The student
body and the faculty are involved in creating and maintaining the
educational environment in the School of Nursing. Guidelines are
designed to foster the development of individual responsibility
and accountability. Students are expected to comply with the existing
rules and regulations contained in the Student Handbook.
The School of Nursing is
an air-conditioned five-story complex completed in 1968. The
School includes
a student lounge, classrooms, clinical laboratories, library,
exercise facilities, and recreational areas.
Vending machines are located on the ground floor of the School. An exercise room funded by the Trinity Heath System
Auxiliary is located adjacent to the gymnasium on the first floor.
Membership to Trinity/YMCA is available at the student rate. Spacious classrooms
with wireless internet accessibility are located on the ground floor
of the Academic Wing.
A Skills/Assessment
laboratory is located on the first floor of the School complex. The
Laboratory consists of 13 spacious practice rooms, two conference
areas, lounge, restroom, and storage areas. It is well-equipped with
simulators, models, and materials for instruction. The rooms are
provisional for group or individual instruction/remediation.
The Health Sciences Library, located on the ground floor, contains
textbooks, periodicals, and
internet and Hospital intranet access computers. Library holdings/resources are
supplemented via cooperative endeavors with other educational
research and/or clinical facilities. Faculty and administrative
offices are located in the academic wing, first, second, and third
floors.
The School of Nursing is connected to Trinity Medical Center East
via an enclosed corridor. All entrances to, and exits from the
School are electronically monitored to insure
student safety. The School of Nursing receptionist is on duty
Monday through Friday 7:30 - 4:00 PM.
The Main and
Southwest entrances of Trinity Medical Center East are constructed
to provide access to the hospital and school for the physically
handicapped. The Southwest entrance provides the most immediate
access to the school complex. Parking for the handicapped is provided.
Student health
services are supervised by the Trinity Health System Employee Health
Coordinator.
Pre-enrollment
health requirements include:
Health
inventory and a physical examination.
Immunizations: Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Hepatitis B and/or
serological evidence of immunity is required as well as evidence of
Varicella immunization or history of disease.
Two-step Mantoux and/or chest x-ray
if responsive to Mantoux.
Completion of a
latex sensitivity questionnaire.
Urine Drug Screen.
Completion
of the Essential Functions and Abilities of a Nursing Student Form.
It is the
responsibility of students who are latex sensitive to inform their
clinical instructor each semester/session of their latex
needs. Reasonable accommodations will be made to meet the
student's needs. Special gloves are provided for
students with latex sensitivity.
If ongoing
reactions occur (i.e. rash, respiratory problems, etc.) it is the
responsibility of the students to follow up with their own physician.
Second and
third level students will follow the guidelines established by
the Student Services/Integrity Committee in accordance with the
Trinity Employee Health Coordinator. Prior to the beginning of
the second year, the student is responsible for a physical
examination and a one-step Mantoux or a review of signs and
symptoms of tuberculosis for positive responders. Students must
submit documentation of their post-entrance health requirements
to the school of Nursing Receptionist by Aug. 1 of each year. It
is recommended that the student participate in the annual
influenza inoculation program which is provided by the Hospital
free of charge. The School of Nursing/Hospital complies with the
current OSHA regulations regarding blood borne pathogens. Updated information is provided annually for incoming
and enrolled students.
It is recommended
that some type of hospitalization insurance be maintained by the
student while enrolled in the program. The cost of pre-enrollment
and enrollment health requirements is the responsibility of the
student.
Students are
responsible for expenses incurred during illness, i.e.,
hospitalization and/or doctor fees/diagnostic tests, emergency care,
medications, treatments, prosthetics and/or supplies.
Twenty-four
hour emergency service is provided at Trinity Medical Center West
on a fee for service basis. The School does not have facilities/personnel
to provide constant monitoring of students with serious health problems.
Therefore, students are encouraged to seek the advice of their physician
concerning hospitalization or recuperation at home. A student whose
health requires ongoing medical supervision and/or hospitalization
is responsible for notifying the Director of the School. The School
reserves the right to request the student to leave the premises. A physician’s
written permission for the student to continue/resume all class/clinical
responsibilities must also be submitted to the Director. The purpose
for requiring a physician’s release is to protect the student
from assuming responsibilities which could be hazardous to his/her mental/physical
health.
In case of
illness and/or accidents incurred while on School premises or at a
clinical experience facility/agency, any emergency or on-going care
received as a result of such illness and/or accident is the
student's financial responsibility.
The School accepts
its responsibility to assist the student in recognizing substance
dependence and views substance abuse as preventable and treatable.
The School supports the student’s right to confidentiality
in all matters dealing with suspected substance abuse.
The Policy for
Handling Suspected Substance Abuse provides guidelines for students
and faculty in dealing with problems of substance abuse which
interfere with the student nurse’s performance in the clinical/
class areas and pose a threat to the safety and welfare
of the public.
Students who
are experiencing problems clinically or academically, due to substance
abuse, are referred to appropriate counseling or treatment programs.
Students are
informed of the School’s position on substance abuse and are advised of possible consequences of violation of
the Substance Abuse Policy. The School has the right to dismiss any student found to be involved
in the sale, distribution, or use of illegal and/or dangerous substances.
Each student receives a copy of the School’s Program for
the Prevention of Substance Abuse.
The
Faculty of Trinity Health System School of Nursing support the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990 and its application to individuals who are HIV
positive. Accordingly, the School may not discriminate against
any individual based on the perception that the person is HIV
infected, in a category of persons at risk of HIV, or because he/she
is caring for a person in one of the aforementioned categories. Each
student receives a copy of the School's Policy on AIDS.
The Student Right-to-Know
and Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime
Statistics Act (originally the Campus Security Act)
and the Higher Education Opportunity Act.
In compliance
with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, as amended
in 1998, the campus crime statistics are disclosed at the end of
the catalog as required by law. The Policy/Report and Campus Crime Statistics
are shared annually with students, employees, and prospective students
upon request. Copies are maintained in the Office of Student Affairs.
Campus Security Statistics for the School can be viewed online at
the OPE Campus Security Statistics Website at
www.ope.ed.gov/security.
In addition,
students can find law enforcement agency information concerning
registered sex offenders by calling
the Jefferson County Sheriff's office at 740-283-8600 or by visiting
www.jeffersoncountysherriff.com.
In
accordance with Title IX of the Education amendments of 1972,
Trinity Health System School of Nursing will not tolerate
conduct by any person, which constitutes sexual harassment,
including sexual violence of any student/employee. For the
purpose of this policy, sexual harassment/violence must be
sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it adversely
affects a student's education or creates a hostile or abusive
educational environment. The Sexual Harassment/Violence Policy
is distributed at Orientation each fall and is accessible in the
Student Handbook.
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and
Title II of the American With Disabilities Act of 1990, which are
enforced by the Office of Civil Rights, Trinity Health System School
of Nursing will not tolerate disability harassment of any student by
other students or school employees. The Disability Harassment Policy
is distributed at Orientation each fall and is accessible in the
Student Handbook.
Policy on
Students with Disabilities
In
accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) the
Trinity Health System School of Nursing will provide reasonable
accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For a
more detailed description of this Act/Policy on Students with
Disabilities, refer to the Student Handbook. IT IS THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO DISCLOSE THE DISABILITY.
Social Networking Policy
Purpose
The purpose of
this policy is to provide guidelines to students, faculty, and
staff who engage in online social networking. Information
published on social media networks that has to do with any
aspect of the School/Hospital must comply with Trinity Health
System’s Non Disclosure Acknowledgement, HIPPA compliance, and
the School of Nursing’s Code of Conduct. This applies to
posts/comments on any social networking site.
Philosophy
Trinity Health
System School of Nursing maintains that social networking is
strictly a personal activity and any participation in such will
be consistent with The American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Code
of Ethics as well as Trinity Health System’s core values.
·According to the ANA,
“nurses have a duty to remain consistent with both their
personal and professional values and to accept compromise only
to the degrees that it remain an integrity-preserving
compromise” (ANA, 2001, p.19).
·Trinity Health System
“believes that nursing utilizes judgment and skill in providing
service to individuals, families, and society and is guided by
current legal, ethical, and professional standards” (Trinity
Health System Strategic Plan, 2011).
Definition
As used
in this policy, “social networking” means communicating with
others over the Internet for social purposes. This includes,
but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube,
MySpace or “blogs”; and can also include media sites that are
offered by television networks, newspapers, and magazines.
Guidelines
Please
remember that social networking sites are in fact public forums.
This means that the information that is posted or shared can be
viewed by others. Please keep in mind these guidelines and
consider carefully when posting.
Posts/comments by students should not reflect Trinity School
of Nursing/Hospital in any manner. When posting on any
social networking site posts/comments should reflect the
personal views of the social networking member only, not
Trinity School of Nursing/Hospital. This includes but not
limited to, tagging, check-ins or any comments reflecting
Trinity School of Nursing/Hospital.
Posts/comments should be respectful and in good taste.
Negative or unprofessional posts/comments are unacceptable.
Posts/comments should never directly or indirectly reflect
patients, diagnoses or any content related to patient care
or clinical experiences.
Photos
posted of the social networking member should be tasteful.
Photos in
which patients are identified or patient privacy and
confidentiality are breached are unacceptable.
Interaction between current students and faculty/staff is
prohibited. Student questions/concerns are only to be
addressed in proper, approved channels of communication set
forth by the School (office hours, academic advisement) and
never through social networking.
Students
are to refrain from accessing social networking sites during
clinical or classroom time/lecture.
Violation of
Policy
Trinity School
of Nursing/Hospital will not tolerate violations of the social
networking policy. All reports of such behavior will be
investigated. If activity on a social networking site is
considered an infraction of school policy, it will be handled
according to the disciplinary process. Violation of this
policy can result in disciplinary action ranging from written
reprimand to dismissal from the program.
Academic and
personal counseling is available to students by the faculty and
administrative personnel. Professional services are available in
the health system and community. For the purpose of reference, a
current manual of local social
agencies is available in the Office of Student Affairs, the
Library, and in the hospital information/communication system (Meditech).
A complete description of the guidance program is found in the Student
Handbook.
The Faculty
believe the guidance program is based on the uniqueness of the
individual who has varying amounts of potential. The guidance
program offers opportunities to the student to identify options for
personal and intellectual growth and to be responsible for their
own decisions.
Outcomes:
1. Students
will be assigned an Academic Advisor upon entering the program.
2. A first meeting with the student is scheduled during the first
semester following the faculty presentation of the Study Skills
and Test Taking Strategy Workshop (mandatory student participation).
•
At the initial meeting, the student’s Study Habits Profile
is reviewed.
• Meetings are documented on the Academic Advisement –
Student Progress Report.
3. The Academic
Advisor will meet with students at least once during the semester/session.
• It
is the responsibility of the student to contact the advisor.
• Academic Advisors will be available to meet with the
students during posted hours and by appointment as needed.
• Advisor/student meetings may include discussion of:
A.
Standardized Test Results
B. NCLEX
Intervention Program (NIP)
• Advisors
may refer students to:
Eastern Gateway Community College Learning Center
Utilization of NCLEX Review textbooks/ CD ROM's
Utilization of instructional/tutorial/testing computer software
programs
Utilization of stress relaxation techniques
Review of Textbooks on test-taking techniques i.e.
TestSuccess by Patricia Nugent or
Soar to Success by
Paulette Rollant
Trinity Health System School
of Nursing incorporates career service opportunities into the
curriculum via a variety of methods. During the final course of the
program, N301 Transition to Professional Practice,
professional growth and accountability are augmented through a
preceptorship within Trinity Health System and through classroom
seminars. The seminars entail career-focused topics such as
educational advancement, resume writing, and job interviewing. Time
is allotted for shadowing and/or interviewing with a potential
employer.
Trinity Health System
recognizes student achievement with a recruitment luncheon at the
end of the last course. All students receive job listings offered by
Trinity Health System via Meditech, the Hospital's information
system. Other career opportunities are posted on the bulletin board
adjacent to the Student Lounge. The Employee Tuition Forgiveness
Scholarship/Loan Program is a career service opportunity leading to
job placement within the Health System.
Worship
Hospital chapels are available for services. Students may
attend a local house of worship of their choice.
Student activities
(social, cultural, and recreational) are coordinated via the Student
Services/Integrity Committee and individual class organizations.
The proximity of Pittsburgh
encourages students to take advantage of the entertainment and cultural
events in that metropolitan area.
The Student
Handbook contains the rules and regulations governing School life
and use of facilities. At orientation, every student receives a copy of the Student
Handbook. Each student signs a Policy
Signature Sheet indicating receipt of the Student Handbook and
acceptance of responsibility for the knowledge contained in the
publication.
Communication of Student
Information
Students and Faculty have input into
policy development and revision. All new or revised policies are
communicated formally in writing or electronically to each student
as an addendum to the Student Handbook. Postings on student bulletin
boards and verbal presentations are informal means of dissemination
of information.
School of Nursing
Newsletter
The Triad
is posted periodically in various locations throughout the School.
Publications consist of text
book information and availability, financial aid updates,
announcements and class activities.
The
School manages disputes and/or grievances in a fair and
equitable manner utilizing due process. The Student
Grievance/Appeals Process is as follows:
Student
Grievance/Appeals Process
This process is
available to any student who has a disagreement concerning the
interpretation and/or the application of, or compliance with any
school policy.
Matters which
can be pursued through this process include, but are not limited
to, equal opportunity, American’s with Disabilities Act, sexual
harassment/ violence, accommodations, probation, financial aid
procedures and grading practices.
The
grievance/appeal process is comprised of voluntary informal and
formal steps. It is the goal to resolve problems informally
whenever possible. The student is advised to discuss the concern
directly with the person with whom there is a disagreement. In
cases of sexual harassment or violence allegation, the student
is not required to discuss the allegation informally and has the
right to end the informal process at any time and proceed to the
formal stage of due process.
To initiate the
formal process, the student must contact the Coordinator of
Student Affairs within two days of the incident and submit
written notification which includes any relevant documentation.
The Director of
Trinity Health System School of Nursing activates the
grievance/appeals committee which is comprised of the following;
The Director
(nonvoting)
School of
Nursing Secretary (minutes)
Designated
faculty members (voting)
Student Service
Committee representatives (voting) - only for cases involving
alleged sexual harassment/ violence. The student has the right
to waive (in writing) the participation of his/her peers if
desired.
The Director
sets the date and time of the hearing within ten (10) days of
the complaint as well as conducts the hearing.
The involved
parties are notified in writing of the above action in
sufficient time to insure preparation for the meeting. Witnesses
may be called by the student regarding allegations of sexual
misconduct.
All persons
involved are in attendance during the fact presentation. Only
committee members will be present during the voting.
The decision
will be based on the facts relevant to the situation.
Both parties
will receive a written notification of the decision.
If a
complainant disagrees with the outcome of the hearing, he/she
may appeal the decision in writing to the Director within two
(2) days.
The Director
will appoint a neutral School/ Hospital representative to review
the proceedings. If proper procedures were followed, the appeals
process is terminated and the decision is final.
In the case of
a Title IX and 504 Grievance, the decision may be appealed by
the complainant to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department
of Education (Follow Step 3 of the Title IX and Section 504
Grievance Procedure located in Section V of the Student
Handbook).
The student’s
status remains unchanged until a final decision has been
rendered.
All
documentation of the grievance/appeals procedure will be
maintained separate from the “educational record” in the School
Office.
Regardless of
the source of the grievance, the student is granted the
opportunity to have a fair, prompt and equitable resolution of
the concern. Resolution will occur after an impartial
investigation of the complaint has been conducted. Every effort
is made to ensure confidentiality under the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The complainant is informed if
confidentiality cannot be maintained.
In accordance
with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, Trinity Health System School of Nursing is required to maintain
confidentiality of the academic records of a student or alumnus.
Students are informed of their FERPA rights annually via the student
Handbook. A student has the right to review his/her record(s) according
to established School of Nursing policy.
When a student
has a legal name change, documentation must be submitted to the
school office so that the appropriate name change may be placed on student
records.
All requests
for transcripts must be in writing. A transcript may be obtained
for a fee of three dollars, payable in advance. An official transcript
is sent directly to an educational institution or to an employing
institution.
Trinity Health
System School of Nursing follows the Family Education Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment) in reference to
Student Record Policies.
Procedure to
Inspect Education Records
Students may
inspect and review their education records upon request to the appropriate
record custodian.
Students should
submit to the record custodian or an appropriate School staff person
a written request which identifies, as precisely as possible, the
record or records he or she wishes to inspect.
The record custodian
or an appropriate School staff person will make the needed arrangements
for access as promptly as possible and notify the student of the
time and place where the records may be inspected. Access must be
given in 45 days or less from the receipt of the request.
When a record
contains information about more than one student, the student may
inspect and review only the records which relate to him or her.
Trinity Health
System School of Nursing reserves the right to refuse to permit a
student to inspect the following records.
The
financial statement of the student’s parents.
Letters and
statements of recommendation for which the student has waved his
or her right of access, or which were placed in his or her file
before January 1, 1975.
Records
connected with an application to attend Trinity Health System
School of Nursing if that application was denied.
Those
records which are excluded from the FERPA definition of education
records.
Refusal to
Provide Copies
Trinity Health
System School of Nursing reserves the right to deny transcripts or
copies of educational records not required to be made available by
FERPA in any of the following situations:
The student
has an unsettled financial obligation to Trinity Health System.
There is an
unresolved disciplinary action against the student.
The student
has not fulfilled requirements of the withdrawal/graduation
policies.
Fees for
Copies of Records
The fee for
copies of educational records is three dollars per transcript.
Trinity Health
System will disclose information from a student’s educational
records only with the written consent of the student, except:
To School
officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records.
A School official is: a person employed by the School in an administrative,
supervisory, academic, research or support staff position; a person
elected to the Board of Trustees; a person employed by or under
contract to the school to perform a special task, such as the
attorney or auditor. A School official has a legitimate educational
interest if the official is performing a task that is specified
in his or her position description or by a contract agreement;
performing a task related to a student’s education; performing
a task related to the discipline of a student; providing a service
or benefit relating to the student or student’s family, such
as health care, counseling, job placement, or financial aid.
To officials
of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends
to enroll.
To certain
officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller
General, state and local educational authorities in connection
with certain state or federally supported education programs.
In connection
with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid
as necessary to determine the eligibility, amount, the conditions
of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of
the aid.
If required
by a state law requiring disclosure that was adopted before November
19, 1974.
To organizations
conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the School.
To accrediting
organizations to carry out their functions.
To parents
of an eligible student who claim the student as a dependent for
income tax purposes.
To the
students.
To comply
with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.
To appropriate
parties in health or safety emergency.
Directory
information so designated by the School.
Results of
a disciplinary hearing.
The results
of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the School against
an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence to the alleged
victim of that crime.
Disclosure
to a parent of a student under 21 if the institution determines
that the student has committed a violation of its drug or alcohol
rules or policies (regardless of student's dependent status).
Record of Requests
for Disclosure
Trinity Health
System School of Nursing will maintain a record of all requests for and/or
disclosure of information from a student’s education records.
The record will indicate the name of the party making the request,
any additional party to whom it may be re-disclosed, and the legitimate
interest the party has in requesting or obtaining the information.
The record may be reviewed by the parents or eligible student.
Directory Information
Trinity Health
System School of Nursing designates the following items as directory
information: student name, address, telephone number, e-mail, date and place
of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized
activities, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received and
the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended.
Trinity Health System School of Nursing may disclose any of these
items without prior written consent, unless notified in writing
to the contrary during the first two-weeks of the Fall Semester.
Students have
the right to ask for records to be corrected that they believe are inaccurate,
misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights. The following
are the procedures for the correction of records:
The student
must ask the Director of the School to amend a record in writing.
The student should identify the part of the record he/she wants
changed and specify why he/she believes it is inaccurate, misleading
or in violation of his/her privacy or other rights.
The Faculty
Organization must reach a decision and inform the student of this
decision, in writing, within a reasonable time after receipt of
the request. If the Faculty Organization decides not to comply,
the Director will notify the student of the decision and advise
the student of the right to a hearing to challenge the
information believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in
violation of student's rights.
Upon request,
the School will arrange for a hearing, and notify the student,
reasonably in advance, of the day, place, and time of the hearing.
The hearing
will be conducted by a hearing officer who is a disinterested
party; however, the hearing officer may be an official of the
institution. The student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity
to present evidence relevant to the issues raised in the original
request to amend the student’s education records. The student
may be assisted by one or more individuals, including an attorney.
The School
will prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence presented
at the hearing. The decision will include a summary of the
evidence presented and the reasons for the decision.
If the School decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right of privacy, it will amend the
record and notify the student, in writing, that the record has
been amended.
If the
School decides that the challenged information is not
inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right
of privacy, it will notify the student of a right
to place in the record a statement commenting on the challenged
information and/or a statement setting forth
reasons for disagreeing with the decision.
The statement will be maintained as part of the
student’s education records as long as the contested portion
is maintained. If the School discloses the contested portion of
the record, it must also disclose the statement.
Note:
1. Notification of student rights under the Act need not be sent to
former students.
2. Schools need only make a “reasonable effort” to notify
students of a subpoena in advance of compliance.
3. Parents of students attending the School are not given a right
to inspect student records (e.g. negative grades) without student
consent.
4. The opportunity for a hearing as specified in 99.21 of the regulations
should not be construed to apply to questions concerning the underlying
reasons for the granting of a
particular grade. Instead, a hearing to determine the accuracy of
any grade should be confined to the issue of whether or not the recorded
grade corresponded to the grade reported by the faculty member.
Alleged failures
to comply with the requirements of FERPA may be filed by students
with the US Department of Education. The name and address of the Office
that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202 - 5920
Types, Locations,
and Custodians of Education Records
Types
Locations
Custodian
Admissions
Records
Before
Entrance:
Office of Student Affairs After Enrollment:
School Office
Coordinator, Student Affairs Director, School of Nursing
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