All nursing students must have a nursing advisor. If a nursing student does not have a nursing advisor, the student must go to the admissions office to request this change. Students should see their assigned nursing advisor for priority registration, registration, to drop/add classes, and are encouraged to see them to discuss academic matters and concerns as needed.
Safety Compliance Policies:
All nursing students will be required to adhere to all safety compliance policies and procedures (i.e. criminal background check screenings and substance abuse screenings.)
Withdrawal from a Nursing Course:
If a student decides to withdraw from any nursing course, they must have a nursing faculty member or the nursing coordinator to complete a withdrawal form and receive a copy of the readmission guidelines. Refer to each course syllabus for specific withdrawal policies.
Guidelines Pertaining to Readmission:
Applicants who are seeking readmission into the program’s first nursing course for the subsequent fall semester should apply for readmission prior to the March 1st deadline.
All other applicants seeking readmission should apply at least two months prior to the expected date of enrollment.
Recommendation for readmission to the nursing program is the responsibility of the Nursing Admissions Committee.
In order to be considered for readmission by the Nursing Admissions Committee, the applicant must:
meet current admission guidelines;
submit a written request to the nursing coordinator (This letter, addressed to the coordinator, should include the following: (1) the semester and course to which the student is requesting readmission, (2) reason(s) for previous unsuccessful progress in the nursing program, and (3) personal plans to increase chances for success if readmitted; and
have a nursing faculty member submit a letter of recommendation.
A student may be readmitted to the Nursing program one time. The Nursing Admissions
Committee may recommend readmission a second time, if a student furnishes sufficient evidence
of remedial study, additional preparation, or resolution of factors contributing to unsuccessful course completion. There is no provision for a third readmission.
If more than three years have elapsed since initial enrollment in the first nursing course of any registered nursing program, an applicant must repeat all nursing courses unless the student has demonstrated current competency by passing exams equivalent to comprehensive course final examinations (both written exams and clinical skills) if available at the college to which the student is applying for admission.
Transfer:
1. Applicants who have attended another nursing program, or wish to transfer from a KCTCS nursing program must:
Meet all admission requirements of the receiving institution;
notify the Coordinator of the Nursing Program in writing, stating anticipated entry and reason for transfer;
have a faculty member from the program previously attended submit a letter of recommendation to the receiving institution; and
submit documentation from the nursing coordinator that the student is eligible for re-admission to that original nursing program.
2. When more than three years have elapsed since initial enrollment in the first nursing course from any nursing program, an applicant must repeat all nursing courses.
3. If one year or more has elapsed prior to transfer, the student will be expected to
demonstrate competency by successfully completing an examination covering the content for the last successfully completed nursing course. Students who do not score at a
satisfactory level will not be allowed to progress to the next level and will be required to apply for admission to the first nursing course.
Health Requirements:
All students currently enrolled in the nursing program and all new students admitted into the nursing program must meet certain health requirements in order to attend the clinical component of the program. The materials are due by the date published annually in order for students to register for nursing courses and to remain enrolled in nursing courses. The student must provide proof of immunity either by vaccination or titer results. An opt-out waiver/declination procedure for Hep. B, MMR, and Chickenpox may be processed if deemed appropriate by the Nursing coordinator. The form is available from the Division Assistant.
Hepatitis B Vaccination:
If the student has not yet completed the Hepatitis B series immunization, the student must provide documentation that they have started the series or sign the opt out form that is available from the Division Assistant. The series is to be given in a 3-dose series (dose #1 now, #2 in 1 month, #3 approximately 5 months after #2. Serologic testing 1-2 months after dose #3 for anti-HBs.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella:
For persons born in 1957 or later without serologic evidence of immunity or prior vaccination, 2 doses of MMR are given 4 weeks apart..
Varicella (chickenpox):
For persons who have no serologic proof of immunity, prior vaccination, or history of varicella disease, 2 doses of varicella vaccine are given 4 weeks apart.
Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis:
All adults need a TD booster dose every 10 years, following the completion of the primary 3-dose series. All health care workers younger than 65 years with direct patient contact should receive a 1-time Tdap.
Influenza Vaccine:
All health care workers are recommended to receive an annual influenza vaccine, usually administered in the late fall, one dose of Trivalent (Inactivated) Influenza Vaccine (TIV) or Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) by intramuscular or intranasal route.
Tuberculin Skin Test:
A PPD skin test is required annually. If the student has a history of a positive TB skin test, then a recent chest x-ray result (within 3 years) or documentation of medical follow-up if needed.
Students will be required to abide by clinical facility requirements regarding TB skin test/x-ray requirements.
Health Insurance:
All students are encouraged to have personal health care insurance while enrolled in the Nursing program, as students are responsible for their own expenses incurred as a result of any illness, accident, or injury.
CPR Certification:
All students must be certified in CPR for Healthcare Professionals/Healthcare Providers prior to entering the first nursing course and are required to maintain this certification throughout the program. Proof of CPR certification should be submitted to the division assistant so that a copy
can be placed on file. Students without this certification are not allowed in the clinical area and will receive an unexcused absence for each clinical day missed.
Professional Liability Insurance:
Upon entering the nursing program and annually, all nursing students must purchase the professional liability insurance offered by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). The application, which can be obtained from the Big Sandy Website (http://www.bigsandy.kctcs.edu), is to be submitted with the fee to the Big Sandy Community and Technical College Business Office. The receipt for payment must be brought to the Division Assistant who will make a copy to be placed on file.
Nursing students enrolled in a clinical course are scheduled to practice in a clinical setting under the guidance of a nursing faculty member. Student liability insurance only covers practice within these parameters. The Kentucky Board of Nursing holds students liable for their own actions.
Student Nurse Organization:
Kentucky Association of Nursing Students (KANS):
We highly encourage everyone to be a member of the local KANS Chapter. KANS is a part of the National Student Nurse's Association (NSNA). We believe that nursing is a profession that requires a commitment from its members.
Satisfactory Progress and Retention in the Program:
In order to enter into a nursing course, a student must have met all prerequisites listed in the official Big Sandy Community and Technical College Catalog. Courses that are required to be taken concurrently with a nursing course must be successfully completed in the semester in which they are required, in order for the students to remain in the program.
A grade of “C” or higher is required to pass all nursing, required math, and science courses. A student earning lower than a “C” in any of these courses will not be eligible to continue in the nursing program.
Grading Scale:
100 – 90 = A 89 – 82 = B 81 – 76 = C 75 – 67 = D 66 and Below = E Transportation:
Students are responsible for their own transportation to classes and off-campus clinical.
Placement is based on curriculum assignment. Placement is not based on individual student preference.
Class/Clinical Attendances and Make-Up:
Students are expected to attend and be punctual for all lectures, labs, and clinical experiences.
Absences and/or tardiness will result in a conference with the nursing faculty and/or nursing coordinator to determine whether the student will be permitted to continue in the nursing course.
In the event that a student must miss clinical, the student is to notify their clinical instructor prior to the beginning of the clinical experience. Please refer to the course syllabi for specific
attendance policies. Failure to notify the instructor constitutes an unexcused absence and will be reflected in the student’s clinical evaluation for that week.
If a student misses a clinical experience, and it is determined to be an excused absence, make-up work may be assigned. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor within three (3) days for a make-up assignment. If written work is assigned as make-up work, it must be completed satisfactorily by or on a given date, as specified by the instructor, or the clinical rating will be affected. Unexcused absences from clinical cannot be made up and will be reflected in the student’s clinical evaluation for that week.
Students that are going to be tardy for clinical must notify their clinical instructor as soon as possible. At the faculty’s discretion, the student may be counted absent and will be required to make up the missed time.
Students are expected to spend time each week in the campus lab. Activities may
include practicing skills, watching videos, preparing written assignments, and/or doing computer programs.
Clinical Expectations:
Students are expected to be prepared for each clinical experience and may be required to visit their clinical site prior to the clinical experience for preparation purposes. Students, functioning in the student role, are not to call or visit their clinical sites without special permission from their clinical instructor.
Students are kept informed of specific clinical expectations throughout each course and of their progress toward meeting course and program competencies. See each course syllabus and course content for specific clinical expectations and evaluation.
Supplemental clinical experiences may be offered.
Nursing faculty have the right to remove a student from clinical if nursing care is deemed to be in gross violation of safe nursing practice.
Students must follow all facility requirements regarding the use of cell phones or any electronic devices.
Client Confidentiality:
Follow HIPAA Guidelines:
Client information should only be discussed with other members of the health care team who have a “need to know”.
Do not discuss client information with anyone else, including fellow students, employees, and your family members.
Do not tell unauthorized persons that you saw or have knowledge of a client being admitted or being seen as an outpatient unless the client authorizes you to do so.
Do not access any client information (i.e. looking up a neighbor’s medical record) unless authorized in your job duties.
Speak quietly and discreetly so clients, visitors, and others will not overhear your telephone or other conversations with or about clients.
Do not leave papers containing client information in open view of non-authorized persons.
Do not leave a computer on the bright screen if you must be away for a moment.
Do not discard papers containing client information in the trash can without first shredding them.
Remember that when fellow students, friends, faculty members receive medical treatment, that person is a client and all measures should be taken to protect their confidentiality.
Ask visitors to step out of a client’s room when conversations take place regarding medical treatment, diagnosis, etc. unless the client authorizes the visitor to be present.
When you are assigned to handle confidential information of your friends or acquaintances, if possible, ask to be reassigned to another client to protect that person’s privacy.
Do not discuss any confidential matters of anyone’s assigned clients unless absolutely necessary to help in the performance of your assignment.
Should client information be overheard, do not discuss any client information with others.
Breaching confidentiality could result in prosecution for invasion of privacy and/or termination from the Nursing program.
Written Work:
Written work will be evaluated according to criteria established in each course.
All clinical written work must be turned in as required by the faculty in each nursing course.
Failure to complete assigned written work will be reflected in the student’s evaluation.
Faculty reserve the right to refuse late written work.
Exams:
Students will not be allowed to keep their nursing exams.
Exams may not be returned for student review until all students have taken the exam.
Exams will be reviewed in the classroom and may be reviewed by the individual student in the faculty’s office during the week following the specific examination unless otherwise announced.
Students that do not review their exams during this time period forfeit their opportunity to review the exam.
If a student cannot take an exam at the scheduled time, the faculty must be notified by 4:00 p.m.
of the exam day. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the faculty to take the make-up exam, which may be of a different type including an oral exam. Failure to follow this procedure will result in the student receiving a “0” on the exam. Faculty will determine the date of the make-up exam. Make-up exams may not be given until the end of the semester.
There will be no make-up exams for the Final exam. A student who does not take the final exam will receive a grade of “0” on the exam and the “0” will be used in computing the grade for the course. The nursing coordinator, with a concurrence of the nursing faculty, may grant
exceptions to this policy.
Use of Recorders:
Students are not allowed to utilize tape recorders, video cameras, etc. in the classroom without permission from the individual instructor.
Plagiarism/Cheating:
It is the responsibility of each student to become familiar with the section on Academic Offenses in the Code of Student Conduct dealing with plagiarism and cheating and the consequences of such activity.
Dress Code:
Required uniform includes: program uniform (royal blue) scrub suit with the nursing program patch and a name pin/badge, white hose or socks, and solid white leather-type shoes. Students
will be instructed regarding hospital badge/name pin requirements for each clinical setting. A white undershirt may be worn under the scrub suit.
All students must wear their facility identification badges (if required) and bring bandage scissors, a penlight with pupil gauge, a watch with a second hand, pen, paperwork, and a stethoscope to clinical. Stethoscopes should not be worn around the neck unless the student is involved in direct client care.
When in the clinical area, students must observe the following guidelines:
Uniforms must be clean and wrinkle free. Shoes, including shoelaces, must be white and clean. The program patch must be secured to the right chest area of the uniform and/or lab jacket (if permitted).
White lab jackets may not be worn without permission of the clinical instructor. No other accessories, including colored lab jackets, are permitted.
Each student is expected to demonstrate appropriate personal hygiene.
Hair must be neat and clean, worn away from the face, and long hair must be pulled up and secured. No bows or other hair ornaments of any type.
Beards and/or mustaches must be neatly trimmed.
Fingernails are to be kept clean and short, not extending above the fingertips. No colored nail polish or artificial nails.
No heavy make-up, scented lotions or perfumes/aftershaves may be worn. Any make-up worn, including lipstick, must be very light.
Jewelry is limited to a plain wedding band and a watch. No other visible body jewelry will be permitted.
All tattoos must be covered while in the clinical facility.
Chewing gum is not allowed during clinical.
No cellular phones or beepers can be used in the classroom, lab setting or clinical facility.
Pen and paperwork must be available.
When students are required to visit the clinical facilities prior to clinical for preparation
purposes, the clinical instructor will inform students of the appropriate dress which will exclude jeans, shorts, halter tops, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.
Failure to follow the dress code policy may result in the student being dismissed from the clinical setting and will be reflected in the student’s clinical evaluation.
Classroom Rules:
There will be no eating or drinking without permission of the faculty.
There will be no tobacco use of any type.
To decrease disruption during class time, students that are tardy for class may not be allowed to enter the classroom until break time.
Students must keep cellular phones and other electronic devices either turned off or on vibrate and in a purse or backpack during lecture, lab, clinical or exams.
Students are not permitted to bring unauthorized visitors, including children, family or friends to class, lab, clinical or exams.
Nursing Laboratory Purpose and Guidelines:
The purpose of the nursing laboratory is to provide nursing students an opportunity for skill development at all levels of the nursing program. The lab may also be used for study or research.
The lab hours will be posted. Should a student need access to the lab when it is locked, they should see the division assistant or one of the nursing faculty members.
Eating or drinking is not permitted in the nursing lab.
Each student is responsible for cleaning up his/her own mess and leaving the lab clean and orderly (i.e. repacking/replacing supplies, straightening up beds and manikins, etc.)
Videos may be available for student use in the Magoffin Learning Resource Center (Library) on the Prestonsburg Campus.
Students should wear name pins when in the lab to practice or test on skills.
Students are not to bring cellular phones or beepers, or wear watches that alarm during lab activities.
Students must bring their Essential Skills-Critical Criteria to all demonstrations, practices, and testing in the nursing lab.
The college cannot assume responsibility for items lost in the nursing lab. It is recommended that you leave your purse and valuables locked in your car trunk.
Appointments with the Nursing Laboratory Instructional Specialist/Faculty may be made individually or in groups based on available time. Students are expected to keep these appointments. Students will be required to make-up missed lab time and experiences. If a problem arises and the student is not able to keep an appointment, it is the individual student’s responsibility to notify the Nursing Laboratory Instructional Specialist/Faculty prior to the appointment.
Students are expected to be courteous at all times while using the nursing lab. Students must take turns with beds, etc., so that each student gets an opportunity to utilize lab equipment. Since the lab is a place for study, it is to be a quiet area. Loudness and rude behavior will not be
tolerated.
Books and reading materials in the nursing lab/classroom may be checked out on an overnight
Books and reading materials in the nursing lab/classroom may be checked out on an overnight