Program Handbook. Practical Nursing Academic Year 2015/2016

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Revised on August 12, 2015

Program Handbook

Practical Nursing

1077

Doon Campus

School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services

Conestoga College

Academic Year 2015/2016

This is a companion document to the current Conestoga Student Guide

This document can be found on the program shell of eConestoga and the program specific page

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Practical Nursing Doon Program Handbook 2015 - 2016

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Program Handbook Guidelines

The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program specific details and other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of posting, and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are updated yearly and students must check their program handbook for the current edition.

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Welcome

To the School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services

Your Bridge to Practice

What Can This Mean For You?

The opportunity to begin, today, to become the professional you aspire to be.

The opportunity to learn in real-life settings and with real-life scenarios, rehearsing for the day when you will be in these real-life situations.

A unique inter-professional opportunity, given the number of different disciplines in the school. You will learn with, about and from your future colleagues.

An opportunity to take advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities, social and study spaces in our Cowan Health Sciences Center, as well as other unique learning resources such as the Motz Emergency Service Bays in the WREMS Station and the Child Development Centre on the

Doon Campus

Your goal of being viewed by employers as a “preferred graduate” is up to you; your professors, technologists, administrative staff and college services look forward to supporting

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Top Five Expectations of You

1. Use MyConestoga To Connect To:

Your Conestoga Email: (e.g. John Smith, Student Number 1234567, [email protected])

• This is the official communication vehicle regarding your academic requirements. Check it

regularly and respond as requested. eConestoga: (Desire to Learn)

• This is your resource for all course-based program information and course-based communication with your faculty.

• Make eConestoga your partner in learning; this is your guide to all course activity.

Student Portal:

• Find your grade information, college tuition invoices, class schedules and absence reporting.

Practicum Health Requirements: (Go to “Services” and find “Practicum Services Link”)

• Keep track of your requirements; know that they are complete to allow you to go on your practicum.

2. Know and Plan Around Your Academic Schedule With Your

Family

Course Schedule:

• Your schedule has been planned with many people and multiple considerations in mind.

• Classes can be scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (note, times for practicums follow work place schedules).

• Changes may be considered but only for extenuating reasons (Please discuss with your

Program Coordinator).

The Academic Year has critical dates: please plan around these dates to ensure you are here when

you need to be--including the potential need to be present for the two weeks after the semester ends if you might need to complete supplemental work to allow you to continue to the next

semester. Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and withdrawal, are located in the Student Guide. Course changes (add/dropping) may also be made through the Student Portal under the “My Courses” tab.

Fall 2015 Dates Winter 2016 Dates

Fall Orientation Week Aug 31 – Sept 4 Winter Orientation January 4

Fall Semester Classes

Start September 8 Winter Semester Classes Start January 5

Study Week February 15-19

Last Week of Semester December 14-18 Last Week of Semester April 18-April 22

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Top Five Expectations of You

3. Be the Professional You Wish To Become - From Day One

Civility, respect, and professional behaviors will be key to the quality of your learning experience— and a future employer's first and lasting impression

Professional Dress & Conduct: See section three of the Handbook for professionalism expectations

for your program. The college’s Student Guide sets out Student Code of Conduct for our community at Conestoga.

Pre-practicum Health Requirements Complete as required; without these, you will not be able to

progress to your practicum and your program completion will be in jeopardy (per your information in the Student Portal)

Social Media: Use responsibly –don’t blow your future on ill-advised communication with the e-tools

that we use so freely (see section three of the Handbook)

4. Attend To Enhance Success

Please Review Attendance Expectations in See Section four of the Handbook: Attendance for class,

labs and practicum underpins student learning and your experience as a future professional.

Absence from Evaluations: Must be reported in the Student Portal before your absence to be eligible for a repeated evaluation.

Request for Accommodation for Religious Holidays: Must be requested to your Program

Coordinator in the first three weeks of each semester

5. Take Responsibility for Your Academic Status

Student Records if you have questions about your student record, academic status and or program

withdrawals, go to the Registrar’s Office and speak to your Program Coordinator.

Fee Payments: Payment is required to attend classes. Check your Student Portal for invoices.

Credit Transfer/Exemptions: Conestoga supports the transferability of academic credits between

programs and educational institutions through recognized transfer pathways, articulation agreements and course-to-course equivalences. Please refer to the Student Guide for more information.

Student Forms: To access forms go to the Student Forms page.

Academic Policies & Procedures: May be found under Policies and Procedures

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TOP FIVE RESOURCES FOR YOU

1. Your Teaching Team

Contact Information: Is posted on eConestoga and in your Handbook (Section two in the Handbook) Appointments: Making appointments (in person, by phone, email) helps to ensure your desired

resource is available.

Email Inquiries: will be answered within two business days.

Urgent Need for Help: Program Assistants are available to help you reach one of the Teaching Team

(contact information in Section two of the Handbook)

2. Counselling and Services for Personal Needs

College Counselling: Professionally-trained counsellors can help you achieve your educational

goals—for such common support as stress management, anxiety, depression, transition issues, family issues, etc. Counselling is free, voluntary and confidential. Arrange to see a Counsellor quickly if academic or personal problems stand in the way of your College success. Counselling is free, voluntary and confidential. To make an appointment, visit or call Doon--Room 1A101, 519-748-5220, ext. 3360, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Check the counselling services website for more

information.

Good2Talk: Confidential 24-hour phone line for stresses big and small 1-866-925-5454

Conestoga Security: Provides a safe and secure work and learning environment. 519-748-5220 ext.

3357. Refer to the Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security Services and procedures.

Student Financial Services: Student Financial Services can help you by providing you with options to finance your post-secondary education.

CSI Food Bank: The CSI Food Bank is an emergency food relief program for current Conestoga students.

Health Services: Your family doctor on campus. Check out the services that they offer on their

website or call 519-748-5220 ext. 3679. Services available Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Some same day appointments may be available by walk-in. A full-time health nurse is on site.

Facility Information: Refer to the Student Guide for information on after-hours parking, classroom and computer labs.

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Top Five Resources for You

3. Accessibility Services

Students with Documented Disabilities are encouraged to book an appointment with Accessibility

Services to access accommodations –EARLY in your program. Disability-related documentation will be required to book an appointment. Go to the Accessibility Services webpage for more information.

Adaptive Technology Aids and Special Facilities:

Adaptive Aids are arranged through Accessibility Services; handicapped –accessible washrooms are located throughout the campus. Contact the Adaptive Technology Lab for more information on adaptive technology aids.

4. Student Study Spaces and General Supports

Cowan Health Sciences Centre (F-wing)

Student Lounge Space –Enjoy seats on each of the three floors. Plugs for laptops and charging

stations are located throughout these areas.

Student Meeting Room Space—Book through the Customer Service Desk for general access to 1F18

and 1F20 and spaces designated for degree programs.

General Access Computers and printers are located in two areas: • 1st_{Floor –in the student lounge area with photocopier}

• 2nd_{Floor—at the Customer Service Desk and kiosk area}

Open Access Lab –2nd_{Floor, 2F18.}

This is available on a come and go basis for health & pre-health programs practicing key skills. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. Book with an Open Access Nurse Technologist.

Lockers—available with your tuition; important to store your extra clothes and books, etc. so that

you can be at your professional best in the lab. To learn how to obtain a locker, please click here.

Information Technology-- New ITS HELP DESK—1st_{Floor Ewing (provides supports & general} assistance with College-related needs such as email, Network accounts, connectivity & wireless printing. Go to the Web IT Service Desk for more information.

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Top Five Resources for You

5. Services for Students

Library Resource Centre: Located on 2nd_{Floor B Wing; Go to the Library Resource Centre page for} more information.

International Office: Check out the International Education Office for services available to you.

Learning Commons: Your ONE-STOP resource for academic services and resources, such as Math,

Writing Skills, Peer Tutors and resources for APA. Check out their website or Access through MyConestoga.

Student Life: Get involved and shape your experience. Visit the Student Life page or Connect to MyConestoga for your Co-Curricular Record.

Student Financial Services: Your one-stop resource to apply for student awards and bursaries—apply early to increase your chances.

Bookstore: Your location to buy books (check out their options including used books), clothing for

your program, general supplies. Find it in the A wing, just inside Door 1.

Co-op and Career Advising: Your resource for Co-op Placements (if you are in a degree); your source

of help to look for summer jobs or future careers and gain help preparing your resume. Check out the Co-op and Career Services site for more information.

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Practical Nursing Program Handbook 2015-2016

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Letter to Students

Dear Practical Nursing Student,

Welcome to the Practical Nursing (PN) Diploma Program. You have worked hard to be accepted into the PN Program at Conestoga College and we commend you on your success.

This handbook has been prepared to provide further information about academic standards, guidelines and processes specific to the PN Program. Reading, understanding, and following the information in this handbook is an important first step in your continued success in this program and your chosen profession. The handbook has been compiled with careful consideration for your personal and professional growth during your time at the college. If you do not understand any of the information in this handbook, please ask the Nursing Faculty or the Chair of Nursing for an explanation.

Use the index in this handbook as your guide and the contents as your continuous reference as you proceed through the program. The PN faculty will refer to the handbook often, but the responsibility for knowing the program standards is ultimately yours.

In addition to the PN Program Standards Handbook, the Conestoga College Student Procedure Guide outlines important policies and procedures for you to follow. The PN Program Standards Handbook is a supplement to, but not a replacement for, the Conestoga College Student Procedure Guide.

We are here to help you succeed along your journey. Should you experience difficultly or need assistance in any area of your studies, please talk to your professor, Program Coordinator, or come to my office to seek direction.

All the very best to you in your studies.

Sincerely,

Marlene Raasok (Executive Dean, Health & Life Sciences and Community Services),

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1. Program Overview

Program Description

Practical Nursing is a career-focused program where the student will gain the knowledge, skills and experience required to become a member of the nursing profession and health-care team.

The foundational knowledge for practical nursing is based on scientific theory from nursing, the physical and psychosocial sciences and humanities. Person-centred, population-focused care is learned in context through real-life experiences and career-related placements. Senior’s care is given special attention to meet the demands of an aging population.

Program Philosophy

The Program Philosophy is about caring in context. The organizing themes of Nursing, Professionalism & Inter-professional Practice, Caring & Relational Practices and corresponding capabilities will provide graduates with the competencies necessary to perform in their expanding role as Registered Practical Nurses.

NURSING

The practice of nursing is the promotion of health and the assessment of, the provision of, care for, and the treatment of, health conditions by supportive, preventive, therapeutic, palliative and rehabilitative means in order to attain or maintain optimal function (Nursing Act, 1991).

The foundational knowledge for practical nursing is based on scientific theory from nursing, the physical and psychosocial sciences and humanities. Practical nurses integrate multiple ways of knowing in the provision of care including; aesthetics, empirics, ethics, personal and socio-political.

Health is holistic experience determined by the complex interaction of psychosocial, economic and environmental factors and the individual. Health care and promotion are facilitated by qualified,

professional care providers in relationships that promote trust and empowerment. People are individuals, families, groups and communities from a variety of backgrounds and diverse life experiences.

Practical Nurses are health care professionals. They combine nursing skill, knowledge and judgment and are experts of nursing care at the bedside (Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario [RPNAO], 2013). Practical Nurses work anywhere that health care is provided.

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Professionalism and Inter-professional Practice

Practical nursing is a professional practice discipline. As responsible and accountable professionals, practical nurses make use of self-reflection to ensure their practice and conduct meets legislative requirements and the standards of the profession. Care decisions are made within a legal, moral and ethical framework established by the regulating bodies and associations.

Practical nurses work in collaboration and partnership with clients, families and other members of the health care team. As vital, contributing members of the health care team, practical nurses are prepared to assume many different roles including leadership. Continuous quality improvement is a natural outcome of team reflection and collaboration with the aim of improving health outcomes. Practical nurses influence the evolution

of health care by being politically astute, knowledgeable of the health care environment, willing to manage change and drive efforts for social action.

Caring and Relational Practices

Caring is central to the practice of nursing (Watson, 1979). A caring relationship is one that recognizes the needs of the client and contributes to their well-being first and foremost. The relationship recognizes that clients are the experts in the best position to make decisions about their lives when they are active, informed participants in the care process. Communication is practiced within caring relationships that demonstrate respect for individual diversity and autonomy.

Relational practice encompasses the therapeutic nurse-client relationship and relationships among health care providers. It is guided by the conscious utilization of relational skills including listening, questioning, empathy, mutuality, reciprocity, self-observation, reflection and a sensitivity to emotional contexts (Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities MTCU, 2012).

Practical nurses are information managers and as such information and computer technologies are utilized as essential components of safe and effective health care.

Philosophy of Education

The practical nursing program uses a learner-centered approach that encourages the personal and professional development of practical nursing students. Learning how to learn in a life-long process of continued growth is promoted.

Transformative nursing education is achieved by creating environments and relationships where learning can be created and mastered. Learning in context provides the opportunity to gain knowledge and insight from real-life situations in communities of practice.

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Program Summary Map 2015-2016

Program Map describes your learning journey with three important components:

1. All courses focus on you demonstrating development towards the program outcomes and capabilities through your program journey. 2. There are themes for your learning that will inform you on the courses you will take to develop program capabilities.

3. Each semester has a theme that creates milestones for your learning within a semester and your journey from one semester to the next semester and ultimately to your readiness to graduate.

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4

Exposure to Professional Development of Professional Advancement of Professional Emerging Professional Practical

Practice Practice Practice Nurse

Science

PNUR1143 Human Physiology PNUR1243 Pathophysiology &

Pharmacology 2

PNUR2340 Pathophysiology &

Pharmacology 3

PNUR1153 Introduction to

Pharmacotherapeutics Nursing Theory PNUR1157 Professional Nursing 1 PNUR1257 Professional Nursing 2 PNUR2350 Professional

Nursing 3: Foundations for Community

PNUR2450 Professional Nursing

4: Leadership

PNUR1128 Nursing Concepts

1: Assessment PNUR1228 Nursing Concepts 2 PNUR2320 Nursing Concepts 3 PNUR1165 Adult

Development & Aging

PNUR1265 Human

Development & Health Promotion

PNUR2330 Nursing Concepts

for Families

PNUR2460 Advanced

Gerontology

PNUR1174 Information and

Nursing Practice

Communication Technologies

PNUR1180 Nursing Lab &

Practice 1

PNUR1275 Nursing Lab 2

PNUR2380 Nursing Lab 3 OHS1320 Safety in the

Workplace

PNUR2370 Campus Clinical PNUR2490 Campus Clinical: _{Consolidation} PNUR1285 Nursing Practice 2 PNUR2360 Nursing Practice 3 PNUR2480 Nursing Practice 4:

Consolidation

General Knowledge for

Personal COMM1085 College Reading & Writing Skills

Development

FIT1080 Fit for Work,

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Program Design for Your Cohort

Students can find their program design on the student Portal by following the steps below: 1. Log in to Student Portal

2. Click on ‘My Courses’ tab

3. Select ‘View Progress Report’ button

Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To find these courses, students need to scroll down the page to the ‘Program Courses’.

Pathways and Further Post-secondary Education Opportunities

Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.

There are a number of different opportunities available to students who want to continue studying at Conestoga. Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a new program after

graduation, Conestoga has established pathways to help you meet your goals. Conestoga Pathways information is available on Conestoga’s website.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to function as members of an interprofessional team in accordance with the Standards of Nursing Practice published by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Students who

successfully complete the program are eligible to write the National Registration examination for registration by the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse. Graduates find employment in nursing homes, acute and chronic care hospitals, residential homes for the older adult, and other community health-care settings.

92% of 2012-2013 graduates found employment within 6 months of graduation. Their average starting salary was $46,486.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website.

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2. Relationships

Communication and Contact Information

Program Coordinator Contact Information

First Year Coordinator Karen Singleton Ext. 3963

Second Year Coordinator Pat Bower Ext. 3903

Program Administration Contact Information

Program Assistant Wendy Dunbar/Megan Faulkner Ext. 3437

Nursing Chair Lynn Voelzing Ext. 3434

Full-time Practical Nursing Faculty Contact Information

Bauman, Roseanne Ext. 3957

Chornaby, Pat Ext. 3936

Cox, Karyn Ext. 3961

Gray, Kathy Ext. 3926

McFadden, Jennifer Ext. 3976

Lickers, Tracy Ext. 3407

Pollock, Christine Ext. 3909

Rock, Anne Marie Ext. 2775

Roth, Mary Elizabeth Ext. 3919

Shaw, Nancy Ext. 3915

Smyth, Paula Ext. 3110

St. Pierre, Helene Ext. 3972

Westacott, Deb Ext. 3928

Contacting Program Staff

When contacting program staff outside of class time it is advisable to use Conestoga College e-mail or voicemail. Your message should include the following information:

• first and last name

• course and semester

• brief description of reason for contact

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Faculty Availability

a. Procedure to enter into Faculty & Staff Work Spaces

Telephones for internal use are located outside the entry to faculty/staff workspaces on 4B. Beside the phone is a faculty directory with extension numbers and office location.

If you have an appointment with a faculty/staff member, please call to confirm that you have arrived & please do not enter until you have confirmation that the faculty/staff member is at their pod. If you do not have an appointment, please call the person you wish to meet with to confirm that they are present and can see you; if you do not reach them, please leave a message. In the interest of respecting the work environment for everyone in this area, please do not wander into faculty/staff work spaces looking for them.

b. Procedures for Dropping Off Assignments

If arrangements have not been previously made with individual faculty, students are to drop off assignments into the Wooden Drop Boxes outside Faculty areas.

Student Engagement

Student Concerns/Issues

We appreciate that concerns/issues may arise during the learning experience. Our goal is to

collaborate – students with faculty and staff —to resolve situations of concerns quickly and to learn and improve from these situations.

To achieve this goal, we need an effective problem-solving environment. This means:

a. When a situation of concern arises, it needs to be raised immediately and discussed by the individuals involved. This is the most important area for effective problem solving.

**Problem-solving closest to the individual associated with the learning is the place to start.

b. Please see the “Student Concerns/Issues” section in the Student Rights and Responsibilities chapter of the college Student Guide for further details to be followed for the informal and formal procedures for the resolution of concerns and issues.

c. Please note that issues and concerns related to a placement site, its operation or its employees should first be brought to the attention of the Conestoga FieldPlacement Supervisor, subject to the additional procedures outlined in the following Sections on “Professionalism” and “Concerns Regarding Safety or Care/Service for Clients during a Practicum/Field Placement”.

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Student Representation

CSI and Conestoga agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a student/faculty meeting, provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to faculty. This advance notice will ensure that all parties will have an opportunity to adequately prepare for the meeting.

PAC (Program Advisory Committee)

Each program at Conestoga has a Program Advisory Committee (PAC), which is made up of industry and academic representatives, as well as current students. They meet several times a year to discuss the direction in which that industry is heading and any improvements that can be made to keep the program current. This helps to ensure that students are learning material that is relevant to their industry.

At the beginning of each year, the coordinator of the program will ask for student volunteers. The coordinator will decide which students will represent years one and two. The student representatives are expected to attend the meetings. Students must prepare and submit a report based on guidelines provided by the Program Chair/Coordinator which will be presented at the meeting. Students are expected to be professional, dress in business attire and engage in discussions.

WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional Health & Community Student Collaborative)

Conestoga College offers many unique and exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth. One of the things that contribute to the excellence of this college is the host of exciting extra-curricular opportunities that add to the culture of this fine institution. WIHSC (Waterloo

Interprofessional Health & Community Student Collaborative) is one such club whose members strive to ‘learn with, from, and about’ each other.

Membership of this active group is comprised of students enrolled in health, community, and social sciences programs at the Doon campus. Some of the most popular initiatives that this group regularly engages in are interactive simulation exercises, peer-mentoring, guest speakers, paper case studies and monthly meetings. To find out more about this exciting opportunity, please visit the WIHSC website. The website includes information on past events (pictures and videos) as well as how to get involved. Get involved, have fun, and learn more about the team members you will work with upon graduation! For more information, please contact your Program Coordinator.

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Student Feedback

Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. Our opportunities for student feedback include:

Key Performance Indicators

All college programs in the province are evaluated using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. This survey is conducted each academic year. Strategic goals to improve the programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can

continually improve quality.

Student Appraisal of Teaching

The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course. Completion of the SAT form gives teachers and academic managers valuable information, to use for improving teaching at Conestoga.

The SAT process occurs at semester-end. One quarter of the faculty is appraised per term, and each has two courses selected by their academic managers for appraisal. All teachers have a SAT review at least once every two years. Students complete either an electronic or paper copy of the SAT. A summary of results is prepared by Institutional Research.

The report is sent to the Academic Manager who shares the report with the faculty member AFTER all marks for the semester have been collected. Continuing Education students may have an opportunity to complete a SAT form at the conclusion of each Continuing Education course.

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Class Cancellations

Class Cancellation due to Faculty Absence

All class cancellations due to faculty absences will be posted in the Student Portal on the left hand side of first page which a student sees after logging in. These notices in the Student Portal will be the only general notifications of class cancellations due to faculty absences. Faculty who will be absent will not be informing students of class cancellations through the eConestoga Learning Management System.

Class Cancellations due to Inclement Weather

College closure due to inclement weather will be announced on local radio stations (92.9; 88.3; 1460; 96.7, 105.3, and 1240). It is up to Associate Faculty and students to listen for campus closures. If the college is closed a message will be left on the campus switchboard after office hours. A notice will also be placed on the college website.

Personal notifications of class cancellations

Students have the option of receiving special emails or SMS text messages notifying them of class cancellations due to faculty absences. To receive such personal notifications students must subscribe to this special service.

To subscribe:

- Log in to the Student Portal

- Select Notifications under the Profile tab

- Select the method by which you would like to be notified - Click Update.

Note: To change the email address to which these notifications will be sent, select My Addresses

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3. Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice

Code of Behaviour

Students are expected to behave in accordance with College policies in regard to behavior. These policies include:

 Academic Regulations and Policies

 Human Rights

 Students’ Rights and Responsibilities

These are available in the Conestoga College Student Guide as well as on the Website. Each Practical Nursing student “is responsible for ensuring that her or his practice and conduct meet legislative requirements and the standards of the Practical Nursing profession.”

College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Professional Standards.

Each Student:

 Is accountable and responsible for own actions.

 Ensures practice is consistent with current legislation and the standards of practice as defined by the College of Nurses of Ontario.

 Has the knowledge, skill and judgment needed to practice in her or his setting while striving to improve the knowledge, skill and judgment needed to practice in specialized settings.

 Respects the inclusion of all students in the group by speaking English only during any class experiences.

Students are expected to work in partnership with their Professor/Clinical Team members who as Nurses:

 Provide learning opportunities for the practical nursing student to enable them to acquire the knowledge, skills and clinical experience needed to practice;

 Evaluate the practical nursing student’s ability to meet the required learning outcomes for each course experience.

College of Nurses of Ontario Standards

Conestoga College has been given the mandate to prepare Practical Nurses. The Province of Ontario expects the College to graduate Practical Nurses who meet the standards that have been established for the profession. The College of Nurses Standards for Practice include continued competency, professional service to the public, current and relevant knowledge, application of this knowledge, professional behaviour, responsibility/accountability, and upholding ethical standards. The College of Nurses Ethical Standards value client well-being, client choice, privacy and confidentiality, respect for life, maintaining commitments, truthfulness, and fairness.

Practical Nurses function in an independent and interdependent environment. The majority of the time, the practitioner’s involvement at the care recipient’s side is of an independent nature, when direct supervision of an action is not possible. There is an implicit trust by the client that the Practical Nurse is an ethical, moral and competent person. The Standards of Practice from the College of

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11 Nurses of Ontario (CNO) the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and other program legislation governing professional behavior focuses on the protection of the public.

As students preparing to become health care professionals, it is imperative that your behavior and attitudes reflect the professional, ethical standards that are embraced by your chosen profession. We believe that a value system incorporating high moral and ethical integrity is of vital importance, and regard the absence of such values as critical and dangerous to practice. We believe integrity to be a quality that includes sound moral principles, sincerity, honesty and self-respect.

The College of Nurses of Ontario Guidelines for Professional Behavior state:

“Nurses have a duty to participate in and promote the growth of the profession and to conduct themselves in a manner which is becoming to the profession.”

Nurses need to care for one another and respect their colleagues. They need to work collaboratively with other nurses, trust in the expertise of one another, and refer to others when they do not have the necessary knowledge and expertise themselves;

A nurse needs to:

 Contribute to positive team functioning and supporting colleagues;

 Conduct oneself in a way which promotes respect for the profession;

 Cooperate with regulatory functions.

If a student's behavior/conduct interferes with the learning process or in any way jeopardizes the safe environment of the classroom or clinical setting, the student will be required to leave the class or clinical session.

“Inappropriate Behavior” or unsafe practices may require the withdrawal of the student from the

course prior to the end of the course. Consequently, the student will receive a failing grade for the course.

Program Standards for Professionalism in Practical Nursing

Uniforms and Grooming Guidelines

As a Practical Nursing student in the clinical setting your clients and their families see you as a member of the health care team. Your appearance can inspire confidence in your ability to care for them. Neatness, cleanliness, conservative makeup, jewelry, and safety considerations all help to create a look of competence, commitment and professionalism. It is your responsibility to maintain this appearance. If you choose not to do this, your Professor/Clinical Team Member may ask you to leave the clinical area.

Specific hospital/agency policies may vary from Conestoga policy. Student uniforms must conform to the uniform policy of the institution in which students are placed.

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All Students In The Practical Nursing Program Will Need: • Conestoga College Practical Nursing uniforms

• One (1) Conestoga College name tag, available from the Bookstore;

• One clear two way pocket badge holder

Uniform Regulations

• Full uniform must be worn in clinical areas and college simulation labs.

• Bottom of the pant hemline must be sewn above the sole of the shoe

• Warm-up jackets or sweaters that coordinate with the uniform are acceptable, but must not be worn during direct care

• Slips should be worn with skirts

• Undergarments must be worn, choice and style should not create a major contrast between body color and uniform color

• Head coverings, if pre-approved, must be neutral

• If ¾ length shirts or t-shirts are to be worn under the designated Practical Nursing uniform they must be black or grey.

Dress Code for Agencies not requiring Uniforms

• Conestoga College name tag must be worn at all times.

• Conestoga identification must be worn and visible at all times in all clinical settings. Identification must include first and last name and designation. Institutional Photo ID may also be required, at the discretion of the institution.

• Wear comfortable low-heeled shoes with closed toes and heels.

• Street clothing should inspire confidence in your ability to care for the client in an appropriate manner (remember this is not a social visit).

• The following are not appropriate for these settings: jeans, tights and leggings, sweat pants, tracksuits, warm-up suits, collarless t-shirts, ankle socks with skirts, revealing necklines or short skirts.

Requests for accommodations of this regulation (e.g. for religious or disability reasons) will be considered within the framework of the Conestoga College Policy for Human Rights.

Faculty/staff reserve the right to ask students who do not conform to the uniform policy to leave the clinical, community or lab setting. Time missed must then be made up by the student.

Transportation of Uniform to and from Clinical Settings

• It is important that your uniform be clean when arriving on the unit and that a soiled uniform (that is, one that has been worn for client care) not be worn in a public place. Uniform shoes are NOT to be worn outside of the agency.

• It is the responsibility of the student to find out from each new Professor /Clinical Team Member the particular agency policy regarding wearing the uniform to and from the agency setting.

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• In hospitals that allow uniforms to be worn to and from work, the student must ensure that the uniform is covered when outside of the hospital (e.g. with a knee-length coat) and that the student is traveling directly between the hospital and home.

• In hospitals that require the student to change at the hospital, the students will wear street clothes to the hospital and when returning home. The uniform is to be kept in a protective covering during transit.

Footwear

Uniform shoes must be clean, black or white in color, slip resistant with closed toes and heels, substantial enough with solid covering (no mesh) to prevent foot injury. The shoes worn with the uniform are not to be worn outside of the agency. Clogs (wooden or other), and crocs are not acceptable footwear.

Identification

Conestoga identification must be worn and visible at all times in all clinical settings. Institutional Photo ID may also be required, at the discretion of the institution.

Jewelry

Jewelry can be a source of bacteria and injury to students and clients. For these reasons the following restrictions related to jewelry are necessary:

 NO rings, other than plain wedding band

 NO chains - necklaces or bracelets

 NO facial or oral jewelry

 Watches may be worn on the wrist or uniform except when giving direct care

 One professional-looking stud may be worn in each ear lobe. Dangling earrings or stretchers are not acceptable. Flesh colored spacers are acceptable.

Hair

When providing patient nursing care it is important that hair not fall forward potentially

contaminating clean/sterile areas. For this reason, hair should be neat, clean and kept out of the eyes. If hair is long, it should be tied back and secured with small, plain clips. Long pony tails should be secured up on the head, and not allowed to dangle onto patient field of care. Hair color must be of a natural shade (i.e. no green, blue, pink, etc.). Students must be clean shaven or have neatly trimmed beards and/or mustaches.

Personal Hygiene

Students are expected to meet hygiene requirements during class, lab and practicum hours.

• Maintain personal cleanliness by bathing daily.

• Oral hygiene (brushing of teeth) required.

• Use deodorant / antiperspirant to minimize body odors.

• No heavily scented perfumes, colognes and lotions. These can cause allergic reactions, migraines and respiratory difficulty for those participating in class, lab and practicums.

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Fingernails

• Nails should be kept short, not past the fingertip, and clean.

• No nail polish, nail jewelry, acrylic or artificial nails are permitted.

Fragrances

Personal fragrances (perfume, colognes) should not be worn as fragrances can cause problems for those with allergies or sensitivities.

Smoking

Smoking in the hospital setting is against the law and may be subject to fine. As health care workers you need to promote a healthy lifestyle. At times clients refuse treatment from nurses who have been smoking.

Chewing Gum

Chewing gum is not allowed in clinical, lab or community settings.

Food and Beverages

Food and Beverages in the hospital setting are allowed in designated areas only (cafeteria, staff lounge areas).

Cellphones/Smartphones

Cellphones and/or smartphones for personal use are not permitted in the clinical setting/lab and community agencies.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

Academic honesty is expected and required of all Conestoga students. In order to maximize your success as a student, it is critical that you familiarize yourself with the Academic Integrity Policy found in the Conestoga Student Guide. This guide has been provided to you during orientation and is

available on the college website. The Academic Integrity Policy provides a detailed description of the following:

• Scope of academic integrity,

• What academic integrity means,

• What types of behaviours constitute a breach of academic integrity,

• The penalties associated with breaching academic integrity.

After reading this information, if you do not fully understand what is meant by academic integrity, and what is required of you to maintain academic integrity, please speak with a faculty member or your program coordinator. Please note that maintaining academic integrity is very serious, and that it is your responsibility as a Conestoga student to know the Academic Integrity Policy and to initiate help if you do not fully understand it.

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15 Make sure that you recognize information that requires referencing.

Example Required Referencing

Milk is good for you. General information in the public domain. Does not require referencing.

“According to Health Canada milk beverages provide the nutrients needed for healthy bones and optimal health”.

Health Canada. (2008). Canada’s food guide: Milk and alternatives. Retrieved May 17, 2011 from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food- guide-aliment/choose-choix/milk-lait/index-eng.php

Direct quote right from a published source. Requires a reference.

Consuming milk every day provides the nutrients that you need for healthy bones and optimal health.

Health Canada. (2008). Canada’s food guide: Milk and alternatives. Retrieved May 17, 2011 from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food- guide-aliment/choose-choix/milk-lait/index-eng.php

Information that has been put into your own words, but offers information outside of public domain related with specialized knowledge. Requires a reference.

• Whenever you refer to material from another source, whether book, journal article, video, newspaper, or electronic publications, you must acknowledge your source using proper citations and references. The APA style is the format most often used in the health and social sciences. Please visit the Conestoga Learning Commons for assistance with the APA format, or visit their website for help.

• If you work collaboratively with others on anassignment, including in class assignments that expect independent submission, make sure that you do not copy words or ideas from others intentionally or by accident.

• Make sure that you read the Academic Integrity Policy located in the Conestoga Student Guide, and that you fully understand it. The policy describes additional behaviours that represent a breach of academic integrity.

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Copyright – What Students Need to Know

Photocopying and scanning at Conestoga are governed by the Copyright Act, an agreement with Access Copyright, and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges’ Fair Dealing Policy. Under the terms of our Access Copyright license which gives the broadest permission: You can photocopy or scan the following:

• Up to 10% of most published works

• One chapter that is greater than 10%, but no more than 20% of the book

• One article, short story, play, poem or essay from a book, magazine or journal issue containing other works

• One newspaper article or page

• One entry from an encyclopedia, dictionary, annotated bibliography or similar reference work

• One drawing, sculpture, painting, print, architectural work of art or work of artistic craftsmanship from a larger volume containing other works.

Cumulative Copying

If you copy 10% of a book today, 10% next week, 10% the week after that, and so on, this is called

cumulative copying and it is not allowed. The copy limits apply to an entire academic year, so once

you reach the limit for an item, you can’t copy more until the next academic year. You cannot copy or scan the following:

• Workbooks or study guides that are intended for one-time use

• Instruction manuals

• Sheet music and original artistic works including photographs or prints

• Advertisements

• Business cases

• Any of the items on the Access Copyright Exclusions list

You can find all of this information and more on the Copyright for Students web page.

If you have any questions about copyright or the limits of copying on campus, contact Tessa Dueck, Copyright Technician, at [email protected] or 519-748-5220 ext. 3604.

Safe Practice

Safe practice is part of professional practice. It is an expectation of everyone who is or wants to be a professional.

There are a number of policies and procedures associated with practical training in your program that have been developed to ensure your safety and the safety (physical and emotional) of those around you. These will be reviewed with you during your program.

The following basic procedures are outlined for your attention and follow-through:

1. Your personal safety begins with the use of professional attire and foot wear and with your attention to the health and safety expectations that may be identified throughout the College.

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17 2. Help us have a safe and pleasant environment by wiping up spills, by ensuring lap top cords do

not snake across walking areas and by reporting equipment or facility problems when you see them.

a. Concerns such as these in the Cowan Health Sciences Center may be reported to the Customer Service Desk in the Cowan Health Sciences Center.

3. Specific dress codes, personal protective equipment and specific codes of behavioural conduct may apply to certain programs; failure to follow these may result in your inability to

participate in a lab, class or experiential learning activity.

4. Safe work practices are to be followed during all training; follow the direction of your

instructors. If you have a practicum, your Placement supervisorwill ensure that you are aware of safe practices and safety precautions and procedures. This includes problem-solving by the Responsible Faculty, Staff and Program Coordinator with the College’s Occupational Health & Safety Department as required. For example, should outside temperatures during the summer become unusually hot, very high temperatures may occur in some workplaces; this could require that specific steps be taken to ensure a safe working environment.

5. All safety-related accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to the Conestoga College Responsible Person-in-Charge immediately. This is an opportunity to problem-solve about how to avoid these areas of concern for the future.

Professional Conduct - Use of Social Media and Cell Phones

To ensure a quality and respectful learning environment both in the classroom and in field placement, the use of cell phones and laptop computers for social networking can only be used during break times, before/after class and outside of children’s play areas (indoors/outdoors) in field placement. Laptops and other forms of technology can be used in the classroom when the use pertains to the content and processes of learning facilitated by the Team Member. Faculty/staff reserve the right to remove and hold any technology device that is a disruption to the class until the end of class.

Social Media Policy

• Social media has many advantages for a professional. It can be used to network, to resource information and keep current

• As a student and future professional, it is essential to maintain professional boundaries in all communication, including social media.

BE AWARE:

• “Electronic messages are not anonymous. They can be tracked, misdirected, manipulated and live forever on the internet. Social media sites create and archive copies of every piece of content posted, even when deleted from online profiles. Once information is digitalized, the author relinquishes all control.”

“Online identities and actions are visible to the public and can result in serious repercussions or embarrassment. As the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Ontario notes, users may intend to share their online existence solely within their own network, but in theory anyone can access the user’s musings, photos and information. Further, the words can be altered, forwarded and misquoted.1

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Ensure that your posts reflect you as the professional you are and wish to become – if a potential employer were to see your posts.

1. Many types of social media encourage instantaneous, casual dialogue. It is important to remember that even an innocent comment may be easily misunderstood

2. Assume that information you post or send can be accessed or altered by anyone.

3. Consider whether any posting may reflect poorly on you, your school, or your profession. 4. Avoid online criticism about other students, colleagues, professors or field placements. 5. Avoid impulsive, inappropriate or heated comments.

6. Pictures should not be taken, posted to social media sites or shared without the express permission of all individuals involved.

7. Remember that online sites you visit are not anonymous. 8. Make sure your online name and email reflect professionalism.

9. Ensure that your postings will not be considered harassment or defamation of a peer, colleague, faculty or others.

Maintain privacy of all care and service activities when in practical work experiences: 1. Do not take or post any pictures while on placement or involved in lab activities 2. Maintain client-provider relationships and boundaries. The addition of a client to a

”friendship” status online is unacceptable.

Please respect the fact that your faculty and staff will not invite you to their personal web pages when you are a current student (Keep faculty and staff as resources to connect with after you have

graduated or after you have left the college)

Cell Phone Policy

Students should respect their professors, staff and other instructors by following program policy and not use their cell phones for personal use during class time. This is representative of the professional manner in which you are expected to act as you prepare to enter the workforce.

Students should refrain from bringing their cell phone into a test or examination. Phones should be left in your locker or left in your bag at the front of the classroom. In the event of an urgent need to keep your cell phone with you during a test (parents with young children, students experiencing a family emergency, etc.) please speak to your professor/Team Member as soon as you enter the examination room. Those who have been permitted to bring a phone into the classroom will likely be asked to either leave the phone with the professor, or they may be permitted to leave their phone out on their desk where it is visible to the professor and proctors. In any case, students are not permitted to touch or answer the phone without raising their hand to ask for the professor/proctor’s permission. If you are found to have a cell phone in your possession during an examination that has not been declared, you will be asked to leave the examination room, and will be given a zero on the assessment.

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Cowan Health Sciences Centre Policies

Clinical/Lab Dress Code for all programs’ students

The Clinical Lab areas of the Cowan Health Sciences Centre (CHSC) are comprised of clinical bed labs, the Cross Centre for the Advancement of Patient Care Simulation and the Open Access Lab. In order to maintain these as safe professional spaces, appropriate dress must be worn. The purpose of this dress code is to ensure the safety of the student, faculty and staff and also to prepare for the clinical environment. The dress code is designed to comply with infection control procedures, workplace health and safety considerations and professional safety.

All lab areas are covered by this policy for all programs in the School of Health, Life Sciences and Community Services. Non-compliance with this dress code will result in the person being asked to leave the lab area. (If during scheduled lab time, this may result in a missed lab)

Dress Requirements

• Scrubs or clinical dress as set forth by the program (should be neat and clean)

o Note: the Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation requires full clinical uniform to be worn. i.e. Family of Nursing/RT: scrubs, Paramedic/Pre-Service Fire: uniform

• Closed toe, closed heel shoes, solid covering material as per Occupational Health & Safety requirements

• Hair tied back, if hair is long, then it must be up off the shoulders and secured.

• No rings, necklaces or dangling earrings

o A pair of studs may be worn; one in each ear o A plain wedding band may be worn

• Nails should be kept neat and short; artificial nails and nail polish are not allowed

• No hats to be worn (exceptions related to the Human Rights Code)

• No denim or sweat pants

• Nametags must be worn

Please be reminded that the labs are a clinical setting and, as such, the requirement for proper hand washing/hygiene is in effect.

Clinical Learning Centre/Open Access Lab

Nurse Technologists are Nurses who work in the Clinical Learning Centre.

Nurse Technologists act as a resource in introducing users to the lab, maintaining the lab

environment/supplies, and assisting students with practicing and evaluation of skills related to client care. The Nurse Technologists are also available to students requiring remedial assistance.

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Accessing the Clinical Labs

1. Procedures for booking Lab practice during normal hours

Booking practice time/and or materials may be done in person or by telephone (519 748 5220 ext. 3457) at the Doon campus. All materials borrowed for use outside the lab must be signed for and returned to the lab in good condition within the specified time.

2. Procedure for booking after-hours and weekend Lab practice

• It is preferred that the booking be done at least 24 hours in advance.

• Contact one of the nurse technologists to book the time. The following information will need to be provided to the technologist:

a. Day, time and duration of practice b. Full names of all persons in attendance

i. This allows the CHSC team to notify security appropriately

ii. You must have at least one other person (in the program) with you for this practice

iii. Persons outside the programs in the School of Health and Life Sciences and Community Services will not be admitted to the Open Access Lab

iv. Appropriate lab attire must be worn while in the Open Access

• On the day of practice, please check in with Security with your Conestoga ID. Security will unlock the lab

• When you are finished practicing please contact Security to have them lock the door.

• You will not be allowed to use the medication cart during unsupervised practice.

All students must leave the lab by 2200 hours. The centre must not be left unattended during

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Student Protection Acknowledgement

A Student Protection Acknowledge confirmation pop-up will appear once an applicant/student logs into the Student Portal. A PDF directs students to policies and procedures relevant to their academic responsibilities. Policies and procedures are searchable on Conestoga’s website. Students are advised to review and comply with all policies and procedures including the following:

• Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy/Procedure • Academic Integrity Policy

• Academic Recognition Policy • Academic Credential Procedure

• Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy/Procedure • Co-operative Education Policy

• Discontinuance Policy/Procedure

• Eligibility to Participate in Co-op Work Terms Policy/Procedure • Evaluation of Student Learning Policy/Procedure

• Grading Procedure

• Graduation Requirements and Convocation Procedure • Honours Policy/Procedure

• Program/Course (Cohort) Withdrawal Procedure • Student Concerns and Issues/Procedure

• Student Fees Policy • Student Feedback Policy

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4. Attendance and Student Success Strategies

Attendance

In view of the learning complexities of the Practical Nursing Program, it is imperative that students attend all classes, clinical and placements as scheduled. Students who are absent from class or

practicum place themselves in academic jeopardy of not meeting the learning objectives as stipulated by the program.

If extenuating circumstances require a student to miss a class, please note that it is the student’s responsibility to share this information with faculty and to acquire any missed information.

Punctuality

Students are expected to arrive on time for classroom, lab, clinical and community experiences. Repeated late arrivals may result in the student being denied access to the classroom or clinical experience. An Interview Record will be initiated.

Attendance for Evaluations

An evaluation is defined as a test, exam, presentation or any other formal assessment that requires your presence in a class or lab. Evaluations are critical components of each course and overall success for you in your Program.

The School’s approach to requirements for attendance at evaluations reflects the expectation that as emerging professionals, students must demonstrate a professional attitude and attention to

evaluations, in the same manner that expectations for future work as professional will require attention to workplace procedures. Consequences for missed evaluations are balanced against reasonable support where it is warranted.

In order to support student success:

• Evaluation and presentation dates are scheduled and communicated at the beginning of each semester.

• Unplanned extenuating circumstances involving the college, the program or the faculty that may require changes to the course schedule will be communicated to students.

In support of the development of professionalism, students are required to take all evaluations at the scheduled times.

• Students who make personal commitments that conflict with the evaluation dates or assignment deadlines do so at their own risk.

• There will be no special arrangements made for students with personal conflicts (e.g. work, family commitments or vacation plans).

• Academic accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through the Accessibility Office.

Program Handbook. Practical Nursing Academic Year 2015/2016