MSN and Post Master’s Academic Policies and Procedures

Transfer and Matriculation Policies

MATRICULATION

A matriculated student is one who has been accepted officially into the master’s degree programs. Two master’s level courses may be taken before matriculation. Students may be required to complete supplemental course work either prior to admission or as part of the course of studies.

A non-matriculated student is one who is taking a course for credit, but has not yet been accepted officially into the master’s program. These students must submit the usual application for admission. No more than two courses earned by a student in a non-matriculated status may be applied toward the degree upon acceptance as a matriculated student.

TRANSFER OF CREDITS

The following guidelines have been established by the School of Nursing for acceptance of master’s level course work taken previously at Widener University or at other institutions:

• A maximum of two master’s level courses earned at another accredited institution within the five-year period preceding admission may be accepted for transfer upon admission to the master’s program.
• Courses taken prior to admission to the MSN program, either within or outside the university, will be accepted only if the student has earned a grade of A or B (not B-) in the courses under consideration. Grades of “Satisfactory” or “Pass” are transferable as elective courses. The process in considering requests for transfer of graduate credit is as follows:
  • An official request for transfer credit must be submitted to the Program Director. If transfer credit is requested in lieu of required courses in the program, a course syllabus must accompany the request.
  • Requests for transfer of graduate credit will be approved upon recommendation of the program director in collaboration with the faculty who is a content expert in the area.
  • Required graduate courses in statistics and conceptual models/theories may not be used for transfer credit because they are prerequisites for admission.

Grading Policies

GRADING SCALE FOR THE SCHOOL OF NURSING GRADUTE COURSES

Note: Individual instructors may elect, at their descretion, not to use plus/minus grades.

* Only for courses offered on a Pass/No Pass basis

Standards of Academic Integrity

The School of Nursing adheres to the University policy of academic integrity as stipulated in the University Student Handbook and as stated below. Student appeals related to allegations of academic fraud are heard by Academic Council of the School of Nursing.

Academic Integrity Statement Widener University strongly supports the concepts of academic freedom and academic integrity and expects students and all other members of the Widener University community to be honest in all academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, and all other forms of academic fraud are serious and unacceptable violations of university policies on academic honesty, and Widener will not accept a claim of ignorance - either of the policy itself or of what constitutes academic fraud as a valid defense against such a charge.

Definition of Violations of the Standards of Academic Integrity

Violations of the standard of Academic Integrity constitute academic fraud. Academic fraud consists of any actions that serve to undermine the integrity of the academic process, including but not limited to:

1. unauthorized inspection or duplication of test materials;
2. cheating, attempting to cheat, or assisting others to cheat in a classroom test, take home examination or final examination;
3. post-test alteration of examination responses;
4. plagiarism;
5. electronic or computer fraud.

In addition to but not limited to the above, for the School of Nursing violations of academic integrity include:

1. unauthorized possession or disposition of academic material not formally released by course faculty;
2. falsifying or altering clinical/patient records or other recordings;
3. not reporting patient safety errors, etc.;
4. falsifying research data or data analysis; and
5. specific clinical behaviors identified in nursing courses.

Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism—submitting the work of others as one’s own—is a serious offense. In the academic world, plagiarism is theft. Information from sources—whether quoted, paraphrased, or summarized—must be given credit through specific citations. When a student paraphrases a work, it is still necessary to cite the original source. Merely rearranging a sentence or changing a few words is not sufficient. The citation style should be appropriate for the discipline and should clearly indicate the beginning and ending of the referenced material. All sources used in the preparation of an academic paper must also be listed with full bibliographic details at the end of the paper, as appropriate in the discipline.

Statement of Plagiarism

Plagiarism - passing off the work of others as one’s own - is a serious offense. In the academic world, plagiarism is theft. Information from sources - whether quoted, paraphrased, or summarized -must be given credit through specific in-text citations. All sources used in the preparation of an academic paper must also be listed with full biographic details at the end of the paper. It is especially important that paraphrase be both cited and put into one’s own words. Merely rearranging a sentence or changing a few words is not sufficient.

Self-Plagiarism

Is the presentation of your own previously published work as original.  Incorporating previous classwork into one’s thesis or dissertation and building on one’s own existing writing may be permissible; graduate students who wish to do this should first disclose and discuss their ideas with their instructor or advisor (https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/citations/plagiarism). Submitting all or part of a paper used in a previous graduate class as part of a current graduate class assignment should not be done without first discussing with instructor.

Penalties

The minimal penalty for individuals found to have engaged in academic fraud will be failure in the course.

For a second offense, the penalty will be failure in the course and expulsion from the University.

For attempting to steal or stealing an examination, students found guilty will be failed in the course and expelled from the University.

The minimal penalty for individuals in the Doctoral program will be failure in the course and expulsion from the School of Nursing.

Advisement and Academic Policies

ACADEMIC ADVISING

All students are assigned a School of Nursing Academic Advisor upon admission. The Academic Advisor works with the student to develop a plan of study.

ACADEMIC RECORDS

Graduate students’ records are kept in the Graduate Nursing Office. The record contains such information as course grades, clinical evaluations, correspondence, course planning form, etc. The academic record is the property of the University. Students are permitted to view this record in the presence of their advisor. Written permission must be obtained from the student for any release of documents.

COURSE OVERLOAD

Nine credits in the fall and spring semesters and six credits in one summer session are recognized as normal course load for full-time students. Students, as adult learners, have the right to make decisions related to their learning needs. However, faculty believe a course load above nine credits for fall/spring or six credits in one summer session has potential for creating academic jeopardy. Students enrolling for more than nine credits during fall/spring semester or six credits in one summer session must have approval from their faculty advisor and the Program Director.

 COURSE REGISTRATION

Students are emailed a specific date and time after which they may register at any time during the registration window. 

NOTE: A plan of study should be developed with the Academic Advisor. Upon completion, the Academic Advisor will place one copy in the student’s file and provide a copy to the student assist with course planning.

SPECIAL ACADEMIC POLICIES

• When a course is taken as a prerequisite for master’s study, the grade will be recorded on the transcript with an asterisk, indicating that the course is not included in calculating the master’s program grade point average.
• Following a request from the student, including an explanation of the extenuating circumstances involved, a professor may give a course grade of incomplete (I) if circumstances justify an extension of time required to complete the course. A student with an “I” in any course that is a prerequisite to another course will not be allowed to enroll in the subsequent course until the I in the prerequisite has been removed and replaced by a satisfactory grade. An “I” must be resolved within one calendar year from the end of the semester in which the course was taken or it will convert to an F.
• A grade of B (not B-) or higher is required for all graduae courses.
• An independent study course may be taken when a required course is not available in a timely manner. Approval for the independent study is required from the student’s academic advisor and the Academic Program Director. Independent studies are offered for students requiring mastery of additional content in order to proceed. Students may request an independent study for a topic of special interest if the independent study credits are not needed to meet graduation requirements. The same approval process as noted above is required.
• All requests for exceptions to these policies should be referred to the Academic Program Director.

WITHDRAWAL

A student may withdraw from a course at any time prior to the final examination and receive the grade of W. If a course offered through these programs does not include a final examination, the deadline for withdrawing from the course with a grade of W is the final class meeting for the course.

REFUNDS

Refunds for courses are determined by the University. The effective date used for all adjustment of charges will be the date that written notice of the withdrawal is received by the appropriate office of Widener University.

Progression Policies

ACADEMIC PROGESS TIME LIMIT

A maximum of five (5) calendar years from the date of matriculation is allowed for completion of the requirements for the master’s degree. Students must enroll in both fall and spring semesters of the academic year through the completion of required master’s course work. Students who do not follow this policy may be dropped from the program.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA)

Students who do not take at least one course per semester must submit a written request for a leave of absence, including the rationale, to the Academic Program Director for the semester in which they are not enrolled. Those who do not do so may be dropped from the program.

A leave of absence will extend the time limit for completion of the master’s program by the length of the leave. The total cumulative leave time applied to extensions shall not exceed two academic years. Exceptions to the policy will be referred to the Academic Program Director.

REINSTATEMENT TO THE PROGRAM

Students who have withdrawn from the program may petition for readmission by filing a new application. Such requests must be sent to the Academic Program Director no later than 30 days prior to the start of the semester in which the student expects to enroll.

Dismissal Policies

• Students are expected to maintain satisfactory progress towards a degree. A student’s record begins with the first course credited to the master’s degree program and includes subsequent courses.
• Master’s students are required to maintain at least a B (3.0) average. Only students with a 3.0 or better GPA will graduate. Courses for which grades lower than B (3.0) are received may be repeated. No more than two repetitions total and only one repetition of a particular course is allowed. If a course is repeated, both grades will be recorded on the transcript, but only the most recent grade is used in calculating the grade point average. However, if a student is found to be in violation of Widener’s academic fraud policies, that student is prohibited from exercising the repeat of course option to remove the F grade (given as a result of fraud) from the GPA calculation. A student whose academic performance is considered inadequate will be dismissed from the program.
• Conduct inconsistent with the ethical and professional standards of discipline, whether it occurs before or after matriculation, is also grounds for dismissal from the program. Such conduct includes academic fraud. A student dismissed for academic fraud may no longer enroll in the graduate programs of the university may not apply for admission into another division of the university. Please see the section entitled “Policy Regarding Academic Fraud” in the Widener University Graduate Student Catalog at catalog.widener.edu.

Graduation Requirements

Students are eligible to petition for graduation, based upon anticipated completion of the curricular requirements. Students must petition within the timeframe designated by the Office of the Registrar. MSN candidates are not permitted to participate in graduation and commencement activities prior to completion of all degree requirements.

Due Process/Formal Grade Appeal Policies

See School of Nursing Grading Policy  in Navigation Bar of this Handbook

DUE PROCESS POLICY

Students in the School of Nursing are afforded opportunities to express their interests, issues, and concerns through student representation as voting members on selected SON standing committees, including Undergraduate Programs Committee, Graduate Programs Committee, and Student Affairs Committee. Students may also voice concerns by completion of Course and Faculty Evaluations at the end of each course.

Grievance issues related to discrimination and harassment, and or violation of the Widener Compact shall be addressed by the University policies and procedures outlined in the Undergraduate and Graduate University Catalogs.

FORMAL GRADE APPEAL POLICY

It is the policy of the School of Nursing to allow students to appeal the final course grade if they believe their grade has been derived in a manner not consistent with the fair and equitable application of evaluation criteria specified in the syllabus.

DEFINITION: A grade subject to the Grade Appeal Policy is a final grade the student believes to be derived in a manner not consistent the application of grading criteria found in the course syllabus and/or a grade the student believes to have been miscalculated, again based on the criteria specified within the course syllabus.

SHARED GOVERNANCE-STUDENT REPRESENTATION ON SCHOOL OF NURSING COMMITTEES

SCHOOL OF NURSING COMMITTEES

Students are represented at School of Nursing Faculty meetings and on several School of Nursing Committees. Listed below are the committees with their respective functions and membership guidelines.

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNANCE

Student representation on School of Nursing committees is an important aspect in the development and advancement of the nursing curricula and programs. The standing committee that graduate students may serve on is the School of Nursing Graduate Program Committee. Its respective functions and student membership are outlined below.

GRADUATE PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Functions:

1. To consider, study, analyze, develop and evaluate the curriculum and course changes submitted by the faculty and/or students.
2. To develop, review and recommend graduate curriculum changes to the faculty.
3. To develop, review and recommend policies for graduate programs.
4. Develop and implement admission policies for graduate programs.
5. To review and recommend changes to the committee bylaws and submit changes to the Faculty Affairs committee by March 1 of each year.
6. By March 1 of each year, review and recommend changes, if appropriate, to the following sections of the SON Faculty Handbook and submit changes to the Faculty Affairs committee: Goals and Outcomes of the Masters Program, Goals and Outcomes of the Doctoral Programs, Standards of Professional Practice.

Student Membership:

1. Students will be invited by the Committee Chair to serve as directed in the Bylaws. Students represented on the School of Nursing committees shall be granted voting privileges.
2. Student representation shall include one (1) masters, one (1) DNP, and one (1) PhD student

GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS

DEAN’S GRADUATE STUDENT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE (MSN)

Eligibility for School of Nursing Awards is based on academic excellence, scholarship and community services.

Dean’s Award is given annually to a student who is granted the degree of Master of Science in Nursing. This award recognizes individual leadership, scholarship and service during the course of study in the master’s program.

Criteria for Selection

1. Completed all requirements for graduation from any of the Master of Science in Nursing Programs

2. Minimum GPA of 3.5

3. Evidence of Leadership in the nursing profession

4. Evidence of Scholarly activities (writing, research, speaking, teaching)

5. Evidence of Service in the School of Nursing and the broader community

Procedures for Consideration

1. The Academic Program Director will circulate a list of those who will graduate and have GPAs above 3.5 to the faculty. All graduate faculty members will be requested to submit names of students they consider eligible for the Dean’s Award. 
2. A letter of support addressing the criteria for the Award must be submitted by faculty members for each student who is nominated. Any faculty member may submit more than one name.
3. The Dean of the School of Nursing and the Master’s Academic Program Director will select the student who, in their judgment, best meets the criteria. Faculty recommendations will be important in the final selection process.

SIGMA THETA TAU INTERNATIONAL NURSING HONOR SOCIETY: ETA BETA CHAPTER

Candidates are invited to apply for membership. An induction ceremony is held each academic year. For further information regarding the chapter and faculty counselors please refer to the Sigma Theta Tau International Eta Beta chapter website: https://thecircle.sigmanursing.org/

General Administrative Policies

See General University Information   

 Clincal and Lab Policies

CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete all requirements to enter clinical courses. These requirements are provided to the students the semester prior to entry into the clinical course by the Office of Graduate Studies.

Deadlines: Failure to meet deadlines established by the the Graduate Program Director may result in severe consequences, including delay of starting clinical course sequence.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

School of Nursing administration will discuss criminal background information and drug/alcohol screen results of students on a need-to-know basis. This may include Widener University officials and personnel at Clinical Agencies who are responsible for placement of students. Criminal background results and drug screening results will be maintained in a file separate from the student’s academic file.

Criminal background results and drug/alcohol screen results of licensed nurses are subject to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Code Title 49. Professional and Vocation Standards issued by the Department of State. Section 14.1 (f) states that “Any hospital or health care facility, peer or colleague who has substantial evidence that a professional has an active addictive disease for which the professional is not receiving treatment, is diverting a controlled substance or is mentally or physically incompetent to carry out the duties of his license shall make or cause to be made a report to the Board”.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

The curricula for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science, Post Master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing degrees require clinical experiences to occur within hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other healthcare organizations (Collectively “Clinical Agencies”). Many of these agencies require a criminal background check before students are permitted to engage in clinical experiences. Therefore, the School of Nursing and Clinical Agencies require a criminal background check for all students. This is to be completed during the semester immediately prior to the beginning of clinical experiences. Students may be required to complete additional background investigations during their course of study, dependent upon specific agency policies. Such requirements are beyond the control of the School of Nursing. The expenses of all background investigations are the responsibility of the student. Criminal background checks will be performed by a third-party company selected by the School of Nursing. Students will be given instructions regarding processes by the appropriate Academic Program Director. As a part of the process, students will authorize the background screening company to release results to the School of Nursing through the office of the appropriate Academic Program Director. Failure to meet deadlines established by the School of Nursing may negatively affect clinical placements. Failure to complete the background check will preclude entry into clinical courses and can result in dismissal from the program. The office of the Academic Program Director will administratively remove noncompliant students from all clinical courses. Should the criminal background check reveal convictions, further investigation will be undertaken by the School of Nursing through the office of the appropriate Academic Program Director. VIOLATIONS INVOLVING NARCOTICS OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, CRIMES OF VIOLENCE (HOMICIDE, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, CHILD OR ELDER ABUSE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE), OR LISTING ON THE NATIONAL TERRORIST WATCH LIST, OR THE SEX AND VIOLENT OFFENDER REGISTRY MAY PRECLUDE ADMISSION TO CLINICAL COURSES, WHICH WOULD NEGATE COMPLETION OF THE NURSING DEGREE. Violations of any nature may preclude the School of Nursing from placing students in clinical agencies, dependent upon the policies in place at such agencies. The School of Nursing will make every effort to place a student affected by such agency policies. HOWEVER, STUDENTS WHOSE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND FINDINGS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE TO THE CLINICAL AGENCIES WITH WHICH THE SCHOOL OF NURSING HAS EXISTING CLINICAL AGREEMENTS MAY EXPERIENCE DISRUPTIONS TO THEIR PLAN OF STUDY OR, IN EXTREME CASES, MAY BE UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE COURSE OF STUDY IN NURSING.

Any student with a criminal background finding other than a misdemeanor will be referred to the Dean of the School of Nursing for investigation. The student will be notified by the Academic Program Director to contact the Dean directly. The student in question will not be permitted to attend clinical experiences, while the matter is under investigation the Dean will confer with the Associate Vice President for Administration as needed, and will notify faculty and student of the final decision. If a student is not able to complete clinical experiences, the student will be administratively dismissed from the program. Students with question

DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING POLICY:

Purpose

The School of Nursing recognizes that substance abuse can impair the professional judgment required of the student nurse and that drug testing is a reliable, objective, evidence-based tool to identify those who are currently engaging in the unauthorized or improper use of controlled substances.  Substance abuse jeopardizes the ability of the student nurse to administer safe, competent patient care.  Safety in the delivery of patient care is the basis for drug testing.  The purpose of this policy is to set forth the requirement of the School of Nursing that all students undergo an 10 panel drug screen and test negative before being permitted to engage in any clinical activity through the School of Nursing.

The School of Nursing at Widener University shall (a) support faculty in meeting their obligation to comply with section § 21.18. Standards of nursing conduct of the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing which states that “A registered nurse shall: …. Act to safeguard the patient from the incompetent, abusive or illegal practice of any individual (http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter21/chap21toc.html#21.18a, retrieved October 2, 2007) and (b) assure compliance with conditions for criminal background investigations and drug screens as specified in agency contracts with the Clinical Affiliates where students gain clinical experiences. Students who are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol are deemed to be impaired and, therefore, incompetent to provide care to patients.

Policy

1.  Students in the College of Nursing are required to complete an 10-panel drug screen with a negative test result as part of the requirements for approval to participate in a clinical placement. The drug testing shall be conducted annually or more frequently if required by the healthcare facility at which the student is placed (“clinical site”). Testing is required to be completed by the established deadlines. Failure to complete the requisite drug testing by any established deadline may result in the delay or withdrawal of a clinical placement. Testing under this policy is in addition to any testing required by the policies and procedures at any clinical site.

2.  Students are required to sign all necessary consent and release forms related to any drug testing.  By participating in the drug testing procedure, the student is authorizing release of the drug testing results in accordance with this policy.

3.  Drug tests shall be performed through a testing facility designated by the School of Nursing.  The designated testing facility shall determine what constitutes a positive or negative test result.  A student is not permitted to select a testing facility to conduct any drug testing.

4.  All test results are returned to the student’s online medical document manager hosted by the online vendor and are viewable by the student. The Vendor’s Medical Review Officer notifies the student by e-mail when the test results are available.

5.  A positive test result will be reviewed by the Medical Review Officer (“MRO”) utilized by the vendor prior to release to a student.  An MRO is a nationally certified, licensed medical doctor or osteopath responsible for receiving laboratory results under this policy who has knowledge of substance abuse disorders and appropriate medical training to interpret and evaluate positive test results, medical history and any other relevant biomedical information.  MRO reviews are usually completed within seven (7) business days of an initial positive test result. 

6.  If a test result is positive, the MRO will notify the student by email.  If the student does not respond to the MRO within three (3) business days of the transmission of the first email, the MRO shall report the test as positive. The vendor will advise the Associate Dean that the student’s test results have been posted on the student’s on-line medical document manager.  

7.   When the student responds to the MRO, the MRO will interview the student and may undertake a further review in accordance with the testing facility’s internal procedures.  If, following an interview and any further review, the MRO concludes that the test result is positive, the Vendor reports the test as positive, notifies the student by email that his/her test results have been posted and advise the Associate Dean that the student’s test results have been posted on the student’s on-line medical document manager. 

8. Any attempt to delay, hinder or tamper with any testing or to alter the result of testing shall be considered a refusal to comply with this policy.  As required by law, a student who is licensed as a nurse and who tests positive or is suspected of substance abuse will be reported to the appropriate state Board of Nursing issuing the license. 

9. If a student is on a prescribed medication the MRO verifies that with the student by giving a medical prescription and is recorded on the website as a negative test. Medical marijuana is not an approved prescribed substance.

Marijuana use

As a Widener University nursing student, a commitment to the highest professional standard and the solemn contract we hold with society to be safe, competent caregivers is expected. Our legal contracts with clinical agencies require clean substance screens. State laws that legalize both recreational and medical marijuana, do not change our standard and our commitment to a drug-free life style, both during the school year and during breaks. Use of marijuana, even though legal in other states, will not be permitted in the SON. Violations of the SON substance abuse guidelines will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.​

INCIDENT REPORT FOR STUDENTS

A School of Nursing Student Incident Report is filed when any unusual event occurs (such as needle sticks, falls, being struck by a patient, etc.) which may cause harm to students. The Academic Program Director should be notified as soon as the clinical faculty member has knowledge of such an event. The completed form should then be sent to the office of the Academic Program Director for processing. Incidents involving exposure to infectious disease, hazardous material, or serious injury must be reported to the Academic Program Director and University Health Services immediately. Clinical instructors must contact the course coordinator who will contact the Academic Program Director. A call to University Health Center will be made. The incident report will be transmitted on the scene or next business day depending on time of occurrence.

BLOOD AND BODY FLUID EXPOSURES/NEEDLE STICK INJURIES

“An exposure that might place a health care professional at risk for HIV is defined as a percutaneous injury (e.g. a needle-stick or cut with a sharp object) or contact of mucous membrane or non-intact skin (e.g. exposed skin that is chapped, abraded, or afflicted with dermatitis) with blood, tissue, or other body fluids that are potentially infectious” Students who sustain a needle-stick injury, or get blood or other potentially infectious materials in their eyes, nose, mouth, or on broken skin should “immediately flood the exposed area with water and clean any wound with soap and water or a skin disinfectant if available” (https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/worker_protections.html)

AGENCY REQUIREMENTS

1. Widener SON faculty and students are the guests of our clinical agencies. As such, the utmost care is required to adhere to professional dress, conduct and agency policies.
2. Students are expected to comply with clinical agency policies related to identification badges,confidentiality, HIPAA privacy regulations, criminal record check, drug free work environment, health records, immunizations, parking, meals, and mandatory procedural reviews, etc. Failure to comply with clinical agency policies may result in denial of clinical experience. Clinical agencies may require the students’ signature, verifying their understanding of specific policies.
3. Clinical agencies have the right to remove students from duty when in the judgment of the agency they cannot carry out their duties due to physical or mental impairment. If such impairment is suspected to be due to drug and/or alcohol use, the agency may require drug testing and/or alcohol and/or counseling. If the student refuses, the agency may request the student be removed.
4. The School may be required to provide agencies with the names and specific records of students.
5. Clinical agencies have the right to bar SON students and/or faculty from the agency. Such an occurrence is to be reported immediately to the Academic Program Director and Dean, who will then investigate the issues leading to such action.
6. A Criminal Record Check, a Child Abuse History Clearance, and a Drug and Alcohol Screening are required for all nursing students.
7. Students are expected to wear a lab coat, University ID badge, and name pin to all clinical rotations, unless otherwise specified by the course coordinator. 

CLINICAL ABSENCES

MSN and Post MSN certificate students who are unable to attend clinical experiences as planned due to illness or personal emergency must notify their preceptors as soon as possible, but not later than two hours prior to the planned experience.

CLINICAL LATENESS

It is the student’s responsibility to be on time for clinical experiences. In the event of unavoidable lateness students must call their preceptors and notify them that they will be late. Due to the nature of traffic in the Tri-State area, students should plan travel time to include potential delays of up to thirty minutes.

CLINICAL/THEORY COURSES

Both the theory and clinical/laboratory portions of a nursing course must be successfully completed to earn a passing grade. A failing clinical grade will result in a final course grade of ‘F’, regardless of the theory grade.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is both an ethical and legal responsibility of all professional nurses. Annual review of the HIPAA Privacy Regulations is required. Students are to maintain the confidentiality of all clients. Information concerning any client’s identity, diagnosis, treatment, family problem or life style is considered confidential and shall not be discussed or otherwise passed on to any individuals outside of the agency.

CPR REQUIREMENT

A current 2-year certification from the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider or the American Red Cross Association Healthcare Provider (BLS). The course should include 1 man CPR, 2 man CPR, child and infant CPR, management of obstructed airway for both conscious and unconscious victims, and automatic external defibrillation. Students must have a valid CPR card during the entire nursing program.

Proof of certification is submitted with other clinical requirements.

DENIAL OF CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

A School of Nursing faculty member has full and unmitigated authority to deny, based upon the faculty member’s judgment, a student’s participation in any School-approved clinical nursing experience activity. Students will have the right to a full hearing before the School’s Academic Council. The hearing will be held in an expeditious manner.

EMERGENCY CARE

Should a health problem arise during a clinical experience, students will be referred to the nearest appropriate acute care facility. Students are responsible for all medical costs incurred; the University will not assume this responsibility. Prior to returning to the clinical, the student must be cleared through University Health Services.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Students must meet the “The Essential Functions for Nursing Practice   ” specified in this Handbook.

HEALTH INSURANCE

All medical costs are the responsibility of the student. Therefore, students are required to have health insurance. Verification of this insurance is required annually.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

1. Health requirements are required to meet the contractual stipulations of the clinical agencies in which clinical experiences take place.
2. Students will be instructed to access the CastleBranch website to fulfill these requirements.

MALPRACTICE INSURANCE

Malpractice insurance is required of all clinical nursing students. Proof of malpractice insurance is required.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Personal safety is a matter of concern to everyone. Most clinical agencies have policies regarding personal safety. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these guidelines and using good judgment. 

In general, use the following guidelines:

• Concerns related to safety shall be discussed with the faculty member.

• Faculty/preceptor instruction related to safety shall be followed.

• Agency guidelines shall be followed.

PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE

The appearance of a student in the School of Nursing communicates definite messages about the profession and the School. As a student, professional attire may be required for School of Nursing activities.

Professional attire includes:

1. Minimal jewelry, closed-toe shoes, and modest choices for necklines and hemlines. No jeans are permitted.
2. Widener University student name pins and University ID’s must be visible at all times.
3. Hair must be styled off the face and collar.
4. Beards and mustaches must be neatly groomed.
5. Make-up is permitted in moderation.
6. Fingernails must not extend beyond the end of the finger. Nail polish is not permitted. 
7. Artificial nails or nail extenders are not permitted. See CDC information at www.cdc.gov.
8. Tattoos must not be visible.
9. Wedding bands, watches, and one small post earring per ear are the only articles of jewelry permitted. No additional body adornments are permitted.
10. Students may wear a head covering as required by their religious beliefs.

Program Practicum Information

ADVANCED CLINICAL (AP) PRACTICUM INFORMATION

Practicum experiences must be pre-approved by Academic Program Director and may include but are not limited to the following activities:

1. Direct practice experiences (majority of experiences in this domain)
2. Leadership experiences
3. Site visits
4. Consultation with experts
5. Health policy
6. Evidence-based and specialty related conference attendance (limited to once per clinical course – prior approval needed)
7. Quality improvement and system change activities
8. Development of education/support groups

The practicum hours are related to the student’s individual goals, course objectives, student learning outcomes. 

Students are mentored by the Widener University School of Nursing (SON) Faculty and selected practicum preceptors/mentors. Students will select preceptors/mentors in collaboration with the faculty who are content experts in the selected area of clinical practice.

Preceptors/mentors must agree to advise and facilitate the student towards the achievement of goals, objectives and MSN/APRN competencies.

Pre-Clinical Requirements for Students Scheduled for Graduate Clinical Courses

The following pre-clinical requirements apply to MSN students. These requirements must be met for you to participate in required clinical experiences.

The requirements to be met are as follows:

1. Requirements met through Castlebranch Agency
   • Criminal background check
   • Substance abuse screen 
2. Requirements to be submitted to Castlebranch Agency (DEADLINE: as determined by the Graduate Clinical Placement and Prog Director and Program Directors)
   • CPR Certification inclusive of infant, child, adult, 2 person, and AED
   • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance 
   • FBI Criminal Background Check
   • Documentation of Health Insurance Coverage 
   • Pre-Clinical Health History
   • Pre-Clinical Physical exam to determine
   • Ability to perform essential functions
   • Health insurance portability- HIPAA Acknowledgement
   • Documentation of immunization of serologic immunity and tuberculosis screening.
   • Annual Flu vaccination each Fall.
3. Student Responsibilities
   • Photo ID/ Widener University Name tag to be worn at all times while in clinical setting
4. Additional Requirements for RN/BSN, Master’s and Post Master’s Students
   • Proof of licensure as a Registered Nurse in PA for RN/BSN students and CNS students; FNP and AGACNP students required to be licensed in PA plus either NJ or DE license to facilitate clinical placements.
   • Malpractice insurance within acceptable limits for specialty.

The Essential Functions for Nursing Practice 

See The Essential Functions for Nursing Practice