General Academic Policies

General Academic Policies

1. Students will follow the sequence of courses as outlined in the plan of study. The student carries the responsibility for ensuring that the prerequisites for coursework are met and that coursework is taken in the proper sequence. Any change to the plan of study must be approved by the Academic Dean.

2. The academic standard for students in the College of Nursing is a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 or above, with no grade in a required prerequisite course below a C (2.0). Those courses include CHEM 111 or any prerequisite for KIN 270 and, KIN 272, any Human Nutrition course, PSYCH 100, Microbiology (for students entering Fall of 2023 or later) and Statistics.

3. Successful completion of the physical and biological science prerequisites, college writing, and the R1 and R2 Math Tier requirements are required before progression into the Junior year of the nursing major.

4. If the Cumulative GPA falls below a 2.5 or the student has a grade below C in a required course, the student will not be allowed to progress to the next semester of required courses. Such students are required to meet with their academic advisor.

5. Each semester of required courses must be successfully completed before progression to the next semester, as outlined in the plan of study.

6. Students who do not progress satisfactorily through the nursing curriculum in its regular sequence or who take a leave of absence are not guaranteed that the curriculum and courses from which they departed will be in place upon their return. Such students will be expected to complete the curriculum of their new graduation date. Continuation in the program is based on space availability.

7. Didactic Nursing courses may be repeated once with no prior approval and twice with the permission of the Academic Dean. Failure to pass an undergraduate nursing course with a grade of C or better on the second attempt will lead to dismissal from the program. Repetition of a clinical course must be approved by the Academic Dean. If the student is denied a repeat of a clinical course, the student is dismissed from the College of Nursing. If an unacceptable grade is received in a required course, the student is on probation from the College of Nursing. Repeating any nursing course is on a space-available basis and requires payment of course tuition and fees.

8. Standardized NCLEX style examinations are required for progression in the program.

9. Students attending class or clinical who are impaired for any reason including the influence of alcohol and other substances will be asked to leave. If this behavior occurs in a clinical setting, it will be grounds for disciplinary action and dismissal.

10. Students must abide by all university policies in addition to those of the College of Nursing. Additional information may be found in the Registrar’s Academic Regulations . .

11. Students will be cleared for graduation and application for the RN licensure examination (NCLEX- RN®) when all graduation requirements of the university and College of Nursing have been met.

Notes about final semester Internship course (N498):

1. Placement in an internship site is determined by the clinical facility and the College of Nursing. The College of Nursing will request the student’s identified preferences; however, the College of Nursing cannot guarantee a placement in a requested facility or in a requested nursing field.
2. Medical/Surgical nursing is the default for all student requests. Example: if you request ICU, ER, Maternity; the College will add Med/Surg as a fourth option. Placements in Maternity, Pediatrics, ICU, ER, and PACU are very limited.

3. Requests will be sent to the first facility on the student’s request list. If there are no available placements at that facility a request will be sent to the student’s second facility of choice, etc.

4. Students are not to approach or contact nurses or Nurse Managers or other faculty regardinginternship opportunities. Clinical agencies may refuse placements for students who not follow the approved lines of communication for clinical placement. All communication regarding internship placements will be handled by the Clinical Placement Coordinator. Any contact information you have needs to be given to the Clinical Placement Coordinator.

5. Once a student’s request is accepted by a facility no further searches will be made.

6. Students are required to be available for internship hours (class, lab, site hours) during all active University days in the semester.
7. Students must be available for other class days on the Amherst/Springfield campus as assigned. These include start of semester lab days, other courses, ATI testing days, and simulation days. These days are mandatory and require on-campus presence of the student for all courses.

8. Students may receive communication over the summer months from the Course Coordinator regarding materials that may be due earlier than the start of term and students are responsible for checking for voicemails and emails daily. Failure to submit required materials may cause your placement to be cancelled by the clinical agency or delay the start of internship hours.

9. Credentialing materials must be completed in CastleBranch. Failure to submit the required materials at the date and time specified by the College of Nursing will delay your start of internship hours and is a failure to meet clinical objectives for the internship course.

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Grading

Grading

1. The standardized grading system used in all courses offered by the College of Nursing is as follows:

2.  No course required for the Nursing major may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis except as designated by the College of Nursing.

3. Clinical Evaluation Tool: All students who are completing clinical courses will be evaluated using a course-specific Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET). Please see Appendix B for a sample CET format.

4. The University Policy for incomplete grades will be followed:

Students who are unable to complete course requirements within the allotted time because of severe medical or personal problems may request a grade of Incomplete from the instructor of the course. Incompletes are warranted only if a student is passing the course at the time of the request and if the course requirements can be completed by the end of the following semester.

Instructors who turn in a grade of "INC" are required to leave a written record of the following information with the departmental office of the academic department under which the course is offered: (1) the percentage of work completed, (2) the grade earned by the student on the completed work, (3) a description of the work that remains to be completed, (4) a description of the method by which the student is to complete the unfinished work, and (5) the date by which the work is to be completed. In the case of an independent study where the entire grade is determined by one paper or project, the instructor should leave with the department information pertaining to the paper or project that will complete the course. To avoid subsequent misunderstanding, it is recommended that the student also be provided with a copy of this information.

Grades of Incomplete will be counted as F’s until resolved and will, if not resolved by the end of the following semester, automatically be converted to an F. Faculty wishing to extend this deadline must write to the Registrar’s Office stipulating a specific date by which the Incomplete will be completed.

Students are not permitted to re-register for a course in order to clear an Incomplete.

Requests for grade changes from INC to Y, from INC to a grade, from NR to a grade, or from a blank to a grade require the signature of the instructor only. In situations where an instructor has permanently left the employ of the University, the department chair or head (or designee) may change an INC to a final course grade after reviewing the information on student performance originally provided by the instructor at the time the INC was submitted and completing an evaluation of the makeup work of the student. Changes of an INC grade by the chair or head (or designee) require the signature of the Academic Dean in the College of Nursing. This procedure would normally be used only in cases where the original course instructor cannot be contacted, or the instructor refuses to evaluate the makeup work of the student or to provide an opportunity for the student to make up the missing work.

The College of Nursing states that if the course for which a student has received an Incomplete is prerequisite to another course, a grade of C or higher must be recorded before the student proceeds. In any event, contracts for completion are required when an INCOMPLETE is registered for the course. When the GPA is considered for honors, INC grades are detrimental to the CGPA.

5. Repeated Courses: Students may repeat a course for which they have received grades of C-, D+, D, or F. The grades received in both the original course and the repeated enrollment will remain on the student’s record. Students may not enroll in a course more than twice without the approval of their Academic Dean.

6. American Psychological Association 7th edition -- APA style is the official style in citations for College of Nursing papers. For more information, please see the APA website at: http://www.apastyle.org.

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Guidelines for Independent Study Contract

The Independent Study Contract is a statement of bilateral obligations wherein the instructor agrees to provide direction and assistance, and the student agrees to complete stated learning activities in order to achieve objectives, which have been mutually agreed upon.

These guidelines are for use with departmental Independent Studies that permit variable allocation of 1 to 6 credits and may include a practicum, if desired. The Independent Study Learning Contract (LC) provides maximum feasibility and at the same time assures accountability for all concerned. University guidelines are followed for time expectations. For example, a 3-credit LC would be the equivalent of 3 class hours per week (or 42 hours per semester) plus approximately 9 hours of preparation per week (or 126 hours per semester).

Assumptions

• The student has had sufficient background in the subject to be able to establish objectives that are pertinent and relevant to the chosen area.
• Both student and instructor are willing and able to accept the necessary responsibility and commitment, which can be considerable.

• There is coherence in the Learning Contract in that it is related not only to prior learning but also to future possibilities forstudy.

• It is possible to pursue the subject under study to the degree of complexity and level of intensity warranted.

• The terms of the LC are clearly understood by all parties concerned, are reasonable in scope and have a realistic timetable.

• Any LC that proposes research involving the participation of human subjects must be approved by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Committee on Scholarship and Human Subjects Review.

• The LC can be renegotiated if the situation warrants.

Process

• The student brings to the instructor a written statement of the objectives to be attained and a brief description of the learning activities believed to assure the attainment of theobjectives.

• The instructor aids in the refinement of the statement of objectives to assure that they will meet individual learning needs and involve adequate study of the subject.

• Both student and instructor identify appropriate and available learning resources.

• If a practicum is involved, the instructor is responsible for the Letter of Agreement with the cooperating agency in accordance with policy and procedure.

• The learning activities and the use of selected learning resources are spelled out and their relationship to the objectives are made explicit.

• The criteria for evaluation and the evidence upon which evaluation is to be based are established. It should be clear how, by whom, when and on the basis of what evidence evaluation will be carriedout.

• A written agreement is completed and signed by the student and the instructor with copies retained by each and a copy filed in the student’s academic folder.

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NCLEX Preparation

Students are required to use assigned NCLEX preparation software (ATI) concurrent with the curriculum to ensure success with RN licensure. The cost of ATI is incorporated in the EMCON fees. 

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Professional Conduct

1. It is expected that each student shall understand and act in accordance with the values, vision and mission of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, the Code of Ethics as promulgated by the American Nurses Association, the University Code of Conduct, and the Academic Honesty policy of the University. Failure to do so will constitute a cause for dismissal regardless of academic standing.

2. Confidentiality of information related to clinical experiences and anonymity of patients and families are to be preserved.

3. Professional accountability and responsibility include attendance at all scheduled clinical and classroom course experiences and being on time and well prepared for the respective experiences.

4. Respectful communication is expected of nursing students in all interactions with patients, peers, faculty, and clinical facility staff.

Academic Policy and Procedure for Professional Conduct Standards/Violation Report for Standard of Safe Nursing Practice of Professional Conduct Policy
(Approved by Faculty Assembly 2011)

Policy:

While enrolled in the University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing, all pre- licensure students are expected to always abide by the Professional Conduct Standards. This policy is applicable only to pre-licensure students; all other students are held accountable to the Board of Nursing for adhering to these standards. Failure to abide by these standards will result in disciplinary action that may include dismissal from the nursing program.

Procedure:

1. All students will receive a copy of the Professional Conduct Standards at the start of the first designated nursing course for their program. The standards will be reviewed, and the student will sign an acknowledgement form that will be placed in the student’s academic file.

2. At the beginning of each subsequent academic year, the Professional Conduct Standards will be reviewed with students by the appropriate course coordinators.

3. Violation of these standards will result in the following disciplinary action:

First Violation:

1. The faculty member will give students an immediate oral warning. The incident will be documented by the faculty member on the Violation of Professional Conduct Standards form. One copy will be given to the student and one signed copy will be placed in the student’s academic file.

2. If this violation is of a serious nature, it may be referred to the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for further disciplinary action, which might include dismissal from the program. 

Second Violation:

1. The faculty member will document the incident on the violation of Professional Conduct Standards form. Following discussion of the incident with the student, the faculty member will forward a copy of the signed form to the coordinator and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education for review and recommendation regarding further action.

2. The recommendation of the coordinator and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education will be forwarded to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for review and recommendations regarding reprimand or dismissal. If necessary, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs recommendation will be forwarded to the Dean of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing for final decision. This disciplinary action process will be documented and placed in the student’s academic record.

3. If the student has not been dismissed and remains in the program, any additional violation will be documented and forwarded as indicated in steps 1 and 2 above. Disciplinary action may include dismissal from the nursing program.

See Appendix H for the reporting form for the University of Massachusetts Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Undergraduate Program Violation Report for Standard of Safe Nursing Practice of Professional Conduct Policy

Professional Conduct Standards

In addition to the University’s Code of Student Conduct Policy, the following behaviors are expected for all clinical nursing students. These include, but are not limited to:

• Student will adhere to HIPAA privacy requirements at all times, which include, but are not limited to: not removing, photocopying, or scanning documents that have personal identifiers from the clinical area, not leaving workstation computers open, and not engaging in discussion of clients outside accepted work area.

• Student will notify appropriate personnel (e.g., client, faculty, client’s primary RN, preceptor) before leaving a clinical learning assignment.

• Student will practice within educational level, experience, and responsibilities while in the role of the nursing student.

• Student will not engage in unauthorized photography in the laboratory or clinical unit. American Nurses’ Association Code of Ethics

American Nurses Association Code of Ethics (revised January 2015)

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing abides by and adheres to the Code of Ethics for Nursing, which is set forth by the American Nurses’ Association as it relates to the professional conduct of nurses.

1. The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.

2. The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population.

3. The nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient.

4. The nurse has authority, accountability, and responsibility for nursing practice; makes decisions; and takes action consistent with the obligation to promote health and to provide optimal care.

5. The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety, preserve wholeness of character and integrity, maintain competence, and continue personal and professional growth.

6. The nurse, through individual and collective effort, establishes, maintains, and improves the ethical environment of the work setting and conditions of employment that are conducive to safe, quality health care.

7. The nurse, in all roles and settings, advances the profession through research and scholarly inquiry, professional standards development, and the generation of both nursing and health policy.

8. The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public to protect human rights, promote health diplomacy, and reduce health disparities.

9. The profession of nursing, collectively through its professional organizations, must articulate nursing values, maintain integrity of the profession, and integrate principles of social justice into nursing and health policy.

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Electronic Testing Policy for Undergraduate Students

1. Testing in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing prepares students in a similar testing environment to current licensure testing (NCLEX), which is a strategy for your success.

2. Testing accommodations should be presented to the instructor at the beginning of the semester.

3. Seating will be at the faculty’s discretion and may be assigned. It is in your best interest to arrive at the testing room 15 minutes early to ensure an on-time start. Students may not be allowed to enter the room after an exam begins.

4. Testing device should be fully charged and have the test downloaded before arriving. Students should restart their computers and be connected to Eduroam before beginning their test. Students are not permitted to have any programs open on their testing device besides Examplify.

5. All bags and belongings are to be placed either at the front of the room or away from the testing environment. No other items may be present on the desk, including water bottles, mugs, or blank paper. No hats, headphones, or ear buds are allowed. Items such as phones or other electronic devices should be turned off and stored.

6. Keyboards, cases, and covers are permitted if they are attached to the device. These must be free of any writing or notes and available to the proctor to check.

7. Backward navigation (the ability to return to a previous question once it has been submitted) is disabled on all exams.

8. Once complete, exams must be uploaded BEFORE leaving the testing room. Students must show the instructor the green checkmark success screen before closing Examplify or leaving the testing area.

9. Students will be provided the exam password at the beginning of the exam period. Once the password is entered, the exam must be started within 3 minutes. The following are prohibited:
   a. Attempting to take the exam before the exam period
   b. Attempting to take the exam outside of the testing area,
   c. Continuing to take the exam after the exam period has concluded,
   d. During exam review, note taking, for example on paper or recording of any kind, including photography.

10. Students must follow University Policy regarding Academic Honesty.

11. Passwords may not be shared with other students.

12. Excused or make-up exam arrangements must be made with the instructor before the scheduled exam time.

13. In the event of an issue with the student’s device, the student should immediately bring their testing device to the proctor for assistance.

14. Additional testing time will not be granted for a bathroom or other break.

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Registration

Before registering for courses, students are required to review course selections with an Academic Advisor during the scheduled Academic Counseling period each fall and spring. Changes in course schedules should be accomplished with Academic Advisor consultation. Authorization for credits in excess of eighteen requires approval by the Academic Dean.

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Health Requirements

Health Requirements 

Students in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing are required to adhere to certain health maintenance procedures in compliance with standards prescribed by affiliating clinical agencies and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 15C, entitled Immunization of college health science students. Students may use the services of their own family health care providers or the University Health Services. The policies are intended to protect the health and well-being of the client as well as the nursing student engaged in clinical practice. The health maintenance plan is as follows: 

All students need to set up an account with CastleBranch after admission to the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. You will be responsible for uploading evidence of your immunizations and required documents into the self-service system before your first clinical. Certified Background Check will also perform a national background check on all students, which is necessary before entering clinical placements. 

All students must carry health insurance at all times while registered as a student. 

CPR Requirement 

American Heart Association Course: BLS for the Healthcare Provider. This is the only course accepted by our affiliating agencies. Online courses are not acceptable. 

Professional Liability Insurance 

Professional Liability Insurance: Contact  www.nso.com (Upload the one-page “Certificate of Insurance” for your file.) 

Students are required to acquire and submit proof of medical malpractice insurance before entering courses with a clinical component. Students are also responsible for ensuring that a copy of the one-page certificate of insurance is on file at least three weeks prior to the start of the semester. Students are not allowed to participate in clinical experiences until this documentation is on file. Students will upload this insurance certification to their CastleBranch.com account. 

Annual Update 

CastleBranch will send an email reminder for annual updates at least two weeks prior to their due date.  Healthcare agencies will not allow students to begin clinical experiences until this information has been received. Timely submission will prevent a student’s clinical status from being in jeopardy. 

Students are required to notify the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing of any significant change in their health status that may affect clinical experiences. Examples include serious illness, accidents, injuries, or surgery which would require health care provider clearance prior to returning to the clinical setting. 

NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the University Health Services (UHS) or their private family health care provider in a timely fashion in order to comply with the above policies. When applicable, the College of Nursing will publicize the availability of special clinics set up by UHS to assist with required immunizations or updates. 

STUDENTS MUST PROVIDE THE COLLEGE OF NURSING WITH THE REQUIRED APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION OF HEALTH STATUS TO PARTICIPATE IN CLINICAL PRACTICUM.  A delay in returning the necessary documentation will prevent a student from attending clinical experiences. 

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CORI and Fingerprinting

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI/SORI) Checks and Fingerprinting 

CORI ([Massachusetts] Criminal Offender Records Index) and SORI ([National] Sex Offender Records Index) checks are required by most clinical agencies and will be completed on all students and faculty once they are admitted to the program and yearly thereafter. Progression and clinical placements in the nursing program may be contingent upon a satisfactory CORI/SORI investigation. Please review the website at http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/laws-regs/hhs/criminal-offender-record-checks-cori.html for more details on CORI checks. 

Note: Some clinical agencies may require a National Background Check and Fingerprinting; this process will be explained as necessary. 

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Undergraduate Credentialing Policy

As part of your professional role, nursing students are required to have very specific credentials in order to be present in hospitals, clinics, and community settings where we interact with the public. These are very similar, if not identical, to the requirements that you will have soon with an employer in the health care industry. Part of your education in nursing is learning to be prompt and meticulous about ensuring that all your documentation is on time and kept current to attend clinical. Please read this policy carefully to the end. 

It is the student’s responsibility to maintain their current credentials that may include CPR, a criminal background check, fingerprinting, immunizations, special training, etc. It is recommended that you begin a file with copies of all your documents, so you always have them at the ready for clinical agencies and employers. 

1. At the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, we use an external company that assists us in assuring clinical agencies that our students are credentialed for clinical. CastleBranch (CB) is the name of the company that securely maintains documents for the College, and this is where you must submit your materials for credentialing. 

2. Before you come to nursing school, you may begin the credentialing process by taking an American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR class, seeing your healthcare provider, undergoing TB testing, and getting immunized. 

3. When you enroll, you will be directed by email to register with CastleBranch. 

4. As soon as you register with CastleBranch, you will get an email to begin uploading your documents into their secure site. You must have everything uploaded into CastleBranch by: 

   • Accelerated students - July 1 for fall clinicals, November 1 for spring clinicals and March 1 for summer clinicals. 
   • Nursing majors - May 1 for fall clinicals and November 1 for spring clinicals. 
   • All students- Between August 1-15th each year, you must upload modules to Centralized Clinical Placements at www.mcnplacement.org/orientation. 
   • All students – October 1 for flu immunization verification. 
5. You may from time to time receive an email from Castle Branch informing you that something has expired, and these must be attended to immediately. Never ignore reminders from CastleBranch, as it is likely you have a new requirement that has triggered a reminder email. 
6. Anything marked INCOMPLETE in your CastleBranch account must be completed before you go to clinical. Anything marked REJECTED is incorrect documentation and the CastleBranch site will direct you how to correct the error. Anything marked OVERDUE must be completed immediately. 
7. Students must attend to this in the term prior to a clinical course to have everything completed in a timely way and should not leave for vacation without ensuring that everything is complete. Some components must be completed in Massachusetts. 
8. Each term, on the first day of class in any clinical course and before you go to the clinical site, we will check to make sure you have completed all the requirements for students on the CastleBranch site. 
9. You may not attend clinical and will be sent home if you are not properly credentialed. 
10. At that point, a better use of your time will be going to complete whatever you failed to complete, but you will be missing precious learning time in clinical, and it will be recorded as a 0.5 deduction in your clinical evaluation in the area of unprofessional behavior. This will also be an unexcused clinical absence and cannot be made up, potentially impacting your ability to be successful in the course. 

If you have questions or trouble uploading documents, please contact the Database Administrator, Jennifer Heim at the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, jheim [at] umass [dot] edu (jheim[at]umass[dot]edu), phone # 413-545- 5049. 

University Health Services (UHS) collects state required immunization data through their New Student Immunization Office which is required for all UMASS students and a separate process.  

Please also follow any instructions you receive from UHS (https://www.umass.edu/uhs/immunizations).

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Good Moral Conduct Policy

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing [BORN] establishes policies (based on MGL c. 112, ss. 74, 74A and 76 and Board regulations at 244 CMR 8.00) for initial licensure as a registered nurse or licensure by reciprocity in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. One of the criteria for application for licensure involves the determination of “good moral character.” Failure to meet this criterion could delay or prevent licensure. Please refer to the Mass.gov website:  https://www.mass.gov/service-details/good-moral-character-requirements-for-nursing-licensure for complete information. It is the student’s responsibility to seek legal guidance with any concerns about meeting these criteria.

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Conduct in Clinical Settings

It is expected that every student in the College of Nursing will adhere not only to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Code of Student Conduct, but also to the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses. The statement of the Code, included in the next section, provides guidance for conduct and relationships in carrying out nursing responsibilities consistent with the ethical obligations of the profession and quality in nursing care.  All students who are completing clinical courses will be evaluated for conduct using a course-specific Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET). Please see Appendix B for a sample CET format.

Clinical Practice 

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing maintains contractual agreements for student experience with a variety of agencies. Students must meet the expectations of both the college and the agency for appropriate professional conduct and attire. In the event that a cooperating clinical agency asks a student to withdraw because the student’s conduct or clinical performance is unacceptable to the agency, the University will attempt to arrange for the student to obtain the clinical experience at another agency where the objectives of the course can be met. However, the effort of the University to place the student in another agency will depend upon the circumstances under which the student was dismissed from the first agency. If a student cannot demonstrate ability to deliver safe care at the level required in a course, the instructor has a responsibility to remove the student, so that the safety and welfare of clients are not compromised. (For example, inadequate knowledge of care or medications needed by clients, inappropriate or disruptive behavior or communications with clients, faculty or agency staff.) The student will receive a grade of “F” in the clinical course. 

Attendance at all scheduled clinical practice experiences is mandatory. Absence for any reason must be explained and will be evaluated by the instructor, who will decide whether an alternative experience must be arranged. Should the university be officially closed, e.g. during a snowstorm, clinical practice may be cancelled. 

The clinical instructor will use feedback from a variety of sources in determining your clinical grade. These sources may include both written and verbal communication from all members of the healthcare team, including patients and family members. However, the final determination of your grade is the responsibility of the clinical instructor. 

Clinical experiences are based on students’ learning needs and course objectives. Clinical experiences are primarily based in clinical agencies outside the University.

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Medication Administration Policy

Students must adhere to the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing policy, Clinical Facility policy, and/or the State Regulations in the administration of medications.

1. A written medication dosage calculation test is required in each semester when students will be passing medication.

a. Students must pass a practice medication dosage calculation test with a score of 100% before taking the official medication dosage test.

b. Students are required to pass the official medication dosage calculation test with a score of at least 90% in order to administer medications in the clinical setting.

2. Students may be limited in the medications that they can administer according to the course specific administration guidelines or Clinical Facility policy.

3. All medication administration must be approved and directly observed by the faculty, Registered Nurse, or preceptor.

4. Students must follow any course-specific guidelines regarding medication administration.

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Transportation

Students are required to provide their own transportation to clinical and community sites that are contracted with the program. To provide maximum clinical experience for students, multiple sites are used seven days a week with the potential of evening, weekend, and night hours. For this reason, public transportation or sharing transportation have not been workable as means to get to the clinical agencies. Instead, students must provide their own transportation to the clinical sites assigned by their course faculty. 

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Unsafe Nursing Practice Policy

The faculty of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing has an academic, legal, and ethical responsibility to prepare graduates who are competent in safe nursing practice to protect health of individuals and communities. It is within this context that students are disciplined or dismissed from the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing for unsafe practice or unsafe behavior that threatens or has the potential to threaten the safety of a client, a family member or substitute familial person, another student, a faculty member, or other health care provider. 

Practices or behaviors that warrant disciplinary action include, but are not limited to: 

• Excessive use of faculty time to ensure safe practice by one student to the detriment of other students in the clinical rotation. 
• Inadequate or poor preparation for or understanding of nursing care, patient’s medications, or patient’s nursing needs. 
• Acts of omission or commission in the care of clients including, but not limited to: 
  • physical abuse 
  • placing clients in hazardous positions, conditions, or circumstances 
  • mental or emotional abuse of others 
  • failure to rescue 
  • failure to use appropriate judgment in administering safe nursing care consistent with the level of nursing preparation 
  • violating or threatening the microbiological safety of the client, such as by breaking aseptic technique 
  • failure to use standard and transmission-based precautions in clinical procedures 
  • inability to apply previously learned skills and principles in providing nursing care 
  • failure to observe or report critical assessment results regarding patients in a timely fashion 
  • failure to assume responsibility for completing nursing actions 

Unsafe nursing practice is defined as any behavior determined to be actually or potentially detrimental to the client and/or to the health care agency. 

• A student may be removed from a clinical area immediately if, in the professional judgment of a faculty member, the student has demonstrated unsafe practice in a clinical area. 
• A faculty member who removes a student from the clinical area due to unsafe clinical practice during the clinical assignment is required to notify the course coordinator within 24 hours, and to consult with the appropriate Track Director or Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. 
• The faculty member will identify and document in writing the student’s unsafe clinical practice, advise the student regarding the unsafe clinical performance and the requirements for addressing the deficiencies, and if appropriate, refer the student for remediation or assistance using the CON clinical learning contract. Students are expected to respond to the remediation plan within 48 hours by contacting the designated person who will assist them with remediation. Students need to be self-directed for remediation because unsafe practice involves skills that have been previously taught. This means that the independent use of class material, practice in lab, and use of recommended resources is expected. 
• The faculty member’s documentation of the student’s unsafe clinical practice and recommended remedial action plan will be provided to the course coordinator, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education, Associate Dean, and the student’s file. 
• A student may be reinstated to the assigned clinical area only after the recommended action plan has been followed, successfully completed, and appropriately documented. 
• If, following the remediation plan completion, the student’s clinical performance continues to remain unsafe; the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education or Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, in collaboration with the faculty member, may require additional remediation or may remove the student from clinical activities. 
• If the same student needs to be removed from the clinical area more than one time, the student may be dismissed from the program due to unsafe behavior. 

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Uniform Policy

Uniform Policy

More information and how to order uniforms may be found online: https://www.umass.edu/nursing/academic-programs/nursing-major/clinical-information-undergraduate-nursing-majors

As nurses and nursing students, it is our role to care for the public in many settings. The rationale for a consistent uniform policy is to present a professional image as well as to be mindful of disease transmission. The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing uniform policy is intended to maintain a consistent professional image, consider medical asepsis, and to be congruent with dress code policies of agencies used for clinical experience. The uniform for clinical experiences (with the exception of clinical settings that have different uniform requirements) will include:

1. Plain navy-blue uniform quality scrub pants and a white scrub/uniform top and jacket with the UMass Elaine Marieb College of Nursing logo are required. Two sets are recommended. No shirt sleeve showing beneath the scrub top is allowed.
2. The University of Massachusetts name badge must be worn on the front of the scrub/uniform top or jacket.
3. Clean, all white or all black, leather or vinyl, (no canvas) nursing shoes are required. Nursing clogs, if permitted by the clinical agency, must be closed toe and heel. White, navy blue or black hose or socks must be worn.
4. Uniforms must be kept clean and pressed.
5. Hair must be restrained and off the collar.
6. Make-up must be kept to a minimum.
7. No artificial nails or nail polish shall be worn. Fingernails must be neat and clean, and length should not exceed ¼”. There is strong evidence that artificial nails and nail polish harbor bacteria and can cause infection.
8. Facial piercings (nose, tongue, eyebrows, etc.) must be removed in the clinical area and tattoos covered to the extent possible.
9. Jewelry must be limited to watches, small inconspicuous rings such as a wedding band and neck chains. No bracelets are allowed. Earrings must be stud type, no dangling earrings.
10. Use of colognes and perfumes or odor of tobacco or cannabis is not permitted in the clinical setting, as they may have an adverse effect on individual patients. Students in this situation will be asked to change their clothes or sent home from the clinical site.
11. Clinical agency dress code policies, if stricter than College of Nursing policy, must be adhered to while in that setting.
12. If street clothes are required by the clinical agency, they must meet the standards of the clinical setting.

Students who do not comply with the uniform policy will not be allowed in the clinical setting.

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Undergraduate Health Facilities Identification Badge Policy

• Students are responsible for any identification badges issued by health care facilities and are responsible for returning badges at the end of the clinical rotation or the end of the program.
• Students who have not returned badges will receive an incomplete for the clinical course.
• Students are responsible for the cost of replacing any lost or missing badges.

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Health/Illness/Injury Incident Policy

(Refer also to university policy)

PURPOSE:

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy and productive environment. This policy informs faculty, staff and students of the steps to follow to insure the immediate care of the student in the event of a health incident.

I. POLICY STATEMENT:

Any health/illness/injury incident, that occurs to a student in any teaching environment within the college or its affiliated clinical agencies must be documented and reported by the faculty member and student. All students must provide the college with emergency contact numbers during orientation, including a local number in case they require transportation from the college or clinical facility. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure a safe transportation alternative. The UHS website http://www.umass.edu/uhs/ mentions two transportation options that may be helpful. The UHS Shuttle offers free rides from any on-campus location to UHS (call 413- 577-7425). If the student is referred by the healthcare provider to off-campus services, then HealthRide is an option (email a voucher request to https://www.umass.edu/uhs/accesstocare/rides/healthride or another mode of transportation of the student’s choice.

II.  PROCEDURE:

A. On Campus

1. If the incident is an emergency, call 911. This will trigger EMS. If the incident is not an emergency, call the UMass Police Department at 413-545-2121. If the individual is in need of mental health services, call the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health at 413-545- 2337.

2. Notify the Dean’s office at 413-545-5093 or the Executive Associate Dean for Academics, Research and Engagement office at 413-545-9576 and report the location and nature of the incident as well as the faculty, staff or student’s name.

3. If necessary, the student’s emergency contact will be notified by the Office of the Dean or the Office of the Executive Associate Dean for Academics, Research and Engagement.

4. The student may be referred to University Health Services or the student’s healthcare provider

5. of choice. The student is responsible for all healthcare costs for her/himself incurred in treatment of said injury, both immediate care and any necessary follow-up care. The College is not financially responsible for any costs incurred by the student.

6. The faculty or staff member and student will complete the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Health Incident Report Form within one business day (see Appendix F). This form includes a clear statement of the incident that occurred, who was involved, action that was taken, and any plan for follow-up. The description should be factual in nature and free of interpretation and impressions. If a student is unavailable to sign the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Health Incident Report Form within one business day, the Nursing faculty member should indicate this on the form and obtain the student’s signature as soon as possible. The form must be submitted to the office of the Executive Associate Dean for Academics, Research and Engagement who will oversee any investigation or remediation necessary.

7. If warranted, the student must provide documentation from a healthcare provider stating that she/he can return to clinical without restrictions.

B. Off Campus

1. If the incident is in a clinical facility, the policies and procedures set forth by that site must be followed. Neither the faculty nor the CON is responsible for the cost of any treatment involved in the student’s care.

2. The faculty member will notify the office of the Executive Associate Dean for Academics, Research and Engagement at 413-545-9576 as appropriate and report the location and nature of the incident as well as the student’s name and contact information.

3. If necessary, the student’s emergency contact will be notified by the Office of the Dean or Office of the Executive Associate Dean for Academics, Research and Engagement.

4. The student may receive appropriate and necessary care at an acute facility emergency department, employee health office or be referred to University Health Services or the student’s healthcare provider of choice. The student is responsible for all healthcare costs for her/himself incurred in treatment of said injury, both immediate care and any necessary follow-up care. The College and clinical facility are not financially responsible for any costs incurred by the student.

5. The faculty member and student will complete the College of Nursing Health Incident Report Form within one business day, which includes a clear statement of the incident that occurred, who was involved, action that was taken, and any plan for follow-up. The description should be factual in nature and free of interpretation and impressions. If a student is unavailable to sign the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Health Incident Report Form within one business day, the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing faculty should indicate this on the form and obtain the student’s signature as soon as possible. The form must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs who will oversee any investigation or remediation necessary.

6. If warranted, the student must provide documentation from a healthcare provider stating that she/he can return to clinical without restrictions.

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Academic Honesty Policy

Please refer to the policy concerning Academic Honesty at the Dean of Students home page located at http://www.umass.edu/dean_students/academic_policy . All members of the University community must participate in the development of a climate conducive to academic honesty. While the faculty, because of their unique role in the educational process, have the responsibility for defining, encouraging, fostering, and upholding the ethic of academic honesty, students have the responsibility of conforming in all respects to that ethic.

Intellectual honesty requires that students demonstrate their own learning during examinations and other academic exercises and that other sources of information or knowledge be appropriately credited. Scholarship depends upon the reliability of information and reference in the work of others. No form of cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or facilitating of dishonesty will be condoned in the University community.

Formal definitions of academic dishonesty, examples of various forms of dishonesty, and the procedures that faculty must follow to penalize dishonesty are contained in the ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY, which follows ACADEMIC REGULATIONS herein. A student identified by an instructor or another student of having committed a breach of the academic honesty regulations has the right to appeal before any penalty can be imposed. Appeals must be filed within ten days of notification by the instructor that s/he suspects dishonesty. Information on the appeals process is also contained in the Academic Honesty Policy, or can be obtained from the Ombud's Office, where appeals are filed. In addition, the Academic Standards Committee adopted the Policy Concerning Academic Honesty in June of 2004, which states the following:

Policy Concerning Academic Honesty

The integrity of the academic enterprise of any institution of higher education requires honesty in scholarship and research. Academic honesty is therefore required of all students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Academic dishonesty is prohibited in all programs of the University. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to:

Cheating - intentional use, and/or attempted use of trickery, artifice, deception, breach of confidence, fraud and/or misrepresentation of one's academic work.

Fabrication - intentional and unauthorized falsification and/or invention of any information or citation in any academic exercise.

Plagiarism - knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own work in any academic exercise. This includes submitting without citation, in whole or in part, prewritten term papers of another or the research of another, including but not limited to commercial vendors who sell or distribute such materials.

Facilitating dishonesty - knowingly helping or attempting to help another commit an act of academic dishonesty, including substituting for another in an examination, or allowing others to represent as their own one’s papers, reports, or academic works.

Sanctions may be imposed on any student who has committed an act of academic dishonesty.

Any person who has reason to believe that a student has committed academic dishonesty should bring such information to the attention of the appropriate course instructor as soon as possible. The procedures are intended to provide an efficient and orderly process by which action may be taken if it appears that academic dishonesty has occurred, and by which students may appeal such actions.

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Social Media Policy and Email Guidelines

Background and Purpose

In an increasingly technologically connected and public world, students must be mindful of their behavior and its consequences online, including the use of social networks, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. It is likely that students, patients, supervisors, potential internship sites, and future employers may be interested in searching for or accessing your online information. Although all information about you is not likely to be within your control, students should exercise caution and restraint and use safeguards when possible. Activities online, including those that you may consider purely personal in nature, may reflect upon your student or professional life. Adherence to this policy also will support your confidentiality and safety.

1. Social Media in Clinical and Simulation Laboratory.
   a. The use of social media platforms is prohibited while performing direct patient care activities or in health care unit work areas, unless Social Media use in these areas has been previously and specifically approved.
   b. Students should not use social media platforms in hospital or clinic spaces unless previously approved by the clinical site and instructor. Please note that the use of electronic devices such as cell phones for social media use is prohibited in clinical and simulation/laboratory settings. Students should adhere to all applicable institutional and legal privacy, confidentiality and property policies and laws.

2. Social Media Guidelines
   a. Patient privacy must be maintained in all communications. Do not disclose information that may be used to identify patients or their health condition and remember that even de- identified information may be recognized by patients, their families, or their employers and is a violation of HIPAA.
   b. Protect confidential and proprietary information:

3. a. Do not post confidential or proprietary information about Elaine Marieb College of Nursing students, faculty, employees, alumni or people or issues you encounter in your clinical settings.
   b. Information related to patient care or clinical work should not be shared on any electronic platform that is not approved by Elaine Marieb College of Nursing for nursing education. This is especially true in cases where postings related to patient care or clinical work could compromise patient confidentiality or reveal patient identity. All persons must follow the applicable federal requirements such as FERPA and HIPAA regulations.

4. Unless you are serving as an approved, official spokesperson for the University of Massachusetts or EMCON, online communications are your personal opinions and do not reflect the opinion of UMASS, EMCON, or its affiliated entities. Students are personally responsible for their posts (written, audio, video or otherwise).

5. There should be no expectation of privacy when using a university account to visit internet websites. Email communications and internet use may be subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act or for audit purposes.

6. The NCSBN Nurse’s Guide to Social Media should be referred to for more detailed information on social media use.

FA 5/17/23

E-Mail Guidelines

With email, keep in mind that everything you write may exist perpetually or be retrievable, so be thoughtful about what you write. Emails sent via the UMass email system are considered public records and the property of UMass. Emails should be professional, efficient, and worded to protect against liability.

Addresses and Subject Lines

• Listserves should only be used for official College and University purposes.

• Always use a brief but relevant subject heading (avoid using this space for your message).

• Always use a greeting and end with your name

While at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, use your university email, not your personal email, for all college and university-related communication.

General advice for email:

• Keep to the subject.
• Use proper grammar and spelling.
• Do not include e-mailed credit card numbers or social security numbers.
• Do not send any names or information that could breach confidentiality.
• Do not send angry messages. It is better to make personal contact to discuss issues.
• Do not use ALL capital letters to emphasize or highlight your message. This is considered to be rude, and can be interpreted as shouting at someone.
• Proofread and make sure the appropriate people are on the e-mail.

Replies and Reply-Alls

• Only include enough of the original e-mail to continue the thought. Avoid sending a string of previous e-mails. This may not be appropriate.

• If you have been sent a question on an e-mail list, send your personal reply to the original mailer only, not the entire list, unless indicated otherwise.

• If you are copied on an e-mail, no reply is required.

Signatures

• Always use a signature when you can.
• Avoid appending long and inappropriate text to your signature.

Courtesy and Timing

• Remember to use “please” and “thank you.”
• Use formal address when indicated such as “Dr., Dean, Professor.”
• The standard for a reply is 24 hours during normal business hours when the university is in session.
• Use emoticons (smiley faces, etc.) sparingly if at all.

FA 02/19; 9/21/22; 5/17/23

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Technology Policy

PURPOSE: To provide students with information regarding the acceptable use of technology in the classroom and clinical setting.

I. POLICY STATEMENT: The use of technology is an integral part of today’s classroom and clinical environment. However, when technology is used inappropriately it can also hinder the teaching, learning, and patient care process. Therefore, each professor will establish times when the use of technology in the classroom and in clinical is appropriate. During those times, the technology must be used for purposes that are relevant to the specific course and not distracting fellow students. Using technology at times other than those permitted by your course professor will be considered disruptive behavior and will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

II. CLASSROOM

A. The Acceptable Use Policy for Computing and Information Technology Resources outline the responsibilities of each member of the community when using computing and information technology resources. This is put forth as a minimum set of standards for all areas of the University. http://www.it.umass.edu/security/acceptable-use-policy.

III. CLINICAL

1. The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing abides by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing publication, “A Nurse’s Guide to the Use of Social Media” (https://www.ncsbn.org/3874.htm) and the ANA’S Principles for Social Networking and the Nurse (https://www.nursingworld.org/~4af4f2/globalassets/docs/ana/.../social- networking.pdf, 2011).

   1. Nurses must not transmit or place online individually identifiable patient information.

   2. Nurses must observe ethically prescribed professional patient nurse boundaries.

   3. Nurses should understand that patients, colleagues, institutions, and employers may view postings.

   4. Nurses should take advantage of privacy settings and seek to separate personal and professional information online.

   5. Nurses should bring content that could harm a patient’s privacy, rights, or welfare to be attention of appropriate authorities.

   6. Nurses should participate in developing institutional policies governing online conduct.

2. 6 Tips to Avoid Problems

   1. Remember that standards of professionalism are the same online as in any other circumstance.

   2. Do not share or post information or photos gained through the nurse patient relationship.

   3. Maintain professional boundaries in the use of electronic media.

   4. Do not make disparaging remarks about patients, staff, fellow students or faculty, even if they are notidentified.

   5. Do not take photos, videos or audio recordings of patients on personal devices, including cell phones.

   6. Promptly report a breach of confidentiality or privacy.

References: American Nurses Association. (2011, September). Principles for social networking and the nurse. Silver Spring, MD: Author. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2011, August). White Paper: A nurse’s guide to the use of social media. Chicago, IL

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University Policy on Student Absence for Religious Observance

Head/Chairpersons of Departments/Programs should draw the attention of their faculty to the obligations under the Law. Any student who is unable to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study or work requirement because of religious observance is to be provided with an opportunity to make up the said examination, study or work requirement.

Students have the right to make up examinations, study or work requirements that they miss because of absence from class for religious observance, but they also have an obligation to inform the course instructor as to the days on which they may be absent for religious reasons at the beginning of each semester.

If they feel that it is important for course planning, instructors have the right to require students to provide a written list of days they will be absent for religious observance within one full calendar week after the student’s enrollment in the course, provided the course instructor lists this requirement and corresponding deadline on the course outline or other handouts.

In the event of a dispute between a faculty member and a student in the course, the Head (Chairperson/Designee) of the Department in which the course is taught shall be responsible for its amicable resolution. If the dispute cannot be resolved at this level, the issue should be referred to the Ombudsperson. Current procedures of resolving grievances of students (Sen. Doc. No. 86-020) apply.

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Responding to a Critical Incident

If it is possible to do so safely, exit the building immediately when you become aware of an incident, moving away from the immediate path of danger, and take the following steps:

Notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building immediately. Evacuate to a safe area away from the danger and take protective cover. Stay there until assistance arrives. Call 911 and the U- Mass Police department at 545-2121 providing each dispatcher with the following:

1. Your name

2. Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)

3. Number of shooters (if known)

4. Identification or description of shooter(s)

5. Number of persons who may be involved

6. Your exact location

7. Injuries to anyone, if known.

Individuals not immediately impacted by the situation are to take protective cover, staying away from windows and doors until notified otherwise. If you are directly involved in an incident and exiting the building is not possible, the following actions are recommended:

1. Go to the nearest room or office
2. Close and lock the door
3. Turn off the lights
4. Seek protective cover
5. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room
6. Do not answer the door
7. Notify 911 and UMass Police 545-2121 if it is safe to do so, providing each dispatcher with the following information:
   Your name
   Your location (be as specific as possible)
    Number of shooters (if known)
   Identification or description of shooter
   Number of persons who may be involved
   Injuries if known
8. Wait for local police or security to assist you out of the building.

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Alcoholic Beverage Policy, Smoke-Free Policy, Drug-Free College and Communities Act

The University of Massachusetts has developed policies on the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs on and off campus. See the campus’s Code of Student Conduct: https://www.umass.edu/dean_students/codeofconduct

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