for the first two level nursing courses. Information explaining the Policy and Procedure for the challenge of Level I and Level II nursing courses are described in Section V and a CheckList is in Appendix A-4.
B. Bridge Track Option: The State Board of Nurse Examiners and the National League for Nursing have granted approval for the Policy and Procedure for Bridge Track RNSG 1327/1163 (4 credits) for qualified LVNs and RNSG 1209/1260 (4 credits) plus RNSG 1327/1163 for qualified paramedics. These courses will be offered each spring and fall semester. An informational brochure and sheet on the Bridge tracks are available in the departmental office. The RNSG 1327/1163 represents an accelerated track through the first two levels of the RN program and is designed for Bridge students to complete two semesters work in one semester. The Bridge Course will validate the theory and skill competencies of the LVN and will incorporate the content of the first and second nursing semesters.
The transitional tracks for LVNs and Paramedics will be composed of 69 credit hours, including 35 credit hours of nursing courses and 34 credit hours of general education courses as per the Nursing Degree Plan. Information explaining the Policy and Procedure for the Admission through the Bridge Course is described in Section VI and a Check List is in Appendix A-5.
C. Generic Program Option: LVNs and Paramedics also have the option of completing the program in the regular two-year track. (See General Admissions Policy and Procedure Sections I – III). Information explaining the Policy and Procedure for General Admission is in Section III and a Check List is in Appendix A-2.
D. eLine Option: Electronic Learning in Nursing Education (eLine) is the "anywhere, anytime" delivery of the generic program. Students use WebCT to access modules and work at their own pace. Students who use this option have a maximum of 4 years to complete the program.
V. POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR ADMISSION BY ADVANCED STANDING EXAMINATION
A student desiring admission into the Nursing Program by Advanced Standing Examination (ASE) or by Transfer is required to follow all steps previously described for admission into the nursing program. These steps are also described in the Nursing Department information sheet. Also, it is necessary for the applicant to provide proof of successful completion of all general education course requirements up to the point of anticipated entrance.
To be eligible to take an ASE it is necessary for the advanced standing applicant to obtain approval of the nursing department. To complete an application to the nursing program and to pay the required fee for advanced standing examination to the Business Office (See General Admission Policy and Procedure, Section III and Check List in Appendix A-3.)
Admission by Advanced Standing Examination (ASE) into Level I and Level II is available to students with prior learning and experience. Del Mar College Nursing Program encourages Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs/LPNs) to consider the opportunity to challenge by ASE. Successful ASEs will be given credit by examination for the course challenged. The cost for an ASE is by the current College rate per credit hour. ASEs are usually offered twice each school year for eligible applicants and given at the time of final examinations at the end of the fall and spring semesters.
The first two semesters of nursing courses for the RN degree plan are:
Level I: RNSG 1413 Foundations for Nursing Practice 4 credits RNSG 1160 Clinical (Foundations) 1 RNSG 1201 Pharmacology 2 RNSG 2306 Nursing Information Systems 3 Level II: RNSG 1441 Common Concepts of Adult Health 4 RNSG 1161 Clinical Common Concepts 1 RNSG 1412 Nursing Care of the Chilbearing/Childrearing Family 4 RNSG 2162 Childbearing/Childrearing Clinical 1 Completion or ASE of all Level I requirements is mandatory before an ASE of Level II is allowed.
ASEs will include both theory and clinical content. A grade of 83 or B is required to pass an ASE theory examination. Following satisfactory achievement of the theory examination, the student is required to pass an ASE clinical skill examination. Faculty responsible for a given course for which the student applies to take an ASE shall be responsible for notifying the applicant of the outcome and for making other additional arrangements.
Applicants studying for an ASE are encouraged to guide their study by the Course Handbook for the course to be challenged. Course Handbooks and required course textbooks can be obtained from a college related bookstore. The Department of Nursing offers help through campus learning laboratory (LL) facilities to persons planning to take an ASE. These facilities include audio visual aids, reading assignments, math programs, clinical skill practice and the assistance of the learning laboratory instructor. Guidance through LL facilities may be used as much as desired to review course content in preparation for the challenge examination.
Clinical Skill Examination follows the passing of the comprehensive examination with an 83 (B) or better. The clinical skills tested are those taught at each respective Level I or Level II. The skill examination is in the clinical laboratory. A list of the nursing skills to be tested at each Level is available from the Learning Lab instructor. Total clinical examination time will be 2-3 hours.
THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR ASE PLACEMENT ARE AS FOLLOWS:
A. Meet all requirements for admission to the College and to the Department of Nursing Education (See Procedure for General Admission, Section III);
B. Graduate successfully from a state approved Licensed Vocational Nurse Program;
C. Provide recommendation from school attended;
D. Work as a LVN for two years within the last five years;
E. Be recommended by two persons who have supervised their work;
F. Achieved college credit with passing grades in:
Anatomy/Physiology I & II: BIOL 2401 & 2402 (8 credits)
Introduction to Psychology: PSYC 2301 (3 credits)
Basic Chemistry: CHEM 1406 (4 credits)
Life Span Growth & Development: PSYC 2314 (3 credits)
Microbiology & Clinical Pathology: BIOL 2420 (4 credits)
Composition I & II: ENGL 1301 & 1302 (6 credits)
Introduction to Ethics: PHIL 2306 (3 credits)G. Pass the ASE for Level I and/or Level II with a theory score of 83 followed by a successful clinical skill examination;
H. Complete pharmacological math proficiency test with a score of 100%;
I. Be accepted into the Nursing Program for the appropriate course by the Admissions Retention and Graduation Committee;
J. Pay all necessary fees.
VI. BRIDGE TRACK OPTION POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Prior to the Bridge Transitional Track Option the Paramedics who meet specified criteria must take:
RNSG 1209 Introduction to Nursing RNSG 1163 Clinical (Paramedic-Nursing) The Bridge Transitional Track Option is for LVNs and Paramedics who meet specified criteria. The courses are:
RNSG 1327 Transition LVN-RN RNSG 1163 Clinical RNSG 2306 Nursing Information System Following satisfactory achievement of the Bridge Track, the student is awarded fifteen credit hours and articulates into the second year courses with the generic Associate Degree Nursing Students in the regular program track. Criteria for the selection of candidates for admission into the Bridge Track for the Associate Degree Nursing Program includes:
A. Current licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in the State of Texas OR meet 1998 EMT Paramedic National Standard Curriculum.
B. Completion of admissions criteria for generic student.
C. Graduation/Experience.
1. If the LVN graduation is within the last five years, then 2000 hours of the last three years as LVN in a skilled care facility. *
2. If LVN graduation is beyond 5 years, then 2000 hours of experience in last three years as an LVN in a skilled care facility* with current employment in the last 6 months as an LVN in a skilled care facility. *
* Skilled Care Facility: hospital unit or geriatric unit as so designated by Medicare.
D. Completion of program academics:
Anatomy/Physiology I & II: Biology 2401 & 2402 (8 credits)
Introduction to Psychology: PSYC 2301 (3 credits)
Basic Chemistry: CHEM 1406 (4 credits)
Lifespan Growth & Development: PSYC 2314 (3 credits)
Microbiology & Clinical Pathology: BIOL 2420 (4 credits)
Composition I & II: English 1301 & 1302 (6 credits)
Introduction to Ethics: PHIL 2371 (3 credits)
Medical Terminology: HPRS 1106 (1 credits)
Basic Health Professions Skills HPRS 1204 (2 credits)
E. Not previously enrolled in the Nursing generic program at Del Mar College.
F. Completion of the NLN Career Mobility Profile Examination through the testing office (after admission).
G. Current CPR course completion card from American Heart Association Health Care Provider OR American Red Cross Professional Rescuer.
H. Completion of pharmacological math proficiency test with a score of 100%.
I. Completed “Petition to Record Credit” form for HPRS 1106/1204 (formerly HPRS 2371), based on LVN work and paid fee at Business Office.
J. Other data may be considered as necessary.
VII. ELECTRONIC LEARNING IN NURSING EDUCATION (eLine)
eLine offers the nursing degree programs of either Del Mar College or Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in an online format that is available anywhere and anytime. (For more information go to: www.eline.delmar.edu) To qualify for eLine, the student must complete all 11 general education courses prior to enrolling. Students desiring eLine follow the policy and procedure described in Section II Date Guidelines for Application Submission and Section III Policy and Procedure for General Admission into the Nursing Program.
VIII. ADMISSION BY TRANSFER POLICY AND PROCEDURE
To transfer courses from another institution, the applicant must submit proof that previous nursing courses reflect the equivalent of the nursing courses at Del Mar College. Therefore, to be considered for transfer, all of the required criteria and information precedes consideration for academic or nursing course transfer. Applicants applying for admission by transfer of credit into the nursing program must follow the Policy and Procedures for Transfer of Nursing Credit and provide the following:
A. Completed all requirements as previously listed for General Admission (See General Admission Policy and Procedure Section III: 1-10);
B. Provided official transcripts of all course work completed at all colleges attended to the Registrar's Office, with another unofficial copy to the departmental office;
C. Provided acceptable GPA for all course work taken at another accredited institution;
D. Completed all necessary course work as listed in the Degree Plan up to the point of desired admission from an accredited institution;
E. Completed all nursing course work with a course and clinical grade of a B or above up to point of desired admission from an NLN-AC accredited institution with an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 85%;
F. Supplied course syllabus with criteria and course objectives that describes credit hours, lecture hours, and clinical hours; curriculum level, course content, and textbook; course grading system and clinical grading system of all previously taken nursing courses that the transferee desires to transfer to DMC for nursing credit for review by the Program Director;
G. Provided personal recommendations from clinical instructor of nursing school attended indicating successful clinical and course completion;
H. Provided skills check-list and Clinical Evaluation Record in nursing courses the transferee desires to transfer to DMC Nursing Program;
I. Accepted into the program at desired point if a vacancy is available through the Admission Committee;
J. Paid all necessary fees;
K. Considered need for determination of eligibility for licensure in Texas. See Nurse Practice Act Licensure Eligibility Notification Form and Disciplinary Proceedings in Appendix D;
L. An alternative to the above criteria is for the transferee to take an Advanced Standing Examination for the course (see Policy and Procedure criteria for credit by Advanced Standing Examination, Section V).
IX. RESTRICTIONS FOR ADMISSION BY CHALLENGE EXAMINATION OR BY TRANSFER INCLUDE:
A. Non-availability of a vacancy in the desired course.
B. An incomplete admission package.
X. REQUIREMENTS FOLLOWING ADMISSION FOR ALL STUDENTS ADMITTED TO THE NURSING PROGRAM
A. After admission, each student must have had completed a standard departmental physical examination to provide evidence of good physical and mental health. Failure to reveal prior or present physical or emotional illness will place a student as subject to dismissal. While information will be held in confidence there are certain circumstances that, for the student's protection as well as others, make health information disclosure a necessity.
B. All students are required to have a yearly tuberculin skin test. If the skin test is positive, the student is required to have one chest x-ray that determines No active disease then a yearly medical evaluation that determines absence of tuberculosis disease signs and symptoms (standard form available in the departmental office).
C. All students are responsible for having current:
1. TB screen report
2. Proof of Hepatitis B series
3. Current CPR course completion card from American Heart Association Health Care Provider OR American Red Cross Professional Rescuer.
- The CPR card expiration date must fall beyond the last day of clinical for the semester.
- The student is responsible for submitting a copy of the current TB screen, proof of Hep B series, and CPR card to the Nursing Education office for your file.
- Students who do not comply will be given an incomplete in the course and will have to complete clinical within a year (prior to advancing to the next level).
- Clinical instructors will be responsible for checking TB screen, Hep B series, and CPR for their students prior to first clinical day.
D. Policy for Required DRUG TESTING AND Criminal Background check
Criminal background checks have been introduced into hospital and school affiliation agreements in keeping with a Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) standard. Individual institutions have been given the responsibility for mandating this clearance for students. Therefore, in keeping with this policy, all potential nursing students will be required to undergo a background check for security clearance prior to enrollment in the nursing program.
1. Policy for Required Drug Testing and Criminal Background CHECK
Drug testing and criminal background checking of nursing students is required by the facilities which are the sites for the clinical learning experience of nursing students. These facilities require drug testing and criminal background checking of each student, prior to the time the student would have contact with the facility's patients or employees. The rationale for the drug testing and criminal background checking is due to diligence and competency assessment of students whose assignments bring them in contact with patients or employees. Before a nursing student can be placed by the nursing program at a facility for his/her clinical experience, the student must have certain acceptable results on both a drug test and a criminal background checking.
2. Selection of Company to perform Drug Testing and Criminal Background Check
The Nursing Department will notify students of the company designated to perform the drug testing and criminal background check. The department will not accept drug test and criminal background check results from any company other than the one designated by the Nursing Education Department. For example, the program will not accept a drug test/criminal background check which a student has independently obtained from the company outside the procedure provided in this policy.
The company selected is independent and separate from Del Mar College. It is not and shall not be considered a partner, joint-venturer, employee, or agent of Del Mar College.
The student is required to pay the cost at the time of the drug testing/criminal background check.
3. DRUG TEST
A. Students Required to Drug Test/Timing of Drug Test
Nursing program students enrolled in clinical coursework for the first time or a student who has had a break in enrollment in clinical courses are required to complete the drug test at the time designated prior to the first clinical day in the facility no more than 30 days prior. A break in enrollment is defined as non-enrollment for one full semester, or more in clinical coursework.
B. Drug Test Procedure/Requirements
Each student is required to sign any and all consents/releases, including consent to the drug test and permission for the results of the drug test to be provided to the Nursing Education Department. It is a violation of this policy for a student to adulterate or attempt to adulterate a specimen, to engage in any deceptive behavior during or in connection with the testing process, or take any other action which would falsify test results or tend to make test results inaccurate.
If the drug test result is positive, the student may contact the Medical Review Officer [“MRO”] affiliated with the testing company, at an additional cost to the student.
A positive drug screen for a student is defined under this policy to be one reported as such by the testing company selected. Generally, this refers to the testing company indicating the student tested outside the acceptable range set by the testing company, and with the MRO not determining the test result should be a negative. A negative test for a student is defined under this policy as a test result which is not a positive test result.
C. Reporting of Drug Test Results to HSN
The testing company will communicate the drug test results to the nursing program. It is the policy of Del Mar College to maintain the confidentiality of these drug test results to the extent required by law.
D. Consequences
Where a positive drug screen occurs, the following will occur:
The student will be immediately suspended for a minimum of one year (12 continuous months from the date of the beginning of the suspension) from the program;
The positive drug screen will be shared by the Nursing Department with the Vice-President of Student Services for further action, including but not limited to referral for a drug abuse education program, referral to counseling, and/or referral to a drug treatment program.
Any nursing student with a positive drug screen is encouraged to seek treatment. Del Mar College encourages impaired students to seek assistance voluntarily and assume responsibility for their personal and professional conduct.
A student who has on one occasion had a positive drug screen under this policy, and who desires to reapply to Del Mar College, may reapply only for a school semester beginning after the period of suspension (one year minimum). The student will, in addition to meeting all other requirements for similarly situated applicants, be required to provide documentation of successful treatment and to consent to and undergo a retest, through a testing company selected by Del Mar College. This re-testing is at the student's expense. The decision on whether to re-admit to the student is not guaranteed, and will be made on a case-by-case basis.
E. Estimated Cost of Drug Test: Approximately $30.00. The cost of the drug screen is the student's responsibility.
F. Suspicious Testing
Additionally, a student assigned to a facility for a clinical experience, and who is suspected by the facility or faculty of substance use or abuse, will be asked to consent to a drug test. In this situation, the student is required to sign the consent and complete an immediate drug test.
4. cRIMINAL bACKGROUND cHECK
A. Criminal Background Check Procedure/Requirements
It is intended that the background check include all cities and counties of known residence for the 7-year period prior to the check.Under this policy, the term “failing” the criminal background check is defined as the screening company reporting to the appropriate Health Science Program office that the student had any of the following, during the 7 year period prior to the check:
• Motor vehicle violations
• Inability to verify social security number
• Criminal offenses (up to 7 years or up to 5 searches)
• Inability to verify employment (last 2)
• HHS/OIG/GSA list of excluded individuals
• Texas HHS list of excluded individuals
• Violent sexual offenses
• Registered as a predator
B. Reporting of Criminal Background Check
The company conducting the criminal background check will communicate the criminal background check results to the Director of Nursing Program. It is the policy of Del Mar College and the nursing department to maintain the confidentiality of these criminal background check results to the extent required by law.C. Consequences
Where a student fails the criminal background check, the following will occur:1. The student will be required to obtain:
(a) a revised report from the company conducting the check reports to the nursing department (perhaps through clarifying information provided by the student to the company) that the student no longer fails the check, OR
(b) from the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas (www.bne.state.tx.us) a Declaratory Order or similar decision stating the individual is eligible for initial licensure or licensure renewal
2. The student will be notified of a description of the adverse action taken, the name of the company which prepared the report, a statement that the company did not make the decision to take the adverse action, that the student has a right to obtain a free copy of the company's report from the company, and to contest its contents.
3. Other appropriate action, if any.
A student who is convicted of or receives deferred adjudication for any of the criminal offenses referred to in Section IV B above while enrolled in the program must report the conviction to the Vocational Nurse Education Department, within three days of the conviction, and the student will be referred to the Vice-President of Student Services and suspended from the nursing program until the student obtains from the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas a Declaratory Order or similar decision stating the individual is eligible for initial licensure or licensure renewal.
D. Estimated Cost of the Criminal Background Check: Approximately $78.00. The cost of the criminal background check is the student's responsibility.
5. cRIMINAl convictions occurring during the program
A student who is convicted of or receives deferred adjudication for any of the criminal offenses listed in section A above while enrolled in the program must report the conviction to the nursing department within three days of the conviction. The student will be referred to the Vice President of Student Services and suspended from the program until the student obtains from the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas a Declaratory Order stating the individual is eligible for initial licensure.
E. Hospital orientation will be done at the beginning of Level 1 and Level 3 for generic students, Level 2 and Level 3 for Bridge students, and repeat semester and Level 3 students.
Students who do not comply will be given an incomplete in the course and will have to complete clinical within a year (prior to advancing to the next level).
Designated instructors will be responsible for verifying prior to first clinical day.
XI. RE-ADMISSION POLICY
Readmission into the Nursing Program is NOT automatic. Any student who leaves the Nursing Program voluntarily, for health reasons, because of a grade of D or less, or any other reason, must apply for readmission. Students also must earn a grade of D or better in both natural and social science courses to continue in the program.
A request for readmission is the student’s responsibility. The request must be submitted by the determined deadline and includes a letter from the student stating the reasons why he/she was unsuccessful and what actions he/she has taken to remedy the situation to succeed. The student must also submit a letter of recommendation from the last clinical instructor/level faculty. All non-nursing courses must be completed before student will be readmitted.
Readmitted students will be accepted by the General Admission Procedure (Section III).
Clinical failures, as determined by policy as to eligibility for re-admission, will be reviewed by the Admissions, Retention and Graduation (ARG) Committee to assist in determining readmission.
The ARG Committee reviews all requests for readmission. Readmissions to each course are limited to space available. Readmission requests are ranked by points at Level I, all other levels are ranked by program GPA. The ranking is also based on whether it is 1st or 2nd, etc, readmit request.
The letter of recommendation by clinical instructor/level faculty will be read and may supersede any rank order/GPA for purposes of readmission.
Readmissions are conditional with contractual specifications that each student is expected to fulfill. Failure to fulfill the readmission contract can result in dismissal from the program.
Clarification April 28, 2008
XII. GRADING POLICY
The student in the Nursing Program must attain at least a grade of C in each nursing course. In order to be eligible for graduation, a student must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4-point system.
The purpose of evaluation is to determine individual student growth in the development of competencies related to becoming a skillful clinical practitioner. There are two components inherent in this process. The first component is the acquisition of knowledge, enabling the student to form concepts, see relationships and derive generalizations as a basis for taking action in a given nursing situation. The second component is the development of practical skills while integrating and utilizing theory in providing nursing care. This requires considerable personal responsibility and skills of critical thinking on the part of the student.
The instructors will explain course requirements. Required assignments and specific dates for work to be turned in must be met by the student. Unless turned in by the deadline there will be a drop in grade for lateness unless the student and instructor make previous arrangements for late work. Grammar and sentence structure, spelling, legibility, neatness and following directions as to organization are related to acceptable quality in both written and oral assignments. Written work is expected to follow the most current American Psychological Association (APA) format.
Assigned weighing of course requirements for both theory and clinical laboratory are stated and explained at the beginning of each course. The student may review classroom grades and laboratory progress notes with the instructor in accord with course requirements. It is advisable for the student to keep personal records of grades and maintain an awareness of class standing. The following explains standard course expectations in all nursing courses.
The semester grade criteria is stated and explained at the beginning of each course and designated to measure the acquisition of knowledge. A C or better grade must be attained in order for the student to progress to the next level in nursing education. Theory grades in all health care courses are:
A = 100 – 90 B = 89 – 83 C = 82 – 75 D = 74 – 70 F = 69 and below B. CLINICAL EVALUATION
Clinical evaluation is derived from student demonstration of developing practical skills and knowledge in the clinical and campus laboratory areas that indicate an integration and utilization of theory to provide nursing care. This requires considerable personal responsibility and skills of critical thinking on the part of the student. Behaviors include performance that may be tested and evaluated, achievement of objectives, preparation for clinical assignment and aspects of personal responsibility, such as appropriate participation in conferences, punctuality, etc.
Clinical laboratory practice is evaluated as: SATISFACTORY (S) or UNSATISFACTORY (U), which translates into a Pass (P) or Fail (F).
An evaluation of UNSATISFACTORY indicates that the quality of nursing practice is judged to be unsafe and not effective. Such an evaluation supersedes any classroom grade and therefore, such an evaluation, earns a failure in the course.
C. PHARMACOLOGICAL MATH PROFICIENCY AND MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Students should enter the Program with a basic knowledge of fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios and proportions. At the beginning of each Level of study, students are required to take a pharmacological math proficiency and medication administration test and successfully pass with a score of 100% prior to going to the clinical site. Related pharmacology information is included in the testing. If a weakness is noted regarding any of these topics, students are required to do remediation on those weak areas.
Math programs are available in the Multimedia Lab. The PLATO/Work Keys System is also available for use by the student requiring math remediation. This resource system is offered by the Counseling Department. Students needing help with math are encouraged to contact the Counseling Department. The Del Mar College Math Learning Center (tel # 698-1574) has multiple opportunities for remediation of problems similar to those found on each Level’s tests. There are also multiple sites on the Internet providing problems and review. Students need to hand in a copy of the results of their homework as proof of study review.
Below are some sites for use:
Drug Math: http://www.accd.edu/sac/nursing/math/default.html
Medication Math Text: http://www.geocities.com/crnasomeday/medmath1.htm
Math Instruction, Reinforcement and Learning Activities: http://amby.com/educate/math/
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TESTS:
- Passing the test is a patient safety issue!!
- Faculty design the tests with a level of difficulty similar in all tests so students would not see one test or one Course as “really” easy and another “really” hard.
- Questions having several parts to solve, provide an exercise in critical thinking, which is a requirement of our program.
- Calculators (4 function, basic) may be used during testing.
- The number of opportunities to test prior to clinical for each Level of Course varies dependent on the length of the course, the time at which each Course begins clinical, and other variables determined by Faculty.
- Students may not rework just the “missed question(s), but will be required to take another pharmacological math proficiency and medication administration test.
- After the first unsuccessful test attempt, documentation of appropriate remediation is required prior to taking the next test.
- In order to be successful in taking the test, the student must achieve 100% on the exam prior to going to the hospital or other clinical setting. Passing the test with 100% accuracy is an essential clinical objective that must be accomplished to pass a clinical rotation.
- Principles of pharmacology/safe medication administration will be included (making problems similar to a clinical situation such as reading drug labels, or doctor’s orders including an order, which may be incorrect.)
- Demonstration of math proficiency must be maintained during all clinical experiences.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING EACH LEVEL:
Level I: Students are offered five opportunities to complete a test with 100% accuracy. Testing may take place at the Level I orientation. A review may be given prior to taking the exam. Failure to achieve 100% proficiency prior to the clinical experience will result in failure of all courses within this level.
Level II: Students are offered five opportunities to complete a test with 100% accuracy prior to going to clinical. A tutorial is offered prior to the first test. Any clinical time missed due to time spent retesting must be made up. The faculty cannot guarantee time or availability for clinical makeup. Failure to achieve 100% proficiency will result in clinical failure of all courses within this Level.
Level III: Testing may take place at the Level III Orientation before classes start. A review may be given prior to taking the test. Students are offered four opportunities to complete a test with 100% accuracy prior to going to clinical. Any clinical time missed due to time spent retesting must be made up. The faculty cannot guarantee time or availability for clinical makeup. Failure to achieve 100% proficiency will result in clinical failure of all courses within this Level.
Level IV: Students are offered three opportunities to complete a test with 100% accuracy prior to going to clinical. Any clinical time missed due to time spent retesting must be made up. The faculty cannot guarantee time or availability for clinical makeup. Failure to achieve 100% proficiency will result in clinical failure of all courses within this Level.
MEASUREMENTS TO BE USED*:
- Metric and household measurements
- Apothecary and household measurements
- Equivalents between apothecary and metric measurements
*These measurements will be tested heaviest in Levels 1 and 2. In Levels 3 and 4, these areas comprise a smaller portion of each test.
TEST CONSTRUCTION:
Tests will be constructed covering the following areas that are common to most math/pharmacology workbooks:
Calculation of drug dosages:
1. Interpretation of physician orders
a. Abbreviations will be included in problems (i.e. bid, pc, ac, etc.), so each problem includes this critical thinking aspect.
b. Military time will be used.
c. The 5 rights, number of times to check labels, etc., will be included in the problems.
2. How to read drug labels
a. There may be inclusion of an actual drug label for interpretation. Some may include “When is the last date this medication can be administered?” for antibiotics, narcotics, etc.
3. Oral dosages
a. There may be questions regarding the form of the medication to be given; i.e., tab, liquid, capsule, etc.
b. How is the med best prepared? (i.e., using a medication cup, dropper, syringe, TB syringe, crushed, or scored?)
c. Use of milliequivalents
4. Parenteral dosages
a. “Describe the best way to break an ampule” might be part of a question.
b. Policy on cleaning top of multi-use vial might be part of a question.
c. How to label a multi-use vial after initial entering of the bottle might be part of a question.
5. Dosages measured in units: (penicillin, insulin, heparin, etc.)
6. IV flow rates: The student must be able to determine the number of drops per minute that the patient must receive for the infusion to be completed within the specified time. To accomplish this task, the nurse must calculate three different pieces of information in the following manner:
a. milliliters given per hour (ml/h)
b. milliliters given per minute (ml/min)
c. drops given per minute (gtts/min)
7. Age-specific dosages: Emphasis should be on careful assessment of biological, mental, and physiological changes of the client. For example, diminished renal function may call for a reduction in dosage. These changes can affect all body systems and conflict with action of some meds.
Determining a matrix of questions
Faculty has determined the % of questions asked by each Level noting that some areas are not pertinent to all Levels. Any of these areas can be made age-relative for peds and elderly. Math/pharmacology tests in each Level should contain the same number of questions and an equal distribution of questions from each category. This is used as a guide by Faculty and is one method of showing consistency and increased complexity in math/pharmacology testing
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF QUESTIONS |
METRIC, APOTHECARY AND HOUSEHOLD |
INTERPRETATION OF PHYSICIAN ORDERS |
READING DRUG LABELS |
ORAL DOSAGES |
PARENTERAL DOSAGES |
UNIT DOSAGES |
IV FLOW RATES |
|
Level I / 25 |
15 |
None |
3 |
4 |
3 |
None |
None |
|
Level II / 25 |
10 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
|
Level III / Bridge/ 20 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
|
Level IV/ 15 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
- All students are required to start an electronic portfolio at Level I, and maintain its currency throughout the four levels of nursing courses.
E. ATTENDANCE
The student assumes responsibility upon admission for a high attendance standard in class, laboratory, and clinical. Absences or tardiness from class or laboratory place an extra burden on any student to keep up with assigned work and to gain experience as needed. There may be no later opportunity to repeat certain missed laboratory experiences, since clinical assignments are focused on the particular topic(s) being studied at a given time. The initiative for making up missed work is entirely the responsibility of the student. The student will assume a financial expense for clinical make-up after the scheduled clinical hours. Missed tests are recorded as ZERO, unless some definite make-up arrangements are made with the instructor prior to, or within 24 hours after missing the test. Messages for instructors can be made to their individual voice mail or e-mail (preferably both), or with the department secretary.
Due to the sensitive nature of class lectures, discussions and/or lab, children are NOT permitted in class or lab.
All electronic devices (cell telephones and/or pagers) MUST be turned off or programmed to silent mode during any class/lab activity, such a lecture, discussion, group work or exam.
Revised Fall, 2007