APRN Orientation1/13/2016

PLEASE CLICK ON THE DIALOGUE BOX FOR EACH SLIDE IN THE UPPER LEFT HAND CORNER

FOR MORE DETAIL

Orientation Overview

• Introduction

• Nurse Practitioner Student Expectations– Curriculum and Pedagogy– Policies and Procedures

• Office of Field Experience– Resources– Health/Safety and Immunization

• Student Service Advising– Other Requirements

• Tools for Success– Time Management– Self Care– Learning and Studying– Tutoring Options

Orientation Overview

• Preparing for the Professional Role– Civility– Social Media– Professionalism and Christian Values

• Materials– Schedules– Lab Coat & Name Badge– Health Assessment Kits– Textbooks and Learning Materials– Other

• Good Luck!

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

• Welcome APRN students. Congratulations on reaching the next phase of your career and life goals!

• We really want to help you find your true purpose in life, and if serving and caring for people is for you, you are in the right place.

• We hope that you truly enjoy your educational journey in nursing, and we want to remind you to embrace the discomfort and allow it to positively grow you.

• You are among an elite profession and we want you to remain positive and committed to achieving your goals.

Verse

• At the core or heart of Christianity is the fact that we should be caring people. 

• Having a heart that cares shows that we are seeking to be like Jesus. Consider the following:

– Romans 15:1: “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

– 3 John 2: “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

CURRICULUM AND PEDAGOGY

NURSE PRACTITIONER STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Curriculum and Pedagogy

• The MSN: FNP and MSN: ACNP program consists of 53 credit hours and 500 clinical hours. FNP program is 53 credit hours with 650 clinical hours.

• The program involves intense learning and immersion into the profession.

• Each level serves as a foundation to help students build upon existing knowledge and prepare them to be successful in taking on new challenges.

• The program was designed by incorporating GCU’s mission and vision, CONHCP mission, and professional standards and industry needs, including, CCNE (accreditation standards).

Curriculum and Pedagogy

• The program is a blend of didactic courses and field experience.

• Students can expect to participate in classroom, assessment check off, and clinical experiences.

Curriculum and Pedagogy

• This is not an easy program of study. Students who are used to getting high grades will have to still work hard. Be prepared to hit the ground running.

• Students are encouraged to reflect on their experience throughout the program.

• Connect the course content to your growing bank of industry knowledge and your future professional practice. Apply your learning in context through clinical experiences.

APRN Core Classes

Course

1Course

2Course

3Course

4Course

5Course

6Course

7

NUR-502

NUR-504

NUR-508

NUR-658

NUR-631

NUR-632

NUR-634

Course 1

Course 2

Course 3

Course 4

Course 5

Course 6

Course 7

NUR-502

NUR-504

NUR-508

NUR-654

NUR-631

NUR-632

NUR-633

ACNP

FNP

ACNP Program

• NUR-636CA: Skills Lab– The skills lab is a required all day clinic at GCU to prepare you

for skills opportunities during clinicals.– There will be a separate LoudCloud Classroom with reading

materials. – Students are expected to come to class prepared with skills check

off sheets completed.• NUR-636c/ NUR-636c

– 150 clinical hours• NUR-637/ NUR-637c & NUR-638/ NUR-638c

– Each semester, the student must complete 200 clinical hours.• NUR-699

– Evidence based practice project.

FNP Program

• Nur 675- Adult Health care– 150 clinical hours

• Nur 668- Pediatrics– 150 clinical hours

• Nur 669/667- Geriatric and Womens health– 8 week courses/ 75 clinical hours each

• Nur 699- Evidence Based Proposal• Nur 682- Practicum

– 200 clinical hours in primary care

Curriculum and Pedagogy

• Clinical time is also best spent seeking new learning opportunities and discovering your area of interest.

• Nurse practitioner practice involves a variety of activities that include advanced assessment, diagnosis, and management.

• Use your clinical time wisely and use resources available to improve your SOAP note writing ability.

• What counts as clinical experience in your coursework is tied directly to the clinical learning objectives for that particular setting and are part of meeting the overall program competencies (AACN, 2008).  

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

NURSE PRACTITIONER STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Policies and Procedures

• Standard GCU policies, as outlined in the University Policy Handbook, apply to all nurse practitioner students.

• Students must also follow classroom policies, clinical site policies, and field experience guidelines.Tip: To access the Guidelines for Graduate Field Experiences, click on “Documents” on the Office of Field Experience page. This resource will be referenced throughout the orientation presentation, so please access and keep your copy handy.

Policies and Procedures

• Students will be held accountable for reading and adhering to all polices and procedures.

• Students will be held accountable for the grade earned according to the CONHCP Graduate Grading Scale, located in the University Policy Handbook; faculty will not round scores up.

• Students must pass each course with a score of 76% or higher. The exam average must also be 76%.

• As an educational institution, our obligation is to produce safe, effective, and ethical nurse practitioners.

RESOURCES

OFFICE OF FIELD EXPERIENCE

Resources

• The Office of Field Experience (OFE) offers support to students who have clinical experiences.

• Each student will be assigned a Field Experience Specialist who can assist students with required procedures and documentation prior to starting clinical experiences.

• The OFE specialist will be an important source of information and support throughout the program. Contact information for OFE specialists can be accessed on the Office of Field Experience page under “Documents” and “CONHCP OFE Contacts.”

• Students can also reach the Graduate Program OFE contacts via– Phone: 602-639-8401– E-mail: conhcpofe@gcu.edu

HEALTH/SAFETY AND IMMUNIZATION

OFFICE OF FIELD EXPERIENCE

Health/Safety and Immunization

• You are required to provide up-to-date health/safety and immunization records and keep it up to date.

• Your Field Experience Specialist will facilitate the documentation process and provide you with the relevant information and procedures prior to clinical experiences.

• Students who are not compliant will be clinically restricted (not allowed to go to the site), which can result in clinical/course failure.

Drug Screening.

• The initial urine drug screen will occur prior to the first clinical course.

• Students will have a 24 hours time frame to complete a urine drug screen.

• Students will be required to show picture identification.• The cost for all screening and medical review (if deemed

necessary) is the students’ responsibility.• Students may be re-tested for cause or reasonable suspicion.

REQUIREMENTS

STUDENT SERVICE ADVISING

Requirements

• Along with OFE requirements, students are expected to work with their Student Service Advisors in order to be financially cleared and ready to start prior to each semester.

• Includes completion of all required forms and documents in a timely manner. – Method of Payment

• FAFSA• Verification documents, if applicable• Payment plan setup

– Any additional requirements not listed

TIME MANAGEMENT

TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

Time Management

• The APRN program is designed with the working student in mind.

• However, whenever possible, we recommend reducing working hours to allow time for you to complete your coursework and clinical hours.

• Factors such as organization, time management, and stress management play a role in student success.– How will you keep track of your time? Will you invest in a calendar or

developing a routine?– How can you prevent overextending yourself and taking on too many

commitments?– What specific steps will you take to prepare yourself to have the time to

succeed?

Time Management

• Students will spend time in class lecture and clinical experiences gaining knowledge and applying concepts.

• Clinical experiences vary in length per class.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTugjssqOT0

Time Management

• Remember, class time is just one part of the experience.

• Students will also be responsible for assessments outside of classroom – doing pre- or post-work for clinical experiences, writing papers, designing presentations, reading learning materials, and studying for exams.

• It is important to maintain a time management plan with an agenda, task list, calendar, or combination of these items.

Time Management

• Plan ahead as much as you can – the syllabus outlines the topics and assignments due each week.

• There are sure to be multiple assignments or tests scheduled around the same time.

• Know your time commitments and prevent being overwhelmed.

• Faculty are available to assist students outside of the classroom, as needed. Make an appointment if you need extra support.

SELF-CARE

TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

Self-Care

• Being able to manage time well is just one factor for success; it is important to take care of yourself and maintain healthy habits.

• Staying up to study all night finishing a paper will leave you physically and mentally depleted and may hurt your end result.

• While there are sure to be times when you will not get enough sleep, make sure that those times are limited and develop good sleep hygiene habits.

Self-Care

• Maintain healthy habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced, nutritious diet.

• Family and friends are an important support system; do not hesitate to ask others to help.

• Make time in your schedule to engage in an activity that you find enjoyable. Go for a hike, watch a movie, or simply relax. Small breaks can do a lot to keep you refreshed.

Self-Care

• Please remember to tend to your spiritual needs, such as daily prayer or meditation.

• Stay connected to your spiritual community.

• GCU has ample spiritual resources on campus and online:– Students can attend Chapel and the Gathering at the main

campus or view recorded services online.– The Spiritual Life webpage allows students to submit prayer

requests or learn more about community outreach.

LEARNING AND STUDYING

TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

Learning and Studying

• Students can take a learning questionnaire to determine their learning styles. For example, the VARK questionnaire will help you discover if you are a Visual, Aural, Read/Write, or Kinesthetic learner.

• It will also provide you with strategies based on your learning style(s).

• Understanding how you learn and retain information can help you be more efficient in your note-taking and studying.

Learning and Studying

• Consider how you might apply different strategies for different types of assessments:– Evaluation– Synthesis– Analysis– Application– Comprehension

• How would you prepare for an application-based assessment versus a comprehension-based assessment?

Learning and Studying

• There are several guiding questions you can ask as you are learning or studying:– How does this apply to the diagnosis and management process? – What knowledge from previous classes is needed as a foundation?

• Think about “Why?”– Why am I doing this assessment?– Why are these appropriate differential diagnoses?– Why am I ordering these tests?

• Learn concepts and think about how to explain information as though you are speaking to a patient.

Learning Resources

• Caring Instructors• Library

– Online tutorials– 602-639-6641 Mon-Fri 7am-10pm

• Student Success Center– Tutorials– Webinar– Writing center

• Center for Learning Advancement (CLA)– Unlimited free 30 minute tutoring sessions– Thinking storm

TUTORING OPTIONS

TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

Tutoring Options

• Faculty members will have office hours available for additional assistance.

• The Academic Success Center has student tutors.

• Students are encouraged to develop study groups and schedule review sessions.

• Student Success Seminars and course content clinics are scheduled throughout the semester based on need.

• The Student Nurses Association runs a Mentor program:– Mentors can provide support and advice as you go through nursing school.– Check out more information about GCU’s SNA online.

CIVILITY

PREPARING FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ROLE

Civility

• What is incivility?– Rude/disruptive behaviors– Behaviors that may cause physiological/psychological

distress– Behaviors that may progress into a threatening situation if

left unaddressed• Incivility ranges in levels and demonstrated behaviors.

– Professional attendance: arriving late or leaving early– Rude or sarcastic comments– Threats or intimidation– Acts of physical violence

Civility

• In a learning environment, incivility may manifest itself as disrespectful behavior directed to students, faculty, or staff.– Disapproving groans or eye rolls– Sarcastic comments– Texting during class– Having side conversations– Dominating class discussions– Making negative comments or questions– Inappropriate e-mails/social media posts– Attacking faculty credibility or pressuring faculty to agree to

demands

Civility

• Incivility can have severe consequences for individuals and groups, such as:– A negative learning environment or professional space– Student or employee attrition– Feelings of low self-esteem– Physical/emotional distress– Financial implications

Civility

• Students can prevent incivility and its effects through:– Preparation for the learning and professional environment– Showing respect– Having an open mind– Personal accountability – Professional communication– Assuming positive intention

• Intimidating or disruptive behaviors are unprofessional, and it is everyone’s responsibility to behave in a civil manner.

Civility

• Incivility is something you will not be tested on or see on your certification exams, but it is an important issue that affects your practice and your patient outcomes.

• Everyone deserves to work and learn in an environment that is safe.

• Everyone benefits from a positive environment.

• Remember: Civil behavior is required in nursing school just as it is required in the workplace.

SOCIAL MEDIA

PREPARING FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ROLE

Social Media

• Consider your future role as a nursing practitioner: You will be responsible for upholding health information privacy standards as outlined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and related legislation.

• Students should act responsibly within those guidelines and ethical boundaries.

Social Media

• Before posting anything, ask yourself these questions:– Does this make me credible?– Am I engaging others?– Does this help someone?– Is this meaningful?– Is it possible that this would offend a patient?

• Your content may not be directly related to a patient or the health industry – even personal posts can have far-reaching effects.

Social Media

• Think about the following examples – would you want to be involved in any of these situations?– A student was expelled from nursing school for

“disturbing” posts on his personal Facebook page. – After blogging about a patient’s birth experience, a

nursing student was expelled.– A surgeon was fired after posting pictures of a patient’s

tattoo while the patient was sedated in surgery.– A nurse was fired for offensive Facebook comments.

Social Media

• Future employers may search the web for information about you.

• Consider social media a tool that can help you protect your patients, your company, your personal brand, and your future as a nursing professional.

• It is safer to not talk about patients at all on social media, even in general, vague, or hypothetical terms.

Social Media

• Students should take time to review how GCU’s harassment policies also apply to communication or content posted through social media channels.– University Policy Handbook– Graduate Policy Handbook

• Additionally, the American Nurses Association has many good articles and guidelines for utilizing social media in nursing without jeopardizing patient confidentiality or your career.

PROFESSIONALISM AND CHRISTIAN VALUES

PREPARING FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ROLE

Professionalism and Christian Values

• Good communication skills, a positive attitude, and respectful and productive interactions are part of that image.

• Your professors can help you network and develop connections within the profession so the impact of your professional image is important to consider. We hold faculty to the same expectations.

• GCU Doctrinal Statement: http://www.gcu.edu/About-Us/Doctrinal-Statement.php

Professionalism and Christian Values

• Being a nurse practitioner can be filled with many challenging experiences, but a great attitude, openness, willingness, and a desire to learn and be open will take you to great heights.

• Consider joining your state nursing and nurse practitioner organizations and serving the profession you have chosen. These are also opportunities to meet outstanding professionals and learn from their wisdom and experience.

• It is important that you are viewed as trustworthy, caring, positive, uplifting people with a great professional image.  

Professionalism and Christian Values

• Also consider that you are the hands of God in action.

• Strong moral values and character are the backbone of the profession of nursing. It is imperative that nurses maintain collaborative relationships with patients, doctors, fellow nurses, and other health care staff. If conflict arises, nurses must make an effort to resolve the situation in a way that supports the situation in positive way.

• Faith, religion, and spirituality are distinct components of what defines many human communities and allows individuals to make sense of their experiences. Your ability to understand and support those beliefs is key to your role as a caring, compassionate nurse.

UNIFORM

MATERIALS

Uniform

• Students are expected to wear appropriate classroom attire for any ground classes.

• Nurse practitioner students are expected to dress in business casual attire and a lab coat.

• Students must wear a name tag identifying them as a APRN student.

• Additional information about professional attire can be found in the Guidelines for Graduate Field Experiences.

Uniform

• Prior to NUR-634, Advanced Health Assessment, and clinical courses, students should purchase APRN medical supplies.– Ophthalmoscope– Otoscope– Reflex hammer– Tuning fork

TEXTBOOKS AND LEARNING MATERIALS

MATERIALS

Textbooks and Learning Materials

• Course materials such as the syllabus, assignment information, additional resources, and clinical paperwork are found in LoudCloud, the GCU learning management system (LMS).

• Faculty contact information and announcements will also be posted in LoudCloud.

• Students are encouraged to be prepared for class approximately one month before class starts. Being proactive will prevent delivery or access delays.

Textbooks and Learning Materials

• Required textbooks can be found on the Canyon Connect page. Tip: Under the “Non-Traditional” heading, click on the “Nursing” link. The “Find Your Course Materials” page will open.

• If a course is digitally enabled, the student will be charged the course materials fee (Canyon Connect) fee for the use of the eBook, and you DO NOT need to purchase these books separately.

• It is recommended that you save the book to your personal computer, so that you will have access to the books for the entire program.

Typhon

• Typhon is the student tracking system used for clinical courses.

• OFE will Upload current CV, licenses, and health documents into Typhon of your preceptors/mentors.

• Students must enter all patient encounter data in Typhon within 72 hours of the clinical day. If not entered within 72 hours, students may lose those clinical hours.

• APRN students will create and print a log of clinical hours that the preceptor will review, verify, and sign. This clinical log will need to be submitted to the LoudCloud classroom.

Malpractice Insurance

University Insurance Coverage: • The College of Nursing carries Medical

Professional Liability Insurance on all students in the Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Master Science in Nursing programs. The coverage is $2,000,000 each incident or occurrence and $4,000,000 in the aggregate. Please contact the Office of Field Experience if your practicum site requires a Certificate of Insurance from GCU.

Clinical Site Visits• Clinical site visit application is required every clinical

rotation. Contact your OFE coordinator.

• Site visits are required in every clinical rotation. Site Supervisors will contact the student to arrange timing: Eight week course site visits will be scheduled between weeks 4-7. Sixteen week courses will be scheduled between weeks 8 -14. Students will not be able to finish their clinical hours until your final site visit evaluation has been scheduled and completed

Clinical Evaluations• Midterm phone evaluation conducted with preceptor and

clinical faculty • Midterm phone evaluation conducted with you and

clinical faculty• Self midterm evaluation completed by you in typhon

(reviewed with preceptor)• Self final evaluation completed by you in typhon

(reviewed with preceptor)• Final (summative) evaluation from preceptor in typhon• Site visitor evaluation in typhon• Evaluation of site/preceptor completed by you in typhon

GOOD LUCK!

Good Luck!

• We hope that this guide helped you understand expectations of the university and prepared you for the next phase of your educational journey.

• The program will have new challenges and help you grow into an elite, valuable professional. Stay positive and committed to achieving your goals!

• Good luck, and go Lopes!

Contact Information

• Ruth Skinner MSN, ACNP-BC – ACNP Lead Faculty– Ruth.Skinner@gcu.edu

• Tami Wisely MSN, FNP-BC, WHNP-BC– FNP Lead Faculty– Tamara.wisely@gcu.edu

• Dr. Lisa Smith PhD, RN, CNE– Assistant Dean– Lisa.Smith@gcu.edu