Dean of Workforce education
Director of Nurse Science
Nursing Faculty
Student
2.0 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS AND OBJECTIVES FOR
NURSING COURSES
RNSG 1219 Integrated Nursing Skills: Study of the concepts
and principles essential for demonstrating competence in the performance of
basic nursing skills for care of diverse clients across the life span. Topics
include knowledge, judgment, skills and professional values within a
legal/ethical framework to perform care to the bio-psych-social person.
The
student will:
1. Using basic assessment
techniques, begin to gather and interpret data to determine health status.
2. Apply concepts of
functional patterns, pharmacology, culture, development, professional
communication, physiology, safety, and ethical legal considerations to the
performance of basic skills.
3. Adapt skills to allow
for growth, development, physical condition and health care setting.
4. Perform teaching related
to skills performed considering health promotion, maintenance, and restoration
as appropriate to the skill.
5. Collaborate with other
nurses and members of the interdisciplinary team to formulate a plan, modify a
plan, and evaluate outcomes as basic nursing skill performance affects the plan
6. Assume accountability
and responsibility for quality of skill performance.
7. Coordinate material and
human resources to facilitate the performance of skills
8. Use critical thinking to
analyze data, outcomes, and difficulties encountered in skill performance.
RNSG 1423 Introduction to
Professional Nursing for Integrated Programs
Introduction
to the profession of nursing, including the roles of the registered nurse with
emphasis on health promotion and primary disease prevention across the life
span; essential components of the nursing health assessment through functional
patterns, identification of deviations from expected heath patterns; the
application of a systematic problem solving process to provide basic nursing
care to diverse clients across the life span; and applicable competencies in
knowledge, judgment skills and professional values within a legal/ ethical
framework.
The
student will:
1. Describe the roles of
the Professional nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team in
a variety of health care settings.
2. Discuss the role of the
professional nurse in implementing the plan of care individually and in
collaboration with the interdisciplinary team with regard to scope of practice,
accountability for practice, the Nurse practice act, standards of care, and
other ethical legal considerations.
3. Use the concepts of the
health illness continuum, bio-psycho-social man, and functional patterns to
gather data related to health promotion across the life-span.
4. Identify principles
incorporated in the provision of basic nursing care including a 5 step systematic
problem solving process, functional patterns, culture, pharmacology, client
education, development, professional communication, physiology, safety,
nutrition and ethical legal considerations as they relate to the formulation
and implementation of a plan of care.
5. Use beginning priority
setting using established models, principles of decision-making and rules as a
basis for critical thinking in client scenarios.
6. Relate commonly used
sources of referral for the promotion and maintenance of health.
7. Demonstrate an
application of ideas related to personal accountability and responsibility
RNSG 1260
Clinical I
Detailed
education, training and work based experience and direct patient care at
clinical sites. Focus is on basic care, skill development, health promotion
for clients at all developmental ages and various cultural groups. Application
of basic nursing concepts to the clinical setting is emphasized.
The
student will:
1. Apply theory, concepts,
and basic skills, involving materials, equipment, procedures, regulations,
laws, and interactions within political, economic, environmental, social and
legal systems associated with the roles of the associate degree nurse.
2. Provide care for one
client through direct care and collaboration using concepts of the
bio-psycho-social man and the threads of 5 step problem solving process,
functional patterns, culture, pharmacology, client education, development,
professional communication, physiology, safety, nutrition, and ethical legal
considerations.
3. Identify and begin to
gather basic data used to determine health status.
4. Implement, with
instructor guidance, established teaching learning plans related to health
promotion and maintenance.
5. Identify health
resources used by nursing professionals for health promotion in various
clinical settings.
6. Begin using priority
setting, models, and the five step problem solving process as a framework for
critical thinking to meet the health care needs of clients.
7. Begin to evaluate client
responses by comparing health promotion outcomes to goals established by the
interdisciplinary team.
8. As a student, work as a
member of the multidisciplinary health team by assuming accountability, seeking
appropriate supervision and assuming responsibility for basic skills and
therapeutic interventions provided.
9. Identify sources of
literature supporting the scientific basis for care given to clients.
RNSG 2504 Integrated Care of the
Client with Common Health Care Needs
Application
of a systemic problem solving process and critical thinking skills to provide
nursing care to diverse clients/families across the life span with common
health care needs including, but not limited to, common childhood/adolescent
diseased, uncomplicated peri-natal care, mental health concepts, peri-operative
care, frequently occurring adult health problems and health issues related to
aging. Emphasis on secondary disease prevention and collaboration with members
of the multidisciplinary health care team. Content includes competencies in
knowledge, judgment skills and professional values within a legal/ethical
framework.
The
student will:
- Use increasing assessment skills to collaborate with
clients and others to gather and interpret data related to commonly
occurring health maintenance and restoration needs.
- In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, apply
principles of a systematic problem solving process and critical thinking
to formulate and implement a plan of care including diagnosis, outcomes,
nursing orders and a beginning understanding of rationales for care and
outcome evaluation.
- In collaboration with the members of the
interdisciplinary team implement established teaching plans and write
beginning plans for clients with common health maintenance and restoration
needs.
- Apply curricular threads to the care of clients with
common health care needs including culture, development, professional
communication, nutrition, safety, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and
ethical legal concerns.
- Incorporate literature and content from academic
coursework and use as a scientific basis for care.
- Identify resources, materials, and apply to clients
with common health needs requiring these services
- Begin incorporating the differing roles of the
Associate Degree Nurse applying the Nursing Practice Act, accountability,
responsibility and seeking appropriate supervision while providing care to
the client with commonly occurring health care needs.
RNSG 1261 Clinical II
Detailed
education training and work based experience and direct patient/client care at
clinical sites. Focus is on care of clients with health maintenance and
commonly encountered predictable health care needs through the lifespan.
Emphasis on curricular threads of communication, teaching, safety, nutrition,
development, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and ethical/legal consideration
while critically thinking and providing care for one to two clients in
structured commonly encountered health care settings.
The
student will:
- Apply theory, concepts, and basic skills, involving
materials, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions
within political, economic, environmental, social and legal systems
associated with the roles of the associate degree nurse.
- Provide care for one to two clients through direct care
and collaboration using concepts of the bio-psycho-social man and the
threads of 5 step problem solving process, functional patterns, culture,
pharmacology, client education, development , professional communication,
pathophysiology, safety, nutrition, and ethical legal considerations.
- Utilize assessment tools and independent assessment
techniques to gather assessment data used to determine health status for
commonly occurring disturbances in health across the lifespan.
- Implement, established teaching/ learning plans and
develop unique patient centered plans related to health promotion and
maintenance for commonly occurring needs through the life span.
- Use health resources for health promotion in various
clinical settings, working with the multidisciplinary team to identify
appropriate referrals for clients with commonly occurring health care
needs.
- Apply skills of priority setting and the five-step
problem solving process as a framework for critical thinking to meet the
health care needs of clients.
- Use knowledge base to identify rationales for care and
evaluate client responses by comparing health promotion, maintenance, and
restoration outcomes to goals established by the interdisciplinary team.
- Assume accountability and responsibility for basic
skills and therapeutic interventions provided, and seek appropriate
supervision when needed..
- Use sources of literature supporting the scientific
basis for care given to clients as a platform for decision making.
RNSG 2514 Integrated Care of the Client with Complex Health Care
Needs:
Application of a systematic problem solving process and critical thinking
skills to provide comprehensive nursing care to diverse clients/families across
the life span with complex health care needs including, but not limited to
complex childhood/adolescent diseases, complicated perinatal care, serious
adult health problems and health issues related to aging. Emphasis on tertiary
disease prevention, health maintenance/restoration and collaboration with
members of the multidisciplinary health care team. Topics include the role of
the nurse as client advocate and coordinator of care and applicable
competencies in knowledge, judgment, skills, and professional values with in a
legal/ethical framework.
The
student will:
- Apply comprehensive assessment skills across the
lifespan to gather and interpret data in collaboration with the
interdisciplinary team to determine health status and needs for clients
with complex health needs across the life span.
- Use a five step problem solving process to develop and
implement, in collaboration with the health care team, a holistic plan of
care for diverse clients across the life span with complex health care
needs in a variety of settings, emphasizing advanced assessment, and
individualized diagnosis, goals/outcomes, and interventions, and evaluation
of client response to specific therapeutic interventions..
- Implement the plan of care for 2-4 clients with complex
needs, in collaboration with the client, family and interdisciplinary
team, explaining rationale and expected outcomes for treatments , and
demonstrating accountability for practice and the incorporation of ethical
legal principles.
- Develop and implement teaching plans for clients with
complex needs which support the interdisciplinary team ‘s discharge or
long term care plan related to health maintenance/restoration
- Demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making
skills commensurate with knowledge base for clients with complex needs
incorporating advocacy, and making safe ethical decisions.
- Make decisions that demonstrate accountability for
practice , responsibility for care, safety and incorporation of
principles from the Nurse Practice Act .
- Participate in activities that promote the professional
practice of nursing including professional development/educational
activities, and incorporating current literature/research into
professional practice.
RNSG 2360 Clinical III
Detailed
education training and work based experience and direct patient care at
clinical sites. Focus is on care of clients with complex needs along the
health illness continuum and application of more advanced concepts for the
nurse within the role of the nurse. Additional practice at refining skills
using critical thinking, systematic problem solving processes, and
incorporating human development, learning needs, communication, pharmacology,
nutrition, and pathophysiology.
The student will:
1. Apply theory, concepts, and basic skills,
involving materials, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions
within political, economic, environmental, social and legal systems associated
with the roles of the associate degree nurse.
2. Provide care for two to
four clients through direct care and collaboration with the interdisciplinary
team using concepts of the bio-psycho-social man and the threads of 5 step
problem solving process, functional patterns, culture, pharmacology, client
education, development , professional communication, pathophysiology, safety,
nutrition, and ethical legal considerations.
3. Begin to utilize
advanced assessment techniques to gather assessment data and analyze the data
to determine health status for complex disturbances in health across the
lifespan.
4. Implement, established
teaching/ learning plans and develop unique patient centered plans related to
health promotion and maintenance for complex needs through the life span.
5. Use health resources for
health promotion in various clinical settings, working with the
multidisciplinary team to identify appropriate referrals for clients with
complex health care needs.
6. Apply skills of priority
setting and the five-step problem solving process as a framework for critical
thinking to meet the complex health care needs of clients.
7. Use knowledge base to
identify rationales for care and evaluate client responses by comparing health
promotion/restoration/maintenance outcomes to goals established by the
interdisciplinary team.
8. As a student assume
accountability and responsibility for basic skills and therapeutic
interventions provided, and seek appropriate supervision when needed..
9. Use sources of
professional literature to support the scientific basis for care given to
clients.
10. Establish, maintain, and
evaluate therapeutic professional communication with clients and other members
of the interdisciplinary health care team.
RNSG 2535 Integrated Client Care Management: Application of client
assessment skills, critical thinking, and independent nursing interventions to
care for diverse clients/families throughout the life span whose health care
needs may be difficulty to predict. Emphasis is placed on collaborative
clinical decision-making, nursing leadership skills, and client management.
Topics include the significance of professional development, trends in nursing
and health care, care in highly specialized nursing areas and applicable
knowledge, judgment, skills and professional values within a legal/ethical
framework
The
student will:
- Use the five step problem solving process to formulate
and implement, in collaboration with the interdisciplinary health care
team, a comprehensive, ,holistic plan of care for clients across the life
span in a variety of settings, incorporating nursing diagnosis, outcomes,
nursing orders, priority setting, accountability, ethical legal concerns,
and critical thinking skills.
- Collaborate with clients and the interdisciplinary team
to gather comprehensive assessment data , and analyze the data to
determine health care needs for a variety of settings, including
specialized care areas
- Analyze the implications of the Nursing Practice Act
and legal considerations for a new graduate and for a licensed
professional nurse.
- Act as a client teacher by developing, implementing and
evaluating the effectiveness of client teaching plans, in collaboration
with the interdisciplinary team.
- Evaluate the client responses to scientifically based
therapeutic care given in a variety of settings including specialized care
areas and evaluate self as a provider of care, manager of care, and
member of a profession.
- Demonstrate leadership in providing care for groups of
diverse clients across the life span in the health care setting through
direct care, collaboration, and delegation.
- Use critical thinking skills to analyze data and make
safe ethical decisions while acting within the roles of the nurse as
provider of care, manager of care and member of a profession.
- Use current technology and literature to enhance client
care and promote the profession of nursing.
- Manage human and material resources to provide for the
care of groups of clients in the health care setting.
- Promote continuity of care by making appropriate
referrals and using appropriate resources available to the
interdisciplinary health care team.
RNSG 2361 Clinical IV Detailed education, training, and work based
experience ad direct patient care at clinical sites. Focus is on the care on
advanced, specialized clinical sites, and on coordinating and managing care for
groups of clients and managing the health care team within the role of the
Associate Degree Nurse as a professional.
The
student will:
1.
Apply theory, concepts, and basic skills, involving materials, equipment,
procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within political,
economic, environmental, social and legal systems associated with the roles of
the associate degree nurse.
- Provide care groups clients through direct care and
collaboration with the interdisciplinary team using concepts of the
bio-psycho-social man and the threads of 5 step problem solving process,
functional patterns, culture, pharmacology, client education, development
, professional communication, pathophysiology, safety, nutrition, and
ethical legal considerations.
- Utilize advanced assessment techniques to gather
assessment data and analyze the data to determine health status for
complex disturbances in health across the lifespan.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate teaching/learning plans
and develop unique patient centered plans related to health promotion,
restoration, and maintenance for needs through the life span.
- Use health resources for health promotion in various
specialized clinical settings, working with the multidisciplinary team to
identify appropriate referrals for clients with a variety of health care
needs.
- Evaluate care given using knowledge base to identify
rationales for care and client responses by comparing health promotion/restoration/maintenance
outcomes to goals established by the interdisciplinary team.
- As a student, assume accountability and responsibility
for basic skills and therapeutic interventions provided, provide care in
accordance with the Nurse Practice Act, and seek appropriate supervision
when needed.
- Use sources of professional literature to support the
scientific basis for care given to clients.
- Establish, maintain, and evaluate therapeutic
professional communication with clients and other members of the interdisciplinary
health care team
- Practice in compliance with the Nurse Practice Act
- Manage human and material resources to provide for the
care of groups of clients in the health care setting.
- Promote continuity of care by making appropriate
referrals and using appropriate resources available to the
interdisciplinary health care team.
RNSG 1327 Transition from Vocational to Professional Nursing
Course
Description: Preparation for role transition from vocational to professional
nursing. Topics include health promotion, legal/ethical issues, expanded
assessment, analysis of data, systematic problem solving processes, nutrition,
teaching, pharmacology, multidisciplinary teamwork, communication, and
applicable competencies in basic workplace skills. Selected common medical
surgical conditions are addressed as they relate to human needs in the
bio-psycho social man across the lifespan.
The student will:
1. Use increasing assessment skills to
collaborate with clients and others to gather and interpret data related to
commonly occurring health maintenance and restoration needs across the
life-span
- In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, apply
principles of a systematic problem solving process and critical thinking
to formulate and implement a plan of care including diagnosis, outcomes,
nursing orders , enhancing the student’s understanding of rationales for
care and outcome evaluation.
- In collaboration with the members of the
interdisciplinary team implement established teaching plans and write
teaching plans for clients with common health maintenance and restoration
needs.
- Apply curricular threads including culture,
development, professional communication, nutrition, safety,
pathophysiology, pharmacology, and ethical legal concerns to the care of
clients with common health care needs.
- Incorporate literature and content from academic
coursework and use as a scientific basis for care.
- Identify resources, materials, and sources of referral
and incorporate into the care of clients with common health needs
requiring these services
- Begin incorporating the differing roles of the
Associate Degree Nurse applying the Nursing Practice Act, accountability,
responsibility and seeking appropriate supervision while providing care to
the client with commonly occurring health care needs.
- Differentiate the roles of the LVN and the RN and make
adaptations to the role change from LVN to Associate Degree Nursing
student including awareness of changes in competencies.
Clinical Mobility
- . Apply theory, concepts, and basic skills, involving
materials, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions
within political, economic, environmental, social and legal systems
associated with the roles of the associate degree nurse.
- Provide care for one to two clients through direct care
and collaboration using concepts of the bio-psycho-social man and the
threads of 5 step problem solving process, functional patterns, culture,
pharmacology, client education, development, professional communication,
pathophysiology, safety, nutrition, and ethical legal considerations.
- Utilize assessment tools and independent assessment
techniques to gather assessment data used to determine health status for
commonly occurring disturbances in health across the lifespan.
- Develop unique patient centered plans related to health
promotion and maintenance for commonly occurring needs through the life
span.
- Use health resources for health promotion in various
clinical settings, working with the multidisciplinary team to identify
appropriate referrals for clients with commonly occurring health care
needs.
- Apply skills of priority setting and the five step
problem solving process as a framework for critical thinking to meet the
health care needs of clients with commonly occurring health care needs.
- Use knowledge base to identify rationales for care and
evaluate client responses by comparing health promotion/maintenance and
restoration outcomes to goals established by the interdisciplinary team.
- Assume accountability and responsibility for skills and
therapeutic interventions provided, and seek appropriate supervision when
needed..
- Use sources of literature supporting the scientific
basis for care given to clients as a platform for decision making.
- Make adaptations to the role change from LVN to
Associate Degree Nursing student including awareness of changes in
competencies, and the application of the Nurse Practice Act.
2.2 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Prerequisite
Credits
ACT or SAT Tests with Satisfactory Scores
CHEM 1405 Introduction to
Chemistry 4
BIOL 1322 Nutrition 3
ENGL 1301 English Composition I 3
PSYC 2301 Introduction to
Psychology 3
RSPT 1103 Medical Terminology 1
14
Fall Semester – Freshman Year
RNSG 1219 Integrated Nursing
Skills 2
PSYC 2314 Human Growth &
Development 3
RNSG 1423 Introduction to
Professional Nursing for Integrated Programs 4
RNSG 1260 Clinical I 2
BIOL 2401 Anatomy &
Physiology I 4
15
Spring Semester – Freshman Year
RNSG 2504 Integrated Care of the
Client with Common Health Care Needs 5
RNSG 1261 Clinical II 2
BIOL 2402 Anatomy &
Physiology II 4
SPCH Elective 3
14
Fall Semester – Sophomore Year
RNSG 2514 Integrated Care of the
Client with Complex Health Care Needs 5
RNSG 2360 Clinical III 3
COSC Elective 3
MATH 1342 Statistics 3
14
Spring Semester – Sophomore Year
RNSG 2535 Integrated Client Care
Management 5
RNSG 2361 Clinical IV 3
BIOL 2421 Microbiology 4
PHIL 1301 Introduction to
Philosophy 3
15
TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 72
NOTE: Nursing courses
(courses with RNSG prefix) must be taken in the order listed in the Curriculum
Overview and a grade of "C" or better must be attained in every
course in order to progress to the next semester work.
2.3
CURRICULUM
OVERVIEW – LVN MOBILITY OPTION
Prerequisites Credits
CHEM 1405 Introduction to
Chemistry 4
BIOL 1322 Nutrition 3
BIOL 2401 Anatomy and
Physiology I 4
BIOL 2402 Anatomy and
Physiology II 4
ENGL 1301 English
Composition I 3
PSYC 2301 Introduction to
Psychology 3
PSYC 2314 Human Growth & Development 3
SPCH Elective 3
27
Summer
RNSG 1327 Transition from
Vocational to Professional Nursing 3
RNSG 1162 Clinical – Mobility 1
RNSG 1215 Health Assessment 2
_____
6
(Upon successful completion, 9 hours credit may
be awarded for LVN course work.)
Fall Semester
RNSG 2514 Integrated Care of the
Client with Complex Health Care Needs 5
RNSG 2360 Clinical III 3
COSC Elective 3
MATH 1342 Statistics 3
14
Spring Semester
RNSG 2535 Integrated Client Care
Management 5
RNSG 2361 Clinical IV 3
BIOL 2421 Microbiology 4
PHIL 1301 Introduction to
Philosophy 3
15
TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 72
2.4
NURSING
ELECTIVES
Occasionally,
nursing elective courses are offered to expand a student’s knowledge in
specific clinical or academic topics. Examples of these courses are special
topics in nursing, or internships in management or specialty areas. When these
courses are offered, they are not required for graduation; they are for
interest only.
SECTION 3.
ADMISSION CRITERIA
Admissions into the nursing program are based on
selections made from an applicant pool of interested students. The Admission
Committee for the Associate Degree Nursing Program is composed of faculty members
and counseling staff who will review completed applications. Any application
that is in any way deviant from the admission criteria stated below is
presented to the faculty as a whole. Students may take any or all of the
academic courses before being admitted to the nursing program, but doing so
does not by itself assure admission. Students wishing to transfer into the
NTCC program from another school after beginning nursing courses, will be
considered on an individual basis.
The NTCC Guidance and Counseling Department will
give initial counseling to students wishing to enter the nursing program, and
will work with those who do not have an ACT score or prerequisites. Students
who have the required ACT score and prerequisites need to fill out an
application form and return it, with high school diploma or GED, college transcripts
and ACT scores attached, to the Associate Degree Nursing Department.
Applications are available January through March of each academic year.
The admissions committee will apply a point
system to each area of the application. Applicants with the highest points
will be admitted based on the number of openings in the class. After review of
each completed application, applicants will be notified in writing of the committee's
decision. If accepted, the student must verify in writing as to his/her intent
to attend, by the deadline stated in the letter.
3.1 QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION
A. Application Procedure
The following are minimal qualifications for
admission into the Associate Degree Nursing Program at NTCC:
1. The Nursing Program has selective admissions
(includes nursing major courses). The applicant must meet the criteria for
admission to the college and submit all required documents in the Application
Procedure prior to the date specified. Applicants who submit completed
applications meeting criteria for admission after the date specified may be
considered as alternates.
2. Applicants must be high school graduates or have
completed an approved high school course of study (GED).
3. The combined ACT composite score, 18 or higher
on the enhanced version or equivalent score on older versions must be achieved
prior to application consideration. SAT composite score of 900 or above is
considered equivalent.
4. Introductory Chemistry I (CHEM 1405),
Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 2301), English Composition (ENGL 1301),
Nutrition (BIOL 2322) and Medical Terminology (RSPT 1106) are required courses
that must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher prior to application
consideration. General Biology (BIOL 1406) also is also recommended
prior for Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL 2401, 2402).
5. A “C” or higher grade must be made in all
required courses on the degree plan.
6.
Students
must have read and signed the Licensure
Eligibility Notification Form.
7.
Students
must successfully complete a CPR course for Health Care Providers, pass a
criminal history check, random drug screen, and complete all required
immunizations
8.
Final
admission to Category II is contingent upon satisfactory results on the
Physical Examination (completed within three months prior to enrollment in
first nursing major course).
After these
qualifications are met, a point system will be applied to select the students
admitted. The point system will include GPA, ACT/SAT scores, all course work
on any nursing degree plan excluding RNSG courses, in district status and work
experience.
The following
are qualifications for admission into the Vocational Nursing Mobility Program
at NTCC:
1.
Applicants
must be high school graduates or have completed an approved high school course
of study (GED).
2.
The combined ACT
composite score, 18 or higher on the enhanced version or 900 on the SAT must be
achieved prior to application consideration.
3.
All prerequisite
courses listed on the curriculum plan must have been completed with a grade of
“C” or higher
4.
Students
must have read and signed the Licensure Eligibility Notification Form.
5.
Final
admission is contingent upon satisfactory results on the Physical Examination
(completed within three months prior to enrollment in first nursing major
course). Applicants not selected may reapply. All applicants will be
notified in writing of their status.
6.
Applicants
must be LVN’s licensed in Texas in good standing and with at least 6 months of
work experience at the time of admission.
7.
Students
must successfully complete a CPR course for Health Care Providers, pass a
criminal history check, random drug screen, and complete all required
immunizations
8.
Applicants
not selected may reapply in future years.
B.
Selection Procedure
The
following steps are completed:
1. The
number of students to be selected for the next academic year is determined.
2. Each
applicant's academic profile is determined based on a point system published in
the application package.
3. Each
applicant selected may enroll in the first nursing major course the next
academic year, contingent on satisfactory results on the Physical Examination,
is notified by mail.
4. All
other applicants are notified of their status.
3.2 TRANSFER STUDENTS
Students
requesting to transfer course work to the Nursing Program at Northeast from
other
educational institutions must follow the
following guidelines:
1.
1.
Present
syllabi and transcripts from completed courses to the Director - Nurse Science
Program. These are used to document course content equitable to courses
receiving transfer credit.
2.
2.
Complete
request for course substitution forms and present them to the Director of Nursing
for approval by the Vice President of Instruction.
3. Present
a written document from the transferring agency validating the students
eligibility for reentry to the original nursing program or validating that
student did not exhibit unsafe clinical practice.
4. Students
may be required to pass written examinations over completed material to the
satisfaction of the Director of Nurse Science and the faculty team.
5. Follow
Northeast's registration guidelines and complete the remaining courses in
sequence and under all of Northeast's policies and procedures.
6. Student
may transfer before the fourth (final) semester. No fourth semester transfer
students will be accepted. At least 18 of the final hours towards the degree
must be completed at NTCC.
Transfer students will be considered in order of
request, based on proof of eligibility for transfer and on a space available
basis.
SECTION 4. REGISTRATION AND PROGRESSION
Students majoring in Associate Degree Nursing
will enroll in the same manner as other NTCC students. A counselor or any
Associate Degree nursing faculty member will assist the student in scheduling
courses as needed.
Nursing courses must follow the sequence as
given in the college catalog. Supporting courses in the behavioral, biological,
and natural sciences are considered to be an integral part of the nursing
curriculum. Consequently, a student will need to complete supporting courses
prior to or concurrently with the nursing courses as shown on the degree plans
in the catalog for the year of attendance.
Students may, and are encouraged to, complete
all general or liberal education and supporting courses prior to entering the
nursing program. Behavioral and biological science courses more than five (5)
years old will need to be repeated. Any student requesting an exemption from
these guidelines must apply in writing to the Admissions Committee. Decisions
will be individually based.
The academic support courses must be passed with
a grade of “C” or above in order to continue in the nursing program. If a
student should fail to complete a biologic or behavioral science course
concurrently with nursing he/she will not be able to progress in the nursing
program, until the failed course is successfully completed. Course substitutions
may be approved at the discretion of the Vice President of Instructions and the
nursing admissions committee. Students should submit a request for course
substitution to the Director of the Nursing program.
Each student will have a degree plan prepared in
consultation with his/her academic advisor or the Director of Associate Degree
Nursing. It is the responsibility of each student to see that he/she
progresses through his/her degree plan as outlined or arrange appropriate
deviation from this plan with his/her academic advisor or with the Director of
Associate Degree Nursing. All course work to
be used toward graduation should be confirmed with the director prior to the
last semester to ensure eligibility for graduation.
5. CLASSROOM CONDUCT
The college classroom is environment structured
to facilitate learning in content areas essential to personal and professional
development. Students are expected to be an active participant in nursing
courses and to conduct themselves in a manner conducive to their own and other
students’ learning. Following are some guidelines to optimize the classroom
experience.
A. Each individual is responsible
for their own learning and their own behaviors.
B. Participate freely but with
relevance to content.
C. Remember others need to
participate.
D. Behave in a polite and courteous
manner. We will be together all year--manners count!
E. No hats, chewing tobacco,
smoking, or profanity in the classroom.
F. Apply the content discussed to
new situations.
G. Arrive on time and return from
breaks on time.
H. Review your notes daily to stay
up to date and not have to “cram “ for tests.
I. No cell phones please.
J. No eating or drinking anything
but water in class
K. Come to class with assigned
reading completed so the class can progress to application
and evaluation of the material.
L. Everybody studies and takes
notes differently. Your instructors do not recommend
trying to keep up with lecture
by highlighting in the book and then missing connecting
content and relevant comments.
M. All assignments turned in should
be on time and demonstrate the universal standards of
reasoning and critical
thinking: clarity, accuracy, relevancy, depth, breadth, and precision.
N. All standards for
the campus listed in the Northeast Texas Community College Student Handbook
will
be upheld.
SECTION 6. WITHDRAWAL, PROBATION, AND DISMISSAL POLICIES
6.1 WITHDRAWAL
A student may withdraw from a nursing course by
using the procedure outlined in the NTCC Catalog following counsel with his/her
instructors and the Director of the Nurse Science Program. After withdrawing
from a nursing course, a student must reapply for re-admission to the Associate
Degree Nursing Program in order to enroll in any subsequent nursing course.
A student will be withdrawn from the nursing
program or a specific nursing course if his/her work does not remain
satisfactory on the following areas:
1. Maintain
a 2.0 or above in total course work.
2. Attain
a final grade of “C” or above in each of the nursing courses.
3. Evidence
of satisfactory clinical performance based on the criteria for that semester.
4. Attain
a final grade of "C" or better in any required general academic
support course.
5. In
compliance with the college policy, a student withdrawing must fill out a
withdrawal form or a failing course grade will be assigned.
6.2 UNSATISFACTORY PROGRESS IN A COURSE
Unsatisfactory clinical performance will be
handled by written documentation. Students may be given a warning, probation,
or be dismissed from course work.
Notification by student-faculty conference will
be done if warning or probation is given. At this time criteria and a time
frame for improvement will be specified in the documentation.
Unsatisfactory classroom performance is defined
as anytime a student’s average course work is below 75. Students are given
grading criteria for each course and are given exam grades within 1 week of the
exam. Exam grades below 75 constitute failing grades and the student is
considered warned without the need for further documentation.
Warning Status
Warnings may be documented formally on
counseling forms or on anecdotal forms. Warnings are designed to guide student
performance to avoid further discipline.
Probationary Status
Probationary criteria will be written in the
form of behavioral statements and recorded in either the "Report of
Unsatisfactory Progress in a Course”, or “Documentation of Counseling” forms (Appendix
I, II). A time frame for review of status will be specified. The terms of
probation will be discussed with the student and validated by the signatures of
the course instructor and the student.
At the end of the specified term of probation,
the student's status is reviewed by the course faculty. This review will be
recorded on the document entitled, "Report of Status Review" (see
Appendix III) or on the clinical evaluation tool. If the behavioral objectives
have been met, the student's probation is lifted. If these objectives have not
been met, the student receives a clinical failure and a grade of F (failure)
for the concurrent nursing course. Clinical probation occurring at the end of
a semester may continue to the next course. Clinical probation occurring in the
last semester of the nursing program may result in course failure.
6.3 DISMISSAL
A student that does not meet the terms of
probation will receive a clinical failure and be dismissed from the course.
Any student may be dismissed from the program without
a probationary period if the student shows gross negligence, unsafe nursing
care, lack of personal integrity, breach of patient confidentiality, commits a
criminal or immoral act, falls below 75 points on the clinical point scale, or
fails to meet the published standards on the clinical evaluation tool.
Personal integrity as well as concern for the
welfare of clients entrusted to our care are personal attributes that are
absolutely essential for those entering the nursing profession. Actions taken
and attitudes expressed while in the student role are considered indicative of
behaviors to be expected of the graduate. Student behaviors such as lack of
concern for client welfare, aggressive outbursts, cheating on exams, criminal
acts, lack of professional integrity, or knowingly making untrue statements to
instructors or hospital staff are examples of behavior that may result in
immediate dismissal from the program.
Dismissal from the program will be decided by
the faculty as a whole. After presentation of the facts to the faculty, the
faculty vote will be taken by ballot and tallied by the Director of the program
and verified by another uninterested party. Dismissal will be based on a
two-thirds vote of the nursing faculty.
"Unsafe nursing" is defined as any act
of omission or commission, which places the client(s) in jeopardy of negative
changes in health status.
Dismissal from the program without a
probationary period will also occur for an academic failure. Students who fail
may enter the program a total of 2 times including the original admission.
Readmission must
SECTION 7. READMISSION POLICY
A student who has failed or withdrawn the
program may apply for readmission to the program, but readmission is not
guaranteed. Placement of the student being readmitted will be at the beginning
of the fall semester course work for the year they failed, Space must be
available in the course for the returning student. Students who fail
clinically due to failure of integrity, cheating, substance use, or who
demonstrate a lack of concern for client welfare are not eligible for
readmission.
In order to apply for readmission to the
Department of Associate Degree Nursing, the student must write a letter of
desire to be admitted, and be re-evaluated by the Faculty Admissions Committee.
Any given student who drops or fails may be
admitted to the Associate Degree Nursing Program two (2) times. This will
include the original admission and one (1) re-admission. If the program is not
completed following the re-admission for any reason (failure or withdrawal) the
student may not be admitted again. Any student who has withdrawn or failed the
program over two years ago must begin the program from the beginning of all
nursing courses. Readmission will be on a space available basis and in order
of written request for readmission. Any request for deviance from this policy
must be placed in writing to the Admissions Committee.
SECTION 8. ABSENCES
Associate Degree Nursing students will follow
the absence and tardy policies.
1. The
maximum number of absences for clinical in a full 16-week semester will be 3
days.
2. All
clinical absences must be made up on the designated make up days, unless other
arrangements have been made with the clinical instructor. Absences will be
made up in the areas missed.
3. Failure
to meet attendance requirements will constitute an incomplete or failure in the
course.
4. If
a student has been absent due to illness and upon return to school the
instructor believes there is a health risk to the student or client(s) then a
physician's statement may be required.
5. During
inclement weather, the student must make his/her own decision regarding safety
for travel to school. The nursing class will not meet if the college campus
has been closed due to weather. If the school is open and the student does not
come to class, the student will be given an absence.
6. Classroom
absences will be recorded. Students who are to be absent from class should
notify the instructor. Prior to an exam, the student who intends
to be absent, must notify the instructor or receive a “0” on the exam. Make-up
exams must be scheduled between the student and the instructor. The student
must contact the instructor to schedule a makeup exam by phone before they
return or on the day they return to class. Students are expected to attend
didactic components of course work. Adequate performance in the course and the
development of responsible work habits require students to demonstrate good
attendance. Pop quizzes are given. If a quiz is missed due to absence or tardy
a “0” will be awarded for that quiz. No make up of pop quizzes or daily grades
are allowed.
7. Three
(3) clinical tardies will be equal to one clinical absence.
8. Clinical
absences will be made up in the area that was missed.
9. All
absences (arriving late, leaving early, or partial days) will be made up.
10. Students
desiring any alteration with this policy must request in writing a ruling from
the Student Welfare Committee. Decisions will be based on reasons for absence,
clinical and academic work, students’ grades, and space availability in
clinical groups.
8.1 PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING AN ABSENCE OR TARDY
When the student must be late or absent from a
clinical area, THAT AREA AND THE INSTRUCTOR must be notified by
telephone. The agency must be notified prior to the beginning of the assigned
shift.
When calling, the student should attempt to
contact the person in charge (charge nurse) of the assigned unit, but if this
person is not available, speak to the next person in line of authority. The
student should then convey his/her message to the person contacted, and ask
that the message be relayed to the instructor when she arrives. The student
must obtain the name and position of the person contacted about the absence.
Instructor may be notified by calling the number
the instructor provides, or by beeper.
Students who will be absent from class may call
the instructor at the number provided, or leave a message on the instructors
voicemail, or contact the faculty assistant for the nursing program. Absences
on test days must be reported prior to the exam start time.
Failure to comply with these requirements may
result in automatic probation. Abuse of these rules may result in termination
from the program.
SECTION 9. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Problems of an individual nature should be
handled in the following ways: A student may formally express dissatisfaction
with his/her progress in the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Grade disputes
should be resolved at the lowest level possible (i.e., the instructor and
student). Recognizing that this is not always possible, the following
procedure has been adopted as policy for resolving grade and course progress
disputes. The steps have been defined to facilitate resolution at the lowest
level possible and in that interest, the order of steps WILL AT NO TIME BE
VIOLATED. The grievance procedure must be initiated within five (5) working
days of the incident.
STEP 1: The
student will present the problem directly to the appropriate classroom or
clinical instructor. If resolution is not reached, the student will make a
record of this transaction by completing the document entitled, "Report of
Grievance" (see Appendix VI). The original form will be signed by the
instructor, given to the student and a copy retained by the instructor. At no
time does grievance data become part of the student's school record. Data
regarding the grievance will be placed on a “special file” which will remain
active throughout the grievance process.
STEP 2: If
resolution of the grievance is not reached with the faculty members, the
student may make an appointment to discuss his/her case with the Director of
the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Conferences deemed appropriate by the
director will be recorded on a Grievance Conference Report form (Appendix VII),
a copy of which goes to the student and the original placed in the Special
File. If the program director is the instructor, omit this step and proceed to
step 3.
STEP 3: If
resolution of the grievance has not been reached under the guidance of the
Director, the student may request an appointment with the Vice President of
Instruction to present his/her case.
STEP 4: The
student may follow grievance procedures listed in the Northeast Texas Community
College Student Handbook.
9.1 ACCESS TO "SPECIAL FILE"
The SPECIAL FILE will be kept in the office of
the Director of the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Access to the file will
be controlled by the director and limited to the course faculty directly
involved in the particular grievance, and the Vice President of Instruction.
If the student pursues the college-wide grievance procedure, information in the
special file will be presented to the Grievance Committee.
The procedures in this policy have been set up
to assure confidentiality and a full hearing of the student's position.
SECTION 10. GRADING POLICY AND PROCEDURE
10.1 THEORY GRADES
A percentage grade will be given on the composite
of written assignments, homework, quizzes, classroom examinations, and final
examinations and special projects.
The student is required to be present for all
scheduled exams. Unless the instructor is notified prior to an exam, the
student will receive a "0" for said exam.
Classroom Exam: Exams are worth a percentage of
the theory grade as described in the syllabus. Classroom exams are primarily
multiple choice, although matching, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and essay
questions may be used occasionally. Any concerns a student may have regarding
exam questions must be written up and presented when the exam is submitted.
This is the only way to measure student thought and knowledge at the time of
the exam based on their individual knowledge. Grades will be given within one
week of the exam. After the exam is returned, the student will have one week
to discuss any calculation of the grade or ask any question about scoring.
After this time the grade will be final. Mathematical rounding of grades may be
done at the teacher’s discretion.
If an exam is missed, the student will be
expected to take the exam on a day scheduled by the instructor and student.
This may be the first class day upon return after the absence or a
designated make-up day during final week or another day the instructor
designates. Make-up exams may not be the same as routine exams. Students
absent on exam days are expected to notify the instructor prior to the
beginning of class or makeup exams may not be allowed. Make up exams will be
taken in the testing center. No make up grades for missed pop quizzes and
daily grades will be given. Assignments, papers, homework, etc., will be due
on the day announced by the faculty member. Late homework and other
assignments are accepted at the instructors discretion. 10 points will be
subtracted from each assignment grade every day it is late.
A percentage grade for the courses will be based
on the following scale:
A 90 - 100
B 80 - 89
C 75 - 79
F 0 - 74
10.2 CLINICAL AND/OR CAMPUS LABORATORY GRADES
Grades for laboratory experience are either
credit (CR) or no credit (NC) students must receive credit for the clinical
component of each course to progress in the program. If a student receives a
satisfactory clinical grade, his/her course grade will be the same as the course
grade earned. If the student receives an unsatisfactory or failing grade in
clinical laboratory experience, he/she will receive an "F" for the co-requisite
course as well. Failing theory course grade will result in concurrent clinical
failure (NC). Guidelines for clinical evaluations throughout the program are
included in Appendix XII.
10.3 MATH EXAMS
Math exams are given each semester. Successful
completion of these exams is mandatory If after two attempts during classroom
time the exam has not been successfully mastered, the student may be required
to go to the Academic Skills Center for tutorial assistance. Failure to pass
math examinations after the designated number of attempts described in the
syllabus for the course will result in failure in the course. Successful
mastery of math exams is defined as 90%.
10.4 INCOMPLETE OR "X" GRADES
Should a student receive an incomplete or
"I" grade in a nursing course or a concurrent course, and this
"I" is not removed by the time designated between the student and the
instructor, he/she may not continue in the nursing program and will receive a
failing grade in the nursing course that was incomplete.
11 STANDARDIZED TESTING
The final semester of the Nursing Program
standardized testing will be administered to the students. This exam is
similar to a licensing exam and will be comprehensive in nature. The test will
be produced by a nationally recognized agency preparing licensure practice
exams. The score the student earns on this exam will be averaged in to the
grade as a unit exam for the semester the exam is taken. Content specific
standardized exams may be given throughout the program. These results will be
averaged into the grade as a quiz or daily grade.
SECTION 12 ACADEMIC COUNSELING SERVICE
Counselors are available to students in the
administration building in the student services area. Counseling is available
foe personal and academic reasons. Academic counseling may also be obtained
from nursing faculty in the area of concern.
Either the student or instructor, or both, may
initiate conferences regarding learning and/or progress in a course. Such
academic counseling is considered a central part of the learning experience.
Sometimes concerns or problems of a personal nature interfere with a student's
learning. When this occurs the student should initiate or be encouraged to
initiate counseling with an appropriate professional. Instructors may require
a student to see college counseling staff as a component of their course work
or probation.
SECTION 13. THE LEARNING PACKET
Each course will have required learning
packets. These packets, along with the syllabus, contain unit readings,
objectives, handouts, and other papers required. These packets will contain
specific instructions for the conduct and methodology of each course. The
student should read these packets thoroughly for course requirements and
information. These packets are used in conjunction with the syllabus for
clarifying course content and expectations. Becoming familiar and accountable
for the content in these packets is a course requirement
SECTION 14. EVALUATION OF COURSES AND
INSTRUCTORS
Instructor evaluation forms are available from
the program director and are in each course syllabus. An instructor evaluation
form is to be completed by each student for each instructor teaching each
course. Course evaluation will be completed for each course by all students in
that course and submitted to the program director. The forms will be placed in
sealed envelopes. The envelopes will not be opened until after grades have
been submitted.
These evaluations are done to improve the
instruction and to meet student's needs. The Associate Degree Nursing
Department needs both positive opinions and constructive criticism. The
evaluations are seriously considered by the faculty, and students are
encouraged to enter into the process responsibly. The student is reminded that
evaluation is a continuing responsibility in work and professional worlds.
In addition course and instructor evaluations
are done annually throughout the entire campus. These evaluations are
standardized and do not simply include nursing information. These evaluations
are correlated by academic administrative staff.
Satisfaction with conduct of a particular course
is the joint responsibility of the course faculty and the students taking that
course. Formal evaluation mechanisms are in place to assure student input.
However, day-to-day dialogue regarding progress of the course is also the joint
responsibility of faculty and students. Constructive change is often possible
while a course is being conducted. It is the student’s responsibility to
initiate dialogue with course instructor(s) to bring this about.
SECTION 15. PROGRAM EVALUATION
ALUMNI
In order to provide
information for continuous program evaluation a questionnaire will be sent to
graduates of the program. The information tabulated from this questionnaire
will be used by the faculty Evaluation and Curriculum Committees to validate
program content and to improve instruction. These evaluations are done
periodically after several classes graduate.
EMPLOYER EVALUATION
Employers of alumni are
surveyed periodically to provide feedback regarding our programs outcomes.
This information is used to improve program design and strengthen curriculum.
SECTION
16. STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
Students have opportunity and responsibility to
participate actively in the decision-making process of the Department of
Nursing. The major vehicle for this participation is by elected student
representation to the meetings of Nurse Science Department. These meetings are
held monthly. Students will be notified of scheduled meetings. Other students
or groups may be asked to have a representative placed on the agenda at faculty
meetings.
SECTION 17. NURSING LABORATORY PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the Nursing Laboratory is
congruent with the philosophy of NTCC and the Department of Nursing.
The main focus of the Nursing Laboratory is on
the acquisition of nursing skills and enhancement of critical thinking, where
there is a shared responsibility in learning between the educator and the
learner.
We believe that simulated situations assist the
learner to achieve educational goals or acquire the skills and self-confidence necessary
to function in the client care setting.The learner's active participation and
thinking skills is the nucleus of all laboratory planning. Situations are
created that enable the student to apply theory to problem-solve and to develop
dexterity of psychomotor skills which strengthen actual performance in the
clinical setting.
IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to sign up
and attend the scheduled activities. Times for these activities will be
pre-assigned at a variety of intervals in order to incorporate the needs of
each student. If a conflict in scheduling occurs, it is the student's
responsibility to notify the instructor for an appropriate adjustment.
WHILE PRACTICE TIME DOES VARY, IT MUST BE
EMPHASIZED THAT NO STUDENT SHOULD PRESENT HIMSELF/HERSELF FOR LABORATORY
SKILL EVALUATION UNLESS HE/SHE HAS PRACTICED. IF PRACTICE TIME IS USED,
EVERY STUDENT SHOULD BE ABLE TO MASTER EVERY SKILL IN THE COURSE. DO NOT
PRESENT YOURSELF FOR EVALUATION UNTIL YOU KNOW YOU CAN PERFORM THE SKILL
ACCURATELY AND SAFELY ACCORDING TO THE SKILL EVALUATION TOOL AND PROCEDURE
OUTLINE IN TEXT.
AT NO TIME SHOULD A STUDENT OBSERVE THE SKILLS
EVALUATION OF ANOTHER STUDENT, EXCEPT WHERE TWO STUDENTS OR A GROUP OF STUDENTS
ARE INVOLVED IN JOINT EVALUATION PROCEDURE.
Demonstration and
Laboratory Skill Evaluation - Faculty will demonstrate or use video to demonstrate a
given skill during classroom or scheduled laboratory time to student groups
small enough to adequately observe the technique. After practice, students will
return the demonstration at scheduled times for evaluation by faculty. A skill
evaluation tool will be available for each required skill. Skills to be
accomplished in the laboratory setting vary from course to course. The course
syllabus has the required evaluations for each course. Students are expected
to report at the scheduled times.
The Laboratory Skill
Evaluation is a test. After the student practices to his/her satisfaction,
he/she demonstrates proficiency of the skill to an instructor on a designated
evaluation day. The amount of time required to master a skill varies with each
student. Some students will need more than the time allotted to the laboratory
portion of this course. These students may schedule additional practice time.
Students are encouraged to practice in pairs so that another student may
observe and validate performance. Instructors will be available in the
laboratory during these practice times. Students are encouraged to seek
instructor assistance in perfecting the skills. Students may avail themselves
of laboratory resources on an individual basis and are encouraged to do so as
part of their practice time. Some skill evaluations may be performed on
videotape or as a group assignment. Grades for skills may be pass/fail or a
percentage grade may be given. The syllabi will determine which criteria each
course will use.
Students have three
chances for successful completion of a given skill. If the demonstration is not
acceptable, the student will be given appropriate feedback as to how to correct
the problem area(s). Tutoring and practice time is available upon student
request. If the third demonstration is not acceptable, this will result in a
failing grade in the course the skill is required for. Accurate performance
of required skills is essential for clinical performance and progression
through learning activities. Time frame for completion will be established by
the instructor.
Critical Thinking Lab –A time designated for
library use, research, journal explanation, case studies, role-play,
presentations and other assignments, evaluations designed to enhance client
care through enhanced thinking skills.
Laboratory Practice - Practice in the
laboratory setting under the supervision of the laboratory instructor, faculty
member, or individually based on scheduled appointment for the purpose of
perfecting psychomotor skills. Students who desire individual practice should
schedule time in the lab sign up book located in the secretary’s office.
17.1 NTCC NURSING LABORATORY OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Northeast Texas Community
College Nursing Laboratory are to:
1. Provide
for varied learning activities through the use of media, special equipment and
clinical simulations.
2. Allow
for self-paced learning.
3. Provide
demonstration of skills and supervised practice of those skills, via scheduled experiences.
4. Provide
a setting for interaction with peers and faculty during open lab time.
5. Provide
a one-to-one faculty evaluation of a student's performance of specific skills
prior to caring for patients in the clinical setting.
17.2 GUIDELINES FOR CAMPUS LABORATORY USE
1. The
campus laboratory is available for student use from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday
thru Friday by scheduling time in the scheduling book at the secretary’s desk.
Classroom activities get priority in scheduling lab.
2. Each
student is responsible for replacing supplies and/or equipment in proper place
after use. Points may be deducted from skills evaluations if student does not
clean up lab.
3. Any
items that are defective should be reported to the faculty.
4. An
instructor will be available by appointment for return demonstration of skills
and for individual assistance.
5. Required
skill evaluations must be completed within the time designated by the
instructors.
6. There
will be no smoking or food in the campus laboratory during skills practice or
evaluation.
7. Misuse
of the campus laboratory, equipment and/or materials will be documented and
placed in the student's file. Misuse of school property may be grounds for
dismissal from program.
8. When
students come to the campus laboratory for a skill conference or evaluation,
they must come prepared with the objectives or Skill Evaluation Tool, and/or
supplies. Required forms must be presented to the instructor prior to
beginning the procedure. The instructor is not obligated to do your evaluation
if you do not have all of the proper materials (e.g. lab coat, syllabi, check
list, etc.)The following standard point
deductions will be made on skill evaluations. Additional points may be
deducted at the instructors discretion
Failure to provide basic
communication 3 points
Failure to provide patient
education 3 points
Failure to follow medical
asepsis or surgical asepsis when appropriate 10-15 points
Requires prompting 5-10
points
Failure to answer critical
thinking questions 2-4 points
Failure to correctly gather
supplies 2-5 points
Fail to perform an essential
step in the procedure 10-15 points
Fail to provide for client
safety 10-15 points
Failure to document
appropriately 5 points
Failure to clean area and
supplies 5 points
Failure to assess the
patient 5-8 points
Failure to evaluate 5-8
points
SECTION 18. CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Clinical experience is an integral component of
nursing education. Experience will be at the clinical facilities listed on the
provided rotation schedule. Each semester students will spend several weeks in
acute care or long- term care facilities with several one-day clinical
experiences in community based settings or specialty areas. Clinical
experience may be scheduled at any time during the 24-hour day on any of the
seven days of the week. Student will receive an orientation to each major
clinical facility. Pre- and post-conference time is considered part of the
required clinical experience. On- day experiences will receive a brief
overview in class and at the beginning of the clinical day. Every student may
not get identical experiences, the focus is providing experiences that will
meet objectives and provide the learning experiences each student needs for
optimum outcomes.
All uniform appearance rules will apply whenever
students are in clinical unless otherwise designated on objective sheets or
guidelines. (See section on Uniform Guidelines). The student will be in full
uniform and ready for clinical pre-conference at the assigned time. Each
course has specific clinical objectives required for successful course
completion. Clinical objectives are integrated and most can be met in a
variety of areas. Students are responsible for selecting clients to meet
objectives and assignments. Some areas have specific objectives that must be
met during the assigned time in that clinical area. Such objectives are
designated on the objective sheets.
Clinical objectives will be provided for all
clinical specialty areas (see specific course overviews). It is the student's
responsibility to meet the objectives on the assigned clinical day. If the
student does not understand any of these objectives he/she should clarify the
objectives with the assigned clinical instructor prior to the clinical
experience.
Instructors or assigned preceptors will be in
the hospital or clinical facilities with students during assigned clinical
experiences. It is the student's responsibility to seek instructor assistance
when needed or in cases where the student is uncertain about his/her ability to
perform a particular procedure or for performance of skills and medication
administration which require instructor supervision. (An instructor must
approve all medications given and must be present or give approval for all
invasive procedures.)
SECTION 18.1 CLINICAL FACILITIES
The following is a list of clinical facilities commonly
used. Other facilities may be used as deemed appropriate by your instructor or
as added to meet course objectives.
|
Burlingham,
Kim, MD
|
903-342-3710
|
|
Pediatrics
|
|
|
719 W. Coke Rd., Suite 1
|
|
|
Winnsboro, TX 75494
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cypress Basin Hospice
|
903-577-1510
|
|
207 W. Morgan
|
|
|
Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daingerfield-Lone Star ISD
|
|
|
|
903-575-6572
|
|
South Elementary
|
903-645-3501 (Tuesday)
|
|
1302 Linda Drive
|
|
|
West Elementary
|
903-645-2901 (Thurs. a.m.)
|
|
1305 W. Watson
|
|
|
Jr. High
|
903-645-2261 (Thursday)
|
|
200 Texas Street
|
|
|
High School
|
903-645-3968 (Friday)
|
|
202 Tiger Drive
|
|
|
Daingerfield, TX 75638
|
|
|
Lone Star Elementary
|
|
|
100 Milam
|
|
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Lone Star, TX 75668
|
|
|
East Texas Medical Center - Pittsburg
|
903-856-6663
|
|
414 Quitman St.
|
|
|
Pittsburg, TX 75686
Paula Robinson
Brandi Pittman Cardiac Rehab
Phyllis Autrey Discharge Planner
Kim Moore Home Health 800-259-4982 Pittsburg or 903-537-8040 Mt Vernon
|
|
|
Jordan Home Care
412 S. Hwy 37
Mt. Vernon 75457
|
903-537-2376
1-800-349-0680
|
|
Hospitality House
|
903-572-9893
|
|
Hwy. 67 W
|
|
|
Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
|
|
|
Pat Metzner DON
Heritage Behavioral Health
|
903-629-3746
|
|
Meadow Pines Hospital
|
903-663-4411
|
|
22 Bermuda Lane
|
|
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Longview, TX 75605
|
|
|
Meriwether, Paul, MD
|
903-572-6616
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203 20th St.
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Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
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Mt. Pleasant Dialysis Center
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903-572-1757
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1702 S. Jefferson
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Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
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MPISD: Health Services
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903-575-2000
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1801 E. First
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Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
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MPISD: Head Start
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903-575-2092
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1602 W. Ferguson
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P.O. Box 1117
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Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
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Lori Smith Headstart nurse
Nikki Jones Evenstart nurse
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Mt. Pleasant Women’s Clinic
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903-572-2957
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2102 N. Mulberry
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Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
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Martha Demming
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Donna Broach
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Toni Richey
Mary Lynn Horn
Teresa Moreno and Joanne Lykins- RN’s
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Leticia –office manager
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Northeast Texas Community College
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903-572-1911
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FM Rd 1735
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800-870-0142
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P.O. Box 1307
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Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
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Home Office
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Cynthia Amerson, RN, DON
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903-572-3797 903-434-8282
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Mary Corley, RN, ADN Instructor
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903-656-3792 903-434-8291
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Kathleen Ethridge, RN, ADN Instructor
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903-572-0822 903-434-8284
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Debbie Norris, RN, LVN Instructor
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903-860-7010 903-434-8302
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Betty Pottorf, RN, ADN Instructor
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903-945-5357 903-434-8277
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Nancy Smith, RN, LVN Instructor
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903-632-5470 903-434-8289
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Kim Gatlin LVN Instructor
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903- 588-2116 903-434-8303
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Paul Pewitt I.S.D.
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903-884-2136
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Hwy. 67
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Naples, TX
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Ginny Hagen, RN
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Pediatric Clinic
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903-572-9823
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2001 N. Jefferson
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Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
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Dr. Gerald Stagg
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Glynna Meadows, RN
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Beverly Anderson, LVN
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Dr. Colton Bradshaw
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Vicki Slaton, RN
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Dr. Joel Chapman
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Rhonda Cook, LVN
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Cynthia Phillips, LVN
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Dr. Marc Kimball
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Debbie Moore, RN ***laison
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Robin Gale N.P.
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Laura Rowe N.P.
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Pittsburg ISD
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903-856-6482
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Pittsburg Primary School (T)
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903-856-3646
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W. Fulton Street
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Pittsburg, TX 75686
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Pittsburg Nursing Center
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903-856-3633
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123 Pecan Grove
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Pittsburg, TX 75686
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Presbyterian Hospital of Winnsboro
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903-342-5227
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P.O. Box 628
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Winnsboro, TX 75494
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Jan Haley, RN, DON
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Julie Adams-liaison/education
director
Wound care- Susan Brannon RN
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Red River Health Care
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903-632-5479
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Hwy 271 N.
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Fax 903-632-4887
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Bogata, TX
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Tina Ward RN
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903-632-5293
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Reichert, O.M., DO
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903-572-1951
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Rt. 8, Box 1646
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Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
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Taylor, G.B., OD
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903-572-1951
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Rt. 8, Box 1645
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Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
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Terry Haven Nursing Home
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537-2571
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P.O. Box 519
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Mt. Vernon, TX 75457
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Titus Regional Medical Center
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903-577-6000
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2001 N. Jefferson
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Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
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RN, OR/RR, ACS
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903-577-6370
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ER
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903-577-6118
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OB, 2nd Floor
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903-577-6550
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3rd Floor, ICU
|
903-577-6260
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5th Floor
|
903-577-6370
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4th Floor
cardiac rehab
|
903-577-6360
903-577-6000
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Cheryl Johnston, Education Secretary
|
903-577-6562
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Gay Decker, Education liaison
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903-577-6031
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Truman Smith Children’s Center
|
1-903-844-0803
|
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2200 Hwy 80 89
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1-903-845-2181**
|
|
Gladewater, TX 75647
|
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Tasha Wiggurton, DON
Marsha H.
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Villa Nursing Center
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903-572-5511
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Fm 1734
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Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
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Villa Visiting Nurses
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903-572-8751
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FM Rd 1734
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Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
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Windsor Place Nursing Center
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903-645-3915
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507 E. Watson Blvd.
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Daingerfield, TX 75638
Barbara Golden R.N. DON
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|
18.2 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS AND
PROCEDURES IN CLINICAL SETINGS
Faculty will review with their clinical groups
the procedure for giving medications in that area. Students must receive
FACULTY permission to give any medication/treatment or perform any invasive
skill, including the starting and augmentation of intravenous infusion.
Students must have a faculty member sign with them when obtaining a controlled
drug. Students WILL NOT take verbal medical orders from physicians. Students
may not witness client’s signature on legal documents. Students must follow
policies and procedures for each institution as outlined in facility
orientation. ANY DEVIATION FROM THIS POLICY MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
FROM THE PROGRAM.
Students must show evidence of appropriate
preparation for administration of medication and/or treatments. Knowledge of
Hospital policy regarding administration of the medication/treatment must be
evidenced by the student prior to administration of said medication/treatment.
Additionally, the student must show evidence of knowledge of the desired action
of the medication or treatment, its side effects, special precautions for
administration, therapeutic dosage range FOR THE CLIENT, and therapeutic goals
FOR THAT PARTICULAR CLIENT. THE STUDENT WILL GIVE NO MEDICATION OR PERFORM ANY
TREATMENT OR PROCEDURE UNTIL THE AFOREMENTIONED PREPARATION HAS BEEN
DEMONSTRATED TO THE INSTRUCTOR or approved by the instructor.
18.3 INFECTION CONTROL
Guidelines (Appendix XV) for infection control will
be followed by all students in any clinical area. Failure to comply with
Guidelines will result in a clinical probation or failure. Students will be
required to read and sign the CDC recommendations regarding infection control.
Students are reminded that infection precautions protect the client and the
student. Students should be prepared at all times in the clinical setting with
goggles, masks, gloves, and other barriers that are available in the clinical
setting. Students must sign an acknowledgment of receipt and reading of these
guidelines. (Appendix XVI)
18.4 CONFERENCES
Clinical Conference - A conference in the
clinical laboratory setting for the purpose of discussing practice theory or
psychomotor skills. Written objectives and required preparation will be
available to the students prior to the conference. Students will sign off
objectives met, comment on how the objective was met, evaluate themselves, sign
the form and turn it in.
Extended Laboratory
Skill Conference - Discussion of theory, practice of psychomotor skills or return
demonstration of psychomotor skills in the laboratory setting. These
conferences are several hours in duration and are usually held in clinical
laboratory time. Written objectives and preparation will be available to
students prior to the conference. Students will sign off objectives met,
comment on how the objective was met, evaluate themselves, sign the form and
turn it in.
Clinical Pre-Conference - A conference time
preceding clinical instruction for the purpose of setting goals for the day and
to ascertain preparation level of students.
Clinical Post-Conference - A conference period
after the clinical experience for the purpose of reviewing the learning
objectives for the day. At times, a specific focus or topic may be assigned by
the instructor.
18.5 PREPARATION FOR CLINICAL
Client assignments will be made by instructors
or students the day before the actual student experience. Assignments will be
picked up at a time designated by the instructor. Excluded from this time will
be the period during shift change (6:15-7:30a.m.and 2:30-4:30 p.m). No
student should be in any clinical facility past 9:00 p.m. for assessment or
picking up assignments. Students who are in clinical facilities collecting
data on clients will wear neat professional attire and a lab coat with student
identification. No blue jeans, shorts, cutoffs, or sandals without socks are
allowed. All shoes should be clean. Excessive perfume or aftershave is
discouraged. All students are expected to be well groomed while in the
clinical area for any reason. Failure to follow this policy will reflect on
clinical evaluation, loss of points, and will result in counseling.
The student is expected to use the patient
chart, nursing care plan, Kardexes, and client and family interviews to prepare
a plan of care for the actual clinical day. A component of the preparation
will be the completion of a pathophysiology form, a Data Base Form and an
assigned portion of the Nursing Assessment. Students are expected to be
familiar with diagnostic and laboratory testing, medications, and treatments
their patient receives. Any student who does not have the required written
preparation ready at pre-conference may not be allowed into the hospital
clinical area and will be given an unsatisfactory daily evaluation. If the
student is dismissed from the clinical facility due to lack of or improper
preparation, this will constitute an absence and an incident report will be
written. Each instructor may have specific preparation requirements outlined
in course materials.
The student will not hinder hospital personnel
and physicians from caring for patients. This includes access to charts,
Kardexes and patients. Charts that have new physician orders written on them
will not be disturbed until the ward clerk has transcribed these orders.
Students may obtain access to charts in the
medical records department by receiving written permission from the clinical
instructor or by showing student name tag.
18.6 THE CARE PLAN
The care plan is a written document assigned to
meet certain clinical objectives. The care plan demonstrates the students
understanding of client assessment, analyzing information, identifying needs,
relating textbook information to a specific and individualized plan for
delivering care to a client, the rationale for that care and the evaluation of
the care delivered. Care plans are an integral part of determining the
student’s clinical evaluation and grade.
This level of critical thinking takes practice
and experience to evolve. Faculty expectations of student’s performance grow
throughout the program. Assessment, analysis, and planning take priority the
first year. The second year of the program advancing the understanding of pathology,
rationale for care and fully evaluating the care and the client are emphasized
along with enhancing and showing intellectual growth of first year skills.
To meet clinical objectives, a full care plan
consists of the following:
·
A data base
including current health history
·
A physical
exam
·
A complete
list of prioritized nursing diagnosis including etiology and evidence
statements
·
3 nursing
diagnosis worked up on care plan forms to include goals, outcomes, a minimum of
5 interventions (more may be required to fully deal with the problem) rationale
for these interventions and evaluation of progress by the client.
·
Sources
used for gathering data to write the care plan
·
See
appendices for care plan forms
Individual
instructors may add to these requirements, these special instructions will be
in the course or clinical learning packet.
Teaching Care Plans: Teaching care plans may be
assigned and will be the same form of a care plan but will include evidence of
teaching theory applied for a client.
Managed Care Plan: A managed care plan may be
required as a critical thinking tool during some clinical rotations. This plan
is divided by functional pattern and discipline and covers care for a specified
client over time. Specific instructions will be in syllabi or on an assignment
sheet.
18.7 THE DATABASE
A
database is a method of documentation of client assessment and application of
Marjorie Gordon’s Functional Patterns to data collection. This will be used to
prepare you for client care and as part of your clinical evaluation.
18.8 SUMMATIVE EVALUATION
Students will receive a summative evaluation at
the completion of the course. If areas of needed improvement are identified
during any of the rotations, written notification will be given to the student
identifying the problem area(s). This notification may be on a counseling form,
anecdotal form, objective forms or as written feedback on assignments
Evaluation forms and criteria for each course are in the course learning packet
and will include objective forms, anecdotal records, preceptor evaluations,
skills lists, and formal evaluation tools. Formative evaluations at midterm
may be done by instructors, as they identify a need. Daily clinical work will
have evaluation information provided as needed.
18.9 CLINICAL OBJECTIVES
Students are expected to demonstrate achievement
of all critical clinical objectives in the hospital clinical area and/or campus
laboratory. Failure to achieve all clinical objectives will be handled on an
individual basis, and may result in failure of the course.
When an objective has been successfully
demonstrated in clinical, the student and instructor who observed the
demonstration will sign and date the objective. Some objectives may be met by
simulation, care plans, and outside assignments. Please refer to your specific
course syllabus for details on course objectives. Please refer to all
questions about objectives to the instructor.
SECTION 19. NON-HOSPITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCES
Specific written objectives will be required for
each experience.
Attire or uniforms appropriate for the various
agencies will be specified. Most of these areas are precepted and
In all agency experiences, students should keep
in mind that they are there for specific learning experiences and are guests of
the various agencies. They are acting in the capacity of students from
Northeast’s Associate Degree Nursing Department and should conduct themselves
accordingly. If problems arise in the agencies, the assigned clinical
instructor should be notified immediately.
SECTION 20. CARS, PARKING, AND TRANSPORTATION
Students should place the Northeast parking tag
on the rearview mirror of their car. Parking is available on the Northeast
campus behind the academic buildings. Do not park in fire lanes, on sidewalks,
or on grass.
At the clinical agency, rules governing parking
and cars will be made known during orientation to each agency.
Students are expected to arrange their own
transportation to and from clinical agencies. Clinical assignments cannot
always be arranged to correspond with carpools.
SECTION 21. LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER
The Northeast Learning Resource Center has been designed for student use. There are a variety of learning experiences available
for varied course work.
Within the Learning Resource Center, the student will find a general assortment of textbooks covering diverse areas, a
current selection of nursing journals and a complete selection of audiovisual
materials to compliment learning objectives. Occasionally, classroom
instructors will require viewing of audio-visual materials but usually these
will be used as enrichment tools to be viewed on the student's own time. These
materials may be looked up on the LRC web page:
www.ntcc.edu -go to the Learning Resource Center link
The LRC features WEB-CAT, an online catalog and
various e-references. The LRC also features the Cumulative Index for Nursing
and Allied Health for use in finding nursing literature. The LRC also has a
database system with several medical and governmental health publications.
Students may find the use of inter-library loan helpful for research papers.
Please request materials several weeks in advance. Access to internet
resources is also available in the LRC. Further information will be provided
in an LRC orientation.
The Learning Resource Center is equipped with
machines to view the materials that are currently available. Keeping noise
levels to a minimum and maintaining an environment conducive to learning will
be expected. The area is for students use and it is highly recommended that
advantage be taken of these learning opportunities.
SECTION 22. PERIODICALS
The faculty strongly recommends that each
student regularly read one professional magazine. Subscription forms will be
available in the department for various magazines. Journals are also available
in the LRC for individual reading. Many online journals are available through
the LRC.
SECTION 23. COMPUTERIZED INSTRUCTION
Students are encouraged to incorporate computer
usage into all areas of their education. The Nursing Lab has many computer
aided instruction (CAI) programs for individualized use. A complete list of
these programs is in the Appendices. Syllabi list computer programs for each
appropriate unit. Formal papers should be typed on a word processor. Most
classes have a support WEB CT link that provides additional information,
contact information, homework, and materials from your instructor. Orientation
to WEB CT will be done with each course that uses this tool.
Each student will also be provided with an email
account through the NTCC server.
Semester end grades will be available on Campus Connect
as well as unofficial transcripts.
SECTION 24. CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK
Students
will be required to have a criminal history check by some of the clinical
agencies. Failure to pass clearance will result in not being able to do
clinical at that site. This may result in failure of a clinical course due to
lack of objectives attained.
SECTION 25. DRUG SCREENING
Students
are required by clinical agencies to undergo a random urine or blood drug
screen. Students who fail this drug screen will not practice clinically and in
effect fail the course due to clinical failure. A waiver stating understanding
of this policy will be signed and placed in the student’s permanent file. A
failure is a positive testing of an illegal substance, prescription medication
with no prescription, or prescription or OTC medication in excess of
therapeutic levels by dose that could significantly alter thought and behavior,
SECTION 26. SUBSTANCE USE/CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Substance Abuse Policy
The Nurse Science Department of Northeast Texas Community College
is aware and concerned about the problem of substance use and chemical
dependency in our society. It is recognized that nursing students may be
affected by this disorder to the same extent as the general public. Because of
the nature of nursing and the responsibility to public safety, it is imperative
that individuals dependent on chemicals receive treatment or be removed from
positions where safety and decision-making are critical. The following
policies apply:
1)
Northeast Texas Community college supports a zero tolerance policy for
illegal and/or unauthorized drug use. Students are required by clinical
agencies to undergo random urine drug screening. Students who fail this drug
screen will not practice clinically and will be withdrawn from the course due
to clinical failure from a failure to meet objectives. Students will be given
an opportunity to withdraw prior to a failing grade being assigned.
2)
A failure of a drug screen is defined as a positive testing of an illegal
substance in any amount, or testing for prescription medication with no legal
prescription or presence of prescription or OTC medication in excess of
therapeutic levels. Students will be tested at least one clinical facility during
the year. Random testing may be done sporadically throughout the program. Other
clinical facilities will accept the results of testing by any other facility.
A waiver stating understanding of this policy will be signed and placed in the
student’s permanent file.
3)
All students will be tested at least once during the academic year. In
addition students will be randomly drawn and tested throughout the year.
Students may also be tested at any time for behaviors or suspicion of impaired
practice while in the clinical setting. When requested, students must go
immediately for the testing. Once present at the site of testing, students may
not leave the area until a specimen is obtained. Specimens are observed during
collection. Refusal to test on demand will be considered a failure.
4)
Students who are licensed as L.V.N.’s or other licensed health professionals,
or who meet requirements and who test positively while in the nursing program
will be reported to peer assistance groups or licensing authorities in
accordance with duty to report regulations.
.
5) Northeast
has adopted the following definitions:
Dependency:
An illness characterized by reliance on and preoccupation with, or loss
of control of, drug use (prescription or nonprescription) and/or alcohol. This
may include physical and psychological symptoms.
Substance
use: Use of chemicals to the extent that behaviors and/or judgment may
altered.
6) Behaviors
associated with substance use or dependency, have been defined by the Texas
Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN) and include:
·
flushed
face
·
red eyes
·
abnormal
pupillary constriction or dilation
·
unsteady
gait
·
tremors
·
slurred
speech
·
blackouts
·
declining
health
·
Inappropriate
affect
·
excessive
absenteeism, tardiness, or frequently leaving the clinical unit
·
isolation
or withdrawal from the group
·
fluctuating
clinical performance
·
odor of
alcohol
·
inappropriate
physical appearance
·
frequent
excuses and apologies for failure to meet deadline
·
mood swings
and/or irritability
·
diaphoresis/pallor
·
frequent
errors
·
errors in
judgment, missed treatments, illogical/sloppy charting
7) Random drug screening
may be done at any time during the program
8) If instructors notice
one or more of the above behaviors and suspect the student may be impaired then
the instructor has the responsibility of removing the student from the clinical
area and if possible obtaining immediate drug testing. If the student wishes
to prove that behaviors are not due to substance use they may immediately upon
confrontation submit themselves to supervised urine testing at an agency chosen
by the instructor. Drug screens performed at a later date or by other
methodology will not be accepted.
9) If testing shows no
proof of substance use (prescription or nonprescription), then the student may
return to the clinical setting when the behavior clears. If testing shows
substance use, the student will follow the policies for identified substance
users.
10) When recurrent
suspicious behavior that is associated with chemical dependency occurs even in
the presence of negative testing, it will be determined that the behaviors may
endanger client safety and the student will be withdrawn from the program. Any
single action by the student that is determined to endanger client safety may
be cause for removal from the program.
11) Identified
substance users are students who have tested positive for chemical use or
who have admitted to chemical use. They will be counseled to seek treatment
for the dependency. Students will be withdrawn from all nursing classes.
Students who are withdrawn for substance use may not re-enter the program.
12) It must be reiterated
that prescription medications may also impair behaviors and judgments. If
students are taking medication causing such behaviors, they should seek out
assistance from their physician regarding alternative medications at the discretion
of the physician. If pharmacologic treatment is not compatible with safe
clinical behaviors and safe chemical levels in the urine, then all the above
rules will apply.
Resources
for treatment for the addicted student.
Alcoholics
Anonymous 903-537-2867
AA hotline 800-560-1059
Netcada (youth and adult intervention) 903-588-2817
Personal
Physician
SECTION 27. THE UNIFORM
27.1 RULES
1. The uniform will be worn
at all times in the clinical area. The uniform should always be clean and
pressed.
2. Full or complete uniform
for women includes white uniform dress or shirt and skirt or pants, school name
badge, watch with second hand, scissors, goggles, pen with black ink, white
hose (full leg) or socks and white nursing shoes.
3. Full
or complete uniform for men includes white tunic uniform top and white slacks,
school name badge, watch with second hand, scissors, goggles, pen with black
ink, white socks and white nursing shoes.
4. Uniform
skirts should be at least mid-knee and hang comfortably in an A-line fashion.
5. Uniform pants should hang comfortably and
loosely, covering the ankle and extend to approximately one-half to one inch
above the floor while standing. No cuffed pants are allowed.
6. Uniform tops for women and men should
cover the hips and hang loosely.
7. The uniform name badge should be worn
fully secured on the left side of the uniform on the chest or collar area.
Only the school name badge may be worn.
8. The NTCC/ADN patch will be worn (fully
secured) on left shoulder of uniforms and lab jackets.
9. . Shoes should be clean, comfortable,
conservative white (all white) nursing shoes of a plain design. If tie shoes
are desired, shoe-strings must be clean white and not frayed. No clogs, slings,
or open toes shoes are acceptable while in uniform
10.If a student's
uniform is incomplete and does not meet the above standards, it is the right of
the instructor to dismiss that student from the clinical experience resulting
in a clinical absence. If uniform infractions exist, points will be deducted
from the clinical points.
11. If a member of T.S.N.A.,
the organization pin may be worn on the left collar or above the name badge on
the left side.
12. The only jewelry that
may be worn with the uniform is a plain unadorned ring band and one ear stud
per ear. No dangling earrings may be worn.
13. No facial piercing,
including tongue, will be allowed in the clinical settings
27.2 LABORATORY COAT
1. The
Associate Degree Nursing Students will be required to purchase white laboratory
coat. This coat is to be worn over street clothes when in clinical or lab
areas.
2. The
lab coat will be worn by the students when entering a clinical area to preview
charts and interview clients for the following day's clinical experience. Conservative street wear will be worn under the lab coat. (Absolutely NO JEANS, SHORTS,
WARM-UP SUITS, OR SIMILAR CASUAL ATTIRE will be worn under the lab coat).
Clothing worn under the lab coat should hang below the bottom of of the coat.
3. The
school name badge will be worn on the left side of the coat. It should be worn
buttoned over street clothing rather than like a jacket.
4. The
lab coat will be clean and pressed.
5. All
guidelines under the APPEARANCE section apply when the student is in lab coat.
6. Conservative street clothes with white shoes and hose/socks must be worn with the lab
coat to the following areas on clinical days: Surgical Services, Newborn
Nursery, Labor and Delivery, any areas where student will wear a scrub suit.
Full uniform is also acceptable to wear to the hospital prior to changing to
scrub suits.
27.3 APPEARANCE
1.
Cleanliness
and neat personal appearance are essential to the nurse.
2.
Hair
should be neat, clean, and worn in a conservative style that doesn't hang in
the face nor down the back. Conservative combs and barrettes are acceptable in
gold, silver, or white. Men should be clean-shaven with sideburns not below
the ear lobes. A neatly clipped established mustache and/or beard will
be allowed.
3. Fingernails
should be clean and short; only clear or light neutral nail polish may be
worn. When polish is worn it must be in good repair, i.e., not chipped. No
polish is preferable.
4. A
moderate, conservative amount of make-up may be worn.
5. Undergarments
should be clean and unobtrusive under uniforms.
6. A watch with a second
hand should be worn. Novelty watches are not acceptable as a part of the
uniform.
7. Use of perfumes,
colognes, or scented lotions should be avoided.
8. Gum may not be chewed
while students are in uniform.
9.
Purses and
other valuable items should not be brought into the hospital or clinical
setting.
10.
Students in uniform may smoke
sitting in the car or in designated smoking areas. There should be no smoking
in client care areas or in the nursing classroom or laboratory. If a student
smokes, he/she should not have an odor offensive to clients or classmates.
11. Wearing the uniform outside the hospital setting should
be done with discretion. The uniform should be worn only when in the clinical
area and going to and from that area. This is essential for infection
control. Do not wear student uniforms around the community or to the work
setting if you are not there in a student role. After leaving the clinical area
the student uniform may not be worn to any business or public area. Students
should go straight home or change clothes before going to any other location.
12. No facial piercing,
including tongue, will be allowed in the clinical settings.
13. Hair color must be a
color naturally found on human hair.
14. When in uniform all
uniform guidelines apply.
SECTION 28. STATE BOARD EXAMINATIONS
Prior to graduation, application forms provided
by the State Board of Nurse Examiners will be completed by both the student and
the Associate Degree Nursing Director. These forms, with the appropriate fee,
will be submitted to the appropriate agency at designated times.
The NCLEX/RN examination is given by the
National Council for Licensure by Examination on individually scheduled dates.
Examination site information will be provided to each student during the last
semester of nursing school.
A graduate of an Associate Degree Nursing
Program must take the NCLEX/RN-CAT and pass it successfully in order to become
a Registered Nurse.
Students requiring any special accommodations on
the NCLEX Examination must do so in writing at least six (6) months prior to
the examination. Special accommodations for learning disabled students include
Braille, seeing-eye dogs, audio tapes, large print, oral exams, or extra time.
See the program director for request for special accommodation forms for this
exam.
Students who have psychiatric or criminal
arrests or convictions will want to fill out a declaratory order with the BNE
before they enter nursing school or the first semester they sign up for nursing
classes. Failure to complete required paperwork can result in delay or refusal
to license the individual.
SECTION 29. ELIGIBILITY FOR LICENSURE
The following
rules have been adopted by the State Board of Nurse Examiners and all students
must read and be aware of these rules. Students must answer questions related
to these items on their licensure application. For students with concerns
regarding licensure eligibility, a Declaratory Order should be attained as
early as possible in the educational process.
All of these rules are available at the
Board of Nurse Examiners web site at www.bne.state.tx.us
Students are advised that laws and rules change
and the student should check the web site regularly for changes.
BOARD OF NURSE EXAMINERS RULES, REGULATIONS, AND THE TEXAS CODE
Sec 301.2511. Criminal History Record Information for License
Applicants.
(a) An applicant for a registered nurse license must submit
to the board, in addition to satisfying the other requirements of this
subchapter, a complete and legible set of fingerprints, on a form prescribed by
the board, for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information from
the Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(b) The board may deny a license to an applicant who does
not comply with the requirement of Subsection (a). Issuance of a license by the
board is conditioned on the board obtaining the applicant's criminal history
record information under this section.
(c) The board by rule may develop a system for initiating
the process of obtaining criminal history record information for applicants for
a license under this chapter by requiring persons who enroll or plan to enroll
in an educational program that prepares a person for a license as a registered
nurse to submit to the board a set of fingerprints that meets the requirements
of Subsection (a). The board may require payment of a fee by a person who is
required to submit a set of fingerprints under this subsection.
[Added by Acts 2003 (H.B. 2208), 78th Leg., eff. September 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.252. License Application.
(a) Each applicant for a registered nurse license or a
vocational nurse license must submit to the board a sworn application that
demonstrates the applicant's qualifications under this chapter, accompanied by
evidence that the applicant:
(1) has good
professional character; and
(2) has successfully
completed an approved program of professional or vocational nursing education.
(b) The board may waive the requirement of Subsection (a)(2)
for a vocational nurse applicant if the applicant provides satisfactory sworn
evidence that the applicant has completed an acceptable level of education in:
(1) a professional
nursing school approved by the board; or
(2) a school of
professional nurse education located in another state or a foreign country.
(c) The board by rule shall determine acceptable levels of
education under Subsection (b).
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.253. Examination.
(a) Except as provided by Section 301.452, an applicant is
entitled to take the examination prescribed by the Board if:
(1) the Board
determines that the applicant meets the qualifications required by Section
301.252; and
(2) the applicant pays
the fees required by the Board.
(b) The Board shall give the examination in various cities
throughout the state.
(c) The examination shall be designed to determine the
fitness of the applicant to practice professional nursing or vocational
nursing.
(d) The Board shall determine the criteria that determine a
passing score on the examination. The criteria may not exceed those required by
the majority of the states.
(e) A written examination prepared, approved, or offered by
the Board, including a standardized national examination, must be validated by
an independent testing professional.
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.257. Declaratory Order of License
Eligibility.
(a) A person may petition the board for a declaratory order
as to the person's eligibility for a license under this chapter if the person:
(1) is enrolled or
planning to enroll in an educational program that prepares a person for an
initial license as a registered nurse or vocational nurse; and
(2) has reason to
believe that the person is ineligible for the license.
(b) The petition must state the basis for the person's
potential ineligibility.
(c) The Board has the same powers to investigate the
petition and the person's eligibility that it has to investigate a person
applying for a license.
(d) The petitioner or the Board may amend the petition to
include additional grounds for potential ineligibility at any time before a
final determination is made.
(e) If the Board determines that a ground for ineligibility
does not exist, instead of issuing an order, the Board shall notify the
petitioner in writing of the Board's determination on each ground of potential
ineligibility. If the Board proposes to find that the petitioner is ineligible
for a license, the petitioner is entitled to a hearing before the State Office
of Administrative Hearings.
(f) The Board's order must set out each basis for potential
ineligibility and the Board's determination as to eligibility. In the absence
of new evidence known to but not disclosed by the petitioner or not reasonably
available to the Board at the time the order is issued, the Board's ruling on
the petition determines the person's eligibility with respect to the grounds
for potential ineligibility set out in the written notice or order.
(g) The Board may require an individual accepted for
enrollment or enrolled in an educational program preparing a student for
initial licensure as a registered nurse or vocational nurse to submit
information to the Board to permit the Board to determine whether the person is
aware of the conditions that may disqualify the person from licensure as a
registered nurse or vocational nurse on graduation and of the person's right to
petition the Board for a declaratory order under this section. Instead of
requiring the person to submit the information, the Board may require the
educational program to collect and submit the information on each person
accepted for enrollment or enrolled in the program.
(h) The information required under Subsection (g) must be
submitted in a form approved by the Board.
(i) If, as a result of information provided under Subsection
(g), the Board determines that a person may not be eligible for a license on
graduation, the Board shall notify the educational program of its
determination.
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
(c) The board
may adopt rules establishing specifications for the insignia.
. 1, 2003]
(b) The
Board shall adopt rules governing reporting required under this subchapter to
minimize:
(1) unnecessary duplicative reporting; and
(2) the reporting of a minor incident.
(c) If the
Board determines that a report submitted under this subchapter is without
merit, the board shall expunge the report from the nurse's file.
(d) The
Board shall inform, in the manner the board determines appropriate, nurses,
facilities, agencies, and other persons of their duty to report under this
subchapter.
(f) The
reporting required under this subchapter does not constitute state action on
behalf of the person reporting.
(g) The
duty to report or any other requirement of this subchapter may not be nullified
by a contract.
[Amended by Acts
2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Subchapter
J. Prohibited Practices and Disciplinary Actions
Sec. 301.452. Grounds for Disciplinary
Action.
(a) In this section, "intemperate use" includes
practicing nursing or being on duty or on call while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
(b) A person is subject to denial of a license or to
disciplinary action under this subchapter for:
(1) a violation of this
chapter, a rule or regulation not inconsistent with this chapter, or an order
issued under this chapter;
(2) fraud or deceit in
procuring or attempting to procure a license to practice professional nursing
or vocational nursing;
(3) a conviction for a
felony or for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(4) conduct that
results in the revocation of probation imposed because of conviction for a
felony or for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(5) use of a nursing
license, diploma, or permit, or the transcript of such a document, that has
been fraudulently purchased, issued, counterfeited, or materially altered;
(6) impersonating or
acting as a proxy for another person in the licensing examination required
under Section 301.253 or 301.255;
(7) directly or
indirectly aiding or abetting an unlicensed person in connection with the
unauthorized practice of nursing;
(8) revocation,
suspension, or denial of, or any other action relating to, the person's license
or privilege to practice nursing in another jurisdiction;
(9) intemperate use of
alcohol or drugs that the Board determines endangers or could endanger a
patient;
(10) unprofessional or
dishonorable conduct that, in the board's opinion, is likely to deceive,
defraud, or injure a patient or the public;
(11) adjudication of
mental incompetency;
(12) lack of fitness to
practice because of a mental or physical health condition that could result in
injury to a patient or the public; or
(13) failure to care
adequately for a patient or to conform to the minimum standards of acceptable
nursing practice in a manner that, in the Board's opinion, exposes a patient or
other person unnecessarily to risk of harm.
The Board may refuse to admit a person to a licensing examination
for a ground described under Subsection (b).
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.453. Disciplinary Authority of
Board; Methods of Discipline.
(a) If the Board determines that a person has committed an
act listed in Section 301.452(b), the Board shall enter an order imposing one
or more of the following:
(1) denial of the
person's application for a license, license renewal, or temporary permit;
(2) issuance of a
written warning;
(3) administration of a
public reprimand;
(4) limitation or
restriction of the person's license, including:
(A) limiting to or
excluding from the person's practice one or more specified activities of
nursing; or
(B) stipulating
periodic board review;
(5) suspension of the
person's license for a period not to exceed five years;
(6) revocation of the
person's license; or
(7) assessment of a
fine.
(b) In addition to or instead of an action under Subsection
(a), the Board, by order, may require the person to:
(1) submit to care,
counseling, or treatment by a health provider designated by the Board as a
condition for the issuance or renewal of a license;
(2) participate in a
program of education or counseling prescribed by the Board;
(3) practice for a
specified period under the direction of a registered nurse or vocational nurse
designated by the Board; or
(4) perform public
service the Board considers appropriate.
(c) The Board may probate any penalty imposed on a nurse and
may accept the voluntary surrender of a license. The Board may not reinstate a
surrendered license unless it determines that the person is competent to resume
practice.
(d) If the Board suspends, revokes, or accepts surrender of
a license, the Board may impose conditions for reinstatement that the person
must satisfy before the Board may issue an unrestricted license.
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.454. Notice and Hearing.
(a) Except in the case of a temporary suspension
authorized under Section 301.455 or an action taken in accordance with an
agreement between the board and a license holder, the Board may not initiate a
disciplinary action relating to a license unless:
(1) the Board has
served notice to the license holder of the facts or conduct alleged to warrant
the intended action; and
(2) the license
holder has been given an opportunity, in writing or through an informal
meeting, to show compliance with all requirements of law for the retention of
the license.
(b) If an informal meeting is held, a board member,
staff member, or board representative who attends the meeting is considered to
have participated in the hearing of the case for the purposes of ex parte
communications under Section 2001.061, Government Code.
(c) A person is entitled to a hearing conducted by the
State Office of Administrative Hearings if the Board proposes to:
(1) refuse to
admit the person to examination;
(2) refuse to
issue a license or temporary permit;
(3) refuse to
renew a license; or
(4) suspend or
revoke the person's license or permit.
(d) The State Office of Administrative Hearings shall
use the schedule of sanctions adopted by the Board for any sanction imposed as
the result of a hearing conducted by that office.
(e) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a person is not
entitled to a hearing on a refusal to renew a license if the person:
(1) fails to
submit a renewal application; or
(2) submits an
application that:
(A) is incomplete;
(B) shows on its
face that the person does not meet the renewal requirements; or
(C) is not accompanied by the correct fee.
Sec. 301.455. Temporary License Suspension.
(a) The license of a nurse shall be temporarily suspended on
a determination by a majority of the Board or a three-member committee of board
members designated by the board that, from the evidence or information
presented, the continued practice of the nurse would constitute a continuing
and imminent threat to the public welfare.
(b) A license may be temporarily suspended under this
section without notice or hearing on the complaint if:
(1) institution of
proceedings for a hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings is
initiated simultaneously with the temporary suspension; and
(2) a hearing is held as soon
as possible under this chapter and Chapter 2001, Government Code.
(c) The State Office of Administrative Hearings shall hold a
preliminary hearing not later than the 14th day after the date of the temporary
suspension to determine whether probable cause exists that a continuing and
imminent threat to the public welfare exists.
(d) A final hearing on the matter shall be held not later
than the 61st day after the date of the temporary suspension.
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.456. Evidence.
A certified copy of the order of the denial, suspension, or
revocation or other action under Section 301.452(b)(8) is conclusive evidence
of that action.
Sec. 301.457. Complaint and Investigation.
(a) The Board or any person may initiate a proceeding under
this subchapter by filing with the Board a complaint against a nurse. The
complaint must be in writing and signed by the complainant.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by this section, the Board
or a person authorized by the board shall conduct each investigation. Each
complaint against a nurse that requires a determination of nursing competency
shall be reviewed by a board member, consultant, or employee with a nursing
background the Board considers sufficient.
(c) On the filing of a complaint, the board:
(1) may conduct a
preliminary investigation into the identity of the nurse named or described in
the complaint;
(2) shall make a timely
and appropriate preliminary investigation of the complaint; and
(3) may issue a warning
or reprimand to the nurse.
(d) After any preliminary investigation to determine the
identity of the subject of the complaint, unless it would jeopardize an
investigation, the Board shall notify the nurse that a complaint has been filed
and the nature of the complaint. If the investigation reveals probable cause to
take further disciplinary action, the Board shall either attempt an informal disposition
of the complaint or file a formal charge against the nurse stating the
provision of this chapter or board rule that is alleged to have been violated
and a brief description of each act or omission that constitutes the violation.
(e) The Board shall conduct an investigation of the
complaint to determine:
(1) whether the nurse's
continued practice of nursing poses a risk of harm to clients or other persons;
and
(2) whether probable
cause exists that a nurse committed an act listed in Section 301.452(b) or that
violates other law.
(f) In making a determination under Subsection (e), the
board shall review the evidence to determine the extent to which a deficiency
in care by the registered nurse was the result of deficiencies in the
registered nurse's judgment, knowledge, training, or skill rather than other
factors beyond the nurse's control. A determination that a deficiency in care
is attributable to a registered nurse must be based on the extent to which the
registered nurse's conduct was the result of a deficiency in the registered
nurse's judgment, knowledge, training, or skill.
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483 & S.B. 718), 78th
Leg., S.B. 718 eff. June 20, 2003, H.B. 1483 eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.458. Initiation of Formal Charges;
Discovery.
(a) Unless there is an agreed disposition of the complaint
under Section 301.463, and if probable cause is found under Section
301.457(e)(2), the Board or the Board's Authorized Representative shall
initiate proceedings by filing formal charges against the nurse.
(b) A formal charge must:
(1) be written;
(2) be specific enough
to enable a person of common understanding to know what is meant by the formal
charge; and
(3) contain a degree of
certainty that gives the person who is the subject of the formal charge notice
of each particular act alleged to violate a specific statute, board rule, or
board order.
(c) A copy of the formal charge shall be served on the nurse
or the nurse's counsel of record.
(d) The Board shall adopt reasonable rules to promote
discovery by each party to a contested case.
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.459. Formal Hearing.
(a) The Board by rule shall adopt procedures under Chapter
2001, Government Code, governing formal disposition of a contested case. The
State Office of Administrative Hearings shall conduct a formal hearing.
(b) In any hearing under this section, a nurse is entitled
to appear in person or by counsel.
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.460. Access to Information.
(a) Except for good cause shown for delay and subject to any
other privilege or restriction set forth by statute, rule, or legal precedent,
the Board shall, not later than the 30th day after the date the board receives
a written request from a license holder who is the subject of a formal charge
filed under Section 301.458 or from the license holder's counsel of record,
provide the license holder with access to:
(1) all known
exculpatory information in the Board's possession; and
(2) information
in the Board's possession that the board intends to offer into evidence in
presenting its case in chief at the contested hearing on the complaint.
(b) The Board is not required to provide:
(1) Board
investigative reports or investigative memoranda;
(2) the identity
of non-testifying complainants;
(3)
attorney-client communications;
(4) attorney work
product; or
(5) other
materials covered by a privilege as recognized by the Texas Rules of Civil
Procedure or the Texas Rules of Evidence.
(c) The provision of information under Subsection (a) does
not constitute a waiver of privilege or confidentiality under this chapter or
other applicable law.
Sec. 301.461. Assessment of Costs.
The Board may assess a person who is found to have violated this
chapter the administrative costs of conducting a hearing to determine the
violation.
Sec. 301.462. Voluntary Surrender of
License.
The Board may revoke a nurse's license without formal charges,
notice, or opportunity of hearing if the nurse voluntarily surrenders the
nurse's license to the Board and executes a sworn statement that the nurse does
not desire to be licensed.
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.463. Agreed Disposition.
(a) Unless precluded by this chapter or other law, the Board
may dispose of a complaint by:
(1) stipulation;
(2) agreed settlement;
(3) agreed order; or
(4) dismissal.
(b) An agreed disposition of a complaint is considered to be
a disciplinary order for purposes of reporting under this chapter and an
administrative hearing and proceeding by a state or federal regulatory agency
regarding the practice of nursing.
(c) An agreed order is a public record.
(d) In civil or criminal litigation an agreed disposition is
a settlement agreement under Rule 408, Texas Rules of Evidence.
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.464. Informal Proceedings.
(a) The Board by rule shall adopt procedures governing:
(1) informal disposition
of a contested case under Section 2001.056, Government Code; and
(2) an informal
proceeding held in compliance with Section 2001.054, Government Code.
(b) Rules adopted under this section must:
(1) provide the
complainant and the license holder an opportunity to be heard; and
(2) require the
presence of a representative of the Board's legal staff or of the Attorney
General to advise the Board or the Board's employees.
Sec. 301.465. Subpoenas; Request for
Information.
(a) The Board may request issuance of a subpoena to be served in
any manner authorized by law, including personal service by a board
investigator and service by certified mail.
(b) Each person shall respond promptly and fully to a
request for information by the board or to a subpoena issued by the Board. A
request or subpoena may not be refused, denied, or resisted unless the request
or subpoena calls for information within the attorney-client privilege. No
other privilege applies to a board proceeding.
(c) The Board may pay a reasonable fee for photocopies
subpoenaed at the Board's request. The amount paid may not exceed the amount
the Board charges for copies of its records.
(d) The Board shall protect, to the extent possible,
the identity of each patient named in information received by the Board.
Sec. 301.466. Confidentiality.
(a) A complaint and investigation concerning a nurse under
this subchapter and all information and material compiled by the board in
connection with the complaint and investigation are:
(1) confidential and
not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code; and
(2) not subject to
disclosure, discovery, subpoena, or other means of legal compulsion for release
to anyone other than the Board or a board employee or agent involved in license
holder discipline.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), information regarding a
complaint and an investigation may be disclosed to:
(1) a person involved
with the Board in a disciplinary action against the nurse;
(2) a nursing licensing
or disciplinary board in another jurisdiction;
(3) a peer assistance
program approved by the Board under Chapter 467, Health and Safety Code;
(4) a law enforcement
agency; or
(5) a person engaged in
bona fide research, if all information identifying a specific individual has
been deleted.
(c) The filing of formal charges against a nurse by the
Board, the nature of those charges, disciplinary proceedings of the board, and
final disciplinary actions, including warnings and reprimands, by the Board are
not confidential and are subject to disclosure in accordance with Chapter 552,
Government Code.
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.467. Reinstatement.
(a) On application, the Board may reinstate a license to
practice nursing to a person whose license has been revoked, suspended, or
surrendered.
(b) An application to reinstate a revoked license:
(1) may not be made
before the first anniversary of the date of the revocation; and
(2) must be made in the
manner and form the Board requires.
(c) If the Board denies an application for reinstatement, it
may set a reasonable waiting period before the applicant may reapply for
reinstatement.
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.468. Probation.
(a) The Board may determine that an order denying a license
application or suspending a license be probated. A person subject to a
probation order shall conform to each condition the Board sets as the terms of
probation, including a condition:
(1) limiting the practice of
the person to, or excluding, one or more specified activities of professional
nursing or vocational nursing; or
(2) requiring the person to
submit to supervision, care, counseling, or treatment by a practitioner
designated by the Board.
(b) At the time the probation is granted, the Board shall
establish the term of the probationary period.
(c) At any time while the person remains subject to the
probation order, the Board may hold a hearing and rescind the probation and
enforce the Board's original action in denying or suspending the license. The
hearing shall be called by the presiding officer of the Board, who shall issue
a notice to be served on the person or the person's counsel not later than the
20th day before the date scheduled for the hearing that:
(1) sets the time and
place for the hearing; and
(2) contains the charges
or complaints against the probationer.
(d) Notice under Subsection (c) is sufficient if sent by
registered or certified mail to the affected person at the person's most recent
address as shown in the Board's records.
[Amended by Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
Sec. 301.469. Notice
of Final Action.
If the Board
takes a final disciplinary action, including a warning or reprimand, against a
nurse under this subchapter, the Board shall immediately send a copy of the
Board's final order to the nurse and to the last known employer of the nurse.
[Amended by
Acts 2003 (H.B. 1483), 78th Leg., eff. Sept. 1, 2003]
|
RULE §213.27
|
Good
Professional Character
|
|
|
|
(a) Good professional character is the integrated pattern
of personal, academic and occupational behaviors which, in the judgment of
the Board, indicates that an individual is able to consistently conform his
or her conduct to the requirements of the Nursing Practice Act, the Board's
rules and regulations, and generally accepted standards of nursing practice
including, but not limited to, behaviors indicating honesty, accountability,
trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity.
(b) Factors to be used in evaluating good professional
character in eligibility and disciplinary matters are:
(1) Good professional character is determined
through the evaluation of behaviors demonstrated by an individual in his or
her personal, academic and occupational history. An individual's age,
education, and experience necessarily affect the nature and extent of
behavioral history and, therefore, shall be considered in each evaluation.
(2) A person who seeks to obtain or retain a
license to practice professional or vocational nursing shall provide evidence
of good professional character which, in the judgment of the Board, is
sufficient to insure that the individual can consistently act in the best
interest of patients/clients and the public in any practice setting. Such
evidence shall establish that the person:
(A) is able to distinguish right
from wrong;
(B) is able to think and act
rationally;
(C) is able to keep promises and
honor obligations;
(D) is accountable for his or her
own behavior;
(E) is able to practice nursing in
an autonomous role with patients/clients, their families, significant others,
and members of the public who are or who may become physically, emotionally,
or financially vulnerable;
(F) is able to recognize and honor
the interpersonal boundaries appropriate to any therapeutic relationship or
health care setting; and
(G) is able to promptly and fully
self-disclose facts, circumstances, events, errors, and omissions when such
disclosure could enhance the health status of patients/clients or the public
or could protect patients/clients or the public from unnecessary risk of
harm.
(3) Any conviction for a felony or for a
misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or order of probation with or without
an adjudication of guilt for an offense that would be a felony or misdemeanor
involving moral turpitude if guilt were adjudicated.
(4) Any revocation, suspension, or denial of,
or any other adverse action relating to, the person's license or privilege to
practice nursing in another jurisdiction.
(c) The following provisions shall govern the
determination of present good professional character and fitness of a
Petitioner, Applicant, or Licensee who has been convicted of a felony in
Texas or placed on probation for a felony with or without an adjudication of
guilt in Texas, or who has been convicted or placed on probation with or
without an adjudication of guilt in another jurisdiction for a crime which
would be a felony in Texas. A Petitioner, Applicant, or Licensee may be found
lacking in present good professional character and fitness under this rule
based on the underlying facts of a felony conviction or deferred
adjudication, as well as based on the conviction or probation through
deferred adjudication itself.
(1) The record of conviction or order of
deferred adjudication is conclusive evidence of guilt.
(2) An individual guilty of a felony under
this rule is conclusively deemed not to have present good professional
character and fitness and should not file a Petition for Declaratory Order or
Application for Endorsement for a period of three years after the completion
of the sentence and/or period of probation.
(3) In addition to the disciplinary remedies
available to the Board pursuant to Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §301.452(b)(3) and
(4), Texas Occupations Code chapter 53, and rule 213.28, a licensee guilty of
a felony under this rule is conclusively deemed to have violated Tex. Occ.
Code Ann. §301.452(b)(10) and is subject to appropriate discipline, up to and
including revocation.
(d) The following provisions shall govern the
determination of present good professional character and fitness of a
Petitioner, Applicant, or Licensee who has been licensed to practice nursing
in any jurisdiction and has been disciplined, or allowed to voluntarily
surrender in lieu of discipline, in that jurisdiction.
(1) A certified copy of the order, judgment of
discipline, or order of adverse licensure action from the jurisdiction is
prima facie evidence of the matters contained in such order, judgment, or
adverse action and is conclusive evidence that the individual in question has
committed professional misconduct as alleged in such order of judgment.
(2) An individual disciplined for professional
misconduct in the course of practicing nursing in any jurisdiction or an or
an individual who resigned in lieu of disciplinary action (disciplined
individual) is deemed not to have present good professional character and
fitness and is, therefore, ineligible to file an Application for Endorsement
to the Texas Board of Nursing during the period of such discipline imposed by
such jurisdiction, and in the case of revocation or surrender in lieu of
disciplinary action, until the disciplined individual has filed an
application for reinstatement in the disciplining jurisdiction and obtained a
final determination on that application.
(3) The only defenses available to a
Petitioner, Applicant, or Licensee under section (d) are outlined below and
must be proved by clear and convincing evidence:
(A) The procedure followed in the
disciplining jurisdiction was so lacking in notice or opportunity to be heard
as to constitute a deprivation of due process.
(B) There was such an infirmity of
proof establishing the misconduct in the other jurisdiction as to give rise
to the clear conviction that the Board, consistent with its duty, should not
accept as final the conclusion on the evidence reached in the disciplining
jurisdiction.
(C) The deeming of lack of present
good professional character and fitness by the Board during the period
required under the provisions of section (d) would result in grave injustice.
(D) The misconduct for which the
individual was disciplined does not constitute professional misconduct in Texas.
(4) If the Board determines that one or more
of the foregoing defenses has been established, it shall render such orders
as it deems necessary and appropriate.
(e) An individual who applies for initial licensure,
reinstatement, renewal, or endorsement to practice professional or vocational
nursing in Texas after the expiration of the three-year period in (c)(2)
above and subsection (f) of this rule, or after the completion of the
disciplinary period assessed or ineligibility period imposed by any
jurisdiction under subsection (d) above shall be required to prove, by a
preponderance of the evidence:
(1) that the best interest of the public and
the profession, as well as the ends of justice, would be served by his or her
admission to practice nursing; and
(2) that (s)he is of present good professional
character and fitness.
(f) An individual who applies for initial licensure,
reinstatement, renewal, or endorsement to practice professional or vocational
nursing in Texas after a negative determination based on a felony conviction,
felony probation with or without an adjudication of guilt, or professional
misconduct, or voluntary surrender in lieu of disciplinary action and whose
application or petition is denied and not appealed is not eligible to file
another petition or application for licensure until after the expiration of
three years from the date of the Board's order denying the preceding petition
for licensure.
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Source Note: The provisions of this §213.27 adopted
to be effective September 1, 1998, 23 TexReg 6444; amended to be effective November 14, 2002, 27 TexReg 10594; amended to be effective May 17, 2004, 29 TexReg 4884
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RULE §213.28
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Licensure of
Persons with Criminal Convictions
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(a) This section sets out the considerations and criteria
on the eligibility of persons with criminal convictions to obtain a license
as a registered or vocational nurse or those already licensed who renew their
license. The Board may refuse to approve persons to take the licensure
examination, may refuse to issue or renew a license or certificate of
registration, or may refuse to issue a temporary permit to any individual
that has been convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude,
or engaged in conduct resulting in the revocation of probation imposed pursuant
to such a conviction.
(b) The practice of nursing involves clients, their
families, significant others and the public in diverse settings. The
registered and vocational nurse practices in an autonomous role with
individuals who are physically, emotionally and financially vulnerable. The
nurse has access to personal information about all aspects of a person's
life, resources and relationships. Therefore, criminal behavior whether
violent or non-violent, directed against persons, property or public order
and decency is considered by the Board as highly relevant to an individual's
fitness to practice nursing.
(c) In considering whether a criminal conviction renders
the individual ineligible for licensure or renewal of licensure as a
registered or vocational nurse, the Board shall consider:
(1) the knowing or intentional practice of
nursing without a license issued under the NPA;
(2) any felony or misdemeanor involving moral
turpitude;
(3) the nature and seriousness of the crime;
(4) the relationship of the crime to the
purposes for requiring a license to engage in nursing practice;
(5) the extent to which a license might offer
an opportunity to engage in further criminal activity of the same type as
that in which the person previously had been involved; and
(6) the relationship of the crime to the
ability, capacity, or fitness required to perform the duties and discharge
the responsibilities of nursing practice;
(7) whether imprisonment followed a felony
conviction, felony community supervision revocation, revocation of parole or
revocation of mandatory supervision; and
(8) conduct that results in the revocation of
probation imposed because of conviction for a felony or for a misdemeanor
involving moral turpitude.
(d) In addition to the factors that may be considered
under subsection (c) of this section, the Board, in determining the present
fitness of a person who has been convicted of a crime, shall consider:
(1) the extent and nature of the person's past
criminal activity;
(2) the age of the person when the crime was
committed;
(3) the amount of time that has elapsed since
the person's last criminal activity;
(4) the conduct and work activity of the
person before and after the criminal activity;
(5) evidence of the person's rehabilitation or
rehabilitative effort while incarcerated or after release; and
(6) other evidence of the person's present
fitness, including letters of recommendation from: prosecutors and law
enforcement and correctional officers who prosecuted, arrested, or had
custodial responsibility for the person; the sheriff or chief of police in
the community where the person resides; and any other persons in contact with
the convicted person.
(e) It shall be the responsibility of the applicant, to
the extent possible, to obtain and provide to the Board the recommendations
of the prosecution, law enforcement, and correctional authorities as required
under this Act. The applicant shall also furnish proof in such form as may be
required by the Board that he or she has maintained a record of steady
employment and has supported his or her dependents and has otherwise
maintained a record of good conduct and has paid all outstanding court costs,
supervision fees, fines, and restitution as may have been ordered in all
criminal cases in which he or she has been convicted.
(f) If requested by staff, it shall be the responsibility
of the individual seeking licensure to ensure that staff is provided with
legible, certified copies of all court and law enforcement documentation from
all jurisdictions where the individual has resided or practiced as a licensed
health care professional. Failure to provide complete, legible and accurate
documentation will result in delays prior to licensure or renewal of
licensure and possible grounds for ineligibility.
(g) Behavior that would otherwise bar or impede licensure
may be deemed a "Youthful Indiscretion" as determined by an
analysis of the behavior using the factors set out in §213.27 of this title
(relating to Good Professional Character), subsections (a)-(e) of this
section and at least the following criteria:
(1) age of 22 years or less at the time of the
behavior;
(2) absence of criminal plan or premeditation;
(3) presence of peer pressure or other
contributing influences;
(4) absence of adult supervision or guidance;
(5) evidence of immature thought
process/judgment at the time of the activity;
(6) evidence of remorse;
(7) evidence of restitution to both victim and
community;
(8) evidence of current maturity and personal
accountability;
(9) absence of subsequent undesirable conduct;
(10) evidence of having learned from past
mistakes;
(11) evidence of current support structures
that will prevent future criminal activity; and
(12) evidence of current ability to practice
nursing in accordance with the Nursing Practice Act, Board rules and
generally accepted standards of nursing.
(h) With respect to a request to obtain a license from a
person who has a criminal history, the executive director is authorized to
close an eligibility file when the applicant has failed to respond to a
request for information or to a proposal for denial of eligibility within 60
days thereof.
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Source Note: The provisions of this §213.28 adopted
to be effective September 1, 1998, 23 TexReg 6444; amended to be effective July 20, 1999, 24 TexReg 5473; amended to be effective November 14, 2002, 27 TexReg 10594; amended to be effective May 17, 2004, 29 TexReg 4884
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RULE §213.29
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Criteria and
Procedure Regarding Intemperate Use and Lack of Fitness in Eligibility and
Disciplinary Matters
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(a) A person desiring to obtain or retain a license to
practice professional or vocational nursing shall provide evidence of current
sobriety and fitness consistent with this rule.
(b) Such person shall provide a sworn certificate to the
Board stating that he/she has read and understands the requirements for
licensure as a registered or vocational nurse and that he/she has not:
(1) within the past five years, become
addicted to or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug; or
(2) within the past five years, been diagnosed
with, treated or hospitalized for schizophrenia and/or other psychotic
disorders, bi-polar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial
personality disorder or borderline personality disorder.
(c) If a registered or vocational nurse is reported to the
Board for intemperate use, abuse of drugs or alcohol, or diagnosis of or
treatment for chemical dependency; or if a person is unable to sign the certification
in subsection (b) of this section, the following restrictions and
requirements apply:
(1) Any matter before the Board that involves
an allegation of chemical dependency, or misuse or abuse of drugs or alcohol,
will require at a minimum that such person obtain for Board review a chemical
dependency evaluation performed by a licensed chemical dependency evaluator
or other professional approved by the executive director;
(2) Those persons who have become addicted to
or treated for alcohol or chemical dependency will not be eligible to obtain
or retain a license to practice as a nurse unless such person can demonstrate
sobriety and abstinence for the preceding twelve consecutive months through
verifiable and reliable evidence, or can establish eligibility to participate
in a peer assistance program created pursuant to Chapter 467 of the Health
and Safety Code;
(3) Those persons who have become addicted to
or treated for alcohol or chemical dependency will not be eligible to obtain
or retain an unencumbered license to practice nursing until the individual
has attained a five-year term of sobriety and abstinence or until such person
has successfully completed participation in a board-approved peer assistance
program created pursuant to Chapter 467 of the Health and Safety Code.
(4) Those persons who have been diagnosed
with, treated, or hospitalized for the disorders mentioned in subsection (b)
of this section shall execute an authorization for release of medical,
psychiatric, and treatment records.
(d) It shall be the responsibility of those persons
subject to this rule to submit to and pay for an evaluation by a professional
approved by the executive director to determine current sobriety and fitness.
The evaluation shall be limited to the conditions mentioned in subsection (b)
of this section.
(e) Prior intemperate use or mental illness is relevant
only so far as it may indicate current intemperate use or lack of fitness.
(f) With respect to chemical dependency in eligibility and
disciplinary matters, the executive director is authorized to:
(1) review submissions from a movant,
materials and information gathered or prepared by staff, and identify any
deficiencies in file information necessary to determine the movant's request;
(2) close any eligibility file in which the
movant has failed to respond to a request for information or to a proposal
for denial of eligibility within 60 days thereof;
(3) approve eligibility, enter eligibility
orders and approve renewals, without Board ratification, when the evidence is
clearly insufficient to prove a ground for denial of licensure; and
(4) propose conditional orders in eligibility,
disciplinary and renewal matters for individuals who have experienced
chemical/alcohol dependency within the past five years provided:
(A) the individual presents
reliable and verifiable evidence of having functioned in a sober/abstinent
manner for the previous twelve consecutive months; and
(B) licensure
limitations/stipulations and/or peer assistance program participation can be
implemented which will ensure that patients and the public are protected
until the individual has attained a five-year term of sobriety/abstinence.
(g) With respect to mental illness in eligibility,
disciplinary, and renewal matters, the executive director is authorized to
propose conditional orders for individuals who have experienced mental
illness within the past five years provided:
(1) the individual presents reliable and
verifiable evidence of having functioned in a manner consistent with the
behaviors required of nurses under the Nursing Practice Act and Board rules
for at least the previous twelve consecutive months; and
(2) licensure limitations/stipulations and/or
peer assistance program participation can be implemented which will ensure
that patients and the public are protected until the individual has attained
a five-year term of controlled behavior and consistent compliance with the
requirements of the Nursing Practice Act and Board rules.
(h) In renewal matters involving chemical dependency or
mental illness, the executive director shall consider the following
information from the preceding renewal period:
(1) evidence of the licensee's safe practice;
(2) compliance with the NPA and Board rules;
and
(3) written verification of compliance with
any treatment.
(i) Upon receipt of items (h)(1)-(3) of this section, the
executive director may renew the license.
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Source Note: The provisions of this §213.29 adopted
to be effective September 1, 1998, 23 TexReg 6444; amended to be effective July 20, 1999, 24 TexReg 5473; amended to be effective November 14, 2002, 27 TexReg 10594; amended to be effective May 17, 2004, 29 TexReg 4884
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RULE §213.30
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Declaratory
Order of Eligibility for Licensure
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(a) A person enrolled or planning to enroll in an
educational nursing program that prepares a person for an initial license
as a registered or vocational nurse or an applicant who seeks licensure by
endorsement pursuant to §217.5 of this title (relating to Temporary License
and Endorsement) who has reason to believe that he or she may be ineligible
for licensure, may petition the Board for a declaratory order or apply for
a license by endorsement as to his or her eligibility.
(b) The person must submit a petition or application on
forms provided by the Board which includes:
(1) a statement by the petitioner or
applicant indicating the reason(s) and basis of potential ineligibility;
(2) if the potential ineligibility is due to
criminal conduct and/or conviction, any court documents including, but not
limited to, indictments, orders of deferred adjudication, judgments,
probation records and evidence of completion of probation, if applicable;
(3) if the potential ineligibility is due to
mental illness, evidence of evaluation, including a prognosis, by a
psychologist or psychiatrist, evidence of treatment, including any
medication;
(4) if the potential ineligibility is due to
chemical dependency including alcohol, evidence of evaluation and
treatment, after care and support group attendance; and
(5) the required fee which is not
refundable.
(c) An investigation of the petition/application and the
petitioner's/applicant's eligibility shall be conducted.
(d) The petitioner/applicant or the Board may amend the
petition/application to include additional grounds for potential
ineligibility at any time before a final determination is made.
(e) If an applicant under §217.5 of this title has been
licensed to practice professional or vocational nursing in any jurisdiction
and has been disciplined, or allowed to surrender in lieu of discipline, in
that jurisdiction, the following provisions shall govern the eligibility of
the applicant under §213.27 of this title (relating to Good Professional
Character).
(1) A certified copy of the order or
judgment of discipline from the jurisdiction is prima facie evidence of the
matters contained in such order or judgment, and a final adjudication in
the other jurisdiction that the applicant has committed professional misconduct
is conclusive of the professional misconduct alleged in such order or
judgment.
(2) An applicant disciplined for
professional misconduct in the course of nursing in any jurisdiction or an
applicant who resigned in lieu of disciplinary action is deemed to not have
present good professional character under §213.27 of this title and is
therefore ineligible to file an application under §217.5 of this title
during the period of such discipline imposed by such jurisdiction, and in
the case of revocation or surrender in lieu of disciplinary action, until
the applicant has filed an application for reinstatement in the
disciplining jurisdiction and obtained a final determination on that
application.
(f) If a petitioner's/applicant's potential
ineligibility is due to criminal conduct and/or conviction, the following
provisions shall govern the eligibility of the applicant under §213.28 of
this title (relating to Licensure of Persons with Criminal Convictions):
(1) The record of conviction or order of
deferred adjudication is conclusive evidence of guilt.
(2) An individual guilty of a felony under
this rule is conclusively deemed not to have present good professional
character and fitness and should not petition the Board for a Declaratory
Order of Eligibility for Licensure for a period of three years after the
completion of the sentence and/or period of probation.
(3) Upon proof that a felony conviction or
felony order of probation with or without adjudication of guilt has been
set aside or reversed, the petitioner or applicant shall be entitled to a
new hearing before the Board for the purpose of determining whether, absent
the record of conclusive evidence of guilt, the petitioner or applicant
possesses present good professional character and fitness.
(g) If the executive director proposes to find the
petitioner or applicant ineligible for licensure, the petitioner or
applicant may obtain a hearing before the State Office of Administrative
Hearings. The Executive Director shall have discretion to set a hearing and
give notice of the hearing to the petitioner or applicant. The hearing
shall be conducted in accordance with §213.22 of this title (relating to
Formal Proceedings) and the rules of SOAH. When in conflict, SOAH's rules
of procedure will prevail. The decision of the Board shall be rendered in
accordance with §213.23 of this title (relating to Decision of the Board).
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Source Note: The provisions of this §213.30
adopted to be effective August 15, 2002, 27 TexReg 7107; amended to be effective May 17, 2004, 29 TexReg 4884
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The Texas Board of Nurse Examiners is responsible for regulating the
practice of nursing within the State of Texas for Vocational Nurses,
Registered Nurses, and Registered Nurses with advanced practice
authorization. The standards of practice establish a minimum acceptable level
of nursing practice in any setting for each level of nursing licensure or
advanced practice authorization. Failure to meet these standards may result
in action against the nurse's license even if no actual patient injury
resulted.
(1) Standards Applicable to All Nurses. All
vocational nurses, registered nurses and registered nurses with advanced
practice authorization shall:
(A) Know and conform to the Texas
Nursing Practice Act and the board's rules and regulations as well as all
federal, state, or local laws, rules or regulations affecting the nurse's
current area of nursing practice;
(B) Implement measures to promote
a safe environment for clients and others;
(C) Know the rationale for and the
effects of medications and treatments and shall correctly administer the
same;
(D) Accurately and completely
report and document:
(i) the client's
status including signs and symptoms;
(ii) nursing care
rendered;
(iii) physician,
dentist or podiatrist orders;
(iv) administration of
medications and treatments;
(v) client
response(s); and
(vi) contacts with
other health care team members concerning significant events regarding
client's status;
(E) Respect the client's right to
privacy by protecting confidential information unless required or allowed by
law to disclose the information;
(F) Promote and participate in
education and counseling to a client(s) and, where applicable, the family/significant
other(s) based on health needs;
(G) Obtain instruction and
supervision as necessary when implementing nursing procedures or practices;
(H) Make a reasonable effort to
obtain orientation/training for competency when encountering new equipment
and technology or unfamiliar care situations;
(I) Notify the appropriate
supervisor when leaving a nursing assignment;
(J) Know, recognize, and maintain
professional boundaries of the nurse-client relationship;
(K) Comply with mandatory
reporting requirements of Texas Occupations Code ch. 301, Subchapter I, which
include:
(i) unnecessary or
likely exposure by the nurse of a client or other person to a risk of harm;
(ii) unprofessional
conduct by a nurse;
(iii) failure by a
nurse to adequately care for a client;
(iv) failure by a
nurse to conform to the minimum standards of acceptable nursing practice;
(v) impairment or
likely impairment of a nurse's practice by chemical dependency; or
(vi) exclusions for
minor incidents (Tex. Occ. Code §301.419, 22 TAC §217.16), peer review (Tex.
Occ. Code §§301.403, 303.007, 22 TAC §217.19), or peer assistance (Tex. Occ.
Code §301.410) as stated in the Nursing Practice Act and Board rules (22 TAC
ch. 217).
(L) Provide, without
discrimination, nursing services regardless of the age, disability, economic
status, gender, national origin, race, religion, health problems, or sexual
orientation of the client served;
(M) Institute appropriate nursing
interventions that might be required to stabilize a client's condition and/or
prevent complications;
(N) Clarify any order or treatment
regimen that the nurse has reason to believe is inaccurate, non-efficacious
or contraindicated by consulting with the appropriate licensed practitioner
and notifying the ordering practitioner when the nurse makes the decision not
to administer the medication or treatment;
(O) Implement measures to prevent
exposure to infectious pathogens and communicable conditions;
(P) Collaborate with the client,
members of the health care team and, when appropriate, the client's
significant other(s) in the interest of the client's health care;
(Q) Consult with, utilize, and
make referrals to appropriate community agencies and health care resources to
provide continuity of care;
(R) Be responsible for one's own
continuing competence in nursing practice and individual professional growth;
(S) Make assignments to others
that take into consideration client safety and that are commensurate with the
educational preparation, experience, knowledge, and physical and emotional
ability of the person to whom the assignments are made;
(T) Accept only those nursing
assignments that take into consideration client safety and that are
commensurate with the nurse's educational preparation, experience, knowledge,
and physical and emotional ability;
(U) Supervise nursing care
provided by others for whom the nurse is professionally responsible; and
(V) Ensure the verification of
current Texas licensure or other Compact State licensure privilege and
credentials of personnel for whom the nurse is administratively responsible,
when acting in the role of nurse administrator.
(2) Standards Specific to Vocational Nurses.
The licensed vocational nurse practice is a directed scope of nursing
practice under the supervision of a registered nurse, advanced practice
registered nurse, physician's assistant, physician, podiatrist, or dentist.
Supervision is the process of directing, guiding, and influencing the outcome
of an individual's performance of an activity. The licensed vocational nurse
shall assist in the determination of predictable healthcare needs of clients
within healthcare settings and:
(A) Shall utilize a systematic
approach to provide individualized, goal-directed nursing care by:
(i) collecting data
and performing focused nursing assessments;
(ii) participating in
the planning of nursing care needs for clients;
(iii) participating in
the development and modification of the comprehensive nursing care plan for
assigned clients;
(iv) implementing
appropriate aspects of care within the LVN's scope of practice; and
(v) assisting in the
evaluation of the client's responses to nursing interventions and the
identification of client needs;
(B) Shall assign specific tasks,
activities and functions to unlicensed personnel commensurate with the
educational preparation, experience, knowledge, and physical and emotional
ability of the person to whom the assignments are made and shall maintain
appropriate supervision of unlicensed personnel.
(C) May perform other acts that
require education and training as prescribed by board rules and policies,
commensurate with the licensed vocational nurse's experience, continuing
education, and demonstrated licensed vocational nurse competencies.
(3) Standards Specific to Registered Nurses.
The registered nurse shall assist in the determination of healthcare needs of
clients and shall:
(A) Utilize a systematic approach
to provide individualized, goal-directed, nursing care by:
(i) performing
comprehensive nursing assessments regarding the health status of the client;
(ii) making nursing
diagnoses that serve as the basis for the strategy of care;
(iii) developing a
plan of care based on the assessment and nursing diagnosis;
(iv) implementing
nursing care; and
(v) evaluating the
client's responses to nursing interventions;
(B) Delegate tasks to unlicensed
personnel in compliance with 22 Tex. Admin. Code chapter 224, relating to
clients with acute conditions or in acute are environments, and chapter 225,
relating to independent living environments for clients with stable and
predictable conditions.
(4) Standards Specific to Registered Nurses
with Advanced Practice Authorization. Standards for a specific role and
specialty of advanced practice nurse supersede standards for registered
nurses where conflict between the standards, if any, exist. In addition to
paragraphs (1) and (3) above, a registered nurse who holds authorization to
practice as an advanced practice nurse (APN) shall:
(A) Practice in an advanced
nursing practice role and specialty in accordance with authorization granted
under Board Rule 221 (relating to practicing in an APN role; 22 TAC ch. 221)
and standards set out in that Rule.
(B) Prescribe medications in
accordance with prescriptive authority granted under Board Rule 222 (relating
to APNs prescribing; 22 TAC ch. 222) and standards set out in that Rule and
in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to
prescription of dangerous drugs and controlled substances.
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Source Note: The provisions of this §217.11 adopted
to be effective September 28, 2004, 29 TexReg 9192
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RULE §217.12
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Unprofessional
Conduct
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The unprofessional conduct rules are intended to protect clients and the
public from incompetent, unethical, or illegal conduct of licensees. The
purpose of these rules is to identify unprofessional or dishonorable
behaviors of a nurse which the board believes are likely to deceive, defraud,
or injure clients or the public. Actual injury to a client need not be
established. These behaviors include but are not limited to:
(1) Unsafe Practice--actions or conduct
including, but not limited to:
(A) Carelessly failing, repeatedly
failing, or exhibiting an inability to perform vocational, registered, or
advanced practice nursing in conformity with the standards of minimum
acceptable level of nursing practice set out in Rule 217.11.
(B) Carelessly or repeatedly
failing to conform to generally accepted nursing standards in applicable
practice settings;
(C) Improper management of client
records;
(D) Delegating or assigning
nursing functions or a prescribed health function when the delegation or
assignment could reasonably be expected to result in unsafe or ineffective
client care;
(E) Accepting the assignment of
nursing functions or a prescribed health function when the acceptance of the
assignment could be reasonably expected to result in unsafe or ineffective
client care;
(F) Failing to supervise the
performance of tasks by any individual working pursuant to the nurse's
delegation or assignment; or
(G) Failure of a clinical nursing
instructor to adequately supervise or to assure adequate supervision of
student experiences.
(2) Failure of a chief administrative nurse to
follow appropriate and recognized standards and guidelines in providing
oversight of the nursing organization and nursing services for which the
nurse is administratively responsible.
(3) Failure to practice within a modified
scope of practice or with the required accommodations, as specified by the
board in granting a coded license or any stipulated agreement with the board.
(4) Careless or repetitive conduct that may
endanger a client's life, health, or safety. Actual injury to a client need
not be established.
(5) Inability to Practice
Safely--demonstration of actual or potential inability to practice nursing with
reasonable skill and safety to clients by reason of illness, use of alcohol,
drugs, chemicals, or any other mood-altering substances, or as a result of
any mental or physical condition.
(6) Misconduct--actions or conduct that
include, but are not limited to:
(A) Falsifying reports, client
documentation, agency records or other documents;
(B) Failing to cooperate with a
lawful investigation conducted by the board;
(C) Causing or permitting
physical, emotional or verbal abuse or injury or neglect to the client or the
public, or failing to report same to the employer, appropriate legal
authority and/or licensing board;
(D) Violating professional
boundaries of the nurse/client relationship including but not limited to
physical, sexual, emotional or financial exploitation of the client or the
client's significant other(s);
(E) Engaging in sexual conduct
with a client, touching a client in a sexual manner, requesting or offering
sexual favors, or language or behavior suggestive of the same;
(F) Threatening or violent
behavior in the workplace;
(G) Misappropriating, in
connection with the practice of nursing, anything of value or benefit,
including but not limited to, any property, real or personal of the client,
employer, or any other person or entity, or failing to take precautions to
prevent such misappropriation;
(H) Providing information which
was false, deceptive, or misleading in connection with the practice of
nursing;
(I) Failing to answer specific
questions or providing false or misleading answers that would have affected
the decision to license, employ, certify or otherwise utilize a nurse; or
(J) Offering, giving, soliciting,
or receiving or agreeing to receive, directly or indirectly, any fee or other
consideration to or from a third party for the referral of a client in
connection with the performance of professional services.
(7) Failure to repay a guaranteed student
loan, as provided in the Texas Education Code §57.491, or pay child support
payments as required by the Texas Family Code §232.001, et seq.
(8) Drug Diversion--diversion or attempts to
divert drugs or controlled substances.
(9) Dismissal from a board-approved peer
assistance program for noncompliance and referral by that program to the BNE.
(10) Other Drug Related--actions or conduct
that include, but are not limited to:
(A) Use of any controlled
substance or any drug, prescribed or unprescribed, or device or alcoholic
beverages while on duty or on call and to the extent that such use may impair
the nurse's ability to safely conduct to the public the practice authorized
by the nurse's license;
(B) Falsification of or making
incorrect, inconsistent, or unintelligible entries in any agency, client, or
other record pertaining to drugs or controlled substances;
(C) Failing to follow the policy
and procedure in place for the wastage of medications at the facility where
the nurse was employed or working at the time of the incident(s);
(D) A positive drug screen for
which there is no lawful prescription; or
(E) Obtaining or attempting to
obtain or deliver medication(s) through means of misrepresentation, fraud,
forgery, deception and/or subterfuge.
(11) Unlawful Practice--actions or conduct
that include, but are not limited to:
(A) Knowingly aiding, assisting,
advising, or allowing an unlicensed person to engage in the unlawful practice
of vocational, registered or advanced practice nursing;
(B) Violating an order of the
board, or carelessly or repetitively violating a state or federal law
relating to the practice of vocational, registered or advanced practice
nursing, or violating a state or federal narcotics or controlled substance
law;
(C) Knowingly aiding, assisting,
advising, or allowing a nurse under Board Order to violate the conditions set
forth in the Order; or
(D) Failing to report violations
of the Nursing Practice Act and/or the Board's rules and regulations.
(12) Leaving a nursing assignment, including a
supervisory assignment, without notifying the appropriate personnel.
(13) Criminal Conduct--including, but not
limited to, conviction or probation, with or without an adjudication of
guilt, or receipt of a judicial order involving a crime or criminal behavior
or conduct that could affect the practice of nursing.
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Source Note: The provisions of this §217.12 adopted
to be effective September 28, 2004, 29 TexReg 9192
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SECTION 30. DECISION MAKING MODEL
Northeast’s instructors realize there are many
approaches to critical thinking and decision making. This model has been
designed by the Board of Nurse Examiners to help RN’s make appropriate
decisions about scope of practice to safeguard their clients and themselves.
The student is encouraged to incorporate this model into practice at an early
stage.
A
SIX-STEP DECISION-MAKING MODEL FOR DETERMINING RN SCOPE OF PRACTICE
If
you have a question about nursing practice, use this model by following each
step. If you are unable to answer your question after going through each step,
you may send a written request to the BNE for an opinion. Please include
appropriate documentation of issues addressed in each step of the model.
1.
Is the act consistent with the Texas Nursing Practice Act? Do the Board's rules
or position statement address this specific act? (This may be all the
information you need to make your decision. If not, continues to the next
step.)
Resource
documents you might need are listed below:
a.
Nursing Practice Act: Chapter 301.002(2).
b.
Standards of Professional Nursing: §217.11.
c.
Unprofessional conduct: §217.12.
d.
Delegation of Selected Tasks by Professional Nurses to
Unlicensed
Personnel: §218.
e.
BNE Position Statements - Available upon request. If NO, the act is NOT
within your scope of practice without the above.
If
YES, continue to the next step.
2.
Is the activity appropriately authorized by a valid order when necessary, and
in accordance with appropriately established
policies
and procedures? Clarification of the order(s) should be sought as needed. §217.11(19)
states the RN must:
"clarify
any order or treatment regimen that the nurse has reason to believe is
inaccurate, non-efficacious or contraindicated by
consulting
with the appropriate licensed practitioner and notifying the ordering
practitioner when the RN makes the decision not to
administer
the medication or treatment"
If
NO, the act is NOT within your scope of practice without the above.
If
YES, continue to the next step.
3.
Is the act supported by positive and conclusive data from nursing literature,
nursing research , and/or research from a health related
field.
Has a national nursing organization issued a position statement on this
practice?
If
NO, the act is NOT within your scope of practice without the above.
If
YES, continue to the next step.
4.
Do you personally possess current clinical competence to perform safely from
knowledge acquired in a basic nursing education
program,
post-basic program, or continuing education program?
Documentation
to validate competency should be maintained in accordance with agency/facility
policy and procedure.
If
NO, the act is NOT within your scope of practice without the above.
If
YES, maintain documented evidence and continue on.
5.
Is the performance of the act within the accepted "standard of care"
which would be provided in similar circumstances by reasonable and prudent
nurses who have similar training and experience?
§217.11(1)
states the RN shall:
"know
and conform to the Texas Nursing Practice Act and the board's rules and
regulations as well as all federal, state, or local
laws,
rules or regulations affecting the RN's current area of nursing practice"
The
RN should consider the available human and material resources that may vary in
practice settings such as in Long Term
Care
as compared to Hospice or other acute care settings.
If
NO, the act is NOT within your scope of practice. Performance of the act may
place both nurse and patient at risk. If YES, continue on.
6.
Are you prepared to accept the consequences of your actions?
If
NO, the act is NOT within your scope of practice. If YES, then
:a.
Perform the act - based upon valid order when necessary, and in
accordance
with appropriately established policies and
procedures.
b.
Assume accountability for provision of safe care.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Kentucky State Board of Nursing Florida State Board of Nursing
North
Carolina State Board of Nursing The National Council of State Board
of Nursing
Ohio Board of Nursing Newsletter, 11/94 The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing - March 18, 1992
ANA,
Professional Standards of Practice Nevada State Board of Nursing:
"Determining Your Scope of Practice", 12/94
Paper
prepared by Barbara Quick, BS, RN,
Masters
Student, University of Texas, Fall, 1994
1.
SECTION 31. EMPLOYMENT
OF STUDENTS
1. No
part of the uniform that designates the student as a NTCC nursing student shall
be worn while employed.
2. The
performance of the student during hours of employment is the legal
responsibility of the employer of the student. Northeast does not assume
responsibility for the performance of the student while employed.
3.
When
signing his or her name and title while employed the student SHALL NOT use the
title "Nursing Student" or “student nurse”. These titles are to be
reserved for the signature used while in clinical laboratory experience as a
student.
4.
The
student should request a copy or review the current written job description of
the position he or she is employed to fill and be sure the guidelines for the job
are within the rules designated by the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners.
5.
Students
should not work the night shift before class or clinical as it will interfere
with sleep patterns and effective learning and may result in dangerous clinical
behavior.
SECTION 32. HEALTH POLICIES
Since good health is essential for the nurse and
for client safety, the following policies have been adopted.
1. A
physical examination, including a negative chest x-ray or TB skin test within
the last 6 months and proof of immunization is required prior to admission.
Hepatitis B vaccination is required. TB test should be repeated every 12
months of enrollment. Chest x-rays are adequate for 2 years.
2. Tetanus
immunization should have been administered within the past ten (10) years and
must be kept up to date.
3. A
release from the student's physician will be required after hospitalization,
any surgical procedure or any conditions that will affect clinical practice.
4. A
student is expected to report any condition that will affect his/her clinical
practice. A student will demonstrate good judgment by not reporting to the
clinical setting while experiencing overt signs and symptoms of an infectious
process that would endanger client’s well being. Failure to comply will result
in an unsatisfactory clinical day.
5. Students
who, in the opinion of the nursing faculty, are showing symptoms of physical or
emotional illness may be required to leave clinical and have an appropriate
examination from a physician with a report of same submitted to the Department
of Associate Degree Nursing. A decision will be made by the director when the
student may return to clinical following documentation by a physician of
clearance.
6. Students
diagnosed with a communicable disease must notify the Director or clinical
instructor.
7. All
students must attend scheduled Infection Control In-services prior to entering
the clinical setting. Updates will be scheduled as needed. Students are
responsible for informing the course team leader if unable to attend the in-service
program.
8. Students
who are immune suppressed should discuss with their physician the advisability
of being in a clinical setting for their own personal health.
SECTION 33. CLINICAL DOCUMENTS
In order to enter the Hospital Clinical
Laboratory, each student will be asked to read, understand, and agree to comply
with the following documents:
1. A
Patient's Bill of Rights Appendix XIII
2. Rights
of Elderly Appendix XIV
3. Guidelines for
Isolation Precautions in Hospitals and Student Release Appendix XV, XVI
4. Drug Screen Release Appendix
XXII
5. Medical Record Release
Appendix XXI
6. .Hepatitis B Release Appendix
XXIII
7. Student-Faculty
Agreement Appendix IV
8. Confidentiality
Statement Appendix XXIV
SECTION 34. PROFESSIONAL PAPERS
All
research papers submitted within the Nurse Science Department will follow APA
guidelines. If there is any question as to style and referencing, students
should refer to APA style manual. APA style manuals are on reserve in the LRC
and are required for each course. Papers submitted late will be subject to point
deduction = 10 pts per each day it is late.
Reference
tools: All referenced materials must be respectable sources from established
medical publishing companies and within the last 5 years. Internet sites may
be used as references but the site where data is obtained must be a reliable
and valid medical/nursing/educational site.
SECTION 35. STUDY SKILLS AND TESTING
Students
entering the nursing program often discover it is very different from other
high school and college course work they have encountered. There are many
reasons for these differences including:
¨ nursing is an applicant
based course so all information learned will be used in real situations within
the program.
¨ decisions nurses make
can be critical ones effecting clients’ safety and well-being.
¨ nursing courses are
preparation for a career not for graduation, transfer or another course.
Due
to these reasons, it is imperative students learn materials conscientiously and
are prepared to apply, critically think and manipulate concepts presented in
course work. The following section is designed to provide you with some basic
information to help with several skills in the nursing program.
I. Create a master schedule
including courses, clinical, travel time, home responsibilities, church, sleep,
free time, meals, exercise, etc. Each week do a weekly schedule with specific
weekly needs added. Study time should be added after your other needs and
responsibilities are on the schedule. Remember to schedule 2-3 hours for every
1 hour you are in class. This is a general rule. As you enter each
course you may find some require more study time. Remember your own personal
Circadian rhythm when you prepare your study schedule.
Each day set your study priorities and personal priorities. Only put items on
the daily list that are truly priorities for that day.
Study on the run - be prepared. If you have 10 minutes before you have to
leave for school, use that time to review notes, study vocabulary words, etc.
Use audio- tapes in the car to study, if you don’t get sleepy, or use driving
time to set priorities.
II. Note taking is
difficult, mostly because few of us have been taught how to effectively take
notes. Notes are important to help us remember what was said for review at a
later time. Note taking can keep you focused and not daydreaming during
lecture.
Note taking is more than writing down what was said and reviewing it the night
before a test. Note taking begins with reading the assigned content before
class. Taking notes on a lecture you weren't prepared for can be a poorly
focused activity when you try to write down everything because you don’t know
what is important.
Write down key phrases and words. Notes are personal - some will have lots of
notes, and some will have few. Leave space to add to your notes. Stay
actively involved in class and take notes on visual aids, questions asked,
repeated content and nonverbal signals from teachers as well.
After class is over, read over your notes, and expand on them. Look up in your
book and clarify areas you have questions about. If you still don’t
understand, ask the instructor at the beginning of the next class. Write topic
headings on your notes for key areas of the lecture.
Review your notes on a regular basis after they have been filled in and
clarified. Two days after the lecture, review your notes, then review them
again every few days. Ask questions about the content.
III. Reading the text: Do not get
behind in your reading. Prioritize your reading. The most common priority for
reading in nursing school is: the main text of the course first
(i.e.: Med Surg or Obstetrics) followed by growth and development reading
(i.e.: Pediatrics, Aging), then pharmacology, nutrition, and lab book.
Read the text before you take notes or highlight, then only highlight key
concepts, safety considerations, or application content. Don't highlight
everything. Make notes in the text margins if it helps you remember. Review
the highlights within 24 hours of reading the text.
Always try to have the reading done
before the lecture on the content
IV. Anxiety and stress over exams is natural, but
you cannot let emotion control your thoughts and behavior; this will lead to
making mistakes that can be avoided. Your reading and note taking should have
helped you prepare. Remember 15-20 minutes of study per day should go to old
"review" content, then focus on the new.
When you study for an exam, make sure you are studying. Gathering materials,
eating snacks and adjusting the radio
