ACADEMIC REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
The following policies, established by the faculty, are subject to change as laws and conditions may require. These policies should not be considered final or irrevocable. The Dean maintains a current statement of approved policies and guidelines. All students in the School of Nursing should be aware and knowledgeable of the provisions of the Delta State University Bulletins.
The School of Nursing does not require or perform criminal background checks (CBCs) on students accepted into the BSN, RN-BSN, or MSN programs; however, per Mississippi Law (MCA: Title 97; 37-29-232; 73-15-19 (1)d ) CBCs must be performed on employees of healthcare facilities. All students enrolled in a Mississippi School of Nursing fall in this category. Therefore, all students will have a CBC done.
Each clinical agency reserves the right to apply its institution’s rules and regulations and may deny a student access to its’ clinical site based upon CBC. Students are responsible for clarifying and adhering to agency requirements. Those students who do not have a current (within the last two years) CBC must notify the COAP for arrangement to be made with a healthcare agency for a CBC to be performed. Students will be required to sign a release of information form allowing the SON to receive a copy of the CBC results. Students are responsible for the cost of the CBC and ensuring a copy of the CBC results is on file by the designated date.
Basic Life Support Certification
All students must show evidence of BLS certification for Health Care Providers Course by the designated date of the semester enrolled. This certification must remain current throughout the program of study.
Professional Liability Insurance
All students are required to have and to provide written proof of professional liability (malpractice) insurance by the designated date. For an annual fee, the School of Nursing offers a blanket policy for undergraduate students. The fee must be paid to the Dean’s secretary by the designated date. All RN-BSN students and all graduate students must show evidence in writing that malpractice insurance is in effect prior to registering for any course. Nurse practitioner students must have nurse practitioner student liability coverage.
Students have a choice in selection of a vendor when purchasing required equipment for course work. The equipment purchase list will be made available to students. Course Instructor of Record may be contacted for assessment of any equipment in question.
Physical Examination & Health Requirements
All students must have a physical examination with routine laboratory work, TD injection, proof of varicella screening, and a tuberculin skin test prior to beginning the program. The expense of this examination is the responsibility of the student. Students are required to present documentation of completion of immunization upon admission to the nursing program or within six months of admission unless shown to be immune or medically at risk. The student must also present documentation of a negative TB skin test and/or chest x-ray with annual screening. The Faculty Secretary will obtain documentation and assess compliance each semester from the students’ requirement checklist. Students not providing documentation of HBV vaccination, immunity, or medical risk must sign a declination for and a waiver of liability for Delta State University. Students will not be allowed to attend clinical until the requirements are met.
All RN and MSN students must provide proof of current licensure or privilege to practice nursing in Mississippi. Individuals who hold a restricted license may or may not be eligible for admission or to continue in the program.
Health insurance is the responsibility of the student, which includes any health care expenses incurred while a student. A student enrolled in at least six (6) semester hours is eligible for low-cost health/accident insurance protection through the University. Proof of insurance is required upon admission and then at the beginning of each semester.
It is the responsibility of the student to provide and maintain documentation required by the School of Nursing, The State of Mississippi, and/or other agencies. Examples of required documentation include: certifications, licensures, insurance(s), vaccinations, affidavits or criminal background checks, physical and health history, screening tests and titers. A student who fails to submit required documents by the designated date of each semester at Delta State University, will not be allowed to participate in any class, on-line or clinical activities. Absences will be recorded. A “hold” on academic records will be placed for those who do not have required documentation.
When a student legally changes his/her name and/or address, it must be reported to the Registrar of the University and the Faculty Secretary of the School of Nursing.
Technical Standards for Admission, Progression, and Graduation
Selection of qualified students for admission to the School of Nursing is the responsibility of the faculty acting through the Undergraduate or Graduate Program. Responsibility for student advisement towards progression and certification of students for BSN or MSN degrees also lie with the faculty. Admission to and progression in a program offered by Delta State University School of Nursing is not based on the following technical standards, but these standards facilitate qualified applicants and students in determining whether accommodations are appropriate or necessary. For the purpose of this document a qualified individual is one who, with or without reasonable accommodation or modification, meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in the Program. (SCCEN, 1993). DSU provides an academic Support Lab Coordinator who is available to provide assistance and assessment of students with identified disabilities.
Nursing is defined by a task force of the Southern Council on Collegiate Education of Nursing (1993) as: a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective and psychomotor performance requirements. Award of the BSN degree signifies that the graduate is prepared for entry into the practice of nursing. Award of MSN degree indicates that graduates have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of client care in the advanced practice role.
If they are to function in this manner, nursing students must have somatic sensation and the functional use of the senses of vision and hearing, and equilibrium. They must have sufficient communication and motor skills to perform the activities described in the sections that follow. Students also must be able to consistently, quickly, and accurately integrate all information received by the sense(s) and have the intellectual and critical thinking ability to learn, integrate, analyze and synthesize data, and the appropriate behavioral and social skills for client and health team interaction.
The admissions committees of the School of Nursing, in accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act and the American Disabilities Act (PL101-336) have established the essential functions of students in the Schools educational programs. Contact the Dean’s office if you believe this may apply to you. For additional information contact the DSU Office of Disability Services.
The essential functions in this document can be accomplished through direct student response, the use of prosthetic or orthotic devices, or through personal assistance, i.e., readers, signers, note-takers. The responsibility for the purchase of prosthetic or orthotic devices serving a student in meeting the abilities noted remains with the student. The SON will assist with this accomplishment, as required by law and institutional policy.
Upon admission, a student who discloses a properly certified disability will receive reasonable accommodation but must be able to perform the essential functions of the educational curriculum and meet the standards described herein for the educational program. Possible accommodations include opportunities for individual and group counseling, peer counseling, linkages with community services, faculty advisory committees whose members are aware of disabled students and their needs, career counseling, assistance with job searches and interview skills, and extended test taking time, if and when appropriate. Students seeking accommodations must initiate their request with the Dean. Students must request accommodations for classroom, laboratory, and assigned clinical activities.
1. Observation - The nursing student must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the senses of vision, hearing, and somatic sensation. It is enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell.
2. Communication: Auditory and Visual Senses - A nursing student should be able to effectively use verbal and written forms of communication to speak, to converse with clients and health team members. Students must be able to hear and to have adequate visual skills to observe patients in a sensitive manner. A nursing student should be able to elicit information, describe changes in the client’s mood, activity and posture, to perceive nonverbal communications, and to assess client, family and health team member needs. The student also must be able to communicate effectively in oral and written form with all members of the health care team.
3. Motor Skills and Tactile Sense - Students should have sufficient motor and tactile function to effectively assess clients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic means. A student should be able to execute the motor movements reasonably required to provide general and emergency care to patients, including, for example, resuscitation, the administration of intravenous medication, and the application of pressure to control bleeding. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
4. Intellectual: Conceptual, Integrative, Quantitative, and Critical Thinking Abilities -
These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Critical thinking and problem solving are essential skills.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes - A student must possess the emotional health required to fully use their intellectual abilities, to exercise good judgment, to promptly complete the responsibilities of client management and participation in leadership with the health care team, and to develop mature, sensitive, and appropriate relationships with clients. Students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be flexible and able to adapt to changing environments and capable of functioning in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of clients. Students must have interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. The student’s compassion, honesty, integrity, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are also important personal qualities.
The Delta State University School of Nursing adopts the University statement of equal education opportunity. As an institution of higher education, and in the spirit of its policies of equal employment opportunity, the University declares its policy of equal educational opportunity. All applicants for admission will be considered without regard to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex and national origin, disability related to program performance, disabled veteran status, or Vietnam era veteran status. Complaints or grievances by any student who has reason to think he or she has been affected by discrimination will be considered through established procedures. For additional information see the DSU Handbook.
Policy and Guidelines for Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions
1. The School of Nursing utilizes the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations related to universal blood and body fluid precautions as presented in the (MMWR) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Because information changes as new knowledge develops, students and faculty are responsible for utilizing the most recent information available.
2. Prior to any contact with clients for clinical experiences, students will attend the sessions on universal blood and body fluid precautions.
3. If a student has a parenteral or mucous membrane exposure to blood or other body fluids or cutaneous exposure (especially when the exposed skin is chapped, abraded, or afflicted with dermatitis) the student is to follow the policy of the agency which the incident occurs. In the event that the agency has no exposure policy, the student will be referred to Student Health.
4. Students will not practice parenteral injections, venipunctures, or finger sticks on self, each other, faculty or staff.
5. Students will wear gloves when providing post-mortem care in a hospital setting.
Nursing students who perform "exposure prone" procedures have an ethical responsibility to know their HIV status. Nursing students who believe they may be at risk for HIV antibody, HBeAg, or HBsAg have an obligation to be tested, and to report any positive results to the Dean of the School of Nursing.
HIV Management and Education
Students are provided with both printed and verbal instructions on universal precautions for blood and body borne infections in accordance with applicable CDC guidelines prior to any exposure to clients/patients. Students are required to sign an acknowledgment stating that this information has been provided.
Students are also to be provided with appropriate information regarding personal health habits,
HIV prevention, and risk behaviors as part of their pre-requisite clinical preparation. These instructions are to be continually reinforced and clinical supervision to be managed to ensure strict compliance in all clinical learning experiences including well child care, psychiatry, and community health, as well as acute in-patient experiences.
All nursing personnel are professionally and ethically obligated to provide client/patient care with compassion and respect for human dignity. No nursing student may ethically refuse to treat a patient solely because the patient is at risk of contracting, or has, an infectious disease such as HIV, AIDS, or HBV. Students should understand and follow rules of confidentiality.
HIV Positive: Students
Students who are HIV positive or who have AIDS may not pose a health risk to other students in an academic or residential setting, but in a clinical setting the CDC guidelines and universal precautions should be followed.
Clinical settings which pose additional risk to the personal health of HIV positive students will be identified, and persons affected will be advised of these risks and urged to consult their health care provider to assess the significance of the risks to their own health.
Students who know they are infected are urged to voluntarily inform the Dean of the school who will begin to assess the need for necessary modifications/accommodations in clinical education. Such modifications will be crafted on a case by case basis.
Any modification of clinical activity of HIV positive students will take into account the nature of the clinical activity, agency requirements, the technical expertise of the infected person, the risk posed by HIV status, functional disabilities, and the transmissibility of simultaneously carried infectious agents.
HIV - Post-exposure Report and Procedures
Immediate antiseptic procedures should be followed after possible exposure.
A student has an ethical duty to report to the faculty member in charge or the Dean any accident which exposes him/herself or a patient to a risk of transmission of a blood borne disease.
Confidential testing and appropriate counseling will be provided according to the clinical agency’s policy following exposure. The nurse is ethically obligated to be tested for HIV when the patient is exposed to a provider's blood.
If an accidental exposure occurs, students should follow the CDC guidelines for occupational exposure: if needle stick with contaminated needle, test for HIV to establish sero-negativity first, then retest at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Other blood/body fluid exposure is defined as:
Percutaneous inoculation - needle stick or sharps
Non-needle percutaneous injury - open cuts or abrasions, direct mucous membrane contact, accidental splash, direct hand contact with large amounts of blood or body fluids without glove protection.
Incident and/or Accident Report
In the event of an incident or accident involving a student the steps listed below are to be followed:
1. The student will complete the appropriate form supplied by the agency. The faculty member will cosign the report with the student.
2. If the agency will not allow a copy to be made, the student completes an anecdotal record for the School of Nursing. The student provides the same information found on the incident report, including details of the incident and any physician involvement. The faculty member includes measures taken to avoid further incidents such as teaching of clients, counseling and teaching of student, or other appropriate measures. Both the involved faculty member and the student sign the anecdotal record.
3. The anecdotal record or agency form is submitted to the Chair of Academic Program’s office for inclusion in the student’s file within two days of the occurrence.
4. The copy of the agency form or the anecdotal record remains in the student’s file until the student graduates.
5. Any event occurring at the School of Nursing will be evaluated and managed through the DSU Student Health Services.
Retention of Course Materials/Records
Student’s tests, papers, exams, etc., called point sources, and from which grades are derived will be retained by the individual faculty member or the faculty secretary for a minimum of 12 months after graduation. Student point sources become the property of the School of Nursing.
To receive credit for any course, a student must be registered for that course. The time schedule of registration events is published in the University calendar found in the front section of the DSU Bulletin and online. In planning his/her program of study, each student has the personal counsel of a faculty advisor. Detailed instructions regarding the distribution of PIN numbers and online registration procedures will be provided when students present for advisement each semester.
Class/Clinical Attendance and Absence
Regular and punctual attendance at all scheduled classes, clinicals and School of Nursing activities is expected of all students and is regarded as integral to course credit.
Class Attendance
University policy states that, "students must attend a minimum of 75
percent of all scheduled classes and activities". When a student
accumulates absences greater than 25 percent of the scheduled meetings of
class, the student receives a grade of F in the course. Particular policies and
procedures on absences and makeup work are established for each class and are
announced in writing at the beginning of the term. Students are responsible for
obtaining assignments, notes, etc. Students are entitled to make up any work
missed for absences authorized by the Provost/Vice-President for Academic
Affairs. Official absences must not exceed allowed classroom and/or clinical
absences in the School of Nursing. Official absences are granted to students
required by the University to miss class for events such as athletics,
performing group, and student government groups. Students are expected to be
on time for all lectures and campus experiences. One absence will be recorded
for each three times a student is tardy. Tardiness of more than 15 minutes
will constitute an absence. A student absent from class when a test is
scheduled is entitled to a makeup test if evidence is presented to the faculty
member that absence was due to illness or death in the immediate family. Each
student is directly responsible to the individual faculty for absences and for
making up work missed. A student who has been reported as having excessive
absences has the right to appeal to the Attendance Committee and may continue
to meet class with the permission of the Committee during the period of
appeal. For more information about the appeal process, contact the office of
the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs. Class attendance is defined as face to face classroom meetings,
other meetings, on-line course attendance requirements, or any other
requirement set forth in a course calendar or syllabus.
Clinical Attendance
Regular and punctual attendance at all clinical learning experiences is
expected of all students. Absences can lead to an unsatisfactory in clinical
and therefore a failure in the course. If the student must be absent from a
clinical learning experience due to an emergency or medical illness, the
appropriate faculty member must be notified prior to the beginning of the
clinical learning experience. If unable to reach the appropriate faculty
member the student must then notify the agency unit and the School of Nursing. (An answering machine will pick up when SON staff is not available).
Failure to notify faculty will result in an unsatisfactory clinical grade. Each
student is directly responsible to their individual clinical faculty for
absences and tardies. Clinical attendance is defined as face to face clinical
experiences, observations, other meetings, online attendance requirements, or
any other requirement as set forth for clinical learning experiences in the
course calendar or syllabus.
Students are not allowed to bring visitors to the classroom including children or pets.
1. Tests are given at the close of each semester and at times faculty deem necessary. Absence from the final examination, except in case of emergency is automatically construed and recorded as a failure (See undergraduate and graduate sections for more information). Books, written materials or electronic appliances such as cellular phones, Bluetooth or other hands-free type attachments and MP3 players/ipods are not allowed during tests. Faculty has the right to confiscate such items as deemed necessary. Confiscated items may or may not be returned. Seats may be randomly assigned. In testing situations, an absence must be cleared with the faculty who is responsible for the test prior to the scheduled time. A student who cannot reach the responsible faculty member before a test should contact the course IOR or leave a message with the faculty secretary. After returning to school, the student will be given one week to make arrangements for taking the missed test, after which a test grade of zero will be recorded. Faculty reserve the right to design the test format and set date for the makeup test(s). (See Assignments/Testing Policy, Appendix A.)
2. Standardized tests are given to measure retention and application of knowledge in essential nursing content specific to clinical categories. They will be given at designated intervals throughout the nursing curriculum. An exit exam is administered in the final semester of the program and is part of the criteria for program completion. The purpose of the test is to measure student strengths and weaknesses in various nursing content areas as compared to students in other nursing programs throughout the nation as well as preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination. The scores and other scoring information will be reviewed with the students. Students will use the data to assist in reviewing essential content covered in nursing courses.
3. Student Instructions for HESI Examinations:
a. Students must sign in and show picture ID.
b. Bring only ID and keys into room – all other belongings should be locked in vehicle.
c. No electronic devices of any kind are allowed on your person.
d. No food or beverages are allowed during test.
e. Seats may be randomly assigned.
f. Raise your hand to be acknowledged to be excused to go to the restroom. Only one student at a time will be allowed to go to the restroom.
g. Scratch paper and writing utensils will be provided for each student as needed. Please return scratch paper to proctor as you exit.
h. All tests have pre-set time limits.
The grading system for academic courses at Delta State University is a five-letter format as follows: A-excellent; B-good; C-satisfactory; D-poor; F-failure. To these marks, the following quality point values are assigned: A-4; B-3; C-2; D-1; F-0. These values are termed quality points per semester hour of credit. A grade of “C or better” is required for successful completion of a course at the BSN level. A grade of “B or better” is required for successful completion of a clinical course at the MSN level. The letter I/IP indicates that work is incomplete/in progress due to providential causes that prevented the student from taking the final examination. A grade of I/IP must be removed within twelve months. Faculty reserve the right to make decisions related to audit status.
The grading scale for students admitted in summer and fall 2008 in both the undergraduate and graduate programs: A = 92-100; B = 83-91; C = 76-82; D = 65-75; F = below 65. The grading scale for students continuing in both the undergraduate and graduate programs: A=92-100; B=83-91; C=74-82; D=65-73; F=below 65. Grades will not be rounded. The recommended grading technique is number correct over number possible.
An undergraduate student must pass the theory portion and earn a satisfactory in the clinical portion of each course in order to progress in the program. .
All undergraduate clinicals are evaluated as satisfactory, needs improvement or unsatisfactory. An unsatisfactory in the clinical component will result in the grade of “F” for the course.
When an undergraduate course is repeated the grade earned for the second attempt will be the grade used to calculate GPA. If a graduate course is repeated, the second grade does not replace the first grade – both grades will appear on the student’s transcript and will be used to compute the cumulative GPA. A course may be repeated only once.
Communication Regarding Academic Status
Any student who is concerned about any aspect of their academic standing, including course grade, should discuss the concern with the following individuals in an attempt to resolve the concern. (Each individual should have an opportunity to discuss the concern with the student prior to the student proceeding to the next level. The student’s academic advisor may be consulted at any time regarding academic concerns. If the academic advisor is also the course faculty, the student may request that the Dean appoint a temporary advisor to assist the student in resolving the course related concern.)
1. Faculty Member
2. Instructor of Record
3. Chair of Academic Programs
4. Dean of the School of Nursing
Student Academic Grievance Policy
See the DSU Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin. The School of Nursing will institute a new grievance policy in Fall of 2008
The School of Nursing adheres to the policy of Delta State University. Cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated. (See Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletins.)
The course syllabus is a course guide and is not a contract. To meet varying educational and time requirements. It may be changed or modified by the faculty member at any time without prior notice to meet varying educational and time requirements. Students will be notified at the next class meeting or immediately through Blackboard/CE6 of any course syllabi changes.
Student Possession and Use of Electronic Devices
Students may not use beepers or cellular phones, bluetooth or other hands-free type attachments and MP3 players/ipods during classroom or clinical experiences. Faculty has the right to confiscate such items as deemed necessary. Confiscated items may or may not be returned. The use of laptops or other electronic devices in the classroom must be used for the class in progress. Use of such devices during class must have prior approval of the faculty in charge of that class.
Student Access to Medical Records
Students requesting access to a client’s medical record must be currently enrolled in the DSU SON. If the request is outside regularly scheduled clinical hours permission in writing must be obtained from the course clinical faculty and the medical records department of the facility.
The required guide for preparation of papers:
American Psychological Association. (Latest edition). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. Washington, DC: Author
Each student is expected to remove from the building posters for assigned projects at the completion of the presentation. Any posters left in the building will be discarded.
The Delta State University Bookstore does not buy used nursing books. Students may post
“For sale or books wanted” notices on the School of Nursing bulletin boards. It is the responsibility of the student who uses the bulletin boards for notices to remove postings by the end of the semester.
Withdrawal from the University
Students wishing to withdraw from the University must adhere to the withdrawal process as described in the DSU Bulletins. An undergraduate student who withdraws from the University after the fourth week of the semester and who is not passing at least nine hours of coursework is subject to Academic Probation or Academic Suspension.
In order to graduate from Delta State University the student must: Meet all the criteria for graduation, as set by the University and noted in the DSU Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, successfully complete the course of study as outlined by the faculty of the School of Nursing in the DSU Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, and make formal application for a degree two semesters prior to graduation. Applications are available from the Dean’s office. It is the responsibility of the student to insure that official transcripts containing credit for all courses required for the degree are in the University Registrar’s Office prior to graduation. DSU has both a December and May commencement ceremony. Commencement is required of all students. Students must send notification to the SON Dean and Coordinator of Commencement (Registrar’s Office) to receive their diploma in absentia.
A Pinning ceremony is held each year for undergraduate and graduate students.
Orientation sessions for all newly admitted undergraduate and graduate students will be provided.
A complete listing and description of scholarships is available online at the School of Nursing website.
a. Watch with second hand
b. Stethoscope
c. Sphygmomanometer
d. Tape measure
e. Penlight
f. Bandage Scissors
g. Black ink pen
h. Additional equipment may be required
a. Wedding band
b. One small stud earring per ear lobe
c. No visible body jewelry.
13. Tatoos must be covered at all times. Long sleeve white unribbed shirt must be worn under uniform top if tattoos are visible on arms.
a. Students are to be neat, clean, and well‑groomed.
b. No perfume or cologne
c. Clean short natural fingernails without polish.
d. Hair should be clean, well kept and off the shoulder.
e. Facial hair on male students must be clean shaven or if a beard, neat and trimmed so as not to touch the uniform.
f. Natural looking make-up only
15. BSN students will wear the School of Nursing uniform at all clinical sites, agencies, and events. Exception: Special events may require professional attire. Clinical faculty reserve the right to approve uniform or clinical dress. Students dressed inappropriately will be dismissed and consequences will occur. Students must also adhere to all policies for the site/agency to which they are assigned. In the event of a conflict the more restrictive policy will apply.
Faculty will make every effort to assure that students' clinical experiences are meaningful and provide opportunities for application of nursing theory and principles. Faculty will make comprehensive, concise, and complete anecdotal notes for use in determining clinical evaluations. Student conduct deemed as "unsafe" patient care or unsatisfactory clinical performance will be documented by the clinical faculty and/or preceptor and counseled immediately. Undergraduate students should meet weekly with the clinical faculty to review and sign clinical evaluations per the clinical faculty’s requirements. Graduate students should make appointments with clinical faculty as deemed necessary by either the faculty member or student.
Procedure for Evaluation of Nursing Courses, Faculty, Library and Clinical Agencies:
The BSN student is expected to objectively and constructively evaluate each nursing course and faculty member at the end of each semester.
1. During the last two weeks of each semester students will evaluate faculty (clinical and theory) who assisted with the course, the nursing course, and clinical agencies used for learning experiences. During the Spring Semester the library services will also be evaluated.
2. The Instructor of Record will designate a student in each course to conduct the evaluation during a scheduled class period.
3. Faculty will leave the room during the evaluation process.
4. The evaluation forms will be provided to the designated student who will pass out the forms. Students will complete each set of forms and return to the designated student. The forms will then be returned to appropriate envelopes and sealed.
5. The sealed envelopes will then be taken to the faculty secretary’s office where they will be placed in a secure area.
6. After all grades have been submitted to the Registrar's office the completed evaluation forms will be given to appropriate faculty who will review them.
7. Data from student responses will be considered in revising course content and instructional methods.
The RN to BSN and MSN student is expected to objectively and constructively evaluate each nursing course and faculty member at the end of each semester.
1. During the last few weeks of each semester RN/BSN and MSN students will complete evaluations for faculty (clinical and theory) who assisted with the course, the nursing course, and clinical agencies used for learning experiences. During the Spring semester the library services will also be evaluated.
2. After all grades have been submitted to the Registrar’s Office the completed evaluation data will be given to appropriate faculty for review.
3. Data from student responses will be considered in revising course content and instructional methods.
To provide for the safety of clients at all times, students are expected to validate safety during the skills laboratory and clinical experience. If a student is believed to be a threat to client safety, the faculty member will document the incident(s), notify the Instructor of Record and the COAP, and a conference will be scheduled.
Undergraduate Skills Check-offs
Faculty members are available to assist undergraduate students with practice of nursing skills in the campus lab by appointment. The student may practice at scheduled times when the lab is open. Students should bring the skills check-off list for that particular skill when coming to practice or check-off. After demonstration of a skill in the campus lab, each student is allowed two attempts to successfully pass each skill. Upon unsuccessful performance on a first attempt to check‑off, a student will have one additional week to successfully check-off on the skill. At least one practice session must be scheduled with a course faculty member prior to the second attempt. The second attempt may not be within 24 hours of the first attempt. Failure to keep an appointment for check‑off without canceling that appointment is considered one of the two attempts that a student has to check‑off the skill. Students may be required to be re‑evaluated on skill competencies at the discretion of individual instructors at any time during the program.
When making home visits, BSN students must be accompanied by agency staff; however, students will provide their own transportation.
Students are to be on time for all lectures and campus/clinical experiences. (Tardiness is defined as less than 15 minutes late.) One absence will be recorded for each three times a student is tardy. Students not present during roll call will be recorded as absent. It is the student's responsibility to notify the faculty member of his/her presence.
Written assignments must be submitted no later than the designated date and time to the appropriate faculty member(s). The School of Nursing has a zero tolerance for late assignments. A zero tolerance option means that no assignments will be accepted after the date and time of an assignment’s due date. Under this option all assignments that are late, for whatever reason, will receive a grade of zero.
A student deemed to be unsafe, unprofessional, or unethical will be notified in writing by the Chair of Academic Programs (COAP) of his/her dismissal from the Program.
Undergraduate Academic Dismissal
A student who earns a “D” or “F” in an undergraduate course will be notified in writing by the Chair of Academic Programs (COAP) of his/her course failure and dismissal from the Program. A student who fails one nursing course is eligible to apply for reinstatement to the Program. A student who fails two or more nursing courses is not eligible to apply for reinstatement to the Program.
If a student has been unsuccessful (D or F) in a nursing course at another institution, such course will constitute as the one allowed unsuccessful course in our program. Therefore, in the event that such student is unsuccessful in one or more additional nursing course(s) at Delta State University School of Nursing that student will not be eligible to apply for reinstatement to our program.
Undergraduate Application for Reinstatement
A student dismissed from the undergraduate program for failure in a nursing course (Academic Dismissal) is eligible for consideration of reinstatement to the Program only once.
Application for Reinstatement process:
1. Submit a letter requesting reinstatement to the COAP no later than the end of the next regular term from the date of dismissal.
2. The COAP will set a date and time to review the letter with the applicant and the faculty member(s) of the nursing course failed by the applicant. The date set by the COAP will be no later than 5(five) working days from the date the applicant’s letter is received.
3. The COAP will notify the student in writing of the decision on reinstatement no later than 5(five) working days from the date of the applicant’s review.
4. If reinstatement is denied, the applicant may, within 5(five) working days of the receipt of the decision, appeal the decision to the Dean of the School of Nursing. Within 5(five) working days of receipt of the appeal the Dean will render a decision and inform the applicant in writing. The decision of the Dean is final.
Undergraduate Program Progression Following Reinstatement
Following reinstatement, the COAP and faculty will determine appropriate course sequencing for the student.
Undergraduate Enrollment at an Institution Other than DSU SON
Should a student wish to enroll in a nursing course at an educational institution other
than Delta State University:
1. Request permission in writing from the COAP prior to enrolling in a course
2. Provide a course syllabus that includes the course’s content and topics to the COAP
3. Transfer credit is limited to non-clinical courses at CCNE and/or NLN
accredited programs
Courses currently considered for transfer: Pharmacology and Nursing Research. Failure to comply with the procedures will result in denial of course credit.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Delta State University fully complies with all the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992. No qualified disabled student shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any academic, research, occupational training, housing, health insurance, counseling, financial aid, physical education, athletics, recreation, transportation, other extracurricular, or other postsecondary education program or activity. A student with a disability applying to DSU for admission shall also submit a current specialist’s evaluation of the disability which will remain on file in the Office of the University Coordinator of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For additional information please contact the DSU Office of Disabilities Services.
There are potential hazards to the nursing student which are present throughout the educational experience. These potential risks include both off‑campus and on‑campus clinical experiences.
Transportation to clinical agencies is not provided.
Should an emergency arise in transit to a facility or class, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the course or clinical faculty.
Students who commute are excused from classes and/or clinicals during periods of time when the Weather Bureau has issued a weather advisory for hazardous driving conditions. The student MUST notify the appropriate faculty member prior to the beginning of the class and/or clinical learning experience. If unable to reach the appropriate faculty member the student MUST then notify the agency and the School of Nursing (an answering machine will pick up when SON staff is not available).
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