Progression/Readmission - D.N. Grievance Policy

A. D.N. Grievance Policy

VI. Progression/Readmission

PROGRESSION AND READMISSION

Generic students should progress and graduate within four semesters. Transition students should also progress and graduate within three semesters, which includes 1 summer session. (Summer I and II are considered a semester for the purposes of the progression policy.) It is recommended that a student take no more than four semesters from the original program entry date to complete all the required courses. It is expected that students follow the degree plan. Gaps in enrollment occur for various reasons including environmental and academic issues. Individual situations vary and consideration in progression issues is made by the Program Director and/or the Student Affairs Committee.

Exiting the Program: Student Responsibility in Seeking Re-admission

The student should contact the Program Director if readmission is desired. A letter requesting readmission must be submitted. Admission requirements must be met with any exceptions addressed by the Program Director and/or department’s Student Affairs Committee. Readmission can occur only as space permits. Should there be more students applying for readmission than slots available, selection will be based on the date of the written request. The student will be notified when a space becomes available. The student seeking readmission may be interviewed by the Director of Nursing or designee to ascertain probability of success if readmitted.

Stop-Outs

Stop-Out is defined as a temporary leave of absence from the nursing program. This option is available to students in good standing, i.e., passing theory and clinical. These students are eligible to request a stop-out for the following reasons: birth of a child, student’s own serious health condition or stressful event, or to provide care to a family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition. Re-entry into the nursing program is dependent on space availability and within one calendar year of stop-out.

ODESSA COLLEGE NURSING PROGRAM TRANSFER AND READMISSION POLICY

In addition to meeting all general admission criteria for Odessa College and the Odessa College Nursing Program, students seeking readmission or transfer admission to the Odessa College Nursing Program are required to meet the following criteria:

1. Due to the need for hospital and computer orientation, readmission and transfer students must be accepted into the Odessa College Nursing Program no later than two weeks before the first class day. The Director of the OC Nursing Program will notify the appropriate instructor who will make arrangements for hospital and computer orientation.

2. Students who have been out of the Odessa College Nursing Program or any other nursing program for more than two long semesters will not be admitted as

readmission or transfer students, but may be considered for admission as a beginning nursing student.

3. Transfer students who have an unsatisfactory or failing grade in a clinical area, must submit a letter from the Director of the previous nursing program, stating that the clinical failure was not due to a violation of safety.

4. Students who have been out of the Odessa College Nursing Program or any other nursing program for two long semesters or more will be required to pass the final exam for the last course attended with a passing grade of 75 or above. A study guide for the final exam will be provided for the student or the student will be advised areas of content to study. The must also demonstrate competency in clinical skills for the last semester attended. Students will be required to take the Medication Math Exam appropriate for the course in which the student is

applying for admission. Guidelines for the Medication Math Exam will be consistent with guidelines for the semester exam taken. The written final exam, skills competency demonstration, and medication math competency exam must be passed prior to admission.

5. Contact information for the Laboratory Skills Instructor will be provided by the Odessa College Nursing Office when the student applies for readmission or transfer. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule a time for demonstration of skills. The Skills Instructor will provide the student with a list of skills required for the semester in which the student is applying. Skills must be passed on the first attempt with a grade of “Pass”. Skills will be graded using the guidelines for the semester skills being tested. Practice sessions may be scheduled by the student with the Odessa College Skills Instructor.

6. Students seeking readmission or transfer to the 3^rd semester of the OC Nursing Program will be required to pass the final exam of the previous semester with a minimum score of 75, the Med Math Exam with the appropriate score for the

semester, and demonstrate competency in the skills check off with the OC Laboratory Skills Instructor.

7. Due to Odessa College Policy requiring students to complete at least 12 hours in the field of study in which a degree is being pursued, students will not be allowed to transfer into the 4^th semester of the Nursing Program.

8. New students will be admitted before accepting students who are reapplying.

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9. Students who have demonstrated unsafe clinical practice or unprofessional conduct are not eligible for readmission.

Ineligibility for Re-Admission

Students are not eligible for readmission if they fail the same course twice. (RNSG 1201, RNSG 1215, RNSG 1146, and RNSG 1108 are not considered core nursing courses.) This means that upon the second failure, the student cannot continue in the series of courses in the curriculum. The student can re-apply to the nursing program and, if selected, will re-take core courses, beginning with the first semester. New students will be admitted before accepting students who are reapplying. This fresh start option is not available for students who have demonstrated unsafe clinical practice or unprofessional conduct. Transition students opting to repeat will be excused from re-taking Transition to Nursing Practice but will repeat RNSG 1443 Complex Concepts of Adult Health and take its co-requisite clinical course.

Maintaining Minimum Academic Requirements

Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA for each semester and overall cumulative.

A minimum grade of “C” in all nursing and non-nursing (degree required) courses is required.

Students earning an overall cumulative GPA or a semester GPA less than a 2.5 in the semester of graduation are ineligible for graduation.

Academic Dismissal

Students earning a “D” or “F” in two or more nursing courses in one semester is cause for academic dismissal.

Failure to meet expected standards may result in academic dismissal at any time.

This includes but is not limited to unsafe clinical practice or student misconduct.

Re-Admission

New students will be admitted before accepting students who are reapplying. Students re-applying must meet all admission standards. This fresh start option is not available for students who have demonstrated unsafe clinical practice or unprofessional conduct.

Students dismissed due to a GPA of less than 2.5 may be readmitted to the last course in which they were enrolled if they successfully complete courses to improve the GPA to 2.5 or above.

The student must take courses from the Odessa College Core in one of the following categories in order to improve their GPA: mathematics, natural science, or social and behavioral sciences. The course must be approved by the Odessa College Associate Degree Nursing Program (before the student takes the course) in order to show relevance to nursing. For example, AGRI 2317 –Introduction to Agriculture Economics, will not be accepted but PSYC 2319, Social Psychology, will be accepted. The GPA must be raised within two long semesters after leaving the program.

Progression: Special Situations

Students must follow the curriculum plan delineated in the college catalog. Nursing courses are sequential. Special progression is allowable only with approval.

Revised 06/13

Odessa College Associate Degree Nursing Program Student Retention Policy

In order to assist the student in successful completion of the Odessa College Associate Degree Nursing Program the following procedure should be followed:

At Orientation for New Nursing Students, information from the Student Success Center (SSC) will be provided. New students will be encouraged to visit the SSC before classes begin in order to become familiar with the location and staff.

New students will be required to submit evidence of completion of the ATI Learning System: Nurse Logic by the end of the second week of RNSG 1260 of the first semester.

At any level of the nursing program, if a student receives a grade of below 75, the student will receive a Performance Alert and will be required to meet with the course instructor.

The instructor will send an e-mail to students receiving a score of less than 75 on the unit exam, advising the student to contact the instructor for an appointment. The instructor will complete a Student Success Plan with the student. The student will review each question missed on the exam and complete the Test Analysis Form (on campus). The instructor will review the Test Analysis Form with the student when completed. The instructor will tutor the student on the content missed for one to 2 hours as needed.

Various AVID strategies for tutoring and studying, will be used by the instructor. The student is encouraged to attend at least one hour of Study Skills at the SSC before taking the second exam. The student will sign in and sign out at the SSC using their Odessa College ID Badge to record attendance.

If a student receives a grade of below 75 on a subsequent exam in the same course, the course instructor will again send a Performance Alert and e-mail the student to contact the instructor for an appointment. The current Student Success Plan will be reviewed by the instructor with the student for changes or additional success strategies. The instructor will review each question missed on the exam and complete the Test Analysis Form with the student. The instructor will review the content of the exam with the student, using alternate teaching methods, such as AVID. Instructors should collaborate with students to identify specific learning difficulties, such as reading, language barriers, and learning styles, and assist the student in contacting appropriate resources. The instructor will be available during designated times to be available to the student for tutoring. The student will be required to meet with the instructor during designated times and will sign a contract of intent to meet with the instructor.

Upon receiving a grade of less than 75 on the third unit exam in the same course, the student will meet with the course instructor to assess further strategies that may assist the student in success. The process above will continue with alternate strategies and teaching methods.

The Learning Resource Center and SSC are open Monday thru Thursday from 7:30 a.m.

until 9:30 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and Sundays form 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The SSC is open on a limited basis on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m until 5:00 p.m.

In the event a student has difficulty arranging a time with an instructor, the instructor may allow the student to study at the LRC/SSC. The instructor will make a study assignment for the student who will be required to complete the assignment at the LRC/SSC. The student will sign in and sign out at the SSC using their Odessa College ID Badge to record attendance.

In the event a student is repeating a course, the instructor will arrange a designated time and location for one hour of student tutoring each week. If the student receives a grade of below 75 on the first unit exam, the above policy will be instituted.

Children are not allowed to attend study/tutoring sessions.

Students not adhering to this policy may not be allowed to take the next exam until these guidelines are followed, will be counseled and may be withdrawn from the course in which currently enrolled for continuous failure to follow these guidelines.

I agree to follow the guidelines of the above policy and understand that this policy is meant to assist me to become successful in the Associate Degree Nursing Program

_____________________________________ ___________________

Student Signature Date

SUCCESS PLAN

Student Name: Current Course: Date:

Phone: Email:

Generic/Transition/Transfer Student:

Any Exceptions/Provision for Admission:

Student has been counseled regarding the following course grade(s):

Exam/Quiz: Grade: Date: Exam/Quiz: Grade:

Date:

____ Readings completed prior to class __ Quality study time Study skills: note taking Hours/week Group Study Test Anxiety __________

Test Analysis Results:

Summary of student study habits contributing to low scores:

Concurrent enrollment in another course (List)

Work full-time/part-time Hours per week

Learning disability previously identified Special accommodations (time, quite area, taped texts)

Other concerns (cultural barriers to learning family responsibilities, illness) Summary of student circumstances contributing to low scores:

The following has been recommended to increase academic performance and success:

Make appointment with

Review recommended book on test taking/study skills ATI Learning System

Review test taking skills: ATI Nurse Logic Handout on test taking tips

Review time management; schedule hrs uninterrupted study time/day Sit in the front of the class

Original: file Copy: Student Copy: Remediation Facilitator

Test Analysis

STUDENT: DATE: ___________

COURSE: TEST #: _____

TOTAL # OF QUESTIONS MISSED: TEST GRADE:

Indicate the # of the test question missed in each of the following categories:

Misread question 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

What changes will you make when preparing for the next test?

__________________________________________________________________

Medication Math Competency

Calculating correct dosages, IV rates, and other medications is essential to safe practice in nursing. Since math medication errors greatly endanger patients, the faculty has determined that each student must demonstrate proficiency in medication calculation competency prior to graduation. The ability to accurately calculate medication dosages will be measured in the following ways.

1. The pre-requisite course RNSG 1108 Dosage Calculations must be passed with a minimum grade of a “C” which is a numerical grade of 75.

2. Dosages will be accurately calculated in the skills laboratory and clinical setting.

3. Medication calculation questions are included on exams in nursing courses at the instructor’s discretion.

Competency Testing in First Semester

First semester students will be tested in the skills lab while learning to administer

medications. In addition the first semester student will be administered a medication math exam in RNSG 1360, Basic Clinical. The exam will contain 25 calculation questions from the following categories:

A. Currently used conversions between and within systems B. Calculations of medication doses administered IM, SC.

C. Calculations of medication dosages administered PO in liquids, tablets or capsules.

The first semester student must achieve a minimum passing grade of 80% (25 questions X 4 points each = 100%; 4 X 20 (correct) = 80%) The exam will be administered during the first week of the course. The first semester student will be allowed to participate in clinical activities while completing medication math competency requirements since this level of student is closely supervised. Students not passing the first exam will take a second exam within two weeks of the first exam and after completing documented

remediation approved by the course instructor. If unsuccessful on the second attempt, the student will take a third exam within two weeks of the second exam, and after completing documented remediation approved by the course instructor. If not successful on the third attempt, the student must withdraw from both class and clinical RNSG 1513 & RNSG 1360. The student will be eligible for readmission to RNSG 1360 & RNSG 1513 pursuant to the readmission policies.

Competency Testing in Second Semester

Students in the second semester will be administered a medication math competency during the second week of RNSG 1443, Complex Concepts of Adult Health. The exam will contain 25 calculation questions from the following categories:

A. Currently used conversions between and within systems

B. Calculations of medication doses administered IM, SC, or IV, and IVP and IVPB C. Calculations of medication dosages administered PO in liquids, tablets or capsules.

D. Combination problems such as calculating weight and dosage

E. Calculation of IV flow rates/administration rates by gravity flow and by infusion pumps.

The second semester student must achieve a minimum passing grade of 84% (25

questions X 4 points each = 100%; 4 X 21 correct = 84%). The second semester student will be allowed to participate in clinical activities while completing medication math competency requirements since this level of student is closely supervised, or as in the case of the transition student, has nursing experience. Students not passing the first exam will take a second exam within two weeks of the first exam and after completing

documented remediation approved by the course instructor. If unsuccessful on the second attempt, the student will take a third exam, within two weeks after the second exam and after documented remediation approved by the course instructor. If not successful on the third attempt, the student must withdraw from RNSG 1361 Clinical-Complex & RNSG 1443. The student may remain in RNSG 2213 AND RNSG 2161.

Transition students will be tested in RN 2207 and not retested in second semester. See syllabus for RNSG 2207 for guidelines for medication math testing. The student will be eligible for re-admission to RNSG 1361& RNSG 1443 pursuant to the readmission policies.

Competency Testing in Third Semester

Third semester students will be tested on math competency during RNSG 2363, Clinical Obstetric/Pediatric. The exam will be administered during the second week of the

semester of the course Content will include content tested in second semester in addition to pediatric and obstetrical calculations.

The third semester student must achieve a minimum passing grade of 88% (25 x4 = 100%; 4 X 22 correct = 88%). The third semester student will be allowed to participate in clinical activities while completing medication math competency requirements since this level of student is closely supervised, or as in the case of the transition student, has nursing experience. Students not passing the first exam will take a second exam within two weeks of the first exam and after completing documented remediation approved by the course instructor. If unsuccessful on the second attempt, the student must withdraw from Clinical-Obstetric/Pediatrics RNSG 2363 & RNSG 1512. The student will be eligible for re-admission to RNSG 1512 & RNSG 2363 pursuant to the readmission policies.

Competency Testing in Fourth Semester

The fourth semester student must achieve a minimum passing score of 92% (25 X 4 = 100%; 4 X 23 correct = 92%) on the medication math competency exam. The exam will be administered during the second week of the fourth semester in RNSG 2262 Advanced Concepts of Adult Health, at a time designated by the instructor. The exam will consist of 25 questions from the following categories:

A Conversions between and within systems

B. Calculations of medication doses administered IM, SC, or IV given by a syringe C. Calculations of medication dosages administered PO in liquids, tablets or

capsules.

D. Combination problems such as calculating weight and dosage

E. Calculation of IV flow rates/administration rates by gravity flow and by infusion pumps.

F. Titration of IV medications (mcg/kg/min)

G. Medication calculations throughout the lifespan will be included.

Students not passing the first exam will be allowed to take a second exam after they have completed documented remediation approved by the course instructor. This exam must be taken no later than two weeks from the first exam. Because fourth semester students function in an increasing independent role in the clinical setting, only two attempts to measure medication math competency will be allowed. Students can remain in clinical

In document 201 W. University Odessa, Texas ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM (A.D.N.) STUDENT HANDBOOK (Page 82-95)