Nursing
Mission
Aligned with Neumann University’s Mission and Vision, our nursing programs are dedicated to advancing the practice of nursing within the Franciscan tradition, offering high-quality education that allows our graduates to care for persons from diverse backgrounds across various settings. Rooted in Franciscan values and a robust liberal arts and professional education, our undergraduate and graduate programs aim to equip graduates with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes for competent and ethical nursing practice. We are committed to nurturing lifelong professional growth, preparing our graduates for clinical practice and advanced nursing studies, and empowering them to meet both professional and societal obligations with integrity and compassion.
Philosophy
Rooted in the core values of reverence, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship (RISES), Neumann University’s (NU) Nursing Programs embody a holistic approach to nursing education, blending the art and science of nursing within a supportive academic community. Our nursing curriculum, grounded in the NU core experiences and sciences, cultivates clinical judgment, ethical practice, professionalism, and a deep respect for human dignity.
At the heart of our philosophy is a commitment to Franciscan values, guiding our students to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care across many diverse, multicultural contexts which may occur on a local, regional, national, or global level. We recognize the multifaceted nature of persons, acknowledging their physical, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual needs in our pursuit of equitable care. Our programs are responsive to advancements in nursing, inter-professional practices, and technology, aiming to promote health, prevent disease, and provide care across varied settings and stages of life.
Nursing education at Neumann University equips students with the foundation for clinical judgment, effective communication, advocacy, and leadership. Our undergraduate program lays the groundwork for professional practice, while our graduate programs prepare nurses with the advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes to be successful healthcare providers and nursing leaders.
Graduates of the NU Nursing programs are prepared to practice to the full extent of their educational preparation. They have the tools to lead and advance the nursing profession and to influence health care practices in increasingly complex and diverse environments.
Nursing Policies
Students are responsible for policies and requirements related to the Nursing major that appear in this Catalog and the Undergraduate Nursing Student Manual.
Bachelor of Science Options
Qualified students of all ages with a high school diploma, college or university credits, degree in another field, licensed practical or vocational nursing (LPNs) are encouraged to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing. The degree may be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.
The Full-time Day Nursing Course Sequence Option (12 or more credits per semester, fall and spring):
The Full-time Option is available to recent high school graduates, students transferring from another college or university, students with a baccalaureate degree in another field, or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). By successfully completing all required courses in a prescribed sequence of study, students who are enrolled as full-time (e.g. registered for 12 - 18 credits per semester), may complete the Nursing Program in four years (eight academic semesters). Classes are conducted during the week. Clinical and laboratory experiences may be scheduled weekdays or weekends, days or evenings, depending on site and faculty availability.
The Part-time Evening Nursing Course Sequence Option (less than 12 credits per semester, fall, spring and summer):
The Part-time Option is available to high school graduates, students transferring from another college or university, students with a baccalaureate degree in another field, or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). After completing all required courses in a prescribed sequence, students following the part-time nursing course sequence may finish the nursing major courses in seven (7) semesters, including summer. Please note that the seven (7) semesters does not include required pre-major Core, Allied or General Elective credits needed prior to enrollment in pre-major course NUR-205: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice. Nursing classes are conducted during the week beginning at 5:30 PM. Clinical and laboratory experiences may be scheduled weekdays or weekends, days or evenings, depending on site and faculty availability.
Students may elect to switch or change between the two nursing program options (course sequences) with faculty and/or administrative approval.
The time for program completion for transfer students will depend on whether the student elects full-time or part-time study, the number of credit hours accepted in transfer from a regionally accredited college or university, CLEP Examinations, and/or Challenge Examinations that measure specific subject knowledge learned through previous study.
Students are considered pre-major until placement into NUR-206: Health Assessment Modalities (2 credit course). NUR-206: Health Assessment Modalities must be taken in conjunction with NUR-216: Health Assessment Modalities Lab (1 credit course).
Accreditation
Neumann University’s Baccalaureate Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing,[ACEN], Inc., 3390 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326; Telephone: 1-404-975-5000; Fax: 1-404-975-5020, or www.acenursing.org.
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the baccalaureate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
The Baccalaureate Nursing Program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105; Telephone: 1- 717-783-7142; Fax: 1-717-783-0822 or https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing.
End of Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the graduate will earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing and will be able to:
- Integrate the art and science of nursing into the care of persons from diverse backgrounds across the lifespan.
- Integrate evidence-based knowledge and clinical judgement into the provision of nursing care.
- Integrate information systems and technologies into the provision of nursing care.
- Advocate for equitable care for persons from diverse backgrounds across the lifespan.
- Incorporate health promotion, disease and/or injury prevention when providing nursing care for persons in varied settings.
- Implement leadership strategies in the provision of nursing care for persons in varied settings.
- Demonstrate a professional identity consistent with professional nursing practice.
Admission Criteria
Freshman/First-Year Students who intend to apply for admission to the Nursing major are required to:
- Have earned a high school grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
- Pursued a high school program of study which includes, at a minimum:
4 years of English
3 years of Social Studies
2 years of Mathematics (including 1 year of Algebra I and 1 year of Geometry or Algebra II) with a grade average no less than 80%.
3 years of Science (including 1 year of Biology with a laboratory component, and 1 year of Chemistry with a laboratory component), with a grade average no less than 80%.
SAT and ACT testing is optional.
Transfer Students who intend to apply for admission to the Nursing major are required to have a minimum cumulative 2.7 grade point average on a 4.0 scale from all colleges or universities attended.
Whether completed at Neumann University or fulfilled through college/university transfer credits, required completion of the Allied Sciences includes:
- Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab
- Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
- Microbiology with Lab
- Chemistry Inorganic/Organic/Biochemistry with Lab
For transfer students from a non-English speaking country or for whom English is a second language, results of the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) or Duolingo English Test score must be submitted. For admission, the Nursing Program requires an Internet-based TOEFL with a minimum overall score of 80 and a minimum score of 26 on the verbal subtest; the MELAB requires a minimum overall score of 81 with a speaking score of 3; and the Duolingo English test requires a minimum score of 110. TOEFL, MELAB, or Duolingo scores must be officially received by the University prior to attendance in the pre-major course NUR 205: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice.
Specific requirements of the Allied Science pre-requisite courses which are necessary for academic progression and course placement in the pre-major course, NUR 205: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice:
- Please note that the required chemistry course or courses must provide content to the allied sciences.
- Courses must be taken within a period no greater than 7 years
- The minimum accepted grade for an allied science course is a C+
- A cumulative Science GPA equal to and no less than a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- The allied science grade point average is a numerical index of the ratio of the number of the quality points earned to the number of credits. Quality points earned in the allied sciences which are prerequisites for course placement in NUR 205: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice (a pre-major course) must equal no less than 48 quality points per 16 credits, or no less than 60 quality points per 20 credits
- Grades are reviewed per the first-graded attempt. Whether completed at Neumann University or fulfilled through college/university transfer credits, courses may be repeated only one time whether the repetition is a consequence of student withdraw from a course, institutional withdraw from a course or course failure in lecture or lab. Student may request an exception to Science GPA policy to consider permitting a student to repeat & replace one (1) Allied Science course and its associated lab. This permits the repeated grade to replace the first-graded attempt in the allied science GPA calculation. In certain circumstances, further review may occur with proficiency in ATI TEAS version 7.
- Students seeking to repeat a course will only be enrolled after all students registering for the first time are accommodated.
- Meeting these requirements needs to occur prior to attendance in the pre-major course NUR 205: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice.
Specific requirements of Core Courses prior to enrollment in pre-major course NUR 205: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice:
Whether completed at Neumann University or fulfilled through a transfer equivalent college/university, completion of the following Core courses with final grades no less than “C” is required prior to enrollment in pre-major course NUR 205: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice:
- ENG 101 Effective College Writing, 3 credits
- ENG 102: Academic Research and Writing, 3 credits
- PSYCH 101: General Psychology, 3 credits
- SOC 101: Principles of Sociology, 3 credits
Grades of “C” or above are required, in the above core courses, prior to enrollment in the pre-major course NUR 205: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice. Core requirements are detailed within the 4-year suggested academic plan.
Limitation on Transfer Credit
College courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, statistics and nutrition, must have been taken within seven (7) years of start date to the University. Students may be asked to provide syllabus documentation from previous course work completed as part of the transfer process.
All pre-licensure candidates for admission to the Nursing major are required to:
- Achieve no less than a grade of “C+” in Anatomy & Physiology I with lab, Anatomy & Physiology II with lab, Microbiology with lab, and Chemistry with lab cumulating in an allied science GPA no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale
- Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all courses except the science courses noted above
- Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, or the equivalent in transfer credits as approved by the Registrar, based upon the first time a final grade is assigned in the following courses: Microbiology & Lab, Anatomy & Physiology I & Lab, Anatomy & Physiology II & Lab, and Chemistry 101/111, Fundamentals of Chemistry & Lab. A student may request an exception to Science GPA policy to consider permitting a student to repeat & replace one (1) Allied Science course and its associated lab; This permits the repeated grade to replace the first-graded attempt in the allied science GPA calculation; In certain circumstances, further review may occur with proficiency in ATI TEAS version 7. Please note that the required chemistry course or courses must provide content in chemistry for the allied health sciences.
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
- Successfully complete pre-major course NUR 205: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice (required pre-major course with a minimum grade of “C+”).
- Additional information, for International Students and specific English language requirements, appears in the Admission section of this catalog.
Participation in the Program
Nurses must be able to function safely and effectively in a wide variety of clinical situations. To become a licensed professional nurse, certain types of learning, including clinical training, are required; and specific legal standards must be met as well. The threshold for participation in the Neumann University Nursing Program, then, is whether the prospective student can meet both academic and technical standards and can qualify under licensing law and other applicable laws, rules, and standards.
In preparation for professional nursing roles nursing students at Neumann University are expected to demonstrate the ability to meet the demands of a professional nursing career. The goal of Neumann University is to prepare every nursing student to think critically, and practice nursing competently with compassion in a rapidly changing practice environment. All efforts are designed to build nursing knowledge, foster professional integrity, and ultimately improve the health outcomes of patients, families, and communities across the continuum of care. Certain functional abilities are essential for the delivery of safe, effective nursing care. Qualified applicants and students are expected to meet all admission criteria, as well as technical standards inclusive of reasonable accommodations within the confines of safety to the patient and the student. Qualified applicants and students are expected to satisfactorily demonstrate these standards for progression through the program.
Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for individuals who meet eligibility under applicable statutes. Any person expecting to need accommodations should request them through the University Office of Accessibility Services in the John C. Ford Student Success Center prior to beginning the program, as some accommodations may not be considered reasonable and may impact an applicant’s ability to complete all components of the program.
The technical standards that have been identified as necessary to participate in the nursing curriculum are the following:
General Abilities: The nursing student is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, and smell so that data received by the senses is able to be integrated, analyzed and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner. The student must be able to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, vibration, and movement that are important to the student’s ability to gather significant information needed to effectively evaluate patients. A student must be able to respond promptly to urgent situations that may occur during clinical training activities and must not hinder the ability of other members of the health care team to provide prompt treatment and care to patients.
Observational Ability: The student must have sufficient capacity to make accurate visual observations and interpret them in the context of laboratory studies, medication administration, and patient care activities. The student must possess the functional use of senses and sufficient motor capacity to carry out the necessary assessment activities. The student must also be able to document assessment findings.
Communication Ability: The student must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally to elicit and explain information to others. Each student must have the ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak the English language to facilitate communication to patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team. The student must be able to maintain accurate patient records, present information in a professional, logical manner, and provide counseling and instruction to effectively care for patients and their families. The student must possess verbal and written communication skills that permit effective communication with instructors and students in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.
Motor Ability: The student must be able to perform gross and fine motor movements with sufficient coordination needed to perform complete physical examinations using the techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation. The student must develop the psychomotor skills to perform or assist with procedures, treatments, administration of medications, and the management and operation of diagnostic and therapeutic medical equipment. The student must have sufficient levels of neuromuscular control, manual dexterity, and eye-to-hand coordination. The student must possess the physical and mental stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving, and physical exertion required for satisfactory and safe performance in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings, including performance of CPR. Patient and student safety is of utmost concern.
Intellectual-Conceptual Ability: The student is expected to have the ability to develop and refine critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential to nursing practice. This requires the ability to establish plans of care and set priorities. The student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize objective and subjective data and make decisions, often requiring immediate action or attention that reflect consistent and thoughtful deliberation. The student must possess the ability to incorporate components of evidence in research and the literature, clinical expertise, and patient/family values to formulate sound judgment to assess, analyze, nursing care.
Behavioral and Social Attributes: Compassion, integrity, motivation, effective interpersonal skills, and concern for others are personal attributes required for nurses. Personal comfort and student acceptance is necessary when functioning under the supervision of a clinical instructor or preceptor. The student must fully utilize intellectual capacities that exercise sound judgment, complete assessment and intervention activities, and develop sensitive interpersonal relationships with patients, families, and other health team members. Students are expected to have the ability to establish rapport and maintain sensitive and confidential interpersonal relationships with individuals, families, and groups from diverse social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. The student is expected to have the flexibility to function effectively under stress, including emergency situations. The student is expected to be able to learn to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, arrive on time and meet the demands for timely performance of duties, accept and integrate constructive criticism given in the classroom and clinical/laboratory settings; and effectively collaborate in the clinical setting with other members of the healthcare team.
Management of Stressful Situations: pre-licensure nursing curriculum and clinical environments require students to effectively cope, manage, adapt and function through stressful situations and effectively collaborate in patient care.
References:
AACN.nche.edu/educational resources/Technical_Standards.pdf (Retrieved October 11, 2015)
Asturias, N., Andrew, S., Boardman, G., and Kerr, D. (2021). The influence of socio-demographic factors on stress and coping strategies among undergraduate nursing students. Nurse Education Today, (99). https//:doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2021.104780. Epub 2021 Jan 20. PMID: 33516979
Blome, M., Johnson, M., Beck, M., and Jones, M. (2022). Obligations and Behaviors that Impact Sleep in Prelicensure Baccalaureate Nursing Students. Nurse Educator (47), pp. E12-E17. https://DOI: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000001128
QSEN. (2014, October 8). QStudent #4 Evidence Based Practice.
https://qsen.org/evidence-based-practice/
Progression Criteria/Degree Requirements
Progression in the Nursing major is based on academic achievement, clinical practicum performance, laboratory performance, and professional behavior.
As students of Neumann University, Nursing majors are expected to comply with the University’s student conduct and community standards. Refer to the Student Conduct and Community Standards as posted on the University web site.
The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statement (American Nurses Association, 2015) identifies the ethical values, duties, and commitments of professional nurses. It is expected that all Nursing majors will adhere to the provisions of this Code. Any violation of the Code constitutes grounds for course failure or dismissal from the Nursing Program.
The Code emphasizes:
- Compassion and respect for others.
- Professional relationships and boundaries.
- Protection of the rights of others.
- Personal accountability and responsibility.
- Integrity and duties to self and others.
- Ethical behavior and values.
Progression in the nursing major leading to a Bachelor of Science degree requires all undergraduate students admitted under this catalog to:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7.
- Achieve no less than a grade of “C+” in Anatomy & Physiology I with lab, Anatomy & Physiology II with lab, Microbiology with lab, and Chemistry with lab cumulating to an allied science GPA no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale
- Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all core courses except the science courses noted above
- Achieve a grade of “C+” or higher in every Nursing theory course.
- Achieve a grade of “Pass” in every Nursing Clinical Practicum/Laboratory course.
- Complete a minimum of 122 credits, including all required core, allied and nursing requirements.
- Complete standardized Nursing examinations at intervals during their baccalaureate program.
**Students are considered pre-major until placement into NUR 206: Health Assessment Modalities (2 credit course).NUR 206: Health Assessment Modalities must be taken in conjunction with NUR 216: Health Assessment Modalities Lab (1 credit course)
Grading Scale for Progression Criteria/Degree Requirements:
Prior to Fall 2023, the following grading scale was in place:
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences previously determined that all students were assessed according to the following grading scale for all Nursing theory courses for which they registered. Students achieved a “C” (77.00) to successfully pass a nursing course. Final course grades, expressed to the hundredths place, were not rounded to the nearest whole number. As an example, a final course grade of 76.95 yields a course grade of D+ Therefore, the minimum passing grade earned in theory courses was 77.00 (C).
|
A
|
(Excellent)
|
93.00-100
|
|
B+
|
(Very Good)
|
89.00-92.99
|
|
B
|
(Good)
|
85.00-88.99
|
|
C+
|
(Above the Average)
|
81.00-84.99
|
|
C
|
(Average)
|
77.00-80.99
|
|
D+
|
(Below the Average)
|
74.00-76.99
|
|
D
|
(Poor)
|
70.00-73.99
|
|
F
|
(Failure)
|
69.99 or less
|
Effective Fall 2023, the following grading scale is in place:
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences have determined that all students are to be assessed according to the following grading scale for all Nursing theory courses for which they have registered. Students must achieve a “C+” (77.00) to successfully pass a nursing course. Final course grades, expressed to the hundredths place, will not be rounded to the nearest whole number. As an example, a final course grade of 76.95 yields a course grade of “C”. Therefore, the minimum passing grade earned in theory courses must be 77.00.
|
Letter Grade
|
Neumann University Grading Scale
|
Quality Points
|
|
A
|
94-100
|
4
|
|
A-
|
90-93.99
|
3.7
|
|
B+
|
87-89.99
|
3.5
|
|
B
|
84-86.99
|
3
|
|
B-
|
80-83.99
|
2.7
|
|
C+
|
77-79.99
|
2.5
|
|
C
|
74-76.99
|
2
|
|
C-
|
70-73.99
|
1.7
|
|
D+
|
67-69.99
|
1.5
|
|
D
|
64-66.99
|
1
|
|
D-
|
60-63.99
|
0.7
|
|
F
|
0-59.99
|
0
|
Laboratory and/or clinical practicum courses provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to clinical practice and are graded as Pass or Fail. Students must earn a grade of “Pass” to successfully complete the laboratory and/or clinical practicum courses.
The application of theory in practice is integral to professional nursing practice. Therefore, students must pass pre-major NUR 205: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing practice, and, Nursing Major theory courses with a grade of 77.00 (C+) and associated laboratory and/or clinical practicum courses with a grade of “Pass” to progress.
When a grade less than 77.00 is earned in a pre-major NUR 205: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice or a Nursing Major theory course, the course must be repeated. When a grade of “Fail” is earned in a laboratory and/or clinical courses, the course must be repeated.
When students withdraw from a theory course, they must withdraw from the associated laboratory or clinical course if the laboratory or clinical course has not been completed. However, students who withdraw from a laboratory or clinical course may remain in the associated theory course.
Courses may be repeated only one time, whether the repetition is a consequence of student withdraw from a course, institutional withdraw from a course, or course failure in lecture or lab/clinical practicum.
Required pre-major core and allied courses may be repeated only one time, whether the repetition is a consequence of the student withdraw from a course, institutional withdraw from a course, theory grade of less than “C” in a core or allied course, or a theory grade less than “C+” in an allied science lecture or lab.
Courses distinguished with the course prefix NUR: The pre-major course NUR 205 and all nursing major (NUR) courses may be repeated only one time, whether the repetition is a consequence of student withdraw from a course, institutional withdraw from a course, or course failure. The student must finish the NUR lecture course with a grade no less than “C+”. The student must finish the NUR lecture or lab/clinical practicum with a grade of “Pass”.
Failure to earn a minimum grade of 77.00 “C+” or “”Pass” in a repeated Nursing course will result in the student’s dismissal from the Nursing major.
Failure to earn a minimum grade of 77.00 “C+” or “Pass” in more than one nursing course will result in the student’s dismissal from the Nursing major.
If a student is unsuccessful in any of the following nursing courses; NUR 206, NUR 305, NUR 330, NUR 306, NUR 340, NUR 405, NUR 430, NUR 440, or NUR 499, the student must:
A. If needed, Repeat the theory course within 2 semesters (excluding the summer semester).
B. If needed, Repeat the concurrent clinical/lab course(s) along with repeating the theory course(s) if the student exceeds the 2-semester time limit.
Students seeking to repeat a course will only be enrolled after all students registering for the first time are accommodated. Enrollment of students repeating the course is dependent upon the availability of clinical facilities and staffing and cannot be guaranteed.
- NOTE: All degree requirements must be completed within five years after beginning the first Nursing major course, NUR 206 Health Assessment and Modalities. Exception to this time limitation must be applied for in a written request submitted to the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences before the end of the five-year period. The request for extension must include the situation(s) contributing to the need to extend the program beyond five years.
Clinical Practice Requirements
In as much as it is possible, clinical experiences are scheduled during the weekdays or weekend days according to the availability of clinical partners. However, all students are advised that agency and faculty availability may require clinical attendance during weekdays, weekends, and/or evenings to assure that all who are registered for a specific course have the opportunity to meet the course/clinical/laboratory objectives during the semester of enrollment.
During the last semester of enrollment, students enrolled in both the Full-time and Part-time Nursing Course Sequences will have clinical experiences during the day with laboratory experiences during the day, evenings, and/or weekends. Inability to meet practice requirements will prevent laboratory and/or clinical participation and will result in laboratory or clinical failure.
These Clinical Practice Requirements apply to all Nursing majors, both full-time and part-time.
Nursing License
LPNs who are pursuing the Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing option must provide evidence of a current and unencumbered (unrestricted) Pennsylvania license as a practical or vocational nurse. If the LPN holds licensure in additional states, those licenses must be unencumbered (unrestricted) as well.
Basic Life Support Certification
Prior to the first clinical Nursing major course(s), each student is required to present proof of certification in Basic Life Support for the Health Care Provider from the American Heart Association. Thereafter, evidence of current recertification must be uploaded by the student to the electronic clinical management system. Failure to provide evidence of certification will prevent participation in clinical experiences.
Health Standards
The University Student Physical and Health History Form, or its equivalent, must be completed and be on file with the University prior to beginning clinical courses in the Nursing major. These Health Standards policies apply to all Nursing majors, both full-time and part-time.
Medical Insurance
The student is responsible for maintaining current medical insurance and for notifying the Dean’s office immediately of any changes in their status of medical insurance coverage. Failure to maintain medical insurance or health standards will prevent participation in laboratory and clinical experiences.
Clearances
Students are required to submit to annual substance abuse screening prior to clinical placement and random screening during clinical experiences, or if there is reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol abuse in classroom, laboratory, or clinical settings. Students testing positive will be referred to Counseling and Health Services for assessment and assistance with their substance abuse. Such referral, however, will not preclude the University from taking other disciplinary actions, up to and including removal from the clinical placement (which may result in failure to meet degree requirements) and/or expulsion from the program/University, depending upon the circumstances. Refer to the Undergraduate Nursing Student Manual for further details.
LPN Students who possess a practical nursing license and have a positive substance abuse screening, will be reported to the PA State Board of Nursing, as required by state law. This will also be reported to any other state boards where the student holds a practical nursing license. Students are responsible for costs incurred for these screenings. For additional information refer to the Undergraduate Nursing Student Manual.
Students are also required to apply for, obtain, and upload to the electronic clinical management system items related to criminal background clearance, fingerprint clearance, abuse clearance, Office of Inspector General (OIG) clearance, and other clinical clearances required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing (PASBON), Neumann University School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the clinical agencies A criminal record and/or a history of abuse may prohibit clinical placement and, subsequently, result in failure to meet degree requirements. For additional information, please refer to the Undergraduate Nursing Student Manual.
State Boards of Nursing may deny or revoke licensure when the applicant “has been convicted, has pleaded guilty, has entered a plea of nolo contendere, or has been found guilty by a judge or jury of a felony or crime of moral turpitude; or received probation without verdict, disposition in lieu of trial or an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition in the settlement of felony charge.” Similarly, “possession, use, acquisition, or distribution of a controlled substance or caution legend drug for other than an acceptable medical purpose” may be cause for denying application for professional licensure (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Professional Nursing Law, Act 69, Section 14).
Transportation
Each Nursing student is responsible for transportation to and from clinical practice sites throughout the entire Nursing Program. Transportation requires that each student has personal access to transportation.
Clinical Arrival
The student is responsible to arrive at the unit assigned in the clinical agency at least 10-15 minutes before the prescribed time. If the student anticipates being late or absent, they must notify the instructor and/or agency according to course policy and instructor direction.
Clinical/Laboratory Absence
All clinical and laboratory experiences are important to student learning and, therefore, are required. Excessive absence prevents consistent demonstration of learning and skill mastery in the clinical and/or laboratory areas.
All clinical and laboratory experiences are required. All clinical and laboratory absences will be made up. There will be no fee imposed for the make-up of the first excused clinical/laboratory absence. A Clinical/Laboratory Absence Contract must be completed by the student and faculty member for any make-up experiences. Charges to the student account for any unexcused absence or a second excused absence will be imposed at a rate set by the University.
For continuing students, this fee must be paid to the Business Office no later than the first day of the next semester. For seniors in their final semester, this fee must be paid to the Business Office to graduate.
The day and time of any clinical/laboratory make-up is at the discretion of the agency, course coordinator and faculty member.
- To return to clinical, a statement from the student’s health care provider and/or University Health Services will be requested by the faculty member when the student absence is related to illness, injury, or health status.
Policies related to progression and graduation, appearing in this catalog, will apply. In a situation such as a labor dispute or natural disaster whereby the clinical/laboratory session becomes unavailable for the student experience, the Nursing program becomes responsible for arranging the clinical/laboratory experience which is needed. No fee is incurred by the student in such an instance. It is expected that the faculty-student group will arrive at an agreeable schedule for supplemental experiences. Further details regarding the Nursing Student Attendance Policy are published in the Undergraduate Nursing Student Manual.
Nursing Practice Settings
Assignment of students to clinical practice settings and scheduling of experiences are the purview of course faculty with approval of the PA State Board of Nursing, agreement of the clinical agency and availability of clinical faculty. Agencies used for clinical laboratory experiences are contracted on an annual basis and may include, but are not limited to:
Delaware: Christiana Care Health Services, Inc.; Nemours, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children; and HCA Rockford Center.
Pennsylvania: Chichester School District; Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Crozer Health System; George W. Hill Correction Center (Well Path); Interboro School District; Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; Main Line Health Care System; Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital; Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital; Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; and Southeast Delaware County School District, VA Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District.
Nursing Policies
Students are also responsible for University policies published in the Undergraduate Catalog, and specific policies and requirements related to the Nursing major published in the Undergraduate Nursing Student Manual.
Exception to Policy Process
The undergraduate nursing major adheres to the grievance procedure of the University; however, there are unique situations in the Nursing Program for which a student may request review and/or exception to a specific Nursing academic policy. Students are directed to meet with their Nursing academic advisor to discuss the procedure for submitting their request to the undergraduate Nursing Admissions and Progression Committee. The Committee meets regularly during the academic year; meetings are scheduled as needed during the summer.
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