�ǿմ�ý

Will become available before the start of the fall 2026 semester.

�ǿմ�ý (�ǿմ�ý)

Nursing Department

Policy: Attendance

If �ǿմ�ý classes are officially cancelled, students will not be allowed or required to attend on campus class/lab/simulation/sessions.

Clinical instructors will provide final directives if �ǿմ�ý classes are cancelled for reasons other than weather.

THEORY ATTENDANCE:

Students are strongly encouraged to arrive to class on time. Arriving late to class can be distracting to others in the classroom environment. Students are also strongly encouraged to remain in class for the entire class session until a break time is designated. Students leaving the classroom and then returning may be disruptive to others in the classroom.

Missed class sessions cannot be “made up”. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain notes and lecture material pertaining to any missed class time. Students missing class should refer to the Learning Management System and/or classmates to retrieve missed class materials or information.

Doors will be locked at the start of the class session on test days. If a student is late to the classroom or testing center on a test day, they will not be able to start the test and will need to make alternate testing arrangements with the instructor. Refer to the student testing policy.

Hybrid or Online Courses:

Since an online class does not physically meet, attending means "doing academic work." Therefore, it is important that the student completes work every week.

CLINICAL, LABORATORY, AND SIMULATION ATTENDANCE:

Attendance is required for these components of the nursing program. Students are expected to be on time and in attendance for the entire time period.

In the event a student missed clinical, lab or simulation time, students will be required to make up this time to ensure the student is able to meet the course objectives. In this case, make-up or lost time will be arranged by the instructor and appropriate coordinator (clinical, lab, or simulation).

Clinical/lab/simulation requirements for each nursing course are designed to provide students with the necessary time to develop appropriate competencies for safe, level-appropriate nursing practice. Therefore, it is critical that students attend all assigned clinical/lab/simulation hours. Students who arrive for clinical/lab/simulation assignments on time and prepared are demonstrating expected professional behaviors. Students may not jeopardize the health and safety of others or themselves by attending clinical/lab/simulation if they are ill. Students may be dismissed from clinical/lab/simulation at the discretion of the instructor and/or Clinical Coordinator for health reasons and/or being unprepared for clinical/lab/simulation expectations. This will result in a clinical/lab/simulation absence.

The following clinical/lab/simulation attendance policy has been adopted by the nursing program:  

·       The �ǿմ�ý Nursing Program curriculum of study has a determined number of clinical/lab/simulation hours that are required of its students. It is the student’s responsibility to attend all assigned sessions. Students who do not meet the required hours will not meet the course objectives. Failure to meet the course objectives will result in a student being unable to progress in the program. 

·       In case of absence, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate clinical, lab, or simulation faculty member, and coordinator. Students are to notify the faculty member at least 1 hour prior to the start of the clinical/lab/simulation session. Failure to do so is considered unprofessional and unsafe practice resulting in unsatisfactory performance as outlined in the clinical grading criteria.

·       Missed clinical/lab/simulation sessions must be made up and will be arranged with the instructor and appropriate coordinator (clinical, lab, or simulation).

·       Students who fail to attend their scheduled validation time will forfeit their lab points for attendance and dress code that week. Students who miss or reschedule a make-up validation will incur a 2% deduction in their score each business day until their make-up validation is completed.

Clinical instructors will provide final directives if �ǿմ�ý classes are cancelled for reasons other than weather.

Action taken when a student misses clinical/lab/simulation time:

1.     When a student has a clinical/lab/simulation absence, the absence will be documented on a clinical attendance roster. The attendance roster will follow students throughout the course of the nursing program.

2.     The faculty, appropriate coordinator (clinical, lab, or simulation), and student will arrange clinical/lab/simulation make-up time.

3.     There will be a $30/hour fee that the student will be charged for any clinical/lab/simulation missed time. All fees must be paid before a grade will be issued.

4.     In the event that the clinical site cannot accommodate clinical make-up time, the student will be provided with alternative methods for making up the time. Alternative methods can include but are not limited to the following: simulation, written assignments, and/or an incomplete.

5.     When the clinical/lab/simulation make-up time is completed, this information will be added to the clinical attendance roster.

6.     If a student is absent for 2 or more clinical/lab/simulation sessions in a semester, the student will be contacted by the associated coordinator to discuss the absences. At the discretion of the associated coordinator, the student may be referred to the Director of Nursing for disciplinary action which may include probation up to and including termination from the program.

7.     If a student misses simulation the absence will be reflected in the course clinical evaluation tool.

Revised: 04/02/25 LC/TZ; 05/11/26 LC

�ǿմ�ý (�ǿմ�ý)

Nursing Department

Policy: Academic Integrity  

We expect students to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity during their time in �ǿմ�ý’s Nursing program. Cheating and plagiarism are two of the most obvious violations of academic integrity. �ǿմ�ý’s nursing program adheres to the Code of Ethics of Nurses established by the American Nurses Association as well as the �ǿմ�ý Code of Student Conduct. 

Standards of integrity expected:

Honest representation of required coursework.

1. Responsibility and accountability for individual judgments and actions.

2. Act to safeguard the patient and the public when health care and safety are affected by the incompetent, unethical, or illegal practice of another.

3. Uphold HIPAA and practice confidentiality within the college and health-care system.

4. Adhere to the �ǿմ�ý’s Code of Student Conduct found in the College Catalog.

Penalties:  

Academic integrity violations can result in a zero for an assignment/test, probation, suspension, or permanent dismissal from the nursing program. Fabrication of any documentation will result in disciplinary action.

Refer to Unsatisfactory Performance policy.

Revised: 04/02/25 LC/TZ; Reviewed 05/11/26 LC

�ǿմ�ý (�ǿմ�ý)

Nursing Department

Policy: Behavior/Conduct

Student Code of Ethics:

Refer to the College Catalog for �ǿմ�ý’s Code of Student Conduct

In addition to the Code of Student Conduct:

1. Nursing students have the right to be treated with respect and are responsible to treat others with respect.

2. Students are expected to always conduct themselves honestly and with integrity. 

3. Fabrication of any documentation will result in disciplinary action.

4. Behavior which threatens the public’s health, welfare, and/or safety will constitute grounds for disciplinary action.

5. Behavior which jeopardizes our community partnership will constitute grounds for disciplinary action.

6. Nursing students have a right to quality education, review of formative evaluation and due process.

7. Nursing students have the right to fair academic and clinical evaluations of their performance.

8. Nursing students have the right to confidentiality of information concerning grades and performance.

9. Nursing students have the right to participate in course and faculty evaluation.

10. Nursing students have the right to awareness of self as an individual with varying physical, emotional and developmental needs.

11. Nursing students have the right to education in a school of nursing approved by the State Board of Nursing and clinical instruction at a qualified facility/setting.

12. Nursing students have the right to appeal disciplinary action related to the nursing program.

All patients deserve dignity and respect and are to be treated equally, compassionately, and professionally regardless of their illness, injury, race, beliefs, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, abilities, etc. Students who display discriminatory practices will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the nursing program.

Revised: 04/02/25 LC/TZ; Reviewed 03/30/26 LC

�ǿմ�ý (�ǿմ�ý)

Nursing Department

Policy: Confidentiality & Privacy

All students in �ǿմ�ý’s nursing program are required to complete confidentiality training on admission and at periodic intervals as deemed necessary by the nursing department and/or clinical partners. All students are required to follow HIPAA federal regulations.

Students must:

• Always respect the rights of patients.

• Treat patients consistent with the standards of care and education they have been provided.

• Never release information about patients to anyone outside of the immediate health-care team currently caring for that patient.

All information gained for and about patients at clinical sites is confidential. Students are not permitted to take pictures of patients, photocopy/scan any health care documents, or share any other information as it relates to the patient or institution’s setting. Information gained in any of the educational settings within the nursing program is not to be shared through any means or removed from the clinical site/setting. Any clinical documentation prepared by students must refer to patients without identifying factors.

A student's failure to adhere to this standard of confidentiality will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the nursing program. In addition, they will be prohibited from pursuing any other course or program of study at �ǿմ�ý that requires a HIPAA release form.

Revised: 04/02/25 LC/TZ; 03/30/26 LC

�ǿմ�ý (�ǿմ�ý)

Nursing Department

Policy: Dress Code

The clinical, lab, and simulation dress code is developed based on our clinical partners’ and �ǿմ�ý’s values, customs, cultures, and standards; however, the code may or may not correspond with your values, customs, cultures, or standards. It is essential that we demonstrate respect for the patients in our care and the institutions that are allowing us to “practice”. Therefore, the following dress code has been developed. 

NOTE: A clinical site dress code policy may deviate from the �ǿմ�ý Nursing Program dress code.

Clinical, lab, and simulation instructors or their designee will perform nursing uniform inspections. Students who do not pass inspection in clinical will be dismissed from clinical that day and will be required to pay $30 per hour to make up the missed time. In the laboratory and simulation setting, students may be dismissed and/or receive point deductions for that day. Refer to the Skills Lab handbook and the course syllabi.

Students are expected to wear a �ǿմ�ý approved nursing uniform purchased from the �ǿմ�ý bookstore or Nye Uniform. The student must maintain a professional, clean, and neat appearance in the clinical setting. Some clinical partners may require different uniforms. In these instances, students are expected to conform to the institutional regulations. Clinical faculty will determine when the situation requires deviation from the college uniform and what will be acceptable. Uniforms purchased from other vendors will not be allowed.

Uniforms must fit properly and be of appropriate length for professional attire. Pants will not drag on the floor/ground. 

Appropriate undergarments must be worn and must not be visible. It is unacceptable to have tops that show cleavage or midriff when bending or moving. Students may wear a solid white, grey, or black short sleeve or long sleeve shirt (ex. no graphics, no holes, no stains) under their uniforms if needed for warmth.

1. Shoes should be clean with a solid upper. The color may be white, black, or brown in color. Minimal accent color may be permitted at the discretion of the Clinical Coordinator or their designee. Shoes must be enclosed with no open heels or open toes. Shoes should have no holes. The foot must be enclosed from toe to heel. Shoes and laces must be clean. Shoes cannot be canvas.  Socks or hose are required to be worn as part of the uniform.

2. �ǿմ�ý Student Picture ID or agency required ID must be worn at all times during clinical rotations. No other pins, tags, or paraphernalia may be worn. Students are also required to wear their �ǿմ�ý or agency issued badge reels and name tag holders.

3. No sunglasses and/or artificial intelligence (AI) glasses are permitted. Prescription tinted and transition lenses are acceptable, please inform faculty of such.

4. Cell phones cannot be visible in patient care areas including lab and simulation settings.

5. Students are expected to have appropriate body and dental hygiene as evidenced by bathing and teeth brushing as well as the use of deodorant.  

6. Hair must be clean, worn neatly, and secured up and off the shoulders with solid color, no graphics hair accessories. Hair color must be natural shades of blonde, brown, black, grey, or red. No partial head shaving, patterning, or spiking is permitted. Students are expected to keep facial hair clean and neatly trimmed with minimal length.    

7. Perfume, deodorant, hair spray, after-shave, or other body care products with strong scents are not permitted.

8. Tobacco products, marijuana products, vaping products, and electronic cigarettes are not permitted at �ǿմ�ý or at any health-care facility.

9. Uniforms, bodies, breath, and/or clothing will not have a tobacco/marijuana product odor.

10. Gum chewing is not permitted in clinical settings.   

11. Acceptable jewelry includes: a watch with a second hand, a banded ring, and only post earrings. No visible, facial jewelry is permitted.  Medical identification jewelry is allowed.

12. Any potentially offensive visible tattooing must be covered. 

13. Makeup may be worn in moderation. 

14. Fingernails are to be clean and no longer than the fingertip. Only clear nail polish may be worn. No artificial nails are permitted in the clinical setting.

Revised: 04/21/25 LC/TZ; 05/11/26 LC

This will become available before the start of fall 2026 semester.

Will become available before the start of the fall 2026 semester.

�ǿմ�ý (�ǿմ�ý)

Nursing Department

Policy: Unsatisfactory Performance

Purpose: It is expected that all students will follow the code of ethics for nursing practice in providing safe, evidence-based care to all patients.

Below are examples of unsatisfactory performance that may lead to probation, suspension, or dismissal. This list is non-inclusive of all scenarios.

1. Unsafe, or potentially unsafe clinical nursing practices.

   • Errors in medication administration or calculation.

   • Violation of nursing principles resulting in actual or potential patient harm.

   • Failure to safely adapt nursing skills to actual patient care.

   • Failure to demonstrate adequate preparation for the clinical experience.

   • Failure to demonstrate sound judgment.

   • Performing a procedure without the guidance of a qualified individual (instructor or designee).

2. Failure to establish effective working relationships with health team members in providing patient care.

   • Not reporting off to the nurse in charge of your patient.

   • Failure to notify the health team of pertinent changes in the patient’s health.

   • Ineffective or inappropriate communication with health team members, including faculty, staff, or peers.

3. Failure to establish effective therapeutic relationships with patients.

   • Willfully or unintentionally do physical and/or mental harm to a patient.

   • Exhibiting careless or negligent behavior in connection with the care of a patient.

   • Refusing to assume assigned care of a patient.

   • Inability to establish effective communication with a patient, patient's family, patient’s visitors, the staff, faculty, or a peer.

4. Failure to maintain confidentiality of patient information.

   • Using the name of a patient in written assignments.

   • Discussing confidential information in inappropriate areas (including but not limited to: public areas, and via email/social networks/instant messaging).

   • Discussing confidential information about your nursing educational experience (including, but not limited to: patients, clinical settings, practitioners) with third parties who do not have a legitimate need to know.

   • Seeking information on patients when it is not necessary in your role as a student.

   • Leaving the clinical setting with any records or documents related to a patient including paperwork which contains identifying information about a patient.

5. Dishonesty

   • Falsifying patient records or fabricating client experiences or nursing actions.

   • Failing to report omission of/or error in treatments or medications.

   • Dishonesty in any setting with faculty and/or staff.

   • Violations of established Nursing Codes of Ethics:

     • The Code of Ethics for Nurses

     • American Nurses Association Standards of Professional Performance

6. Failure to assume the student responsibilities in the nursing program.

   • Repeat tardiness or absence.

   • Inappropriate personal appearance.

   • Inappropriate behavior.

   • Unethical or immoral behavior.

   • Failure to submit required written work or repeated lateness in submitting work.

   • The use of vulgar language.

   • Behaviors that jeopardize the program and clinical partner’s affiliation.

   • Any illegal activity or behaviors which would result in professional discipline/sanctions for licenses nurses.

   • Any display of disrespect for any group including race, culture, sexual orientation, gender, or other characteristics.

Student misconduct can result in probation, suspension, or permanent dismissal from the nursing program.

 Probation, suspension, or permanent dismissal will be based on unsafe and/or unprofessional conduct toward students, faculty, patients, agency personnel, or staff. These components are instituted, when necessary, by the faculty member in collaboration with the Director of Nursing or their designee. Consistent with agency affiliation agreements, the clinical agency has the right to request the College to terminate and withdraw any student whose work or conduct may be unsatisfactory to the clinical agency.  

Written Warning:

Defined as a documented formal conversation between an instructor and a student about not meeting a clinical objective.

1. Student’s inability to meet course clinical objectives and to demonstrate responsible, ethical, and safe behavior will be evaluated by instructors.   

2. Instructors will inform students when their performance is unsatisfactory in meeting course clinical objectives. Instructors and students will arrange an individual conference to specify a written advisement plan to assist the student in correcting or improving their performance.

3. If the unsatisfactory performance is not corrected, the next step is probation.

4. Students can immediately be placed on probation, suspended, or permanently dismissed from the program based on the clinical evaluation rubric and/or specific circumstances.

Probation:

Defined as a procedure that informs students that they are not meeting clinical objectives. The probation procedure is available to help assist a student to focus on meeting clinical objectives that will allow progression in the nursing program.

The steps in the probation process are as follows:

1. The probation form will be completed by the instructor.

2. The student and instructor will discuss and review the probation terms.

3. The student and instructor will sign the probation form.

4. A copy of the probation form will be given to the student and the clinical coordinator. The original signed form will be submitted to the Administrative Assistant for Health and Community Partnerships to be maintained in the student’s permanent file.

5. The instructor and student will meet as determined in the probation form to evaluate progress and determine if the terms of probation have been met.

   • If the terms of probation have been met, the student is able to continue onto the next course.

     • The student and instructor will sign the re-evaluation of probation form.

     • A copy of the re-evaluation of probation form will be given to the student and the clinical coordinator. The original signed form will be submitted to the Administrative Assistant for Health and Community Partnerships to be maintained in the student’s permanent file.

   • If the terms of probation have not been met, the student is suspended from the nursing program.

A student must meet the probationary terms to be taken off the probation status. Probation may carry over from one semester to the next if deemed appropriate by the instructor in collaboration with the Director of Nursing. The amount of time the student is on probation is to be determined by the instructor and the Director of Nursing.

Suspension:

Suspension is defined as a temporary interruption in progression within the nursing program.

Nursing students may be suspended for unsatisfactory achievement of any nursing program objectives. This includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Inability to achieve the minimum 78% average on theory tests.

2. Inability to achieve the minimum 78% average in lab components of theory courses.

3. Unsatisfactory probation.

4. Academic dishonesty.

A student is permitted one suspension with a corresponding re-entry. Refer to the re-entry process for details.

Dismissal:

Dismissal is defined as a permanent removal from the nursing program.

Nursing students may be dismissed from the program for any of the following reasons:

1. Any action resulting in actual or potential physical or mental harm to a patient.

2. Performing a procedure without the guidance of a qualified individual (instructor or designee).

3. Failure to maintain confidentiality of patient information as defined by HIPAA.

4. Dishonesty in the clinical setting, such as:

   • Falsifying patient records or fabricating patient experiences or nursing actions.

   • Failing to report omission of or an error in treatments.

5. Any other action or behavior that would put our partnership with a clinical agency at risk.

Steps for dismissal process:

1. The instructor will meet with the Director of Nursing.

2. The student will meet with appropriate �ǿմ�ý staff to discuss dismissal.

3. The student will have the opportunity to defend actions through a face-to-face meeting or written communication.

4. �ǿմ�ý staff will evaluate the student’s defense and facts related to the dismissal and return a decision.

5. The final decision will be sent via �ǿմ�ý student email.

6. If a student is dismissed, the student is ineligible to return to the nursing program.

Revised: 04/02/25 LC/TZ; 05/11/26 LC