Practical Nursing Program Handbook A Health Science Program

(1)

1

Practical

Nursing

Program Handbook

A Health Science Program

(2)

(3)

3

4 Welcome to the Practical Nursing Program

Welcome to the Practical Nursing Program. We are proud to know that you have chosen Orange County Public Schools as a stepping-stone to your medical career. This is an important phase in your life and we hope to make it meaningful and productive for your future.

This handbook has been designed to guide you throughout your chosen program. During the General Campus Orientation, you were provided a District Student Handbook and a District Code of Conduct as well. You will find requirements, policies, and expectations for successful completion of your chosen program. We advise you to become familiar with the guidelines, requirements, and policies. It is your responsibility to understand these if you are to optimize your educational experience.

If you have questions about the handbook, or if you feel a particular concern is not addressed, do visit with your instructor. We all wish you a very successful academic experience.

Program Approvals/Certifications

Orlando Tech Council on Occupational Education

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement

Florida State Board of Nursing

Program Requirements

To take the Florida State Board Exam, students must be at least 18 years old with a High School Diploma, GED, or higher. Proof of graduation from an approved Practical Nursing Program is required. Students who do not have a college degree are required to take an academic placement test covering math, reading, and language. Students in the Practical Nursing program must have scores on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) of 11 in Reading, 11 in Math, and 11 in Language prior to entry into the program. Vocational Preparatory Instruction is available at no cost. Details of times and locations of the TABE testing are in a separate handout. Students are also required to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam for entry into the Practical Nursing program and score a minimum of 75% on all components.

Required Text

Your instructor will provide you with a Syllabus that will include the textbook requirements.

Bookstore

The bookstore at each tech center stocks textbooks required by the programs, plus a limited selection of school supplies. T-shirts, hats, mugs and other items with the school logo may also be available. Books are only sold to campus students unless otherwise authorized by the school Director or

designee. The campus maintains a schedule of both day and evening hours of operation. Financial aid students on a book deferment must bring back ALL books unopened and materials unused to cancel their deferment within the first five days of school. Any books or materials used will be the responsibility of the student and will have an outstanding fee until paid in full. Refunds or exchanges for books may be processed under the following specific circumstances.:

(5)

5

 A receipt must be provided by the customer.

 The book must be new (no markings, no broken binding, no imprints on the cover).  All requests for book refunds must occur within 30 days of purchase.

Criminal Background Check

A criminal background check is required. The form for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) background check can be found in the Admissions Office. Please read the following important notice from the Department of Health concerning prior criminal history and ability to be licensed. Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes

Important Notice for Initial Licensure Applicants and Renewals:

Effective July 1, 2012, Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes, provides that health care boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant:

1. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed.

Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:

a. For the felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;

b. For the felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;

c. For the felonies of the third degree under Section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than 5 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;

2. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances) or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid issues), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application;

3. Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to s. 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent 5 years;

4. Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state or from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good

standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent 5 years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application;

5. Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General's List of Excluded Individuals and Entities

(6)

6 Program Philosophy

The objectives of our Practical Nursing program are based upon the NLN's written competencies for graduates of programs in Practical Nursing. Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Implement nursing care for the health consumer by:

a. Identifying basic physical, emotional, and social needs of the consumer b. Developing basic nursing care plans in an institutional setting

c. Safely performing therapeutic nursing competencies, incorporating basic biological and psychological principles in giving individualized care, and

d. Evaluating the care given with development of needed adjustments, seeking guidance if needed.

2. Demonstrate abilities to use verbal, non-verbal, and written communication techniques by: a. Identifying and applying basic communication techniques in a structured care situation;

b. Identifying communication blocks and demonstrating abilities to modify communication patterns to establish effective interpersonal relationships;

c. Making significant patient observations and communicating these to the health team; and d. Interviewing health consumers to obtain specified information.

3. Teach health practices to consumers and families that promote health or prevent illness by: a. Identifying overt learning needs of the patient; and

b. Developing and implementing health plans with guidance for health consumers and/or families and demonstrating incidental health teaching during routine care.

4. Demonstrate personal management and growth by: a. Showing respect for the dignity of individuals;

b. Identifying own strengths and weaknesses and seeking assistance for improvement of performance;

c. Seeking out and taking advantage of learning situations; and d. Developing positive attitudes toward continuing education.

5. Demonstrate abilities to participate in national, state, and local health care delivery systems by: a. Assuming partial responsibility for the health care delivery system in structural situations; and b. Identifying community health care needs and health care delivery systems.

(7)

7

7 Conceptual Framework

A Conceptual Framework for an instructional program is a visual representation of the knowledge and beliefs included in planning all the components of the educational curriculum.

The Practical Nursing program may be described as having vertical and horizontal threads:  Vertical threads identify the essential elements of scientific knowledge

 Horizontal threads are the concepts/beliefs or behaviors used throughout the learning experiences.

G

r

o

w

t

h

a

n

d

D

e

v

e

l

o

p

m

e

n

t

N

u

t

r

i

t

i

o

n

H

e

a

l

t

h

M

a

i

n

t

e

n

a

n

c

e

N

u

r

s

i

n

g

P

r

o

c

e

s

N

u

r

s

i

n

g

S

k

i

l

s

M

o

d

a

l

i

t

i

e

s

o

f

T

r

e

a

t

m

e

n

t

(8)

8 Program Content

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following: 1.0 Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations.

2.0 Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and interpreting information and ideas.

3.0 Describe the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities. 4.0 Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.

5.0 Demonstrate the importance of health, safety, and environmental management systems in organizations and their importance to organizational performance and regulatory compliance. 6.0 Recognize and respond to emergency situations.

7.0 Recognize and practice infection control procedures. 8.0 Use information technology tools.

9.0 Explain the importance of employability skill and entrepreneurship skills. 10.0 Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS. 11.0 Demonstrate mathematics and science knowledge and skills.

12.0 Demonstrate language arts knowledge and skills.

13.0 Demonstrate personal money-management concepts, procedures, and strategies. 14.0 Solve problems using critical thinking skills, creativity and innovation.

15.0 Describe the roles within teams, work units, departments, organizations, inter-organizational systems, and the larger environment.

16.0 Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills needed to accomplish team goals and objectives.

Occupational Completion Point A Met

17.0 Use verbal and written communications specific to the nursing assistant. 18.0 Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities specific to the nursing assistant. 19.0 Perform physical comfort and safety functions specific to the nursing assistant. 20.0 Provide personal patient care.

21.0 Perform patient care procedures. 22.0 Apply principles of nutrition. 23.0 Provide care for geriatric patients.

24.0 Apply the principles of infection control specific to the nursing assistant. 25.0 Provide biological, psychological, and social support.

26.0 Develop supervised organizational skills, following the patient plan of care. 27.0 Assist with restorative (rehabilitative) activities.

Occupational Completion Point B Met

OCP Course Number Course Title Course Length SOC Code

A HSC0003 Basic Healthcare Worker 90 hours 31-9099

B HCP0121 Nurse Aide and Orderly (Articulated) 75 hours 31-1012

C PRN0091 PRN0092 Practical Nurse 1 Practical Nurse 2 285 hours 450 hours 29-2061

(9)

9

28.0 Demonstrate computer literacy as related to nursing functions.

29.0 Use appropriate verbal and written communications in the performance of nursing functions. 30.0 Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities specific to the nursing profession.

31.0 Describe human growth and development.

32.0 Apply the principles of infection control, utilizing nursing principles. 33.0 Perform aseptic techniques.

34.0 Describe the anatomy and physiology of the human body. 35.0 Apply principles of nutrition.

36.0 Perform nursing procedures. 37.0 Administer medication.

38.0 Provide care for medical/surgical/oncology patients, utilizing nursing principles. 39.0 Provide care for pre-operative and post-operative patients, utilizing nursing principles. 40.0 Provide care for maternal/newborn patients, utilizing nursing principles.

41.0 Provide care for pediatric patients, utilizing nursing principles. 42.0 Provide bio-psycho-social support.

43.0 Develop transitional skills.

44.0 Demonstrate employability skills specific to practical nursing.

Occupational Completion Point C Met (Practical Nursing 1, 2, & 3)

Grading Policy

Student Progress Cards and Reports:At the end of each marking period (9 weeks), the instructor will complete a report card. This represents an overview of the student’s growth. It emphasizes

course/program achievements as well as student attendance, work ethic and skills. Intervention for a student making unsatisfactory progress will be initiated at the midpoint of each nine weeks by the instructor to ensure appropriate student progress and achievement. Students study under a

competency-based system and are graded as competency requirements are satisfactorily completed. The following Orange County Public Schools approved grading scale is used to report student

achievement. The formula to determine each student’s grade is calculated each grading period using this calculation 65% of the grade is coursework in the career certificate program and 35% of the grade is based on the professional work ethic. The grading policy will be covered in more detail during the campus orientation.

(10)

10

Grading and Work Ethic Scale

Grade Percentage Work Ethic Definition

A 90-100 4 Outstanding progress

B 80-89 3 Above Average Progress

C 70-79 2 Average Progress

D 60-69 1 Lowest Acceptable Progress

F Below 60 0 Failure

IP NA NA Course in progress, not yet _complete

Work Ethic Scale Examples

Trait Sample of Appropriate Behavior

Attendance Attends class, arrives/leaves on time; notifies instructor in advance of a _{planned absence.} Personal

Characteristics Displays loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness, dependability, reliability, initiative, self-discipline, and self-responsibility. Teamwork Respects the rights of others, respects confidentiality; is a team worker; is cooperative; is assertive; displays a customer service attitude; seeks

opportunities for continuous learning; demonstrates mannerly behavior. Appearance Displays appropriate dress, grooming, hygiene, and etiquette.

Attitude Demonstrates a positive attitude; appears self-confident; has realistic _{expectations of self.}

Productivity Follow safety practices; conserves materials; keeps work area neat and clean; follows directions and procedures; completes assignments on time, makes up assignments punctually; participates.

Organization Displays skills in prioritizing and management of time and stress; _{demonstrates flexibility in handling change.} Communication Displays appropriate nonverbal (eye contact, body language) and oral _{(listening, telephone etiquette, grammar) skills.}

Cooperation Displays leadership skills; appropriately handles criticism, conflicts, and complaints; demonstrates problem-solving capability; maintains appropriate relationships with supervisors and peers; follows chain of command.

(11)

1

11 Clinical Practice Standards

The Role of the Student Nurse in the Clinical Area

1. The student nurse will maintain a professional attitude and appearance (see Dress Code). Behavior, mannerisms and speech must be mature and appropriate for the health care environment.

2. The student nurse will report on-time to the assigned nursing unit. When the student leaves the unit for any reason (conferences, lectures, break-time, lunch, end of shift), etc. he/she must "report off' to the designated staff member (usually the team leader) and instructor.

3. An oral report (by the team leader) is given to the student before any patient care is initiated.

4. During clinical experiences, the student will gradually proceed from simple to more complex nursing procedures.

5. The student is allowed to administer only those nursing procedures, which have been taught and practiced in the classroom. The first time the procedure is performed with a patient, the instructor must be informed. The instructor's observation and guidance will assure the safety of the patient.

6. The student will become familiar with the patient's history, diagnosis, treatment and medications through reading the chart and seeking information from resource books and manuals. However, the immediate wellbeing of the assigned patient(s) must take priority over learning details.

7. All students will write a full written report of nursing actions as well as observations. All charting written by a student will be assessed and co-signed by the instructor and/or team leader.

8. Oral medications prepared by the student are to be checked for accuracy by the instructor or R.N. designated by the instructor. The instructor must be present to observe the student through all the steps of preparation and administration of injections.

9. The student will seek information and direction regarding the assigned patient(s) from the team leader. He/she is directly responsible to the team leader, as well as, supervision by the instructor. Any

problems or questions concerning nursing care or interpersonal relationships should be shared with the instructor immediately.

10. The written evaluation of the student's clinical performance is the responsibility of the instructor. However, information and input is sought from the team leader.

11. Patient confidentiality shall be maintained at all times. Paper or documentation which contains the information that can be used to identify the patient is strictly confidential. Information taken from clinical facilities will be de-identified. Information on the HIV status of a patient is deemed “super confidential” and can have a bearing on civil rights issues.

(12)

12 General Policies

Attendance, Tardies, and Absences - Unexcused Absence Policy and Make-up Requirements: The OCPS Career & Technical Education Student Handbook policy will be upheld in the Practical Nursing program. (See OCPS CTE Student Handbook.)

Currently students in the full time day program must complete 24 hours per week in the classroom to be eligible to receive 6 hours online credit for completion of the required modules. Fulltime students not completing required modules, or logging into the site daily will not be given the online credit hours. Students may log over the amount of required hours in a week, but may not graduate early because of it. Overages will be used to make up time for absences. Students must sign the attendance form on the front desk with the time of arrival and departure, and clock in using the fingerprint identifier. If there are any difficulties or a time is incorrect, inform the instructor in writing. All students must clock out and leave the building for lunch. All late entries and early outs must be made up. The student must call the classroom and leave a message if they will be unable to make an appointment in the clinic, so that arrangements can be made. Any no shows/no calls will result in points being deducted from the Work Ethics portion of the Student Progress report.

Fire Drills/Disaster Drills:Regulations require that fire drills, bad weather drills, and lockdown procedures be held periodically throughout the school year. Each drill has specific procedures and warnings that will be taught to your class by the instructor. Please take note of the following guidelines:

 Every drill is to be taken seriously.  A drill can take place at any time.

 All students should follow the exact procedures for each drill.

 Students should follow the lead of their teacher so that they will be in compliance with the drill and know the routine in case of an actual event.

 To turn in a false alarm is a criminal offense.

Smoking:Smoking is not allowed on any campus per regulations of Orange County Public Schools. Telephone Usage - Cell Phone Use: Cell phones need to be in the silent mode. Emergency calls can be

sent to the Campus Main number. Students may only use the cell phones during designated breaks or at lunch. Students are required to ask any clients receiving treatments to turn off their cell phones. Equipment, Supplies, Furniture - Computer use: Computers are the property of OCPS and students

must respect the district’s policies outlined in the student handbook. They are not for personal use. No e-mails, blogging, or personal surfing. Printers are for school work only. Be frugal when using paper and ink. Remove personal items from computer desks when not in use. No food or drink around the computer desks. Headsets are permitted. Digital music devices are encouraged during independent study periods only.

Instructor Access: Day students: 7:45am-2:15pm Monday – Friday

Evening students: 4:00pm-9:00pm Monday – Thursday

Confidentiality:Federal legislation (HIPAA) protects the confidentiality of medical information and patient rights. Practical Nurses must follow the HIPAA requirements. Students should not discuss client

(13)

1

3

13

information with family members or others. Gossip about clients, facilities, and co-students is considered a breach of confidentiality and the student can be withdrawn from the program.

Grievance Procedure (OCPS CTE Student Handbook):_{A student is encouraged to resolve an issue at} the classroom level. If there is no resolution at the classroom level, the student may present the concern to the Program Director. If a satisfactory solution is not reached, the issue will be taken to the appropriate administrator. If still not resolved, then the issue is regarded as a grievance. Steps to be followed regarding a student grievance are the following:

1. The student must state the grievance in written form to the appropriate school administrator.

2. Within five school days, the appropriate administrator will meet with the student. The student will be afforded the opportunity to state his/her view and to present evidence of witnesses. A decision will be made.

3. Within five school days of the initial meeting a student may appeal the outcome of that meeting to the technical center senior director who will schedule a meeting with the student within two weeks. A decision will be made.

4. If the student is not satisfied with the decision, he/she may further appeal to the associate

superintendent or designee who will convene an impartial board to review the grievance and render a final decision.

5. If the grievance is not settled to the student’s satisfaction at the local level the student may contact: The Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350.

Telephone number: 770-396-3898

Required Certificates:as a requirement of the OCPS Health Science Core, the Florida Board of Nursing and the Department of Education, students must receive certificates in CPR, HIV/AIDS and First Aid. Each of these will be taught during the program. However, if a student misses a day that is needed for a required certification in CPR or First Aid, the student must make up the training. Make up arrangements for this training will be determined on an individual basis. It may require an outside source of qualified instruction to meet the district, state and national board requirements. Only the American Heart Association’s “Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers” and “Heartsaver First Aid” courses will be accepted. If an outside source must be utilized, the student will be responsible for the cost of the course and must agree to provide a copy of the certificate upon completion. Students with current AHA certificate documentation may supply copies instead of retaking the course. Students failing to earn these certificates will not be allowed to graduate.

Uniform/Dress Code

The guidelines for appearance, cleanliness and grooming are based on principles of safety and hygiene. The instructor is responsible for nurturing the student's adherence to the guidelines so they are perceived as:

 Valid and valuable.

 Worthy of compliance, not only during the student's educational enrollment, but also, as a practitioner of nursing.

(14)

14

UNIFORM FOR WOMEN

Students should purchase TWO uniforms. The color of the uniform and specifics will be covered in the Center Orientation. The uniform should be laundered daily and ironed as needed to be wrinkle free. An alternate selection may be made with the approval of the department chairperson. If a skirt is worn, the hemline should cover the knees when standing and sitting. If the uniform becomes stained or damaged beyond restoration, the student will be expected to replace it.

UNIFORM FOR MEN

Male students will wear a regulation uniform jacket with collar over uniform pants. Colors and specifics will be covered in Orientation. Students should purchase TWO uniforms. The uniform should be laundered daily and ironed to be wrinkle free. A white, round-neck undershirt is required (with no lettering, logos, or pictures) and the jacket will be unzipped no more than 3 inches.

LAB COAT/SWEATER

A clean lab coat may be worn when needed. If a heavier garment is needed, a PLAIN WHITE OR NAVY BLUE Jacket/SWEATER is acceptable for classroom wear. No hoodies, sweat shirts, blankets, etc. will be allowed.

SCHOOL ID

The school Identification is to be worn around the neck on a lanyard or attached to the uniform collar. SHOES

White nurse’s shoes (enclosed duty shoes - no clogs) and white stockings (hose) are required. White knee-high stockings or calf length socks are permissible with slacks (ankle socks are not acceptable). Men will wear white calf length socks and duty shoes. No sneakers or tennis shoes are allowed for either women or men. Shoelaces will be kept immaculately clean and hose will be free of holes and runs.

HAIR

Cleanliness and neatness of the hair is mandatory. Styling must be pulled back away from the face (not extreme), well controlled and secured. Items used to secure the hair must be small and navy, white or hair-colored. Unnatural hair color - orange, green, purple, blue, etc. are not acceptable. Wigs must follow the same guidelines. The student must maintain the acceptable hair style while in uniform, arriving and leaving class/clinical sites.

FACIAL MAKE-UP

Eyeliner, eye shadow, eyebrow pencil, and lipstick are allowed in moderation. Strive for the NATURAL look.

FINGERNAILS

Safety for the patient and cleanliness are essential. The nails will be clean, trimmed neatly, and no longer than ¼ inch. Pale, unchipped nail polish may be worn. Nails must be free of designs. Acrylic/artificial nails of any type are not permitted.

(15)

1

5

15

JEWELRY

Wedding rings may be worn. Other rings may NOT be worn. One post earring per ear may be worn. Hoop earrings are not permitted. Some facilities do not permit males to wear earrings.

NO chains/necklaces, NO bracelets, NO ankle bracelets.

Failure to follow the Practical Nursing Dress Code will result in the student being asked to leave the facility and return when dressed appropriately. Absences will have to be made up.

Responsible Conduct: Students are expected to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner and reflect the individual goals and the purpose of Orange County Public Schools. The Center Director has the responsibility to immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when any student under his or her jurisdiction violates the law. The Orange County School Board Code of Student

Conduct will be enforced. All Practical Nursing students will receive a copy during orientation.

Cheating/Plagiarism: Cheating or plagiarism on any classroom or clinical work assigned is considered a serious offense. Plagiarism is the act of copying someone else’s work and presenting it as your own. This would include copying directly from textbooks, other references, an Internet Site, or other students’ work. It is a form of cheating and will result in the same consequences as cheating. All incidents of cheating and/or plagiarism will result in a zero for that assignment and a written anecdotal in the student’s record. A second offense results in automatic dismissal from the program.

Student Insurance: All technical students must purchase school accident insurance or provide proof of insurance that covers them while in school-related activities. For a nominal fee a student may purchase 24-hour coverage. Insurance requirements must be taken care of upon registering for the program. Alcohol/Drugs: The Orange County Public School Drug-Free School Act is covered in the OCPS CTE Student Handbook. (See OCPS CTE Student Handbook)

(16)

(17)

Forms Requiring Student Signatures

____________________________________________ Print Student Name

____________________________________________ Student Number

I, the undersigned, have read and understand the following sections as written in the Practical Nursing Program Handbook and do agree to abide by the policies as written:

(initial each section below)

_________ Policies/Requirements

_________ Attendance Policy Agreement _________ Dress Code Requirement _________ Grading Policy

____________________________________________ ________________

Student Signature Date

____________________________________________ ________________

(18)

(19)

(20)