BSN Handbook

8/8/2019 BSN Handbook

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SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOKNursing Department 2006/2007

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UNIVERSITY AND PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Sonoma State University was established by the California State Legislature in 1960 asSonoma State College. The college has grown steadily in its first three decades developingacademic programs based on traditional liberal arts and sciences as well as career andprofessional programs and emphasizing close student-faculty interactions. The college movedto its present 220-acre site in 1966. New facilities and extensive landscaping have made thisone of the most attractive, modern, and well-equipped campuses in the state. In 1978,university status was granted, and the name was changed to Sonoma State University.

The university now enrolls approximately 7500 students and offers 41 bachelor's degrees, 14master's degrees, and 9 credential programs. The university is regionally accredited by theWestern Association of Schools and Colleges.

The Department of Nursing became a part of the university as a response to the service area'sinterest in a baccalaureate nursing program at Sonoma State. In spring of 1971, plans weremade to initiate a bachelor's program in nursing, and Dr. Mary Searight was recruited aschairperson. The proposal to initiate an upper division nursing major for registered nurses whohad an associate degree or its equivalent was made by the chair at her first meeting withuniversity officials. The Second Step program was developed with the primary purpose ofproviding a two-year upper division nursing program for registered nurses which articulates with

junior college nursing programs. In fall 1972, the first class was admitted. The first classgraduated in 1974, and the program received its initial accreditation from the National Leaguefor Nursing the same year.

The program has served as a model for other upper division RN programs (also known as RNto BSN, second step, bridge, or post-licensure). The faculty wrote a book, The SecondStep: Baccalaureate Education for Registered Nurses, (1976, Mary Searight, ed.), describingvarious facets of their experience in second step education. The department became anationally recognized leader in second step education through major research anddemonstration projects, such as Demonstration Study of a Second Step Program, HEW SpecialProject Grant, 1975-78; Researching Second Step Education, First Annual Conference,supported by HEW Special Projects Grant, 1980; and Second Annual Conference ResearchingSecond Step Education, HEW, 1981.

The program experienced phenomenal growth until the mid 1980s when undergraduateenrollment leveled off and then declined throughout the country. Enrollment in thebaccalaureate program fluctuated for the next few years, and the department turned todevelopment of graduate education. A Master's program with Family Nurse Practitionerspecialization was developed in 1984. A second Master's option in Nursing Administration wasbegun in 1988 and has developed into the current Nursing Leadership and Managementprogram with tracks in Administration, Nursing Education and Clinical Nurse Leader, including aDirect Entry Masters program for students who hold a bachelors degree in another field but donot have nursing licensure.

Concurrently with the graduate nursing program development, the Department of Nursing beganto explore the creation of a pre-licensure baccalaureate program option that would articulate


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with the established upper division RN to BSN program. The local community was verysupportive of the Department of Nursing developing a prelicensure baccalaureate program andin the fall of 1994 the department admitted the first class of students who completed their BSNand curriculum for RN licensure simultaneously. The first class graduated in May, 1998 andwere generally successful on the RN licensing exam and in obtaining employment in the healthcare field.

The third undergraduate nursing major option is the LVN-BSN. Qualified Licensed Vocational(or Practical) Nurses may enter this option on a space available basis at the upper divisionlevel.


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DEPARTMENT OF NURSING: Mission Statement

Sonoma State Universitys mission (U) is reflected in the Department of Nursings (N)

commitment to:

N: Providing a foundation for lifelong professional learningU: Have a foundation for lifelong learning

N: Practicing nursing within a broad cultural perspectiveU: Have a broad cultural perspective

N: Affirming intellectual and aesthetic achievements as part of the humanexperience

U: Have a keen appreciation of intellectual and aesthetic achievements

N: Developing professional leadership and active citizenship.U: Will be leaders and active citizens

N: Fostering flexibility and resilience for a career in nursing within a dynamicworld

U: Are capable of pursuing fulfilling careers in a changing world

N: Contributing to the health and well-being of the world at largeU: Are concerned with contributing to the health and well-being of the world at

large

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING PHILOSOPHY

The philosophical foundation of the SSU DON is based upon Humanistic Nursing Theory (HMT)(Paterson & Zderad, 1988). Departmental values are based in HMT from which faculty tailorcurriculum and pedagogical methods. HMT is a multi-dimensional meta-theory centered on theessence of nursing, the nurse client (individual, family, community, organization) interaction,providing an inclusive bridge from theory to practice. The Department of Nursing recognizesnursing as a nurturing response, based upon a blend of art and science, occurring within asubjective and objective environment with the aim of developing the well-being of both nurseand client (client as individuals, families, communities and organizations). Consistent with HMT

is the consideration of students as unique individuals with varied ethnic and culturalbackgrounds, learning styles and goals. Therefore Department of Nursing curriculum and policyare structured by the following philosophical statements.

1. Nursing centers on shared experiences and these interactions hold client nursepotentials for achieving growth, development and greater well-being.

2. Fulfilling health potentials for the client and nurse is the outcome of choices and themutually determined inter-subjective relating of those involved.


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3. Humans have a basic need for being heard and affirmed. All nursing actions have the

potential for being humanizing.

4. Humans have an all at once or gestalt existence including perceptions of the past,hopes, fears, environment and future. This inherent wholeness cannot authentically bereduced to separate needs, pathologies, cultures and parts.

5. The nurse must be aware of what he/she individually holds as truth so assumptions,preconceived ideas and expectations do not interfere with understanding the clientsperceptions of the experience.

6. Nurses perceive clients scientifically and intuitively through synthesis of subjective andobjective accumulated knowledge.

7. Nurse client interactions are mutually dynamic in that they organize diverse data tocreate something new.

8. Nurses are members of an interrelated nursing community and a global community withobligations to each to promote a greater well-being.

Foundational Concepts to Organize the Curriculum

Eight concepts are identified to serve as a foundation from which to implement the philosophy ofthe Sonoma State University Department of Nursing and guide for meeting the terminalobjectives. These concepts are: caring, critical thinking, communication, advocacy, teaching,learning, professionalism, leadership and research.

Human caring is the core of the inter-subjective relationship between the client and thenurse. Caring encompasses nurturing thoughts and behaviors that support thefulfillment of client and nurse health potentials and the outcome of choices. Caring ismanifest in compassion, empathy, respect, and presence. Caring occurs through sharingand relating with clients, families, professional colleagues and other health careproviders within a local and global perspective. Supported by philosophical statements1,4.

Critical thinking is essential for the practice of nursing. Philosophical statements1,2,5,7 support the following definition.

The ideal critical thinker is habitually inquisitive, well-informed, trustfulof reason, open-minded, flexible, fair-minded in evaluation, honest infacing personal biases, prudent in making judgments, willing toreconsider, clear about issues, orderly in complex matters, diligent inseeking relevant information, reasonable in the selection of criteria,focused in inquiry, and persistent in seeking results which are asprecise as the subject and the circumstances of inquiry permit.(Facione, 1990, p3)


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Communication is the vehicle for inter-subjective relating between client,nurse and the greater community that fulfills health potentials.Communication requires scientific and intuitive perceptions to support anexchange in which the client is heard and affirmed. Communication innursing is a dialogue in which meeting, relating, presence, a call andresponse are essential ( Paterson and Zderad, 1976, 1988). Philosophicalstatements 1,2,3,5,7

Advocacy is the spiritual and ethical determination of beneficence for the client, for theself and the profession. Advocacy acknowledges uniqueness and diversity and requiresfree choice, self-determination and self-responsibility. Philosophical statements,1,3,5,8.

Teaching is a system of directed and deliberate actions that are intended to result inlearning. Learning is self-active and results in a personal change mediated by anexperience. The teaching-learning process is a complex, cooperative and personalrelationship. Philosophical statements 1,2,5,6,7,8.

Professionalism in nursing is the embodiment of the art and science of nursing.Professionalism is a process of self-transformation which includes integrity, intellectualawareness, and commitment to the well being of client and self. Philosophicalstatements 1,3,4,6,8.

Leadership is the ability to influence change and is guided by vision and commitment tothe well being of the client as an individual, group or organization. Leadership is anactive state in which the nurse is fully present in actualizing inter-subjective choices.Philosophical statements 1,8.

Research is a scholarly process of acquiring knowledge essential to provide evidenceand theory based practice. Scholarship includes the critique and management ofinformation and thoughtful participation in inquiry. Philosophical statements 1,6,8.

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING: TERMINAL OBJECTIVES

The graduate of Sonoma State University Department of Nursing programs will:

1. Develop inter-subjective nurturing relationships that support the fulfillment ofpotentials of both client and nurse. (Caring)

2. Make informed choices through critical analysis that promote nurse/client well-being.(Critical Thinking)

3. Demonstrate humanizing interactions that are grounded in the integration of the art(subjective) and science (objective) of nursing. (Communication)

4. Exemplify moral and ethical professional standards. (Advocacy)


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5. Develop directed and deliberate actions for self and clients intended to result inlearning. (Teaching/Learning)

6. Continue the process of self- transformation in the profession of nursingand in the world community. (Professionalism)

7. Actualize inter-subjective choices guided by vision and commitment to the wellbeing of the client. (Leadership)

8. Acquire knowledge to support theory and evidenced based practice. (Research)

BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM LEVEL OBJECTIVES

The baccalaureate graduate incorporates concepts from nursing knowledge, humanities, andsciences to assist individual clients, groups, and communities to attain and/or maintain anoptimal level of wellness.

The baccalaureate junior student integrates concepts from nursing knowledge, humanities andsciences to assist individual clients and families at various developmental levels to attain and/ormaintain an optimal level of wellness.

The baccalaureate sophomore student utilizes concepts from nursing knowledge, humanities,and sciences to assist adult clients in structured settings to attain and/or maintain an optimallevel of wellness.


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UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM: PRELICENSURE BSN OPTION

COURSE PROGRESSIONfor students admitted to the program in Fall 2006

1st YEAR, FALL SEMESTERNURS 200 Nursing in Health and Illness .............................................. 3NURS 203 Basic Pharmacology for Nurses .................................................... 2NURS 205 Skills in Professional Nursing Practice ............................................. 3NURS 210A Clinical Practicum I ......................................................................... 4

TOTAL UNITS 12

1st YEAR, SPRING SEMESTERNURS 206 Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing .......................................... 3NURS 208 Nursing Applications of Pathophysiology.......................... 3NURS 210B Clinical Practicum II ....................................................................... 4NURS 300 Introduction to Nursing Research 3

TOTAL UNITS 13

2nd YEAR, FALL SEMESTERNURS 340 Womens Health in the Expanding Family ...................... 3NURS 342 Child Health in the Expanding Family 3NURS 345 Clinical Practicum with Expanding Families ...................................... 4PSYCH 302* Development of the Person ............................................................ 3

TOTAL UNITS 13

2nd YEAR, SPRING SEMESTERNURS 380 Care of Individuals & Families with Complex Needs 3NURS 385 Clinical Practicum in Complex Needs ............................. 3

TOTAL UNITS 6

3rd YEAR, FALL SEMESTERNURS 404 Community Health Nursing Theory ................................................. 3NURS 405 Community Health Nursing Practicum ............................................. 3NURS 415 Theory in Nursing Practice ............................................................. 1NURS 450 Nursing in a Sociopolitical Environment .......................................... 3

TOTAL UNITS 10

3rd YEAR, SPRING SEMESTERNURS 425 Senior Clinical Study ...................................................................... 4NURS 440 Nursing Leadership and Management ...................................................... 3

TOTAL UNITS 7

TOTAL NURSING MAJOR UNITS............... 58*

TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED FOR BSN DEGREE 124

*Psych 302 is a required Support Course. It can be taken in either the fall or spring semester of theJunior year. Course equivalency can be granted through CLEP examination

NOTE: 1 lecture unit = 50 min of class time1 lab unit = 2 hours and 30 minutes of lab/clinical time


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UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM: RN to BSN OPTION

COURSE PROGRESSION for students admitted to the program in Fall 2006(please note that the courses shown below are the Nursing major courses only students will also needto meet their GE package, statutory course and graduation requirements)

FULL-TIME SEQUENCE YEAR 1FALL SPRINGN305 Assessment & Clinical Decision-Making ......... 3 Psych302 Development of the Person.......3*N312 Introduction to Professional Nursing .............. 3 N300 Introduction to Nursing Research ...... 3N404 Community Health Nursing Theory .......3 N405 Community Health Nursing Practicum ... 3

TOTAL UNITS 9 TOTAL UNITS 9

YEAR 2 FALL SPRINGN415 Nursing Theory in Practice ........................ 1 N440 Leadership and Management ............... 3

N450 Nursing in a Sociopolitical Environment ......... 3 N425 Senior Clinical Study ........................ 4TOTAL UNITS 4 TOTAL UNITS 7

PART-TIME SEQUENCE YEAR 1 FALL SPRINGN312 Introduction to Professional Nursing. 3 Psych 302 Development of the Person....3*N305 Assessment & Clinical Decision-Making.......... 3 N300 Introduction to Nursing Research .......... 3


YEAR 2FALL SPRINGN404 Community Health Nursing Theory ................. 3 N440 Leadership and Management ................ 3

N405 Community Health Nursing Practicum ... 3TOTAL UNITS 3 TOTAL UNITS 6

YEAR 3 FALL SPRINGN415 Nursing Theory in Practice .......................... 1 N425 Senior Clinical Study ......................... 4N450 Nursing in a Sociopolitical Environment ......... 3


TOTAL UPPER DIVISION NURSING COURSE UNITS 26TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED IN NURSING MAJOR 36**TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED FOR BSN DEGREE 124***

*Psych 302 is a required Support Course. Equivalency can be granted through CLEP examination or by

petitioning the faculty for course equivalency of a course youve taken at another accredited highereducation institution.

**36 units in the major are required for graduation - upper-division units from GE or elective coursestaken for a grade (Credit/No Credit not allowed) may be used to fill in the other units.

***120 units for BSN is acceptable if all other degree requirements have been met



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UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM: LVN to BSN OPTION

COURSE PROGRESSIONfor students admitted to the program in Fall 2006(please note that the courses shown below are the Nursing major courses only students will also needto meet their GE package, statutory course and graduation requirements)

Option 1 (LVN to BSN) Prerequisites 3.0 average in: Anatomy (Bio 220) Chemistry (Chem 105)

Physiology (Bio 224) Microbiology (Bio 218)

YEAR 1FALL SPRING

N380 Care of Indiv&Families w/Complex Needs.. 3N305 Assessment & Clinical Decision-Making ........ 3 N385 Clinical Practicum in Complex Care ........... 3N312 Introduction to Professional Nursing .............. 3 N300 Introduction to Nursing Research ................ 3Psych 302 Development of the Person...................... 3* N206 Mental Health & Illness in the Adult ............. 3

N495 Psych/Mental Health Practicum ............... 2


YEAR 2 FALL SPRING N404 Community Health Nursing Theory ............... 3 N425 Senior Clinical Study .............................. 4N405 Community Health Practicum ................... 3 N440 Leadership and Management .................... 3N415 Nursing Theory in Practice ..................... 1N450 Nursing in a Sociopolitical Environment .......... 3


TOTAL NURSING MAJOR UNITS ....................... 37

TOTAL UNITS NEEDED FOR BSN DEGREE 124*Psych 302 is a required Support Course. Equivalency can be granted through CLEP examination or bypetitioning the faculty for course equivalency of a course youve taken at another accredited highereducation institution.


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UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM: LVN to BSN OPTION

Option 2 (LVN to RN) Prerequisites 3.0 average in: Physiology (Bio 224) Microbiology (Bio 218)(this option is administered through Extended Education and does not lead to a degree)

YEAR 1

FALL SPRINGN380 Care of Indiv & Families w/Complex needs.. 3

N312 Introduction to Professional Nursing ............... 3 N385 Complex Care - Geriatric Emphasis ............ 3N206 Mental Health & Illness in the Adult ........... 3N495 Practicum in Psych/Mental Health Nursing ... 2


YEAR 2

FALL SPRING N415 Nursing Theory in Practice ........................... 1 N425 Senior Clinical Study .............................. 4N450 Nursing in a SociopoliticalEnvironment . 3 N440 Leadership and Management .................... 3


TOTAL NURSING MAJOR UNITS....................... 25



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POLICIES


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ABSENCE FROM CLINICAL

The policy regarding clinical experience includes:A. All clinical experiences are mandatory.

B. The student must be prepared, dressed appropriately and on time.C. In the event of tardiness and absence the student must notify the appropriateindividual(s) as indicated in the course syllabus prior to the time clinical begins.

D. In the event of tardiness and absence without notification more than once in thesemester, the student will receive an F for the course and not be permitted tocontinue in the clinical experience.

E. Makeup opportunities are available to students who have notified the appropriateindividual(s) prior to the absence.

The following make up opportunities are available in the event of clinical absences withnotification. Once makeup clinical time is completed students are considered in good standingin the course and program and may continue.

A. One missed clinical session with notification: Written case study to equal the clockhours of missed clinical time.

B. Two missed clinical sessions with notification: Receive an Incomplete for the course.Enroll in Intersession or Summer Session* to complete the two missed clinical days.

C. Three missed clinical sessions with notification. Petition the nursing faculty forpermission to receive an Incomplete for the course and to enroll in Intersession orSummer Session to complete the missed clinical time.

a. Petition must include reasons for missing the clinical sessions, selfassessment of academic and clinical standing and goals for completion of themissed clinical time.

i. Petition approval Enroll in Intersession or Summer Session.ii. Petition denial Receive an F in the course. Petition for readmission

to the program and re-enrolling in the failed course the next time it isoffered. Continuance in the program is denied until the failed course iscompleted satisfactorily.

The Intersession or Summer Session assignment will be determined by the Department Chair.

ADVISING & REGISTRATION

University Advising Policy The advising process depends on the thoughtful participation of the student. Students must: know and meet graduation requirements contained in the appropriate catalog, class

schedules, and other University publications maintain their own personal academic advising folders in portfolio and take them to every

advising appointment make every reasonable effort to obtain adequate advising each semester

Program Advising


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Faculty advisors are resource persons and advocates for the students. Faculty advisors assiststudents in planning their course of study and provide academic counsel throughout theirprogram. The academic advisor reviews with the student his or her progress in the nursingprogram and advises the student about strategies to complete degree requirements forgraduation. Refer to the listing below for your assigned advisor.

Although faculty advisors assist with planning student progression, students are responsible forfulfilling admission requirements, removing Incomplete (I) grades or unacceptable grades (C- orlower in major courses), submitting appropriate petitions, and meeting graduation requirements,as defined by the Department and the University.

It is important that students meet with their advisor each semester prior to registration for thefollowing semester. Group advising times are scheduled each semester and the dates, timesand locations are posted in the Nursing Department. Students are encouraged to attend thesescheduled advising meetings. If individual advising is needed, faculty advisors post their officehours on their office doors and may also provide a sign-up list for advising appointments. (Think ahead! Advisors are not available during January intersessions or summer breaks and you will not be able to be advised during those times.)

Undergraduate Program AdvisorsSophomores Carole Heath 664-2356 [email protected] Jeanette Koshar 664-2649 [email protected] Anita Catlin 664-2640 [email protected] to BSN Liz Close 664-2466 [email protected] to BSN Liz Close 664-2466 [email protected]

RegistrationRegistration is conducted via the web. Instructions on how to use the registration system areavailable from the Admissions & Records website ( http://www.sonoma.edu/ar/ ), Registration ata Glance.

CERTIFICATION

CNA Certification for Pre-Licensure BSN Students Following the first year of nursing classes, Pre-Licensure BSN students are eligible to becomeCNAs. Many students have found this a good way to enhance their basic nursing skills whileearning some money in their second and third years of the nursing curriculum. One of thesophomore instructors or the American Red Cross can provide more information to you onbecoming a CNA.


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LVN Certification for Pre-Licensure BSN Students The California BRN allows Pre-Licensure BSN students to take the LVN exam after thecompletion of the second year of nursing courses. However, the faculty has mixed feelingsabout the advantages of taking the exam. Some think that successful completion of the exammight open up job possibilities and provide a somewhat better salary until completion of theBSN. Others think that it is better to develop basic skills by working as a CNA until graduationwith a BSN. If students choose to take the LVN exam, they should exercise several cautions:1) They should not think that the exam mirrors the RN exam. While both exams are similar intheir multiple-choice format and some content, the LVN exam tests for basic nursing tasks whilethe RN exam tests the application of concepts, principles and theory; 2) except in emergencies,BSN students who practice as LVNs may not function beyond the limits of LVN licensure eventhough they have learned professional nursing practice in the BSN curriculum. Faculty urge youto think about the pros and cons of taking the LVN exam, and welcome the opportunity to helpyou weigh your decision and answer questions.

NCLEX Exam for RN LicensurePre-Licensure BSN and LVN to RN/BSN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX exam which,upon successful completion, provides RN licensure. In the semester before graduation,students need to download an Application for Licensure by Examination and accompanyingforms from the California Board of Registered Nursing website ( http://www.rn.ca.gov ). It is thestudents responsibility to complete the forms in a timely fashion and mail them to the Board ofRegistered Nursing. The BRN will return an Authorization to Test to the student in the weekprior to graduation and the student can then schedule the appointment for testing. An InterimPermit can be issued by the BRN which allows the student to work immediately upon graduationuntil successful completion of the NCLEX exam (valid for 6 months and can work only underdirect supervision of RN). When the student has passed the NCLEX and the final Universitytranscript with the BSN degree posted is received by the BRN, the RN license is issued.

Public Health Nursing (PHN) CertificationStudents who have earned their Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree at SSU are eligible forthe Public Health Nursing certificate from the California Board of Registered Nursing. Studentswho are interested in this certification can download the application for Public Health Nursecertification from the BRNs website ( http://www.rn.ca.gov ). RN to BSN graduates need torequest Official transcripts from SSUS Office of Admissions & Records.. Pre-Licensure andLVN to BSN graduates will have already sent their transcripts for their RN licensure and,therefore, do not need to request them again.

CHALLENGING COURSES

A student may earn credit for a course at SSU by successfully completing a course challenge

examination. Only courses which are listed in the University catalog for which the student hasnot received prior credit may be challenged. The student works with the course instructor inpursuing the challenge examination process. See the SSU catalog for further specificinformation on the challenge examination procedure.


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COMMUNICATIONS

Official Departmental CommunicationsCommunications from the Nursing Department will be sent to all nursing students via their

official university email address . As with other official university business, students areresponsible to frequently check their official SSU email account for communications. This typeof communication WILL NOT be hard copied to student communication folders.

Communication FoldersThere are also student communication folders for each student in the nursing program(graduate and undergraduate). These are located in the Department mailroom (Nichols 265) intwo-drawer files. Instructors will use these folders to return papers, leave notes, and respond toyour hard-copy communications. The department may place some [non-electronic]communications to you in the file, as may your faculty and classmates. Please check yourcommunication folder frequently but do not remove it from its location in the file drawer..

Student Records and FilesIndividual student academic records are maintained in the Department Office and are theproperty of the Nursing Department. Your file is available to you for advising appointments. Ifyou wish to review your file for any other reason you may do so in the Department Office.Academic records are not to be removed from the office for any reason other than an advisingappointment. Students need to maintain their own file of grades, immunization records, clinicalevaluations, etc. The Department Office staff is not permitted to copy items from your file foryou.

Your academic folder needs to reflect your current address, phone and personal e-mail addressat all times. Change of information forms are available on the counter in the NursingDepartment. Turn your form in to the Nursing Department receptionist (Ana Munoz) for input to

the nursing student database and for filing. You need to inform Customer Services separatelyof any address or phone number changes.

Internet sitesMuch of the information a student will need is available through Sonoma State Universityshome page on the Internet ( www.sonoma.edu ) as well as SSU Nursings home page(www.sonoma.edu/nursing ). It is the student's responsibility to obtain and be knowledgeableabout University and program requirements.

Distributive Education and Home Computer Technology

Nursing courses use a wide variety of distributive education strategies to facilitate your learning.

The Instructional Technology department is a valuable resource for you to identify homecomputer needs and to solve a variety of problems as you incorporate informatics into yourrepertoire of scholarly activities. You may use computers on campus to facilitate your learningin a variety of campus labs or, if you choose to use your home computer you will have the bestresults if you:

1. Insure that you have a computer with a fast Internet connection.


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2. Insure that you have a web browser that works with our version of WebCT, which youcan do through http://www.webct.com/tuneup .

When you visit this site follow the links to make sure you have the appropriate settings andplug-ins installed.

If you have questions about setting up your computer, review the Information Technology

website at http://www.sonoma.edu/it/ and/or call 664-HELP.

CONFIDENTIALITY

In order to comply with HIPAA confidentiality regulations, clients must not be described in anyidentifiable way.

An inappropriate patient care description might be, "D.E., a Vietnamese manicurist in northeastSanta Rosa, has been diagnosed with positive tuberculosis."

This type of description cannot be used. A more general description, in which the patient cannotbe identified, would be, "Miss X, a Southeast Asian service worker in Sonoma County, ispositive for tuberculosis."

Do not use initials, exact descriptions, or locations in journals or care plans. Use onlygeneralities so that no client can be explicitly recognized. Sonoma State University students andfaculty must comply with the confidentiality requirements that our agencies are mandated tofollow.

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS

For RN-BSN students, the SSU Continuing Education BRN provider number is 00369 . Yourtranscript serves as verification of your coursework. Certificates such as those provided atconferences will not be issued to you. One semester unit of an SSU nursing course equals 15contact hours (15 CEUs). (example: a two-unit nursing course = 30 contact hours, which fulfillsthe bi-annual licensure renewal requirement for continuing professional education in California)

DRESS AND IDENTIFICATION

Hospital Clinical Rotations Pre-licensure BSN students must purchase a standard nursing uniform to consist of white pantsand white nursing top to be worn for their hospital clinical rotations. Students will also purchasethe Department identification badge and patch, which must be worn on the uniform. The patchwill be worn on the left sleeve. Other white clothes may not be substituted for the standardwhite uniform for the hospital clinical. Standard white nursing or white athletic shoes areacceptable for the hospital clinicals.


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All Clinical Rotations All students in clinical settings must follow a professional standard of dress and deportment,including hairstyle, make-up, type and amount of jewelry.

Students may not wear jeans, sweats, stretch pants, shorts, tight fitting, low cut or midriff baringtops or other sports clothing to any clinical rotation. Lab coats may be required in certainclinical courses.

All students must purchase a picture ID badge through the Department Office to be worn duringall clinical experiences with the exception of some psychiatric rotations.

Clinical faculty will not allow students to remain in clinical if the student arrives withinappropriate attire.

FINANCIAL AID and SCHOLARSHIPS

Financial AidThe Financial Aid Office is located in Salazar 1010, phone 664-, websitehttp://www.sonoma.edu/finaid/index.html . Many types of financial aid are available through thisoffice, including grants, work-study and loans. Check with the Financial Aid Office for deadlinesand eligibility.

ScholarshipsScholarship information is available at the Scholarship Office, located in Salazar 1010C, phone664-2261, website http://www.sonoma.edu/Scholarship/ . The application deadline for Universityscholarships is usually February 15. Check with the Scholarship Office each year for anychanges to deadlines.

Occasionally, the Nursing Department receives scholarship information that the Scholarship

Office does not have. Information will be placed near the communication folders for yourperusal.

GRADING

Grading Policy Final course grades will be based on the following percentages and will earn grade points asindicated:

94 - 100 A 4.090 - 93 A- 3.7

87 - 89 B+ 3.384 - 86 B 3.080 - 83 B- 2.777 - 79 C+ 2.374 - 76 C 2.0 Minimum acceptable grade in Nursing major course70 - 73 C- 1.767 - 69 D+ 1.3


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See Progression in the Nursing Program for information on repeating courses

GRADUATION

Filing for Graduation It is the student's responsibility to complete the "Major/Minor Requirements" and the"Application for Award of Degree" forms well in advance of the deadline stated in the catalog (atleast one full semester before the anticipated semester of graduation). Examples of completedforms are available in the Nursing Office and students should review these forms prior toattempting to complete their own. Students should also make an appointment with theiracademic advisor to review degree requirements and to obtain necessary signatures. Theforms may be left in the Nursing Office for the Chairs signature and generally picked up withinone-two working days.

It is important to file your Application for Graduation and Major-Minor Degree Requirementsforms as early as possible, in case you need to take classes you did not anticipate. You will

receive from A&R a degree audit that points out if you will meet all of the degree requirementsnecessary for the BSN with what you have taken and plan to take before graduation. DO NOTDELAY and please pay close attention to this paperwork so you do not get caught at the lastminute with outstanding degree requirements!Graduation Applications must be received in the Office of Admissions and Records by the following dates:

GRADUATION DATE Priority Filing Date * Final Deadline **

Spring 06: May 27, 2006 September 15, 2005 February 15, 2006

Summer 06: August 18, 2006 February 15, 2006 April 1, 2006

Fall 06: December 15, 2006 February 15, 2006 September 15, 2006

Spring 07: May 26, 2007 September 15, 2006 February 15, 2007

Summer 07: (TBD) February 15, 2007 April 1, 2007

* Students who file by the Priority Filing Date will have the benefit of receiving a Graduation Evaluationprior to registering for their final semester.

** The Final Deadline is the date by which students must submit applications to be considered forgraduation at the conclusion of that term. However, no guarantee is made as to when a GraduationEvaluation will be completed.

Graduation with DistinctionThe Department of Nursing faculty (or student peer) may nominate a student for "Graduationwith Distinction." The Department of Nursing Faculty awards Graduation with Distinction toindividual graduates who have been judged by the Faculty to have made an outstandingcontribution to the department and the nursing profession. Nominations are due to the facultyOctober 31 for December graduates and March 31 for May and August graduates.

HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Before beginning clinical classes, all students are required to submit documentation of a healthhistory and current immunization status. The history and physical examination must becompleted within the six months prior to start of the first clinical class. Clinical facilities requireproof of the following before beginning clinical experience:


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Health Physical Form completed by a physician or Family Nurse Practitioner

Positive Rubella Titer or positive antibody screen or MMR vaccine (Measles/Mumps/Rubella)

Second Rubella vaccine or MMR 4-6 weeks after initial MMR for students born after 1957, or proof ofimmunity.

Hepatitis B vaccine series

Tetanus within 10 years.

Proof of negative mantoux, PPD (TB test) or TB symptom free form evaluation.A two step Tuberculosis screening test is required for students who have no history of tuberculosisand who have never had a positive TB test. If you have been positive in the past, you will need aclearance from a physician to allow you into the clinical area.

Students must take the two step exam. A first skin test is given. If the first test is positive, the studentshould have a chest xray to rule out active infection with tuberculosis. If the test is negative, a second

skin test is given a week later. Again, if this test is positive, the student must have a chest xray to ruleout latent tuberculosis.

Any positive skin test, regardless of positive or negative chest xray, must be evaluated for treatmentby a health care practitioner and clearance to clinical.

Students are tested or cleared by their health practitioners annually, which should include a symptomof tuberculosis evaluation.

Students who do not follow the procedures related to health requirements will not be allowed topractice in the clinical setting. It is the student's responsibility to insure that these health carerequirements are met and copies of documentation are submitted to the Department of Nursingbefore beginning the nursing program. The student is responsible for carrying a copy ofimmunization status.

The student should not report to duty if he/she is aware of any acute illness or infection. Suchillness should be reported to the instructor prior to the beginning of a clinical assignment.

HONOR SOCIETY

SIGMA THETA TAU, LAMBDA GAMMA CHAPTER

The purposes of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing are to:

1. Recognize superior achievement.2. Recognize the development of leadership qualities.3. Foster high professional standards.4. Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession of nursing

Those qualified to be invited to apply are: 1. Undergraduate and graduate students in the top 30% of their respective classes, as

determined by faculty based on GPA and leadership qualities.2. Undergraduate students must have completed 20 nursing units.


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3. Graduate students must have completed 8 nursing units in their graduate curriculum.4. RNs not currently enrolled in school are eligible as community leaders if they have earned a

baccalaureate degree and can document marked achievement in nursing education,practice, research or publication.

The procedures for application are: 1. Faculty will invite chosen students to join Sigma Theta Tau and will supply the application

materials to the chosen students at the beginning of the spring semester.2. Non-students may contact the Sigma Theta Tau Membership Coordinator or President for

an application.3. Applicants complete a Membership Intent Form and submit two letters of endorsement from

Sigma Theta Tau members. Students must submit one letter from an SSU faculty member.4. Submit the completed application to the designated STT faculty member by the due date.

The Eligibility Committee will review your application and letters of endorsement and will notifyyou of the Chapter's decision regarding your membership by March 1st. If you are to beinducted, a fee will be due before induction ceremonies. This fee will include the one-timeinduction fee as well as the annual local chapter fee and international fee. All candidates mustattend the Induction Ceremony to be recognized as a member. The induction ceremony will beheld in April.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Students who find it necessary to request a leave of absence (LOA) from the Nursing major maydo so after successful completion of a full semester. While this is acceptable, students so doingwill be allowed to enroll in subsequent courses only on a "space available" basis. Students whotake an LOA for more than one semester must be re-admitted to the University in order to beeligible to enroll in subsequent courses.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, ETC.

Contractual agreements with agencies and safety for patients, students and faculty mandatethat students have verification of the following on file before participating in clinical courses(N210A, N210B, N345, N385, N405 and N425):

Professional liability insurance CPR certification (Health Provider certification) Hepatitis B vaccine series in progress or completed Health Physical Form completed by a physician or Family Nurse Practitioner Positive Rubella Titer or positive antibody screen or MMR vaccine

(Measles/Mumps/Rubella) Proof of negative mantoux, PPD (two-step TB test) or TB symptom free form evaluation Current California licensure, if RN or LVN

PAPERS

Professional Portfolio


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A professional portfolio consists of a compilation of papers important to your nursing educationexperience. You will begin to collect the material during your first semester in the nursingprogram and will maintain it throughout your enrollment in the program.

The purpose of the portfolio is to keep a record of your progression through the program. Itprovides documentation that can be reviewed by you and your academic advisor as anassessment of your on-going academic development. The process of organizing and compilingthe document will be discussed in N205 for Pre-licensure BSN students and in N312 for RN-BSN and LVN-BSN students.

Examples of papers to be included in your portfolio are:Transcripts and grade reportsProfessional liability insuranceImmunization recordCopy of current license, if anySample papersClinical evaluations

APA FormatPapers will be written in the formatting style of the American Psychological Association. Allstudents are required to adhere to the Publication Manual of the American PsychologicalAssociation and follow its guidelines when writing papers.


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PETITIONS

Inter-departmental petitions are available on the wall by the Nursing Mailroom and are used todocument requests for special consideration, such as taking a leave of absence, taking courses

out of sequence, requesting approval to do Senior Clinical Study at a place of employment orout of the universitys service area, repeating courses, and other special requests. Thesepetitions, after action is taken, are kept in the student's academic file.

PREREQUISITES

There are some nursing major courses that have either non-nursing or nursing courseprerequisites. The student should consult the SSU catalog for course pre-requisite information.Permission to enroll in a course without having completed the course prerequisite must beobtained prior to enrolling in the course.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE Professional liability insurance (also known as malpractice insurance) is required of all nursingstudents enrolled in clinical courses. The department holds a blanket liability insurance policywith coverage in the amount of $2 million per occurrence/$4 million aggregate. All students arerequired to participate in this coverage. You will be notified by the department each year of theamount owed for the coverage. For the 2006/2007 academic year, the cost is $16 and is due byAugust 22.

PROGRESSION IN THE NURSING PROGRAM

Making up Class TimeThe amount of time that can be missed in any nursing course, for any reason, will bedetermined by the faculty teaching the course within the guidelines of the UndergraduateHandbook policies. It is important for the student to assume responsibility for maintaining closecommunication with the course instructor when tardiness or absenteeism occurs.

Repeating Nursing CoursesNursing majors must attain a minimum grade of "C" (2.0) in all nursing courses. Should astudent not maintain a minimum grade of "C" (C- is not acceptable) in a nursing major course,the student may petition the faculty to repeat the course. If approval is granted, the studentmust receive a "C" or better in the course when repeated. If a minimum of "C" is not attained,the student will not be eligible to remain in, or graduate from, the Nursing major.

If a student receives a "U" in a nursing major course, constituting an unauthorized withdrawal,the student must repeat the course within one year or the "U" will convert to an "F". Uponrepeat of the course, a "C" or better must be earned in order to remain in the nursing program.A course may be repeated only once.

If a student needs to take an Incomplete (I) in a course, the student must be in passing status atthe time this grade is requested. An Incomplete Grade contract form must be completed by thestudent and the instructor and filed in the students academic file. Although the University


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allows students to take up to a year to complete an Incomplete, the Department of Nursingadditionally requires that all Incompletes be completed before a student progresses to asubsequent course.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Department/University Committees Students are encouraged to become involved in campus life by serving on departmental andUniversity committees. Student representatives are needed each semester to serve on theFaculty Committee, which meets the first Monday of each month from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon.Students serving on this committee represent their respective programs and options; i.e., Pre-Licensure BSN, LVN-BSN, or RN-BSN, and provide valuable input. For further informationabout the role of student representatives, contact your advisor or other faculty members.

Student GroupsAn increasing number of clubs are available at SSU which meet special interests of students.Within the Department of Nursing, a student nurses group, Sonoma Student United in Nursing(SSUN) is quite active. All baccalaureate students are encouraged to join this organization. Alist of clubs chartered through the Student Activities Office (x2391) may be obtained at the frontdesk in the Student Union.

Sigma Theta TauStudents in the nursing major may become members of Sigma Theta Tau, Lambda GammaChapter, the international nursing honor society. For further information regarding Sigma ThetaTau, see the section in this Handbook on Honor Society.

STUDENT RIGHTS - DISCIPLINE - GRIEVANCE

The Department of Nursing adheres to all university regulations regarding student conduct,discipline, grievance, and grade appeal. Students should consult the SSU Division of StudentAffairs website ( http://www.sonoma.edu/saem/ ), for information on the SSU Student Code ofConduct, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Student Discipline Procedures, and StudentGrievance Procedures. The policy on grade appeal may be found athttp://www.sonoma.edu/uaffairs/policies/gradepolicy.htm .

Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesThe official Sonoma State University Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities isavailable online at http://www.sonoma.edu/saem/rights .

Discipline and Grievancea) Discipline: Inappropriate conduct by students or applicants is subject to disciplinaryprocedures. Such conduct may lead to student behavioral contracts, probation, suspension orexpulsion. See the SSU Judicial Affairs website further details on student discipline(http://www.sonoma.edu/saem/judicial ) .

b) Grade Appeal and Student Grievance: The SSU Grade Appeal Policy(http://www.sonoma.edu/uaffairs/policies/gradepolicy.htm ) and the SSU Student GrievancePolicy ( http://www.sonoma.edu/uaffairs/policies/studentpolicy.htm ) describe specific measures a


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NURSING FACULTY & STAFF 2006/2007

Office Phone e-mail

Full-Time FacultyCatlin, Anita NH-274 664-2640 [email protected], Liz -- Chair NH-262A 664-2654 [email protected], Carole NH-278 664-2356 [email protected], Deb NH-272 664-2438 [email protected], Jeanette NH-254 664-2649 [email protected], Wendy NH-270 664-2276 [email protected] Vandeveer, Melissa NH-246 664-2650 [email protected] Wilkosz, Mary Ellen NH-244 664-2297 [email protected]

Part-Time FacultyBrogan, Alanna NH-236 664-2643 [email protected] Clark, Cathy *fall only* NH-134 664-2466 [email protected] Combi, Will *spring only* NH-134 664-2830 [email protected] DeBella, Sandra *fall only* NH-134 664-2466 [email protected] Del Carlo, Terri *fall only* NH-262 664-2466 [email protected] Doherty,Margaret NH-276 664-2652 [email protected] Edmunds, Johnna SHC-119 664-2041 [email protected] Frankel, Marty NH-276 664-2652 [email protected] Greenwald, Judy NH-134 664-2830 [email protected] Kania, Leonard *spring only* NH-134 664-2830 [email protected] Kinkead, B. J. NH-134 664-2830 [email protected] Klich-Heartt, Eira NH-134 664-2830 [email protected] LaLonde, Rebecca NH-134 664-2830 [email protected] MacLeod, Lynn NH-134 664-2830 [email protected] Noonan, Seaneen NH-134 664-2830 [email protected] Parkhurst, David NH-134 664-2830 [email protected] Rockett, Kathleen NH-234 664-2464 [email protected] Shaffer, Nancy NH-276 664-2652 [email protected] Stewart, Chris *fall only* NH-134 664-2830 [email protected] Weis, Carol NH-134 664-2466 [email protected] Westberry, Carol *fall only* NH-134 664-2466 [email protected]

StaffCohen, Becky--Admin. Coord. NH-256 664-2465 [email protected] Ana Munoz Admin Support NH-256 664-2466 [email protected] tba Admin Support NH-256 664-2862

Distance SitesWorthington, Ilene Secretary 209/667-3141 Stanislaus [email protected] Richards, Judith Clinical Coord 209/667-3141 Stanislaus [email protected] Collins, Kathy Clinical Instr 209/863-8388 Stanislaus [email protected]

Gibson, Dorene Secretary 530/898-5183 Chico [email protected] Morgan, Irene Clinical Coord 530/898-6207 Chico [email protected]

BSN Handbook

Documents

Transcript of BSN Handbook