Key Policies

Admissions Policy

Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree

Admission to the freshman UMass Nursing class at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is contingent upon successful completion of required high school courses at a level consistent with the University’s and the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing’s admissions standards. UMass Amherst uses a holistic admissions review. Factors like personal experiences, strengths, and compatibility with the university are also considered.

Candidates must provide satisfactory evidence of secondary school graduation (official High School or GED/HiSET transcript), or its equivalent (e.g., Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree).

Candidates must include translations and evaluations of non-English transcripts. Candidates must also comply with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Applicants are notified about admissions decisions by the University's Undergraduate Admissions Office. More information about the admissions process is available on the Admissions website.

Accelerated B.S.

Admission to the Accelerated B.S. in Nursing progam is contingent upon successful completion of a first undergraduate degree (BA or BS) and the required prerequisites for the Accelerated BS in nursing program. Candidates must provide satisfactory evidence of secondary school graduation (official High School or GED/High School transcript), or its equivalent (e.g., Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree).

Candidates must include translations and evaluations of non-English transcripts. Candidates must also comply with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Accelerated BS in Nursing applications are submitted to the University+ Admissions Office and reviewed and approved by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. Applicants are notified about admissions decisions by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. More information about the admissions process is on the admissions website. Additional information can be sought by emailing the Flexible Education Division at umadmission [at] umass [dot] edu (umadmission[at]umass[dot]edu).

RN to BS

Admission to the RN to BS is program is currently on hold while the program undergoes review and revision (effective 2025).

Admission to the RN to BS program includes registered nurses who have completed required prerequisites and whose cumulative GPA is 2.5 or higher. Candidates must provide satisfactory evidence of secondary school graduation (official High School or GED/HiSET transcript), or its equivalent (e.g., Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree).

Candidates must include translations and evaluations of non- English transcripts. Candidates must also comply with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. RN to BS applications are submitted to the University+ Flexible Education Division Admissions Office and reviewed and approved by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. Applicants are notified about admissions decisions by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. More information about the admission process is available on the Admissions website.

Revised and approved by FA 5/15/19; reapproved 9/21/22; 5/17/23.

Progression Policy

Students are advised to follow the recommended sequence of courses. The student carries the responsibility for ensuring that the prerequisites for coursework are met.
The academic standard for students in the Elaine Marieb Elaine Marieb 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 KIN 270 and KIN 272, any Human Nutrition course, PSYCH 100, and STATISTICS. Refer to the University policy in Academic Regulations document.
Successful completion of the physical and biological science prerequisites, college writing, and the R1 and R2 Math Tier requirements are required before beginning clinical courses.
The passing grade in all Nursing courses is a C (2.0) or higher.
If the Cumulative GPA falls below 2.5 or the student has a grade below C in a required prerequisite or nursing course, the student is required to meet with the academic advisor.
Successful completion of all Nursing courses also includes successful mastery of all related course objectives including a minimum score of 2.0 on each criterion in the Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET) and completion of the required clinical hours.
Each semester of required nursing courses MUST be successfully completed before progression to the next semester or to graduation, as outlined in the plan of study, except for Preventive Care and Integrative Therapies, Introduction to Nursing Research, or courses designated as electives.
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. They will be expected to complete the curriculum of their new graduation cohort.
Continuation in the program is based on space availability Nursing courses may be repeated once with no prior approval and a second time with the permission of the Academic Dean. Failure to pass an undergraduate nursing course with a grade of C or better by the third attempt will lead to dismissal from the nursing program.
Repeating a nursing course is on a space-available basis and requires payment of course tuition and fees.
Completion of standardized examinations is required for preparation for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing licensing examination (NCLEX-RN®).
Students will be cleared for graduation and application for the RN licensure examination (NCLEX-RN®) when all graduation requirements of the College and University have been met.
Students must abide by all university policies in addition to those of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing.

FA 3/8/19; Updated 5/15/19; reapproved 9/21/22; 5/17/23.

Attendance Policy

UMass Amherst Attendance Policy

For any absences, students must still meet all course requirements and learning objectives. View the university policy.

Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Attendance Policy

Excused Absences and Attendance

Attendance in class, clinical, simulation, and lab is mandatory for all students. See attendance policy in Academic Regulations for further information about excused absences.

Students who anticipate military and religious absences should notify the faculty at the beginning of the term so accommodation can be made to complete the learning objectives in a timely way.

Students with communicable illnesses should not attend regularly scheduled clinical sessions.

Students are required to communicate an unexpected absence no later than two hours before class or clinical in the method requested by the course or clinical faculty.

Clinical Attendance and Make-Up Policy

Purpose

The University of Massachusetts (UMass), Amherst College of Nursing (CON) is committed to preparing student nurses who are caring, collaborative and innovative leaders. This policy informs faculty and students of the steps to follow in the event of an absence from clinical.

POLICY STATEMENT

(Approved by Faculty Assembly September 2023)

The clinical experience (on campus lab and off campus clinical sites) is critical to prepare students for professional responsibilities. Missed clinical experiences represent a missed opportunity to meet the clinical objectives. All clinical objectives must be met for successful completion of the nursing program. The completion of all clinical hours is essential to meeting clinical objectives. Failure to complete these hours will require clinical makeup days to meet the course objectives. Clinical makeup days are determined by the clinical instructor and the course coordinator.

PROCEDURE

Faculty, in conjunction with the course coordinator, will inform students at the start of the semester the process for reporting an absence.
All clinical and lab hours are required as assigned. Any absence from clinical or lab must be reported by the student to the faculty member and the clinical site, as appropriate, 2 hours prior to the start of the clinical or lab experience.
Tardiness that exceeds 2 hours will be considered a clinical absence.
The clinical and lab faculty will notify the course coordinator of all absences and makeup assignments within 48 hours.
If the student’s absence exceeds one clinical day, the clinical instructor and course coordinator will meet to determine the student’s standing in the course.
Clinical or lab makeup days are assigned by the clinical instructor and course coordinator to ensure that the course objectives are met. Due dates for the makeup days are determined by the clinical instructor and course coordinator. Clinical and lab makeup hours must be completed prior to the last day of class.
Acceptable clinical make up hours consists of ONLY the following activities:
1. Clinical make up day at assigned clinical site.
2. High fidelity simulation
3. Unsafe practice issues: If the student is sent home from clinical for unsafe practice refer to the unsafe practice policy.
PLEASE NOTE: Students with more than 2 clinical absences will be unable to meet course objectives and will need to repeat the course.

Unexcused Absences and Attendance

Attendance is critical to successful progression. Students who have an unexcused absence in clinical courses will receive deductions on their Clinical Evaluation Tool and/or documentation as a violation and will receive a reduction in the final course grade.

FA 3/8/19; 9/21/22; 5/17/23.

Academic Integrity Policy

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing follows the University of Massachusetts Amherst Academic Honesty Policy as written in the Undergraduate Academic Regulations.

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. Student work at the University may be analyzed for originality of content. Such analysis may be done electronically or by other means. Student work may also be included in a database for the purpose of checking for possible plagiarized content in future student submissions. No form of cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or facilitating of dishonesty will be condoned in the University community.

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. Formal definitions of academic dishonesty, examples of various forms of dishonesty, and the procedures which faculty must follow to penalize dishonesty are detailed on the Academic Honesty website.

Appeals must be filed within ten days of notification by the Academic Honesty Office that a formal charge has been filed by an instructor that they suspect dishonesty. Contact the Academic Honesty Office for more information on the process. The Ombuds Office is also available to support individuals engaging with the Academic Honesty process. The Provost’s Office is where appeals are processed and filed.

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

Email Guidelines

While at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, use your university email, not your personal email, for all college and university-related communication.
Be mindful that emails you send are retrievable and may exist permanently. Emails sent through the UMass system are considered public records and property. Emails should be professional, concise, and carefully worded to mitigate risks.

Addresses and Subject Lines

Always use a brief but relevant subject heading (avoid using this space for your message).
Always use a greeting and end with your name

General Email Tips

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-All’s

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
https://www.umass.edu/languages-literatures-cultures/guides-online-student-behavior-and-communication

Netiquette

All University classroom policies will apply to virtual classes and virtual meetings. When participating in a virtual class or virtual meeting please adhere to the following "netiquette" virtual etiquette guidelines:

Virtual Classroom/ Meeting Netiquette

Do not share the URL and/or password of the class meeting unless you have permission from the host.
Find a quiet, private place to attend the meeting. If possible, avoid highly "personal" places such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or lounging on the couch. A desk or table is ideal and can help you retain your focus in the session.
Be "camera ready" or presentable, wearing regular classroom attire. All meeting attendees are expected to keep their camera on during asynchronous classes. If you need to temporarily turn your camera off or leave the setting, please inform your instructor. If you are unable or unwilling to be on camera, you may be removed from the class or the meeting unless you have received permission to have your camera off from the meeting host.
No eating, smoking, or adult beverages are permitted in the virtual classroom. If you need to eat or drink, please note in the chat and turn off your microphone and camera until you are finished eating and drinking.
Avoid potentially offensive backgrounds (real or virtual).
Treat your classmates, instructors and Teaching Assistants with respect.
Limit video distractions such as children, pets, or excessive noise.
Use proper grammar and spelling when using the chat. Avoid "text talk."
Adhere to all university conduct guidelines.

Preparing for a Virtual Classroom Session

The following tips will help you prepare for a virtual classroom session:

Test all technology, including the web cam, internet and Wi-Fi connection, audio (headset,
microphone, and/or speakers), and (if applicable) screen sharing before the meeting.
Protect sensitive information. If you are sharing your screen, make sure that only intended content is
seen. Prior to hosting or attending a meeting, close all unnecessary tabs and apps, clear the browser to
avoid potentially embarrassing auto-complete results, and ensure that nothing personal or sensitive is
on the desktop.
Open any material that will be shared, including audio, video, documents or websites, prior to the
meeting. This will ensure that they are working, and help the meeting flow smoothly, avoiding
unnecessary delays.
Log into the meeting a few minutes early so that any technical issues can be addressed and resolved
Be mindful of and check your background and lighting.
Ensure that there is nothing personal, potentially embarrassing or offensive in the video
background. Use of a virtual background (if permitted) can help masquerade unsightly
backgrounds.
Check the lighting on the video. Avoid sitting with your back against a window, as well
as, too little or too much direct light.
Position your camera to show your face, avoid directing it too high or too low.
Mute your audio if you are not speaking and be mindful of background noise when you unmute to
speak. Excessive background noise is distracting and disruptive to the class. Do not type while your
microphone is unmuted, as it is loud and distracting. Look at the camera when you are speaking.

Tips for Success

Stay seated and present during the virtual class. Pay attention and participate.
Be ready for interaction. As with the physical classroom, be prepared to discuss course material and
assignments, interact with your instructor and classmates, and ask questions.
Do not interrupt other people when they are speaking or attempt to speak over them.
Prepare for class by reading materials prior to the session and formulating your questions.
Turn off all notifications and ensure your cell phone is turned off or on silent.
Avoid multi-tasking during the class session. Do not work on other tasks, such as checking your Email,
texting, gaming or working on other classwork. Give the class your full attention and focus.
By attending a virtual class session, you are agreeing to adhere to the guidelines established
above. The goal of these guidelines is to create the most supportive, inclusive, and productive learning
environment possible for everyone.

Social Media Policy

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.

Social Media in Clinical and Simulation Laboratory

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.
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.

Social Media Guidelines

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.
Protect confidential and proprietary information:
1. 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.
2. 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.
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).
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.
The NCSBN Nurse’s Guide to Social Media should be referred to for more detailed information on social media use.

FA 5/17/23.

Course Exemption Policy

Students:

Course exemptions are allowed through Advanced Placement, university testing, or
military transcripts during the undergraduate admissions process.
The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing policies for undergraduate course exemption are
consistent with the University policy.
All Nursing courses must be taken according to the plan of study for the specific
student’s track.

For more information, please see the University Exemption Policy in the Academic Regulations.

FA 1/21/19; 9/21/22; 5/17/23.

Advanced Placement Policy

Undergraduate four-year Nursing majors who are awarded advanced placement credit based on a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or an Advanced Placement (AP) examination administered by the College Board, or based on a local exam, will be granted no grade for these credits. These credits, if appropriate, may be counted toward satisfaction of the University's requirements. CLEP and AP are transfer credits.

Official copies of AP and/or SAT Subject Test scores should be sent electronically to UMass Amherst. Our CEEB # is 3917.

FA 1/21/19; 9/21/22; 5/17/23

Military Policy

Transfer of Military Credit Policy

UMass Amherst and the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing adhere to the VALOR Act Academic Credit Evaluation Policy. We use the American Council on Education (ACE), CLEP, and DSST guidelines and apply the same standards to credits for military education as those applied to coursework from accredited colleges and universities. The JST military transcript is available in electronic format only and may be requested via the Joint Services Transcript (JST) website.

More information about advanced placement is provided in the University Registrar’s Academic Regulations and on the Registrar website.

Training or Service for a Military Health Care Occupation Policy

The Elaine Marieb College of nursing accepts relevant education, training and service completed by an applicant as a current or veteran member of the armed forces or military reserves toward credit for completion of a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

FA 1/21/19; 9/21/22; 5/17/23.

Transfer Policy and Transfer of Credits

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Admissions office evaluates transfer credits for students applying for their first undergraduate degree. No nursing courses are accepted for transfer credit.

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing does not accept transfer or change-of-major students currently. There is no minor in Nursing.

Veterans can apply for transfer on a case-by-case basis as space allows.

FA 01/31/19; 9/21/22; 5/17/23

Educational Mobility Policy

The University of Massachusetts Elaine Marieb College of Nursing supports the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Educational Mobility Statement.

The RN to BS track in the undergraduate program is designed to promote education mobility and continue the development and education of the nursing workforce by recognizing and building on knowledge and skills attained by learners prior to their matriculation in formal education programs. The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is committed to using flexible approaches that are incorporated into curricula and reflect consideration in individual student learning needs.

FA 1/31/19; 9/21/22; 5/17/23

Withdrawal Policy

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing policy is consistent with the University procedure for withdrawal from a course or from the University. See the Dean of Students website on the policy for withdrawal.

Withdrawing from a course

To withdraw from a course, students can drop the course in SPIRE or enlist the assistance of our undergraduate advisors.

During the add/drop period, students may drop the course in SPIRE, with no record.
After the add/drop period and until the mid-semester date, "W" drops are accepted and can be done in SPIRE.
After the mid-semester date, students must petition the Academic Dean.

Notes:

Withdrawing from a course will affect the program of study and may affect the student’s graduation date.
If a student withdraws from courses that bring their total enrollment below a full-time load of 12 credits, it may affect financial aid package. Please check with the Office of Financial Aid.

Withdrawing from the University

Students withdrawing DURING the semester should visit the Dean of Students Office website for information regarding withdrawing from the University.
Students withdrawing from the University AFTER the current semester ends but before the first day of classes of the next semester must fill out an End of Term Withdrawal request in SPIRE.

FA 1/31/19; 9/21/22; 5/17/23

Readmission Policy

Readmission after Withdrawal

Students in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing in good standing at the end of their most recent semester of enrollment are eligible for reentry to the University after a withdrawal.

Undergraduate nursing students must request to re-enter the undergraduate program of the College of Nursing after a lapse of one year or longer and if accepted for re-entry must follow the current program of study. Readmission is contingent upon available space.

In order to enroll and be entitled to pre-register, students must follow the procedure delineated by the Registrar. Returning students must also process their bill payment on time. If the student's academic status after their last semester of enrollment is suspension or dismissal, the student's eligibility for readmission is based on the guidelines described under Academic Status in the Undergraduate Academic Regulations.

FA 1/31/19; 9/21/22; 5/17/23

Graduation Policy

Students may participate in the nursing Senior Recognition/Pinning Ceremony and receive a diploma only after successful completion of all nursing program requirements for the degree.

University Graduation Requirements Summary for four-year Nursing Major

Admission to Nursing major
120 credits
A cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 2.5 overall
Meet Elaine Marieb College of Nursing requirements
General Education requirements (may not be taken pass/fail)
1. Writing - 2 courses (6 credits): College Writing (CW) and Junior Year Writing course in major department
2. Social World - 4 courses (16 credits), with at least two having a Social and Cultural Diversity component: Literature or Arts (AL/AT; 1 course), Historical Studies (HS; 1 course, Social and Behavioral Sciences (SB; 1 course), and a 4th course from any Social World except Historical Studies.
3. Biological and Physical Sciences – 2 courses (8 credits), with 1 Biological Science (BS) and 1 Physical Science (PS)
4. Basic Math Skills - 1 course (R1) or exemption by Tier 1 Math Exemption Exam.
5. Analytic Reasoning - 1 course (3 credits); (Statistics may cover both Math Requirements)
6. Integrative Experience will be fulfilled upon taking Nursing 438.
7. Freshman Diversity Course (Nursing 212 fulfills this requirement)
Additional information about university graduation is provided in the Academic Regulations.

University Graduation Requirements Summary for Accelerated BS in Nursing

Admission to the Accelerated 2nd Bachelor of Science in Nursing track
58 credits of nursing courses
Grade of C or higher in nursing courses
Meet Elaine Marieb College of Nursing requirements
Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 2.5 overall in nursing courses

University Graduation Requirements Summary for RN to BS Online Track in Nursing

Admission to RN to BS track
Active unencumbered RN license
30 credits of nursing courses
120 credits total
Grade of C or higher in nursing course
Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 2.5 overall

FA 1/31/19; 9/21/22; 5/17/23

Student Rights and Grievances Policy

Grievances

The following Grievance Procedure applies to all undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Elaine Marieb College of Nursing faculty and students follow this procedure.

The Academic Honesty Office (www.umass.edu/honesty) is the process manager for grievances brought under the Grievance Procedure as outlined in Academic Regulations. The Academic Honesty Office is responsible for ensuring that only those matters properly defined as academic grievances are pursued through this procedure, for advising all concerned parties of their rights and obligations under this procedure, for convening hearing panels, and for scheduling hearings. For each formal grievance which proceeds to a hearing, the Academic Honesty Office shall maintain a confidential file open only to the student, the instructor, the provost or designee, and the Hearing Panel.

To help determine if a situation is an academic grievance and to understand the process, nursing students are referred to the Ombuds Office. The Ombuds Office is a confidential and neutral place where students and instructors can receive help weighing their options, understanding relevant policies and available resources, and receiving referrals for more formal measures when circumstances warrant. It is sometimes the case that the issue of concern can be resolved through informal mediation and the Ombuds Office can provide informal mediation services.

Equal Opportunity and Access Office Grievance Policies and Procedures

Nursing students are directed to the Equal Opportunity and Access Office to file grievances alleging discrimination and a violation of the University's policies prohibiting such behavior.

The Amherst campus of the University of Massachusetts and the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing are committed in policy, principle, and practice to maintain an environment which is divest of illegal discriminatory behavior and which provides equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or genetic information. This commitment is consistent with federal and state laws and University policy. A major responsibility emanating from this commitment is the provision of a fair, effective, and efficient mechanism that rectifies or eliminates policies, practices, and actions that are discriminatory, lack provision for due process, or mitigate against the Amherst campus' affirmative action efforts.

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

Common Clinical Placement Requirements Among Cooperating Agencies

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 always carry health insurance while registered as a student.

CPR Requirement

American Heart Association Course: BLS for the Healthcare Provider is the only CPR course accepted by all our affiliated agencies. American Red Cross CPR is currently NOT accepted. Online courses are also not acceptable.

N95 Fit Testing

Students are required to complete the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire. If Fit testing is required by the clinical agency, the student will be informed and scheduled for fit testing with University Environmental Health and Safety and complete the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Request for Medical Evaluation. If students have been recently Fit tested at a health care facility, they may provide that documentation as evidence of current Fit testing.

Professional Liability Insurance

Contact NSO. (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. Students with significant health changes must provide documentation of clearance from their provider to return to clinical activities. The provider clearance note must specify any limitations.

NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the University Health Services (UHS) or their private 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 EACH CLINICAL PRACTICUM.

A delay in returning the necessary documentation will prevent a student from attending clinical experiences.

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 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.

Undergraduate Elaine Marieb College of Nursing 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 healthcare 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.

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.
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.
When you enroll, you will be directed by email to register with CastleBranch.
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:
1. Accelerated students - August 1st for fall clinicals; November 1 for spring clinicals; March 1 for summer clinicals.
2. Nursing majors - August 1st for fall clinicals; November 1 for spring clinicals.
3. All students- Between August 1-15th each year, you must upload modules to
  Centralized Clinical Placements (please note that CCP is not accessible outside the USA. If traveling, be sure to plan ahead so that you are in the USA when this is required).
4. 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.
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.
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.
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.
You may not attend clinical and will be sent home if you are not properly credentialed.
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 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.

Questions?

If you have questions or trouble uploading documents, please contact the Database Administrator, Jennifer Heim, at the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, 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.

Adopted by Faculty Assembly December 2016, edits approved 5/17, 5/18.

Technical Standards for Admission and Progression

By accepting admission and enrolling in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing (EMCON), students acknowledge that they have read this policy and certify that they understand the technical standards for admission and progression in the program.

In addition to classroom learning, nursing education requires a clinical/practicum component that involves caring for patients. This policy reviews EMCON expectations for the student’s participation in and adherence to required technical standards in the classroom, simulation, and throughout clinical settings.

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all students, including those with disabilities. This commitment ensures access to nursing education and clinical practice while maintaining the safety and integrity of patient care. EMCON does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If reasonable accommodations will allow a qualified student with a disability to meet these technical standards, accommodations will be provided. Students may request accommodation through UMass Disability Services, which will provide specific guidance to students on required documentation and to faculty and staff on recommended accommodations.

Some students may acquire disabilities during their course of study. In such cases, students should again work with Disability Services to develop reasonable accommodation. The student, Disability Services, and EMCON program leadership will collaborate to organize reasonable accommodation. Sometimes it is not possible for students to meet technical standards with reasonable accommodations; in this event, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Essential eligibility requirements for participation in the nursing program include the following technical standards:

Observation/Communication

Auditory, visual, olfactory, and tactile ability - or functional equivalent - sufficient to detect and interpret changes in patient condition, environmental hazards, and safety concerns in diverse clinical settings
Capacity to accurately obtain and use data for oral and written communications, and use visual images, sounds, and verbal and non-verbal communication to inform patient care
Ability to record information accurately, timely, and clearly in oral and written form and communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, their families, and colleagues in the healthcare system

Physical/Motor

Physical and motor abilities sufficient to safely and effectively perform patient care and handling, ergonomic practices, and diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, including in emergencies
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide therapeutic nursing interventions that are safe and effective and that maintain safety and security standards
Motor ability sufficient to meet the requirements specific to the specialty scope of practice, with or without adaptive equipment

Intellectual— Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative

Critical thinking sufficient for clinical and academic judgment
Sophisticated problem-solving skills, including calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis; ability to learn through a variety of modalities, including classroom, simulation, and clinical settings, individual and team-based learning, preparation of oral and written reports, and use of technology to support academic work
Ability to integrate and assimilate complex information from multiple sources in varying amounts, and multiple educational experiences in a timely fashion in order to formulate accurate patient assessments and management plans
Ability to comprehend spatial relationships and three-dimensional relationships of structures

Interpersonal

The development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and other members of the health care team are essential. The ability to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice, adaptability to change environments, flexibility, compassion, integrity, motivation, interpersonal skills, and concern for others are all required.

Interpersonal ability to interact appropriately, sensitively, and compassionately with individuals, families, and groups from diverse backgrounds irrespective of the patient’s race, ethnicity, social, emotional, cultural, religious/political preference, gender or sexual orientation, ability to pay and intellectual backgrounds
Ability to adhere to the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Student Code of Conduct in academic and clinical settings
Ability to demonstrate appropriate judgment in decision-making, in order to maintain safety and security of patients and to behave appropriately with patients, staff, students, and supervisors
Ability to function and adapt effectively under physically demanding workload, long hours, and in times of physical and mental stress; display flexibility and openness for changing environments and integrate constructive feedback given in the classroom and clinical settings
Ability to nurture respectful, mature, healthy client-provider and collegial relationships
Ability to uphold standards as outlined in the EMCON student handbooks (undergraduate and graduate).