Nursing Program Student Handbook

Introduction

Welcome to the Nursing Program at our institution. This handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through your nursing education. It contains vital information about our philosophy, policies, procedures, and expectations for nursing students. Please read through this handbook carefully and refer to it throughout your academic journey.

Program Overview

Our Nursing Program is designed to prepare caring, competent, and professional nurses who can function effectively in various healthcare settings. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with clinical practice to develop critical thinking, clinical judgment, and therapeutic communication skills.

Program Mission

The Nursing Program is committed to providing accessible, high-quality nursing education that prepares graduates to deliver safe, effective, and culturally competent care to diverse populations in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.

Program Vision

To be recognized as a leader in nursing education, producing graduates who excel in practice, leadership, and lifelong learning in the nursing profession.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Nursing Program, graduates will be able to:

1. Provide safe, quality, patient-centered care to individuals, families, and communities across diverse settings
2. Utilize evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning to inform nursing interventions
3. Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration with patients, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams
4. Apply information management and patient care technology to support and improve nursing practice
5. Integrate ethical principles, legal standards, and professional values into nursing practice
6. Demonstrate leadership and management skills to promote safe, quality care
7. Participate in quality improvement processes to enhance patient outcomes

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Nursing Program, applicants must:

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8
• Submit a complete application including required personal statements and letters of recommendation
• Pass a criminal background check and drug screening
• Complete healthcare provider CPR certification before clinical courses
• Attend a nursing information session

Program Curriculum

The Nursing Program curriculum consists of theoretical coursework and clinical practice experiences. The program can be completed in four semesters (two academic years) for full-time students.

First Year Courses

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
NURS 101	Introduction to Nursing Concepts	4
NURS 102	Health Assessment	3
NURS 103	Pharmacology for Nurses	2
NURS 104	Fundamentals of Nursing Practice	5
NURS 105	Clinical Practicum I	3

Second Year Courses

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
NURS 201	Adult Health Nursing	4
NURS 202	Mental Health Nursing	3
NURS 203	Care of Childbearing Families	3
NURS 204	Pediatric Nursing	3
NURS 205	Leadership and Management in Nursing	3
NURS 206	Advanced Clinical Practicum	4

Academic Policies and Procedures

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is essential for success in the Nursing Program. Both classroom and clinical attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, labs, and clinical experiences.

• Students may miss no more than 10% of class sessions without a documented emergency
• More than three clinical absences may result in dismissal from the program
• Students must notify faculty prior to any absence and make arrangements for missed content
• Habitual tardiness is considered unprofessional and may result in academic penalties

Academic Progression Requirements

To progress in the Nursing Program, students must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Earn a grade of "C" or better in all nursing courses
• Complete all clinical requirements with a satisfactory evaluation
• Demonstrate safe clinical practice throughout the program

Student Responsibilities

As nursing students, you are expected to demonstrate professional behavior and personal integrity at all times. Specific responsibilities include:

Dress Code

• Wearing the official nursing uniform during clinical rotations
• Keeping fingernails short, clean, and without polish or neutral color only
• Limiting jewelry to small stud earrings and a wedding band
• Wearing clean, white leather or vinyl shoes
• Hair must be secured off the collar and face

Professional Conduct

• Demonstrating respect for patients, families, faculty, and peers
• Maintaining patient confidentiality at all times according to HIPAA regulations
<>practicing within the scope of a nursing student
• Reporting unsafe practices or conditions immediately
• Exhibiting honesty and academic integrity in all coursework

Clinical Requirements

Clinical education is an essential component of the Nursing Program. Prior to beginning any clinical rotation, students must submit documentation of:

• Current Immunizations (MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Tdap, Influenza)
• Current negative tuberculosis screening
• Current CPR certification (American Heart Association Healthcare Provider)
• Completed background check
• Completed drug screening
• Professional liability insurance (provided by the college)
• Health insurance coverage

Assessment and Grading

Nursing courses use a combination of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and clinical competence:

• Written examinations (including comprehensive final exams)
• Skills laboratory performance and competency check-offs
• Clinical assignments and care plans
• Simulation exercises and debriefing participation
• Written papers, presentations, and projects

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
93-100	A
86-92	B
80-85	C
0-79	F

Student Support Services

The Nursing Program provides various support services to help students succeed:

Academic Support

• Tutoring services available through the Academic Success Center
• Open lab sessions for skills practice
• Study groups and peer mentoring programs
• Writing assistance for care plans and papers

Advising

• Each nursing student is assigned a faculty advisor
• Regular advising appointments are required each semester
• Academic probation students must meet with their advisor monthly

Professional Standards

Nursing students are expected to uphold the profession's ethical standards and practice according to the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, which includes provisions that:

• The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person
• The nurse's primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population
• The nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient
• The nurse has authority, accountability, and responsibility for nursing practice
• The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety
• The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving health care environments

Program Completion and Licensure

Upon successful completion of the Nursing Program requirements, graduates will be eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Additional requirements for licensure include:

• Completion of an official application for licensure
• Payment of required fees
• Submission of fingerprints for a criminal background check
• Disclosure of any criminal or disciplinary history

Information about the NCLEX-RN examination, including review courses and study materials, will be provided in the final semester of the program.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our Nursing Program are prepared for entry-level practice in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals (medical-surgical, critical care, emergency, obstetrics, pediatrics)
• Long-term care facilities and rehabilitation centers
• Community health agencies
• Home healthcare agencies
• Ambulatory care centers
• Outpatient clinics

Grievance Procedures

Students who have concerns about program policies, faculty, or clinical experiences should follow the established grievance process:

1. Discuss the concern directly with the involved faculty member
2. If unresolved, speak with the course coordinator or clinical instructor
3. If further resolution is needed, submit a written grievance to the Program Director
4. Formal written appeals may be directed to the Dean of Health Sciences

Contact Information

Nursing Program Office

Health Sciences Building, Room 201
College Phone: (555) 123-4500
Nursing Program: (555) 123-4567
Email: nursing@college.edu
Website: www.college.edu/nursing

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: Closed

Faculty Directory

Name	Title	Email	Office Hours
Dr. Jane Smith	Program Director	jsmith@college.edu	Mon & Wed 10-12, Tue & Thu 2-4
Prof. Michael Johnson	Course Coordinator, First Year	mjohnson@college.edu	Mon 1-3, Wed & Fri 9-11
Prof. Sarah Williams	Course Coordinator, Second Year	swilliams@college.edu	Tue 9-11, Thu & Fri 1-3
Prof. David Chen	Clinical Coordinator	dchen@college.edu	Tue & Thu 10-12, Fri 2-4
Prof. Emily Rodriguez	Skills Lab Coordinator	erodriguez@college.edu	Mon & Wed 2-4, Fri 10-12
Prof. Robert Thompson	Simulation Lab Coordinator	rthompson@college.edu	Mon & Wed 9-11, Thu 3-5