Nursing Student Guidelines

Guidelines
for
NursingStudents
2016–2017
Updated:8/22/2016
TableofContents
TARRANTCOUNTYCOLLEGENURSINGDEPARTMENTPOLICIESANDSTATEMENTS...............1
STATEMENTOFUNDERSTANDING...........................................................................................2
SECTIONI:PROGRAMINFORMATION......................................................................................3
INTRODUCTIONTOTHEASSOCIATEDEGREENURSINGPROGRAM.....................................................................................3
MISSION:DEPARTMENTOFNURSING.........................................................................................................................4
PHILOSOPHY:DEPARTMENTOFNURSING....................................................................................................................4
CURRICULUMCONCEPTSANDDEFINITIONS:.................................................................................................................5
ProviderofPatientCenteredCare.................................................................................................................5
MemberofHealthCareTeam.......................................................................................................................5
MemberoftheProfession.............................................................................................................................5
PatientSafetyAdvocate................................................................................................................................5
STUDENTLEARNINGOUTCOMES(ENDOFPROGRAM)....................................................................................................5
FACULTYSCHOLARSHIP............................................................................................................................................6
PERFORMANCEREQUIREMENTS.................................................................................................................................6
SECTIONII:STUDENTINFORMATION.......................................................................................7
CODEOFSTUDENTCONDUCTANDHONORCODE..........................................................................................................7
STUDENTSIGNATURE DATEANDSEMESTER.........................................................................................................7
TEXASNURSINGSTUDENTS’ASSOCIATION...................................................................................................................8
THEORGANIZATIONFORASSOCIATEDEGREENURSING..................................................................................................8
STUDENTREPRESENTATIVESONFACULTYCOMMITTEES.................................................................................................9
DEAN’SLIST...........................................................................................................................................................9
LEGALREQUIREMENTSFORLICENSURE.......................................................................................................................9
REGISTRATION.....................................................................................................................................................10
SPECIALNOTEFORMATERNALANDCHILDHEALTH......................................................................................................10
DEGREEPLANANDGRADUATIONINFORMATION.........................................................................................................10
SCHOLARSHIPSANDFINANCIALASSISTANCE...............................................................................................................11
CHANGEOFNAME,ADDRESS,ANDPHONENUMBER...................................................................................................11
APASTYLEFORMAT.............................................................................................................................................11
SECTIONIII:COLLEGE/DEPARTMENTPOLICIES......................................................................11
TARRANTCOUNTYCOLLEGEDISTRICTPOLICIES..........................................................................................................11
MinorChildrenonCampus(DistrictStudentHandbook).............................................................................12
FinancialAid................................................................................................................................................12
INCLEMENTWEATHER...........................................................................................................................................12
DISASTERPLAN(CALLINGTREE)..............................................................................................................................12
TCCATTENDANCE/ABSENCEPOLICIES(DISTRICTSTUDENTHANDBOOK).........................................................................12
DEPARTMENTOFNURSINGATTENDANCEPOLICY.......................................................................................................12
HIGHRISKSTUDENTADVISEMENT...........................................................................................................................13
Testscore<70%(withinstructordiscretion)...............................................................................................13
TARRANTCOUNTYCOLLEGEWITHDRAWALPOLICY(DISTRICTSTUDENTHANDBOOK)........................................................13
DEPARTMENTOFNURSINGACADEMICPROGRESSIONANDDISMISSALPOLICY..................................................................13
Failuretoachievea2.0(C)gradeinallnursingcourses..............................................................................14
DEPARTMENTOFNURSINGPROCEDUREFORDISMISSALFROMTHENURSINGPROGRAM....................................................14
CLINICALSAFETY...................................................................................................................................................14
DEPARTMENTOFNURSINGPROCEDUREFORSTUDENTWITHDRAWALFROMTHENURSINGPROGRAM..................................15
STUDENTGRIEVANCEPROCEDURE(DISTRICTSTUDENTHANDBOOK)..............................................................................16
DISTRICTPOLICY:GRADEREVIEW............................................................................................................................16
Procedure....................................................................................................................................................16
REINSTATEMENT...................................................................................................................................................16
STUDENTRE-ENTRYPOLICY....................................................................................................................................17
Re-EntryProcedure......................................................................................................................................17
CriteriaforRe-Entry.....................................................................................................................................17
TransferStudentAdmission.........................................................................................................................17
GUIDELINESFORTESTING.......................................................................................................................................18
TestingProcedures......................................................................................................................................18
DuringtheExam..........................................................................................................................................19
FollowingtheExam.....................................................................................................................................19
MAKEUPTESTINGPOLICY.....................................................................................................................................19
DOSAGECALCULATIONPOLICY................................................................................................................................20
HESITESTINGPOLICY............................................................................................................................................20
GRADING............................................................................................................................................................21
TRECRESOURCECENTER.......................................................................................................................................21
ComputerLabs.............................................................................................................................................21
LabRules.....................................................................................................................................................22
Equipment...................................................................................................................................................22
Software......................................................................................................................................................22
TRECTRAINING/TESTINGCENTER...........................................................................................................................23
Hours:openonlyforexams.........................................................................................................................23
TestingCenterRules....................................................................................................................................23
Equipment...................................................................................................................................................23
Software......................................................................................................................................................23
VIEWINGONLINEVIDEOSATOFF-CAMPUSSITES........................................................................................................24
STUDENTCOLLEAGUEID’S.....................................................................................................................................24
OFFICIALMETHODOFCOMMUNICATION..................................................................................................................24
TEXASBOARDOFNURSINGREQUIREMENTS...............................................................................................................24
DRUGSCREENING/CRIMINALBACKGROUNDCHECK....................................................................................................25
CHEMICALDEPENDENCY/ABUSEPOLICY...................................................................................................................25
GIFTPOLICY........................................................................................................................................................26
COMMUNICATIONDEVICESANDSOCIALNETWORKINGSITES........................................................................................26
SocialMediaPolicy(createdMay8,2014)..................................................................................................26
Students.......................................................................................................................................................26
SECTIONIV:CLINICALPOLICIES..............................................................................................27
CLINICALSETTINGPOLICIES.....................................................................................................................................27
LIABILITYINSURANCE.............................................................................................................................................27
HEALTHCARECOVERAGE.......................................................................................................................................27
TBSCREENINGANDIMMUNIZATIONS.......................................................................................................................28
STUDENTSTAKINGMEDICATION..............................................................................................................................29
MEDICATIONSUPERVISIONOFSTUDENTSBYFACULTY.................................................................................................29
DRESSCODE........................................................................................................................................................29
CONFIDENTIALITY..................................................................................................................................................31
CRITERIAFORSAFE/PROFESSIONALPERFORMANCE.....................................................................................................31
ANACODEOFETHICS...........................................................................................................................................33
NURSINGDEPARTMENTINFECTION/STANDARDPRECAUTIONSPOLICY............................................................................33
Transmission-BasedPrecautions.................................................................................................................35
RespiratoryHygiene/CoughEtiquette.........................................................................................................35
TheElementsofRespiratoryHygiene/CoughEtiquetteinclude:.................................................................36
TREATMENTOFANEXPOSURESITE...........................................................................................................................36
ManagementofExposurestoHBV..............................................................................................................36
ManagementofExposurestoHCV..............................................................................................................36
ManagementofExposurestoHIV...............................................................................................................37
Confidentiality/EthicalObligations/Disclosure............................................................................................37
Counseling...................................................................................................................................................38
HIVTestingandCounselingisProvidedby(butnotlimited)to:..................................................................38
Documentation............................................................................................................................................38
LATEXALLERGIES..................................................................................................................................................39
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................................39
APPENDIXA............................................................................................................................40
MEMBEROFTHEPROFESSION:................................................................................................................................40
PROVIDEROFPATIENT-CENTEREDCARE:...................................................................................................................40
PATIENTSAFETYADVOCATE:...................................................................................................................................40
MEMBEROFTHEHEALTHCARETEAM:.....................................................................................................................41
APPENDIXB............................................................................................................................41
NURSINGDEPARTMENTCLINICALREASONINGPOSITIONSTATEMENT.............................................................................41
TarrantCountyCollegeNursingDepartmentPoliciesandStatements
Thesupplementalpoliciesandstatementscontainedinthisdocumentaresubjecttocontinuousreview
andevaluation.Therefore,theTarrantCountyCollege(TCC)NursingDepartmentreservestherightto
makechangesatanytime.Thispublicationisintendedforinformationonlyandisnottobeconsidered
acontract.
StudentsareobligatedtokeepthemselvesapprisedoftherulesandregulationspertainingtoTarrant
CountyCollegeDistrict(TCCD).Thecollegestudenthandbook isavailableonlineatTarrantCounty
College-NursingResources
Studentsarerequiredtosignastatementofunderstandingregardingreceiptofthisinformation.
Studentsareexpectedtoadheretothepoliciestherein.
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StatementofUnderstanding
IhavereadtheGuidelinesforNursingStudentsatTarrantCountyCollege(TCC)andamawareofits
policiesrelatingtomyenrollmentandactivitiesinthenursingprogram.Iagreetoabidebythese
policies.Iamalsoawarethatthepolicieswithinthisdocumentaresubjecttochangeandthat Iwillbe
informedofsuchchanges.
Iunderstandthatmyfailuretocompleteandturninthisformasdirectedwillresultinmybeingunable
toattendtheclinicalcomponent.
Signed________________________________________________
Name
_____________________________
Date
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SectionI:ProgramInformation
IntroductiontotheAssociateDegreeNursingProgram
ThenursingstaffofTarrantCountyCollege(TCC)wouldliketowelcomeyoutotheAssociateDegree
NursingProgram.TheTCCnursingprogramisapprovedbytheBoardofNursingfortheStateofTexas
andaccreditedbytheAccreditationCommissionforEducationinNursing(ACEN).Successfulcompletion
ofthisprogramqualifiesthegraduatetoapplytotakethelicensingexaminationtobecome aregistered
nurse(NCLEX-RN).
Accreditingbodyinformationincludes:
TexasBoardofNursing 333Guadalupe#3-460
Austin,Texas78701
(512)305-7400
www.bon.state.tx.us
AccreditationCommissionforEducationinNursing(ACEN)
3343PeachtreeRdNESuite850
Atlanta,Georgia30326
(404)975-5000
www.acen.org
TCCisanequalopportunityinstitutionthatprovideseducationalandemploymentopportunitiesonthe
basisofmeritandwithoutdiscriminationofrace,color,religion,sex,age,nationalorigin,veteranstatus,
ordisability.
Thestudentguidelinesdocumentisdesignedtoprovidedirectionforstudentsduringthetimethatthey
arestudyinginthenursingprogram.Eachcourseintheprogramhasdevelopedseparateandmore
specificguidelinesregardingtardiness,absences,make-ups,test-taking,useofthenursingprocess,and
criteriaforsafeperformance.PleaserefertotheCourseInformationDocument(CID)ofthecourseyou
arecurrentlyenrolledinformorespecificinformationoneachofthesetopics.
Thefacultyhaspreparedthisdocumenttoacquaintthestudentwithimportantinformation,policies,
andprocedures.It isessentialthatthestudentreadtheinformationcontainedinthisdocument
becauseitisnotrepeatedineachcourse.Theinformationissubjecttochange.Thestudentwillbe
informedinwritingofanychanges.
InformationfromtheCollegeregardingStudentActivitiesandServices,aswellasguidelinesforStudent
BillofRightsandResponsibilitiesatTCCareavailableonlineintheTCCDStudentHandbookatTarrant
CountyCollege-StudentHandbook
Thenexttwoyearswillbebusyandchallenging.Thenursingfacultysupportsyoureffortstomake
theseyears atimeoffulfillmentandgrowth.Wewishyouthebestasyoupursueyournursingcareer.
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Mission:DepartmentOfNursing
ThemissionoftheTarrantCountyCollegeNursingProgramistoprepareprofessionalnursestodeliver
quality,safecareinadynamichealthcareenvironment,throughpatientadvocacyandcollaboration
withinterdisciplinaryteams.
Revisedandadoptedspring2012
Philosophy:DepartmentOfNursing
Thefacultysupportsthevision,values,andmissionofTarrantCountyCollege.TheDepartmentof
Nursing is aleader inpreparingnursinggraduateswhoexcelinmeetingcurrentcommunityhealth
needs.Thedepartmentfacultycreatesandsupportsanacademicclimatethatpromotesexcellenceby
preparingnursinggraduateswhoareaccountable,workcollaborativelyandarecaring,competent
membersofthenursingprofession.
Thefacultybelieveshumanbeingsareunique,complex,andholistic.Theyhavephysiological,
psychological,socioeconomic,cultural,ethnic,developmental,andspiritualneeds.Humanbeings
possessinherentdignityandworthwiththerighttoparticipateindecisionsthataffecttheirhealthcare.
Thefacultybelieveshealth is adynamicstateofbeing,thatexistsonawellness/illnesscontinuum.
Nursescareforhumanbeingsatanypointonthecontinuuminavarietyofhealthcaresettings.
Thefacultybelievesnursing isprovidedwithin,alegal,ethical,andregulatoryframeworkthatadheres
tothestandardsandconductrulesofprofessionalpractice.Nursingworksincoordinationand
collaborationwiththeinterdisciplinaryhealthcareteamtoprovidecareforpatientsofallagesandtheir
familiesinthepromotion,maintenance,restorationofhealth,orassistanceatendoflife.
Thefacultybelievesnursingeducation isbasedonthevalues,ethics,skillsandknowledgeofthenursing
professionandissupportedbynatural,behavioralsciences,andthehumanities.Thecurriculumand
teachingmethodologiesarecontinuouslyrevisedusingevidencebasedpractice.Thecurriculumdesign
fosterslearningthatisincreasinglycomplexthroughcourseprogression.Thenursingfacultypromotes
learningbyfosteringsystematicproblemsolvingandclinicalreasoning.Nursingeducationtakesplace in
avarietyofsettingsandincollaborationswithotherdisciplines.Studentsareaccountableforselfdirectedlearningasaninherentpartofbecomingalifelonglearner.
Thefacultybelievesthegraduate ispreparedtoenterprofessionalnursingpracticeas apatient
centeredcareprovider,patientsafetyadvocate,memberofthehealthcareteam,andmemberofthe
profession.Thefollowingconceptsarethreadedthroughtheprogram:professionalism,caring
approach,clinicalreasoning,teaching,collaboration,communication,andsafety.Withadditional
experienceandcontinuingeducation,theassociatedegreegraduatecandevelopadvancedpractice
skillsandreceivespecialtycertification.
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CurriculumConceptsandDefinitions:
ProviderofPatientCenteredCare
Teaching
Asystemofactivitiesintendedtoproducelearningthatcanincludeadiversepatientandfamily
educationsystem,inmultifaceted,andinvolvespromoting,protecting,andmaintaininghealth(Kozier).
ClinicalReasoning
Theabilitytosystematicallyidentifytheproblemandmake ajudgmentbasedondataanalysis.
CaringApproach
MemberofHealthCareTeam
Collaboration Theactionsofnursingandinterdisciplinaryteams inthemanagementofpatients,families,and/or
communities.
Communication
Exchangeofinformationthat istimely,clear,accurate,conciseandcompleteintherapeutic,
professional,andtechnologicalenvironments.
MemberoftheProfession
Professionalism
Asetofattitudesandvalueswhichincludesprovidingqualitypatientcenteredcare,accountabilityto a
legalandethicalsystem,andthecommitmenttomaintainingcompetence.
PatientSafetyAdvocate
Safety
Practicethatensuresprotectionfromharmandinjurytoself,patient,andcommunitiesacrossthelifespan.
RevisedandAcceptedApril2012
StudentLearningOutcomes(EndofProgram)
1. Implementteaching/learningprinciplestomeettheneedsofpatientsandfamilieswithcomplex
healthneeds.
2. Independentlyutilizeclinicalreasoningskillswhenprovidingcareforpatientswithcomplex
healthneeds.
3. Providepatientcarethatisrespectfulofandresponsivetoindividualpatientpreferences,
needs,andvalues.
4. Collaboratewithinterdisciplinaryteamstomanagepatients,families,and/orcommunitiesto
achievequalitypatientoutcomes.
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5. Initiateandfacilitateeffectivecommunicationwithpatients,families,andmembersofthe
interdisciplinaryhealthcareteam.
6. Demonstratetheattitudesandvaluesofthenursingprofession.
7. Demonstratetheknowledge,skills,andattitudesthatensureacultureofsafetyinpractice.
FacultyScholarship
Scholarshipisdefinedasparticipationbyfacultymembersinactivitiesthatfacilitatetheenhancement
ofexpertiseandachievementofgoalsandoutcomesoftheTarrantCountyCollegeNursingProgram.
Thereare abroadrangeofactivitiesthatembodyscholarshipfortheTCCnursingfaculty,including,but
notlimitedto:
•
Pursuitofadvancedacademicdegreesandcertifications.
•
Conductingresearch.
•
Publication.
•
ProfessionalPresentations.
•
Clinicalpractice.
•
Continuingeducation.
•
Participationinprofessionalorganizations.
•
Utilizesevidencebasedcontentand avarietyofteachingtechniques
•
Servicetothecommunity.
PerformanceRequirements
Inordertoaccomplishtheobjectivesofthenursingprogram,studentsmustbeabletomeetthe
followingperformancerequirements:
1. Visualacuitywithcorrectivelensestoidentifycyanosis,absenceofrespiratorymovementin
patients,andtoreadsmallprintonmedicationcontainers,physicians’orders,monitors,and
equipmentcalibrations.
2. Hearingabilitywithorwithoutauditoryaidstounderstandthenormalspeakingvoicewithout
viewingthespeaker’sfaceandtohearmonitoralarms,emergencysignals,callbellsfrom
patients,andstethoscopesoundsoriginatingfrompatient’sbloodvessels,heart,lungs,and
abdomen.
3. Physicalabilitytostandforprolongedperiodsoftime,performcardiopulmonaryresuscitation,
liftpatients,andmovefromroomtoroomormaneuverinlimitedspaces.
4. Abilitytocommunicateeffectivelyinverbalandwrittenform.Abilitytospeakclearlyand
succinctlywhenexplainingtreatmentprocedures,describingpatientconditions,and
implementinghealthteaching.Theabilitytowritelegiblyandcorrectlyinpatient’schartfor
legaldocumentation.
5. Manualdexteritytousesteriletechniques,insertcatheters,andprepareandadminister
medicationsbyvariousroutes.
6. Abilitytofunctionsafelyunderstressfulconditions.
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SectionII:StudentInformation
CodeofStudentConductandHonorCode
TheTarrantCountyCollegeNursingstudentisexpectedtodisplayprofessionalbehaviorsthatare
conducivetothepracticeofprofessionalnursingatalltimes.Professionalismisaconceptthatembraces
conduct,attitudes,values,andstandardsrelatingtothepracticeofaprofession.Professionalismin
nursingcanbewitnessedinindividualandcollaborativepracticeandorganizationalparticipation.Asa
studentofTarrantCountyCollege,theNursingstudentisexpectedtodisplaybehaviorsdescribed inthe
TarrantCountyCollegeCodeofConduct.Nursingstudentsareexpectedtoincorporateintotheir
behaviortheTCCNursingDepartmentProfessionalCodeofConductderivedfromthepoliciesand
regulationsestablishedbythefollowingethicalandprofessionalentities:
1.
AmericanNursesAssociation(ANA)CodeofEthics
TexasBoardofNursingLaws &Rules-NursingPracticeAct
2.
NationalStudentNurses’Association(NSNA)CodeofEthics
3.
TCCNursingDepartmentCodeofConduct
Asmembersoftheprofession,studentsareexpectedtocommittoandmaintainhighethicalstandards
andmoralcharacter.Nursingstudentsareaccountablefortheirownacademicandprofessional
behaviorsandtheresultingconsequences.Studentswilldemonstrateself-disciplinethroughoutall
aspectsoftheireducation,includingmeetingacademicresponsibilitiesandexhibitingprofessional
conductintheclassroom,clinicalsetting,andinthecommunity.Itiseachstudent’sresponsibilityto
promotescholastichonestyandprofessionalethicsbyactivelyparticipatingwithfacultyinmaintaining a
qualityacademicenvironment.
Studentsareexpectedtoguardpublicsafetybyimmediatelyreportingtofacultyanyincidentthey
observeorareawareofwhichwouldallowincompetent,unethical,orillegalpracticebyanother
individual.Havingknowledgeofsuchbehaviorandfailingtoreportitconstitutesabreachofboth
academicandprofessionalresponsibilities.
LackofcompliancewithanyportionoftheTCCNursingDepartmentProfessionalCodeofConductwill
resultinwrittencounselingand/oruptodismissalfromthenursingprogramasdeterminedbythe
nursingfacultyandadministration.(NursingStudentGuidelines)
TCCNursingHonorCode
Onmyhonor,IpledgetoupholdtheTCCNursingDepartmentProfessionalCodeofConduct.Ipromise
tomaintainthehighethicalvaluesofthenursingprofession,beaccountableformyownacademicand
professionalbehaviors,andmaintainscholastichonesty,professionalethics,andsafeguardthepublic’s
safetyatalltimes.IpromisethatIwillsubmitonlyworkthatIpersonallycreateorcontributetogroup
collaborations,andIwillappropriatelyreferenceanyworkfromothersources.Iwillfollowthehighest
standardsofintegrityandupholdthespirtofthehonorcode.
Iunderstandthatanybreachofthiscodebymyactioncanleadtodisciplinaryactionincludingdismissal
fromtheprogram.
_________________________________________________________ _________________
StudentSignature DateandSemester
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TexasNursingStudents’Association
TarrantCountyCollegeNursingStudents'Associationisanorganizationcomposedofthecollege's
nursingstudents.TCC-TNSA is amemberoftheTexasNursingStudents'AssociationandtheNational
StudentNursesAssociation,whicharethelargestindependentstudenthealthorganizationsinthe
country.Theorganizationmonitorslegislativeworkthataffectsnursingeducationandpracticeatthe
national,stateandlocallevels.Stateandlocalchapterspromoteparticipationincommunityprojectsto
enhancelearningexperiencesandtoencouragecontinuingcommunityinvolvement.
Membershipisnotrequired,butitisstronglyencouraged.Membershipservesas aleadintothe
professionalorganizationsoftheTexasNursesAssociationandtheAmericanNursesAssociation.
Affiliationwiththepre-professionalandprofessionalorganizationsenablesthestudenttohaveavoice
intheaimsandpurposesofthenursingprofession.
MonthlymeetingsoftheTNSAareheldthroughouttheacademicyear.Noticesaboutmeetingtimesand
placesarepostedontheTNSAbulletinboardintheNursingBuilding.Anynursingorpre-nursingstudent
isencouragedtoattendthemonthlymeetingsandlearnmoreabouttheorganization.
Conventionsareheldannuallyatthestateandnationallevels.Studentsareinvitedtojointhe
organizationandmakeacontributiontothissuccessfulchapter'swork.
Studentsmaybegivenexcusedabsencesfromtheoryand/orclinicalifselectedasdelegatesto
conventions.Finalpermissionwillneedtobeobtainedfromtheappropriateinstructor(s).Proofof
attendanceatconventionswillberequired.Anexcusedabsencemaybeobtainedfromtheappropriate
instructor.
TheOrganizationforAssociateDegreeNursing
InJune,1984,becauseofthestrongcommitmenttoA.D.N.education,theTexasAssociationfor
AdvancementofAssociateDegreeNursing(T-OAADN)wasorganized.Theorganization'smainpurpose
isthatofadvancingthestatusoftheAssociateDegreeNurseineducationandinpractice.Tothatend,
inJune,1986,theNationalOrganizationfortheAdvancementofAssociateDegreeNursing(N-OAADN)
wasestablished.
Subsequently,thenamesoftheorganizationshavebeenmodifiedtoOADN(OrganizationforAssociate
DegreeNursing)www.oadn.organdTOADN(TexasOrganizationforAssociateDegreeNursing).
www.toadn.org.
OADN istheleadingnationaladvocateforassociatedegreenursingeducationandpracticeand
promotescollaborationinchartingthefutureofhealthcareeducationanddelivery.
TOADNrepresentstheADNonvariousstatelegislativeandnursingcommittees.
Studentscholarshipsareawardedbyboththestateandnationalorganizations,withthestate
scholarshipawardedinthespringandthenationalinthefall.Thestateorganizationrequires
completionofonesemesterofnursing,whilethenationalscholarshiprequiresstudentstobeinthe
secondyearoftheprogram.Scholarshipinformationispostedonthescholarshipboardwhenthe
applicationsareavailableinthenursingoffice.
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StudentRepresentativesonFacultyCommittees
Studentrepresentativesareselectedeachsemestertoserveonvariousfacultycommittees.Allstudents
areencouragedtodiscusscurrentissueswiththeirstudentrepresentativessotheirvoicemaybeheard
atfacultycommitteemeetings.
Thecommitteeswithstudentrepresentativesinclude:
1. ProgramEffectivenessCommittee:thiscommitteefacilitiesprogramevaluationand
developmentthroughimplementationofthesystematicevaluationplanforprogramevaluation
andpromotesuseofthedatacollectedtomakeprogramimprovements.
2. TeachingEffectivenessCommittee:thiscommitteepromotesteachingeffectivenessthroughthe
supportoftechnology,testing,librarymaterials,andteachingstrategies.
3. CurriculumCommittee:Thepurposeofthecurriculumcommittee istofacilitateimplementation
andevaluationofthecurriculum.ThecommitteeiscomposedoftheAssistantDirectors,
Director,andCoordinators.
4. StudentandFacultyAffairsCommittee:thiscommitteesupportsanddirectspolicy,
developmentandservicesforfacultyandstudents
Dean’sList
Nursingstudentsareeligibleforthedean’slist.Thisincludesthenamesofstudentswhohaveachieved
agradepointaverageof3.5orbetteron 8ormoresemesterhoursinonesemesterafteradmissionto
thenursingprogram.UponachievingthisGPAduring alongsemester(fallorspring),thestudentshould
takehis/hertranscripttotheVicePresidentforTeachingandLearningService’ssecretarytohavethis
recognitionpublished.
LegalRequirementsforLicensure
AstudentwillnotbescheduledforNCLEX-RNnorgivenatemporarypermituntiltheBoardhas
determinedthattheapplicantiseligibletotaketheexam.
Informationregardingtheprocesstopetitionforadeclaratoryordertodetermineeligibilitymaybe
obtainedfromtheBoardofNursingat512-305-6889orwww.bon.state.tx.us.
Nursingstudentsmustinitiatetheprocessforadeclaratoryorderpriortoadmissiontothenursing
programbecausetheprocesscanbelengthy.ApplicantsmustbeclearedbytheTexasBoardofNursing
priortoapplyingtotheTCCNursingProgram.
NursingstudentsarerequiredbytheBoardofNursingtoacknowledgeinwritingthattheyhave
receivedinformationrelatedtoeligibilityforlicensure.FullinformationfromtheNursingPracticeAct/
RulesandRegulationsisprovidedinthefirstnursingcourse.Signatureofreceiptisrequired.
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Registration
Startingwithstudentsenteringthenursingprogramspring2016,studentsareassignedtotheirnursing
courses.Thisallowsfortimelyonboardingwhichcantakeupto 2months.Additionally,faiclites
requiredattestationletterssentupto6weekspriortoclinicalstart.Informationaboutnursing
registrationcanbefoundonthenursingwebsitewww.tccd.edu/nursing
It isnecessaryforstudentstohaveup-to-dateimmunizationrecordsonfileinImmunitrax.Studentsare
advisedthatinordertoberegisteredinnursingcoursestheymustreport:
1. Up-to-dateimmunizationsandannualTBscreeningrecordincludingacurrentTDaP(within10
years).
2. NegativeDrugscreeningresults.
3. NodisqualificationsfromtheCriminalBackgroundChecks. 4. CurrentCPRforHealthcareProfessionals–MustbeapprovedbytheAmericanHeartAssociation
(AHA).OnlineCPRnotaccepted.
5. ProofofHealthInsurance.
SpecialnoteforMaternalandChildHealth
MaternalandChildHealthNursingconsistsoftwoeightweekcourses:maternal-newbornandpediatric
nursing.Atmid-semester,studentswhoareinmaternal-newbornandpediatricschangeclinicalsites
andinstructors.SeethecampusFinancialAidOfficeregardingdistributionoffundsforthisspecial
semester.
DegreePlanandGraduationInformation
Collegetranscriptsfromothercollegesmusthavebothatranscriptevaluationanddegreeauditinthe
CounselingCenterorRegistrar’sofficepriortofilingadegreeplan.Fornursingstudents,thisprocessis
accomplishedduringtheapplicationprocess.Adegreeplanmustbeonfile inthecounselingofficeprior
tothepetitionforgraduation.Adegreeplanmaybefiledanytimeafterenrollment inthefirstnursing
course.
Tobeconsidered acandidatefor adegreeorcertificate,thestudentmustsubmitanonlineapplication forgraduation(http://www.tccd.edu/academics/graduation.html)before the date
specifiedi
n the CollegeCatalog.ThecandidatemustindicatetheCatalogyearofhisorherdegreeplan.
StudentsshouldcontacttheCounselingCenterwithanyquestionsabouttheirdegreeplanand/or
graduationrequirements.
Onlyoneformalgraduationexercise isheldeachyearatTarrantCountyCollege—aformal
commencementattheendofthespringsemester.Studentscompletinggraduationrequirementsduring
thesummerorfallsemestersmaychoosetoparticipate intheformalcommencementexercise
conductedattheconclusionofthefollowingspringsemester.
Pinning-Eachyeartherewillbe aPinningceremony inthemonthsofDecemberandMayupon
completionofthecomplexnursingcourse,graduatesmayparticipateinthisformalcelebration.The
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graduatemayinvitefamilyandfriendstoattended.Thegraduatewilldress inprofessionalbusiness
attireandawhitelabcoat.
ScholarshipsandFinancialAssistance
Forstudentsinneedoffinancialaid,pamphletsandapplicationsdescribingallprogramsoffinancial
assistanceatTCCareavailableintheFinancialAidOffice.
Periodically,theTCCNursingDepartmentisrequestedtoprovidenamesofnursingstudentswhoare
eligibleforscholarshipsortuitionassistance.Informationabouttheseopportunitieswillbeavailablein
theNursingAdministrationofficeand/orwillbeavailablefromthenursingfaculty.
TheTarrantCountyCollegeFoundationprovidesscholarshipsforstudentsmajoringinnursing.Visit
ScholarshipInfoformoreinformation.
TheTexasNursingPracticeActconsidersfailuretorepayaguaranteedstudentloanasunprofessional
conduct,asprovidedinSection570491oftheTexasEducationCode.Thisrulereflectsarequirement
passedbytheLegislature.
ChangeofName,Address,andPhoneNumber
Anursingstudentwhohasachangeofname,addressorphonenumber,mustfirstnotifytheregistrars’
officeofthischange.Once it isofficiallychangedwiththeregistrar,youcanupdate itwiththeNursing
DepartmentbyemailingNursing.Department@tccd.edu.
APAStyleFormat
APAFormatwillbeusedbyTCCnursingstudentswhenwritingprofessionalpapers.
Therequiredreferenceforstudentuseis:
Rossiter,J.(2010).TheAPAPocketHandbook.GrandBlanc:DanWaltzPublishing.
ISBN-10:1933878134
Note:Thiseditioncoincideswiththe6theditionoftheAPAManualandcoincideswiththemostrecent
APAstandards.
SectionIII:College/DepartmentPolicies
TarrantCountyCollegeDistrictPolicies
NursingstudentsenjoythebenefitsandrightsofallstudentsatTarrantCountyCollege.Theyarealso
subjecttothesameresponsibilitiesasothercollegestudents.Theserightsandresponsibilitiesare
outlinedintheTarrantCountyCollegeStudentHandbook.TarrantCountyCollege-StudentHandbook
TheDepartmentofNursingutilizesthishandbookasareferencetoidentifydisruptiveclassroomand
clinicalbehavior.Includedinthesedisruptivebehaviorsaretheuseofcellulartelephonesandaudible
beepers.Failuretoadheretopolicieswillbedealtwithaccordingtothehandbookdirectives.
11|P a g e
MinorChildrenonCampus(DistrictStudentHandbook)
Fromtimetotime,classesandactivitiesareofferedatTCCforminorchildren.Ontheseoccasions,
childrenareinvitedtoavailthemselvesoftheseopportunities.Atothertimes,however,parentsare
cautionedthatminorchildrenarenotpermittedtoremainunattendedoncampus,toattend
classeswiththeirparents,ortobeinthetestingcentereitherattendedorunattended.
FinancialAid
FederalguidelinesstatethatFederalfundscannotbereleaseduntil10dayspriortothestartofclass.In
8weekcourses,Federalfundsforthe 2nd8weekcoursewillnotbeavailableuntil10dayspriortothe
startofthe 2nd8weekcourse.Studentswillonlyreceivefundingforthe 1st8weekcourseatthe
beginningofthesemesterandmustwaitforthebalanceoftheFederalfundsuntilmid-semester.
InclementWeather
StudentsareexpectedtoattendclassorpracticumduringinclementweatherunlesstheCollegeis
officiallyclosed.Officialclosingsareannouncedonradioandtelevisionstations,atapedmessagewillbe
putoneachCollegeswitchboardandatwww.tccd.edu.Studentsareexpectedtoexercisegood
judgmentindeterminingwhetherornottoattendclassorclinicalduringinclementweather.However,
thestudentwillbecountedabsentunlesstheCollege isofficiallyclosed.
DisasterPlan(CallingTree)
Intherareeventthatthecustomarymeansofnotification(TCCwebsite,televisionnews,etc…) isnot
available(forexample,abrownout),TCCnursingstudentswouldbenotifiedbyphoneviathecourse
coordinatororcoursefacultyifclassesand/orclinicalweretobecancelled.
TCCAttendance/AbsencePolicies(DistrictStudentHandbook)
RegularandpunctualclassattendanceisexpectedatTarrantCountyCollege.Incaseofabsence,it
isthestudent'sresponsibilitytocontacttheinstructor.Studentsabsentonofficialschoolbusiness
areentitledtomakeupschoolworkmissed.Inallothercases,theinstructorwilljudgewhetherthe
studentwillbepermittedtomakeupworkandwilldecideonthetimeandnatureofthemakeup.
However,thestudentisexpresslyresponsibleforanyworkmissedregardlessofthecauseofthe
absence.Thestudentmustdiscusssuchworkwiththeinstructorandshoulddosoimmediatelyon
returningtoschool.Communicationbetweenthestudentandinstructorismostimportant,anditis
thestudent'sresponsibilitytoinitiatesuchcommunication.Ifstudentsdonotappearatthe
prearrangedtimeformakeupwork,theyforfeittheirrightsforfurthermakeupofthatwork.
DepartmentOfNursingAttendancePolicy
TheNursingDepartmentadherestotheTCCattendancepolicy.Inaddition,theNursingDepartment
followsthepolicieslistedbelow:
Attendance inclassandclinicalisessentialtothedevelopmentofthestudent’sknowledgeandmastery
oftheskills.Eachcoursehasdevelopedguidelinesthataddressthisissue.Studentsarerequiredto
12|P a g e
adheretotheguidelinesstated ineachcourseCIDregardingnotificationoftheinstructorandclinical
facility.Make-ups,andcontinuationinthecoursewhenabsencesandtardinessaredeemedexcessive
bythecourseguidelines,areconsideredwithineachcourse.Inallcases,theabilityofthestudentto
meettheobjectivesofthecoursewillbetheprimaryconsiderationindeterminingwhetherornota
studentwillbeallowedtocontinue inthecourse.
HighRiskStudentAdvisement
Astudent-facultyadvisingprocessisavailabletosupportreturning,transferorthosestudentswho
indicateaneed.EntryintoHighRiskAdvisingwillbedeterminedbyastudent'sinabilitytosuccessfully
completealearningobjective(s).Forexample:
Testscore<70%(withinstructordiscretion)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Coursecumulativescore<70%atanypointinthesemester
SkillsLaboratoryperformanceevaluationfailure
DosageCalculationExamfailure
Unsatisfactoryclinicalperformanceasdeterminedbyfaculty
Requestbystudent
Coordinatorrecommendsadvising
Student’s2ndadmissiontonursingprogram
TheCourseCoordinatorwilldetermineatthebeginningofthesemesterwhetherastudentistobe
consideredasHighRisk:
1. Facultyrefersstudenttocoursecoordinator
2. Studentswhofailtofollowtheadvisingprocessmaybeineligibleforreadmissiontothenursing
program
TarrantCountyCollegeWithdrawalPolicy(DistrictStudentHandbook)
Astudentmaywithdrawfrom acourseorfromtheCollegewith agradeof Wanytimeonorbeforethe
Fridayofthe12thclassweek inthefallorspringsemester,onorbeforetheThursdayofthefourthclass
weekineachsummerterm,andonorbeforetheFridayofthe6thclassweekfor8weekcoursesinthe
fallorspringsemesters.
Towithdrawfromoneormorecoursesatorpriortothewithdrawaldateof asemesterorterm,
studentsmustcomplete awithdrawalform intheRegistrar'sOffice.Untilastudent isofficially
withdrawnbytheregistrar,thestudentremainsontheclassrollandmayreceiveagradeof Fforthe
course.Itisthestudent'sresponsibilitytowithdrawonorbeforethewithdrawaldate.
DepartmentOfNursingAcademicProgressionandDismissalPolicy
Astudentmaybedismissedfromthenursingprogramorbeunabletoprogressforthefollowing
reasons.
13|P a g e
Failuretoachievea2.0(C)gradeinallnursingcourses.
1. Excessiveabsencesasidentifiedbyeachclinicalcoursewithdemonstrationofinabilitytomeet
courserequirements.
2. Unsafeclinicalperformanceorunprofessionalconduct inclinicalarea,includingbutnotlimited
tounsafe/unprofessionalclinicalpracticeasoutlined intheCriteriaforSafe/Professional
PerformanceintheGuidelinesforNursingStudentsatTCC.
3. Failuretocomplywithrulesandregulationsofthenursingprogram,TarrantCountyCollege,or
anyaffiliatingagency.Thisincludesbehaviorswhichareviolationsofgoodprofessional
character,includingbutnotlimitedtohonesty,accountability,trustworthiness,reliability,and
integrity.
4. Failuretoobtainaminimumscoreof90%ontheDrugCalculationTestineachcoursewhereitis
given.
5. Failuretomeettherequiredperformanceevaluationonmedicationadministrationbythe
secondopportunityintheNursingSkillsCourse.FailuretocomplywithCollegepolicyregarding
incompletecoursework.
Note:Ifastudentfails/withdrawsfromtheSkillsCourse,he/shemustalsowithdrawfromthe
Foundation’sTheoryandClinicalCourses.Likewiseifastudentfails/withdrawsfromtheFoundation
TheoryandClinicalCourses,thestudentmustalsowithdrawfromtheSkillsCourse.
DepartmentOfNursingProcedureforDismissalfromtheNursingProgram
Whenastudentisdismissedpriortotheendofasemester,thefollowingstepswillbeimplemented:
1. Thefacultywillcomplete astudentexitsummaryformwhichwillbesignedbyboththefaculty
memberandstudent.Thestudentwillreceiveacopy,and acopywillbeplacedinthestudent’s
permanentrecord,withreferraloftherecommendationtonursingadministration.
2. Nursingadministrationmayappoint afacultycommitteetoreviewtherecommendationfor
dismissal.
3. Thenursingfacultycommittee,ifapplicable,willreviewtherecommendationandrefertheir
findingstonursingadministration.
4. TheDirectorand/orAssistantDirectorofNursingwillmeetwiththestudentandmake a
decisiononthedismissal.
Ifthedismissalisupheld,thestudentmayoptto:
1. Withdrawpriortothesemesterdropdate.
2. Initiateanappealthroughthedepartmentand/orcollegeStudentGrievanceProcedures
3. Seekreadmissionintothenursingprogram(RefertotheDepartmentofNursingreadmission
andtransferpolicies).
ClinicalSafety
Toprotectpatientsafetyintheclinicalsetting,TCCNursingDepartmentfacultymembersare
authorizedtoaremoveastudentfrom aclinicalsetting iftheypose ariskofharmtopatients,
faculty,orstaff.Studentsmayberemovedatanytimeincludingbeforebeginningtheclinical
14|P a g e
experience.Examplesofsituationsthatposeariskofharminclude(butarenotlimitedto)any
studentwho:
1. DoesnotmeetthePerformanceRequirementsintheStudentGuidelines.
2. DoesnotconformtotheCriteriaforSafe/ProfessionalPerformanceintheStudent
Guidelines.
3. Appearstobeimpairedbytheuseofchemicals(overthecounter,prescription,orillegal).
4. Appearstobeexcessivelyfatiguedoremotionallydistressed.
5. Appearstoposeariskoftransmittingacommunicabledisease.
6. Appearstoposeariskofviolence.
7. Isunabletocalculatemedicationdosesaccurately.
8. Isunpreparedtoprovidepatientcare.
9. Doesnotdemonstrateeffective/understandableverbalcommunicationwithpatients,families,
stafforinstructors.
DepartmentofNursingProcedureforStudentWithdrawalfromtheNursingProgram
Thestudentmustadheretothecriteriaforsafe/satisfactoryperformanceanddemonstrateprofessional
conductwhileintheclinicalsetting.Thefacultywillinitiatethefollowingdisciplinaryprocedurewhen
thestudentexhibitsunsafeperformanceorunprofessionalconduct.
ThefacultymemberwillcounselthestudentandcompleteaStudentCounselingSummaryform,which
willbecomeapartofthestudent’spermanentrecord.Documentationofthecounselingsessionwill
include:
1. Adescriptionoftheunsafeclinicalperformance/unprofessionalconduct.
2. Indicationbystudentsignaturethatthefaculty/studentreviewedthecriteriaforsafe
performanceprofessionalconductwiththestudent.
3. Recommendationstoavoidrepetitionoftheunsafeclinicalperformance/unprofessional
conduct(e.g.goingtotheskillslabforre-masteryoftheskill/remediation,asindicated).
4. Timelineforthedemonstrationofsafe/satisfactoryperformanceorprofessionalconduct.
5. Signaturesofboththestudentandfaculty.
Followingthedisciplinaryprocedure,failuretodemonstratesafe/satisfactoryclinicalperformanceor
professionalconductintheclinicalsetting,withinthedesignatedtimeframe,willresultinafailinggrade
inthecourseanddismissalfromtheTCCnursingprogram.
1. Studentswhowishtoappealtheevaluationexitsummaryshouldfollowtheguidelinesofthe
coursecoordinator.
2. ScheduleanappointmentwiththeAssistantDirector.
3. Studentsre-enrollingintheorysectionsmustalsoenrollintherelatedclinicalsections.Tobe in
compliancewiththeBONRulesandRegulationrelatingtoNursingeducation,Licensureand
Practice,specificallyBONRule215.9,f.2,“didacticlearningexperiencesshallbeprovidedeither
priortoorconcurrentwiththerelatedclinicallearningexperiences.”
4. Studentsarere-admittedtotheprogrambasedon aspaceavailablebasis.Onlytwoadmissions
(onere-admission)maybeallowedinthenursingprogram.
15|P a g e
StudentGrievanceProcedure(DistrictStudentHandbook)
Ifastudenthasagrievance,thefollowingprocedureshouldbeinitiated:
1. Discusstheproblemwiththeinstructororindividualinvolved.
2. Ifstudentisnotsatisfiedwithdecisionafterdiscussingproblemwithinstructororindividual
involved,contacttheCoordinator.
3. IfstudentisnotsatisfiedafterdiscussingproblemwiththeCoordinator,contactthe
AssistantDirectorand/ortheDirectoroftheNursingDepartment.
4. Ifthegrievance isnotresolvedattheDepartmentallevel,itshouldbeprocessedthrough
normalchannelsbeginningwiththeDivisionalDeanfollowedbytheVicePresidentfor
TeachingandLearningServicesandtheCampusPresident.
Pleaseencouragestudentstofollowthesestepstoensurefairnessandthoroughnessduringthe
process.
DistrictPolicy:GradeReview
Studentsmaypetitionforreviewofagradewithinthirtycalendardaysafterthefirstclassdayofthe
nextlongsemesterbyfollowing-theseprocedures:
1. Thestudentmustinformtheinstructorandthedepartmentchairpersoninwritingofthereason
forthereviewofgrade;
2. Theinstructorshouldthenexaminetherecordsandsubmithis/herrecommendationsthrough
administrativechannelstothecampusVicePresidentforTeachingandLearningwhowillmake
thefinaldecisionregardingthegradeandnotifythestudent.Iftheinstructorrecommendsnot
changingthegrade,itshouldbeexplainedinamemo.
3. Ifthedecisionistochangethegrade,theinstructorshouldsubmitacompleted“Changeof
GradeRequest”form.Inallcases,copiesofthestudent’swrittenappeal,attendancerecords,
andgradereport(withlegend)mustbeattached.Theprocessofreviewofgrademustbe
completedwithinthirtycalendardaysafterreceiptbytheinstructorofthewrittenappeal.
4. Iftheinstructorisnolongeremployed,thedepartmentchairpersonwillthenexaminethe
instructor’srecord,makearecommendation,andsendtherecommendationthroughthe
properchannelstocampusVicePresidentforTeachingandLearningwhowillnotifytheofthe
decision.
Procedure
1. Studentshouldinitiateameetingwiththeinstructor.
2. Ifnotresolvedthestudentshouldscheduleanappointmentwiththecoursecoordinator.
3. IfnotresolvedthestudentshouldfollowtheDistrictPolicyforGradeReview
Reinstatement
Astudentwhohasbeendroppedorwithdrawnfromacoursemaybereinstatedwiththeapprovalof
theVicePresidentforTeachingandLearningServices.
16|P a g e
Thestudentmustinitiateanyrequestforreinstatementwithinseven(7)calendardaysoftheofficial
dateofdropbypersonallycontactingtheInstructorinvolved.
StudentRe-EntryPolicy
Astudentmaybeeligibletore-entertheprogramonetime.Exceptionstothisrulemayinclude a
studentwhowithdrewduetoaseriouspersonalillness,injury,and/orpregnancythatisdocumentedby
aphysician.TheTCCHealthClearanceformisrequiredtobecompletedpriortore-entry. Astudent’sreentrytotheoryand/orclinicalwillbecoordinatedbytheAssistantDirectorofNursing.Thestudentmust
concurrentlyenrollinboththetheoryandclinicalcoursesafterre-enteringtheprogram.IFitisthe
secondattemptatpassingacourse,thentheco-requisitemaybewaived.
Serioussafetyviolationsorunprofessionalconductmayprovidegroundstoberefusedre-entrytothe
program.Thesewillbedocumentedinthestudent’sexitsummary.
Re-EntryProcedure
1. Astudentwhowithdrawsfromorisunsuccessfulinanursingcoursemustmeetwithan
AssistantDirectorofNursingpriortore-entry.Eligibilityisbasedonavailablespace,
completingtherecommendationsstatedintheexitsummary,and/orprovidingahealth
clearance,etc.
2. Astudentwhohasbeenoutofthenursingprogramforonelongsemestermustrepeatthe
drugscreenandbackgroundcheckasrequiredbythenursingdepartment.
CriteriaforRe-Entry
1. Absenceofonesemesterorless:
a. FulfillrecommendationsassetforthonExitSummary.
b. Performskillsremediationasrecommended.Allstudentsreenteringtheprogram
afterbeingoutof aclinicalcoursewillsuccessfullycompleteskillsremediationprior
toreentry.
c. Group1andurinedrugscreenifbreakinenrollment.
2. Absencefortwolongsemesters:
a. Completeallrequirementslistedabove.
b. Remediateanddemonstrateskillsproficiencyand/orauditnursingskillscourse.All
gradedevaluationsmustbecompletedbytheauditingstudent.
3. Absencelongerthantwolongsemesters:
a. Re-applytotheprogramasanentrylevelstudent.
TransferStudentAdmission
Transferstudentapplicantsarerequiredtocompletethefollowing:
1. AdmissiontoTarrantCountyCollege(TCC).
2. IntenttograduatefromTCC.
3. LetterofgoodstandingfromDean/Directorofpreviouslyattendednursingprogram.
4. CompletionofallGeneralEducationcourseswith alettergradeof“C”orbetter.
5. Provideofficialtranscriptswith acompletedtranscriptevaluation.
6. Attendanceataninformationsessionduringtheperiodofapplicationorreviewofpowerpoint
presentationwithquizcompletion(contactDirectorofNursingforpowerpointpresentation).
17|P a g e
7. Participation inorreviewofthevideofromthetwo-dayNursingProgramOrientation(Boot
Camp).
8. CompletionoftheHESIAdmissionAssessment(A2)exammeetingminimumentry
requirements.
9. Requiredtestingforclinicalpreparation(DFWHCOrientation,HIPAA,TCCNursingStudent
GuidelinesExamination,DosageCalculationExamination).
10. Remediationanddemonstrationand/orpossibleauditingofNursingSkillsCourse(RNSG1105).
11. *CPRCertification(AmericanHeartAssociation).
12. *Up-to-dateimmunizations(Immunitrax).
13. (CPRCertificationandimmunizationsarerequiredandmustremaincurrent,foreachsemester,
throughouttheentireprogram.)
14. Group1backgroundcheckandurinedrugscreenthroughthenursingdepartment.
15. SubmissionofbluecardorcompletionofDeclaratoryOrderorletterfromTXBON.
Ifatransferstudenthasbeenoutofanursingprogramfortwolongsemesters,thetransferstudent
must,inadditiontomeetingthecriterialistedunder(a)above,audittheNursingSkillsCourse.This
coursemustbeauditedconcurrentlywithothernursingcourses.
Astudentwhohasbeenabsentfromthenursingprogramlongerthantwolongsemestersmustapplyto
theprogramasanentrylevelnursingstudent.
Studentsareprioritizedandselectedforre-entryaccordingtothefollowing:
1st.
Returningstudentswithoutacademicproblems:MedicalWithdrawalwhoaremedically
clearedforreturn.
2nd. Returningstudentswithacademicproblemswhohavemetfacultyrecommendations:
Studentsarerankedaccordingtototalpointsforthecourseatthetimeofwithdrawal.
Studentswillbeconsideredforre-entryaccordingtotheirrankandwhohave
completedrecommendationsforreturn.
3rd.
Studentswhohavefailedadosagecalculationexam.
4th.
Transferringstudentswithoutacademicproblemswhoareeligibleforre-admissiontoa
previousschoolandhavecompletedremediation.
5th.
Transferapplicantselectionwillbedeterminedbytherankingandprioritizationofthe
HESIA2AdmissionTestscores.
6th.
StudentsidentifiedasunsafeintheclinicalareaontheExitSummarymaybereadmittedaftermeetingwiththefaculty/administrationandcompletingspecific
recommendations.UnsafeclinicalbehaviorsarecitedinCriteriaforSafe/Professional
Performance(NursingStudentGuidelines),andidentifiedintheClinicalEvaluationTool
pertheCriterion-ReferencedStandardsofClinicalPerformance(Krichbaum,1994).
ReentryRevised4/08/2016
GuidelinesforTesting
TestingProcedures
1. If astudent isunabletotakeatestattheregularlyscheduledtime, it isthestudent’s
responsibilitytocontactthetheoryinstructorpersonallypriortothescheduledtest.Contacting
adepartmentalsecretarydoesnotconstituteadequatenotification.
2. Ifstudentfailstoinforminstructor,theTCCattendance/absencepolicywillbefollowed.
18|P a g e
3. Studentswhoaretardyforatestwillneedtocompletethetest intheremainingtimeallotted
forthetest.
4. Studentswillnotdiscusstheexam.TarrantCountyCollegeDistrictpolicyforacademic
dishonestywillbeenforcedifnecessary.
5. Theexam isadministeredonline.Intheeventofcomputerfailure,atraditionalpaperandpencil
examwillbeadministered.
6. Theinstructorwillnotdiscussexamitemsduringthetestingperiod.
7. StudentsrequestingreasonableaccommodationsmustfollowtheTarrantCountyCollege
District’spolicytoreceivecertificationthroughthecampusDisabilitySupportServices.Failure
tofollowproperprotocolwillresultinthestudenttakingtheexamaccordingtothe
traditionaltestingguidelines.
DuringtheExam
1. Alltextbooks,purses,notebooks,papers,drinks,andotherpersonalbelongings(includingjackets
andhats),willbeplacedinthedesignatedareaoutsideoftheexamarea.
2. Mobiletelephonesandpagersmustnotbetakenintothetestingarea.Ifstudentsbringtheir
phoneto atestingsite,theywillbeaskedtoreturnthecellphonetotheircar iftime
allows.IFtimedoesnotallow,thestudentwillturnthecellphoneoffcompletelyandgiveit
totheinstructor.ACounselingSummarywillbewrittenifithappensmorethanonce.
3. The student will check in with the instructor to confirm attendance, receive scratch paper,
calculator(onlytheprovidedcalculatorortheonlinecalculatormaybeused),andinstructions.
4. Thestudentwillenterthetestingareaandloginasinstructed.
5. Therewillbenotalkingduringtheexam.
6. Theinstructorwillindicatewhentheexambegins.
7. Theinstructorwillproctortheexam.
8. The student will be allowed time to review the rationale for all missed exam items immediately
following the completion of the exam. (Note: If the student is taking the exam prior to the
scheduled time, the student will not be allowed to review the rationale of the missed questions
atthattime).
9. The designated review period, immediately following the exam, will be the only time that the
studentwillbeallowedtoreviewtherationalesformissedexamitems.
Followingthe Exam
1. Thestudentwillturn inthescratchpaperandcalculator,totheinstructor,andleavethetesting
areaoncetheexamiscompleted.
2. Thestudentshouldscheduleanappointmentwiththeinstructorforcontentorconcept
clarification.
MakeUpTestingPolicy
Thefacultyrecognizesthatextenuatingcircumstancesoccurthatmayrequireastudenttotakeatest
eitherpriortoorafter aregularlyscheduledtest.
Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytomakearrangementswiththeinstructorassoonaspossibleregarding
thedate,timeandlocationthatthemakeupexamistobetaken.Themakeuptestshouldbetaken
withinoneweekoftheregularlyscheduledexam.
19|P a g e
Iftheexam istakenpriortotheregularlyscheduledexam,thestudentwillnotbeallowedtoreviewthe
testtherationalesthatday.
Failuretoadheretothispolicymayresultin agradeofzeroforthetest.
DosageCalculation Policy
Thepurposeofthispolicy istoassurepatientsafetywhenstudentsadministermedication intheclinical
setting.
Adosagecalculationexam(DCE)willbeadministeredineachlongsemesterpriortostudents
administeringmedicationsintheclinicalsetting.Agradeofninetypercentorhigherwillberequiredto
pass.TwoattemptswillbegiventotakethedosagecalculationexaminFoundations,Adult,Obstetrics,
PediatricsandComplex.Ifthestudentdoesnotachieveninetypercentorhigheronthefirstattempt,it
istheresponsibilityofthestudenttocontacttheirclinicalinstructorforremediation.
Studentswillnotbeallowedtoadministermedicationsintheclinicalsettinguntilninetypercentor
higherisachievedonthedosagecalculationexam.Ifthestudentfailstoscoreninetypercentorhigher
onthesecondattempt,thestudentwillbegiventheoptiontowithdraworreceiveafailinggradein
clinical,becausethestudentwillnotbeallowedtoadministermedications,andwillbeunabletomeet
criticalcourse/safetyobjectives.Acriticalobjective isanidentifiedbehaviorthat isessentialtothe
competencydevelopmentofanurse,andmustbeachievedtopasseachcourseinthenursingprogram.
HESITestingPolicy
HESIstandardizedexamsareadministeredineverycourse.Thecourseinformationdocumentdescribes
theexampointdistributionandgradingcriteriaforeachcourseexam.TheHESIPharmacologyexam is
requiredandisadministeredduringAdultNursing.AstudentreceivesanIncompleteinAdultNursingif
thisexamisnotcompleted.ThisscoredoesnotcontributetotheAdultcoursegrade;however,the
scoreprovides abaselinethatgivesthestudentinformationtoidentifyareasforimprovement.
HESIPracticeexamsarerequiredpriortotakingHESIcourseexamsandareconsideredthe“admission
ticket”totheexam.Eachcourseinformationdocumentdescribesthepracticeexamrequirements.
If astudentrepeatsacourse,thealternateHESIversionofthatcourseexammaybeadministered.
Asadultlearners,allstudentsareencouragedtoremediate. Iftheexamscore isbelowthe850
benchmark,thefollowingstudyguidelinesarerecommended:
• Score850andgreater–noprescribedtime,althoughareasofdeficitshouldbereviewed
• 800-849
-
2hoursminimum;
• 750-799
-
4hoursminimum;
• 749andless -
6hoursminimum.
Remediationrequiresthestudentcreateastudypacketbasedontheircontentdeficitareasandmay
remediateusinganyorallofthefollowing:
20|P a g e
(1) HESIStudentstudypacket
(2) AdaptiveQuizzing(EAQ)
(3) Self-directedreview(textbooks,etc.)
Studentremediationprogresswillbemonitoredbythe(current)coursecoordinator.
IntheComplexcourse,theHESIexitexamisrequired.Inaddition,attheendoftheComplexcourse,
studentsarerequiredtoattendtheElsevier 3dayLIVEReview inpreparationfortheNCLEXexam.
Revised12/11/15
AcademicDishonesty
Eachsemesterstudentsarerequiredtosignthefollowingstatementregardingacademicdishonesty:I
understandthatacademicdishonestyisabreachoftheexpectedbehaviorofahealthcareprofessional
andwillnotbetoleratedintheTarrantCountyCollegeNursingProgram.IagreethatIwillnotdivulge
anyexaminationquestion(s)oranswer(s)toanyindividual.IalsoagreethatIwillnotfalsifyorplagiarize
anyassignmentsorexaminations,norparticipateinanybehaviorthatcanbeconstruedasmisconduct.
Iunderstandthatif Iviolateanyrule,policy,orprocedureoftheTCCNursingProgram,Iwillbesubject
tothecollegedisciplinaryprocedure.
Grading
Nursingstudentsmustreceive a“C” inallnursingcoursestoprogresstothenextcourse.Because
nursingcoursesbuildonpreviouslearning,agradeof“C”representstheminimumlevelofachievement
thatmakes itpossibleforthestudenttobesuccessfulinfuturenursingcourses.
Correspondingtheoryandclinicalcoursesmustbetakenconcurrently.
Failuretocompleteallrequiredassignmentsineachnursingcoursemayresultinanincompleteforthat
specificnursingcourse.
Individualnursingcoursesmayrequireadditionalself-directedassignmentsforsatisfactorycompletion
ofthecourse.Specificswillbediscussedineachnursingcourse.
TRECResourceCenter
ComputerLabs
Thenursingcomputerlabisopentoallnursingstudents,staff,andfaculty.Wedailyassiststudents
accessinginformationandgivetechnicalsupportandadviceasneeded.Allthatisneededtoenterthe
lab is avalidTCCID.Printingservicesareavailable inthecomputerlab,however,therearepagelimits.If
youneedtomakecopies,therewillbea“payperuse”copieravailabletoyou.Location:Room2017A
oftheAlliedHealthbuilding(TRHA).
21|P a g e
Hours
Monday
8:00a-5:00p
Monday
9:00a-2:00p
Tuesday
8:00a-5:00p
Tuesday
9:00a-2:00p
Wednesday
Spring/Fall
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Wednesday
Summer
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
8:00a-5:00p
9:00a-2:00p
8:00a-5:00p
9:00a-2:00p
8:00a-5:00p
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
LabRules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
ShowaStudentIDorclassschedulewhenenteringthelab
Foodanddrinksarenotallowed;thisincludesgumandcandy
Loudordisruptiveconversationsarenotpermitted
Sexuallyexplicitmaterialsarenottobeviewed,printed,downloaded,orsaved
Playingmusicwithouttheuseofheadphonesisnotallowed
Computersareforclassrelateduse
Donotpersonalizethecomputers
Donotturnoff,orattemptto"fix"anycomputer
BringyourowndisketteorUSBjumpdrive
Donotdownloadorinstallsoftware
Donotplayon-linegames
Chatroomsarenotallowed
Usecellphonesoutsideoflab-PleasesettoSilentNotificationmode
Labclosedduringonlinetesting
Violatorswillbeaskedtoleavethelab
Equipment
1.
2.
3.
4.
22computerswithWindows7Professional
CDRWandDVDplayback
USBextensioncord
Headphone
Software
Theapplicationslistedbelowareavailabletoallusersonalllabcomputers:
1. MSOffice2013(Word,Excel,Access,PowerPoint,OneNote,Publisher,InfoPath,Groove)
2. InternetExplore
3. AdobeAcrobatProfessional
4. WindowsMediaPlayer
5. QuickTime
6. RealPlayer
7. McAfeeAnti-VirusEnterprise
8. PowerDVD
9. SonicRecordNow00
22|P a g e
ThefollowingNursingrelatedapplicationsareavailableonlytonursingstudentsandcanbeaccessedvia
theshortcutlocatedontheDesktop:
1. HESI
2. SofTest
3. Medcom
4. Evolve(Elkins,CaseStudies,PracticeTest)
5. Survey
TRECTraining/TestingCenter
TheTestingCenteronlyopenstoallnursingstudentstotakeexams.Studentsshouldnotenterthe
TestingCenterwithoutinstructors.
Hours:openonlyforexams
TestingCenterRules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Food,gum,candy,anddrinksarenotallowed
Conversationsarenotpermitted
Sexuallyexplicitmaterialsarenottobeviewed,downloaded,orsaved
Computersareforclassrelateduse
Donotpersonalizethecomputers
Donotturnofforattemptto“fix”anycomputer
Donotdownloadorinstallsoftware
Donotplayonlinegames
Chatroomsarenotallowed
Cellphonesandotherelectronicdevicesmaynotbebroughtintothetestingcenter.
Alltextbooks,purses,laptops,tablets,andotherpersonalbelongings(includingjacketsand
hats)willbeplacedinthedesignatedarea
12. DonotgointoTrainingCenterwithoutyourinstructor(s)
13. Instructorsmaysetmorestringentrequirements
Equipment
1.
2.
3.
4.
87computerswithWindows7Professional
CDRWandDVDplayback
USBextensioncord
Headphone
Software
Theapplicationslistedbelowareavailabletoallusersonalllabcomputers:
1. MSOffice2013(Word,Excel,Access,PowerPoint,OneNote,Publisher,InfoPath,Groove)
23|P a g e
2. InternetExplorer
3. AdobeAcrobatProfessional
4. Mediaplayers(WindowsMediaPlayer,QuickTime,RealPlayer)
5. McAfeeAnti-VirusEnterprise
6. PowerDVD
7. SonicRecordNow
ThefollowingNursingrelatedapplicationsareavailableonlytonursingstudentsandcanbeaccessedvia
theshortcutlocatedontheDesktoporFavoritebarfromInternetExplorer:
1. HESI
2. SofTest(desktopicon)
3. Medcom
4. Evolve(Elkins,CaseStudies,PracticeTest)
5. Survey(desktopicon)
ViewingOnlineVideosatOff-CampusSites
TCCDnursingstudentsshouldusediscretionaryjudgmentwhenviewingonlinevideocontentoff
campusorwhennotinthenursingdepartment.Thestudentshouldavoidviewingon-linevideoswhere
thegeneralpublicorchildrenmaybeexposedtocontentthatmaynotbesuitable.
StudentColleagueID’s
StudentColleagueIDswillbeusedforallcomputerapplications,testing,andidentificationpurposes
whilethestudentisenrolledatTCC.SocialSecurityIDswillonlybeusedforthepurposeoflicensure
relateddocumentation.
OfficialMethodofCommunication
TheNursingdepartmentwilluseMyTcce-mailastheofficialmethodofcommunicationforstudents
enrolledintheprogram.Postalmailwillbeusedwhenanofficial,certifiedverificationof astudent
havingreceivedadocumentfromthedepartmentisnecessary.
TexasBoardofNursingRequirements
Priortoentranceinthenursingprogram,studentsmustfollowaprocesssetforthbytheTexasBoardof
Nursing(TBON)for arequiredCriminalbackgroundCheck(CBC)includingFBI,TexasDepartmentof
Safety(DPS)check.TBONrequiresthisbackgroundcheckforallindividualscomingintonursing
programs.
Afterastudentisadmittedandenteredinthenursingprogram,shouldaninfraction*occur,thestudent
mustnotifythedirectorwithin48hours.Thestudentwillnotbeabletoremainintheprogramandwill
berequiredtowithdrawimmediately.ThestudentmustcompleteadeclaratoryorderwithTBON.The
studentwillnotbeallowedtoreturntotheprogramuntilclearedbyTBON.
*TheBoardhasdevelopedfour(4)DisciplinarySanctionPoliciespertainingtosubstanceusedisorders
andotheralcoholanddrugrelatedconduct;lyingandfalsification;sexualmisconduct;andfraud,theft
24|P a g e
anddeception.TheBoashasalsodevelopedDisciplinaryGuidelinesforCriminalConduct.
(http://www.bon.texas.gov/discipline_and_complaints_policies_and_guidelines.asp)
DrugScreening/CriminalBackgroundCheck
EffectiveMay4,2001,facultyandstudentsenteringhealth-relatedprogramsofstudyatTCCwillbe
subjecttodrugscreeningandcriminalbackgroundchecks,inadditiontotheexistingimmunization
requirements.
Thefollowingparagraphsoutlinethemajorpointsrelativetothesepoliciesandprocedures.
1. Thesepoliciesandprocedureswillapplytoallhealth-relatedprogramsthatincludeaclinical
componentinwhichthefacultyandstudentsareinvolvedindirectpatientcare.
2. Thestandardstobeusedfordrugscreeningandcriminalbackgroundcheckwillbethosestated
inthe“CommunityStandardforDrugScreening&BackgroundChecks.”
3. Newnursingstudentswillbescreenedafteradmissiontotheprogram,butpriortoregistration
innursingclasses.
4. Drugscreeningandbackgroundcheckswillbeperformedby acontractservice.Thatservicewill
alsomaintainrecordsoftheresults.AnypositiveresultswillbeforwardedtotheDirectorof
Nursing.
5. Thestudentswillbearthecostofalltheirtests,checks,andvaccinations.
6. CriminalbackgroundcheckswillbeperformedbyGroupI.TheDepartmentofNursingwillbe
notifiedoftheresultsofthebackgroundchecks.
7. Nursingstudentsnotmeetingthestandardswillnotbeallowedtoenrollinnursingclasses. A
nursingstudentnotmeetingthecriminalbackgroundcheckwillhavetheoptionofseekinga
BONDeclaratoryOrder.AstudentapprovedbytheBONwillbeallowedtoenrollinnursing
classesatthenextopportunity.
8. If astudenthas abreak inenrollment,definedasbeingoutoftheprogramonfullsemester(Fall
orSpring)ormore,thebackgroundcheckandurinedrugscreenmustberepeatedthroughthe
nursingprogram.
ChemicalDependency/AbusePolicy
InadditiontoadherencetotheTCCDistrictPolicywhichprohibitsthesale,use,possession,orbeing
undertheinfluenceofalcoholoranyillegal,dangerous,orcontrolleddrugsoncollegepremisesor
collegesponsoredevents,theDepartmentofNursingisrequiredtoreporttotheTexasBoardofNursing
thenamesofnursingstudentswithchemicaldependencyissuesbelievedtoaffectclinicalperformance.
TheNursePracticeActrequiresthat“anursingeducationalprogramthathasreasonablecauseto
suspectthattheabilityofnursingstudenttoperformtheservicesofthenursingprofessionwouldbe,or
wouldreasonablybeexpectedtobe,impairedbychemicaldependencyshallfilewiththeBoarda
written,signedreportthatincludestheidentityofthestudentandanyadditionalinformationtheBoard
requires”.(NursingPracticeAct,Sec.301.404DutyofNursingEducationProgramtoReport).
25|P a g e
GiftPolicy
Studentsoftenwishtoexpressappreciationtotheirinstructorattheendofthesemester.Awritten
expressionofthanksisvaluedbyyourinstructor.Facultyisnot,however,allowedtoacceptgiftsthat
requiredasizableexpenditurebystudents.
CommunicationDevicesandSocialNetworkingSites
Inordertoprovideaprofessionalteaching/learningenvironment,thefollowingpolicywillbeadhered
to:
1. Mobile/cellulartelephonesandpagersmustbeplacedonasilentmodeorturnedoffduring
classroom,clinicalandlaboratory.Failuretofollowthispolicymayresultinimmediateremoval
ofthestudentfromthespecifiedsetting.
2. Shouldtheclinicalfacilityhaveaspecialpolicyinplace,whichgovernstheuseofmobile/cellular
telephones,itmaybenecessarytoturnthetelephoneoff.
SocialMediaPolicy(createdMay8,2014)
1. Thenursingdepartmentacknowledgesthattheuseofsocialmediacanbevaluable inhealth
care;therearepotentialseriousconsequencesifusedinappropriately.Onlinepostingsmay
harmpatientsifprotectedhealthinformationisdisclosed.Thesetypesofpostingsmayreflect
negativelyonindividualstudents,nurses,thenursingprofessionandthepublic’strust inthe
profession.Theymay,aswell,jeopardizethestudent’scontinuationinthenursingprogram.
CriticalBehavior:Violationofthispolicy isconsidered aviolationofthestandardsofnursing
practice,andaviolationoftheTexasBoardofNursing’s(TBON)StandardsofProfessional
StandardsandConductrulesaswellas aviolationofTBONposition(15.29)-(UseofSocialMedia
byNurses),andtheTarrantCountyCollegeDistrictpolicyonSocialMedia.
2. Adaptedfrom:NCSBN’s(NationalCouncilofStateBoardofNursingCouncil)guidelines(NCSBN,
2011e)andtheAmericanNursesAssociation(ANA,2012).NursingStudent’smustrecognize
thattheyhaveanethicalandlegalobligationtomaintainpatientprivacyandconfidentialityat
alltimes.
Students
1. Mustnottransmit,bywayofanyelectronicmedia,anypatient-relatedinformationorimage
thatisreasonablyanticipatedtoviolatepatientrightstoconfidentialityorprivacyorto
otherwisedegradeorembarrassthepatient.
2. Mustnotshare,post,orotherwisedisseminateanyinformation,includingimages,abouta
patientorinformationgainedinthenurse-patientrelationshipwithanyoneunlessthereisa
patientcarerelatedneedtodisclosetheinformationorotherlegalobligationtodoso.
3. Mustnotidentifypatientsbynameorpostorpublishinformationthatmayleadto
identificationofapatient.Limitingaccesstopostingsthroughprivacysettingsisnotsufficientto
ensureprivacy.
4. Mustnottakephotosorvideosofpatientsonpersonaldevices,includingmobiledevices.
5. Mustmaintainprofessionalboundariesintheuseofelectronicmedia.Thefactthat apatientor
formerpatientmayinitiatecontactwiththestudentdoesnotpermitthemtoengageina
26|P a g e
6.
7.
8.
9.
personalrelationshipwiththepatient.Onlinecontactwithpatientsandformerpatientsblurs
thedistinctionbetweenaprofessionalandpersonalrelationship.
MustconsultTCCpoliciesoranappropriatefacultymemberwithinthecollegeforguidance
regardingpostings.
Mustpromptlyreportanyidentifiedbreachofconfidentialityorprivacy.
Mustbeawareofandcomplywithcollege/clinicalfacilitypoliciesregardinguseof
college/facility-ownedcomputers,cameras,andotherelectronicdevicesanduseofpersonal
devicesinthefacility.
Mustnotmakedisparagingremarksaboutpatients,fellowstudents,orfaculty(evenifthe
specificpatient/student,orfacultyisnotidentified).
SectionIV:ClinicalPolicies
ByagreementwithclinicalfacilitiesandTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServicesguidelines,students
mustmeetthefollowingrequirementstoparticipateintheclinicallearningexperience:
Nursingstudentsmustcomplywithpoliciesandproceduresoftheclinicalsetting:forexample,policies
relatedtobutnotlimitedto:
1. Themaintenanceofadrugfree/smokefreeenvironment.
2. Nursingstudentsmaynottakeverbalortelephoneorders.
ClinicalSettingPolicies
CurrentCPRcertificationisrequiredpriortoparticipationintheclinicalexperience.Successful
completionoftheBLSHealthCareProviderCoursefromAmericanHeartAssociation(onlyaccepted
vendor)isrequiredforstudentsenrolledinthenursingprogram.Thiscertificateisconsideredcurrent
fortwoyears.StudentsarerequiredtoprovidedocumentationofcurrentCPRcertificationatthe
beginningofeachsemester.Documentationmustincludedatesthatwillnotexpireduringthesemester.
LiabilityInsurance
Professionalliabilityinsurancecoverageisrequired.Forthestudent,thisismaintainedthroughapolicy
heldbyTarrantCountyCollege.Once ayear,studentspay afeeatregistrationtoreceiveprofessional
liabilityinsurance,whichcoversstudentlearningexperiences.
HealthCareCoverage
Studentsareresponsiblefortheirindividualhealthcarecoverage.Emergencytreatmentforaccidentor
illnessintheclinicalsettingisavailableatthestudent’sexpense.Injuryorillnessoccurringduringclinical
practicemustbereportedtotheclinicalinstructor.Emergencytreatment isavailableatthefacility.
Expensesincurredaretheresponsibilityofthestudent.StudentsmustsignaTCCEmergencyTreatment
FormindicatingtheirpreferenceregardingEmergencyRoomtreatment.TurnthisformintotheDirector
oftheNursingProgram.
27|P a g e
Eachsemester,allstudentsenrolledinTarrantCountyCollegeNursingProgramarerequiredtohave
proofofmedicalinsurance.Itmustbecurrentfortheentiresemester.
TBScreeningandImmunizations
Hospitalsrequirestudentstobefreeofcommunicablediseasewhendeliveringpatientcare.TheTexas
DepartmentofStateHealthServicesalsorequirescertainimmunizationsforstudentsinhealthrelated
programs.Acompletedup-to-dateimmunizationrecordmustbeonfileinimmunitraxpriorto
registration,recordingimmunizationsorproofofdisease.Immunizationsmustbecurrentfortheentire
semester.
Requiredtestsorimmunizationinclude:
1. HepatitisBSeries( 3dosesorpositivetiter)
2. MMR(Rubeola/Measles,Mumps,Rubella/GermanMeasles)documentationof2dosesor
positivetiters.
3. TDaP(Tetanus,Diptheria&Pertusis)Booster(onedoseasadult)withinthelast10years.
4. VaricellavaccinationSeriesortiter
5. Influenza/SeasonalFluImmunization(requiredannuallyduringfluseasonusuallyfrom
SeptemberthroughMarchorApril)
6. NegativeMantouxTuberculin(TB)Test(annualrequirement)(canbeeitherTSTorQFT)and/or
negativeCXR(ifhistoryofpositivePPDtestorhavinghadTB).Mustprovidedocumentationof
negativechestx-rayorcompletedtreatment.
ThechestX-raydoesnotneedtoberepeatedunlessthestudentexhibitssignsoftuberculosis
orexposedtodisease.AnnualTBquestionnaire.
7. HepatitisAseriesorimmunity(titer)
StudentsarerequiredtosubmitresultsofaMantouxtestpriortoenteringtheprogramandthen
annually.IftheMantouxtestispositive,achestX-rayisrequired.ThechestX-raydoesnotneedtobe
repeatedunlessthestudentexhibitssignsoftuberculosisorexposedtodisease.AnnualTB
questionnaireisrequired.
ThispolicyisconsistentwithrecommendationsofthePublicHealthDepartmentandtheCenterfor
DiseaseControlGuidelinesforInfectionControlinHospitalPersonnel.
StudentsareresponsibleforenteringtheirowninformationintoImmunitrax.
(www.VerifyStudents.com)andmaintainingcurrentimmunizationsandrecords.
StudentsmusttakeannualInfluenzaimmunizationorsignawaiverform.
Asaninstitutionpreparinggraduatenurses,TCCmustcomplywithallguidelinesasrequiredbyclinical
facilitiesandstateagencies.
1. StudentsenteringthenursingprogramwillberequiredtoprovidedocumentationofcurrentTB
skintestingandimmunizationsatthebeginningofeachsemester.TBskintestingand
immunizationsmustbeupdatedtimelyandnotexpireduringthesemester.
28|P a g e
2. StudentswithpastdueimmunizationsorTBscreeningswillnotbeallowedtoattendclinical
thusaccruingabsencesuntiltheimmunizationsorscreeningsarecurrent.Failuretomaintain
currentimmunizationsorscreeningswouldbeconsideredasbeingunpreparedforclinical.
StudentsTakingMedication
Nursingfacultyhavetherighttorequestwrittenmedicalclearancefromthestudent’shealthcare
providerifthereisreasontobelievethataknownorsuspectedproblemorillness(physicalor
emotional,includingcomplicationsofpregnancy)maycompromisepatients’,staff,faculty,peersorthe
student’sownhealth,welfareorsafety.Thestudentwillnotparticipate inclinicalexperiencesuntil
suchwrittendocumentationisprovided.
Inaddition,notificationofachangeinhealthstatuswillbeinitiatedbythestudent.Acopyofthe
StudentHealthClearanceform,fromthehealthcareprovider,willbeplacedinthestudent’sfile.All
expensesincurredforthemedicalclearancewillbethestudent’sresponsibility.
MedicationSupervisionofStudentsbyFaculty
Astandardisprovidedforthefacultytobasejudgmentastotheamountofsupervisionastudent
shouldhaveinadministrationofmedications.
1. Studentswillbesupervisedbyavarietyofmethodsduringmedicationadministration.These
methodscanbeeitherindirectordirect.Indirectsupervisionrequiresthestudenttoverify
medicationswiththeinstructororRNpriortoadministeringthem.Directsupervisionrequires
theclinicalinstructororRNtowitnesstheadministrationofthedrug.
2. Themethodandamountofsupervisionwillbeselectedbytheclinicalinstructor.
3. AllIVmedicationsadministeredbythestudentswillbegivenunderthedirectsupervisionofthe
clinicalinstructororthedesignatedRN.ThisincludesIVdrips,IVPiggyBack(IVPB),andIVPush
(IVP)medications.
4. Allparenteralmedicationswillbegivenunderthedirectsupervisionoftheclinicalinstructoror
designatedRN.Subcutaneousinjectionsmaybegivenunderdirectorindirectsupervisionatthe
discretionoftheclinicalinstructor.
5. Oralandothernon-parenteralmedicationsmaybegivenunderindirectsupervisionatthe
discretionoftheclinicalinstructor.
6. HighAlertDrugListmedications,suchasinsulin,heparinandtitratedmedicationsmustbegiven
perhospitalpolicyandmustincludeRNsignatures.Theseareadministeredunderdirect
supervision.
DressCode
StudentsmustadheretothedresscodeoftheassignedhospitalaswellastothatoftheTCCNursing
Department.Thedresscode istobefollowedwhenevertheTCCNursingDepartmentuniformisworn,
whether inclinicaloroncampus.TheapprovedstudentuniformconsistsofaTealscruboruniformtop,
tealpants(cargoordrawstring/elasticwaistpants),whitelabcoatorwhitescrubjacketandmaybe
purchasedatanyuniformshop.Atealskirtmaybewornwith aminimumlengthtothebottomofthe
knee.Whiteornudehosieryistobewornwiththeskirt.Awhitelabcoatorwhitescrubjacketmustbe
worninplaceof asweaterorfleecejacket,whileinuniform,whenthetemperatureiscold.Theschool
29|P a g e
patchwillbepermanentlyaffixed,centeredtwoinchesbelowtheshoulder,totheleftsleeveofeach
uniformtopandlabcoat.TheuniformpatchesshouldbepurchasedfromtheTCCCampusBookStore.
Whileintheclinicalsetting,aprogramapprovedphotoIDbadgemustbewornabovethewaistina
locationthat iseasilyseen.ThisIDBadgeissuppliedbytheprogramandcontainstheinformation
requiredintheclinicalsetting.
Studentsarealsorequiredtopurchaseandwearanofficialstudentphotoidentificationbadgewhenon
campus.ThefeeispaidattheCampusBusinessServicesOffice,andthereceiptistakentotheCampus
CopyCenterwherethephotoistaken.Ifthebadge islost,emailnursing.department@tccd.eduto
requestreplacement.
Ashortorlongsleevedwhiteorblackunadornedteeshirtmaybewornundertheuniformtop,andwill
betuckedintothescrubpants.Thecoloroftheteeshirtshouldbeconsistentwiththecolorofthe
shoes.Topsmustbelongenoughsothatthereisnoexposureofabdomen,lowerback,orlowerchest
whensitting,standing,orbending.Undergarmentswillbewornandwillnotbevisiblebystyleorcolor.
Approvedshoesincludepredominatelywhiteorblackmadeofpredominatelyleatherwithclosedheel
andtoe.Femalestudentsshallweareitherwhiteortanhoseorsocksinwhiteorblacktomatchshoes.
Malestudentswillwearblackorwhitesockstomatchshoes.
Headscarvesmaybeworniftheyare:(1)wornasanexpressionofthestudent’sfaithor(2)tocovera
skin/hairmedicalcondition.Headscarvesaretobewhite,blackortealincolor;freeofpatternorprint;
freeoffringesorotherappendagesthatcouldbehazardous,worninamannerthatpresentsnoriskof
thegarmentswinginginahazardouswayandmustnotcoverthenoseand/ormouth.
Studentswillwear awatchthatmeasuresseconds.Nojewelrymaybewornexceptweddingringsand
onesmallstudperearforpiercedears.Necklacesandbraceletswithidentifyinghealthinformationand
fitnessbraceletsareallowedprovidedtheyaremadeofmaterialsthatcanbedisinfectedwithsoap and
waterandnotdisallowedbytheclinicalfacility.
Jewelrywornforpiercednose,lip,cheek,mouth,tongue,eyebrow,orothervisibleareaswillnotbe
wornwhileinuniform.Eargaugesmustbecovered/non-conspicuous.Perfume,cologne,andscented
aftershavelotionareunacceptableandarenottobeworn.Fingernailsshouldbecleanandtrimmedto
theendofthefingertopromotepatientsafety.Artificialnails,acrylicoverlays,gelpolishornailpolish
arenotpermittedandnailjewelryisnottobeworn.Wheninuniformstudentsshouldberecently
bathedwithbreathandbodyodorcontrolled.Make-upshouldbekepttoaminimum (i.e.smallamount
ofmascara,lightblush,andinconspicuouslipcolor).Visibletattoosmustbecovered.
Hairshouldbecleanandneatlycontrolledwithlonghairpulledback,upandoffthecollar,andworn
awayfrom thefacetoavoidcontamination.Hairclipsmaybewornonlytokeepthehairinplace.Hair
shouldbeacolorthatappearsnaturallyforhair(nogreen,blue,purple,pink,yellow,orange,etc.).It
willbeneatandcleanandnotbeadistraction(noexcessivestylesorornamentation).Menmustbe
clean-shavenorhaveaneatlytrimmedbeardnottoexceedoneinch.Mustachesmaynotextendbelow upperlip. Studentsare notpermittedtochew gum inthe clinicalsetting oranytimewhenthe uniform iswornto a clinical.
30 |P a g e
Studentswhoarenotincompliancewiththispolicywillbeaskedtoimmediatelycorrecttheproblem. If
astudentrefusestocomplywiththepolicy,orisunabletodoso,she/hewillbeaskedtoleaveclinical
fortheremainderoftheday.Theabsencewillconstituteoneunexcusedabsenceunderthecourse
attendancepolicy.
Whenstudentsare inthehospitalforschoolbusinessoutsidetheregularclinicaltime,suchastochoose
pickpatientassignments,theymustbeinfulluniformincludingappropriatefootwearandidentification.
Theuniformisconsideredprofessionalattirewhichdoesnotincludeitemssuchas:jeans,shorts,jogging
outfits,tee-shirts,orflip-flops.
Studentuniformmaynotbeworninprivateemployment.
Confidentiality
Nursingstudentsarerequiredtomaintainpatientconfidentialityandrighttoprivacylaws.All
informationregardingapatientbelongstothatpatient,andpersonsnotinvolvedintheircareshould
nothaveaccesstosuchinformation.(AmericanHospitalAssociation,Patient’sBillofRights,1972;Texas
NursingPracticeAct,Rule217.6,UnprofessionalConduct.TheHealthInsurancePortabilityand
AccountabilityAct(HIPAA.)Removalfromthehospitalofanyinformationwithanytypeofpatient
identifyingdataisconsideredabreachofconfidentiality.Eachsemesterstudentsarerequiredtosign
thefollowingstatementregardingconfidentiality:Iwillkeepallpatient informationthatIhavethe
privilegeofreviewingforthepurposeofmyeducationalexperienceconfidential.Iwillnotdiscussitwith
anyone,excepttotheextentnecessarytocompletemyeducationalrequirementsandtoprovide
appropriatecaretomypatients.Iunderstandthatviolationofapatient’sconfidentialitymaybe
groundsfor aclinicalfailureanddismissalfromtheprogram.
Allentry-level,aswellastransfer,studentswillcompletetheHIPAAStudentEducationProgram(online)
with ascoreof100%priortotheirfirstclinicalexperience.
Useofrecordingequipmentintheclassroomforthestrictpurposeoftapinglecturesispermissible
ONLYwiththeexpressedconsentoftheinstructor.Tosafeguardpatientprivacy,theuseofrecorded
materialislimitedtopersonalreviewandstudy.Itwillnotbeused inanyareaswhereaccesstothe
informationcannotbecontrolled.
CriteriaforSafe/ProfessionalPerformance
Patientsafety isofparamountimportance inthedeliveryofpatientcare.Therefore,it isnecessaryforthestudent
andthenursingfacultytoassuresafe/professional-nursingcare.Withsupervision,thestudentwilldemonstrate
thethreerolesofthenurse(ProviderofCare,CoordinatorofCare,andMemberoftheProfession)usingthe
nursingprocess.
31|P a g e
SAFE/PROFESSIONALCLINICAL
BEHAVIORSINCLUDEBUTARENOT
LIMITEDTO:
Providesforthephysicalcareandsafety
ofthepatient.
1.
2.
Maintainsandmonitorsforthe
microbiologicalsafetyofthepatient.
3.
Maintainsandmonitorsforthechemical
safetyofthepatient.
4.
Maintainsandmonitorsforthethermal
safetyofthepatient.
5.
Assuresthepsychologicalsafetyofthe
patientbyusingstresscontrolmethods
andtherapeuticcommunication.
Assuresprofessionalboundaries
6.
Accuratelyand/oradequatelyusesthe
nursingprocess.
7.
Demonstratestheprinciples/learning/
objectivesincarryingoutnursingcare
skillsand/ordelegatedmedical
functions.
8.
Assumesappropriateindependencein
action.Managesrequiredpatientcare
loadateachcourselevel.
9.
Seizesopportunitiesforgrowthin
practiceandrecognizespersonal
strengthsandlimitations.
10.
Recognizesandacceptsethicalandlegal
responsibilityforactions.
Demonstratesbehaviorsindicating
honesty,accountability,trustworthiness,
reliabilityandintegrity.
Revised4/16/2004
UNSAFE/UNPROFESSIONALCLINICALBEHAVIORSINCLUDE
BUTARENOTLIMITEDTO:
Violatesorthreatensthephysicalsafetyofthepatient(e.g.,
neglectsuseofsiderails;restraints;comesunpreparedto
clinical).
Violatesorthreatensthemicrobiologicalsafetyofthepatient
(e.g.,violatesaseptictechnique;reportstoclinicalwith
personalillness).
Violatesorthreatensthechemicalsafetyofthepatient(e.g.,
violatesthe"5RightsofMedicationAdministration;failsto
monitorIVinfusionsand/orpatients'responsesto
medications).
Violatesorthreatensthethermalsafetyofthepatient(e.g.,
burnspatientwithhotpacks,heatinglamp,etc.;failsto
observesafetyprecautionsduringO2therapy).
Violatesorthreatensthepsychologicalsafetyofthepatient
(e.g.,repeatedlyusesnon-therapeutictechniques;
attacks/derogatesindividual'sbeliefsorvalues;provides
inaccurateorincompleteinformationrepeatedlyduring
patientteaching,exploitspatient’sphysical,sexual,
emotional,orfinancialwell-being.
Inadequatelyand/orinaccuratelyusesthenursingprocess
(e.g.,failstoobserveand/orreportcriticaldatainreference
topatients;repeatedlymakesfaultyjudgments/decisionsin
nursingsituations).
Violatespreviouslymasteredprinciples/learning/objectives
incarryingoutnursingcareskillsand/ordelegatedmedical
functions(e.g.,unabletogiveinjections;failstoobtain
accuratevitalsigns).
Assumesinappropriateautonomyforactionsordecisions
(e.g.,performscompetenciesnotyetpassed).Repeatedly
unabletomanagethepatientassignment(e.g.,failstoseek
helpinemergencysituations).
Failstoavailselfoflearningopportunities,torecognize
personallimitationsorincompetence(e.g.,refusestoadmit
errorsnotedbyinstructor/nursingstaff;placespatientinlife
threateningorpersonalinjuryposition,providespatientcare
withoutrequiredsupervision).
Failstorecognizeand/oracceptethicalandlegal
responsibilityforactionstherebyviolatingprofessional
integrityasexpressed inboththeANACodeforNurses/and
theTexasNursingPracticeAct(e.g.,cannotidentifylegal
responsibilityinspecificnursingsituations;covers
own/other'serrorsorfailstoreportthem;shares
confidentialinformationinappropriately;chemical
impairment).
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ANACodeofEthics
TheANAHouseofDelegatesapprovedthesenineprovisionsofthenewCodeofEthicsforNursesatits
June30,2001meetinginWashington,DC.InJuly2001,theCongressofNursingPracticeandEconomics
votedtoacceptthenewlanguageoftheinterpretivestatementsresulting in afullyapprovedrevised
CodeofEthicsforNurseswithInterpretiveStatements(Viewcodewithinterpretativestatementsat
http://www.nursingworld.org).
1. Thenurse,inallprofessionalrelationships,practiceswithcompassionandrespectforthe
inherentdignity,worthanduniquenessofeveryindividual,unrestrictedbyconsiderationsof
socialoreconomicstatus,personalattributes,orthenatureofhealthproblems.
2. Thenurse'sprimarycommitment istothepatient,whetheranindividual,family,group,or
community.
3. Thenursepromotes,advocatesfor,andstrivestoprotectthehealth,safety,andrightsofthe
patient.
4. Thenurseisresponsibleandaccountableforindividualnursingpracticeanddeterminesthe
appropriatedelegationoftasksconsistentwiththenurse'sobligationtoprovideoptimum
patientcare.
5. Thenurseowesthesamedutiestoselfastoothers,includingtheresponsibilitytopreserve
integrityandsafety,tomaintaincompetence,andtocontinuepersonalandprofessional
growth.
6. Thenurseparticipatesinestablishing,maintaining,andimprovinghealthcareenvironmentsand
conditionsofemploymentconducivetotheprovisionofqualityhealthcareandconsistentwith
thevaluesoftheprofessionthroughindividualandcollectiveaction.
7. Thenurseparticipatesintheadvancementoftheprofessionthroughcontributionstopractice,
education,administration,andknowledgedevelopment.
8. Thenursecollaborateswithotherhealthprofessionalsandthepublicinpromotingcommunity,
national,andinternationaleffortstomeethealthneeds.
9. Theprofessionofnursing,asrepresentedbyassociationsandtheirmembers,isresponsiblefor
articulatingnursingvalues,formaintainingtheintegrityoftheprofessionanditspractice,and
forshapingsocialpolicy.
NursingDepartmentInfection/StandardPrecautionsPolicy
TheTarrantCountyCollegenursingprogramincludesclinicalexperiencesinvolvingcareofpatientswith
communicablediseases.As apartofthelearningexperience,studentsmaycareforindividualswhomay
havebloodbornepathogens.ThesebloodbornepathogensincludetheHIV(HumanImmunodeficiency
Virus),Hepatitis B(HBV),orHepatitisC(HCV).
Studentswillbeexpectedtotreatallpatientswiththeconcernanddignityinherentinprofessional
standardsofcare.TarrantCountyCollegenursingfacultyandstudentswillbeexpectedtofollowthe
guidelinespublishedbytheCenterforDiseaseControlforthepreventionand/orspreadofHIV,HBV,or
HCVandotherbloodbornepathogens,aswellasinfectiousdiseaseguidelines.
TheseguidelinesforthepreventionofHIVtransmissionareconsistentwiththeANAPositionStatement,
OSHAStandards,andRecommendationsfromtheU.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices
CenterforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC).In2007,CDCpublishednewguidelines(standard
precautions)forisolationprecautionsinhospitals.StandardPrecautionssynthesizethemajorfeatures
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ofBodySubstanceIsolation(BSI)anduniversalprecautionstopreventtransmissionofinfectiousagents
amongpatientsandhealthcarepersonnel.
StandardPrecautionswillbetaughtandpracticed.Standardprecautionsaredesignedtoreducetherisk
oftransmissionofmicroorganismsfrombothrecognizedandunrecognizedsources.
StandardPrecautionsapplyto:
1. Blood.
2. Allbodyfluids,secretions,andexcretionsexceptsweat,(regardlessofwhetherornotthey
containinvisibleblood),regardlessofsuspectedorconfirmedinfectionstatus,inanysetting,in
whichhealthcareisincluded.
3. Non-intactskin.
4. MucousMembranes.
Toachievethisgoalstudentswill:
1. Betaughtbasicskillsinisolationtechniques,injections,andhandlingbloodandbodyfluidsin
thenursingskillslaboratorybeforeactualclinicalpracticeoftheseskillsonapatient.
2. ReceiveclassroominstructionrelatedtoHIV,HBVandHCVcause,treatment,modesof
transmissionandprevention.ReceiveorientationonpoliciesforStandardPrecautions.
3. Refrainfromalldirectpatientcareandhandlingpatientcareequipmentwhilethestudenthas
exudativelesionsorweepingdermatitis.
4. Utilizethefollowingstandardprecautionsinasimulatedsettingandconsistentlyonallpatients
inhospitalsetting:
a. Gloveswillbewornforcontactwithblood,bodyfluids,allmucousmembranesornonintactskinofallpatients.Glovesaretobewornforhandlingitemsorsurfacessoiled
withbloodorbodyfluids,andforperforminganyinvasiveprocedures.Glovesaretobe
changedbetweentasksorproceduresonthesamepatient.
b. Handsarewashedimmediatelybeforeglovingandafterremovinggloves.Handsare
washedimmediatelyandthoroughlyaftertouchingbloodorotherbodyfluids.Gloves
shouldbechangedaspossibleiftornordamaged.Washhandsimmediatelyafter
removingglovesandbetweenpatientcontacts.
c. Glovesarechangedtopreventcrosscontaminationandbetweeneachpatient.
Disposableglovesarenottobewashedandthenre-used.
d. Masksandprotectiveeyewear/shieldsarewornduringinvasiveprocedureslikelyto
generatesplatteringofbloodorbodyfluidsaswellasanyotherprocedure inwhich
suchexposure is apossibility.
e. Gownsorplasticapronsarewornforprocedureslikelytoinvolvesplashesofbloodor
bodyfluids.Theseshouldbeusedonetimeonlyandthendisposedof.Immediately
washhandsafterremoval.
f. Needlesarenotrecapped,purposelybentorbrokenbyhand,removedfromdisposable
syringes,ormanipulatedbyhand.Disposableneedles,syringes,scalpelbladesandother
sharpitemsareplacedinpunctureresistantcontainersfordisposal.
g. Soiledlinenishandledtoensureminimalagitationandpreventtransferof
microorganismstoothersandtheenvironment.Allsoiledlinenisbagged,tiedclosedat
thelocationwhere itwasused,anddisposedofaccordingtohospitalpolicy.
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h. Ifisolationlabelingisthehospitalpolicyandprocedure,thentheprecautions,notthe
disease,willbeindicatedforpublicviewing.
i. Specimensofbloodandbodyfluidsareplacedinacontainertopreventleaking.Careis
takentopreventcontaminatingtheoutsideofthecontainerwhencollectingthe
specimen.Specimensaretobeplacedinabiohazardcontainer.
j. Mouthpieces,resuscitationbagsorotherventilationdevicesareusedasanalternative
tomouth-to-mouthresuscitation
TheCDC’sStandardPrecautionsincorporatesallrequirementsofOSHA’sBloodBornePathogen
Standards.
Transmission-BasedPrecautions
Thethreecategoriesare:ContactPrecautions,DropletPrecautions,andAirbornePrecautions.
Transmission-BasedPrecautionsareusedwhentheroute(s)oftransmissionis(are)notcompletely
interruptedusingStandardPrecautionsalone.Whenusedeithersinglyorincombination,theyare
alwaysusedinadditiontoStandardPrecautions.
1. ContactPrecautions:ContactPrecautionsareintendedtopreventtransmissionofinfectious
agentswhicharespreadbydirectorindirectcontactwiththepatientorthepatient’s
environment.HealthcarepersonnelcaringforpatientsonContactPrecautionswearagownand
glovesforallinteractionsthatmayinvolvecontactwiththepatientorpotentiallycontaminated
areasinthepatient’senvironment.DonningPPEuponroomentryanddiscardingbeforeexiting
thepatientroomisdonetocontainpathogens.
2. DropletPrecautions:DropletPrecautionsareintendedtopreventtransmissionofpathogens
spreadthroughcloserespiratoryormucousmembranecontactwithrespiratorysecretions.
Healthcarepersonnelwearamask(arespirator isnotnecessary)forclosecontactwith
infectiouspatient;themaskisgenerallydonneduponroomentry.Patient’sonDroplet
Precautionswhomustbetransportedoutsideoftheroomshouldwearamask,iftolerated,and
followRespiratoryHygiene/CoughEtiquette.
3. AirbornePrecautions:AirbornePrecautionspreventtransmissionofinfectiousagentsremain
infectiveoverlongdistanceswhensuspended.Healthcarepersonnelcaringforpatientson
AirbornePrecautionsmustwearamaskorrespirator,dependingonthediseasespecific
recommendationsthatisdonnedpriortoroomentry.
ThisinformationprovidedonTransmission-BasedPrecautionsinthisstudentdocumentisnotinclusive;
forcompleteinformationsee:http://www.cdc.gov
RespiratoryHygiene/CoughEtiquette
ThiswasinitiatedfromtheSARS-CoVoutbreakin2003.Thereisaneedforvigilanceandprompt
implementationofinfectioncontrolmeasuresatthefirstpointofencounterwithinahealthcaresetting.
Thestrategyistargetedatpatientsandaccompanyingfamilymembersandfriendswithundiagnosed
transmissiblerespiratoryinfections,andappliestoanypersonwithsignsofillnessincludingcough,
congestion,rhinorrhea,orincreasedproductionofrespiratorysecretionswhenenteringahealthcare
facility.
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TheElementsofRespiratoryHygiene/CoughEtiquetteinclude:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Coveryourmouthandnosewithatissuewhenyoucoughorsneeze.
Putyourusedtissue inthewastebasket.
Ifyoudon’thaveatissue,coughorsneezeintoyouruppersleeveorelbow,notyourhands.
Youmaybeaskedtouse afacemasktoprotectothers.
Washhandsoftenwithsoapandwarmwaterfor20seconds.
Ifsoapandwaterarenotavailable,useanalcoholbasedhandrub.
TreatmentofanExposureSite
ImmediateTreatment:
1. Woundandskinsitesthathavebeenincontactwithbloodorbodyfluidsshouldbewashedwith
soapandwater;mucousmembranesshouldbeflushedfor15minuteswithwater.Noevidence
existsthatusingantisepticsforwoundcareorexpressingfluidbysqueezingthewoundfurther
reducestheriskofbloodbornepathogentransmission;however,theuseofantisepticsisnot
contraindicated.
2. Notifyimmediatesupervisor/instructorandcompletenecessaryoccurrencereports.
3. Eithergoorreportincidenttothecampushealthcenter.Inhospital,followhospitalprotocol.
4. CompleteTCCCampusReportofStudentIllnessorAccidentalInjuryFormandsubmittothe
DirectoroftheNursingProgram.
5. CompleteTCCBloodBornePathogenExposureReportwithdistributiontoappropriatelisted
personnel.
CenterforDiseaseControlguidelinesareconstantlybeingrevisedandnewdrugsarebeingintroduced.
ThePublicHealthServicerecommendationsmaychangetoreflectthesechangesastheyarise.
ManagementofExposurestoHBV
1. Recommendedpostexposureprophylaxis(PEP)forexposuretoHepatitisBvirus.
2. StudentsexposedtoHBV-infectedblooddonotneedtotakeanyspecialprecautionstoprevent
secondarytransmissionduringthefollow-upperiod;however,theyshouldrefrainfrom
donatingblood,plasma,organs,tissue,orsemen.
3. AnexposedstudentbecomesacutelyinfectedwithHBV;clinicalfacilities’policieswillbe
followedregardingpatientcontact/care.
ManagementofExposurestoHCV
1. Performbaselinetestingforanti-HCVandALTactivity.
2. Performfollow-uptestingat4-6monthsforanti-HCVandALTactivity(ifearlierdiagnosisofHCV
infectionisdesired,testingforHCVRNAmaybeperformedat4-6weeks).
3. Confirmallanti-HCVresultsreportedpositivebyenzymeimmunoassayusingsupplementalantiHCVtesting(e.g.,recombinantimmunoblotassay).
4. IGandantiviralagentsarenotrecommendedforPEPafterexposuretoHCV-positiveblood.
5. StudentsexposedtoHCV-infectedblooddonotneedtotakeanyspecialprecautionstoprevent
secondarytransmissionduringthefollow-upperiod;however,theyshouldrefrainfrom
donatingblood,plasma,organs,tissue,orsemen.
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6. Nomodificationstoanexposedperson’spatient-careresponsibilitiesarenecessarytoprevent
transmissiontopatientsbasedsolelyonexposuretoHBV-orHCV-positiveblood.
7. IfanexposedstudentbecomesacutelyinfectedwithHCV,clinicalfacilities’policieswillbe
followedregardingpatientcontact/care.
ManagementofExposurestoHIV
1. BaselinetestingforHIVshouldbedoneIMMEDIATELYfollowingexposuretoestablishinfection
statusatthetimeofexposure.There isa2hourwindowoftimeframetostarttheprophylaxis
medicationinwhichtoobtainthebestresultsfortheexposedperson.Ifpossible,sourceblood
shouldbeobtainedfortesting.
2. RecommendedHIVpostexposureprophylaxisforpercutaneousinjuries.
3. RecommendedHIVpostexposureprophylaxisformucousmembraneexposuresandnon-intact
skinexposures
4. PEPshouldbeinitiatedassoonaspossible,withinthefirst24hoursafterexposure.
5. HIV-antibodytestingshouldbeperformedforatleast6monthspostexposure(e.g.,at 6weeks,
12weeks,and6months).
6. HIV-antibodytestingwithEIAshouldbeusedtomonitorforsero-conversion.
7. Counselingregardingsideeffectsofmedicationsshouldbeobtained.
8. Ifthestudentispregnant,theevaluationofriskandneedforPEPshouldbeapproachedaswith
anyotherhealthcareproviderwhohashadanexposure.However,thedecisiontouseany
retro-viraldrugduringpregnancyshouldincludediscussionbetweenthewomanandherhealth
careproviderregardingthepotentialbenefitsandpotentialriskstoherandherfetus.
9. HIV-exposedstudentsshouldbeadvisedtousemeasurestopreventsecondarytransmission
duringthefollow-upperiod,especiallythefirst6-12weeksafterexposurewhenmostHIVinfectedpersonsareexpectedtoseroconvert.
10. Thepatient-careresponsibilitiesofanexposedpersondonotneedtobemodifiedbasedsolely
onanHIVexposure,topreventtransmissiontopatients.
11. IfHIVsero-conversionisdetected,clinicalfacilities’policieswillbefollowedregardingpatient
contact/care.
CenterforDiseaseControlguidelinesareconstantlybeingrevisedandnewdrugsarebeingintroduced.
ThePublicHealthServicerecommendationsmaychangetoreflectthesechangesastheyarise.Website
addressforCDCinformationis:http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5011a1.htm
Confidentiality/EthicalObligations/Disclosure
1. Studentsshouldnotberequiredtodiscloseinfectionstatuswiththeexceptionofsituationsin
whichapatienthasbeenclearlyexposedtotheinfectedstudent’sblood.Alldocuments,files,
andtestresultsareconfidential.
2. Studentswhochoosetodisclosesero-positivestatusareentitledtospecialeffortstomaximize
thestudent’sprivacyandconfidentiality,includingtheexclusionofinformationaboutthe
student’sconditionfromTCC’sinformationsystem.
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Counseling
1. Counselingprovidedbyskilledpersonnelincludesbutisnotlimitedto:
a. Meaningoftestresults
b. Discussionofpersonallifefactorssuchassafersexpractices,conception/contraception,and
informingsexualpartners
c. Avoidanceofblood,semenandtissuedonation
d. Reportingofanysuddenorsevereflu-likesymptomsduringfollow-upperiod,especiallyifit
involvesfever,rash,muscleaches,tiredness,malaise,orswollenglands
e. Informationregardingworker’scompensation,disability,andother
HIVTestingandCounselingisProvidedby(butnotlimited)to:
1. PlannedParenthoodOrganizations
2. PublicHealthDepartment
3. AIDSOutreachofTarrantCountyHospital
4. HarrisOccupationalHealthClinic
Costvariesaccordingtopersonalneeds.Allinformationisheldinstrictconfidence.Thestudentis
responsibleforthetestingexpenseandfollowups.
Documentation
1. UtilizeDepartmentofNursingGuidelines.CompleteTCCBloodBornePathogensExposure
Report,whichhasthefollowingrequireddatatobedocumented:
2. Dateandtimeofexposure
3. Detailsoftheprocedurebeingperformed,includingwhereandhowtheexposureoccurred;if
relatedtoasharpdevice,thetypeandbrandofdeviceandhowandwheninthecourseof
handlingthedevicetheexposureoccurred.
4. Detailsoftheexposure,includingthetypeandamountoffluidormaterialandtheseverityof
theexposure(e.g.,forapercutaneousexposure,depthofinjuryandwhetherfluidwasinjected;
for askinormucousmembraneexposure,theestimatedvolumeofmaterialandthecondition
oftheskin[e.g.,chapped,abraded,intact]).
5. Detailsabouttheexposuresource(e.g.,whetherthesourcematerialcontainedHBV,HCV,or
HIV;ifthesource isHIV-infected,thestageofdisease,historyofantiretroviraltherapy,viral
load,andantiretroviral
6. Detailsabouttheexposedperson(e.g.,hepatitisBvaccinationandvaccine-responsestatus)
7. Detailsaboutcounseling,postexposuremanagement,follow-up,anddocumentationif
treatmentisrefused
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LatexAllergies
Please
refertothe2005StandardHospitalStudentOrientationbytheDallas-FortWorth Hospital
Councilforinformationonlatex allergies. Youmayalsorefertohttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/latex/ default.html.
References AmericanNursesAssociation(1991).PositionStatementonHIVInfectedNurse,EthicalObligationsand
Disclosure.
AmericanNursesAssociation(1991).PositionStatementonPost-ExposureProgramsIntheEventof
OccupationalExposuretoHIV/HBV.
Siegel,JDRhinehart,E,Jackson,M,Chiarello,L,HealthCareInfectionControlPracticeAdvisory
GuidelinesforIsolationPrecautions:PreventingTransmissionofInfectiousAgentsinHealthcare
Settings,2007
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AppendixA
DifferentiatedEssentialCompetencies
EssentialCompetenciesofGraduatesofTexas
DiplomaandAssociateDegreeNursingEducationPrograms
MemberoftheProfession:
1. Functionwithinthenurse’slegalscopeofpracticeandinaccordancewiththepoliciesand
proceduresoftheemployinghealthcareinstitutionorpracticesetting.
2. Assumeresponsibilityandaccountabilityforthequalityofnursingcareprovidedtopatientsand
theirfamilies.
3. Participate inactivitiesthatpromotethedevelopmentandpracticeofprofessionalnursing.
4. Demonstrateresponsibilityforcontinuedcompetenceinnursingpractice,anddevelopinsight
throughreflection,self-analysis,self-care,andlifelonglearning.
ProviderofPatient-CenteredCare:
1. Useclinicalreasoningandknowledgebasedonthediplomaorassociatedegreenursing
programofstudyandevidence-basedpracticeoutcomesasabasisfordecision-makingin
nursingpractice.
2. Determinethephysicalandmentalhealthstatus,needs,andpreferencesofculturally,
ethnically,andsociallydiversepatientsandtheirfamiliesbaseduponinterpretationof
comprehensivehealthassessmentfindingscomparedwithevidence-basedhealthdataderived
fromthediplomaorassociatedegreenursingprogramofstudy.
3. Analyzeassessmentdatatoidentifyproblems,formulategoals/outcomes,anddevelopplansof
careforpatientsandtheirfamiliesusinginformationfromevidence-basedpracticein
collaborationwithpatients,theirfamilies,andtheinterdisciplinaryhealthcareteam.
4. Providesafe,compassionate,comprehensivenursingcaretopatientsandtheirfamiliesthrough
abroadarrayofhealthcareservices.
5. Implementtheplanofcareforpatientsandtheirfamilieswithinlegal,ethical,andregulatory
parametersandinconsiderationofdiseaseprevention,wellness,andpromotionofhealthy
lifestyles.
6. Evaluateandreportpatientoutcomesandresponsestotherapeuticinterventionsincomparison
tobenchmarksfromevidence-basedpractice,andplanfollow-upnursingcare.
7. Develop,implement,andevaluateteachingplansforpatientsandtheirfamiliestoaddress
healthpromotion,maintenance,andrestoration.
8. Coordinatehuman,information,andmaterielresourcesinprovidingcareforpatientsandtheir
families.
PatientSafetyAdvocate:
1. DemonstrateknowledgeoftheTexasNursingPracticeAct(NPA)andtheTexasBoardofNursing
Rulesthatemphasizesafety,aswellasallfederal,state,andlocalgovernmentandaccreditation
organizationsafetyrequirementsandstandards.
2. Implementmeasurestopromotequalityandasafeenvironmentforpatients,self,andothers.
3. Formulategoalsandoutcomesusingevidence-baseddatatoreducepatientrisks.
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4. Obtaininstruction,supervision,ortrainingasneededwhenimplementingnursingproceduresor
practices.
5. ComplywithmandatoryreportingrequirementsoftheTexasNPA.
6. Acceptandmakeassignmentsanddelegatetasksthattakeintoconsiderationpatientsafetyand
organizationalpolicy.
MemberoftheHealth CareTeam:
1. Coordinate,collaborate,andcommunicatewithpatients,theirfamilies,andtheinterdisciplinary
healthcareteamtoplan,deliver,andevaluatepatient-centeredcare.
2. Serveasahealthcareadvocateinmonitoringandpromotingqualityandaccesstohealthcare
forpatientsandtheirfamilies.
3. Referpatientsandtheirfamiliestoresourcesthatfacilitatecontinuityofcare;healthpromotion,
maintenance,andrestoration;andensureconfidentiality.
4. Communicateandcollaborateinatimelymannerwithmembersoftheinterdisciplinaryhealth
careteamtopromoteandmaintaintheoptimalhealthstatusofpatientsandtheirfamilies.
5. Communicateandmanageinformationusingtechnologytosupportdecision-makingtoimprove
patientcare.
6. Assignand/ordelegatenursingcaretoothermembersofthehealthcareteambaseduponan
analysisofpatientorunitneed.
7. Supervisenursingcareprovidedbyothersforwhomthenurseisresponsiblebyusingevidencebasednursingpractice.
AppendixB
NursingDepartmentClinicalReasoningPositionStatement
Atthecoreofallnursingactivitiesisanintellectualprocessofclinicalreasoning.ClinicalReasoningisthe
abilitytosystematicallyidentifytheproblemandmake ajudgmentbasedondataanalysis.Clinical
Reasoningincludesthe“nursingprocess”butmayexpandtoincludeinterdisciplinarydata,problems,
andinterventions.Theseinterdisciplinaryelementsmayincludedelegatedmedicaltasksorconditional
physicianorders.
Clinicalreasoningisacommonthreadthroughthecareofpatientsofallages,inallsetting,forall
conditions,providedbynursesofalllevelsofpractice.Whileclinicalreasoningisuniversal,ittakesmany
forms.Theformoftheclinicalreasoningmayvarybysetting,patientneed,andlevelofpractice.Clinical
Reasoningmayoccurin30secondsatthebedsideofacriticallyillpatientwithanairwaycrisisand
neverbewritteninaformalmanner,ormayoccuroveranhourwhenworkingwithapatientwith
mentalillnessanddocumentedinadetailedmanner.
Clinicalreasoningcanbedocumentedinawidevarietyofmeans:linear,non-linear,paperandpencil,
electronic,templates,orfree-form.Thedocumentationofclinicalreasoningisnotboundbyanyspecific
nomenclaturesuchastheNANDA-Itaxonomy,NursingInterventionsClassification(NIC),orNursing
OutcomesClassification(NOC).Thenomenclatureusedisthatwhichbestmeetstheneedofthepatient
andthesetting.
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TheessentialelementsofclinicalReasoningcanbedescribedvariously,buttheelementremainthe
sameregardlessofthewordsused:
1. GatheringData(Assessment)
2. IdentifyingProblems(NursingDiagnosis)
3. MakingPlans(careplanning)
4. Executingtheplans (implementation)
5. Evaluationoftheoutcome
Basedontheevaluationoftheoutcome,theproblemiseitherresolvedortheprocessbeginsagain.
Teachingclinicalreasoning istheessentialtaskofnursingeducatorsandthedepartmentofnursingat
TCC.Theformatanddocumentationofclinicalreasoningwillvaryacrossthecurriculumbasedonthe
progressivedevelopmentofthestudentsandthenatureofpatientsandsettingusedforclinical
practice.Itisexpectedthattheseformatsanddocumentswillprogressfromhighlystructuredearlyin
thecurriculumtolessstructurelateinthecurriculumasstudentspreparetoenterpractice.
Evaluationofclinicalreasoning is acentralresponsibilityofnursingfaculty.Nursingfacultymayevaluate
students’clinicalreasoning invariouswaysincluding:oralquestioning,reviewofwrittenplans,and
reviewofelectronicmedicalrecords.
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