Nursing Student Handbook

Department of Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

2023-2024

University of Mount Union

Department of Nursing

Acknowledgment of Receipt of Nursing Student Handbook

Printed Name:

________________________________________

Date: ______________

Signature:

______________________________________________________________

* Students are responsible for reviewing the handbook and any associate updates annually.

Signed acknowledgement of receipt of the handbook must be submitted to the Department of

Nursing by August 31

of each year.

iii

A Message from the Department of Nursing

Dear Student:

Welcome to the Department of Nursing at the University of Mount Union! At Mount Union

we strive to inspire steady growth, confident leadership, and pursuit of the greater good. We

are honored and excited that you have joined us.

The University of Mount Union and the Department of Nursing believe in high standards of

professional conduct. Both the university and the Department of Nursing maintain high

standards of admission, progression, retention, graduation, and student conduct policies in

accordance with its philosophy and program outcomes to protect the integrity and the rigor of

the educational program. In addition, the University of Mount Union and the Department of

Nursing are accountable to the public for the quality of professional nurses who graduate

from our Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.

The University of Mount Union and the Department of Nursing provide students with an

educational environment where freedom to learn is provided. The Department of Nursing

Student Handbook contains standards of academic achievement and conduct. The Nursing

Student Handbook is a supplement to the information provided in the University of Mount

Union Undergraduate Catalog. Students are responsible for meeting these standards and have

the right to be informed about these standards, the means of assessment, and the appeal

process.

The faculty and administration of the Department of Nursing reserve the right to change the

policies and procedures in this document at any time. Students will be notified of any

changes in a timely fashion and are responsible for reviewing the updated handbook

annually. Students in the nursing major will be held accountable for policies and procedures

noted in the current year handbook, excluding those related to program progression or

completion. Students will be held accountable for the progression and completion policies

and procedures that were in place the year they entered the nursing program.

Mount Union is where your journey to success begins! On behalf of the University of Mount

Union, we wish you all the best and look forward to partnering with you to achieve your

dream of becoming an exceptional nurse. The best nurses wear purple!

Accreditation/Approval Disclaimer

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at the University of Mount Union is accredited

by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccrediation.org).

The baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) program at the University of Mount Union is

fully approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) in accordance with Rule 4723.06

(A)(5), of the Ohio Revised Code for a period of five years effective May 25, 2022. Ohio

Board of Nursing, 17 south High St., Suite 400, Columbus, OH 43215-7410, (614) 466-

3947. http://www.nursing.ohio.gov/

v 
 
 
University of Mount Union 
Department of Nursing-Student Handbook 
Table of Contents 
Acknowledgment of Receipt of Nursing Student Handbook ................................................... ii 
A Message from the Department of Nursing ........................................................................... iii 
Accreditation/Approval Disclaimer ......................................................................................... iv 
DESCRIPTION OF THE BACCALAUREATE NURSING PROGRAM .............................. 1 
Purpose of the Nursing Program ........................................................................................... 1 
Mission Statement of the Department of Nursing ................................................................. 2 
Philosophy of the Department of Nursing ............................................................................ 2 
Nursing Program Learning Outcomes .................................................................................. 3 
The Organizing Conceptual Framework of the Nursing Curricula ....................................... 4 
University and Department of Nursing Governance and Organization ................................ 6 
NURSING CURRICULUM ..................................................................................................... 7 
Overview of the Nursing Curriculum.................................................................................... 7 
Traditional BSN Program...................................................................................................... 7 
Accelerated BSN Program .................................................................................................... 9 
Nursing Course Sequencing and Credit Hours ..................................................................... 9 
NURSING PROGRAM ADMISSION, PROGRESSION, AND PROGRAM 
COMPLETION/GRADUATION POLICIES ........................................................................ 11 
General Application Procedure for Admission to the Nursing Major ................................ 11 
Traditional BSN Pathway Admission .............................................................................. 11 
Transfer or UMU Non-Nursing Student Admission ........................................................ 12 
Accelerated BSN Admission ............................................................................................ 13 
International Student Admission ..................................................................................... 13 
Transfer Credit Evaluation .............................................................................................. 14 
Applicants with U.S. Military Service ............................................................................. 14 
Waiting List...................................................................................................................... 14 

vi 
 
Deferment to the Nursing Program ................................................................................. 14 
Financial Obligations ...................................................................................................... 14 
Academic Standing .......................................................................................................... 15 
Progression in the Nursing Program ....................................................................................... 15 
Progression Policies Specific to Nursing Major ................................................................. 15 
Program Completion ........................................................................................................... 17 
Dismissal from the Nursing Major ...................................................................................... 18 
Readmission to the Department of Nursing ........................................................................ 18 
Readmission to the University of Mount Union ................................................................. 19 
See University of Mount Union Undergraduate Catalog. ................................................... 19 
NURSING PROGRAM POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND CRITERIA ............................. 19 
Course Scheduling and Registration ................................................................................... 19 
Procedures for Notifying Students of Changes ................................................................ 19 
Evaluation and Grading of Student Experiences................................................................. 20 
Theory/lecture .................................................................................................................. 20 
Laboratory ....................................................................................................................... 20 
Clinical ............................................................................................................................ 20 
Dismissing a Student from Theory, Lab, or Clinical ....................................................... 21 
Clinical Dosage Calculation Requirement Policy ........................................................... 22 
Grading Scale for Nursing Courses ................................................................................ 22 
Testing Policy and Procedures ........................................................................................ 22 
Attendance Policies ............................................................................................................. 25 
Theory Attendance ........................................................................................................... 25 
Laboratory Attendance .................................................................................................... 25 
Clinical Attendance ......................................................................................................... 25 
Clinical and Laboratory Expectations ................................................................................. 26 
Nursing Skills and Simulation Laboratories ....................................................................... 27 
Academic Advising ............................................................................................................. 27 
Academic Integrity/Dishonesty ........................................................................................... 27 
APA Writing Style .............................................................................................................. 27 
Accountability ..................................................................................................................... 28 

vii 
 
Classroom Behavior ............................................................................................................ 28 
Respect for Property and Community Resources ................................................................ 28 
Communication ................................................................................................................... 29 
Grievance and Appeal ......................................................................................................... 29 
Procedures for Student Illness, and/or Injury ...................................................................... 29 
Isolation and Quarantine for Communicable Diseases ....................................................... 30 
Illness or Injury in the Classroom or Laboratory ................................................................ 30 
Illness or Injury in the Clinical ............................................................................................ 30 
Pregnancy ............................................................................................................................ 31 
Program Evaluation ............................................................................................................. 31 
PROFESSIONAL CODES OF CONDUCT ........................................................................... 31 
Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) Student Conduct Policy ..................................................... 32 
National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct 32 
Alcohol & Drug Policy ....................................................................................................... 32 
Alcohol & Drug Testing Policy ....................................................................................... 33 
Social Media Use ................................................................................................................ 35 
Confidentiality/FERPA ....................................................................................................... 35 
STUDENT CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS/POLICIES ........................................................ 36 
Dress Code .......................................................................................................................... 36 
Transportation & Parking .................................................................................................... 37 
Cellular Phone & Electronic Telecommunication Devices................................................. 37 
Timeliness ........................................................................................................................... 37 
Agency Policies ................................................................................................................... 37 
Incident/Injury Report ......................................................................................................... 37 
HIPAA/Confidentiality ....................................................................................................... 37 
Universal Precautions .......................................................................................................... 38 
Barrier Precautions:........................................................................................................ 38 
Protocol for Needle-stick/Blunt Injury/Mucous Membrane Splash: ............................... 38 
Clinical Requirements Software.......................................................................................... 39 
Background Checks............................................................................................................. 39 
Liability Insurance............................................................................................................... 39 

viii 
 
CPR Certification ................................................................................................................ 39 
Weather Cancellation .......................................................................................................... 40 
Sexual Harassment in the Clinical Setting .......................................................................... 40 
Student Health ..................................................................................................................... 40 
Technical Standards of Performance for the Nursing Program ..................................... 40 
Immunizations and Screenings ........................................................................................ 41 
Other Health Issues ......................................................................................................... 42 
STUDENT FEES, EXPENSES, AND REFUNDS ................................................................ 42 
APPENDIX ............................................................................................................................. 45 
Appendix A: Nursing Department Organization Chart ....................................................... 46 
Appendix B: BSN Program Traditional Track Curriculum Plan ........................................ 47 
Appendix C: BSN Program Fast Track Curriculum Plan ................................................... 48 
Appendix D: Post-Baccalaureate Accelerated BSN Program Curriculum ......................... 49 
Appendix E: Nursing Skills and Simulation Laboratory Rules .......................................... 50 
Appendix F: Nursing Behavior Improvement Form ........................................................... 53 
Appendix G: Technical Performance Standards Certification Form .................................. 54 
Appendix H: Technical Standards Certification ................................................................. 56 
Appendix I: OBN Student Conduct Policy ......................................................................... 57 
Appendix J: NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct ........................................... 60 
Appendix K: Health Data and Clinical Requirement Checklist .......................................... 61 
Appendix L Refusal of Hepatitis B Immunizations ............................................................ 63 
Appendix M: Vaccination Exemption Policy and Vaccination Exemption Form .............. 64 
Appendix N: Course Standing Confirmation for UMU Nursing Students ......................... 66 
Appendix O: Nursing in the Honors in the Major ............................................................... 67 
 
 
 
 

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACCALAUREATE NURSING PROGRAM

The Department of Nursing shares the University’s mission to prepare students for fulfilling

lives, meaningful work, and responsible citizenship. The nursing program curriculum fosters the

development of the students’ potential to become professional nurses with strong foundational

and nursing knowledge, critical thinking skills, ethical values, effective communication, and

commitment to the well-being of all people in our diverse community, as a responsible citizen and

professional. The Department of Nursing also shares the University’s commitment to service,

excellence, and integrity, and subscribes to the ideals of a liberal arts education with a strong

science commitment and utilizes these resources to enhance nursing education.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum is based on standards of nursing

education from professional organizations, accreditation standards, state boards of nursing, and

emerging societal needs related to healthcare. The curriculum reflects a commitment to

evidenced-based nursing practice for individuals, families, and communities that is grounded in

an understanding of societal factors that influence health status and the delivery of healthcare.

The students are supported throughout the educational process with learning approaches that

facilitate the development of critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning skills through the

application of general education and clinical practice theory and knowledge in increasingly

complex clinical situations. It is recognized that the development of the professional role and

competencies of the nursing student for generalist practice requires developmental and sustained

experiential and authentic learning opportunities in real world contexts across the entire nursing

program.

The baccalaureate degree in nursing is for pre-licensure applicants with a high school diploma

and an accelerated program for applicants with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. The

Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program prepares a generalist professional for license as a

registered nurse. The program includes content and experiences across the lifespan. Completion

of this program prepares the student to apply for licensure and take the National Council

Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Graduates are prepared to practice

as registered nurses in a variety of healthcare agencies and thus lead fulfilling lives, have

meaningful work, and purse responsible citizenship.

Purpose of the Nursing Program

The purpose of the Baccalaureate Nursing Program is to provide excellence in nursing education

and prepare well-educated competent professional nurses who provide quality nursing care, with

respect to ethical standards, social justice, diversity, and human dignity. The goals of the BSN

Program are to prepare:

1. Liberally educated nurses who are able to provide holistic nursing care.

2. Entry-level practitioners as generalist professional nurses.

3. Baccalaureate nurses with an education that serves as a foundation for

graduate and continuing lifelong learning.

Mission Statement of the Department of Nursing

The mission of the Department of Nursing is to educate nurses who serve as leaders in the

healthcare profession and promote health and wellness across diverse communities.

Philosophy of the Department of Nursing

The Nursing Programs support the University of Mount Union’s mission to prepare students for

fulfilling lives, meaningful work, and responsible citizenship. Nursing education is an interactive

teaching-learning process within the interdisciplinary curricula. Thus, the nursing faculty

facilitates an interactive learning environment that encourages students to actively participate in

the learning process, fostering their unique potential to become nurses with strong foundational

and nursing knowledge, clinical judgment, ethical values, and a commitment to the well-being of

all people across diverse communities. The interactive nature of the learning environment also

promotes students’ competency in clinical judgment, inquiry and scholarship, decision-making

abilities, leadership skills, professionalism, ethical and value insights, caring, healing,

communication, personal and social responsibility and accountability, and respect for diversity

and human dignity.

Learning is a progressive, life-long process that is influenced by past experiences, values, and

skills. As students engage in the nursing curricula, they continue to build knowledge, skills, and

values that will help them lead fulfilling lives, achieve meaningful work, and become responsible

citizens. Teaching encompasses various ways of mentoring students and facilitating their

learning in and outside of the classroom.

The nursing metaparadigm identifies four knowledge domains, including human beings (or

persons), environment, health, and nursing (Fawcett & Desanto-Madeya, 2012). These global

concepts provide information on the primary areas of interest to the discipline of nursing and

thus provide the foundational framework for the nursing program.

The nursing faculty believes the person, or client, is the central focus of nursing. Individuals,

families, groups, populations, or organizations can be defined as the client within professional

nursing. The client is an individual who has dignity and inherent worth as a holistic physical,

psychological, social, and spiritual being. The client possesses values, beliefs, attitudes, and life

experiences which influence interaction and existence with the environment. An individual client

may serve various roles within a family, group, organization, and community to share

responsibilities, transmit cultural values, and meet human needs for optimal health.

The environment provides a context for physiological, social, psychological, emotional, and

spiritual health and safety for clients. Clients experience continuous environmental interaction

and influence, which can be a source of internal and external stressors, resources, or threats to

health and homeostasis throughout the lifespan. Homeostasis is a dynamic process attained by a

client’s ability to adapt to the environment to achieve an optimal level of health. Maladaptation

to the environment disturbs homeostasis, creating illness and alterations in health.

The faculty believes that health is a dynamic state of balance between wellness and illness.

Wellness is a multidimensional, positive state that includes individual pursuit of activities and

choices that promote holistic health and well-being. There are physical, mental, emotional,

spiritual, social, and environmental dimensions of wellness, all of which can be influenced by

social, economic, and environmental factors (Constitution of the world health organization,

1946; Understanding wellness, 2019). A disturbance in health affects the balance and harmony

of the individual, family, group, community, and population. Each person defines health

subjectively based on personal values, beliefs, knowledge, and person-environment interactions.

Family, culture, community, and society also influence one’s personal perception of health.

Stress can disrupt health. Health can be maximized and maintained by mobilizing resources,

implementing therapeutic nursing interventions, and fostering caring relationships.

The faculty believes nursing is a professional discipline, built on clinical expertise, theory, and

research. The discipline of nursing integrates the arts, sciences, and holistic caring into

professional practice to assist clients in attaining, maintaining, or restoring their optimal level of

function. Professional nursing is grounded in liberal arts education and requires knowledge in

nursing science, natural and behavioral sciences, arts, and the humanities. Professional nursing

requires clinical reasoning, clinical judgment, communication, assessment, and evaluation skills.

The nursing process is a thinking model used to deliver client-centered care in practice. Nurses

recognize the important distinction between disease and the client’s illness/wellness experience.

Facilitating client understanding of this distinction is an important aspect of nursing care. Nurses

promote health, prevent disease and disability, and care for those who are ill or in the dying

process by providing holistic nursing care to the mind, body, and spirit. A professional nurse

understands the importance of holistic assessment to gain an in-depth understanding of the

physical, psychological, social, and spiritual wellbeing of a client. Diagnosing the client’s health

status within the context of the client’s values is essential in providing a framework for planning

and implementing interventions and evaluating outcomes of care.

The faculty believes that the professional nurse is a member of a diverse interdisciplinary

healthcare team composed of professionals and other personnel collaborating to deliver treatment

and services in a complex, evolving healthcare system. The nurse brings a unique blend of

knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to the healthcare team. The nurse demonstrates

leadership, adaptability, accountability, responsibility, respect for autonomy and human dignity,

and a commitment to social justice, ethical practice, and advocacy. The nurse identifies, respects,

and addresses unique values, preferences, and expressed needs of clients in the provision of

therapeutic communication, education, health promotion, disease management and prevention.

Nursing Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes are derived from the mission and philosophy of the nursing program.

They provide a framework for the organization of content, skills, and expected professional

behavior.

The Baccalaureate Nursing Program graduate will:

1. Integrate knowledge from nursing, the sciences, and liberal arts to make nursing judgements

based on evidence.

2. Prioritize quality, safe, and holistic care for diverse patient populations using

3.Collaborate and communicate effectively to deliver holistic patient-centered care.

4. Manage population health for the improvement of equitable health outcomes.

5. Analyze organizational and system leadership factors impacting the nursing profession and

practice.

6. Integrate professional and ethical standards into nursing practice.

The Organizing Conceptual Framework of the Nursing Curricula

The baccalaureate nursing curricula are designed to educate students to become competent

practitioners and leaders in their profession. The Conceptual Framework of the Department of

Nursing (Figure 1) consists of the four nursing knowledge domains and six curricular concepts.

The curricula are built upon and inter-related to the nursing metaparadigm domains of person,

environment, health, and nursing. The client is at the center of the framework model,

representing the curricular focus on person-centered care. Environment encompasses the model,

representing the concept that nurses and clients are continually interacting within and being

influenced by the environment around them as they strive to achieve adaptation and reach

optimal health. The environment spreading beyond the edge of the model reflects that some

aspects of the environment are outside nurses’ and clients’ control or influence. Nursing

surrounds the client and their health to reflect the care and influence of the nurse. The six core

curricular concepts that build the nursing foundation include Knowledge Integration, Person-

Centered Care, Communication and Collaboration, Population Health, Leadership, and

Professional and Ethics. These concepts guide the learning outcomes integrated throughout the

curricula to develop a professional nurse that delivers high quality, safe, evidence-based nursing

care. Descriptions of the core concepts and how they are refined and develop as students

progress through the curriculum are included below.

1. Knowledge Integration: Students build upon previous knowledge and

experiences learned during their course of study to draw conclusions, make decisions, and

understand clients’ needs, responses, and adaptation to external and internal stressors. This

knowledge is acquired from nursing, sciences, arts, humanities, research evidence-based data,

and life experiences.

2. Client-Centered Care: Students learn to apply critical thinking in the design and

implementation of quality, safe nursing care. The nursing process is used to develop a holistic,

client-centered plan of care across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings to promote

health, prevent disease, and maintain well-being for individuals, families, groups, communities,

and populations.

3. Communication and Collaboration: Students learn principles of effective

communication with clients and the healthcare team. Verbal, written, and electronic

communications are used to facilitate professional interactions to achieve quality, safe outcomes.

4. Population Health: Students explore initiatives and partnerships to promote equitable

healthcare, focusing on health promotion and disease management for individuals and

populations.

5. Leadership: Students explore various leadership roles that impact nursing practice and

population health. Students learn about financial, social, cultural, environmental, and global

issues, guidelines and policies that influence healthcare, patient outcomes, quality improvement,

and the advancement of the nursing profession.

6. Professional and Ethics: Students learn to model moral, ethical, and legal

conduct, demonstrate patient advocacy and accountability for personal and professional

behavior, while upholding the scope and standards of professional nursing practice.

Figure 1: The Conceptual Framework Model of the Department of Nursing

References:

Constitution of the world health organization. (1946, July 22).

https://apps.who.int/gb/bd/PDF/bd47/EN/constitution-en.pdf?ua=1

Fawcett, J. &Desanto-Madeya, S. (2012). Contemporary nursing knowledge: Analysis and evaluation of

nursing models and theories (3

ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.

Understanding Wellness: Opportunities & Impacts of the Wellness Economy for Regional Development.

globalwellnessinstitute.org. (2019, September). https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/wp-

content/uploads/2019/10/Understanding-Wellness-ImplicationsofWellness.pdf

University and Department of Nursing Governance and Organization

The Department of Nursing is within the College of Natural and Health Sciences, one of three

Colleges within the University, and managed by the nursing program administrator and faculty.

The organizational structure allows for sharing information and division of responsibilities

among the University's various units. Appendix A illustrates the Department of Nursing

Organizational Chart. The Department of Nursing holds regular departmental meetings to

discuss business and act on relevant issues. The governance of the Department of Nursing

operates in a manner consistent with that of other departments at the University of Mount Union.

Due to the small number of full-time faculty, work is accomplished either by a committee of the

full department or by delegation of tasks to sub-committees (curriculum and resources). Sub-

committees present work to the entire faculty for review and adoption of changes. Student

representatives from each class/cohort (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, accelerated) are

invited to attend appropriate portions of the Departmental Meetings. An officer from the Nursing

Student Organization is also invited to attend.

NURSING CURRICULUM

Overview of the Nursing Curriculum

The University of Mount Union (UMU) offers three options for the BSN degree, the

traditional or fast-track BSN options for the for prospective students who successfully

finished high school; and a Post Baccalaureate Accelerated BSN track (ABSN) for students

who have a bachelor’s degree (of any kind) in a discipline other than nursing.

The Nursing curriculum at the University of Mount Union has been influenced by current

healthcare trends such as the increased age of the population, increased diversity of the

population, technological innovations including informatics, and increased complexity of the

healthcare system. The curriculum is aligned with:

• The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, published by

the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in 2021. The essentials

emphasize competency-based education within four spheres of care: disease

prevention and promotion of health and well-being, chronic disease care, regenerative

or restorative care, and hospice or palliative/supportive care. Within the four spheres

of care are 10 broad, distinguishable areas of competence referred to as “domains”.

These domains include Knowledge for Nursing Practice; Person-Centered Care;

Population Health; Scholarship for Nursing Discipline; Quality and Safety;

Interprofessional Partnerships; Systems-Based Practice; Informatics and Healthcare

Technologies; Professionalism, and Personal, Professional, and Leadership

Development.

• Ohio Board of Nursing rules and regulations for registered nursing (RN) education

programs.

• American Nurses Association’s standards of practice and code of ethics.

Department of Nursing BSN Curriculum Plans are included in Appendices B, C, and D. The

Ohio Board of Nursing rules and regulations govern the delivery of nursing education while

the guidelines from The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education

(AACN, 2021), and the ANA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics serve as professional

standards that enhance and guide the curriculum. The former Quality and Safety Education

for Nursing (QSEN), which is now integrated into the AACN 2021 Essentials, serves as a

guide for preparing future nurses with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) necessary

to continuously improve the quality and safety of the healthcare systems within which they

work.

Traditional BSN Program

The traditional BSN program is designed for students who completed high school and are

interested in earning a degree to pursue licensure as registered nurse. Some students may

have additional college course work to transfer, such as advanced placement or College

Credit Plus. The traditional BSN program includes two options for completion, traditional or

fast-track. The traditional track takes approximately four years to complete. Some students

may be eligible to complete the program curriculum in less than four years through the fast-

track option. Curriculum components are the same for both tracks; required courses and

suggested sequences are included in Appendices B and C. Components of the curriculum

include the nursing sequence of clinical and non-clinical courses, as well as courses in the

natural and social sciences, humanities, and liberal arts. Some courses fulfill more than one

of the curricular requirements (See Appendix B: BSN Traditional Track Curriculum Plan and

Appendix C: BSN Program Fast Track Curriculum Plan).

The traditional BSN degree requires successful completion of 124 credit hours. The courses

are offered in a semester plan that aligns with the undergraduate university calendar. The

curriculum is built with sequenced courses that students must take to complete the program,

including 68 credit hours of nursing courses, 60 credit hours of university-required courses

(referred to as Integrative Core) and nursing support courses. Some of the nursing support

courses may count toward the university-required Integrative Core (IC) courses. The

purpose of the IC courses is to integrate written and oral communication content into the

conceptual focus of the IC courses.

University Integrative Core (IC) Courses for the Traditional and Fast-Track BSN:

Students enrolled in first-time bachelor’s degrees must complete a minimum of 32

semester hours to

meet the university IC requirements (see appendices B and C).

*Note: Requirement met by other courses in the curriculum plan: 1 met by CHE110N course;

2 met by NUR370: Evidence-Based Practice in the Nursing Profession (V). ^ Level of

students may be determined by placement test. Students may test out of these courses or may

need to take lower-level courses before being eligible to meet the requirements.

Required Support Courses for Nursing Major

All courses are required, totaling 28 semester hours:

Course Name

Semester Hours

BIO 210: Anatomy & Physiology I w/lab

BIO 211: Anatomy & Physiology II w/lab

CHE 110N: Foundations of Chemistry w/lab

CHE 115: Organic and Biochemistry for Nursing w/lab

BIO 290: Pathophysiology

BIO 200: Medical Microbiology w/lab

MTH 123: Elementary Statistics

* Note: This course meets the university IC foundational course requirement.

Accelerated BSN Program

The post-baccalaureate Accelerated BSN program is designed for students who have a

baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than nursing from an accredited higher education

institution and are interested in pursuing licensure as registered nurse. Components of the

curriculum include the nursing sequence of clinical and non-clinical courses, which are

completed at an accelerated pace as outlined in the curriculum plan (See Appendix D: Post-

Baccalaureate Accelerated BSN Program Curriculum). The pre-licensure BSN degree

track requires successful completion of 68 credit hours and required support courses.

Nursing Course Sequencing and Credit Hours

The curriculum plans in the appendices (B, C, and D) illustrate the sequence of courses for

each plan in the program, and the number of semester hours for each course. The

Distribution of Credit Hours table below illustrates the sequence of nursing courses with

credit hour distributions for each course across theory (lecture), laboratory, and clinical,

based on a 60-minute hour. See the University of Mount Union Catalog for complete

descriptions of nursing courses in the major, including required prerequisite courses.

Distribution of Credit Hours

Course

Credit

Hours

Semester/Contact Hour Distribution

Theory/Lab

/Clinical

Lecture

Total

Clinical

and Lab

Planned

Lab

Planned

Clinical

NUR130: Health

Promotion Throughout the

Lifespan

4/0/0

NUR190: Introduction to

the Nursing Process

2/0/0

NUR240: Health

Assessment and Physical

Examination across the

3/1/0

37.5

Lifespan

NUR260: Basic Clinical

Pharmacology for Nursing

Practice

3/1/0

37.5

NUR262: Basic Nutrition

for Nursing Practice

2/0/0

NUR290: Foundations of

Nursing Practice

3/1.5/1.5

37.5

NUR340: Nursing Care of

the Childbearing Family &

Newborn

2.25/0/1.75

Includes

Simulation

NUR350: Nursing Care of

Children and Families

2/2

Includes

Simulation

NUR360: Nursing Care of

Clients with Psychiatric

Mental Health Conditions

2/0.5/1.5

NUR370: Evidence-Based

Practice in the Nursing

Profession

4/0/0

NUR380: Nursing Care of

Adults I

4/0/2

NUR390: Nursing Care of

Adults II

4/0/2

NUR420: Community

Health Nursing

3/0.5/0.5

37.5

NUR430: Professional

Leadership & Management

in Nursing Practice

4/0/0

NUR440: Nursing Care of

Clients with Critical Health

Conditions

4/0/2

NUR480: Professional Role

Development & Transition

into Nursing Practice

1/3

12.5

112.5

*Note: Students may opt to take NUR 499 and NUR 481 to fulfill requirements for NUR

480.

NURSING PROGRAM ADMISSION, PROGRESSION, AND PROGRAM

COMPLETION/GRADUATION POLICIES

University of Mount Union Department of Nursing student policies are published, readily

accessible, non-discriminatory, and support the university student policies. During the first

year of the nursing program, students are directed on accessing the publications covering

rules, regulations and policies pertaining to students: The University of Mount Union

Undergraduate Catalog, University of Mount Union Student Handbook, and the Department

of Nursing Student Handbook. Students receive updated publications of the University of

Mount Union Student Handbook and the Department of Nursing Student Handbook and are

required to sign a form acknowledging their responsibility for the information in the

Department of Nursing Student Handbook.

General Application Procedure for Admission to the Nursing Major

Candidates apply to the nursing program through the University of Mount Union

undergraduate admission application. “Nursing” is selected as the first choice of major on the

application. Undergraduate students are admitted to the University of Mount Union on a

rolling basis. Notification begins on September 15 of the year before the enrollment year. To

be considered for admission to the nursing program, candidates must first be admitted to the

University, meeting all normal admission standards. Nursing candidates are encouraged to

apply for admission as early as possible as space in this competitive program is limited.

Admission to the direct-entry nursing program is competitive, with notification being made

to the upcoming fall semester’s enrollment on a rolling basis until all available seats are

filled. Limited opportunity for spring semester enrollment may be available and will be

handled on a case-by-case basis for any given term of study. The application review process

will include a review of all coursework completed, grades achieved in each course, overall

high school grade point average, and standardized test scores.

Upon admission to the University of Mount Union, a student’s application and file will be

evaluated by the Nursing Program Administrator/Designee for consideration of admission to

the Nursing Major. Students will be notified in writing of their admission status by the

Program Administrator/Designee of the Nursing Program.

Traditional BSN Pathway Admission

Students admitted to the University of Mount Union with an interest in nursing and meeting

the nursing admission requirements can be admitted directly (i.e., direct admit) as a nursing

major. This helps assure space in required first-year biology, chemistry, and nursing courses.

If all first-year curriculum requirements are satisfactorily met, students are assured placement

in the clinical nursing sequence in year two (i.e., sophomore sequence).

Direct Admission

Traditional BSN: Priority consideration for direct entry admission to the traditional nursing

program is based on the following criteria:

1. Admission to the University of Mount Union.

2. A cumulative high school grade point average of 3.3 on a scale of 4.0.

3. An ACT composite score of 23 (SAT 1130-1150).

4. A sub score of 24 or higher on the Science Reasoning Portion of the ACT or grades

of “B” or higher in high school lab-based biology and chemistry coursework.

Fast-track BSN: To be eligible for the fast-track BSN pathway, students must need the direct

admission criteria noted above and must transfer in an art (A), social science (S), or

humanities (H) foundation course.

Directly admitted students (traditional or fast-track) who withdraw or fail BIO 210, BIO 211,

CHE110N, CHE 115, NUR130, or NUR190 will be treated as a provisionally admitted

student.

Provisional Admission

Students who do not meet criteria for direct admission will be provisionally admitted to the

nursing major. Students who do not submit an ACT or SAT score will be provisionally

admitted. Upon successful completion of the first-year nursing major requirements (see

Progression) students will be rank-ordered by aggregate GPA CHE110, CHE115, BIO210,

BIO211, NUR130, and NUR190 for matriculation into the NUR 200 level courses. This will

occur based on seat availability.

A similar process will occur for any students wishing to change their major to nursing and

transfer students. These students will be provisionally admitted to the nursing major. Upon

successful completion of the first-year nursing major requirements (see Progression)

students will be matriculated into the NUR 200 level courses. This matriculation will occur

based on seat availability. If there are limited seats available, the students will be admitted in

ranked order of their aggregate GPA in CHE110, CHE115, BIO210, BIO211, NUR130, and

NUR190.

Transfer or UMU Non-Nursing Student Admission

Transfer students or UMU interested in changing their major to nursing are provisionally

admitted to the major dependent upon satisfactory review of the applicant academic record

and space availability in the program. Transfer students (non-UMU) will complete the

transfer nursing application. UMU non-nursing students will meet with the Nursing Program

Administrator/designee. Students meeting all other requirements may be given permission to

enroll in NUR190 concurrent with second year nursing courses.

Accelerated BSN Admission

Applicants need to meet the following requirements to be considered for admission:

1. Hold a Baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than nursing from an accredited

higher education institution.

2. Complete the following courses or equivalent courses withing the last five years*

• BIO 210 Anatomy & Physiology I w/lab

• BIO 211 Anatomy & Physiology II w/lab

• BIO 200 Medical Microbiology w/lab

• CHE 110 Foundations of Chemistry w/lab

• CHE 115 Organic and Biochemistry w/lab

• MTH 123 Elementary Statistics

3. Earned a 2.75 or better in the following courses BIO 210, BIO 211, CHE 110, CHE

115 and have earned a grade of “C” or higher in all courses above.

*Exceptions to the prerequisite timeframe of longer than five (5) years will be reviewed on a

case-by-case basis by the Nursing Program Administrator/Designee.

International Student Admission

Consideration for admission to the nursing program as an international student requires that

all normal conditions and requirements of admission to the University as an international

student be met. International applicants with academic potential already enrolled at the

University will be considered using the same criteria as domestic students with a non-nursing

major. All international applicants will be reviewed by the Nursing Program

Administrator/Designee and considered on a case-by-case basis.

English as a Second Language Requirements

1. 6.5 on IELTS/ 80 on TOEFL: Direct Entry Admission with no required English as a

Second Language courses required. Highly recommend a two-credit medical

terminology course during the first semester

2. 6.0 on IELTS/ 70 on TOEFL: Provisional nursing student and required to complete

two English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and a two-credit medical

terminology course. No nursing courses or prerequisite science courses can be taken

until both ESL courses, or the medical terminology are/is completed with a grade of

C or higher.

3. 5.5 on IELTS/ 61 on TOEFL (minimum university requirements): Provisional nursing

student and required to complete two English as a Second Language (ESL) courses

and a two-credit medical terminology course. No nursing courses or prerequisite

science courses can be taken until both ESL courses and the medical terminology are

completed with a grade of C or higher.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

Students may establish credit for courses through AP, College Plus, or other advanced credit.

This credit will be evaluated through the Office of the Registrar. Applicability of credit to the

nursing curriculum will be the decision of the Nursing Program Administrator or designee.

Students may be required to submit course descriptions and/or course syllabi for evaluation

by faculty before previously earned credits are considered for transfer.

Applicants with U.S. Military Service

The nursing program administrator will review applications of individuals with experience in

the United States armed forces to review training and experience. The administrator will

determine whether any of the military education or skills training is substantially equivalent

to the nursing program curriculum and award credit as applicable. Applications will be

evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Waiting List

If necessary, the University may establish a waiting list of reasonable length and in

proportion to the cohort size, identifying a rank order of the wait-listed candidates. In

accordance with the Statement of Principles of Good Practice established by the National

Association for College Admission Counselors (NACAC), no deposit will be required from

wait-listed nursing students.

Deferment to the Nursing Program

Students who have been admitted into the nursing program and choose not to enroll at Mount

Union during the admitted term may reapply for a future year. However, no special priority

will be given to their application whether they are transfer students or students who have

elected to take a gap year. The University reserves the right to grant a deferral to a

subsequent year/term if a significant health situation renders the student unable to enroll.

Enrollment Deposit

All offers of admission are conditional upon receipt of a final secondary school transcript and

any other conditions specified at the time of admission. Students admitted to the University

are asked to make a deposit by the due date determined by the University. New students

applying for admission for the fall semester into the Traditional BSN Track may receive a

refund of the advance payment provided that written notification of withdrawal is received

and postmarked prior to May 1st. Post Baccalaureate Accelerated BSN students, per

university policy, are not eligible for a refund of advance payment.

Financial Obligations

For a student to be admitted into or progress in the nursing program, all fees, expenses, and

refunds must be cleared with the appropriate office at the University.

Academic Standing

The Department of Nursing adheres to the “Academic Standing” policies of the University as

set forth in the University of Mount Union Catalog (See University of Mount Union

Undergraduate Catalog).

Students must be passing all nursing (NUR) and nursing-required (e.g., BIO, CHE) to receive

financial support from the university or Department of Nursing for any opportunities to travel

and/or attend nursing-related events, educational activities, and national conferences.

Students must complete the Course Standing Confirmation Form (Appendix N) for ALL

nursing (NUR) and nursing program required courses 2 weeks prior to the date of the event

or the planned date of departure for the event, when travel is required. Submit completed

forms for all courses to the Program Director or Faculty Advisor for approval.

Nursing students not passing all current nursing and nursing-required courses will be

ineligible for funding by the university or nursing department; the student will be

responsible for the full cost of the opportunity.

Progression in the Nursing Program

The Department of Nursing adheres to the “Academic Standing” policies of the University as

set forth in the University of Mount Union Catalog, (See University of Mount Union

Undergraduate Catalog). The Table below shows policies specific to the Department of

Nursing and supported by the nursing faculty.

Progression Policies Specific to Nursing Major

POLICY

RATIONALE

First-Year Progression Requirements

Traditional Track First-Year Requirements

Traditional nursing students must achieve the

following to progress into the second year of the

nursing program: 1) achieve a grade of “C” or

better and 2) achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.75

or better in selected first year courses. These

courses include:

• Anatomy & Physiology I

• Anatomy & Physiology II

• Foundations of Chemistry

• Organic & Biochemistry for Nursing

• *Health Promotion throughout the Lifespan

• *Introduction to Nursing Process

The faculty supports a curriculum

with a strong academic background in

nursing and science courses.

*Note: Students who fail the same 100 level nursing

course (obtain “C-” or below) two times will be

dismissed from the nursing program.

Fast Track First-Year Requirements

Fast-track nursing students must achieve the

following to progress into the second year of the

nursing program: 1) achieve a grade of “B” or

better and 2) achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.25

or better in selected first year courses. These

courses include:

• Anatomy & Physiology I

• Anatomy & Physiology II

• Foundations of Chemistry

• Organic & Biochemistry for Nursing

• *Health Promotion throughout the Lifespan

• *Introduction to Nursing Process

*Note: Students who fail the same 100 level nursing

course (obtain “C-” or below) two times will be

dismissed from the nursing program.

Students who do not achieve the criteria for

progression will be transitioned to the traditional 4-

year track.

The faculty supports a curriculum

with a strong academic background in

nursing and science courses.

Course Withdrawals

Nursing students at all levels cannot withdraw

from the same nursing course more than once. If

the student attempts and withdraws from the same

nursing (NUR) course a second time, the student

is not eligible to retake the course a third time,

and therefore will be dismissed from the nursing

program.

Nursing courses build upon one

another. Repeated withdrawals will

impede student knowledge and skill

retention, which may impede student

success and their ability to practice

safely in the clinical setting.

Satisfactory Course Completion

Nursing students at all levels must achieve a “C”

or better in all required nursing and science

courses to progress in the curriculum. Students

who receive a “C- “or below in a nursing or

science course must repeat that course, achieving

a “C” or higher in each course. The need to repeat

courses will delay progression to the next level of

The faculty supports a curriculum

with a strong academic background in

nursing and science courses.

A “C” is considered acceptable.

Nursing is a profession and a

discipline that strives for excellence.

Grades below “C” cannot fulfill that

nursing coursework. Re-enrollment will be based

on space and course availability.

Note: Grades/GPA are not rounded.

standard.

Nursing students at any level who receive a grade

of “C-” or below in a nursing (NUR) course two

times for the same NUR course will be dismissed

from the nursing program.

Acquiring adequate nursing knowledge

and competent practice skills is a

professional responsibility not to be taken

lightly or revisited repeatedly.

After first year progression is met, students who

receive a grade of C- or below in two different

nursing (NUR) courses will be dismissed from the

nursing program. This policy excludes 100 level

nursing courses, NUR 130 and NUR 190.

Acquiring adequate nursing knowledge

and competent practice skills is a

professional responsibility not to be taken

lightly or revisited repeatedly.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Program Progression

Post-baccalaureate accelerated program students

who earn less than a “C” in a nursing course may

be dismissed from the accelerated program. Upon

dismissal, the student may choose to re-apply to

the university as a traditional program student and

complete the course work at a traditional pace to

promote student success (See Dismissal from the

Nursing Major, #5).

The accelerated nature of the post-

baccalaureate program may increase

the risk of a student earning a second

grade in a nursing course that is less

than a “C”.

The progression policy of the Department of Nursing is consistent with the University of

Mount Union’s mission to prepare students for fulfilling lives, meaningful work, and

responsible citizenship. Responsible citizenship is attained by acquiring adequate knowledge,

skills, and attitudes to be perform competent practice skills and while maintaining

professional responsibility. Failure to meet the progression criteria may result in dismissal

from the nursing program (See Dismissal from the Nursing Major)

Program Completion

All students who wish to graduate must apply for graduation according to the policies in

University of Mount Union Undergraduate Catalog. The degree of Bachelor of Science in

Nursing is granted to students who have successfully completed the planned program of

study. The student is accountable for knowing the degree requirements and successful

completion of these requirements.

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensing

Examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) administered through

processes established by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) or other State Boards of Nursing.

Completion of the academic requirements for the BSN does not guarantee eligibility for

Registered Nurse licensure. Students should contact the Program Administrator if they plan

to seek licensure outside of Ohio. Students convicted of a misdemeanor/felony should

contact the OBN or the state Board of Nursing in any other state where the student intends to

practice for eligibility requirements. Some states may have other prerequisites prior to

licensing (e.g., continuing education modules in an area required by the State where the

applicant is seeking licensure).

The University celebrates completion of degree requirements at a yearly celebration in May

for all students completing degree requirements in May, August, and December. This

ceremony is a celebration of the academic accomplishments of the graduate and is signified

in the conferral of degrees. For nursing students, there is also a celebration of their

professional accomplishments at a pinning ceremony. Those attending the Nursing Pinning

Ceremony are expected to also attend graduation.

Dismissal from the Nursing Major

A student can be dismissed from the nursing major for the following reasons:

1. Receiving a grade lower than a “C” in the same nursing course, including NUR 130

and NUR 190.

2. Receiving a grade lower than a “C” in two separate nursing courses, excluding NUR

130 and NUR 190.

3. More than one withdrawal from the same nursing course. A student who withdraws

from the same nursing course a second time is ineligible to enroll in the NUR course

a third time and will be dismissed from the nursing program.

4. Failure to meet professional conduct and policy standards.

5. Demonstrating unsafe practice.

6. A post-baccalaureate student who fails one nursing course may not be able to proceed

in the accelerated pathway. However, the student may choose to re-apply to the

university as a traditional BSN program nursing student (See Readmission to the

Department of Nursing and Readmission to the University of Mount Union).

Readmission to the Department of Nursing

Students who were admitted into the nursing program but have been asked to leave and/or

are suspended from the university for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for re-admission to

the nursing program.

Students who were admitted into the nursing program remain in good academic and

disciplinary standing but chose to withdraw either from the nursing program or from Mount

Union may be considered for readmission. Students who were dismissed for academic

progression failure are also eligible to apply for re-admission.

Students who voluntarily withdrew or were dismissed for academic progression failure may

apply for re-admission. Readmission to a BSN sequence for any reason is on a “space-

available” basis. Students who are currently enrolled, in sequence with the curriculum plan,

and meeting academic progression requirements have priority in placement over students

requesting re-enrollment. Students requesting readmission will submit an essay addressing

the following:

• Explain what factors contributed to your previous failure to achieve satisfactory

grades.

• Detail your goals and future pursuits in the field of nursing.

• Provide a detailed plan for success if you are permitted readmission.

Applications for readmission will be reviewed by the Nursing Program Administrator or

designee. A success plan that includes additional coursework may be required for students re-

admitted to the program. Readmission, if granted, is not guaranteed in the subsequent

semester. A semester break may be required to meet the conditions of readmission.

Readmission to the University of Mount Union

See University of Mount Union Undergraduate Catalog.

NURSING PROGRAM POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND CRITERIA

The following program policies, procedures, and criteria are provided to promote student

success. They provide guidelines that help students with knowledge acquisition, skills

development, and integration of the behaviors expected of a professional nurse. At times,

policies and procedures or criteria may need to change due to internal or external

circumstances.

Course Scheduling and Registration

The Department of Nursing may determine students’ course schedules by semester to support

efficient progression through the curriculum. Determining which nursing course sections

students register for ensures equitable opportunities, while promoting the best possible learning

environment for each student by maximizing student-to-instructor ratios. If needed, students

may request to change course sections by contacting the Nursing Program Director/Designee.

Approval of requests for course section are evaluated on a case-by-case basis; approval is not

guaranteed.

Procedures for Notifying Students of Changes

Students will be notified of any program policy changes in a timely matter. The Department of

Nursing will notify students of policy changes by using one or more of the following methods,

depending on the urgency of the policy change:

Post any changes in policies on the Nursing Department D2L site,

Email students using their University of Mount Union email as their official

form of communication.

Announce changes in classes or syllabus, when possible,

Provide written documents with a description of the change in policies,

Evaluation and Grading of Student Experiences

Various methods are used to evaluate student progress in the classroom, clinical, and

laboratory (lab) settings. Clinical and lab experiences are evaluated by the instructor based on

course and clinical/lab objectives. Students are given a copy of the evaluation form before

clinical/lab experiences begin. Students will receive a midterm and final clinical or ab

evaluation. At any time during the experience, a remediation plan may be created to address

an unsatisfactory performance. An overall clinical or lab evaluation of unsatisfactory will

result in a failing course grade regardless of the classroom grade.

Theory/lecture

• Didactic experiences are evaluated through objective tests/quizzes, scholarly

papers, presentations, and other selected activities such as teaching plans and care

plans.

Laboratory

• The laboratory component is graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Labs are on

campus, virtually, or in simulation. Performance in the lab component will be

determined by the course faculty. Laboratory attendance is mandatory. An

unsatisfactory is assigned for any absence, tardiness, or leaving early. A makeup

assignment may be assigned to the student for any excused absence (See the

University of Mount Union Undergraduate Catalog).

o The student who receives more than two (2) unsatisfactory ratings for lab

components in one semester may fail the course regardless of course grades, as

noted below:

▪ If the student’s course grade is a “C” or above and unsatisfactory for

the lab component, a maximum letter grade of “C-” will be issued as

the final course grade. If the student's grade is below a “C” and

unsatisfactory for the lab component, the earned grade will be issued

as the final course grade.

Clinical

• The clinical component is graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Criteria for grading

include preparation, professional behavior, performance, and written work. The

student will be evaluated according to criteria on the clinical evaluation tool

(enclosed in the syllabus). The student with an unsatisfactory clinical performance

should consult his or her clinical instructor for assistance.

o The student who receives more than two (2) unsatisfactory ratings for lab

components in one semester may fail the course regardless of course grades,

as noted below:

▪ If the student’s course grade is a “C” or above and unsatisfactory for

the clinical component, a maximum letter grade of “C-” will be

issued as the final course grade. If the student's grade is below a “C”

and unsatisfactory for the clinical component, the earned grade will

be issued as the final course grade.

• All clinical/lab courses require ongoing evaluation of student performance. Refer

to each specific course syllabus for Evaluation Guidelines/Tools. The student

must pass all components of a course, including theory, laboratory, and clinical. A

passing clinical/lab performance is defined as meeting clinical/lab objectives in

the laboratory/facility. If unsatisfactory (“U”) performance occurs, the following

protocol will be implemented. The student will:

o Receive a “U” documented on the clinical/lab evaluation tool and complete

remediation as determined by faculty.

o Develop a plan of action to remedy performance deficits. The plan of action

must be developed and submitted by a date set by the faculty.

o Acknowledge that his/her course grade will be jeopardized if the same or

similar performance continues.

o Have a written record of a conference/meeting with the instructor and the

plan of action attached to the clinical/lab evaluation tool and placed in the

student’s file; a copy of the written record of the conference and plan of

action will be given to the student.

o Have the right to respond in writing on the written record of the conference.

o Have the right to appeal a grade or academic decision that he/she believes to

be in error or unfair (see “Petitions and Appeals Non-Disciplinary Matters”

in the University of Mount Union Catalog).

Dismissing a Student from Theory, Lab, or Clinical

Faculty have the right to dismiss any student from theory, lab, or the clinical setting based on

a violation of the Nursing Student Code of Conduct. Faculty members also have the right to

dismiss students who are ill (e.g., fevers, vomiting, injuries) and are unable to perform

student nurse duties. The faculty can recommend students visit the student health clinic or

family physician. Depending on the severity of illness/injury faculty may require a “Release

from the Physician” to return to clinical. Any dismissal from theory, lab or clinical will be

documented on the student’s evaluation form.

Faculty and or teaching assistants who suspect that students are impaired due to drug or

alcohol use are required to dismiss students from the theory, lab, or clinical setting. The

symptoms associated with drug and alcohol use vary widely, including agitation, drowsiness,

nausea, vomiting, ataxia, sweating, violent or aggressive behavior, aroma of substance and

red eyes (See Alcohol & Drug Policy).

Faculty and or teaching assistants in this situation will immediately notify the Course

Coordinator and the Nursing Program Administrator/Designee of suspected student

drug/alcohol use. Students will be instructed to arrange for transportation to the University of

Mount Union Health Center Office. The student must show evidence of drug test to the

Nursing Program Administrator. Refusal may be grounds for dismissal from the nursing

department. Refer to the Department of Nursing Drug Testing Policy and Professional Code

of Conduct in the University Student Handbook (See Overview of the Conduct Process).

Clinical Dosage Calculation Requirement Policy

The University of Mount Union Nursing faculty values patient safety and believes strong

dosage calculation skills are important for safe medication administration. Each clinical

course, at the 300 level and above, requires successful completion of a dosage calculation

exam prior to administering medications in the clinical arena. A minimum of 90% is the

required score; failure may lead to a “U” in clinical. Failure to receive a minimum score of

90% will result in mandatory remediation. The student may attend clinical but will not be

able to pass medications in that course’s clinical setting(s) until the required dosage

calculation test is passed with a minimum of 90%. The student will be allowed to retake the

exam once remediation is completed; a 90% minimum score is, again, required. Failure to

meet that 90% on a second attempt will result in a “U”. The student will have a third attempt

if needed. A third failure results in a failure in the course.

Grading Scale for Nursing Courses

All theory, lab, and clinical requirements as well as a grading scale are stated in the course

syllabi. All nursing courses follow the same grading scale. The grading scale shown below is

published in each course syllabus. All course grades, including the final course grade, are

recorded to the hundredth decimal place (e.g., 83.71) and are not rounded.

Department of Nursing Grading Scale

Grade Scale

94% - 100%

C-

75% - 76.99%

A-

91% - 93.99%

D+

73% - 74.99%

B+

89% - 90.99%

71% - 72.99%

86% - 88.99%

D-

69% - 70.99%

B-

83% - 85.99%

68.99% or lower

C+

80% - 82.99%

Incomplete

77% - 79.99%

Testing Policy and Procedures

1. Paper and Pencil Tests

• Students will be expected to sit every other chair, when possible.

• No bags, cell phones, smart watches, iPods/music players, etc. are allowed in the

room (if present, all must be placed to the side of the room). Cell phones and

other recording and/or transmitting devices are strictly prohibited.

• Students should bring a number 2 pencil. A test booklet and a Scantron answer

sheet will be distributed to each student. Students should place their names on

both the test booklet and the Scantron Sheet unless directed otherwise. During the

exam, test booklets are to remain flat on the desk.

• Read the cover page of the test booklet carefully.

• Only the answers marked on the Scantron Sheet (if applicable) will be accepted.

Students may mark their answers on the test booklet, if permitted by faculty, to

aid in test review.

Any question regarding students’ sharing of test information, talking during the

test or any other indication of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated (Refer to

the University and Nursing Student Handbook).

2. Online Testing

• Computers must meet requirements set forth in university IT “Bring Your Own

Device” policy. Refer to https://www.mountunion.edu/bring-your-own-device for

qualification specifications.

• Working microphone and camera are required.

• You must take the exams/quizzes sitting at a desk or equivalent. No laying down.

• Do not get up from your computer at any point until your exam is over.

• Scan your work area and your tabletop prior to starting with question #1.

• Ensure your face is in the camera for accurate monitoring. It is not acceptable for

the camera to be capturing your forehead, half you face, etc. Your face must

always be in full view of the camera.

• The testing environment must be quiet, no TV, radio, recordings etc. playing in

the background.

• There will be no backward navigation or going back to answers questions later.

• No use of cellular phones during the exam. If a student is kicked out of the exam,

contact the instructor as directed.

• No paper, pen/pencils. The note section will be enabled for you to write down

notes.

• No ear buds, headphones.

• No watches, no smart watches, no hats, no hoods, except for religious head

covering.

• No questions will be answered during exams, no sending pictures of exam

questions to faculty.

• No additional notes, electronic resources, laptops, tablets, etc. at the testing

station.

• No talking or reading the questions aloud.

• The faculty encourages you to stay focused, no gazing eyes, picking at fingers,

getting up, etc. STAY FOCUSED!

• Once a student saves his/her answers and "logs out," the program will not permit

the student to re-enter or modify the answers and these answers are considered

final. If a student did not complete all the questions and log-out, they will not be

allowed to re-enter the exam, and the questions unanswered will be marked as

incorrect.

• Students wanting to review content missed on an exam should schedule a meeting

with the faculty.

• Exam questions are confidential and therefore should not be discussed. Under no

circumstances should exam questions be discussed via email.

• For any flags that are raised by monitoring faculty (i.e., suspicious testing

behavior), if deemed a legitimate violation of the above guidelines, the student

will be notified via an incident file that will be completed by course faculty and

kept on file in the Nursing Department. Academic dishonesty will not be

tolerated (refer to the University and Nursing Student Handbook).

• Computer-based examinations will be utilized in many courses using your ATI

account. If assistance is needed, the student may contact ATI support by using the

“support icon” on your ATI account or contact the UMU IT Helpdesk.

Online Testing Rubric:

Conduct

Point Deduction

Failure to scan environment per

guidelines or using a mirror to show

computer screen.

Up to 10%

Taking exam in a non-desk setting

10%

Not keeping face centered in screen for the

entirety of the exam

15%

Getting out of seat during the exam

15%

Looking around the room

15%

Wearing a hat

15%

Talking

15%

Using cell phones, resources, people in

room*, etc.

100%

* If you live in a dual occupancy room and cannot be alone during the exam, please notify

your instructor prior to the exam to discuss possible alternatives.

3. In-class Exam-day Information

• The following rules and guidelines ensure students have efficient, fair, and

positive experiences on assessment/exam days.

o All students must be in their seats, with laptops turned on, pen/pencil

available, anti-virus software turned off, and ready to start by the

designated exam time.

o As soon as students enter the exam room, they should log into their ATI

account. Then wait for instructions from the proctor indicating that it is

okay to begin.

o Students are not permitted to have anything open on their laptops in the

exam room except the testing software. They may only bring their laptop,

charger, and pen/pencil.

o No bags, cell phones, smart watches, iPods/music players, etc. are allowed

in the room (if present, all must be placed to the side of the room). Cell

phones and other recording and/or transmitting devices are strictly

prohibited.

o See each course syllabus for additional directions.

4. Student Scores

• Test Scores will generally be posted online in the Grade center for the course in

Desire2Learn within five (5) days. See individual course syllabi.

• All course grades, including the final course grade, are recorded to the hundredth

decimal place (e.g., 83.71) and are not rounded.

• Students are encouraged to review tests individually with faculty as needed.

Students must review tests within the test week unless prior arrangements

have been made with faculty.

5. Course/exam Remediation Policy

• It is highly recommended that students who score less than 77% on a course

exam schedule an appointment with the faculty. A remediation plan may be

suggested and should be completed by the student.

6. Student Missing an Exam:

• Make-up exams will only be given when there is a university accepted excuse for

missing the exam. If a student misses a test without an excuse, the student cannot

make-up the test. If a student is ill and unable to take a test, that student must call

or email the course faculty the day of the exam. Students must negotiate with

faculty within 24 hours to make up the test within three (3) school days. Students

that miss a scheduled test may be asked to take an alternate test and may receive

a point or percentage deduction according to the syllabus. The make-up exam

may be in an essay format.

Attendance Policies

Theory Attendance

Attendance is expected in all theory classes with notification to the faculty when illness or

other university accepted reasons prevent the student from attending. The nursing student is

responsible for the material presented in class. Each individual course syllabus states the

specific attendance policy for the course. If the student must be absent from an examination,

they will contact the faculty no later than one hour prior to the examination. Students who

fail to notify the faculty of their absence by this time may be required to take a grade

reduction on the make-up exam. Students must negotiate with faculty within 24 hours to

make up the test within three (3) school days. Students that miss a scheduled test may be

asked to take an alternate test. The make-up exam may be in an essay format.

Laboratory Attendance

Select nursing courses have required laboratory components and noted in the course

descriptions and syllabi. Students must notify course faculty of absence or lateness before

scheduled lab start times. An unsatisfactory (U) will be given for each laboratory day missed

and for each laboratory day for which the student is late or leaves early. The student is to

confer with the faculty regarding make-up for missed laboratory sessions.

Clinical Attendance

The University of Mount Union undergraduate nursing curriculum includes clinical hours

established to meet the course and program outcomes. Thus, completion of established

clinical hours is required for successful BSN degree completion. In courses with a clinical

component, the student is expected to fulfill all clinical requirements. An unsatisfactory (U)

will be given for each clinical day missed and for each clinical day for which the student is

late or leaves early. In case of absence or lateness, the student must notify the clinical

instructor and agency/preceptor (if observation or practicum) before the start of the clinical

day.

Students who miss a scheduled clinical experience, regardless of the reason, are expected to

attend the on-site, clinical make-up day as noted in the course syllabus. The clinical make-up

day will typically take place the week after regularly scheduled clinical hours are completed

but before the end of the academic semester. Course faculty will note the date and time of the

clinical make-up day in the course syllabus. Make-up clinical hours may also be scheduled

individually in collaboration with the student, at the discretion of the course faculty and

clinical agencies. In the event of extenuating circumstances that prevent scheduling or

student attendance at an on-site clinical make-up experience, the course faculty will

collaborate with the program coordinator to develop an alternate plan to complete an

equivalent number of hours that align with one or more clinical objectives (case studies,

critical thinking exercises, virtual clinical simulations, etc.). For example, if the student

missed 6 hours of clinical time, they will be assigned alternate activities that take about 6

hours to complete. Failure to complete missed clinical hours, either by attending on-site

clinical make-up or completing assigned make-up activities, may result in course

failure.

Clinical and Laboratory Expectations

In the University laboratory, each skill has an allotted time for satisfactory performance of the

skill. Failure to complete a skill satisfactorily in the designated time frame will result in an

unsatisfactory (U). An unsatisfactory will also be given for failure to meet objectives/standards

in clinical practice. Examples of unsatisfactory practice include but are not limited to:

• not accepting accountability and responsibility for one's nursing practice,

• failure to communicate/document/report to the nurse, faculty, or other

healthcare team member, relevant patient information,

• not accurately demonstrating the skills of assessment, diagnosis, planning,

implementation, and evaluation in the clinical area and/or university

laboratory,

• unprofessional appearance and demeanor in the clinical area,

• unsafe or poor patient care,

• leaving the clinical area without informing/reporting to the instructor, team

leader, or nurse responsible for the patient care,

• failure to maintain confidentiality,

• failure to meet the standards of attendance and timeliness.

*Refer to ORC4723-5 for a more comprehensive list of nonnegotiable student

behavior*

The specific evaluation criteria with expected behaviors are delineated on the clinical and

laboratory evaluation tools. A summary of clinical practice is written by the clinical

instructor utilizing the clinical evaluation tool. The student is expected to read the

documentation, comment if desired, and sign the evaluation. The evaluation becomes a part

of the student file.

Nursing Skills and Simulation Laboratories

The Nursing Skills and Simulation Laboratories are where skills and procedures will be

demonstrated, practiced, and evaluated. Simulation activities are integrated throughout the

curriculum. All nursing faculty, staff, and students must know and practice the laboratory

safety guidelines included in Appendix E. Faculty may assign laboratory/clinical remediation

activities to students to support achievement of the learning outcomes. Remediation sessions

will be determined by the course faculty and/or teaching assistants and conveyed to the

student. It is the responsibility of the student to satisfactorily complete any assigned

remediation within the time frame established by the faculty. Remediation documentation

will be placed in the student’s nursing file.

Academic Advising

A faculty member from the nursing department will be assigned as an advisor at the time of

admission. All students must register for classes during the scheduled registration period

each semester. Before this official registration, students must meet with their faculty

advisors during the scheduled conference period for Advisor Conferences to plan their

academic work for the succeeding term.

Students who wish to formally declare or change a major or minor to a major/minor in

another department or to nursing must do so through the Registrar’s Office by completing a

Declaration/Change of Major/Minor form. The student wishing to change advisor in nursing

will talk with the Nursing Program Administrator/Designee regarding a change.

Academic Integrity/Dishonesty

The University of Mount Union academic integrity policies can be found in the University of

Mount Union Catalog under “Academic Honesty.” The University views the moral and

ethical education of its students as being equal in importance to their intellectual

development. The codes of conduct and ethical habits individuals’ practice as students are

likely to guide them for their entire lives. Consequently, a significant part of the University’s

mission is to support in its students a belief in the importance of personal honesty and

integrity and a strong commitment to high standards in those areas. In all their academic

pursuits, Mount Union students are expected to be responsible members of the academic

community. Refer to the University of Mount Union Undergraduate Catalog for a full review

of Academic Integrity/Dishonesty issues.

APA Writing Style

The nursing department expects students to follow APA style for writing papers,

including citation and bibliography format. Students should refer to the most current

Publication of the APA Citation Manual. Information on APA format is available

online at Indiana University Purdue website at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/

owl/resource/560/01/ or .www.apastyle.org/.

Accountability

Enrollment in the BSN program prepares students in two key ways. First, students are

prepared with the necessary education, knowledge, and skills to perform competent,

high-quality, and safe nursing care, and second, students are prepared with skills

needed for employment. These skills allow them to function as successful individuals in

any healthcare setting. Mount Union’s nursing program demands high standards, that

result in graduates who possess excellent nursing knowledge and skills as well as high

levels of ethical and professional behavior (i.e., attitudes) inside and outside the

classroom. To foster such preparation, the policies in this handbook apply to every

student enrolled in the BSN program. In addition to policies of the Department of

Nursing and University of Mount Union, nursing students are always expected to

exhibit behaviors consistent with the Ohio Board of Nursing Student Conduct Policies,

National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) Code of Academic and Clinical

Conduct, and the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and Standards of

Practice.

Classroom Behavior

Quality nursing care equates with demonstrated behaviors characterized by honesty,

integrity, professionalism, and accountability. So that faculty can ensure that every

nursing student has the requisite course content, knowledge, and skills to practice high-

quality nursing care, it is expected that all students will:

• Attend class and all lab and clinical experiences.

•

Arrive prepared, having completed the assigned reading and/or other

assignments.

•

Actively participate in the classroom, lab, and clinical settings

•

Arrive promptly at the start of each session and remain until the end of the

session.

•

Demonstrate courtesy and respect for all persons by refraining from behavior

that causes class disruption. This includes:

o Tardiness.

Usage of mobile devices.

o Inappropriate use of social media.

Side conversations.

Failure to pay attention and/or engaging in activities unrelated to the

class.

Failure to complete all written assignments and psychomotor skills at

the designated time and achievement level.

o Failure to behave in a manner that contributes to a productive, caring,

learning environment.

Respect for Property and Community Resources

University of Mount Union students are to use all facilities and resources wisely and with

care. This includes being careful not to abuse classroom furnishings, nursing equipment, or

the building itself. Renewable resources such as water, electricity, and paper should not be

wasted. Please review the Laboratory Rules in Appendix C.

Communication

Students are responsible for accessing information shared through the following venues:

the nursing website, D2L course sites, syllabi, University of Mount Union email, nursing

bulletin board, ATI, and the Nursing Student Handbook. Students are required to monitor

D2L and University of Mount Union email accounts daily for updated information and

announcements. Students are also required to sign an acknowledgement of receipt of the

Student Handbook and assume responsibility for knowing the contents.

Grievance and Appeal

A student with a concern about a non-disciplinary academic matter (such as a disputed grade

or program dismissal) should attempt to resolve the matter with the instructor. If the matter

remains unresolved, the student should contact the Nursing Program Administrator to seek

resolution. If the matter remains unresolved, the student may initiate a formal grievance with

a petition to the Academic Policies Committee for review; the petition form is available in

the Office of the Registrar. There is a time limit to file the formal appeals process (See the

University of Mount Union Undergraduate Catalog).

The student may appeal the decision of the Academic Policies Committee with an

Official Grievance to the Assistant Academic Dean. The student must submit a

written request to appeal the Committee’s decision to the Office of the Assistant

Academic Dean within five (5) business days of the notification of the Committee’s

decision. The Assistant Academic Dean’s decision is final.

Procedures for Student Illness, and/or Injury

Due to the nature of the Nursing Program, health requirements for Nursing students,

especially in the clinical phase of the program, are far more stringent than for the typical

undergraduate student. Medical, mental health or surgical conditions arising while a student

is enrolled in the program's clinical phase must be reported to the Nursing Program

Administrator/Designee. In no case will program requirements preempt the directions of a

student’s personal healthcare or mental health/rehabilitation counselor or therapist, but if the

student is unable to perform at the expected level of program technical performance

standards in a given clinical rotation, or in the classroom or laboratory, a leave of absence

may be required, after review by the Nursing Program Administrator/Designee and/or Course

Faculty. Prior to returning from this leave of absence, the student will be required to present

written documentation from his or her physician or mental health/rehabilitation counselor or

therapist stating that the student is able to resume classroom, laboratory, and/or clinical

rotation activities at the expected level of program technical performance standards.

A student unable to complete clinical, laboratory, or classroom assignments due to health-

related restrictions must provide a written statement from their healthcare provider

documenting readiness to return to full patient care.

All students at the University of Mount Union are required to maintain comprehensive health

insurance coverage. In addition, the campus Health Center provides basic medical services

for undergraduate students with short-term illnesses and minor injuries. The Aultman

Alliance Community Hospital is located one block from campus for treatment of more

serious conditions.

A student who experiences illness or injury in classroom or clinical will be provided

appropriate immediate care using available resources at the time of illness or injury to

stabilize her/his condition. The procedure for handling student illness or injury will depend

on the extent of the illness or injury. The following procedures will be followed:

Isolation and Quarantine for Communicable Diseases

In the event a nursing student qualifies for isolation or quarantine as determined by a local

public health department, faculty and administration will adhere to guidelines as set forth by

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Ohio Department of Health, and the local

public health department with jurisdiction over the case. Curricular issues caused by a

student's adherence to public health isolation/quarantine guidance will be evaluated on a

case-by-case basis to meet student needs and program requirements.

The student is responsible for providing documentation regarding isolation/quarantine

protocols from the local public health department or student health center.

Illness or Injury in the Classroom or Laboratory

• The student will be sent to the student health center for further evaluation and

care. A faculty member, staff, or a student may accompany the student to the

Student Health Center. If the student's illness or injury appears serious or life

threatening, 911 will be called to provide immediate care and transfer the student

to a healthcare facility.

• The Nursing Program Administrator/Designee will be informed of the student's

illness or injury.

• If the ill/injured student indicates a person to contact, the department will make

efforts to do so; if the ill/injured student is unable to coherently identify such an

individual, the department will call the contact person listed in the student’s file.

• The student will be responsible for healthcare expenses.

Illness or Injury in the Clinical

• The clinical instructor may send the student to the emergency department of the

clinical facility for evaluation of the health status and care.

• The Nursing Program Administrator/Designee will be informed of the student's

illness or injury.

• If the ill/injured student indicates a person to contact, the department will make

efforts to do so; if the ill/injured student is unable to coherently identify such an

individual, the department will call the contact person listed in the student’s file.

• The student will be responsible for healthcare expenses.

Students are encouraged to utilize the campus Health Center for ordinary medical issues.

The medical professionals on staff will determine the seriousness of the condition and may

recommend absence from class. In all cases, students must notify their course instructors

and arrange to complete missed assignments.

Pregnancy

Students are responsible for their own health and the health of their unborn child. When a

student is aware of their pregnancy, either confirmed or non-confirmed, it is the student’s

responsibility to inform their clinical faculty member, the course coordinator, and Nursing

Program Administrator/Designee. The student must notify the appropriate course coordinator

in writing of the pregnancy as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed. Examples of diagnoses or

treatment regimens that may jeopardize the unborn child include radiation, chemotherapy,

and viral infections. The student will be responsible for being aware of potential risks to their

unborn child related to clinical assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss this

with the instructor so that necessary assignment changes may be made. Class or clinical time

missed because of the pregnancy will be handled in the same manner as other absences.

Course objectives must be met to successfully complete the course. The student may be

asked to provide a healthcare provider approval for continuing clinical work.

Program Evaluation

Evaluation of the clinical facilities’ rotation sites will be completed by students at the end

of each clinical rotation. Evaluation of the nursing program classes will be done according

to University of Mount Union guidelines. There will be an opportunity for evaluation of

the faculty and/or teaching assistant(s) by students at the end of each clinical rotation. In

addition to course evaluations, students will have multiple opportunities to evaluate the

program including periodic satisfaction surveys and questionnaires and continuous

informal student-faculty interaction. Students also routinely participate in program

evaluation through various surveys, focus groups, and performance on standardized tests.

After graduation, students participate in program evaluations through Graduate/Alumni

Surveys.

PROFESSIONAL CODES OF CONDUCT

“Professionalism is defined as the consistent demonstration of core values evidenced by

nurses working with other professionals to achieve optimal health and wellness outcomes in

patients, families and communities by wisely applying principles of altruism, excellence,

caring, ethics, respect, communication and accountability and also, inherent in accountability

is responsibility for individual actions and behaviors, including civility” (AACN

Baccalaureate Essentials 2008).

The nursing student represents the nursing profession. Therefore, the student has an

obligation to know and appreciate the profession's code of ethics and values and, to always

incorporate them into their behaviors and practice inside and outside the classroom, lab and

clinical. The nursing profession demands that the individual be responsible, accountable,

self-directed, and professional in behavior; nursing students must represent themselves and

the profession of nursing in using such manners and behaviors, and in all situations including

the use of social media. The process of becoming a professional person begins upon entering

a professional education program. Students demonstrate professionalism by attending classes

and clinical experiences, by exhibiting courteous behavior, being prepared for class/clinical

assignments, and on-time for class, clinical, and lab.

Students are held to the same standard of behavior as a practicing nurse. Failure to adhere to

professional standards will result in the campus conduct process being initiated as defined in

the University Student Handbook (See Overview of the Conduct Process).

Healthcare organizations have codes of conduct that define acceptable, disruptive, and

inappropriate behaviors. Students are expected to adhere to these conducts in addition to the

University of Mount Union Student Code of Conduct expectations and policies described in

the University of Mount Union Student Handbook. Students are expected to adhere to the

technical standards, OBN conduct policy, and NSNA code of academic and clinical conduct,

and laboratory policies (See Appendices G, I, J, and E).

Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) Student Conduct Policy

University of Mount Union Department of Nursing students are expected to adhere to OBN

policies related to student conduct that incorporate the standards for safe nursing care set

forth in Chapter 4723-5-12-C of the Ohio Administrative Code and the rules adopted under

that chapter, which may be found in Appendix I.

National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct

University of Mount Union Department of Nursing students are expected to adhere to the

NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct, which may be found in Appendix J. The

NSNA House of delegates adopted this code as a guidance for the nursing student in the

personal development of an ethical foundation and need not be limited strictly to the

academic or clinical environment.

Alcohol & Drug Policy

The Department of Nursing always requires that nursing students be capable of providing

safe and effective patient care. To that end, the Department of Nursing is committed to a

substance-free workplace and environment. Nursing students must not be impaired by any

substance during any part of the nursing program, including classroom work, laboratory

assignments, and community-based clinical settings in which nursing students participate.

Although the Department of Nursing has no intention of intruding into the personal lives of

students, it cannot ignore a situation that would jeopardize the quality of education being

provided and which could create an unsafe environment. Therefore, any situation where a

nursing student’s ability or performance is impaired by a chemical or natural substance will

be dealt with by the procedures set forth below. The Department of Nursing defines such

chemical or natural substance to include (but not be limited to) alcohol, over-the-counter

medications, controlled substances, inhalants, synthetic designed drugs, or other legal/illegal

drugs.

Alcohol & Drug Testing Policy

Purpose

Based on the Ohio Board of Nursing: Ohio Laws and Rules; “the program administrator and

faculty shall implement policies related to student conduct that incorporate the standards for

safe nursing care set forth in Chapter 4723-5-12-C of the Ohio Administrative Code and the

rules adopted under that chapter”. A nursing student in a clinical assignment, who is under

the influence of alcohol or drugs that impair judgment, poses a threat to the safety of clients.

For these reasons, evidence of use of these substances, documented by positive drug and/or

alcohol screening tests, will result in removal from any clinical course for the semester. The

Nursing Program Administrator/Designee will meet with the student to inform him/her of the

plan for treatment and follow-up as indicated below. Additionally, the campus conduct

process will be initiated as defined in the University Student Handbook (See Overview of the

Conduct Process).

Pre-Clinical Testing and Positive Test Results:

The Department of Nursing will require a 10-panel urine drug test at the beginning of each

academic year or first clinical semester in an academic year prior to clinical courses, and

upon suspicion (as noted in the statement on dismissing a student from class, lab, or clinical

in the student handbook), at the student’s own expense within no more than 90-days before

the first day of the academic semester.

Procedure:

1. Any nursing student undergoing medically prescribed treatment involving a

chemical or natural substance that may limit the nursing student’s ability to

perform the required tasks must report that treatment to his/her faculty or

teaching assistant prior to participating in activities in the classroom, laboratory,

or clinical setting. Upon such disclosure, the faculty and or teaching assistant

shall accommodate the student’s potential impairment in that setting within

reason. Failure to report this to the faculty may be cause for appropriate

disciplinary action under these procedures. It is the nursing student’s

responsibility to determine from his/her healthcare whether a prescribed

substance may impair performance. Any information provided by the nursing

student shall be kept confidential.

2. Whenever a faculty member has reason to suspect that a nursing student is

impaired, the faculty member should ask another faculty member or nurse from

the clinical agency, if available, to confirm the impairment.

3. The Nursing Program Administrator/Designee will review any positive urinalysis

test results to determine whether a legitimate medical explanation could account

for any “positive” result reported by the laboratory. This is accomplished by an

in-person interview with the specimen donor and by giving the donor an

opportunity to provide evidence of legally prescribed medication use that may

have caused the positive lab result. If the Nursing Program

Administrator/Designee determines that a legitimate medical explanation exists,

the results reported will be recorded as “negative”. If there is no legitimate

medical explanation, the protocol for a positive drug screen will be implemented:

• Any student testing positive will not be permitted in any clinical setting

for that semester.

• A student who tests positive will be required to make an appointment

with the Office of Alcohol, Drug, and Wellness Education. This office

will follow up with the student and the student will follow the

recommendations of that office.

• The student will be asked to sign a release notifying the Nursing Program

Administrator/Designee of the disposition of the visits.

• The student will be required to be tested again, at the student’s expense,

prior to potential return to a clinical course.

• If the student tests positive the second time, the student will be

withdrawn from the program and will need to petition to the Nursing

Program Administrator/Designee to re-enter. Upon petition to re-enter the

program, the student will provide the Nursing Program

Administrator/Designee with documentation from a certified drug and

alcohol counselor indicating readiness to return to the program and

prognosis for full recovery.

• After a student has completed the required counseling sessions through

the Office of Alcohol, Drug, and Wellness Education, has a negative drug

screen, and returns to the clinical setting, random drug testing at the

student’s expense will occur periodically until the student graduates from

the program. The Nursing Program Administrator/Designee will notify

students of the required random drug screening which will be completed

within four days of notification. If a positive drug screen occurs, the

student will be withdrawn from the program and will need to petition to

re-enter as indicated in previous paragraph.

*Some clinical sites may require additional and/or more extensive testing than required by

the Department of Nursing. Students will be notified if this pertains to them.

The Department of Nursing strongly solicits the understanding and cooperation of all nursing

students in implementing the Policy and Procedures set forth herein. Questions regarding the

Policy and Procedures should be directed to the Nursing Program Administrator, with the

assurance that all inquiries will be kept confidential. See the University of Mount Union

Student Handbook for the University substance abuse policy, which can be found on the

University of Mount Union website.

Social Media Use

Identifying oneself as a representative of the University of Mount Union Department of

Nursing on social media perceptions about the university and the student. Student nurses are

to maintain the awareness that they are contributing to the global image of nursing and are

always representing the nursing profession as well as the University of Mount Union through

intended and unintended outcomes of their social media usage.

All content associated with the student is to be consistent with professionalism and the

University’s reputation. Students who use social media should be aware of their roles as

professionals. The posting of certain material/information may violate certain laws and/or the

professionalism of nursing. Improper use of social media may violate the Department of

Nursing and the University of Mount Union student code of conduct and subject the student

to disciplinary action.

Disciplinary action is, however, not limited to warning, failure of course, and/or dismissal

from the nursing program. The Department of Nursing follows the social media policy set

forth by the University Student Handbook. Incidents will be reviewed individually by a

Nursing Department Administrator/Designee. Additionally, the campus conduct process will

be initiated as defined in the University Student Handbook (See Overview of the Conduct

Process).

Information that students post and share online is NOT confidential. Assume anything posted

- or, are tagged in - is visible to the world‐at‐large and may affect a student’s professional

reputation for years to come. Today, many employers and academic institutions routinely

search for potential candidate’s online reputations. For more on developing and protecting

your online reputation, the department of nursing strongly encourages you to review:

• White Paper: A Nurse’s Guide to the Use of Social Media

https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/Social_Media.pdf

• Social Media Guidelines National Council of State Boards of Nursing in

partnership with the ANA offers nurses guidelines on using social media

responsibly, both personally and professionally. https://www.ncsbn.org/347.htm

Confidentiality/FERPA

The University of Mount Union Department of Nursing follows the Family Educational

Right and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). This federal law is designed to protect the privacy

of education records. It also provides guidelines for appropriately using and releasing student

education records. It is intended that students’ rights be broadly defined and applied.

Therefore, we consider the student as the “owner” of his or her education record, and the

institution as the “custodian” of that record. See the University of Mount Union FERPA

policy in the University of Mount Union Student Handbook, or the University of Mount

Union Catalog located online at the University of Mount Union website.

STUDENT CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS/POLICIES

Dress Code

The University of Mount Union Department of Nursing has an official Dress Code for

clinical. Uniforms are expected to be kept clean and in good repair. Nursing uniforms are to

be worn to all clinical sites in accordance with agency policy. Students will wear the

University of Mount Union uniform in the clinical setting and may wear the uniform in

transit to and from the clinical area and at other designated times. Any student who wears or

displays the University of Mount Union student nursing uniform in an unprofessional manner

or in an inappropriate place will be subject to disciplinary action that could include

suspension or dismissal from the program.

For clinical experience in any setting, expectations for the student uniform include the

following:

• Appropriate attire be worn as identified by the course faculty, the policies of the

agency*, and additional Nursing Program Policies if applicable.

• The uniform must be kept neat, clean, and well-fitted.

• The Mount Union name badge is worn and attached to the uniform shirt/top on the

upper left pocket of the shirt/top.

• The purple uniform top and pants must be worn in clinical and lab unless

otherwise identified by clinical agency policy or approved by the Nursing Program

Administrator/Designee.

• Plain white-, black-, gray-, or nude-colored underclothes must be worn.

• An optional uniform UMU Nursing lab jacket may be worn over the uniform top.

• No tattoos or piercings will be evident during clinical. The exception is one small,

unobtrusive stud earring that may be worn in the lobe of each ear.

• Makeup will be minimal and tastefully applied.

• Artificial nails are prohibited. Nails will be short and clean. Only clear polish is

acceptable.

• Hair will be pulled back and must be of a naturally appearing color.

• Fake and/or false eyelashes are prohibited.

• No perfume or cologne is to be worn during clinical.

• No body jewelry is to be worn, except a plain wedding band.

• Shoes will be flat, white, closed toe and heel. Athletic footwear as well as “nurse

shoes” are acceptable.

• Socks and/or hose must be white, black, gray, or nude colored.

• Hair is to be away from the face without decorative hair ornaments, and off the

collar.

• A watch that measures seconds may be worn. It cannot be a smart watch (e.g.,

Apple Watch or Fitbit)

*When obtaining an assignment prior to the clinical, if applicable, experiences, the student is

expected to present a professional appearance by adhering to the above standards. The

acceptable attire for a clinical agency is the purple knit shirt and professional dress pants, lab

coat, name tag, and facility identification badge, if required. Acceptable dress for other

situations (i.e., community agencies) includes business-like attire or dress slacks (no denim,

sandals, tennis shoes, halter tops, low neck tops, t-shirts, or shorts), designated laboratory

coat, name tag, and facility identification badge, if required. See course syllabus for specific

uniform requirements.

Transportation & Parking

Transportation is the responsibility of the student. Students are to adhere to facility policies

and/or rules regarding parking. Failure to do so may result in a clinical “U” for the day.

Cellular Phone & Electronic Telecommunication Devices

Cell phones, pagers, or other unauthorized telecommunication devices are not to be used in

the clinical setting. Strict adherence to agency cell phone policy is required. If a student has

documentation of a hearing impairment, and is using a smart stethoscope, they will be

permitted to keep their cell phone in their uniform pocket.

Timeliness

Students are required to be on time for the clinical experience. Unsatisfactory (U) marks

related to timeliness are discussed in the Evaluation and Grading of Student Experiences of

this Nursing Student Handbook

Agency Policies

The dress code policy and other related policies of the affiliating agency must be adhered to

by students during clinical rotations and/or whenever they are representing University of

Mount Union and/or an agency.

Incident/Injury Report

An error, injury or other reportable incident that occurs during the laboratory and/or clinical

rotation must be reported to the clinical site as per that agency’s policy. In addition, the

injury or incident must be reported to the faculty member, who will complete an incident

report and be placed in the student file.

HIPAA/Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a critical element in allowing students access to client records. Students

must respect the privacy of clients and their medical records. Failure to maintain

confidentiality will result in dismissal from the clinical experience and potential legal

liability as established by HIPAA regulations. The student must always safeguard the clients’

right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature.

University of Mount Union Nursing Department faculty and students are expected to be

familiar with and follow the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which protects the privacy of individually

identifiable health information. Furthermore, the Nursing Department believes that

professional registered nurses are held to the highest standard in protecting the dignity and

rights of the clients they serve. Any breech in privacy/confidentiality or respect for a client's

dignity and rights is justification for clinical failure during the semester. Students will be

required to follow appropriate confidentiality guidelines at all clinical agencies. A module is

offered in NUR 240 that discusses confidentiality.

Because the process of clinical learning is dependent upon using patient information

retrieved from the healthcare setting, it is imperative that all patient information be free of all

identifying factors such as name, room number and identification number.

Universal Precautions

Because medical history and examination cannot reliably identify blood and body fluid-borne

pathogens, Universal Precautions (blood and body fluids precautions) must be consistently

used with all clients. Appropriate barrier precautions should be applied to prevent skin and

mucous membrane exposure to blood, body fluids containing visible blood, semen and

vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid,

pericardial fluid, and amniotic fluid. Methods for the prevention or transmission of non-

blood-borne pathogens should also be applied.

Barrier Precautions:

1. Perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact.

2. Perform hand washing immediately upon contact with human tissue, blood, and

body fluids.

3. Wear gloves when touching human tissue, blood, or body fluids.

4. Wear gloves when handling items that have been soiled with blood or body fluids.

5. Wear gloves and protective eyewear when performing venipuncture or other

vascular access procedures.

6. Wear masks, protective eyewear, and waterproof gowns during procedures likely

to generate droplets/splashes of blood or body fluids.

7. Avoid handling items while wearing contaminated gloves.

8. Remove gloves and other barriers without touching exposed surfaces.

9. Perform hand hygiene immediately after gloves are removed.

10. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation masks designed with a barrier system should be

used to provide emergency treatment.

Protocol for Needle-stick/Blunt Injury/Mucous Membrane Splash:

1. All exposures to blood or body fluids with visible blood are to be reported

immediately to the clinical instructor. If the injury occurs at a clinical facility, the

clinical instructor follows the clinical facility policy and who will complete an

incident report and be placed in the student file.

2. Immediately cleanse the needle-stick or cut with soap and water. If mouth, nose, or

eyes are involved, irrigate with saline or sterile solution.

3. Complete incident reports as required (i.e., Facility and University).

4. If the source client/person has AIDS, is positive for HIV antibody or HbsAg, or

refuses testing the student should consult a private healthcare provider or campus

health service as soon as possible after exposure.

5. Follow Medical management of exposure as recommended by CDC and the U.S.

Public Health Service. For further information, contact the Center for Disease

Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.

6. The student is responsible for reporting the incident, seeking medical care and all

financial obligations incurred due to the incident.

7. Neither the clinical facility nor University of Mount Union is responsible for

follow-up care.

Clinical Requirements Software

Because it is required by multiple clinical partners, the BSN program uses ACEMAPP to

manage student clinical experiences. ACEMAPP is an online document management,

learning, and certification system. It is the student’s responsibility to stay up to date with

their ACEMAPP account, including checking their inbox for reminders and alerts.

Students will receive an email with information about creating an account before their first

clinical course begins. This typically occurs during the sophomore year for traditional BSN

students and during the first semester (summer session II) for accelerated BSN students.

Students must pay an annual $50 fee directly to ACEMAPP to create/maintain an account

before their clinical coursework begins. Failure to create/maintain and complete all assigned

requirements will prevent the student from starting their clinical experiences, which may

result in course failure.

Background Checks

Ohio hospitals require both a national background (FBI) check, and an Ohio Bureau of

Criminal Identification (BCI; BCI) check with fingerprints. Information will be provided to

students regarding deadlines for initiating the background checks; the first set of checks will

be done prior to beginning clinical for the first time, and the BCI will be renewed annually

thereafter. The federal check will also need to be done annually for those who have lived in

Ohio for fewer than five (5) years. Background checks are completed on campus and the

cost is included in student fees. Results are to be sent directly from the State of Ohio to the

Nursing Department Office.

Some other clinical agencies may have additional background requirements that will be

addressed as needed.

Liability Insurance

All student nurses are provided nursing liability insurance. The University of Mount Union

provides professional liability coverage for students while performing student duties. The

cost is covered by nursing student program fees.

CPR Certification

Students are required to complete the American Heart Association CPR Basic Life Support

Course for Healthcare Providers (BLS-C) before beginning the first clinical course. Before

expiration, a recertification course must be completed. This course is offered through several

hospitals and agencies. Plan early and obtain the dates when the class is offered. Proof of

certification must be submitted to the Department of Nursing one month prior to the first day

of the academic semester that clinical courses will be completed.

ATTENTION: American Red Cross CPR classes are not accepted for this requirement.

Weather Cancellation

In the chance of severe weather, clinical cancellations may occur in one of two ways. If the

University of Mount Union cancels class, clinical will be cancelled. With approval of the

Nursing Program Administrator/Designee, the clinical may be cancelled due to severe

weather even if University of Mount Union is open. This will be accomplished through a

communication from the student’s clinical faculty. Make-up work will be required for all

missed clinical experiences.

Sexual Harassment in the Clinical Setting

Any student who experiences sexual harassment or harassment of any form while in the

clinical area should notify the clinical faculty member immediately. The University will

assist the student in dealing with harassment in the clinical setting. The University also has

its own internal sexual harassment policy if students feel they are being subjected to sexual

harassment by another student or University employee (see University of Mount Union

Student Handbook).

Student Health

To protect the well-being of clients and nurses, many agencies require that agency personnel

have periodic diagnostic tests and current immunizations. For the protection of both the

nursing student and patients assigned for care in the process of clinical learning, the

following health policies are in place. These policies are consistent with the student health

policies of the University of Mount Union and comply with affiliating agency requirements.

Students participating in 200, 300 or 400 level nursing courses with a clinical

component will be administratively removed from the course if all Health and

Professional requirements are not met by one month prior to the first day of the

academic semester.

Students are required to maintain copies of their immunizations and submit a copy of their

immunization records to the University of Mount Union Nursing Department. These will be

kept on file. Students will be given information about health data, immunization, and

clinical requirements before admission to the nursing sequence. (Please see the Health Data

& Clinical Requirements Checklist form in Appendix K).

Technical Standards of Performance for the Nursing Program

The University of Mount Union Department of Nursing is committed to equal access for all

qualified program applicants and students. The Department of Nursing faculty has identified

standards essential to delivering safe, effective nursing care during clinical education

activities. These standards determine the students’ ability to acquire knowledge and develop

the clinical skills required by the curriculum. Clinical education is a major focus throughout

the program involving considerations, such as patient safety, that are not present for

classroom activities. Therefore, the student must meet these standards and maintain

satisfactory demonstration of them for successful program progression and graduation.

Students must complete the Technical Standards Certification (Appendix A) form prior to

beginning clinical experiences. Nursing students, with or without reasonable accommodation,

must satisfy the performance standards outlined in the certification form.

Immunizations and Screenings

The immunization and screening requirements must be completed with documentation

submitted to the Department of Nursing via the designated software one month prior to the

first day of the academic semester, unless otherwise noted. Please also see Appendix K:

Health Requirements Checklist. Students will not be permitted to attend clinical if healthcare

data is not up to date. Some clinical sites may require additional and/or more extensive

testing than required by the Department of Nursing. Students will be notified if this pertains

to them. Refer to the Vaccination Exemption Policy and Vaccination Exemption Form (see

Appendix M) for additional information on vaccinations.

1. Tuberculin Skin Test (TB): is to be done yearly. Initially, proof of a two-step

Mantoux tuberculin skin test is required before beginning clinical. Once the two-

step Mantoux is documented, all subsequent yearly testing is a single-step

Mantoux unless one of the following exceptions apply:

a. A student who has a positive Mantoux needs to provide results of a

chest X-ray before beginning clinical, and an annual screening for

symptoms and risk of exposure will be required. An additional chest

X-ray may be necessary, as indicated.

b. A student who has had the Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine must

have an initial chest X-ray before beginning clinical, and an annual

screening for symptoms and risk of exposure will be required. An

additional chest X-ray may be necessary, as indicated.

2. Diphtheria: An adult diphtheria tetanus within the past 10 years, or

tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap); any new immunizations given should be the

Tdap.

3. *Rubella: The student must show serologic proof of

immunity.

4. *Rubeola: The student must show serologic proof of

immunity.

5. *Infectious Parotitis (Mumps): The student must show serologic proof of

immunity.

6. Varicella (Chicken Pox): Documentation of vaccination OR positive titer

(serologic proof of immunity).

7. Hepatitis B Vaccine: Vaccination is not required but strongly recommended.

While a serologic proof of immunity (positive titer) is preferred because it shows

protection from Hepatitis B, it is not required. Students should provide

documentation of positive titer OR the dates of vaccination #1, #2, and #3.

Students who do not have documentation of a positive titer or the completed

vaccine series will need to sign a waiver. (See Appendix M for waiver form).

8. Seasonal Influenza (Flu): Influenza vaccine is required annually by October 31

9. COVID-19 Vaccine: Full vaccination is required prior to beginning clinicals.

Students are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose

of a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine or 2 weeks after the receiving the single dose

COVID-19 vaccine. Boosters are not currently required but please provide

documentation if you have received one.

10. Annual 10-Panel Urine Drug Test: A urine drug test should be completed within

90 days of submitting documentation to the Department of Nursing. Please see the

Alcohol & Drug Testing Policy for further details.

11. Other: Other immunizations or health requirements as indicated or deemed

necessary.

* If titer results are negative, the student must show documentation of vaccination.

Other Health Issues

Any health issues that impact the student, classmates, or patients must be discussed with the

faculty member prior to continuation in clinicals. Medical documentation for participation in

clinicals may be required.

STUDENT FEES, EXPENSES, AND REFUNDS

Students need to refer to the current University of Mount Union Undergraduate Catalog for

the most current expenses & fees and refund policies. Nursing students may be eligible for

financial aid through the University and are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office.

The various types of assistance available to university students are listed in the University of

Mount Union Undergraduate Catalog. It is suggested that students investigate external

sources of funding for grants and loans (e.g., The Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) and the

Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN)).

Nursing students will encounter additional fees and expenses during their course of study.

Some of these fees are encountered due to requirements by the clinical agencies and some are

due to curricular requirements. The fees and expenses will vary depending on the charge

from third parties such as clinical agencies. The following additional fees and expenses will

occur; however, the list is not exhaustive:

1. Background Checks/Fingerprinting

Both BCI and FBI background checks are required of all students before second-level

nursing courses start. BCI checks are also required each year before junior and senior

level nursing courses start. FBI checks are required yearly if the student has not been a

resident of Ohio for the last five (5) years. The Boards of Nursing also require a BCI

and FBI background check at the time of application for licensure. Students will not be

allowed to attend clinical experiences until the University of Mount Union Department

of Nursing receives background check results.

2. Clinical Equipment

Clinical equipment will be provided for use in laboratory settings on campus. Students

will receive a stethoscope, pen light, a sphygmomanometer prior to the sophomore year

nursing courses. Students must also have a non-smart watch with a second hand. Other

equipment such as bandage scissors and hemostats are recommended but not required.

3. Clinical Practice Fees

Because it is required by multiple clinical partners, the BSN program uses

ACEMAPP to manage student clinical experiences. ACEMAPP is an online

document management, learning, and certification system. Students must pay a $50

annual fee directly to ACEMAPP to create and maintain an account before their

clinical coursework begins (see Clinical Requirements Software for more details).

4. CPR Certification

Prior to laboratory/clinical nursing courses, the student is required to be certified in the

American Heart Association’s Healthcare Provider course for cardiopulmonary

resuscitation (CPR). This certification must be renewed every two (2) years. American

Heart Association Healthcare Provider courses may be taken at any local hospital.

Students are responsible for the cost of the CPR training.

Note: CPR certifications from organizations other than the American Heart

Association will not be accepted.

5. Immunizations

The student is responsible for the cost of vaccinations, an annual TB test, and blood

titers as required.

6. NCLEX-RN Review Course

Each nursing student is required to complete a NCLEX-RN review course as part of the

University of Mount Union Department of Nursing curriculum. The cost of the review

course is included in nursing student program fees.

7. Online Nursing Assessment System

An online assessment/testing system is integrated in the curriculum as part of the

program requirements. The testing system facilitates improvement in critical thinking

and practice with NCLEX-type questions. Since the online assessment/testing system is

a program requirement, each student will be required to participate in testing and

remediation, as needed, each semester. Nursing student program fees currently cover

the cost of the system.

8. Pinning Ceremony

Pinning Ceremonies take place in May and August. Students are awarded a pin in

representation of entering the nursing profession. Students attending the Nursing

Pinning Ceremony must also attend university graduation. Nursing student program fees

currently cover the cost of pinning.

9. Professional Liability Insurance

All student nurses are provided nursing liability insurance. The University of Mount

Union provides professional liability coverage for students while performing student

duties. The cost is covered by nursing student program fees.

10. Uniforms

All students must purchase the University of Mount Union uniform at the beginning of

the sophomore year. The Department of Nursing coordinates with a uniform shop

where polo shirts, scrub pants or skirt and top, white lab coat, and a name pin can be

purchased. A long-sleeved white undershirt may also be purchased. Uniform tops and

lab coats will be embroidered with “University of Mount Union.” Students are

responsible for the cost of the uniform, name pin, and lab coat with embroidery.

11. Urine Drug Test

Each year before laboratory/clinical nursing courses, the student must complete a 10-

panel urine drug test and submit written results to the Nursing Office to be kept in the

student’s file. It is the student's responsibility to arrange and pay for the test.

APPENDIX

Appendix A: Nursing Department Organization Chart

Appendix B: BSN Program Traditional Track Curriculum Plan

Appendix C: BSN Program Fast Track Curriculum Plan

Appendix D: Post-Baccalaureate Accelerated BSN Program Curriculum

Summer I

Summer II

Fall

NUR 130 Health Promotion

throughout the Lifespan*

NUR 260 Basic Clinical

Pharmacology for Nursing

NUR 380 Nursing Care of

Adults I

NUR 190 Intro to the Nursing

Process

NUR 290 Foundations of

Nursing Practice

NUR 340 Nursing Care

Childbearing Family &

Newborn

NUR 240 Health Assessment &

Physical Examination

NUR 262 Basic Nutrition for

Nursing Practice

BIO 290 Pathophysiology

NUR 370

Evidence Based Practice

Credit Hours

10-

14*

Credit Hours

Spring

Summer I

Summer I & II

NUR 390 Nursing Care of

Adults II

NUR 440 Nursing Care of

Clients with Critical Health

Conditions

NUR 430 Professional

Leadership & Management in

Nursing Practice

NUR 360 Nursing Care of

Clients with Psychiatric Mental

Health Conditions

NUR 350 Nursing Care of

Children & Families

NUR 480 Professional Role

Development & Transition to

Nursing Practice

NUR 420 Community Health

Nursing

Credit Hours

Pre-Req: BIO 210, BIO 211, CHE 110, CHE 115, BIO 200, MTH 123. Must complete the following prerequisite courses with a cumulative grade

point average of 2.75 or higher and a grade of “C” or higher: BIO 210, BIO 211, CHE 110, and CHE 115.

*PSY 225 will be accepted for NUR 130 and included in the cumulative GPA with BIO 210, BIO 211, CHE 110, and CHE 115 if taken before

admission to the program

Appendix E: Nursing Skills and Simulation Laboratory Rules

1. All Nursing labs are locked unless occupied by faculty, staff or students during class or

practice time.

2. Students are expected to come to lab class prepared by reading the assignments before

class starts. Students must know the proper use of all lab equipment before using it in the

lab setting.

3. There is no food or beverages permitted in the labs to prevent damage to the equipment.

4. Smoking is not permitted in the labs.

5. The skills lab will not be used as a Health Center for ill students, faculty, or staff.

6. The lab beds are for learning purposes. Students are not to be in the beds unless for

teaching/learning purposes.

7. The labs are not to be utilized as a social meeting area.

8. No equipment or supplies may be removed from the laboratory setting without consent

from Coordinator of the Laboratory, faculty, or Nursing Program

Administrator/Designee.

9. Students may sign out specific laboratory equipment for use outside of the lab setting

with consent from the Coordinator of the Laboratory.

10. NO CELL PHONES. Calls and texts are not permitted during Lab class, practice

sessions, testing or remediation to minimize distraction to other students.

11. There is NO unauthorized video recording or taking of photographs during lab sessions.

HIPAA rules apply to all learning lab activities.

12. Professional behavior is always expected.

13. Nursing scrubs are to be worn during scheduled classroom lab courses.

Skills Laboratory Safety

1. Access to the exit doors must always be evident. Furniture will not be placed to obstruct

the exit.

2. All cabinet doors will be closed when not in actual use.

3. Children are NOT permitted in the labs due to the risk of injury.

4. All individuals utilizing sharps in the laboratory are responsible for safe disposal of these

items in the designated sharps disposal containers provided and NEVER into regular

trash containers. Sharps containers will be disposed of when ¾ full.

5. When breaking ampules for practice, students should utilize the ampule breakers or an

enclosed alcohol pad and should break the ampule in the opposite direction of their face.

6. Needles and needle syringes are to practice injections ONLY on the manikin provided in

the skills lab and NEVER on another individual.

7. Needles are NEVER to be left uncapped on tables, chairs, desks, beds, or counters.

8. Students must demonstrate safety precautions when utilizing needles during laboratory

practice and /or remediation sessions as instructed.

9. Failure to comply with needle safety will result in removal from the laboratory setting

and disciplinary action.

10. All unused needles, syringes and ampules MUST BE RETURNED to their designated

locked location in the laboratory and not be left unattended.

11. Syringes, needles, and Practice medications are NOT to be REMOVED from the

laboratory for practice or personal use.

12. Instructors are responsible for supervising students in the laboratory, both during class

and practice time.

13. Please notify the faculty of any equipment missing, broken, or in need of replacement.

14. Please request assistance as needed to recharge or replace batteries for any equipment.

15. All instructors or students should request assistance from the Coordinator of the

Laboratory if unfamiliar with any equipment or supplies in the laboratory.

Electrical Safety

1. All wet equipment, materials or bedding must be kept away from electrical outlets.

2. No electrical cords will be left in the path of moving traffic. Extension cords will be

secured down to the floor.

3. Faculty, teaching assistants, and students are responsible for reporting to the Coordinator

of the Laboratory any frayed electrical wires, cords or cracks in wall outlets and any

problems encountered with utilizing electrical equipment.

4. Only grounded wires will be used with skills lab electrical equipment.

5. Electrical beds will be kept in the lowest position after use.

Physical Safety

1. Students will utilize proper body mechanics as instructed for all lifting, bending, and

moving.

2. Students will not attempt to move the simulation manikins without the assistance from an

instructor.

3. Students should not practice lifting another student without prior knowledge of good

body mechanics and assistance.

4. Students practicing lifting techniques will not carry out these activities in an unsafe

manner. If a student should demonstrate unsafe or unprofessional behavior in the skills

lab, they will be asked to leave the lab setting with disciplinary action to follow.

5. All laboratory equipment (beds, wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts, stretchers) will be maintained in

proper working order. Equipment that is broken or nonfunctioning needs to be reported

immediately to the Coordinator of the Laboratory.

6. Any equipment with wheels (beds, chairs, wheelchairs, stretchers, Hoyer lifts, tables,

etc.) are to be locked during use.

Reporting of an Injury

1. Any incident occurring in the skills or simulation laboratory must be reported

immediately to the faculty, teaching assistant, and the Coordinator of the Laboratory.

2. An incident report will be completed for the injury. The report must be signed and dated

by the student, the faculty/teaching assistant, and the Nursing Program

Administrator/Designee (see enclosed incident report form). A copy of the report will be

kept in the nursing office in the student file.

3. If the injury requires medical assistance, 911 will be called or the student will be taken

immediately to the proper medical facility and their contact person will be notified as

well as the Nursing Program Administrator/Designee.

Cleaning of Laboratory and Equipment

All individuals using the laboratories are expected to return the labs to proper order after use:

All equipment returned to its proper storage location.

All trash is disposed of in trash containers.

Sharps and syringes disposed of in the sharp’s containers.

Beds returned to low position, with bedding and pillows in neat order.

Chairs placed at the bedsides or under tables.

Wet linen placed on the laundry hamper to dry.

Manikins placed securely on beds.

Exam table paper changed if needed and all equipment used cleaned with the

appropriate disinfectant.

All bed linens will be changed when soiled, after extensive use and at the end of

each lab section.

Simulation Equipment Procedures

1. Students are to treat the manikins with the same respect and care as they would real

patients. Manikins are to be lifted and moved with the same body mechanics used for

patients. They are not to be moved by their head or limbs.

2. Following simulations or practice sessions, students are expected to leave the beds in a

neat and respectful manner.

3. Students are to avoid transferring manikins into chairs or wheelchairs without assistance.

Repetitive movement of the manikins can lead to loose limbs. The faculty/teaching

assistant is to be notified of any manikin parts that are loose.

4. The manikins are an INK-free zone. Please avoid the use of MARKERS, PENS,

HIGHLITERS, NEWSPAPER PRINT, or BETADINE around the manikins.

5. If using water with the manikins for skill practice; remove the water and allow the area to

air dry after use. Failure to do so can lead to the growth of mold and destruction of the

electrical wiring within the manikins.

6. Manikins are not to be removed from the laboratory without the consent of the

Simulation Coordinator or faculty/teaching assistant.

7. If you have any questions regarding the simulation Lab or Manikins, Contact the

Simulation Coordinator.

Policy regarding equipment/supplies containing latex and potential sensitivity.

1. Please notify the laboratory faculty/teaching assistants immediately if you have a latex

allergy or sensitivity.

2. Wherever possible latex free supplies and equipment have been purchased.

3. The simulation manikins do contain small amounts of latex.

Appendix F: Nursing Behavior Improvement Form

University of Mount Union

Department of Nursing

Nursing Behavior Improvement Form

This form is to be used to identify, manage, and improve upon student behaviors that impede

student success in a course whether in the clinical/lab or classroom. *Return completed form to

the course coordinator.

Student Name: _________________ Course: _____________ Semester/Year: _____

Date: _______

1. Student Behavior(s) that hinder(s) satisfactory performance: Be specific.

________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________

2. Program student learning outcome(s) (PLOs) not being met: (See listing on reverse side)

________________________________________________________________________

____________

3. Goal: The student will

___________________________________________________________.

4. Plan – Be Specific – (What interventions will assist with meeting the student’s goal)

________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________

5. Date the plan will be completed __________________________.

Student Signature____________________________________________ Date___________

Your signature verifies understanding of this meeting.

Faculty Signature_________________________________________________ Date____________

Appendix G: Technical Performance Standards Certification Form

University of Mount Union

Department of Nursing Policy & Procedures

Certification of Technical Standards for Nursing Students

POLICY: University of Mount Union, Department of Nursing is committed to equal access for

all qualified program applicants and students. Nursing students must be able to perform certain

mental, physical, and other tasks that are essential in providing care for their patients. These

requirements are outlined in the Department’s Technical Standards for Nursing Students and

Technical Standards Certification Statement.

PROCEDURE: After being admitted to the Nursing Major, nursing students must:

(1) submit a signed certification statement (enclosed below) stating that they believe that they

can meet these standards with or without reasonable accommodation.

(2) The student’s statement must also be confirmed through a physical examination by a licensed

healthcare provider (physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner).

A verification form is enclosed below. Students are responsible for the cost of the physical

examination and must provide the healthcare provider with the Technical Standards for Nursing

Students. The completed certification form must be on file before beginning the clinical nursing

courses of the program during the second year of nursing. If a student believes he or she needs

accommodation(s) in order to meet these requirements, the student must have the need for

accommodation validated through Accessibility Services. Accommodation may not be possible

in some cases.

• Any student who cannot meet each of the Technical Standards with or without reasonable

accommodation can no longer be enrolled in the Nursing Major.

• Students requesting accommodations must have their need for reasonable accommodation

validated through Accessibility Services before beginning clinical nursing courses in

order to permit adequate time to arrange the accommodation. It may not be possible to

provide some accommodations on short notice.

• Accessibility Services works jointly with the student and the Department of Nursing to

explore accommodation options.

• Students are responsible for informing their instructors about needs for accommodation

for courses or clinical experience.

Student medical information will be kept confidential. The University of Mount Union may

disclose as needed or required by law.

The University of Mount Union Department of Nursing is committed to equal access for all

qualified program applicants and students. The Department of Nursing faculty has identified

specific standards essential to the delivery of safe, effective nursing care during clinical

education activities. These standards determine the student’s ability to acquire knowledge and

develop the clinical skills required by the curriculum. Clinical education is a major focus

throughout the program involving considerations, such as patient safety, that are not present for

classroom activities. Therefore, the student must meet these standards and maintain satisfactory

demonstration of them for successful program progression and graduation. Students must

complete the “Technical Standards Certification Statement” form prior to the beginning of

clinical experiences in the second year of nursing. Nursing students, with or without reasonable

accommodation, must satisfy the performance standards described below.

• Senses: Have functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, and smell so that data

received by the senses may be quickly integrated, analyzed, and synthesized in an

accurate manner.

o Examples of relevant activities: Hear, observe, and speak to patients; detect skin

color changes, anatomical abnormalities such as edema, sounds related to bodily

functions using a stethoscope, and odor associated with a wound infection.

• Physical Abilities: Perform gross and fine motor movements with reasonable endurance,

strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, and precision as required to provide holistic

nursing care.

o Examples of relevant activities: Perform CPR, safely transfer and control fall of a

patient, and manipulate equipment such as syringes and medication packages.

• Cognitive: Collect, analyze, and integrate information and knowledge to make clinical

judgments and decisions that promote positive patient outcomes.

o Examples of relevant activities: Measure, calculate, reason, and understand

information and graphs; identify priorities; problem-solve in a timely manner;

select, implement, and evaluate interventions; and teach patients and families.

• Communication: Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and families, and

other professionals, and groups to elicit information and transmit that information to

others. Possess sufficient interpersonal skills to interact positively with people from all

levels of society, all ethnic backgrounds, and all belief systems.

o Examples of relevant activities: Speak, read, write, and comprehend English at a

level that meets the need for accurate, clear, and effective communication;

perceive patients’ nonverbal communication; maintain accurate patient records;

obtain accurate health history; establish rapport with patients, faculty, peers, and

agency staff; and accept constructive feedback on performance.

• Mental/Emotional Stability: Have enough emotional health to fully use intellectual

ability, exercise good judgment, and complete all responsibilities necessary to the care of

patients.

o Examples of relevant activities: Function under stress, problem-solve, adapt to

changing situations, and follow through on assigned patient-care responsibilities.

• Professional Behavior: Engage in activities consistent with safe nursing practice and

display responsibility and accountability for actions as a student and as a developing

nurse.

o Examples of relevant activities: Do not demonstrate behaviors of addiction to,

abuse of, or dependence on alcohol or other drugs that may impair judgment;

display compassion, nonjudgmental attitude, consciousness of social values,

honesty, integrity, and confidentiality; display appropriate dress and appearance

in clinical-related activities; and demonstrate motivation, appropriate attitude, and

professional behavior.

Appendix H: Technical Standards Certification

(To be completed by the student)

University of Mount Union

Department of Nursing

Student Name:

This form is a companion to the Technical Standards for Nursing Students document. After

being accepted for admission to the Department of Nursing, students must complete and submit

this certification form to the University of Mount Union Department of Nursing, (1972 Clark

Ave., Alliance, Ohio, 44601) prior to beginning the program’s clinical courses or clinical in the

second year of nursing.

Enrollment of accepted students in the Department of Nursing is contingent upon:

1. Submission of this completed Technical Standards Certification Statement to the Department

of Nursing.

2. The ability to meet the Technical Standards for Nursing Students either with or without

accommodation.

3. The verification of the physical aspects of this ability as determined through a routine physical

examination by a healthcare provider licensed and qualified to perform such routine physical

examinations (typically a physician, physician assistant or advanced nurse practitioner).

Students are responsible for:

a. The cost of the physical examination.

b. Providing a copy of the Technical Standards for Nursing Students to the healthcare

provider.

The signature of the healthcare provider completing the physical exam must appear on this form.

STUDENT STATEMENT:

Student, please check only one of the statements below after you have been accepted and

admitted into the Department of Nursing and sign where indicated:

I certify that I have read and understand the Technical Standards for Nursing Students

document, and I believe to the best of my knowledge that I meet each of these standards

without accommodations. I also understand that if I am unable or become unable to meet these

standards with or without accommodation, I cannot enroll or remain enrolled in the Department

of Nursing.

I certify that I have read and understand the Technical Standards for Nursing Students

document, and I believe to the best of my knowledge that I meet each of these standards with

accommodations. I will contact the Office of Accessibility Services to have my need for

accommodation validated. I will work with both the Office of Accessibility Services and the

Department of Nursing to examine accommodation options. I understand that in some cases

accommodation might not be possible. I also understand that if I am unable or become unable to

meet these technical standards with or without accommodation, I cannot enroll or remain

enrolled in the Department of Nursing.

Signature of Student: Date:

Appendix I: OBN Student Conduct Policy

Ohio Board of Nursing (OAC) 4723-5-12-C (1-26) Student Conduct Policy*

University of Mount Union nursing students will adhere to policies related to student conduct

that incorporate the standards for safe nursing care set forth in Chapter 4723. of the Revised

Code and the rules adopted under that chapter, including, but not limited to the following:

(1) A student shall, in a complete, accurate, and timely manner, report and document

nursing assessments or observations, the care provided by the student for the patient, and the

patient's response to that care.

(2) A student shall, in an accurate and timely manner, report to the appropriate practitioner

errors in or deviations from the current valid order.

(3) A student shall not falsify any patient record or any other document prepared or utilized

in the course of, or in conjunction with, nursing practice. This includes, but is not limited to,

case management documents or reports, time records or reports, and other documents

related to billing for nursing services.

(4) A student shall implement measures to promote a safe environment for each patient.

(5) A student shall delineate, establish, and maintain professional boundaries with each

patient.

(6) At all times when a student is providing direct nursing care to a patient the student shall:

(a) Provide privacy during examination or treatment and in the care of personal or

bodily needs; and

(b) Treat each patient with courtesy, respect, and with full recognition of dignity and

individuality.

(7) A student shall practice within the appropriate scope of practice as set forth in division

(B) of section 4723.01 and division (B)(20) of section 4723.28 of the Revised Code for a

registered nurse, and division (F) of section 4723.01 and division (B)(21) of

section 4723.28 of the Revised Code for a practical nurse;

(8) A student shall use universal and standard precautions established by Chapter 4723-20

of the Administrative Code;

(9) A student shall not:

(a) Engage in behavior that causes or may cause physical, verbal, mental, or emotional

abuse to a patient;

(b) Engage in behavior toward a patient that may reasonably be interpreted as physical,

verbal, mental, or emotional abuse.

(10) A student shall not misappropriate a patient's property or:

(a) Engage in behavior to seek or obtain personal gain at the patient's expense;

(b) Engage in behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as behavior to seek or obtain

personal gain at the patient's expense;

personal relationships; or

(d) Engage in behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as inappropriate involvement

in the patient's personal relationships.

For the purpose of this paragraph, the patient is always presumed incapable of giving free, full,

or informed consent to the behaviors by the student set forth in this paragraph.

(11) A student shall not:

(a) Engage in sexual conduct with a patient;

(b) Engage in conduct in the course of practice that may reasonably be interpreted as

sexual;

(d) Engage in verbal behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as seductive, or

sexually demeaning to a patient.

For the purpose of this paragraph, the patient is always presumed incapable of giving free, full,

or informed consent to sexual activity with the student.

(12) A student shall not, regardless of whether the contact or verbal behavior is consensual,

engage with a patient other than the spouse of the student in any of the following:

(a) Sexual contact, as defined in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code;

(b) Verbal behavior that is sexually demeaning to the patient or may be reasonably

interpreted by the patient as sexually demeaning.

(13) A student shall not self-administer or otherwise take into the body any dangerous drug,

as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, in any way not in accordance with a

legal, valid prescription issued for the student, or self-administer or otherwise take into the

body any drug that is a schedule I controlled substance.

(14) A student shall not habitually or excessively use controlled substances, other habit-

forming drugs, or alcohol or other chemical substances to an extent that impairs ability to

practice.

(15) A student shall not have impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable

and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of the use of drugs, alcohol, or other

chemical substances.

(16) A student shall not have impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable

and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of a physical or mental disability.

(17) A student shall not assault or cause harm to a patient or deprive a patient of the means

to summon assistance.

(18) A student shall not misappropriate or attempt to misappropriate money or anything of

value by intentional misrepresentation or material deception in the course of practice.

(19) A student shall not have been adjudicated by a probate court of being mentally ill or

mentally incompetent, unless restored to competency by the court.

(20) A student shall not aid and abet a person in that person's practice of nursing without a

license, practice as a dialysis technician without a certificate issued by the board, or

administration of medications as a medication aide without a certificate issued by the board.

(21) A student shall not prescribe any drug or device to perform or induce an abortion, or

otherwise perform or induce an abortion.

(22) A student shall not assist suicide as defined in section 3795.01 of the Revised Code.

(23) A student shall not submit or cause to be submitted any false, misleading or deceptive

statements, information, or document to the nursing program, its administrators, faculty,

teaching assistants, preceptors, or to the board.

(24) A student shall maintain the confidentiality of patient information. The student shall

communicate patient information with other members of the health care team for health care

purposes only, shall access patient information only for purposes of patient care or for

otherwise fulfilling the student's assigned clinical responsibilities, and shall not disseminate

patient information for purposes other than patient care or for otherwise fulfilling the

student's assigned clinical responsibilities through social media, texting, emailing or any

other form of communication.

(25) To the maximum extent feasible, identifiable patient health care information shall not

be disclosed by a student unless the patient has consented to the disclosure of identifiable

patient health care information. A student shall report individually identifiable patient

information without written consent in limited circumstances only and in accordance with

an authorized law, rule, or other recognized legal authority.

(26) For purposes of paragraphs (C)(5), (C)(6), (C)(9), (C)(10), (C)(11) and (C)(12) of this

rule, a student shall not use social media, texting, emailing, or other forms of

communication with, or about a patient, for non-health care purposes or for purposes other

than fulfilling the students assigned clinical responsibilities.

*Resource: Ohio Board of Nursing Website: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-

code/rule-4723-5-12

Appendix J: NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct

National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct

Preamble

Students of nursing have a responsibility to society in learning the academic theory and clinical

skills needed to provide nursing care. The clinical setting presents unique challenges and

responsibilities while caring for human beings in a variety of health care environments.

The Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct is based on an understanding that to practice

nursing as a student is an agreement to uphold the trust with which society has placed in us. The

statements of the Code provide guidance for the nursing student in the personal development of

an ethical foundation and need not be limited strictly to the academic or clinical environment but

can assist in the holistic development of the person.

A Code for Nursing Students

As students are involved in the clinical and academic environments, we believe that ethical

principles are a necessary guide to professional development. Therefore, within these

environments we:

1. Advocate for the rights of all clients.

2. Maintain client confidentiality.

3. Take appropriate action to ensure the safety of clients, self, and others.

4. Provide care for the client in a timely, compassionate, and professional manner.

5. Communicate client care in a truthful, timely, and accurate manner.

6. Actively promote the highest level of moral and ethical principles and accept responsibility for

our actions.

7. Promote excellence in nursing by encouraging lifelong learning and professional development.

8. Treat others with respect and promote an environment that respects human rights, values, and

choice of cultural and spiritual beliefs.

9. Collaborate in every reasonable manner with the academic faculty and clinical staff to ensure

the highest quality of client care.

10. Use every opportunity to improve faculty and clinical staff understanding of the learning

needs of nursing students.

11. Encourage faculty, clinical staff, and peers to mentor nursing students.

12. Refrain from performing any technique or procedure for which the student has not been

adequately trained.

13. Refrain from any deliberate action or omission of care in the academic or clinical setting that

creates unnecessary risk of injury to the client, self, or others.

14. Assist the staff nurse or preceptor in ensuring that there is full disclosure and those proper

authorizations are obtained from clients regarding any form of treatment or research.

15. Abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages or any substances in the academic and clinical

setting that impair judgment.

16. Strive to achieve and maintain an optimal level of personal health.

17. Support access to treatment and rehabilitation for students who are experiencing impairments

related to substance abuse and mental or physical health issues.

18. Uphold college policies and regulations related to academic and clinical performance,

reserving the right to challenge and critique rules and regulations as per college grievance policy.

Adopted by the NSNA Board of Directors, October 27, 2009 in Phoenix, AZ. (Taken directly from the NSNA

Code of Ethics: Part ll: Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct)

Appendix K: Health Data and Clinical Requirement Checklist

University of Mount Union

Department of Nursing

All students enrolled in a clinical nursing course must meet all Department of Nursing Health

Data and Clinical Requirements as described in the Nursing Student Handbook. All

documentation must be turned in to the Department of Nursing at least one month before the

beginning of clinical experiences. Due dates will be announced via nursing bulletin board,

emails, and/or notifications every year. The student should retain the original documentation and

upload copies to the Department of Nursing via the designated software.

Students will not be permitted to attend clinical if healthcare data is not up to date. Some clinical

sites may require additional and/or more extensive testing than required by the Department of

Nursing. Students will be notified if this pertains to them. Students unable to meet certain

vaccines requirement can refer to the Vaccination Exemption Policy and Vaccination Exemption

Form (see Appendix K) for additional information.

Name of Student: _____________________________________________

Health Data and Clinical Requirement

Documentation

Completed

National Background check (FBI)

Upon admission to the second-year nursing courses and updated yearly if not an

Ohio resident for the past five years.

Criminal Background Check (BCI&I):

Upon admission to the second-year nursing courses and updated yearly.

Technical Standards Policy

A licensed healthcare provider (physician, physician assistant, or nurse

practitioner) must sign and indicate if accommodations are needed.

CPR/BLS provided by American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care

Provider

Include date taken and date of expiration and a copy of certification card.

Annual TB-Tuberculosis Skin Test (PPD)

Students are required to have a 2-step TB test done, with 2nd TB test done

within 8-14 days after 1st TB test. A yearly PPD is required thereafter. If

positive reaction to PPD, a chest x-ray is then needed to rule out TB. No further

chest X-ray is required if the student is asymptomatic.

Tetanus

Students are required to have the primary immunization, and a Tdap must be

current within the last 10 years.

Rubeola (7-11-day measles)

Blood test (titer) for proof of immunity.

Mumps (Infectious Parotitis)

Blood test (titer) for proof of immunity.

Health Data and Clinical Requirement

Documentation

Completed

Rubella (3-day measles)

Blood test (titer) for proof of immunity.

Varicella Zoster (Chicken pox)

Blood test (titer) for proof of immunity or documentation of full vaccination.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Vaccine/titer is not required but strongly recommended. It takes

approximately 8 months to complete the series, so it is important to start

immediately. Students who do not have documentation of a positive titer or the

completed vaccine series will need to sign a waiver.

Vaccine #1: ____

Vaccine #2: ____

Vaccine #3: ____

Annual Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Required annually by October 31

Annual 10-Panel Urine Drug Test

See Alcohol & Drug Policy in the Nursing Handbook for further details

COVID-19 Vaccine

Full vaccination required. Students are considered fully vaccinated two weeks

after receiving the second dose of a 2-dose vaccine or 2 weeks after the

receiving the single dose vaccine. Boosters are not currently required but

documentation is appreciated if available.

*Important – This information must be completed and returned to the Department of Nursing,

Administrative Assistant.

Appendix L Refusal of Hepatitis B Immunizations

University of Mount Union

Department of Nursing

REFUSAL OF HEPATITIS B IMMUNIZATION

I ____________________________________ choose not to receive the Hepatitis B Immunization series as

recommended by the University of Mount Union Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. I understand

that my practice as a nursing student/faculty member places me at risk for exposure to blood-borne

pathogens. Further, I understand that contractual commitments with clinical agencies may require me to

obtain multiple Hepatitis B Surface Antigen tests during the clinical program.

Signature:_____________________________________________ Date: _____________________

Appendix M: Vaccination Exemption Policy and Vaccination Exemption Form

A student wishing to be granted an exemption from a vaccination requirement, of the Department of

Nursing, should submit the Department of Nursing Vaccination Exemption Request Form to the

Nursing Program Administrator. The Department of Nursing Program Administrator/Designee will

convene an ad hoc committee comprised of three faculty members. One faculty member from each

of the following departments will be solicited: Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, and

Nursing. The ad hoc committee will review the submitted Department of Nursing Vaccination

Exemption Request Form and other pertinent documents (e.g., documentation from a physician or

religious organization). After their review, they will make a recommendation to the Nursing

Program Administrator/Designee. The Nursing Program Administrator/Designee will approve or

deny the exemption request. If the request is denied the student may appeal to a committee

comprised of the Associate Academic Dean and the Dean of Students. Their decision will be final.

If approval is granted from either the Nursing Program Administrator/Designee or the appeal

committee, the student will still be required to follow any additional exemption policies of

applicable clinical agencies.

While the University may grant a student an exemption from its required immunizations, such

exemption is not binding on any clinical site, and any student placed at a clinical site is required

to meet immunization requirements of each clinical site or be exempted by that clinical site.

If a student is unable to be placed in a certain clinical site due to vaccination status, Mount Union

will make reasonable effort to find another available clinical site for the student, however, if

Mount Union is unable to find in a timely an available clinical site that accepts the student’s

vaccination status, the student’s progress to graduation may be delayed.

STATE OF OHIO

LEGAL IMMUNIZATION EXEMPTION

Per OHIO STATUTE 3313.671 (Exemptions)

Religious, Good Cause, and Medical Exemption Form

Amended Substitute Senate Bill No. 282. Ohio Revised Code.

Sections 3313.671. Pat (3) and (4)

Section 3313.671, part (3): A student who presents a written statement which objects to the immunization

for good cause, including religious convictions, is not required to be immunized.

Section 3313.671, part (4): A student whose healthcare provider certifies in writing that such immunization

against my disease is medically contraindicated is not required to be immunized against that disease. This

section does not limit or impair the right of a board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school

district to make and enforce rules to secure immunization against poliomyelitis, rubeola, rubella,

diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus of the pupils under its jurisdiction.

I understand that the immunization Law permits me to sign a waiver on myself taking the immunization.

I hereby object and request the University of Mount Union to waive my immunization requirement against

the following:

Student’s Name: _______________________________________________________________

______Religious Convictions: List name of denomination______________________________

______Medical Reason: You must have a signed statement from your physician stating the condition and

attach it to this form.

Note: The University grants the exemption that the student would still need to go through the clinical site’s

policy for exemptions

Appendix N: Course Standing Confirmation for UMU Nursing Students

University of Mount Union (UMU) nursing students may have the opportunity to travel and attend

nursing-related events, educational activities, and national conferences. In cases where UMU or the

Department of Nursing provide financial support for any or all the student’s expenses for the

opportunity, students should be passing their current nursing (NUR) and nursing-required (e.g.,

BIO, CHE) courses to attend and receive funding.

Students who do not have passing grades in all nursing and nursing-required courses will be

ineligible for funding by the university or nursing department; the student will be responsible for

the full cost of the opportunity.

Students must complete this form for ALL NURSING and Nursing-Required courses 2 weeks

before the date of the event or the planned date of departure for the event when travel is required.

Submit completed forms for all courses to the Program Director or Faculty Advisor for approval.

Student Name: _______________________________________________________________

Event: _____________________________________________________________________

Date of event: _____________

Travel dates (if applicable) ________________________________

Course: __________________________

Instructor: _______________________________

To be completed by the course instructor:

Theory performance to date (Circle one):

“C” or higher

Below “C”

Lab performance to date (Circle one):

Satisfactory

Unsatisfactory

Clinical performance to date (Circle one):

Satisfactory

Unsatisfactory

Please note any concerns with student attendance or conduct (e.g., missing important content

needed to meet course objectives, etc.):

Instructor Signature________________________________________Date_________________

Appendix O: Nursing in the Honors in the Major

Mission and Purpose

The Department of Nursing embraces the mission outlined by Honors Program of the University of Mount

Union.

The mission of the Honors Program at The University of Mount Union is to create a community

within the liberal arts tradition in which academically talented and highly motivated students enjoy

an enhanced educational experience that supports outstanding scholarship, personal growth, and

creativity. In keeping with the Latin base of honors, or public office, the Honors Program

emphasizes social responsibility and civic virtues.

The Honors Program at the University of Mount Union offers integrated learning opportunities and

challenges for motivated students with exceptional academic potential. The program is designed to

foster intellectual curiosity, leadership, initiative, creativity, civic-mindedness and a high standard

of performance.

Furthermore, the purpose of Nursing Honors in the Major (NHM) for undergraduate students is to expose

them to the levels of dissemination of evidence-based practice within the nursing profession. The goal of

NHM is to provide students with an opportunity to explore leadership and service roles for nurses and their

impact on the healthcare organization and/or community.

Nursing Honors in the Major Outcomes

1. Examine a specialty discipline within the profession of nursing. (PLO 1)

2. Examine the relationship between evidence-based practice and quality, safe patient care. (PLO 2,4)

3. Disseminate nursing evidence-based practice findings. (PLO 3)

4. Exercise civic responsibility related to the nursing profession through the completion of 10 community

service hours. (PLO 5)

Nursing Honors in the Major

Honors in the Major is comprised of intensive, individual scholarly and/or creative studies in the major

mentored by UMU faculty. The Department of Nursing offers a three-project track to obtain honors

recognition.

NHM is open to any student who meets and maintains the requirements outlined below.

Admission to NHM can occur at any time between the start of NUR 290 and the start of NUR 390. It is

highly recommended that students enter the Nursing Honors in the Major program with NUR 290.

However, with appropriate advising and diligent work entrance at other times is acceptable. Students

should begin discussions with their advisor at least one semester prior to beginning NHM.

Benefits to the Nursing Student

The nursing student can benefit in many ways from participating in the honors in the major program. These

benefits include but are not limited to:

• Exposure to nursing evidence-based practice.

• Active participation and exploration in the dissemination of nursing evidence-based practice.

• Enhanced opportunities for community service and civic engagement.

• Honors in the Major recognition at graduation.

Admission, Continuation, and Completion Requirements

To be eligible to participate in Nursing Honors in the Major the student must meet the following

requirements.

Initial Requirements

• Enrollment or completion of NUR 290.

• Minimum overall GPA of 3.500

• Minimum GPA of 3.00 in completed NUR courses.

• Completion of the Honors in the Major Application

Continuation and Completion Requirements

• Maintains 3.50 overall GPA and 3.0 in completed NUR courses.

o If students fall below a cumulative 3.5 GPA and 3.0 completed NUR GPA, they will be

granted one semester to meet the GPA requirements. If students fall below the required

GPAs for a second consecutive semester, the student will be dismissed from the Honors

Program. Appeals may be made to the Directors of the Honors Program and subsequently to

an Honors Review Board.

• Successful completion and active participation in all NHM assignments.

• Completion of the Honors in the Major Course Project Proposal Form for three projects in three

different NUR courses

• Successful completion of the course project, B+ grade earned on the nursing grading scale (89%),

and active participation in the Nursing Honors in the Major cohort activities.

• Completion of Honors in the Major Report (see Appendix C)

Admission Process

1. Meet with your advisor to begin a discussion of the Honors in the Major Program one semester

prior to joining.

2. Attend the Nursing Honors in the Major semester meeting

3. Submit your Honors in the Major Application by the due date to Nursing Honors in the Major

Liaison.

4. Once your application is approved by the Department of Nursing you will need to submit this

application to the University Honors Department at [email protected]

5. Meet with assigned HNM Faculty Mentor

Project Submission Process

Nursing Honors in the Major students will be responsible for completing three projects that align with three

different NUR courses of the student's choice. The projects must follow the general guidelines outlined in

this handbook: a poster, oral presentation, and scholarly written work. Rubrics are provided to guide the

student in the exploration of topics of interest. The student should work with their mentor and the honors

liaison to explore areas of interest for the projects. In addition, students will be required to communicate

with their NHM cohort, participate in the NHM D2L classroom, seek mentorship from the Inter Science

Research Club, and attend professional conferences.

1. Project Proposal Forms should be completed for each project in collaboration with NHM mentor.

2. Submit the Project Proposal Form to the NHM D2L DropBox by deadline.

3. After approval by NHM Liaison students submit their project proposal to the University Honors

Committee following the directions below:

Excerpt from the University Honors Handbook:

Students admitted to the Honors in the Major program will submit the honors project proposal for

the course by 4 pm on the 3

Friday of the semester*. The proposal must be complete including

signatures of the student, instructor, and the departmental honors liaison in order to be reviewed.

Email your proposal to [email protected]. Please carbon copy your advisor and department

honors in the major liaison.

The Honors Directors and/or an ad-hoc Honors Review board drawn from the Honors

Subcommittee will review the proposals within one week and communicate feedback to the students

and instructors.

o If HM proposal is approved: student, instructor and registrar are notified

o If HM proposal is not approved: student and instructor are notified of concerns and a

revised proposal must be submitted according to the deadline specified

*Different due dates may be negotiated with NHM Liaison

Project One Description

For project 1 you will explore a nursing specialty area of your choice (see list for suggestions). Students

will complete a poster that highlights the specialty area as well as participate in D2L discussions.

Using the provided poster template, you will develop a poster presentation to present your findings. Poster

presentations should be visually appealing and organized. Include pictures or graphs as appropriate to

communicate your work. Remember that all typed materials should be able to be seen from a distance of at

least four feet away.

Be sure to print all citations for your research findings on your poster in APA format. Alternatively, you

may have a reference page you provide to consumers of your poster.

The following should be included in your poster presentation:

• Identification of your nursing specialty area

• Describe what they do, where they work, and whom they collaborate with

• Describe required education and specialty training

• Identify challenges/stressors specific to nursing specialty area researched

• Self-reflect on this project process and how it may impact your future nursing practice.

Student must attend one Inter Science Research Club meeting prior to submitting their final project and

participate in the D2L NHM classroom as assigned.

Project One Rubric

Student Name _________________

Honors Poster Presentation Grading Rubric

Objective: Explore a specific nursing discipline and the research that leads to evidence-based practice

related to that discipline (PLO#1)

Guidelines for what to include in poster presentations from instruction sheet:

• Identification of your nursing specialty area

• Describe what they do, where they work, and whom they collaborate with

• Describe required education and specialty training

• Identify challenges/stressors specific to nursing specialty area researched

• Self-reflect on this project process and how it may impact your future nursing practice.

Presentation/Poster Content

Points

possible/earned

Identification of nursing specialty area

Describe what they do, where they work, and with whom the collaborate

Describe required education and specialty training

Identify challenges and stressors specific to that nursing specialty area

/10

Total points possible/earned on poster

/25

Additional Evaluation Criteria

Points

possible/earned

Participation in D2L discussion board and Inter Science Research Club

/25

Total Honors Course points possible/earned

/50

Project Two Description

For project two you will explore one area of nursing practice or clinical topic of your choice. You will complete a

written literature review exploring your topic. Students are required to interview practicing RN’s related to the

clinical area of focus. An oral presentation will be completed with journal entries.

1. Identify a nursing evidence-based practice focus.

2 Statement of two primary objectives of your research.

3 Complete a written literature review.

4 Interview 2 practicing RN’s who work directly in the area of nursing related to the practice topic. - (Meet

with your Honors mentor to build interview appropriate questions)

5 Oral presentation of literature and interview findings (see rubric).

6 Self-Reflect through journal entries your experiences and challenges throughout this project to be shared

with your NHM cohort

Project Two Rubric

Student Name _____________________

Honors Oral EBP Presentation Grading Rubric

Oral Presentation Content

Points possible/awarded

Identification of nursing EBP research focus

• Statement of two primary objectives of your research

Literature review

Discussion of a minimum of 10 research articles on your topic

• Citations included in APA format

Synthesis of findings

• Highlighting the interrelatedness or opposition of research findings

/10

Highlights from professional nurse interview

• Specific indications of how the EBP is implemented or not in the facility

or area in which the nurse works

Implications for nursing practice

• How EBP findings are/could impact patient outcomes and nursing

practice on a larger scale

Conclusion

• How has this research changed your view of practice?

• How do you think it will impact your personal nursing career?

• Initiation of a discussion on topic with audience

/10

Professional dress and demeanor

Total points possible/earned

/50

Additional Evaluation Criteria

Points possible/earned

Written Literature Review

/20

Journal entries

/10

Meeting with Honors Advisor (minimum of 3 meetings)

D2L participation and Inter Science Club attendance

Interview of 2 practicing RNs

/10

Total Additional Evaluation Criteria

/50

Total Honors Course points possible/earned

/100

Project Three Description

Scholarly Evidence-based Practice Project

The purpose of the scholarly project is to investigate one area of nursing practice and demonstrate your

ability to integrate the various aspects of the professional nursing role (including but not limited to: critical

thinking, written and oral communication, and ethical/practice implications) into evidence-based practice

(EBP). Students will communicate findings through a written manuscript of their findings including an

abstract. Students will present their findings through a professional presentation. Examples of possible

locations for presentations are: a nursing conference, UMU Scholar Day, or formal presentation at the

hospital. The NUR 480 practicum experience is a feasible course to complete this project. Students are

expected to continue participation and communication with their NHM cohort, mentor, and honors liaison.

Participation in a scholar program approved by the NHM mentor and liaison may also be an option for

project three (I.e. AHEC Northeast Ohio Program).

Guidelines: (May be adapted if project is not completed at a practicum site).

1. The EBP project topic must relate to some aspect of nursing practice relevant to nursing staff/unit.

Be sure you are viewing it from the perspective of yourself as a registered nurse.

2. On your own initiative, you must initiate dialogue with your practicum faculty to discuss the area of

interest, including approval of your PICOT question.

3. Present your research findings via a written manuscript which should include

a. Abstract

b. Introduction. A clear introduction to the EBP topic (includes the project purpose,

background/significance of the topic, clearly stated PICOT question, and any compelling

ethical or practical implications that enhance the value of the project).

c. Present the three sources of evidence for EBP in exploring your question.

a. External evidence: What does the literature say about the topic?

i. Include a thorough review of the literature. Consider: How applicable is the literature

to your topic? What is quality (strength of evidence), quantity (amount of research

on the topic) and consistency of results from the literature search? Are there

conflicting findings?

ii. Students should seek PICOT question approval from the teaching assistant/faculty

clinical instructor or mentor.

iii. Students should have conducted database searches and external evidence evaluation.

b. Internal evidence: What should we know about environment and point of care that is

relevant to this topic? Is the practice change feasible here?

i. You will collect and analyze data on the practicum unit from various internal sources

of evidence, including but not limited to: available clinical expertise, staff

opinions/experiences collected through questioning across various roles, unit

observation related to the issue, analysis of workflow and environment, ethical issues

identified, relevant outcomes data, and comparison of existing policies/procedures to

proposed interventions. Be prepared to devote some clinical hours to data collection.

c. Patient evidence (patient preferences & values): What should we know about the patient

experience?

i. Identify the information you will collect regarding the patient/family experience that

is relevant to your question. Write a thoughtful, practical, and empathetic

consideration of patient preferences and values. What concerns may patients and

families have regarding implementation of the intervention of interest you are

investigating? How does the current intervention impact patient outcomes and, if the

new intervention were adopted, how would outcomes change? What staff needs or

resources could be mobilized to address patient needs and support ethical practice?

d. Analysis and Recommendation. Analyze congruency amongst the three types of evidence

by comparing the literature results with internal evidence and patient preferences/values.

Make intervention recommendations based on this analysis. How does what you propose

compare to what is being done, and how feasible is your proposal? Identify specific

interventions that you might provide. Give examples. What interventions could be carried

out in the facility relative to the topic?

4. Submission to a conference, UMU Scholar Day, or scheduled professional presentation at the

hospital.

• Students should present their findings at one of the above (or other locations as approved

by mentor) either by poster or podium presentation.

Evaluation will be based on the quality of the presentation and scholarly work, with all components

satisfactorily completed.

Project Three Rubric

Scholarly Evidence-Based Practice Project & Presentation

Grading Rubric

Student Name: _____________________ Date: ____________________

CRITERIA

POINTS

EARNED

POINTS

POSSIBLE

COMMENTS

The topic of the EBP project is related to an

appropriate aspect of nursing practice and is

clearly stated.

The background of the study, significance,

and purpose are clearly described.

The PICOT statement is clear and appropriate.

Abstract is clear and concise

Three sources of evidence are identified

(external, internal, patient).

Identifies literature pertinent to the question

being studied.

Literature is coherently summarized and

appraised.

Relevant and thorough internal evidence is

gathered from the hospital/unit.

Internal evidence is coherently summarized and

analyzed.

Relevant patient data is gathered related to the

question being studied.

Patient data is coherently summarized and

analyzed.

A judgment/conclusion is stated following

analysis of the three sources of evidence.

Evidence supports the conclusion.

Provides recommendations related to

the conclusions that have been drawn.

Ethical issues are identified and discussed.

APA (7

ed.) format is correctly used.

TOTAL FOR MANUSCRIPT

Presentation

Submitted and presented at professional

conference, UMU scholar Day, or hospital

presentation

Various aspects of the project are explained

clearly and concisely.

The presentation is

organized with information provided

in a logical manner.

Technical aspects of the presentation are

accurate (grammar, spelling, punctuation,

sentence structure).

Participation in all D2L and Club assignments

TOTAL

/100 POINTS

University of Mount Union Honors in the Major Application

Name: _______________________________

Year of Matriculation: ________ Expected Year of Graduation: ________

Major in which Honors work will be completed: _____________________

Other Major(s): _____________________

Cumulative GPA: ___________

GPA in Major: ___________

After consultation with the Honors Liaison in your department, select one of the following (some

departments may offer only one option):

___ I will complete Honors in the Major with projects in 3 courses (12 sem hrs.)

At the completion of the work you will be required to submit the Honors in the Major Report.

Please attach a brief (~250 word) explanation of why you want to complete Honors in the Major

and how you see the work fitting into your broader educational goals.

Signatures

Student: ______________________________________ Date: ________________

Honors Liaison: _________________________________ Date: ________________

Honors in the Major: Course Project Proposal Form

Submit to NHM D2L DropBox 1

. Once approve then submit to the email below

Directions: Email an electronic version of the proposal to [email protected] by 4 pm of

Friday of semester

Name: _____________________________ Semester of Project Completion:

______________

Email: _____________________________ Course Number:

____________________________

Phone: _____________________________ Course Title:

_______________________________

Campus Box: _______________________ Course Instructor:

__________________________

Class Standing (circle one): Soph Jr Sr

Courses Completed for Honors in the Major (if Applicable)

Major (for Honors): __________________ ______________________________

GPA in Major: ______________________ ______________________________

Advisor: ____________________________ Intended Graduation: Fall Spring 20_____

Department Chair: ___________________Other Major(s) (if applicable): ___________

Signatures

Student: I have developed this project proposal in collaboration with the course instructor. I

have informed my advisor that I intend to complete this project toward Honors in the Major.

Signature:_____________________________________ Date: _______________

Instructor: I have collaborated with the student in planning this project and writing the proposal.

I have reviewed the proposal carefully and support it. I agree to work on a consistent basis with

this student on this project throughout the semester.

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _______________

Departmental Honors Liaison: I have reviewed and support this proposal.

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _______________

Honors Director: I approve this proposal.

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _______________

Work Proposed:

Project Timeline:

Evaluation: What is the expected outcome of this work (i.e. paper, presentation, etc.)?

Explain how the proposed work will be evaluated.

Please note: To receive Honors credit for a project, the final grade of at least “B+” must

be earned (University of Mount Union Catalogue).

Honors in the Major Report

Name: _______________________________

Year of Matriculation: ________ Expected Year of Graduation: ________

Major in which Honors work was completed: _____________________

Other Major(s): _____________________

Cumulative GPA: ___________

GPA in Major: ___________

1. Objective of the Projects/Thesis

Please briefly describe the objective of your thesis or each of the three projects for a

general audience and provide a basic description.

2. Findings/Achievements

Briefly explain the major findings or accomplishments of your thesis or projects.

3. Setbacks

Identify setbacks or challenges you faced while completing the thesis or projects. How

did you address these challenges? What might you do differently next time?

4. Role of project within major

How did completing the thesis or projects add to your educational experience within your

major? What were the most important things you learned about working in your major

field through completing the thesis or projects? If you did the projects option, what

connections did you find among the projects?

5. Potential future directions

Did working on the thesis or projects help you clarify your future plans? Are there things

from your work (content or process) that you will carry forward?

Honors in the Major Exit Form

Name: __________________________ Date: ___________________________

Matriculation Year: ______________ Major: _____________________

Email: __________________________ Advisor: _______________________

Phone: __________________________

Please state the reason(s) for withdrawal:

___ I do not meet the minimum GPA

___ I have encountered scheduling difficulties that prevent my completion of the program

___ My interests do not align with the course offerings

___ Other (please specify):

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