PracticalNursingProgram

StudentHandbook2018-2019

UpdatedNovember2018

1300145thStreetEast▪ Rosemount,MN55068Phone651.423.8234▪ Fax651.423.8210

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TableofContentsIntroduction ............................................................................................................................................................. 1Accreditation ........................................................................................................................................................... 2DCTC and Nursing Programs Mission and Values ................................................................................................ 3

Comparison of Scope of Practice for LPNS and RNS ........................................................................................ 5PN Program Design and Progressions ................................................................................................................ 7

Full Time Program Plan .......................................................................................................................................... 8PN Nursing Concepts/Student Learning Outcomes/Role Specific Competencies ............................................. 9Students with Disabilities ................................................................................................................................. 11

Practical Nursing Program Policies ...................................................................................................................... 12Transfer Credit/Credit by Exam ........................................................................................................................ 12Progression ........................................................................................................................................................ 15Program Dismissal ............................................................................................................................................ 16

Clinical Readiness ................................................................................................................................................. 18Criminal Background Study ............................................................................................................................. 18Immunization Records ...................................................................................................................................... 19Student Health Assessment and Clinical Readiness ......................................................................................... 19

Liability Insurance ........................................................................................................................................ 19Workers’ Compensation ............................................................................................................................... 20Health Insurance ........................................................................................................................................... 20Personal Health Risks ................................................................................................................................... 20Student Health ............................................................................................................................................... 20Physical, Cognitive and Psychosocial Requirements ................................................................................... 20Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, (CPR), For the Healthcare Provider ......................................................... 21

Drug and Alcohol Policy .................................................................................................................................. 21Student Nurse Life ................................................................................................................................................ 21

Appointments ................................................................................................................................................ 21Email and Technology .................................................................................................................................. 21D2L ............................................................................................................................................................... 21Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) ..................................................................................................... 22Social Media ................................................................................................................................................. 22Academic Integrity: Moral and Ethical Responsibilities .............................................................................. 22Patient/Resident Confidentiality/ Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Policy .. 23

Clinicals ................................................................................................................................................................ 24Clinical Courses ............................................................................................................................................ 24Agreements ................................................................................................................................................... 24

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Assignments, Supervision and Readiness ..................................................................................................... 24Simulation in Health Care Education ........................................................................................................... 26

Grading ............................................................................................................................................................. 26Written Evaluation (Exams, Tests or Quizzes) Criteria ................................................................................ 26Skills Laboratory Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................................... 26Clinic/Lab/Classroom Performance .............................................................................................................. 27Documentation of Clinical/Class/Lab Performance ..................................................................................... 27Attendance/Tardiness .................................................................................................................................... 28Absences ....................................................................................................................................................... 29

Clinical Responsibilities and Uniform .................................................................................................................. 32Educational Resources .......................................................................................................................................... 34Student Complaints & Grievances ........................................................................................................................ 36Campus Map ......................................................................................................................................................... 37Practical Nursing Instructors and Staff ................................................................................................................. 39

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Introduction

WELCOMEtotheDakotaCountyCollege(DCTC)PracticalNursingProgram!Weareexcitedthatyouhavechosentopursueyournursingcareerwithus.TheDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegeStudentHandbookaddressesthepoliciesforallstudentsenrolledinthecollege.Pleaserefer to theDCTCStudentHandbook@http://www.DCTC.edu for informationnon-specifictothenursingprogram.TheDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegePracticalNursingHandbook isspecific to thenursingprogramatDCTC and has been prepared to help you understand the structure and expectations of the nursingprogram.Itwillprovideaframeworkfortheacademicandclinicallaboratorypoliciesusedtomaintainaneffectiveandefficientnursingprogram.

PLEASESAVETHISHANDBOOKFORFUTUREREFERENCETakethetimetoreadandfamiliarizeyourselfwiththeDCTCPracticalNursingHandbookandtheDCTCStudentHandbook.Itisyourresponsibilitytoknowandfollowtheproceduresinbothhandbooks.Again,wewanttowelcomeyoutotheDCTCPracticalNursingProgram.Welookforwardtoanexcitingandrewardingyear!Sincerely,DAKOTACOUNTYTECHNICALCOLLEGEBrendaArneson,MSN,RNDirectorofPracticalNursing651-423-8234brenda.arneson@dctc.eduRonErickson,PhDDeanofBusiness,Design,andAlliedHealthServices651-423-8232ron.erickson@dctc.eduDisclaimer:Everyefforthasbeenmadetoassuretheaccuracyofthematerialinthishandbook.However,allpolicies,procedures, clinical information, documentation, program information are formulated on the most recentregulations,laws,informationanddatesavailable.Theyaresubjecttorevisionbystateandfederalagencies,whichare beyond the control of Dakota County Technical College, alterations may supersede the information in thishandbook.

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AccreditationDCTCDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegeisaccreditedbyTheHigherLearningCommission(HLC),aCommissionofTheNorthCentralAssociation.YoumayviewadditionalinformationaboutDCTC’saccreditationortheaboutTheHigherLearningCommissionontheirwebsiteathttp://www.ncahlc.org//800.621.7440.PROGRAMAPPROVALTheprogramisapprovedbytheMinnesotaBoardofNursing2829UniversityAvenueSE,#500Minneapolis,MN55414.GraduatesareeligibletoapplytotakethelicensingexaminationadministeredbytheNationalCouncilofStateBoardsofNursing.PROGRAMACCREDITATIONAsofOctober2017,theDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegePracticalNursingPrograminRosemount,MNholdspre-accreditationstatusfromtheNationalLeagueforNursingCommissionforNursingEducationAccreditation,2600VirginiaAvenue,NWWashington,DC,20037.Holdingpre-accreditationstatusdoesnotguaranteethatinitialaccreditationbyNLNCNEAwillbereceived.Theprogramplanstohaveaninitialaccreditationsitevisitspring2019.

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DCTCandNursingProgramsMissionandValuesDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegeValuesDCTCfirmlybelievesthatknowledgeimproveslives;thus,wearecommittedtothefollowingvalues:

• Excellence:Focusonqualityinprogramsandservices• Diversity:Showacceptance,opennessandfairnesstoeveryone• Innovation:Encourageandrewardnewideas,proactivethinkinganduseofevolvingtechnology• Respect:Fostertrust,courtesyandopencommunication• Integrity:Promoteethicalandhonestbehavior• Collaboration:Workcooperativelyinasupportiveenvironment

ProgramMissionStatementThemissionoftheDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegePracticalNursingProgramistoprovideaprogramoftheoryandpracticeinasupportiveenvironmentinwhichstudentswilldevelopknowledge,skills,andbehavioressentialforsuccessasalicensedpracticalnurse.PhilosophyTheDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegePracticalNursingProgrambelievesthatPracticalNursingisgroundedinthebiological,psychological,sociological,andspiritualsciencespracticedunderthesupervisionofaregisterednurseorotherqualifiedhealthcareprofessional.Nursingisdevotedtopromoting,maintaining,andrestoringthehealthofindividualsaswellaspromotingapeaceful,dignifieddeath.LicensedPracticalNurses(LPN’s)carefordiverseindividualsacrossthelifespaninavarietyofinpatientandcommunity-basedsettingsbyprovidingsafe,culturallysensitive,individualizedpatient/relationshipcenteredcareandbyparticipatingasamemberofthehealthcareteam.LPN’srecognizethatteamworkandinterprofessionalcollaborationamonghealthcareprofessionalsiscriticaltodeliveringsafe,qualitypatientcare.Ongoingqualityimprovementactivitiesareperformedinconcertwithothermembersofthehealthcareteam.Implementingestablishedevidencedbasedcare,skillsininformatics,andpatientcaretechnologyisessentialtothedeliveryofquality,safe,patient-centeredcare.DCTCPracticalNursingValuesThePNprogramvaluesareconsistentwithDCTCvalueswhichincludeexcellence,diversity,innovation,respect,integrity,accountabilityandcollaboration.Professionalvaluesguideinteractionswithindividuals,familiesandthehealthcareteam.LPN’sdemonstrateprofessionalbehaviorsbyexhibitingaccountabilityfortheiractions,meetingthehealthcareneedsofpatients,andassuminglegalresponsibilityforthecaretheyprovide.LPN’sdemonstrateprofessionalidentitybyupholdingtheircommitmenttothepublicandbyadheringtoanestablishedcodeofethics.ThemajorrolesoftheLPNincludedprovidingnursingcareandparticipatingasamemberofthenursingprofession.Asprovidersofcare,LPN’scontributetothepromotionofwellness;usenursingjudgmentintheidentificationofcurrentandemergingpatientproblemsandfunctionsasadvocatesforindividualpatients.

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ProgramOutcomesGraduateswilldemonstratetheknowledge,skills,andbehaviorsessentialforthesuccessfulpracticeofpracticalnursing.GraduateswillbepreparedtopasstheNCLEX-PNGraduatesofthePracticalNursingProgramwillbepreparedforemploymentaslicensedpracticalnurses.

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ComparisonofScopeofPracticeforLPNSandRNS

MinnesotaBoardofNursing

NursePracticeAct–MinnesotaStatuteSection148.171EffectiveAugust1,2013

PracticeofPracticalandProfessionalNursingLPNScopeofPractice RNScopeofPracticeSubd.14.Practiceofpracticalnursing.“practiceofpracticalnursingmeanstheperformance,withourwithoutcompensationofthoseservicesthatincorporatescaringforindividualpatientsinallsettingsthroughnursingstandardsrecognizedbytheboardatthedirectionofaregisterednurse,orotherlicensedhealthcareproviderandincludes,butisnotlimitedto:

1. conductingafocusedassessmentofthehealthstatusofanindividualpatientthroughthecollectionandcomparisonofdatatonormalfindingsandtheindividualpatient’scurrenthealthstatus,andreportingchangesandresponsestointerventionsinanongoingmannertoaregisterednurseortheappropriatelicensedhealthcareproviderfordelegatedorassignedtasksoractivities;

2. participatingwithotherhealthcareprovidersinthedevelopmentandmodificationofaplanofcare;

3. determiningandimplementingappropriateinterventionswithinanursingplanofcareorwhendelegated,orderedorprescribedbyalicensedhealthcareprovider;

4. implementinginterventionsthataredelegated,orderedorprescribedbyalicensedhealthcareprovider;

5. assigningnursingactivitiesortaskstootherlicensedpracticalnurses(LPNs);

6. assigningandmonitoringnursingtasksoractivitiestounlicensedassistivepersonnel.

7. providingsafeandeffectivenursingcaredelivery;

8. promotingasafeandtherapeuticenvironment;9. advocatingforthebestinterestsofindividual

patients;

Subd.15.Practiceofprofessionalnursing.The“practiceofprofessionalnursing”meanstheperformance,withourwithoutcompensationofthoseservicesthatincorporatescaringforallpatientinallsettingsthroughnursingstandardsrecognizedbytheboardandincludes,butisnotlimitedto;

1. providingacomprehensiveassessmentofthehealthstatusofapatientthroughthecollection,analysisandsynthesisofdatausedtoestablishahealthstatusbaselineandplanofcare,andaddresschangesinapatient’scondition;

2. collaboratingwiththehealthcareteamtodevelopandcoordinateandintegratedplanofcare;

3. developingnursinginterventionstobeintegratedwiththeplanofcare;

4. implementingnursingcarethroughtheexecutionofindependentnursinginterventions;

5. implementinginterventionsthataredelegated,ordered,oreprescribedbyalicensedhealthcareprovider.

6. delegatingnursingtasksorassigningnursingactivitiestoimplementtheplanofcare;

7. providingsafeandeffectivenursingcare;8. promotingasafeandtherapeuticenvironment;9. advocatingforthebestinterestsofindividual

patients;10. evaluatingresponsestointerventionsandthe

effectivenessoftheplanofcare;11. collaboratingandcoordinatingwithother

healthcareprofessionalsinthemanagementandimplementationofcarewithinandacrosscaresettingsandcommunities;

12. providinghealthpromotion,diseaseprevention,carecoordination,andcasefinding;

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10. assistingintheevaluationofresponsestointerventions;

11. collaboratingandcommunicatingwithotherhealthcareproviders;

12. providinghealthcareinformationtoindividualpatients;

13. providinginputintothedevelopmentofpoliciesandprocedures;and

14. accountabilityforthequalityofcaredelivered,recognizingthelimitsofknowledgeandexperience;addressingsituationsbeyondthenurse’scompetency;andperformingtothelevelofeducation,knowledge,andskillordinarilyexpectedofanindividualwhohascompletedanapprovedpracticalnursingeducationprogramdescribedinsection148.211,subdivision1.

13. designingandimplementingteachingplansbasedonpatientneedandevaluatingtheireffectiveness;

14. participatinginthedevelopmentofhealthcarepolicies,procedures,andsystems;

15. managing,supervising,andevaluatingthepracticeofnursing;

16. teachingthetheoryandpracticeofnursing;and17. accountabilityforthequalityofcaredelivered,

recognizingthelimitsofknowledgeandexperience;addressingsituationbeyondthenurse’scompetency;andperformingtothelevelofeducation,knowledge,andskillordinarilyexpectedofanindividualwhohascompletedandapprovedprofessionalnursingeducationprogramasdescribedinsection148.211,subdivision1.

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PNProgramDesignandProgressionsThePracticalNursingdiplomaprogramrequires42creditsforcompletion.Studentsmayregisterfor

developmentalcoursesthatmayincreaselearningandsuccessrates.Thesecoursecreditsdonotapply

towardthe42thatarerequiredfornursingmajors.Agradeof‘C’(2.0),orbetter,isrequiredinthe

followingcourses:

HEAL1060NursingAssistant

HEAL1101Anatomy&Physiology

HEAL1150HealthCareerMath

PSYC1350LifespanDevelopment

AllPNSGCourses

Thenursingcoursesarepresentedinthreesettings:classroom,learninglaboratoryandoff-campus

clinicalsites.Intheclassroomtheinstructorthroughlecture,classdiscussion,andaudio-visuals,

facilitatesthetheorycomponent.Studentassignmentsaredirectedtowardtextbookreadings,instructor-

designedandonlineAssessmentTechnologyInstitute(ATI)materials.Libraryreferences,nursing

periodicals,anatomymodels,andotherlearningresourcesareavailableforstudentsinavarietyofmedia

formats.Learninglaboratoriesincludehospitalbedsandequipmentthatsimulateclientunitsin

hospitals,longtermcarefacilities,out-patientclinicsandalternativecaresettings.Studentspractice

skillspresentedintheclassroomordemonstratedbytheinstructor.Eachstudentmustcompletea

satisfactoryreturndemonstrationofidentifiednursingskillstopasslabandclinicalcourses.

Observationsindepartmentsotherthannursing,aswellasalternativecaresites,arescheduledto

broadenthelearningexperience.

Nursingprogramfacultymembersmakeclientassignmentsandsupervisetheselearningexperiences.

Coursedescriptionsmaybefoundonline.ThePracticalNursingsemestercoursescheduleisavailable

priortoregistration.AcompleteofferingofDCTCcoursesarepublishedonline.

COURSESCHEDULESARESUBJECTTOCHANGEWITHOUTNOTICE

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FullTimeProgramPlanFullTime(Summerstartonlycompletesin12months)

Semester1

Heal1150HealthCareerMath

Heal1160NursingAssistant

Heal1101A&P

PSYC1350LifespanDevelopment

1

4

4

4

13credits

Semester2PNSG1010FoundationsofNursingPractice

PNSG1355Pharmacology

PNSG1410AdultHealthNursingI

PNSG1600ClinicalPractice1

4

3

4

4

15credits

Semester3PNSG1620ClinicalPracticeII

PNSG1755BehavioralHealthConcepts

PNSG1805Maternal/ChildHealth

PNSG1500AdultHealthII

PNSG2000Capstone

4

2

2

4

2

14credits

42creditstotal

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PNNursingConcepts/StudentLearningOutcomes/RoleSpecificCompetencies

Concept Student Learning Outcome

PN Role Specific Competencies (K=Knowledge, P=Practice-Know-How, E=Ethical Comportment)

Informatics/Technology

The practical nursing graduate will utilize information technology in the health care setting .

DOCUMENTATION/CONFIDENTIALITY Identify (K), demonstrate (P), and appreciate (E) the use of information technology to accurately document patient care while consistently safeguarding confidential health information. INFORMATICS Identify (K), demonstrate (P), and value (E) the use of information technology to access reliable information and resources that support evidence based patient care, reduce reliance on memory, and enhance competency within the practice setting.

Managing Care of the Individual Patient

The practical nursing graduate will work within an established plan of care for an individual patient to organize or assign aspects of care under the direction of a RN or other HCP.

MANAGING CARE OF THE INDIVIDUAL PATIENT Identify (K), demonstrate (P), and appreciate (E) one's role in managing care (planning and organizing) within a plan of care for the individual patient in providing quality nursing care under the direction of a RN or licensed HCP. ASSIGN/MONITOR: Identify (K), assign (P) nursing tasks/activities to other LPN’s, assign and monitor nursing tasks/activities to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) and accept (E) accountability for the PN scope of practice.

Nursing Judgment/ Evidence Based Care

The practical nursing graduate will utilize evidence based nursing judgment when prioritizing care, implementing interventions, reporting changes, and promoting the health of individual patients across the lifespan.

PRIORITIZATION OF CARE: Describe (K), demonstrate (P), and value (E) the ability to prioritize care in delivering quality, patient centered nursing care across the lifespan. NURSING JUDGMENT: Identify (K), use (P), and appreciate (E) evidence based care when conducting a focused assessment, choosing nursing interventions within a plan of care, monitoring, and reporting changes in the individualized patient's condition across the lifespan.

Patient-Relationship Centered Care

The practical nursing graduate demonstrates effective communication skills while providing patient care founded on basic physical, developmental, spiritual, cultural, functional, and psychosocial needs (NAPNES) of individual (SOP) patients across the lifespan.

NURSING PROCESS: Describe (K), utilize (P), and value (E) the nursing process when participating with other health providers in the development and modification of a plan (SOP) of care for patients across the lifespan and in various health care settings. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Describe (K), demonstrate (P), and value (E) self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and caring effective communication with patients LEARNING NEEDS: Describe (K), provide (P) health care information, and reinforce P) established teaching plans for individual patients while (E) appreciating the importance of patient education.

Professional Identity and Behavior

The practical nursing graduate will demonstrate professional behaviors and accountability to legal and ethical nursing

ETHICAL/LEGAL: Explain (K), demonstrate (P), and value (E) nursing care within ethical, legal, regulatory frameworks and within the scope of practice for the LPN. PROFESSIONALISM:

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practice standards for a competent PN

Describe (K), demonstrate (P), and accept (E) responsibility for personal integrity, professional boundaries, professional behaviors and lifelong learning.

Quality Improvement

The practical nursing graduate will participate in quality improvement by providing input into the development of policies and procedures and effectively using resources to achieve patient outcomes

PATIENT CARE CONCERNS: Identify (K), report (P), and respect (E) patient care concerns to improve customer service, patient satisfaction, and enhance effective and cost efficient health care services. ORGANIZATIONAL/SYSTEM: Describe (K), provide input (P), and appreciate (E) quality improvement methods used to develop or revise policies/procedures, and effectively use resources to support organizational outcomes

Safety

The practical nursing graduate will recognize and report changes and responses to interventions to a RN or the appropriate licensed health care provider while providing a safe environment for patients, self, and others

PATIENT COMPLICATIONS: Identify (K), implement actions (P), and recognize (E) one's responsibility to detect and respond to actual/potential patient complications and report changes to the appropriate health care provider. SAFE NURSING PRACTICE: Explain (K), demonstrate (P), and value (E) safe nursing practice and the relationship between national safety campaigns and implementation in practice settings.

Teamwork & Collaboration

The practical nursing graduate will participate as a member of the inter professional team collaborating and communicating with other health care providers (SOP) to promote safe, quality, patient centered care.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Describe (K), display (P), and value (E) effective communication skills including the responsibility to report to appropriate health care personnel when working with members of the inter `professional teams. CONFLICT RECOGNITION: Recognize conflict (K), clarify conflict concerns (P), and value the importance of reporting staff conflict (E).

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StudentswithDisabilitiesReasonableaccommodationswillbeprovidedforstudentswithphysical,sensory,learning,psychiatric,andchronicdisabilities.StudentsshouldnotifytheProgramDirector,theDisabilityServicesAdvisorandtheADAComplianceOfficetodiscussorarrangeanyreasonableaccommodationsneeded.DCTCprovidessupportservicesforqualifiedstudentswithdisabilities.Studentswithdisabilitiesmayobtainassistanceduringanyphaseoftheeducationprocessincludingadmission,registration,advising,instructionandplacement.ThefacultyandstaffatDCTCarecommittedtoprovidingstudentswithdisabilitiestheappropriateaccommodationstoensureaccesstoprograms,services,andactivitiesasrequiredbyTheAmericanDisabilitiesAct(ADA).InaccordancewiththeADA,thefollowingareavailabletoqualifiedstudentswithdisabilities;support,counselingandinformationservices;academicassistanceincludingassistivedevices;courseselectionandprogramadvising;andtutoring,testingassistanceandmodification.Uponrequest,anadvocatecanbeassignedtoassistwithmodificationrequests,intervention,andgrievanceprocedures.CoursedescriptionsarefoundintheDCTCcatalog.APracticalNursingsemesterclassscheduleisavailablepriortoregistration.StudentServicesalsopublishesacompletescheduleofallcollegecourses.

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PracticalNursingProgramPoliciesThefollowingPracticalNursingProgrampolicieshavebeendevelopedtocomplywithstudentpoliciesofDCTC,rulesoftheMinnesotaBoardofNursing,agreementswithclinicalfacilities,andstandardsofnursingpractice.

TransferCredit/CreditbyExamSee“TRANSFERRINGCREDITSINTODCTC”intheonlineDCTCStudentHandbook.TransferCreditAstudentwishingtotransfercreditsintothepre-nursingorpracticalnursingprogrammustcompletetheregularadmissionsprocessandhavedesignatednursingastheirmajor.Astudentwhohasbeendismissedfromanotherinstitutionforacademicordisciplinaryreasonswillbegivenconsiderationforadmissiononlyaftercarefulreview.Ifastudenthasbeensuspendedfromanothercollegeand/orfailedmorethan2nursingcorecourses,he/shewillnotbeeligibletoapplyuntil1yearafterthelastsemesterdropped.IncomingstudentscanobtainanunofficialreviewofpreviouscollegecreditwiththeprogramadvisorinStudentServices.Studentsinterestedinreceivingatransfermustmakeaformalapplicationfortransferofcredit.Eachcredittobeconsideredfortransfermustbesupportedbyanofficialtranscriptsentfromtheoriginatinginstitution.Theapplicationfortransfer,accompaniedbythenecessaryofficialtranscripts,mustbereviewedandapprovedbythestudent’sacademicadvisorand/orcounselorandtheRegistrarpriortotheawardingofcredit.Transferoftechnicalcreditsshallbeallowed,(atthediscretionoftheDirectorofNursingandthefacultymembers),forcoursesthathavebeencompletedwithinfiveyearspriortothetransferofapplicationtotheprogram.Studentswithtechnicalcoursesthatwerecompletedmorethanfiveyearspriortothetransferapplicationmaybeabletousethetest-outprocesstodemonstratecoursecontentmasteryandreceivecredit.Generaleducationcreditswilltransferiftheyareapplicabletotheawardastudentisseeking.DakotaCountyTechnicalCollegegraduateswhoseekfurtheracademictrainingmayfindopportunitiestotransfertheircreditstoanotherupper-division,post-secondaryinstitution.Transfercreditdecisionismadeonanindividualbasisbycollege.PleasecontactaStudentServicesadvisorforquestionsorconcernsregardingtransferofcredit.Documentation/ProcedureRequestsfortransferofcreditshallbeconsideredwhenthey:

1. StudentsmustcomplywiththeDCTCTransferCreditpoliciesandprocedures.(SeeDCTCStudentHandbook)

2. StudentsmusthavecompletedapplicationtoDCTCandthePracticalNursingProgram.

3. Aresupportedbyofficialtranscriptsfromanapprovededucationalinstitution.

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4. Arecurrentaccordingtopolicyofcurrentvaluerelatedtonewinformation/technology.

5. Includeatleast75%ofDTCcoursecontent.(Insomesituations,acoursesyllabusmayberequestedtoassistinevaluatingcoursecontentoftransfercredits.)

6. Areapprovedbyfaculty/programdirector/programdean/DCTCRegistrar.

DenialThePracticalNursingProgramreservestherighttodenyrequestsfortransferofcreditwhen:

1. Creditsarenotapplicabletothepracticalnursingmajor.

2. Credit/syllabusdoesnothavecurrentvalueduetonewinformation/technology.

3. Credit/coursegradeislowerthana“C”(C-isnotacceptable).

4. Contentandcourseisover5yearsold.

CreditbyExaminationCreditbydepartmentalexamination(testout)isaprovision,whichexistsformanycourseswiththeapprovaloftheinstructororDean.Theexaminationmaytaketheformofawrittentest,ororalexamination,orsomeotherdemonstrationofcompetency.StudentswhohaveformallydeclaredtheirmajorsatDCTCareeligibletotestout.Studentsmustscoreata“C”levelorbettertopassacreditbyexam.CreditbyexamcannotbeusedforcoursespreviouslytakenatDCTC.DocumentationStudentsmayreceivecreditbyexaminationforlife/work-relatedexperiencesthattheybelievehavedemonstratedparallelknowledgeandexperiencetospecifiedcoursesinthepracticalnursingprogram.Requestsforcreditbyexaminationwillbeconsideredwhen:

1. Relevantandcurrentexperiencesaredocumentedinthestudent’spetition/request.

2. Facultyassessthatthedocumentedexperiencesparallelcoursecontent(Assessmentmayincludewrittentestingorskillstestingbyfacultytodeterminecompetencyintheareathatthestudentisrequestingcreditbyexamination).

Procedure

1. ThestudentmusthavecompletedanapplicationtoDCTCandthePracticalNursingProgram.

2. Thestudentmustcompletethecreditbyexamprocesspriortothesemesterinwhichthecourseistobetaken,accordingtotherequiredcoursesequence.

3. Thestudentwillsubmitawrittenrequestforcreditbyexaminationincludingdocumentationof

life/workexperience.

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4. ThePracticalNursingdirector/facultywillapprove/denytherequestbaseduponreviewofrequestanddocumentation.Ifarequestisapproved,thedirector/facultywillidentifytestingmethod(s)forcreditbyexamination.

5. Uponapproval,thestudentwillcompletethe“CreditbyExamination”formintheStudentServices

Officeandpayrequiredthefeesatthetuitionoffice.(DCTCpolicyisoutlinedinthestudenthandbook.)

6. Studentwillsubmitcompletedexamformtotheprogramdirector.Theprogramdirectorand

appropriatefacultywillconferwiththestudenttoarrangecreditbyexaminationwithwrittenand/orskilltesting.

7. Successfulcompletionoftestingwillresultincreditenteredonthestudent’sofficialtranscript.

DenialThePracticalNursingProgramreservestherighttodenycreditbyexaminationwhen:

1. Thestudenthasreceivedacoursegradeof“D”orbeloworanincompleteinthecourseorhaswithdrawnfromthecourseduringaprevioussemester.

2. Theexperiencesarenotofcurrentvalue.3. Thestudentcannotsupplydocumentationforevaluationofcourserelevancy.4. Thestudenthashadanunsuccessfulattemptwithcreditbyexaminationforthesamecourse.5. Thestudentdoesnotprovideevidenceofcompetencythroughassessmentasdeterminedbythe

NursingFacultyorNursingteam.

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Progression Toensurenursingstudentsmaintainsatisfactoryprogressintheprogramandtomeetcollegeresponsibilities,thenursingfacultyhasestablishedacademicprogression/graduationrequirements.ThesegoalsincludetheProgramoutcomesandthefollowing:

1. Itisthenursingprogramsresponsibilitytoprovideevidencewhenstudentsarefailing.2. Itisthenursingprogramsresponsibilitytouseresourceswisely.3. Itistheprogramsresponsibilitytomonitorstudentprogressandensureadmittancetowaiting

students.Astudentmustearnaminimumgradeof“C”ineachnursingcourseandmaintaina2.0GPAinordertoprogressinthenursingprogramsequence.Studentsmustsatisfactorilycompleteallrequiredprogramandcourseobjectivesinordertoprogressintheprogramandgraduate.*Unsatisfactorygradesaredefinedas“D,”“F,”“NC,”or“W.”Coursesinthenursingcurriculumaresequential,i.e.successfulcompletionofaspecificfirstsemesternursingcourseisrequiredbeforeastudentcanprogresstosecondsemestercourses.Eventhoughanursingstudenthasfailedacoursethatmaybeofferedthefollowingsemesterandthecourseappearstohavespaceavailable,thespacesineachcourseforeverysemesterareallottedforstudentsinaspecificcohort.Thestudentwillbeallowedtoregisterforthecourseasspacepermits.TwounsuccessfulgradesforanyPNSGcourseswillresultindismissalfromtheprogram.Ifastudenthasbeenunsuccessfulinanursingcourse(s)orhaswithdrawnfromacourse(s)becauseofacademic,personalormedicalissues,thestudentmustmeetwiththeDirectorofNursing.Thismeetingwilldocumentthestudent’scourseofactionandfuture.Status/ChangeReadmissionTheDCTCStudentHandbookoutlinestheprocedureforwithdrawingfromacourseorthecollege.Studentsareresponsibleforfollowingcollegeprocedures.Studentsshouldinformtheprogram’sStudentServiceProgramAdvisorifplansforprogramprogressionchange.Exampleincludes;totemporarilybeplacedoninactivestatus.WhenplanningtoreturntothePracticalNursingProgram,studentsmustplanwiththeprogramadvisorforreadmission.Clinicalcourseshavelimitedenrollmentandcurrentenrolledstudentshavepriorityforregistration.Theory/LabCoursesAnursingstudentmaydropfromatheorycoursewithinthefirstfivedaysofthesemesterandnotreceivea“W”(seetheDCTCStudentHandbookregardingtheAdd,DropandWithdrawalPolicytimelines).Withdrawalsafterthedropdatearerecordedasa“W”andwillbeconsideredanunsatisfactoryattempt.RepeatingCoursesStudentsmayrepeatnursingcourses,onaspace-availablebasis.Studentswhohavefailedorwithdrawnfromacourse(s)mustrepeattheentirecourse(lab/lecturecoursesareconsideredonecourse)andcompleteallrequiredassignmentsinthecourse.Iftherearemorenursingstudentswhomustrepeatthesamecourseduringthesamesemesterthanspaceavailable,studentswillberankedbyGPAacademicstandingandcompletionofcourses.

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NotificationStudentsareapprisedofprogressthroughoutcoursework.Refertoindividualinstructorcoursesyllabusfordetails.Studentsareresponsibletoseekinformationregardingtheirownacademicprogresswhennecessary.StudentsNOTprogressingintheprogram,willbenotifiedbytheDirectorofNursing,viaemailattheendofthesemester,afterALLfinalgradeshavebeencalculated.Academiccounselingisavailable.Thenursingfacultywillworkwithstudentsand/orprovidereferral,ifneededtoStudentServicesforacademiccounseling.PleaseseetheDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegeStudentHandbookpetitionprocedures

ProgramDismissalStudentsearnanacademicexitfromthenursingprogramforthefollowingreasons:GPAfortwosemesterfallsbelow2.0willnotprogresstothirdsemester.ThestudentwillneedtousethesemestertotakecoursesthatwillincreasetheGPAtograduationstandards.Earnedunsatisfactorygradeorfailinthesamenursingcorecourse/clinicaltwotimes.EarnedtwounsatisfactorygradesorfailsinanyPNSGcourses.Thestudentwillbeineligibleforreadmissionfortwounsatisfactoryclinicalattemptsorforone“nocall,noshow”intheclinicalsetting.ProgressionCommitteeTheProgressionCommitteeisdesignedtoofferthestudentsanobjectivedecisionbasedonthefactsgiven.ThecommitteemeetsonceastudentplacesanappealtotheDirectorofNursingwithdocumentationastowhystudentshouldbeabletoremainintheprogram.TheCommitteeismadeupofaminimumoftwonursingfacultyandanadministrator.Generallyastudentservicerepresentativeispresent.Thismeetingwilldocumentthestudent’scourseofactionandfuture.SeeDCTCStudentHandbookforcollegepolicyonrepeatingofcoursework.ReadmissiontotheNursingMajorStudentsinterestedinreadmissionmustmeetwiththeDirectorofNursingtodiscussthereadmissionprocess.Tobeeligibleforreadmission,thestudentmustsubmitwrittendocumentationtotheDirectorofNursingincludingevidencetosupportrationalforreadmission.ThedocumentationshouldincludeaplanofactionthatidentifiesmechanismsthathavebeenputinplaceorlifecircumstancesthathavechangedtoenhancetheprobabilityofsuccessintheNursingProgram.Thiswrittenplanofactionmustbereceivedfour(4)weekspriortothefirstdayofclassforthesemesterinwhichreadmissionwouldoccur.Thestudentwillbenotifiedinwritingofreadmissionstatus.ReadmissionOutline

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Studentswhohavestoppedorstepped-out(doesnotapplytostudentsthathavewithdrawnorfailedtwoPNSGcourses)ofthePracticalNursingProgrammayopttoreapplyforreadmissionone(1)timewithinoneyearoftheirlastsemesterattendedandbegintheprogramagainwithanewcohortofstudents.ContinuingevaluationofthePracticalNursingProgramcurriculumresultsinyearlyrevision,andclassesand/orclinicalcoursesareupdatedinordertoincludecurrentcontentormaterialorbere-sequenced.Therefore,coursesthathavebeentakengreaterthanoneyearfromthere-enteringsemesterarenotconsideredvalidforprogramcompletionandmustberetaken.Studentsseekingreadmissionmustcompleteanewapplication.Applicationsforreadmissionwillbeplacedwiththepoolofnewapplicants,andthestudentwillbeadmittedusingthesamecriteriaasallapplicantstothedesignatedNursingProgram.Ifallnursingcoursesandcohortsarefullfortheacademicyearandthereisnospaceavailable,thestudent(s)applyingforreadmissionwillbeplacedonthewaitinglistintheorderitwasreceived.InordertoensurethatastudentwhohasbeenoutoftheNursingProgramforaperiodoftimeshastheprerequisiteskillandknowledgetosafelyandcompetentlycareforpatients,remediationortestingassessmentsofskillandtheorymayberequiredasaconditionofreadmissionatthediscretionofthenursingfacultyandDirectorofNursing.Ifthestudentfailstomeetprogressionrequirementsafterreadmission,thestudentwillbedismissedfromtheprogramandnotbeeligibleforsubsequentreadmissiontotheDakotaCountyPracticalNursingProgram.Pleasealsoseethecollegepolicyonrepeatingofcoursework.Aninactivestudent(notenrolledinnursingcoursesfortwosemesters),mustapplyforre-admission.Aninterviewandskillsrefresher,(ifappropriate),mustbecompletedtoensurethestudentwillbesuccessfulwhenresumingthelearningprogram.Studentswillbegiveninformationregardingtheprocedureatthetimeofinquiryforreadmission.AnyDCTCPracticalNursingstudentwhoisoutofschoolforayearoranynewstudenttransferringintotheDTCPracticalNursingProgrammustmeettheadmissioncriteriainplaceatthetimeofapplicationorre-application.AnystudentwhohasnotbeenenrolledinclinicalorlabskillscourseforonesemestermustsatisfactorilycompleteappropriateassessmentandpotentiallyaClinicalSkillsRefresherbeforehe/sheisallowedtocontinueinthenursingprogram.

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ClinicalReadinessCriminalBackgroundStudy

MinnesotaStatelawsrequirethatanypersonwhohasdirectcontactwithpatientsandresidentsathealthcarefacilitieslicensedbyTheMinnesotaDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesmusthaveacriminalbackgroundcheckcompletedpriortothestudent’sfirstclinicalrotation.Resultsofthestudyareconfidentialandaremaintainedinthestudent’sfileinAcademicAffairsoffice.Yourpromptattentiontosubmittingyourinformationwillallowyoutimetoaddressanydisqualificationsorquestionableresults.Backgroundstudiesmustbeupdatedannuallyandwillbechargedaccordingly.Studentsthatdonotpass,thecriminalbackgroundcheck,(unableto‘setdisqualificationsaside’),willnotbepermittedtoparticipateinclinicalexperiences,therebyrenderingtheindividualineligibletoprogressinthenursingprogram.DakotaCountyTechnicalCollegereservestherighttoruncriminalbackgroundchecksatanytimeduringthecourseofthenursingprogram,shouldinformationbebroughtforwardindicatingthatthestudent’sbackgroundstudywouldnolongerbecleared.TheDirectorofNursingortheclinicalinstructorwillcontactthestudenttocompleteanotherbackgroundstudy.Studentsmustremainingoodlegalstandingbefore,during,andaftercompletingtheclinicalportionsofthenursingprogram.Ifthereisanincidentthatcouldpotentiallydeemanystudentinappropriateforclinicalpracticum,itisthelegalandethicalresponsibilityofthestudenttoreportpotentialissuestotheclinicalinstructororDirectorofnursingimmediately.If,atanytimeduringthenursingprogram,astudentisdeterminedtobeinviolationofthelaw,andarecheckofthecriminalbackgroundstudyfindsthestudenttobeineligibletoprovidedirectpatientcontact,thestudentwillbeexitedfromtheprogram.Inaddition,theadministrationreservestherighttoevaluateanycurrentchargesand/orconvictions.Ifadministrationdeterminesthatfurtheractionisnecessary,itwillbehandledonanindividualbasis.Ifthestudentrefusestocooperatewiththecriminalbackgroundcheck,theclinicalfacilitywillrefusetoallowclinicalexperienceparticipation.TheNursingProgramdoesnotguaranteeanalternativefacilityplacement.Ifnoalternativeclinicalplacementisavailable,thestudentcannotfulfilltheclinicalrequirementsoftheprogramand,therefore,isunabletoprogressinthepracticalnursingprogram.Extendedstateandfederalbackgroundchecksmayberequiredbyindividualclinicalsites.StudentswithquestionsorconcernsregardingtheprocessorresultsoftheirbackgroundcheckshouldIMMEDIATELYdirectquestionsandappealsto:MinnesotaDepartmentofHumanServicesLicensingDivisionOfficeofLegalCouncil444LafayetteBoulevardSt.Paul,MN55155-3842Phone(651)296-3971Webaddress:www.dhs.state.mn.us

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ImmunizationRecords

Acompletedimmunizationformmustbeonfilepriortobeginninganyclinicalexperience.Theseformswillbeprovidedtostudentsacceptedintotheprograms.TheimmunizationsrequiredarestandardsestablishedbytheMinnesotaDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesandCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention.Ifastudentfailstoprovidetherequiredimmunizationdata,theclinicalsitewillnotacceptthestudentatitsfacility.Thisincludesstudentswhoareconscientiousobjectorstoimmunizations.TheDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegePracticalNursingProgramdoesNOTguaranteeanalternativefacilityplacement.Ifnoalternativeclinicalplacementisavailable,thestudentcannotfulfilltheclinicalrequirementsoftheprogramand,therefore,isunabletoprogressinthePracticalNursingProgram.Immunizationdocumentationissubmittedyearlyorasneeded.

StudentHealthAssessmentandClinicalReadinessTheinformationcontainedinstudenthealthrecordsisconsideredandtreatedasconfidential;howeverstudentsareaskedtosignan‘AuthorizationforaReleaseofStudentData’formthatallowsustoshareessentialinformationwithourclinicalaffiliates.Theformismaintainedinthestudent’sCastlebranchcompliancetrackeraccount.Somefacilitiesmayimposecertainrequirementsregardingthehealthofpersonsworkingintheirfacilitiesandmayrequirethathealthinformationaboutstudentsinclinicalsiteprogramsbemadeavailabletothem.Thecollegemayaskstudentstoprovidehealthinformationwhichwillbeusedtodeterminewhetherastudentmeetsaclinicalsite’shealthrequirementsforcareproviders.ClinicalsitesmayrefusetoacceptthestudentattheirfacilitiesshouldthestudentfailtosubmitaCOMPLETEphysicalexam.DakotaCountyPracticalNursingProgramdoesnotguaranteeanalternativefacilityplacement.Ifnoalternativeclinicalplacementisavailable,thestudentcannotfulfilltheclinicalrequirementsoftheprogramandthereforeisunabletoprogressintheNursingProgram.Ifastudenthasaphysicalorcognitivelimitationthatpreventsthemfromindependentlyperformingthepsychomotorand/orcognitiveskillsrequired,thestudentwillbeunabletoprogressintheprogramuntilthelimitationshavebeenresolved.Studentswithpsychomotorand/orcognitivelimitationsshouldcontactthecollegedisabilitycounselorpriortothestartoftheacademicschoolyeartoexploreservicesavailabletothem.PersonalInformationClinicalfacilitiesmayrequestpersonalinformationsuchas:name,dateofbirth,immunizationrecords,backgroundstudiesandthelastfourdigitsofthestudent’sSS#.Clinicalagenciesmayutilizethisinformationtoconductadditionalbackgroundstudiesandtoassignidentificationforcomputeraccess.LiabilityInsuranceNursingliabilityinsuranceisrequired.Thecostofthis(one-timenon-refundablecoursefee)insuranceiscoveredbycoursetuition.Liabilityinsurancedoesnotcoverpersonalinjuryorillness.MarshUSA,Inc.

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coverseachstudentthroughDCTCforprofessionalliability(ThirdPartyLiabilityCoverage).Formoreinformation,pleasecontacttheBusinessoffice.Workers’CompensationStudentsarenotanemployeeoftheclinicalfacilitiestowhichtheyareassignedorDakotaCountyTechnicalCollege.Workers’Compensationinsuranceisnotapplicabletothenursingstudent.HealthInsuranceThoughthisisnotarequirementforclinicalorprogramparticipation,itisrecommendedthatastudenthasbasichealthinsurance.Collegefeesdonotcoverthisfeeorpremium.Independentstudenthealthinsuranceisavailable.SeeStudentServicesformoreinformation.PersonalHealthRisksNursingstudentswillhavelearningexperiencesoccurringinavarietyofhealthcarefacilitiesprovidingnursingcareforclientswhoareill.Itislikelythatclinicalexperienceswillincludecaringforclientswithinfectiousdiseases.Itistheresponsibilityofthestudentnursetomeetthehealthrequirementsandtopracticestandardprecautions(taughtpriortoclinicallearningexperiences)tominimizetheriskstoone’spersonalhealth.Byenrollinginthenursingprogram,thestudentacknowledgestheserisks.StudentHealthStudentsareresponsiblefortheirhealthandanyrelatedproblems.Studentsmustreceivemedicationsorcarefromtheirpersonalphysician.StudentsmayNOTconsultthehealthcareprovidersintheclinicalarea.Illnessormedicationsaffectingstudentperformancemustbereportedtotheclinicalinstructor.Studentsareresponsiblefortheirownmedicalandhospitalizationinsurance.Ifastudentbecomesillorinjuredintheclinicalarea,theclinicalinstructormustbenotified.Emergencytreatment,ifneeded,willbeprovidedintheclinicalsiteemergencyroom.AllinjuriesoccurringatthecollegearetobetreatedintheDCTCHealthServicesoffice.Ineithercase,studentsmustreportincidentstotheDCTCHealthServicesofficeimmediately.StudentHealthConcernGoodphysicalandemotionalhealthisnecessarytoparticipateinclinicalcourseassignments.Studentsmusthaveaphysicianorhealthprofessional’srecommendationtoparticipateinclinicalcoursesiftheyhaveexperiencedaneventthatmayplacelimitationsontheirclinicalperformanceorbeapotentialsafetyhazardtoclients.Examplesinclude:surgicalprocedures,injuries,infections,emotionalinstability,andpregnancy/delivery.Thefacultyrequireaprofessionalhealthassessmentifastudent’sbehaviorsand/orclinicalperformancedemonstratespotentiallyunsafesituations.Physical,CognitiveandPsychosocialRequirementsInordertoprovidesafeandcompetentcareforillandvulnerablepatientsandtomeetthepsychomotorandcognitiveobjectivesofaclinicalcourse,studentsparticipatinginclinicalexperiencesmustmeetthephysical,cognitive,andpsychosocialrequirements.Allstudentsarerequiredtohaveamedicalformcompletedbyalicensedmedicalprovider.Acompletedphysicalexamformmustbeonfilepriortobeginningofanyclinicalexperience.

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CardiopulmonaryResuscitation,(CPR),FortheHealthcareProviderStudentsinthenursingprogrammustsuccessfullycompleteHealthCareProviderorProfessionalRescuerCPRcoursepriortoadmissiontothenursingprogramandmaintainacurrentcardwhileinthePracticalNursingProgram.StudentsmaychoosetorenewtheirCPRwithTheAmericanHeartAssociation-CPRforHealthcareProvider,orthroughTheAmericanRedCross-ProfessionalRescuer.Acopyofthestudent’scurrentCPRcardmustbemaintainedintheCastlebranchComplianceTrackeraccountpriorandduringallclinicalcourses.

DrugandAlcoholPolicyDRUGFREECAMPUSPOLICY-seeDCTCstudenthandbookDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegeNursingDepartmentiscommittedtomaintaininganenvironmentthatisfreefromtheinfluenceofalcohol,misuseofprescriptionmedications,andillegaldrugs.Inordertoensurestudent,employee,faculty,andpatientsafetyintheclassroom,lab,andclinicalsetting,DakotaCountyTechnicalCollegeupholdsthedrug-freecampuspolicyintheStudentHandbookandextendsthispolicytoclinicalsitesoffcampus.Duetothenatureofthenursingprofession,shouldconcernsariseconcerningdrugoralcoholuse,facultyand/oradministrationreservetherighttoaddresssituationsonanindividualbasis.

StudentNurseLifeThelifeofastudentisbusyandchallenging,especiallyforastudentnurse.Studentsoftenhavefamily,work,andotherresponsibilitiesinadditiontoclassandstudytime.Thereareseveralfactorstoconsiderwhenorganizingone’spersonal,family,andemploymenttime.Thecollegeexpectstwohoursormoreofoutsidestudytimeforeveryhouroflectureclassandonehouroutsidestudytimeforeverytwohoursoflabclass.AppointmentsStudentmaychecktheinstructorsschedulepostedoutsidetheirofficedoorsforavailableappointmenttimesoutsideofclass.Ifthepostedtimesarenotconvenient,studentsareencouragedtoutilizeemailtocommunicateand/orscheduleanappointmentwithhis/heradvisor.EmailandTechnologyEmailistheofficialcommunicationmechanismforDCTC.Pleaseberemindedthatemailisconsideredtobepartofprofessionalandappropriatecommunicationbetweenfaculty,administrationandfellowpeers.Expectationsarethatsuchcommunicationswillbereceived,readandacteduponinatimelyfashion,byfaculty,studentsandstaff.Studentsareresponsibleforseeingthatelectronicinformationservicesareusedeffectively,efficiently,ethically,lawfullyandincompliancewithDCTCpoliciesStudentsexperiencingdifficultywiththeiremailaccountsneedtoinformhis/heradvisorimmediately.D2LStudentsarerequiredtousecomputertechnologyinthenursingprogram.MostnursingcoursesusesomecomponentofDesire2Learn(D2L),aweb-basedinstructionmanagementsystem.

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AssessmentTechnologiesInstitute(ATI)FacultymembersuseAssessmentTechnologiesInstitute,(ATI)anE-learningtool,designedtoimprovestudenttestoutcomes..Itisthestudents’responsibilitytocheckthesewebsitesonaregularbasisthesecoursecommunicationtools.Studentsmusthaveaccesstoacomputer,printer,andtheinternetinordertomeettheacademicdemandsofthenursingprogram.Ataminimum,computersshouldbeequippedwithWord,AdobeAcrobatReaderandMicrosoftOffice.ComputersandprintersareavailableforstudentuseintheITCLearningCenter.Studentsrequiringassistancewithcomputer-relatedconcernsshouldcontactastaffmemberintheITCLearningCenter.SocialMediaWeencouragestudentstoexercisecautionwhenusingsocialmedia.ContentfoundonyourprofilesmaynegativelyinfluenceperspectiveemployersandDCTCclinicalaffiliates.AcademicIntegrity:MoralandEthicalResponsibilitiesAcademicintegrityisoneofthemostimportantvaluesinhighereducation.Thisprinciplerequiresthateachstudent'sworkrepresentshisorherownpersonaleffortsandthatthestudentacknowledgestheintellectualcontributionsofothers.Thefoundationforthisprincipleisthestudentacademichonesty.DCTCstudentsareexpectedtohonortherequirementsoftheAcademicIntegrityPolicy3.6.1whichisfoundontheDCTCwebsiteat:http://www.dctc.edu/about-us/college-policies/TheNursingFacultyatDCTChasanobligationtoteach,upholdandenforceprofessional,moralandethicalprinciplesoftheprofessionofnursing.Thesebehaviorsareevaluatedineachnursingcourse.Studentswhoengageinbehaviorthatviolatemoraland/orethicalstandardsdescribedintheDCTCAcademicIntegrityPolicy3.6.1.Behaviorsthatviolateprofessional,moral,andethicalstandardsinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

• Academicdishonesty(cheating,plagiarism)• Knowinglyfurnishingfalseinformation• Falsifyingwritteninformationordocumentationonanyformonoroffcampus.• Theft• Transgressionofprofessionalboundaries• Unprofessionalorunsafebehaviorsintheclinicalsetting• Breachingofconfidentiality

Astudentinaclinicalrotationmaybeplacedonprobationordismissedfromthenursingprogramrelatedtohis/herbehaviorandactual/potentialharmtoothers.Studentsthatfailtomeetbehavioralprogressionrequirementsmayhaveconsequenceswhichcanrangefromcoursefailuretoprogramdismissal.StudentswhohavebeendismissedfromtheprogramforthesereasonsarenoteligibletoapplyforreadmissiontothenursingprogramatDakotaCountyTechnicalCollege.

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Patient/ResidentConfidentiality/HealthInsurancePortabilityandAccountabilityAct(HIPAA)PolicyAllstudentsenrolledinclinicalcoursesmustcompleteaPatient/ResidentConfidentialityPolicyAgreement(seeaddendum).Thisagreementdetailsthestudent’sresponsibilityinprovidingtherighttoprivacyforallpatients/residents.AnybreachofthisConfidentialityPolicymayresultindismissalfromthePracticalNursingProgram.

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ClinicalsClinicalCoursesTomeetthegoalsandobjectiveofthePracticalNursingProgramandtherequirementsoftheMinnesotaBoardofNursing,studentsmustachieveaminimumdegreeofcompetenceinclientcareactivities.Nursingskillsareacquiredthroughinstructor-supervisedpracticeinclinicalsettingsduringclinicalcourses.AgreementsA‘MemorandumofAgreement’betweenDCTCandits’clinicalaffiliatesareroutinelyreviewedandrenewed.TheseagreementsarewrittenincompliancewiththeMinnesotaBoardofNursingRules6301.1700.AgreementsarekeptonfileintheAcademicAffairsOfficeandwitheachoftheDCTCclinicalfacilities.Eachclinicalsite,inconjunctionwithDCTCfaculty,isresponsibleforthepatientcareprovided.Facilitiesagreetoprovideclinicallearningexperiencesforourstudentsthatfulfillthewrittenlearningobjectivesdesignedbythefaculty.Assignments,SupervisionandReadinessThefacultyreservestherighttoassignstudentsasneededtoanyclinicalsiteand/ortimei.e.day/eveningshift,dependentonavailability.Studentsareassignedtospecificclinicalsitestoprovidethebestpossiblelearningopportunities.Wheneverpossible,studentswillNOTbeassignedtohospitals,nursinghomes,andalternativedeliverysiteswheretheyareemployed.Theroleandresponsibilities,andexpectationsforastudentaredifferentfromthatofanemployee.AfacultymemberoftheDCTCPracticalNursingProgram,inconjunctionwiththeclinicalsitesnursingstaff,willprovideinstructionandsupervisionofstudents.Afacultymembermayormaynotbepresentinthefacility,whilestudentsareprovidingclientcare.Studentsareresponsiblefortheirownactions.Studentsmustcommunicateclientcareactivitieswiththeirinstructorduringclinicalcourses.Toparticipateinclinicalexperiences,studentsarerequiredtosubmitthefollowingitems:

1. BackgroundStudy2. ImmunizationRecords3. NameandDateofBirth4. AuthorizationofReleaseofStudentData5. CPRfortheHealthCareProvider6. HealthInsurance(stronglyrecommended)7. Last5digitsofSocialSecurityNumber8. ProofonNARegistry

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Healthcarefacilities’regulationsrequiretheaboveinformation.Individualclinicalsitesmayrequireadditionalinformation.Nursingstudentsarerequiredtohaveanupdated‘StudentHealthAssessmentandClinicalReadiness’includingallsupportingdocuments,signedbyalicensedhealthcareprovider.Studentswhofailtoprovidetherequireddocumentationbythedetermineddeadlinearenoteligibleforclinicalprogression.

PNPreceptorPolicy

ClinicalpreceptorsareusedtoenhanceclinicallearningexperiencesinPNSG1620,ClinicalII.Studentsworkeightshiftsinafacilityorclinicwithpreceptors.Thepreceptorclinicaltimebeginsafterstudentshavereceivedclinicalanddidacticinstructioninbasicareasofnursingorcontentspecificclinicalanddidacticinstruction,preceptorswilljoinnursingfacultytoexpandstudentknowledgeandskills.Thefacultymembersshallretainresponsibilityforthestudent’slearningexperiencesandmakecontactwiththeclinicalpreceptorandstudentforthepurposesofmonitoringandevaluatinglearningexperiences.SelectionClinicalpreceptorsareusedtoenhanceclinicallearningexperiencesandarechosenbythedirectorofnursingornursemanageratthefacility.ThepreceptorsareexperiencedRegisteredNurses(RN’s)orLicensedPracticalNurses(LPN’s)andhaveatleastoneyearofnursingexperience.Preceptorswhoparticipateinteachinginclinicalsitesmustmeetspecificqualifications,toincludethefollowing:

• Haveanearneddegree/diplomaandbelicensedasanurseinthestateofMinnesota.• Haveaninterestinteaching,rolemodelingcaringandprofessionalbehavior,mentoringandthe

facilitationoflearning.• Inadditiontopatientassignment,alsobewillingtoassumetheadditionalresponsibilityofa

student’sclinicallearning.• AdheretotheexpectationsofthepreceptorrolelistedonthePreceptorAgreement.• MustbewillingtocompleteDCTCPreceptororientationbyreviewingthepreceptorguidebook

providedatthebeginningofthestudent’sclinicaltimeandcompleteanevaluationatthecompletionofthestudent’seightshifts.

In the event of student safety concerns, the preceptor is to notify the nurse manager immediately and follow up with the nursing instructor and/or college nursing director. Any general concerns should be reported to the nursing instructor supervising the student.

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SimulationinHealthCareEducationSimulationmaybeutilizedwithinnursingtheory/labcoursesandclinicalcoursestoevaluateandmaintainskillsandtheoriestaught.

GradingGradingcriteriafornursingcoursesarespecificallyoutlinedineachcoursesyllabusandaddendum.Thelettergradeandpercentagearebasedonthefollowing:A=94–100%B=87–93%C=80–86%D=72–79%F=lessthan72%Eachcourserequiresacumulativescoreof80%onexamsregardlessofpointsforassignmentsinordertopasstheclass.Agradeof“C”,(80%),isrequiredforsuccessfulcompletionofallnursingmajorcourses.Anygradelessthan80%isnotacceptable.AllassignmentsmustbewrittenandpresentedaccordingtoprofessionalwritingstandardsusingAPA(AmericanPsychologicalAssociation)format.PleaseconsultthePublicationManualoftheAmericanPsychologicalAssociation,6thedition,secondprintingavailableinthelibrary.Coursesyllabusmaydetailgreaterguidelinesforassignmentsandevaluations.Ingeneral,thefollowingisexpected:A.Freeofspellingerrors,grammaticalandpunctuationerrorsB.Doublespaced,typedandstapledC.NofrayededgesD.DocumentssentelectronicallymustbeincompliancewiththeTechnologyAgreementCoursesthatcontainapass/faillabinclude:PNSG1101FoundationsofNursingPracticeandPNSG1355Pharmacology.Studentsmustpasseverylabskill,regardlessoftest/quizscores,inordertopassthesecourses.Inordertoprogressinthenursingmajor,thestudentmustattaina‘C’orbetterinallcourses.WrittenEvaluation(Exams,TestsorQuizzes)CriteriaStudentsareexpectedtotakeexaminations,tests,andquizzeswhenscheduled.(Seecoursesyllabiforspecifictestpoliciesofindividualinstructors.)SkillsLaboratoryEvaluationCriteriaLaboratoryskillsarepracticedoncampus.Skillsthatrequiresuccessfuldemonstrationwillbeidentifiedincoursesyllabus.Skillevaluationtoolswillbemadeavailableforstudentspriortotheevaluationfor

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competency.Studentswillhaveavailablelabtimes/scheduledlabtimestopracticeskills.Pleaseseetheinstructor’ssyllabus.Allskillslearnedandevaluatedincourseworkareexpectedtobemaintainedthroughouttheprogram,evenafterthecoursehasbeensuccessfullycompleted.Periodictestingoftheseskillswilloccurthroughouttheprogram.Theseskillcompetencytestsaretoensuresafetyofthepatientsasthestudentprogressesthroughtheprogram.Skillcompetencytestingmayinclude:

• MedicationMathexaminationpriortoclinicalorfoundationcourses• (Studentsarerequiredtoscoreaminimumof80%)• NursingSkillCompetencytesting(technicalskills)• Nursingwrittencompetency(nursingnotes,careplansetc.)

Studentsmustremediateany/allevaluatedskillsinwhichtheyfailtodemonstratecompetency.StudentswhocompleteremediationandarestillunabletodemonstratecontinuedcompetencywillNOTbeallowedtocontinueinanyclinicalsettinguntilremediationanddemonstrationofsuccessfulskills,toensurepatientsafety.Clinic/Lab/ClassroomPerformanceStudentsareexpectedtocomplywithallDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegeclinicallaboratoryperformancepolicies(furtherdetailsareprovidedintheclinicalcourseworkandlabhandbook)aswellasallpoliciesoftheagencieswhereclinicallaboratoryexperiencesareheld.Studentsarelegallyresponsiblefortheiractsofcommissionoromission.Anyactofunsatisfactorybehaviorrequiresanevaluationconferencewiththestudentandthenursinginstructor.Additionalparties,i.e.administration,maybeconsulted.Unsatisfactorybehaviorisdefinedasanybehaviorthattheinstructoridentifiesasunsafe,ineffective,inconsistent,ornon-compliantasrelatedto:programorhospitalpolicies,courserequirements,and/orclinicalcompetencies.Furtherdetailsareprovidedinclinicalcoursework.DocumentationofClinical/Class/LabPerformanceEachnursingcourseidentifiesthegradingmethodusedtoevaluateprogressionthroughthecourse.GradingmethodsmayvarywitheachNursingFacultyinstructorandcourse.Courseoutcomesandgoals/gradingareoutlinedinthecoursesyllabi.Toobjectivelyandclearlyidentifystudentbehaviorthatmayhindermaximumprofessionalgrowthandcompetency,documentationofsuchunsatisfactorybehaviormayoccur.Documentationwillbereviewedbyinstructorandstudent;acopywillbeplacedinthestudentfile.Facultybelievesstudentsbenefitfromfeedbackrelatedtoperformanceand/orbehavior.

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Thefollowingisapartiallistingofbehaviorsdeemedasunsatisfactoryforstudentsinthenursingprogram:

• Unprofessionalbehavior(useofelectronicdevices,sleeping,talking,etc.)duringlecturesandguestpresentationsfromoutsideindustrypartners.Thesemaybeoncampusorattheclinicalfacilities

• Failuretoprepareforspecifiedclinicalorcourseworkassignment• Anybreachofintegrity,honesty,orconfidentiality• Discussionofpatientinformationinapublicarea• Failuretoprovideforpatientphysicalsafety• Failuretofollowmedicationprocedure• Failuretoprovidepsychologicalsafety• Failuretoberesponsibleforallassignedcare• Failuretomaintainmedicalasepsis• Failuretoobtainsupervisionfrominstructorwhennecessary• Failuretomaintaintherapeuticcommunicationtechniques• Patternofusinglanguageandmannerismsthatareoffensivetoothersintheclinicalorclassroom

area• Failuretoassessandmakeadjustmentsbasedontheirownmental,physicalandemotionalability

intheclinicalandclassroomareasuchasfatigue,illnessorother.Situationswhichrequirereviewandmaycausethestudenttofailthecourseorbedismissedfromtheprograminclude,butarenotlimitedto:

• Whentwounsatisfactoryincidentsoccurinthesameacademicsemester• Whenthesametypeofunsatisfactorybehaviorisdocumentedmorethanonceduringthecourse

ofthePracticalNursingProgram.• Failuretonotifyinstructorsincaseofillnessoranticipatedtardinessintheclinicalsetting(nocall,

noshow).• Whenclinicalpartnerstaffhasexpressedconcerntotheinstructorregardingastudent’sclinical

performance.• Whentheaffiliatingagencyrefusestoallowastudenttobepresentintheirfacility.• Whenanunusualincidentoccursorwhenasingleunsatisfactorybehaviorisofsuchmagnitude

thatdismissalfromtheprogramisconsidered.

Attendance/TardinessRegularattendanceintheclassroom,labandclinicalsettingsisessentialtoensurethatthestudentshaveacquiredthenecessaryknowledgeandskillstobesuccessfulinpractice.Studentsareheldtothesameprofessionalstandardsasthoseexpectedwithintheworkenvironment.Therefore,studentsareexpectedtoarriveontimetoallclasses(lecture,labsessions,andclinical).Ifastudentanticipatesthathe/shewillmissaclassroomorclinicalexperience,thestudentmustnotifytheinstructorinadvance.Ifthestudentisill,thestudentmustnotifytheinstructorassoonaspossible.

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AbsencesRecurringabsencesandtardinesswillbereviewedbyfacultyandmayresultinthecourseobjectivesnotbeingachieved.Ifthecourseobjectivesarenotachieved,thestudentcannotbesuccessfulinthecourse.Specificcourserequirementsandconsequencesrelatedtoattendanceareoutlinedincoursesyllabi.Excusedabsencesaredefinedasthefollowing:

1. MDnote(onscriptpaperorletterhead)indicatingappointment,emergencyorhospitalization.*Hospitaldischargepaperswillalsobeaccepted.

2. ScheduledCourtappearances(mustbringdocumentingcourtpaperstoinstructor). *Droppingoffpaperworkatthecourthouse/lawyerforafuturecourtdatedoesnotqualifyasanexcusedabsence.

3. Funeral–mustbeanimmediatefamilymemberorarrangedwiththeinstructor.4. Familyemergencywithdocumentation.

PleasealsoreviewtheDCTCStudentHandbookwhichidentifiescollegeattendanceandtardinesspoliciesinthe“PoliciesandStudentConductRules&Procedures”section.**Alwayshaveabackupplanfordaycare,transportation,andwork.**Documentationofexcusedabsencesmustbeprovidedwithin72hoursofabsenceClassroomAttendanceOn-timepresence,preparednessandmeetingdeadlinesarekeyfactorsincareersuccess.Thestudentknowinginadvancethathe/shewillnotbeinclasswhenatestisbeingadministeredorwhenanassignmentisdue.Itisencouragedtodiscussoptionswiththecourseinstructor.Ifthestudentmustbeabsent,he/shewillberesponsiblefornotifyingthenursinginstructorandleavingamessagepriortoclass/labtime.LabAttendanceRe-schedulingoflabreviewsistheresponsibilityofthestudentincaseofabsence.Determiningfactorsofmake-upworkincludelaband/orinstructoravailability.Seecoursesyllabusforspecificdetails.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoensurecompletionofmissedmaterials.ClinicalAttendanceRegularclinicalattendanceisasimportantasitisonthejob.Prospectiveemployersexpectstudentstobereliableanddependable.Theseskillsaredemonstratedbystudentattendancerecordsandparticipationinthecourse.Itisnotpossibleto“makeup”clinicalexperiencesinthesamewaythatonemight“makeup”awrittentest.Ifthestudentisabsentfromclinical,“reallife”experienceshavepassedbyandmaynotbeavailable.Studentsmustbepresentintheclinicalsettinginordertomeetnursingcourseobjectivesandcompetencies.Clinicalattendanceoccursinthelab,andoffcampusatcontractedclinicalfacilities.Nursingstudentsareaskedtocarefullyreviewandabidebyourclinicalabsencepolicy.ClinicalAbsencesClinicalabsenceswillbeclearlydocumented.Ifastudentisill,thestudent(notapeer)mustnotifytheinstructorassoonaspossible.Make-upexperiencesmaynotbeguaranteediftherearenotenoughclinicaldaysremaininginasemester,ifnursingfacultyareunavailable,oralternateclinicalsites/sectionsarefull.

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Seecoursesyllabiforspecificrulesregardingclinicalattendance.Ifastudentisrecurrentlytardyorotherinfractionsarise,thestudentmaybeplacedonclinicalprobation.Failuretomeetthetermsoftheprobationmayresultinnotfulfillingtheclinicalrequirementsofthecourse.NotfulfillingtherequirementsofthecoursewillresultinthestudentnotbeingabletoprogressintheDakotaCountyPracticalNursingProgram..Studentsunabletoattendaclinicalexperience,mustnotifytheinstructor(andthefacility,ifapplicable)beforethescheduledexperience.Failuretonotifythefacilityandtheinstructorbeforetheclinicalexperiencewillresultindismissalfromthenursingprogram.Arrivinglatetoaclinicalexperienceorleavingearlywillbedocumentedasanabsence.Studentswhoreceivetwo(2)warningsforthesamebehavioroverthecourseoftheirnursingexperienceand/orboth2ndand3rdsemesterofclinicalcoursesmayresultincoursefailureordismissalfromthenursingprogram.ExtendedLeaveIfastudentwillbegoneforanextendedtimeduetoamedicalcondition,surgeryorothermedicalreason,thefollowingisrequiredwhenthestudentreturns:Written“ReturntoWork/School”notefromthephysicianonscriptpaperorletterheadincludingthefollowing:

• MayreturntoClassroomandClinical(if“clinical”isnotwrittenonthereturnslip,thestudentwillnotbeabletoattend)

• Mayreturnwithrestrictions–lifting,standing,walking,stairs,etc.• MUSTalsoincludeanENDdatetotherestrictions.• Mayreturnwithnorestrictions–muststate“norestrictions”.

Thefacultydepartmenthastherighttoreviewtheamountoftimemissedanddetermineifthestudentwillneedremediationorreviewofcompetencies.TardinessTardiness(accordingtotheDCTCrulespublishedinthestudenthandbookunderstudentconduct)isreportinglateforanydesignatedclassstartingtime.Thefacultyreservestherighttoassignstudentsasneededtoanyclinicalsiteand/ortimei.e.day/eveningshift,dependentonavailability.Studentsareassignedtospecificclinicalsitestoprovidethebestpossiblelearningopportunities.Academic/ClinicalProblems/DueProcessWhenastudentisexperiencingaprobleminanacademicorclinicalcourse,itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttomakeanappointmentwiththeinstructortodiscusstheproblemandexploreameansofresolution.Theinitialmeetingshouldoccurassoonasaproblemhasbeenidentified.

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WarningIfastudentdemonstratesunsatisfactoryperformance(academicorclinical),awarningwillbegiven.Theinstructorwilldiscussthesituationwiththestudentandtheconversationwillbedocumentedinthestudent’srecord.Ifthestudent’sperformancedoesnotimprove,awrittenreportwillbemadeandsignedbyboththestudentandtheinstructor.Thepurposeofthewarningistoclearlyidentifytheproblemarea(s),thesteptobetakenbythestudentforimprovedperformance,andtoestablishadatewhenthestudent’sstatuswillbereviewed.Dependingonthenatureoftheproblem(s),thewarningmayextendintothenextclinicalcourse.ClinicalProbationItistheprocessofthenursingdepartmentthatastudentmaybeplacedonprobationifcertainviolationsoccurintheclinicalsetting(onoroffcampus).Theseviolationsinclude,butarenotlimitedtothefollowing:

• Breachofconfidentiality(HIPAA)• Disrespectfulbehaviortostaff,faculty,patient(s),orstudents• Inappropriateorunprofessionalbehavior• Patternoftardinessand/orlackofpreparationforclinical• Latesubmissionofwrittenassignments• Compromisedpatientsafety• Demonstrationoflackofintegrity• Incompleteorerroneousdocumentation

Anyandallviolationswillbedocumentedandwillbemanagedonanindividualbasis.Ifastudentincursaviolation,thestudentwillmeetwithfacultyand/oradministrationtodiscussthesituation.Followingthediscussion,itwillbedeterminedifacorrectiveactionplanordismissalfromtheclinicalorprogramiswarranted.DocumentationThestudentwillreceiveacopyoftheacademic/clinicalwarningoracademic/clinicalprobationstatus.Acopywillbeplacedinthestudent’sfile,andacopywillbeattachedtotheclinicalevaluationform.Inordertograduate,allconditionwarningsand/orprobationsmustbemet.Clinicalprobationisimplementedbyajointfacultydecisionifthe‘Warning’isnotcorrectedorifconcernsforsafetyoradditionalunsafepracticeoccur.Adateisspecified,atwhichtimetheprobationarystatuswillbereviewedbythefacultyandeitherremovedorextendedintothenextcourse.Ifwarranted,clinicaldismissalwilloccur.AppealProcessStudentsareencouragedtopetitionwhentheybelievetheyaretreatedunfairlyortheirspecialcircumstanceswarrantanexceptiontopolicy.PetitionformsareavailableatStudentServices.Programfacultywillconsiderstudentpetitionsanddeterminearulingwithin7schooldays.Ifstudentsarestilldissatisfiedwiththefaculty’sdecision,theyareencouragedtofollowthegrievancepolicyasoutlinedintheDCTCStudentHandbook.

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ClinicalResponsibilitiesandUniformAttendanceateachclinicalorientationandpre-clinicalpreparationismandatory.Theinstructorsatsomefacilitiesmaynotallowthestudenttoattendclinicalormakeuptheorientation.Analternativeassignmentinthesecasesisnotguaranteed.Failuretoattendclinicalorientationmayresultincoursefailure.Clinicalexperiencesoccurinavarietyofsettingsandlocations;areliablemeansoftransportationisrequired.Gas,carrepairs,carinsurance,etc.aretheresponsibilityofthestudent.Ifthestudentishavingfinancialconcerns,theymaycontactStudentServicesforresourceswhichmaybeavailable.Clinicalexperiencesmaybescheduledbothday,weekendandeveninghours.Aflexiblescheduleisnecessary.Uniformsandschoolidentificationarerequiredinschoolrelatedsettings.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto:clinicalsites,on-campuslabsetting,volunteersettings,etc.Clinicalpartnersmayprohibitbodyartsuchastattoos,piercings,etc.Piercingsmustberemoved,withtheexceptionofonesmallearringineachear.Offensiveorobjectionabletattoosmustbecompletelycovered.Mostfacilitiesarenon-smoking,includingtheparkinglot.Clients,patients,cohorts,staff,etc.,maybesensitivetoodors,especiallythatoftobacco.Nosmokingisallowedduringclinicalrotations.Eachstudentisresponsibleforpurchasinguniformitemsandothersuppliesforclinicalcourses.UniformsinaClinical/LabSettingIntheclinicalandlabsettingstudentsareexpectedtopresentaprofessionalappearanceatalltimes.Thisincludes:

• DCTCTechCardIDandfacilityIDifapplicable.• Uniformstobeclean,neat(wrinklefree)anddesignatedcolor*NAVY• Make-upmaybewornwithdiscretion.• Ifhairislongerthanshoulderlength,itmustbetiedback.• Haircolorshouldbeofanaturalhaircolor,meaningnocolorssuchasgreenorpurple.• Simplehairpiecesmaybeworntokeeplonghairinplace.Largehairaccessoriesarenot

acceptable.• Malesshouldbeclean-shavenorhaveneatlytrimmedfacialhair.• Neat,shortfingernails;clearnailpolishisacceptable.Colorednailpolishorartificialnailsarenot

allowed.• Smallearringsmaybeworn,(nodanglingearringsorhoops).Studentsarelimitedtowearingone

earringineachear.Onlyweddingringmaybeworn.• Visiblebodypiercingsremoved.• Blackornavyshoesshouldbekeptcleanedandpolished.• Nofood,beveragesorgumisallowedinthelabs/clinicalsites.• Nofragrancesareallowedinthelab/clinicalsites.

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• Noelectronicdevicesinthelabareas.• Otherappropriateitemsforuniform:• PhotoIDbadgewithappropriatetitle• Watch• Bandagescissors• Stethoscope• Blackinkpen• Individualfacilitiesmayhaveadditionalrequirements• Penlight

LabsNavyscrubtopandpantswithblackornavyshoesarerequiredforDCTCNursingSkillslab.NOOPENTOEDshoesareallowedinthelabsetting.PictureIdentificationBadgesForsecurityreasons,allstudentsarerequiredtowearaDCTCtechcardwhileatclinicalsites.Inaddition,studentsmayberequiredtowearanIDbadgeissuedbytheclinicalsiteforthedurationoftheirclinicalexperience.Studentswillforfeittheirrighttoattendclinical,iftheydonotcomply.Anybehaviororappearancewhichmayimpactprofessionalism,patientsafety,ortheeducationalexperience(suchaslackofsleep,socialstress,illness,odors,etc.)asdeterminedbytheinstructorwillbeaddressed.Consequenceswillbedeterminedonanindividualbasis.Perfume/Scents/HygieneManyofourclinicalpartners(andournursinglabs)are“ScentFree”facilities.Thismeansthatnoodoristobepresentonthestudentorfaculty.Scentsinclude:clothingorhairthatsmellsofsmoke(tobaccoorwoodsmoke),perfumes,colognes,scentedbodylotions,scentedpowders,bodyodor,breathodor(tobaccoorhalitosis),orscentedhairproducts.Studentsmaybeaskedtoleavetheclinicalsiteifodorispresent.ElectronicDevicesUseofelectronicdeviceswillbeaddressedincoursesyllabus,orientation,and/orclinicalcoursework.**CellphonesarenotpermittedinDCTClabareasandclinicalsettings.

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EducationalResources

FacultyAdvisorAmemberofthenursingfacultywillbeassignedtostudentsasanacademicadvisor.Thisadvisorwillanswerquestionsandassiststudentsinregisteringeachsemestertoensurethatstudentsfollowthecorrectprogressionofcourses.ThePracticalNursingProgramisassignedanacademicadvisorfromStudentServiceswhoisalsoavailabletoassiststudents.Advisingappointmentsprovidestudentsandtheiradvisorsanopportunitytoreviewprogramprogressionandclarifyprocedures.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytomakeappointmentstomeetwiththeiradvisors.Theseappointmentscanbemadeatanytimeduringthesemester.LibraryThelibrarycontainsbooks,magazines,audiovisuals,indexes,andothercomputersoftwaretosupportlearning.DetailsoflibraryresourcesandservicesareavailableontheDCTCLibrarywebsite:http://www.DCTC.mnscu.edu/libraryInstructionalTechnologyCenter(ITC)TheInstructionalTechnologyCenter(ITC),locatedinRoom2-104,providesstateoftheartcomputerhardwareandresourcesinbothWindowsandMacintoshplatforms.TheirresourcesincludemostofthemajorsoftwareapplicationusedinDCTCinstructionalprograms.Allcomputersareequippedtodoresearch,establishanemailaccount,andaccesstheotherresourcesofthecollegewebsite.ThehoursforthislabarepostedbothneartheentranceandontheITChomepage.InformalAnnouncementsInstructorsmayupdatestudentsoninformationrelatedtothecourse,program,andcampusatthestartofclass.EmailistheofficialformofcommunicationatDCTC.

GRADUATION/LICENSUREProgramGraduationRequirementAllstudentsmustcompletethefollowingtoapplyforgraduation:

• CompleterequiredprogramplancreditsinPracticalNursingProgramwithaminimum“C”(80%)gradeineachcourseandaGPAof2.0.

• Evidenceofsatisfactorilycompletingstudentclinicalactivitiesinclinicalsettingswithclientsacrossthelifespan.

• EvidenceofsatisfactoryevaluationofallprogramnursingcompetenciesasrequiredbytheMinnesotaBoardofNursing.

Allstudentsareinvitedtoparticipateinthecollegegraduationduringtheschoolyearinwhichtheycompletetheprogram.Nursingstudentsmaycompletetheircourseworkforthenursingprogramattheendofthefallorspringsemester.ThecollegeholdsanannualgraduationceremonyinMayforfallandspringgraduates.

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GraduatesofthePracticalNursingProgrammaybeeligibletoapplyforlicensurebyexamination.TheMinnesotaBoardofNursing(MNBON)determinesifthegraduateisanacceptablecandidate.ThegraduatewhosuccessfullypassestheexaminationisgrantedalicenseasaLicensedPracticalNurseintheStateofMinnesota.Informationregardingfeesandthenecessaryformswillbeprovidedduringthesemesterthestudentcompletestheprogram.Graduateswishingtoapplyforlicensureinanotherstatemustcontactthatstate’sboardofnursingandmeettheirrequirements.SchoolClosingsAllschoolclosingannouncementswillbemadeonmajorTVnetworkstationsandWCCOradio(830AM).ClosinginformationwillalsobepostedonWCCO’sWebsiteatwww.channel4000.comandtheDCTCWebsiteatwww.DCTC.edu.Facultymembersdonothavetheauthoritytocancelclasses.TheDCTCstudentpopulationrepresentsawidegeographicalareawithapotentialofvariedweatherconditions.Studentsshouldassesstheirlocalweatherconditionswhenmakingdecisionsfortravel.TelephonesStudentsmayusefacultyofficetelephonestoreturnemergencycallsonly.Allothercallsmustbemadeusingthepublictelephonesoncampus,locatedinseveralareasofthebuilding,includingthelobby,thecommonsandStudentServices.Useofcellphonesislimited.Studentsmustreviewthecoursesyllabiandoutlineregardingtheuseofphonesinlecturecourses.CellPhonesareNOTpermittedinlabareasandclinicalsettings.PhotoCopyingAphotocopierforstudentuseisavailableattheentranceoftheDCTClibrary.StudentOrganizationsTheStudentSenateatDCTCrepresentsthecollegestudentbody.Itisapartofthestateorganizationoftechnicalcollegestudentsandiscomposedofmemberselectedfromthecollegeprogrammajors.StudentsareencouragedtoparticipateinSenatesponsoredactivitiesandtorunforSenateoffices.TheprimaryobjectivesoftheStudentSenateareprintedintheDCTCStudentHandbook.Studentswillbeprovidedinformationrelatedtostudentorganizationsinnursingandhealthcareers.Emergency/GeneralInformationTheDCTCStudentHandbookincludesalistingofallcollegefacultyofficetelephonenumbersaswellasotherstaffandsupportservices.TheDCTCgeneralnumberis651-423-8000,StudentServiceswilldeliveranemergencymessagetostudentsinclass.Inordertolocateastudentasquicklyaspossible,studentsshouldinformfamilymembersorotherstoprovidethefollowinginformationwhencallingDCTC:

1. Nameofstudent2. Nameofprogram(PracticalNursing)3. Nameofcourse4. Thenameofthepersonthestudentistocontactandnumberwherethatpersoncanbereached.

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DCTCfacultymembersandstaffareprohibitedfromsharingstudentinformationwithfamilyand/orfriends,withoutpriorconsentfromthestudent.

StudentComplaints&GrievancesAstudenthastherighttoseekaremedyforadisputeordisagreementthroughadesignatedcomplaintprocedure.ThefirststepistoseekInformalResolution.DCTCandtheNursingProgramencouragesinformalresolutionofstudentcomplaintstooccurwithinthenursingdepartment.1.Thefirststepintheprocessisforstudentstodiscussthecomplaintwiththefacultymember.2.Ifthematterremainsunresolved,thestudentdiscussesitwiththeDirectorofNursing.3.Ifstillunresolved,thestudentwillbereferredtotheDeanofBusinessDesign,HealthandHumanServices.4.Ifnotresolved,thestudentswillbedirectedtofileaformalComplaint/Grievancefollowingcollegepolicyandprocedure3.8(https://www.dctc.edu/about-us/college-policies/).

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CampusMap

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PracticalNursingInstructorsandStaffFacultyNursinginstructorsareheretosupportandadvisestudents.Allfull-timefacultymembershaveofficehourspostedforavailabilityandscheduleappointmentstomeetwithstudentsastheirschedulespermit.Duetothechangesinthenursingprograms,studentenrollmentandprogramneeds,thislistmaychange.Updatestothehandbookwillbecompletedannually.Communicationviaemailisthemostefficientandreliablewhenattemptingtocontactfaculty.

InstructorName Position Email Phoneextension

BrendaArneson

DirectorofNursing;NursingAssistantCoordinator;NursingFaculty

brenda.arneson@dctc.edu 8234

KarenJohnson NursingFaculty Karen.johnson@dctc.edu 8249

RonErickson DeanofAlliedHealthSciences ron.erickson@dctc.edu 8232

ReneeLeMieux NursingFaculty renee.lemieux@dctc.edu 8374

JanetRainford NursingFaculty janet.rainford@dctc.edu 8467

GarethMulraneyAdministrativeAssistant–AlliedHealthPrograms

Gareth.mulraney@dctc.edu 8209

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AuthorizationfortheReleaseofStudentInformation

TOWHOMITMAYCONCERN:I, ,herebyauthorizeDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegetoreleaseand/ororallydiscusstheeducationrecordsdescribedbelowaboutmeto:DCTCand/orclinicalsitestaff.Thespecificrecordscoveredbythisreleaseare:Studentfiles;includinggrades,warnings,probations,petitions,immunization/medicalformsandbackgroundstudyresults.Thepersonstowhomtheinformationmaybereleased,andtheirrepresentatives,mayusethisinformationforthefollowingpurposes:Assessthestudent’scompetencytocareforvulnerableadultsandchildren.IunderstandthatthestudentrecordsinformationlistedaboveincludesinformationwhichisclassifiedasprivateonmeunderMinn.Stat.§13.32andtheFederalFamilyEducationRightsandPrivacyAct.IunderstandthatbysigningthisInformedConsentForm,IamauthorizingtheDakotaCountyTechnicalCollegetoreleasetothepersonsnamedaboveandtheirrepresentative’sinformationwhichwouldotherwisebeprivateandnotaccessibletothem.Iunderstandthatwithoutmyinformedconsent,DCTCcouldnotreleasetheinformationdescribedabovebecauseitisclassifiedasprivate.Iunderstandthatwhenmyeducationrecordsarereleasedtothepersonsnamedaboveandtheirrepresentatives,DCTChasnocontrolovertheusethepersonsnamedaboveortheirrepresentativesmakeoftherecordswhicharereleased.Iunderstandthat,atmyrequest,DCTCmustprovidemewithacopyofanyeducationalrecordsitreleasestothepersonsnamedabovepursuanttothisconsent.IunderstandthatIamnotlegallyobligatedtoprovidethisinformationandthatImayrevokethisconsentatanytime.Thisconsentexpiresuponcompletionoftheabovestatedpurposeorafteroneyear,whichevercomesfirst.However,iftheabove-statedpurposeisnotfulfilledafteroneyear,Imayrenewthisconsent.A photocopy of this authorization may be used in the same manner and with the same effect as the originaldocuments.IamgivingthisconsentfreelyandvoluntarilyandIunderstandtheconsequencesofmygivingthisconsent.Signature: Date:

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PhotographandVideoConsentReleaseIherebygiveMinnesotaStateCollegesandUniversities,itssuccessorsandassignees,therighttouse,reproduceanddistributephotographyand/orvideographyinwhichIappearforeducational,publicationormarketingpurposeswithoutanycompensationtome.IunderstandthatMinnesotaStateCollegesandUniversitiesshallhavetotalandexclusivecontrolovertheuseofphotographyandvideographyinwhichIappearandIwaiveanyrighttoinspectorapproveanyproposedpublicationinanymedium.IherebyreleaseMinnesotaStateCollegesandUniversitiesanditssuccessorsandassigneesfromanyliabilitybyvirtueofmyphotographand/orvideo.IstatethatIamatleast18yearsofageandamcompetenttocontractinmyname.(Ifnotatleast18,musthavethesignatureofaparentorguardian.)Ihavereadandunderstandtheabove.Date:

Name: Signature:

SignatureofParent/Guardianifunderage18:

CollegeorUniversity: DakotaCountyTechnicalCollege

PermanentAddress: Phone:

City: State: Zip:

CampusAddress(Dormoroffcampus-ifdifferentfrompermanentaddress):

1300145thStreetEast,Rosemount,MN55068

Phone: 651-423-8234

Checkone: Student¨ Faculty¨ Staff¨ Other¨

Major: Yearinschool:

Subjectareaofphoto:Classroom,Clinicalsites,&labs.

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PracticalNursingProgram-StandardsofProfessionalism

Professionalismdefined:

Relatingto,orcharacteristicofaprofession;Engagedinoneofthelearnedprofessions;Characterizedbyorconformingtothetechnicalorethicalstandardsofprofession;Exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace (Merriam-WebsterCollegiateDictionary,2011).

Ourgoalistoprovideallstudentsthebestpossiblelearningenvironment,toreducedisruptionsandgiveallstudentsequalopportunityintheclassroom.ThefollowingrulesofprofessionalismwillbefollowedbyallstudentsenrolledinthePracticalNursingprogram.In addition to the projects, assignments, and tests, Practical Nursing program courses may include a gradedcomponent on professionalism. Students will be graded on participation and attitude in class and online.Accordingly,studentswhoareabsentmorethantheallottedtimeoncoursesyllabiwillberequiredtorepeatthecourse.(Seecoursesyllabiforattendancerequirements)Cellphonesandotherelectronicdeviceswillnotbeusedintheclassroomorlab.Theequipmentmustbeturnedofforsettosilent,andphonescannotbeansweredintheclassroom.Thisappliestolectureandlabclassesaswellastoclinicalsiteassignments.Sharing of assignments, plagiarism, and cheating on tests/quizzeswill not be tolerated. This violates the DCTCstudentcodeofconduct,andwillbereportedtothedeanfordisciplinaryaction.Itisexpectedthatthestudentswillcompleteassignmentsbytheduedateandcompletetestsonscheduleddates.Studentswillbeintheirseatsandreadytoworkatthescheduledtimeforall lecturesandlabs.Studentswillbeattentiveandmanagetheirtimewellinandoutoftheclassroomandlabsetting.Studentswilldemonstrateteamworkskillsintheclassroomandlaboratorybyassistingwithset-upandclean-up,byhelpingclassmateswhenappropriate,andbyworkingwithavarietyofclassmatesduringeachsemester.AllOSHArulesanddresscodeswillbefollowedinthelab.AppropriateprofessionallanguagewillbeusedATALLTIMES.Fellowstudentsandfacultywillbetreatedwithrespectatalltimes.Repeateddisregardofthepoliciesmayresultinpermanentremovalfromtheclass.Ihavereadandagreetotheabove“StandardsofProfessionalism” Signature Date PrintedName

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DAKOTACOUNTYTECHNICALCOLLEGEPRACTICALNURSINGPROGRAMPERFORMANCEWRITTENWARNINGStudent: Dateofwarning: Course: DateDirectorofNursingwasnotified: Datestudentnotifiedofwrittenwarning: Thefollowingisapartiallistingofbehaviorsdeemedasunsatisfactoryforstudentsinanursingprogramclinicalcourse.Checktheapplicableboxthatisrelatedtothewarning.

€ Unprofessionalbehaviorattheclinicalfacility.SeePracticalNursingProgramStandardsofProfessionalismpolicy.

€ Failuretoprepareforspecifiedclinicalorcourseworkassignment.€ Failuretoberesponsibleforallassignedcareorassignments.€ Anybreachofintegrity,honesty,orconfidentiality.€ Failuretoprovideforpatientpsychologicalorphysicalsafety.€ Failuretofollowmedicationprocedures.€ Failuretoobtainsupervisionfrominstructorwhennecessary.€ Failuretomaintaintherapeuticcommunicationtechniques.€ Failuretonotifyinstructorsincaseofillnessoranticipatedtardiness.€ other

Descriptionoftheevent/circumstancesleadingtothewarning:Planforimprovement(developedbystudentandclinicalinstructor):Behavioralchangerecommendations:

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StudentSignature: Date: InstructorSignature: Date: OFFICEUSEPlanandWarningreviewedbyfacultyteamconsistingoffulltimefacultyandclinicalinstructoronDate: FurtherrecommendationsYes□No□

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PracticalNursingProgramStudentHandbookLetterofAgreement

I, ___,(PrintName)havereceivedandreadtheentirePracticalNursingprogramStudentHandbook.Ihavehadtheopportunitytoaskquestionsandseekclarificationregardingpoliciesincludedinthehandbook.IunderstandthatitismyresponsibilitytorefertothehandbookwhenIhavequestionsorconcernsregardingprogrampoliciesorprocedures.IunderstandthatImayaskquestionaboutinformationincludedinthehandbookatanytime.MysignaturebelowindicatesthatIunderstandthepoliciesandagreetoabidebythemwhileIamenrolledinthePracticalNursingProgram. Signature: Date: ________