Student Handbook (Revised 3/18/05)

 

Admission, Progression, Retention and Graduation

Introduction and Definitions


A generic student is defined as a nursing student who is not a registered nurse and wishes to enter professional nursing practice.

A registered nurse student is defined as a nursing student who is currently licensed to practice as a registered nurse in the the State of Illinois and has basic preparation in nursing at the associate degree or diploma level. Registered nurse students may or may not have a bachelor's degree.

A bachelor's degree is required for entry into the graduate program in nursing.

The Department of Nursing offers a baccalaureate degree completion program for registered nurses, a master's degree program option for generic students, and a master's degree program option for registered nurses. Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The generic program is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation Board of Nursing (pending).The nurse anesthesia program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs A site visit is scheduled with CCNE and COA during Spring 2005.

 

 

 

Admission Policies

  1. Students must meet all admission requirements of the University as outlined in the current Bulletin. 
  1. The Department of Nursing is committed to the principles of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons. Students are evaluated and admitted to the program without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin. 
  1. Applications are evaluated, and students are selected for admission by the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee for potential to successfully complete program objectives. 
  1. Registered nurse students seeking bachelor's degree completion must have a college GPA of 2.5.
  2. Graduate nursing students must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a combined score on the GRE of 1000 and 4.0 for full admission to the program.
  1. Applicants not meeting admission criteria may be admitted conditionally based on the establishment of a DePaul GPA of 3.0 in the first 3 courses taken to include any course deficiencies identified.
  1. The student is responsible for meeting all conditions of admission and for notifying the department when all conditions have been met.
  1. All students accepted "pending" satisfactory completion of GRE's must complete all admission requirements before enrolling in classes.
  1.  All students accepted "conditionally" must fulfill all other conditions of admission within 1 quarter of enrollment.
     

 

 

 

 

Procedure for Admission 

  1. Students may apply at anytime; however, application for fall entry is ideally submitted no later than August 1st. Applications may be accepted until the first day of classes if space is available.
  1. Application materials are available from Adult Admissions or the Department of Nursing, and are readily available on the University web site. All forms, recommendations, test scores, transcripts, and fees are required to complete the application process. Incomplete applications may result in delayed or denied admission for the current term. It is the student's responsibility to insure that all parts of the application are submitted in a timely fashion.
  1. Admission of transfer students requires completion of a formal transcript evaluation of all post secondary schools attended. Students must supply official transcripts. If a student wishes to transfer nursing courses from another college or university, the student must supply an official course description and course syllabus of each nursing course taken. Final papers or other student work that may aid in the determination are helpful but optional.
  1. Completed applications are reviewed by the Department of Nursing and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences as they are received. Applicants are notified of their acceptance or non acceptance by mail from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Qualified students will be admitted on a space available basis. 


 

 

 

 

Retention Policies

1.        To be retained in the nursing program, undergraduate nursing students must maintain a cumulative grade point of at least 2.5 in all academic work at the University. 

2.        Graduate students must maintain a cumulative grade point of at least 3.0 in all academic work at the University. 

3.        Students must earn a grade of B- or better to receive graduate credit for any 300-level course.

4.        Graduate students who receive less than a "B-" in any nursing course are placed on probation for a minimum of 1 quarter.

5.        Courses may not be retaken to raise an unsatisfactory grade.

6.        Graduate students who receive more than one grade below a "B-" in any required nursing course or less than a C in any one  required course are not eligible to continue in the program. 

7.        A grade of "C" or better is required in all allied field requirements.

8.        If a student fails to achieve the above criteria, that student is NOT eligible to continue in the program.

9.        Students who drop below the required cumulative GPA will be placed on probationary status. Students who have less than the required GPA for two quarters will be dismissed from the program. 

10.     In accordance with the nursing licensing regulations students found to be convicted of serious crimes (felonies or substance abuse) will be reviewed by the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee and may be suspended from the nursing program. 


 

 

 

 

Progression Policies

  1. All students must see a faculty advisor and attend an orientation session within one quarter of beginning the nursing program of studies.
  1. All students must have an official program of studies for the current academic year developed in consultation with a faculty advisor.
     
  1. A student may not register for any course that has a prerequisite if that student has an incomplete in the prerequisite course.
     
  1. Students may not attend classes in a course for which enrollment is blocked. No credit will be awarded for assignments completed when not officially enrolled in a course.
     
  1. Students must meet with a faculty advisor in the spring of each year to plan registration for the next academic year. Advisors are not generally available during July and August.
     
  1. All required health records and evidence of CPR certification, licensure, and professional liability insurance must be on file in the nursing department. Background checks and drug screens are sometimes required for clinical placements. See Clinical Guidelines.
  1. Students who are out of the nursing program or interrupt the clinical sequence of courses for one quarter or more will need to see a faculty advisor prior to resuming the nursing course sequence. Individual assessment of current knowledge and clinical skills will be made prior to placement of the student in the appropriate level within the nursing program.
  1. Students who drop or withdraw from a nursing course are required to see the Chairperson of the Department the quarter prior to registering to repeat the course so that placement can be planned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduation

  1. DePaul University confers the Bachelor of Science degree and the Master's of Science degree with a major in nursing or a major in advanced practice nursing. All requirements of the University, College, and Department must be met as outlined in the current Bulletin. 
  1. Upon successful completion of graduation requirements, generic students are eligible to make application to take the National Council of Licensing Examination (NCLEX). (See Legal Limitations below.) 
  1. Students are held responsible for degree requirements as outlined in the University Bulletin in effect at time of admission.
  2. Students are responsible for changes reflecting new program requirements if the department gives sufficient notice. Part-time students and students who do not enroll in classes for one or more quarters may be required to follow new program requirements.
  1. The student is responsible for completing the application for degree conferral and commencement by the deadline posted in the academic calendar.
  1. Undergraduate students must successfully complete a minimum of 192 quarter hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Nursing. 
  1. Undergraduate students must fulfill the residential requirement, 56 quarter hours of upper division credit (300 numbered courses or above) and the Liberal Studies Requirements in effect at the time of admission to receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing.
  1. Pre-licensure students are required to achieve a passing score on all comprehensive examinations in nursing in order to graduate with a Master of Science degree with a major in nursing.

9.        Graduate degree-seeking students must complete a minimum of 48 quarter hours of graduate credit to receive the Master of Science degree. 
 

 

 

 

Legal Limitations for Licensure

Completion of the nursing education program does not guarantee eligibility to write the NCLEX. The Illinois Department of Professional Regulation Board of Nursing may refuse to issue a license for one or more causes stated in that section of the Nursing Practice Act. 

In the State of Illinois, students will be required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background check completed by the state police and/or the FBI as part of the application process to take the NCLEX. 

Requirements will vary from state to state for those students wishing to take the NCLEX outside Illinois. 

 

 

 

Advising

1.        A faculty advisor will be assigned to each student upon acceptance to the program. The faculty advisor typically is identified in the acceptance letter. The faculty advisor will assist in developing an appropriate program of studies according to the student's preferences and abilities, and anticipated course availability. 

2.        Classes are scheduled so that a full-time student can complete the typical program of studies in the designated time frame. Part-time students or students taking courses out of sequence may experience delay in obtaining necessary courses for timely progression in the program. 

3.        The student is responsible for setting up an appointment with the designated advisor to develop an individualized program of studies. 

4.        The student is responsible for obtaining a copy of the program of studies worked out during the faculty-student advising session. 

5.        The student is responsible for enrolling in classes in the sequence identified in the program of studies. Should circumstances interrupt or delay registering for the designated classes, students must notify the department secretary AND contact their faculty advisor for modification of the planned program of studies. 

6.        The student is responsible for meeting all prerequisites to courses for which the student is registering.

7.        The student is responsible for scheduling periodic student-instructor conferences. 

8.        The student may not register for any clinical course until all conditions of admission, undergraduate nursing prerequisites, and liberal arts & science requirements are completed. Students who are not in compliance will be withdrawn from the course(s) for which they are currently registered and will be denied graduation until all requirements are met. 

 

 

 

Clinical Guidelines

Students are required to: 

  • Arrive for clinical experiences on time and be prepared. 
    • Preparation for generic program clinical assignments is evidenced by visiting clients the night before, reviewing the chart, and having a written assessment and plan for clients. 
    • Preparation for advanced practice nursing clinical experiences includes core knowledge in advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, and core competence in advanced health assessment and health promotion for the specific client population in the setting. See current NOPF Domains and Competencies.(NOPF, 1997)
    • When unprepared, the student can be sent home and be given an unexcused absence. An unexcused absence may result in a failing clinical grade. 
  • Attend clinical experiences in order to successfully complete the course. In case of an absence or tardiness, the student must notify the instructor or preceptor prior to the beginning of the clinical experience or before the day of the absence. The student may be required to make up missed clinical time and/or assignments. Failure to notify an instructor or preceptor of absence or tardiness is grounds for dismissal from the program.
  • Dress according to the current departmental and agency dress code guidelines. Name pins are to be worn during lab and clinical experiences. Lab coats with name pins are to be worn in clinical areas when not in uniform. Refer to Dress Code Policy. 
  • Purchase a stethoscope, scissors, name pins, and penlight prior to the first day in the clinical area. 
  • Provide own transportation to clinical sites. Students are not allowed to transport clients or client families. 
  • Know and follow individual agency policies and procedures. This information is available through the individual agencies. 

Generic Students will:

1.        NOT serve as witnesses of operating and diagnostic permits, wills, or other legal documents. 

2.        NOT take verbal orders or telephone orders from a physician. 

3.        NOT sign off blood products, or administer chemotherapeutic agents. Students may NOT administer IV push medications (except for Heparin flush), nor work with central lines, unless directly supervised by their clinical instructor. 

4.        NOT insert feeding tubes while in Community Health. 

5.        Use his/her legal signature in charting. The initials NS are to follow the legal signature. 

6.        Be knowledgeable about the legal implications of giving narcotics and act accordingly. 

7.        Comply with additional requirements of the clinical setting including but not limited to drug screening. 

8.        Purchase a watch with a second hand or a digital reading, a stethoscope with diaphragm and bell, a penlight, bandage scissors, student uniform(s) with  patches, and name pins. 

9.        Bring reference books and materials to the clinical setting as needed to provide safe care.

NOTE: The following must be current, complete, and on file before any student is allowed into a clinical area. Failure to provide documentation will result in an unexcused clinical absence. 

On File in the Department of Nursing:

    • Health History and Proof of Immunizations.
    • Annual PPD or Chest X-ray.
    • Consent for Release of Health Information.
    • CPR certification (health provider course)
    • Professional Liability Insurance Certificate
    • RN license (for registered nurse programs/courses)
    • Criminal Background Check

NOTE: Due to the importance of this documentation, students failing to supply the above information will not be allowed to participate in clinical experience involving patient care.

 

 

 

Confidentiality

Access to Student Records

1.        A student may have access to his/her personal student record upon request. Confidentiality is maintained with all student files. Release of information is granted upon written request by the student. 

2.        No specific or detailed information concerning specific medical diagnoses will be provided to faculty outside the department, administrators, or even parents, without the expressed written permission of the individual in each case. This position with respect to health records is supported by amendment to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Health officials and other institutional officers must remember that all confidential medical/health care information is protected by statutes and that any unauthorized disclosure may create legal liability. 

Patient/Client Privacy

1.        The student is expected to adhere to the American Nurses Association Code for Nurses and act in accordance with the Patient's Bill of Rights. 

 

2.        Confidentiality is the protection of a client's privacy through careful use of oral and written communications. The client's right to privacy is safeguarded by judicious protection of confidential information. 

 

3.        A client's chart is a legal document. Information from the client and chart is confidential and cannot be disclosed to those not caring for the client. All entries must be accurate and legible. 

 

4.        Information communicated by clients to students may not be repeated except to nursing faculty, who have the prerogative to advise the student to share the information with the appropriate staff. Care should be taken when in the corridors, lounge, classroom, dining rooms, or other public areas, so that conversations are not overheard. 


 

5.        An individual can withhold any information about himself/herself that he/she desires. Nursing students must be especially careful regarding the invasion of the client's privacy. 


 

6.        Students should use only the initials of the client when filling out history forms, care plans, and any other documents which are a part of their educational experience.

 

 

 

Dress Code Policy

1.        The student is to be well groomed at all times; presenting a professional image. 

2.        The nursing uniform is to be worn when in the clinical setting.

3.        The nursing uniform for men and women should be obtained through Dove Professional Apparel. Department name pins must be worn with the uniform. Department patches must be attached to the scrubs and lab coat sleeves. 

4.        Shoes are to be plain, clean, and in good repair. 

5.        Jewelry is to be limited to watches, wedding bands, engagement or promise rings. Small earrings may be worn. No hoop earrings, nose jewelry, necklaces or bracelets are to be worn in the clinical setting. 

6.        The white lab coat and name pin are to be worn in the clinical setting even when not seeing patients or when obtaining clinical assignments. Do not wear blue jeans or shorts to the clinical setting at anytime. 

7.        Hair is to be kept neat and clean. If hair is longer than collar length, it must be securely clipped up. 

8.        Fingernails are to be clean, short, and rounded. NO artificial fingernails or nail polish may be worn in the clinical setting. 

9.        Neither chewing gum nor tobacco in any form are allowed in the clinical setting. 

10.     Students should abide by any special requirements of the clinical facilities with regard to dress.

 

 

 

Evaluation

Student Evaluation

The theory and clinical component of each course must both be passed successfully in order to pass the course. 

1.        Theory - Students must obtain a total grade of 77% (C) or better on examinations and quizzes in order to successfully pass any nursing course. Additional assignments will not be computed in the grade if a 77% (C) or better is not obtained on examinations and quizzes. 

2.        Clinical - The clinical component of each course is evaluated on PASS/FAIL basis. In order to successfully complete the course, the student must achieve a PASS rating on each of the course clinical objectives. Ratings are based on patterns of behavior and are determined by the following criteria: 

General Guidelines: 

      • Students must achieve a rating of "pass" for each major objective on the clinical evaluation instrument to receive credit for the clinical component of a course. 
      • The rating of "pass" or "fail" will be given to each major objective on the clinical evaluation instrument; numerical values will not be used. 
      • Ratings will be based on patterns of behavior and not on one-time incidents. Improvement over time will be a significant factor. 
      • Each objective will be evaluated within the framework of the level objectives of the program. 

Ratings of Pass: 

      • Ratings of "pass" will be given to students who require minimal assistance in meeting objectives as identified in each course evaluation instrument. 
      • The student's course grade will be the grade from the theory portion of the course. However, a "C" or better in the theory component and a "pass" in the clinical component is required to successfully meet course requirements and receive a passing grade. 

Ratings of Fail: 

      • Ratings of "fail" will be given to students who require constant assistance or do not meet objectives as identified on each evaluation instrument. 

Faculty Evaluation

1.        Each semester students will complete evaluation forms for the course, clinical facility, instructor, and preceptor as appropriate. These are anonymous (preceptor evaluation are an exception and must be signed), and are used to evaluate and improve or change areas in which students identify a need. 

2.        During the final semester of the program, students will complete an evaluation of the program. 

 

 

 

Grading Scale 

The grading scale for  courses in the nursing major is: 

A = 96 - 100% 
A- = 93  - 95% 
B+ = 91 - 92% 
B = 88 - 90% 
B- = 86 - 87% 
C+ = 83 - 85%
C = 80 - 82%
C- = 77 - 79%
D+ = 74 - 76%
D = 70 - 73%
F = < 70%

 

 

 

 

Health Requirements

1.        Students are required to submit a completed Health History form and Immunization Record upon acceptance into the program to include:

1.        Tetanus-Diphtheria - A booster is required every 10 years. Documentation of an original series should be presented to Health Services. We will accept a verbal statement. 

2.        Measles - Two live immunizations after 12 months of age are required. Exempted are those people born before 1957 and those with documented proof or titer. 

3.        Rubella - Required is an immunization or documented proof of titer. 

4.        Polio - Documentation of an original series should be presented. 

5.        Mumps - Proof of immunization is needed. Exempted are those people born before 1957 and those with documented proof of disease or titer. 

6.        Chickenpox - If verbal history is negative, a titer is required. It titer is negative, the student has the option of receiving vaccine through the Center for Health and Counseling. If a student with negative titer and no vaccine is exposed to chickenpox, he/she will be excluded from clinical days 10-12 after exposure. 

7.       
Hepatitis B - Documentation of an original series of three (3) injections should be presented. A signed "intention to receive vaccine" or "waiver" form will be accepted in place of the series. 

2.        Students are required to submit maintain a current record of a TB skin test or chest x-ray taken with in the past year.

3.        Individuals involved with health care giving services who know they are infected with a communicable disease are ethically and legally obligated to conduct themselves in accordance with the following protective behaviors: 

1.        Seek medical advice.

2.        Follow University and/or agency guidelines when involved in direct client care.

3.        Be knowledgeable about and practice measures to prevent transmission of HIV.

 

 

 

Infection Control in Clinical Settings

1.        Students and faculty will treat contact with tissues, blood and other body fluids (e.g., semen, vaginal /rectal secretions, respiratory secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, periorbital fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid) from ALL clients as potentially infective. 

2.        Faculty will be knowledgeable of infection control policies of agencies in which they supervise students and will monitor compliance with these policies by students. Protection for students will include the following Universal Precautions. 

1.        Washing hands before and after contact with clients. Hands should be washed even if gloves are used. If hands or other body areas come into contact with tissues, blood or other body fluids, they should immediately be washed with soap and water. 

2.        Gloves (non sterile) - to be worn to avoid direct contact with tissues, blood or other body fluids. 

3.        Gowns or Plastic Aprons - recommended if blood or body fluid contact is anticipated. 

4.        Masks and Protective Goggles - should be worn when having contact with clients who are coughing extensively or requiring suctioning, such as tracheal or via endotracheal tubes, wound irrigation, and postmortem examination or whenever splashes, sprays, spatter or droplets of body fluids are likely. 

3.        Life Threatening Conditions - acute respiratory distress or cardiopulmonary arrest; with oral airway in place, client should be aerated with an Ambu-Bag or pocketbooks. 

4.        Care of Equipment/Specimens: 

1.        Needles and Syringes - should be disposable and disposed of in a rigid, puncture resistant container. Needles should not be recapped, purposely bent, broken or cut. These precautions are to prevent needle sticks. 

2.        Blood and Other Specimens - should be obtained and handled in accordance with the procedure established for blood and body fluid precautions (Hepatitis B) within the health care facility. Contaminated specimen containers and specimen spills should be disinfected according to the Center for Disease Control guidelines for Hepatitis B/AIDS precautions; sodium hydrochloride (household bleach) and water, dilution 1:10. 

3.        Soiled Linens - laundry and nondisposable articles contaminated with blood or body fluids should be handled according to the procedure established for blood and body fluid precautions (Hepatitis B/AIDS) within the health care facility. 

4.        Dishes/Silverware - for reusable items, no precautions are necessary. Institutional dishwashing is sufficient. 

5.        Surgical and Invasive Client Care Equipment - if not disposable, should be sterilized before reuse. 

6.        Gloves - when worn, should be changed between clients. Health care workers should not reuse gloves. 

 

 

 

 

Pregnancy 

Prior to the onset of each quarter, nursing students who are pregnant are required to:

1.        Obtain a physician's written consent to participate in clinical practice.

  1. Fill out a Release of Liability Form which is avaialbe on the department web site. This form must be on-file in the department office before entering the clinical setting.

Pregnant students are expected to follow the same quidelines as other students regarding clinical activities.

Restrictions placed on the student's activities by a physician may mean the student cannot meet the objectives of the course and should not enroll or may need to with draw from the course.