Pre-Licensure Nursing Student Handbook 2020-2021

The Philosophy of the SON reflects the beliefs and values of the faculty and givesdirection to the baccalaureate, masters and doctoral curricula. The baccalaureategraduate is a generalist who designs, provides, manages and coordinates nursingcare in a variety of health care settings. The masters and doctoral curriculum buildon the baccalaureate education and prepares graduates to practice in advancedroles.Nursing is a discipline of knowledge and professional practice. Nursing occurs inrelationship with self and others and requires the intentional presence of the nurse.The focus of nursing is to improve health outcomes with individuals, families andcommunities through caring.According to Roach (1997) the professionalization of caring in nursing includes: Competence – knowledge, wisdom, skills, judgment, experience andmotivation. Compassion – shared awareness and connectedness with experiences ofothers. Commitment – deliberate choice to act in accordance with beliefs andobligations. Conscience – state of moral awareness. Confidence – internal belief that one will act in a right, proper, oreffective way which fosters trusting relationships. Comportment – demeanor, conduct, personal bearing, behavior.Excellence in nursing requires a blending of science and art. Nursing science isthe body of nursing knowledge derived from the integration of theory, research,and practice. The art of nursing is the creative integration of empirical, personal,ethical, intuitive, esthetic ways of knowing in practice. The art of nursing is thatwhich humanizes the delivery of nursing care.Learning in nursing occurs through the integration of multiple ways of knowing.Self-awareness, reflection, and ethical and critical reasoning are important aspectsof the learning that occurs in practice situations and through inter-professionalcollaboration. A supportive environment for learning is one which respects andvalues the contributions of each person and is a collaborative relationship betweenfaculty, and students. The completion of a nursing degree is not an end-point butthe beginning of a life-long commitment to learning.F. BSN Program Outcomes:Upon completion of a prelicensure program at WCU the student will demonstrate theability to: Communicate – Utilize effective communication (oral written andnonverbal) to support the development of therapeutic relationships withcolleagues and clients in diverse healthcare settings.7Revised 6/2019

Nursing Reasoning – Use the nursing process to support clinicalreasoning to provide holistic, patient and family centered care to diversepopulations in a variety of settings.Collaborating – Engage in effective interactions with colleagues, othermembers of the health care team as well as patients and families toward aunified goal of high quality patient outcomes.Professional Valuing – Demonstrate nursing practices rooted in ethicalbehaviors, caring actions and professional comportment.Managing Information – Utilize technology and information systems tocritically evaluate and analyze data to support evidence-based patient andfamily centered care8Revised 6/2019

Program Student Learning Outcomes by SemesterSEMESTER ONECommunicatingOutcomeNursing ReasoningOutcomeCollaboratingOutcomeProfessional ValuingOutcomeManagingInformation OutcomeIs the student able toapply principles oftherapeuticcommunication withindividuals? Is thestudent able todemonstrate beginningprofessional oral andwritten communication?Critical Elements:Is the studentbeginning to useelements andstandards ofreasoning within thenursing process?Is the student able tocollaborate in a goaldirected manner whenperforming nursingcare and workingwith other healthcareproviders?Is the student able torecognize the need toincorporateprofessional nursingvalues?Is the student able toaccess data andinformation from print,electronic, and othersources?Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Utilizes criteria fortherapeuticcommunicationIdentifies processesthat facilitate safetyand decrease errorsin patient careRecognize thephysical, social andcultural influencesaffecting interactionsIdentifies the socialsignificance andprofessional values ofthe nursing professionIdentifies reliableresources for data andinformationDemonstrates selfawareness byclarifying biases,inclinations,strengths, andlimitationsDefine appropriateprocess of delegationDemonstrates respectfor human diversity inplanning andperforming nursingcareRecognizes theimpact of attitudes,values, and personalbias on the care ofthe very young, frailelderly, and othervulnerablepopulationsFosters positive,caring, & respectfulcollaborativerelationshipsDemonstrates effectivewriting skillsEmploys effective oralskills in obtaining andpresenting pertinentinformationBegins to useprofessionalcommunication ininteractions withmembers of thehealthcare teamBegins to developtherapeuticrelationships withclients for the purposeof providing safe andeffective nursing careRecognizes professionalboundaries withpatients, families, andother caregiversIdentifies and beginsto apply standards ofcritical thinkingAssesses the healthand healthcare needsof individualsIdentifies roles andbehaviors of groupsand group processRecognizes issues ofpower and conflict inrelationships withpatients, peers, andother healthcareprovidersArticulates variousconflict resolutionstrategiesRecognizes ownlimitations in nursingknowledge and skillsand seeks help asneededIdentifies ownlearning needs andways to promoteacademic successAccepts responsibilityfor self-directedlearningDemonstratesresponsibility andaccountability withindefined roleUses technology toaccess data andinformationUses clinicalinformation systems(CIS) to documentpatient careIdentifies ethical issuesrelated to data security,confidentiality, and thepatient’s right toprivacyDemonstrates proficientcomputer skillsDemonstratesprofessionalism,including attention toappearance,demeanor, andrespect for self andothersParticipates inprofessional activitiesApplies standards ofprofessional practicein the delivery ofsafe patient care9Revised 6/2019

SEMESTER TWOCommunicatingOutcomeNursing ReasoningOutcomeCollaboratingOutcomeProfessional ValuingOutcomeManaging InformationOutcomeIs the student ableto apply therapeuticand professionalcommunicationeffectively withindividuals andgroups?Critical Elements:Is the student able touse reasoningelements to makeaccurate patient caredecisions?Is the student able towork with others tolisten, build on ideas,and contribute tomutually agreed-uponpatient goals?Is the student able toapply values ofprofessional nursing?Is the student able toutilize data andinformation throughinformation managementskills?Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Utilizes appropriatecommunicationtechniques toobtain informationfor planning,implementing andevaluating safenursing careEmploys safejudgments based oncontextParticipates inteamwork among peersand healthcareprovidersDemonstratesappreciation of humandifferences and adaptsaccordinglyObtains relevant dataand information as alearner of professionalnursing practiceDemonstrates ability toprovide and receiveconstructive feedbackIncorporates respectand value of diversityin quality patientcentered careInputs, organizes,annotates, and storesdata and informationUtilizes variousmodes ofcommunication inprofessionalnursing interactionsDemonstratesappropriatedocumentation ofnursingassessments,interventions, andevaluations in atimely and accuratemannerAnalyzes own criticalthinking usingidentified standardsIdentifies prioritiesand manages time toprovide safe patientcareBegins to incorporateevidence-basednursing practice in thedelivery of careActively seekslearning opportunitiesDemonstrates effectivecollaborative behaviorwith individuals andgroupsRecognizes andaccepts appropriatedelegationRecognizes conflictsand identifies ways toresolve conflictExplains theinterrelationshipsamong theory,practice, and researchIdentifies ethicaldilemmas and appliesprinciples/theories forethical decisionmakingIdentifies politicalprocesses that enhancehealthcare and theadvancement of theprofessionRecognizes theimportance of lifelonglearning toprofessional practiceAppliesprofessionalcommunicationskills ininteractions withmembers of thehealthcare teamUtilizes data andinformation to addressprofessional issuesEvaluates the credibilityof sources ofinformation, includingdata bases and theinternetExplains the importanceof evidence-basedknowledge to ensurepatient safety andimprove patientoutcomesDemonstratesaccountability to theprofession of nursing10Revised 6/2019

SEMESTER THREECommunicatingOutcomeNursing ReasoningOutcomeCollaboratingOutcomeProfessional ValuingOutcomeManaging InformationOutcomeIs the student ableto analyzecommunication ofself and others?Is the student able tocontinue towardsindependence in usingreasoning to makeaccurate patient caredecisions?Is the student able tointeract effectivelybased on thedevelopmental level ofindividuals andgroups?Is the student able toconsistentlydemonstrate ethicallygrounded behaviorsreflective ofprofessional nursingpractice?Is the student able toappraise the appropriateuse of data andinformation forproviding individual andaggregate care?Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Analyzesapplication oftherapeutic andprofessionalcommunicationskills in thedelivery of safepatient careAnalyzes ownreasoning in multiplepatient solutionsCollaborates as amember of thehealthcare teamIntegrates professionalrole in relation to otherhealthcare providersApplies standards formanaging data andinformationRecommends and/orimplements solutionsthat are logicallydeveloped, contextspecific, and theorybasedDelegates and acceptsappropriate tasksAnalyzes impact ofsociopolitical issues onprofessional practiceAccesses and selectivelyimplements evidencebased information inplanning professionalnursing careCompares andcontrastscommunicationapproaches basedon interpretation ofcommunicationbarriersDemonstratesinsight into therelationshipbetween effectivecommunication andprofessionalempowermentIdentifies evidencebased practices toprovide healthteaching, counseling,screening, referral,and follow-upUses clinicaljudgment to anticipateconsequences ofnursing interventionsUses collaboration todevelop anintervention plan tosupport health andprevent illness amongindividuals, families,and communitiesEstablishesempoweredpartnerships withindividuals and groupsApplies nursing valuesin the context ofclinical ethicaldilemmasAnalyzes the impact ofhealthcare disparitiesamong diversepopulationsExplores role as achange agent in healthcare policy andpracticeDemonstratescompetence in the use ofCIS, communicationdevices, and patient caretechnology to providesafe and effective careAppraises the impact oftelecommunicationtechnology on healthcarecommunicationUses CIS to benchmarksensitive nursingoutcomes11Revised 6/2019

SEMESTER FOURCommunicatingOutcomeNursing ReasoningOutcomeCollaboratingOutcomeProfessional ValuingOutcomeManaging InformationOutcomeIs the student ableto integratecommunicationinto professionalnursing practiceinvolvingindividuals, groups,and collectivehumanity?Critical Elements:Is the student able touse reasoning to makeindependent clinicaljudgments in nursingpractice?Is the student able toadopt an individual,evidence-basedcollaborative style as aprofessional nurse?Is the student able tocritique self in relationto professional roleand ethics?Is the student able tomake clinical judgmentsthrough the managementof technology andinformation systems?Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Critical Elements:Incorporateseffective oral andwrittencommunicationskills into ownprofessionalnursing practiceAnalyzes ownreasoning in multiplecontexts and considersthe setting and patientpopulationDevelops creativestrategies to enablesystems to changeAnalyzes ethical issuesand takes appropriateactionCritically evaluates dataand informationApplies leadershipconcepts, skills, anddecision making in theprovision of highquality patient careIncorporates culturalcompetence intoclinical practiceEngages actively ingoal-directed InterandIntraprofessionalcommunicationUtilizes effectiveoral and/or writtencommunicationskills to convey orreceiveperformanceevaluationMakes judgmentsabout theeffectiveness ofnursing interventionsand the achievementof outcomes based onlogic and intuitionIncorporates effectivemanagement ofhuman and physicalresources into nursingpracticeApplies evidencebased practices toprovide healthteaching, counseling,screening, disease andoutbreakinvestigation, referral,and follow-upDemonstratesappropriate delegationEmploys appropriateconflict resolutionstrategiesCreates partnershipswith patients and otherhealthcareprofessionals throughcollaboration for thepurpose of deliveringevidence-based,patient-centered careSynthesizes ethical,legal, and professionalstandards integral tothe practice ofprofessional nursingDevelops a plan forlife-long learning,professionalengagement, andcontinued competencefor nursing practiceand careerdevelopmentSynthesizes data andinformation to improvepatient outcomes andcreate a safe careenvironmentParticipates in theevaluation ofinformation systems inthe practice settingUses QualityImprovement principlesto enhance the deliveryof healthcareCreates learningopportunities for selfand others12Revised 6/2019

II.EDUCATIONAL POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND INFORMATIONStudents are responsible for following the SON policies as presented in this document. A formacknowledging the receipt of the information in this Handbook is found in the appendices of thisdocument. Students are required to sign and submit this agreement to their CastleBranchaccount.As noted in the WCU Undergraduate Catalog, the SON reserves the right to modify schoolpolicies and procedures. Students should periodically consult their nursing faculty advisor toobtain current information. The SON will make every effort to notify currently enrolled studentsof any changes. Changes and updates to student information will be posted on the SON website.Students are expected to keep the University informed of any changes to their address, phonenumbers, and email address. These can be updated in the MyWCU portal.A. General Informationi. Admissions and Progressiona. Application to a Nursing ProgramApplications are submitted through the NursingCAS system atwww.nursingcas.org. For current requirements and deadlines visit theprogram websites at bsn.wcu.edu or absn.wcu.edu. Transfer students mustbe admitted to WCU to be eligible for both the BSN or ABSN programsb. Transfer of Nursing CreditsAny student seeking transfer of nursing credits must provide a letter fromthe director of the School of Nursing where the credit was earned,verifying the student is in good standing. Per the WCU UndergraduateCatalog, “the applicability of transferred credits toward degreerequirements is determined by the Registrar’s Office and the departmenthead of the student’s major. In some cases, due to accreditation standards,validation of a course by successful completion of more advanced work inthe same discipline or by examination may be required.” The work musthave been done at an institution “accredited by a nationally-recognizedregional accrediting agency.” Nursing credits must also come from aprogram accredited by a national agency, either CNEA (formerly NLNAC) or CCNE.The WCU Undergraduate Catalog states, “there is no time limit on thecourse work accepted for undergraduate transfer credit. However, studentswho plan to schedule courses with stated prerequisites should considerauditing the prerequisite courses if no work has been attempted in the fieldwithin the past five years.” For the upper-division nursing major at WCU,no more than a year should have elapsed since the last clinical course, andstudents may be asked to provide evidence clinical skills have remainedcurrent through employment. The student must also go through theadmissions process to the major and have met all prerequisites. There mustbe an available seat in the cohort the student is joining.13Revised 6/2019

For faculty to evaluate the nature of transferred upper-division nursingcourses the student must submit course materials, including syllabus,learning packet, and any papers returned to the student. A grade of C orbetter must have been earned in each course. Nursing faculty who teachthe equivalent course at WCU will check these materials and makerecommendations to the Director of the SON. The student may be requiredto enroll for one or more hours of Independent Study during the term thecomparable course is taught at WCU to attend lecture, seminar, laboratory,or clinical experiences that may be missing in the transferred course.c. Credit by ExaminationCredit by examination is another option for students wishing to “placeout” of upper-division nursing courses. The SON adheres to the WCUpolicy set forth in the WCU Undergraduate Catalog. Students who want totry this option should contact the Program Director at least 30 days beforethe term starts to obtain course materials. The examination will becomprehensive, based on course objectives, and may contain both writtenand simulation components. Each examination attempted must becompleted prior to the first class meeting allowing the student to enroll inthe course if credit is not earned.d. Progression in the MajorCourses are taken in sequence as indicated in the curriculum plans andstudents must demonstrate professional and safe nursing practices. Astudent admitted into the BSN or ABSN program must pass each classwith a grade of Satisfactory or a C (2.00) or better in all required courses.Students are required to earn a weighted exam score of 77%, includingthe final, within each course. Students who fail to meet these retentionstandards will be dismissed from the upper-division nursing major.Students are expected to maintain a running calculation of their status asexam and paper grades accumulate. Students who find themselves indanger of falling below the standards should consult with their academicadvisors about their weaknesses and available resources. Students whofind it necessary to withdraw from a course or the University areresponsible for following procedures in the WCU Undergraduate Catalog.Failure to withdraw per WCU’s withdrawal policy will result in a grade ofF on the student’s transcript. Any student who is dismissed has the optionof appealing the decision (see Appeals) and/or of reapplying to theappropriate program.e. Readmission to the MajorStudents who have been dismissed from the program but remain in goodacademic standing with the University may apply for readmission to theprogram if a vacant seat is available within the cohort. Students who havefailed (earned a course grade less than C) for two or more nursing courses14Revised 6/2019

are not eligible for readmission to the major.Students seeking readmission to the first semester are required to submit anew program application during the regular admissions cycle. Thestudent’s current GPA, TEAS and ACT scores, along with any otherapplicable materials will be used to calculate an admission score. Readmission for these students will be based upon the applicants rankedadmission score in the overall applicant pool.Students applying for re-entry into semesters two, three, or four arerequired to submit a written request for readmission to the chairperson ofthe School of Nursing Pre-Licensure Student Affairs Committee.Approval for re-admission to these semesters is determined by thecommittee, acting as the Admissions Committee, and requires a seat isavailable within the requested cohort. There is an abbreviated applicationform including a written request for readmission. This request shouldinclude an analysis of why the student did not progress and a plan forsuccess that addresses strategies for improvement. In addition, thecommittee must receive at least two letters of support from nursing facultyaddressing the student's previous performance and potential for successfulcompleti

The Traditional BSN program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Upon graduation, pre-licensure students sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). Didactic classes are held in Cullowhee for traditional pre-licensure students, and clinical nursing experiences