2022-2024
TWENTY-EIGHTH EDITION
Shelton State Community College • sheltonstate.edu
NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
A Message from the SSCC Associate Dean of Health Services ...................................................................................... 7
Student Handbook Acknowledgment Form .................................................................................................................. 8
Accreditation Information ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Nursing Program Faculty and Support Staff ................................................................................................................ 10
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Nondiscrimination Statement ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Coronavirus (COVID-19) ............................................................................................................................................... 11
I. PROGRAM OF LEARNING .......................................................................................................................................... 12
Alabama Community College System System-Wide Nursing Program Mission and Philosophy ............................. 12
SSCC Nursing Program Philosophy Statement ......................................................................................................... 13
Shelton State Community College Nursing Program Outcomes.............................................................................. 14
End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes.......................................................................................................... 14
Practical Nursing End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes/Graduate Competencies ..................................... 15
Associate Degree Nursing Level II Student Learning Outcomes/Graduate Competencies ..................................... 15
II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS/POLICIES ................................................................... 16
Minimum Admission Criteria for the Two-Year Associate Degree Nursing or Practical Nursing Program .............. 16
Minimum Admission Criteria for the ADN Health Transition Program (Mobility) ................................................... 17
Selection of Applicants ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Practical Nursing Degree Program ACCS Concept Based Curriculum ...................................................................... 18
Associate Nursing Degree Program ACCS Concept Based Curriculum .................................................................... 19
Associate Degree Mobility Program ACCS Concept Based Curriculum ................................................................... 20
Tuition, Fees, and Expenses ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Late Registration ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
Drop/Add Policy ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Auditing ................................................................................................................................................................... 22
SSCC Nursing Program Withdrawal Policy ............................................................................................................... 22
III. STUDENT SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................... 22
Nursing Scholarships ................................................................................................................................................ 22
Advising/Educational Planning ................................................................................................................................ 22
Claims of Harassment at Clinical Agency ................................................................................................................. 23
IV. ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES .............................................................................................................................. 23
Nursing Computer Laboratory ................................................................................................................................. 23
Outside Library Services .......................................................................................................................................... 23
V. PROGRAM COMMUNICATION ................................................................................................................................. 24
Lines of Communication .......................................................................................................................................... 24
Student Concern/Feedback ..................................................................................................................................... 24
Bulletin Boards ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Electronic Communication ...................................................................................................................................... 24
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Social Networking Policy for Health Programs ........................................................................................................ 24
Liability Insurance .................................................................................................................................................... 25
Parking at Clinical Sites ............................................................................................................................................ 25
Identification Cards .................................................................................................................................................. 25
Lost and Found ........................................................................................................................................................ 26
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices ................................................................................................................................ 26
Tobacco/Smoking at Clinical Sites ........................................................................................................................... 26
Drug Screen Policy ................................................................................................................................................... 26
Background Screening Policy ................................................................................................................................... 26
VI. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 26
Shelton State Association of Nursing Students ....................................................................................................... 26
Nursing Policy/Curriculum Committee .................................................................................................................... 27
VII. ACADEMIC HONORS AND AWARDS ...................................................................................................................... 27
Nursing Awards ........................................................................................................................................................ 27
Nightingale Award (Traditional ADN and Mobility Track ADN) ........................................................................... 27
Shelton State Association of Nursing Students (SSANS) Leadership Award ........................................................ 27
Shelton State Association of Nursing Students (SSANS) Fellowship Award ........................................................ 27
Outstanding Associate Degree Nursing Student Award (Traditional ADN and Mobility Track ADN) .................. 27
Outstanding Practical Nursing Student Award (PN Track) ................................................................................... 27
Spirit of Nursing Award (Traditional ADN and Mobility Track ADN) .................................................................... 27
Spirit of Nursing Award (PN Track) ...................................................................................................................... 28
VIII. CLASS/CLASSROOM INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................... 28
Textbooks and Required Course Materials .............................................................................................................. 28
Achievement Tests .................................................................................................................................................. 28
Class Attendance Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 28
Classroom Behavior ................................................................................................................................................. 29
Netiquette Policy ..................................................................................................................................................... 29
Classroom Restrictions ............................................................................................................................................ 29
Examination Attendance ......................................................................................................................................... 29
Examination Policy ................................................................................................................................................... 30
Examination Reviews ............................................................................................................................................... 30
Nursing Student Self-Remediation Policy ................................................................................................................ 31
Grading Policy .......................................................................................................................................................... 31
High Stakes Assessment and Evaluation .................................................................................................................. 32
Progression Policy .................................................................................................................................................... 32
Withdrawals and Failures ........................................................................................................................................ 32
Definitions ............................................................................................................................................................... 33
Reinstatement ..................................................................................................................................................... 33
Readmission ......................................................................................................................................................... 33
Reinstatement Process ............................................................................................................................................ 33
Transfer Policy ......................................................................................................................................................... 33
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Criteria for Transfer ............................................................................................................................................. 33
Transient Student Policy .......................................................................................................................................... 34
Criteria for Transient Status................................................................................................................................. 34
Program Completion ............................................................................................................................................... 34
PN Progression......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Leadership Development Policy .............................................................................................................................. 34
Course Evaluations .................................................................................................................................................. 35
Clinical Written Assignment Guidelines................................................................................................................... 35
Skills Lab Policies for Student Use ........................................................................................................................... 35
IX. HEALTH POLICIES .................................................................................................................................................... 36
Student Records Policy ............................................................................................................................................ 36
Clinical Requirement Guidelines and Procedures.................................................................................................... 36
Student Health Examination and Related Requirements ........................................................................................ 36
Change of Health Status .......................................................................................................................................... 37
HIV Reporting Policy ................................................................................................................................................ 37
Care of Infectious Respiratory Patients ................................................................................................................... 37
Health Insurance ...................................................................................................................................................... 37
X. CLINICAL/LAB POLICIES ............................................................................................................................................ 38
Uniform Policy ......................................................................................................................................................... 38
Hair, Nails, and Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................................. 38
Uniform .................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Required Clinical Supplies ........................................................................................................................................ 39
Professional Attire Guidelines (when not in uniform) ............................................................................................. 39
Preparation for Clinical Experiences ........................................................................................................................ 40
Clinical/Lab Attendance ........................................................................................................................................... 40
Clinical Absences Due to Extenuating Circumstances ............................................................................................. 40
Clinical/Lab Tardiness .............................................................................................................................................. 40
Travel Expenses Clinical/Lab .................................................................................................................................... 40
Clinical/Lab Accident and Injury .............................................................................................................................. 41
General Policies for Clinical/Lab .............................................................................................................................. 41
Skills Laboratory Remediation ................................................................................................................................. 42
Observational Experiences ...................................................................................................................................... 42
National Patient Safety Goals .................................................................................................................................. 42
Completion of Clinical Evaluations .......................................................................................................................... 42
XI. STUDENT CONDUCT ................................................................................................................................................ 43
Clinical Misconduct .................................................................................................................................................. 43
Clinical Misconduct Procedure ................................................................................................................................ 43
Clinical Probation Policy .......................................................................................................................................... 44
Clinical Progression .................................................................................................................................................. 44
Clinical Grade Descriptions ...................................................................................................................................... 44
XII. GRADUATION INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................ 45
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Requirements for Graduation .................................................................................................................................. 45
Graduation Ceremonies ........................................................................................................................................... 45
SSCC Pinning Ceremony ........................................................................................................................................... 45
SSCC Nursing Pins and Lamps .................................................................................................................................. 45
NCLEX Examination .................................................................................................................................................. 45
NCLEX Examination Policy and Procedure ............................................................................................................... 45
Application for Licensure for NCLEX ........................................................................................................................ 46
Previous Convictions ................................................................................................................................................ 46
Hospitalization or Treatment for Mental Illness/Chemical Dependency ................................................................ 46
Disciplinary Action by a Licensing Authority for Nurses .......................................................................................... 46
XIII. GLOSSARY ............................................................................................................................................................. 47
XIV. SHELTON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (SSCC) NURSING PROGRAM APPENDICES ............................................ 49
APPENDIX A – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS .......................................................................... 49
APPENDIX B – SHELTON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE NURSING PROGRAM STUDENT DRUG SCREEN POLICY .... 52
APPENDIX C – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM STUDENT DRUG SCREEN POLICY PARTICIPATION FORM ....................... 55
APPENDIX D – SSCC HEALTH RELATED PROGRAMS BACKGROUND SCREENING POLICY ......................................... 56
APPENDIX E – SSCC HEALTH PROGRAMS STUDENT BACKGROUND SCREEN POLICY PARTICIPATION FORM.......... 58
APPENDIX F – SSCC REINSTATEMENT APPLICATION
.................................................................................................. 59
APPENDIX G – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM REINSTATEMENT POLICY ....................................................................... 61
APPENDIX H – SSCC HEPATITIS B VACCINATION POLICY FOR NURSING STUDENTS ................................................ 64
APPENDIX I – CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL HEPATITIS B VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENT ..................... 65
APPENDIX J – SSCC NURSING PROGRAMS VERIFICATION OF HBV VACCINATIONS ................................................. 67
APPENDIX K – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM CHANGE OF HEALTH STATUS FORM ...................................................... 68
APPENDIX L – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN .................................................................... 69
APPENDIX M – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM POST-EXPOSURE PROCEDURE .............................................................. 73
APPENDIX M-1 – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN/CLASS ATTENDANCE VERIFICATION ..... 74
APPENDIX N – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM STUDENT EXPOSURE INCIDENT REPORT ............................................... 75
APPENDIX O – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM STUDENT INCIDENT REPORT ................................................................. 77
APPENDIX P – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM ANECDOTAL NOTES ............................................................................... 79
APPENDIX Q - SSCC HEALTH PROGRAMS CONCERN/FEEDBACK ............................................................................. 80
APPENDIX R – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM NURSING SKILLS LAB REMEDIATION FORM ........................................... 81
APPENDIX S – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM NURSING STUDENT SELF-REMEDIATION FORM .................................... 82
APPENDIX T – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM CLINICAL PROBATION POLICY AND PROCEDURE ................................... 84
APPENDIX U – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY FOR HEALTH PROGRAMS ...................... 86
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A Message from the SSCC Associate Dean of Health Services
August 1, 2022
Dear Nursing Student:
On behalf of the Shelton State Community College (SSCC) administration, nursing faculty, and staff, I would like to
welcome you to SSCC Nursing’s Practical Nursing (PN) Program and the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) with a Practical
Nursing ‘Opt-out’ Program. We thank you for selecting SSCC for your nursing preparation. You are now part of the SSCC
family and will become one of our distinguished graduates. Our program’s reputation is second to none. We are proud
of our graduates’ success rates on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and the
National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN), and we are committed to continuing a tradition of
quality educational programming.
As faculty, our expertise will be readily available to you along with support services necessary for your success. You,
however, must assume responsibility for taking advantage of all learning opportunities provided. We urge you to seek
advice and utilize the services not only of the SSCC Nursing Program but also of the entire College system. This Nursing
Student Handbook provides you with easily accessible information to assume responsibility for your educational
program. The handbook is to be used in conjunction with the SSCC College Catalog, the SSCC Student Handbook, and
your syllabi. It is your responsibility to read this document carefully, be familiar with the information in all mentioned
publications and adhere to stated policies and procedures.
The opportunities to provide competent, quality care in nursing are unlimited. I encourage you to prepare yourself for
challenges knowing that you are carving a nursing career that will meet your individual goals. I extend best wishes to
you for success in your endeavors toward becoming a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse.
Again, welcome to Shelton State.
Best regards,
Andrea’ G. Bowden-Evans, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Associate Dean of Health Services
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SHELTON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
NURSING PROGRAM
2022-2024
Student Handbook Acknowledgment Form
I, ____________________, have access to a copy of the Shelton State Community
College (SSCC) Nursing Student Handbook and assume responsibility for being
knowledgeable of its content. I understand that the policies, procedures, and
information therein apply to me, and I agree to be governed by the policies and
procedures described within the handbook throughout my enrollment in the SSCC
Nursing Program.
My signature below constitutes my acceptance of the policies and procedures in the
SSCC Nursing Student Handbook.
Disclaimer Clause
The SSCC Nursing Program reserves the right to make changes to the policies and
procedures in this handbook. If changes are made, students will be given notice of
those changes.
Student Signature: _______________________________________________________________________________
myShelton A#: ____________________________________
Date Signed: ____________________________________
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SHELTON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM
Accreditation Information
Shelton State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in
Applied Science degrees. Please contact SACSCOC at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or
call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Shelton State Community College.
Please do not contact the Commission with other questions unless there is evidence that appears to support
Shelton State Community College's significant non-compliance with the Commission's accreditation
requirements or standards.
Refer to the College website, sheltonstate.edu, for addenda.
The Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees is the governing board for
Shelton State Community College.
The Shelton State Community College Nursing Program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing for
Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing.
770 Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 303900
Montgomery, AL 36130-3900
334.293.5210 or 800.656.5318
The Shelton State Community College Nursing Program is accredited by the
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) for Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing.
3390 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.975.5000
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Nursing Program Faculty and Support Staff
Kristin Binion, Nursing Instructor…………………………………………………………………………………..
205.391.2441
Office #2731 email: kbinion@sheltonstate.edu
Timothy Booth, Nursing Instructor………………………………………………………………………………..
205.391.2297
Office #2529 email: tbooth@sheltonstate.edu
Andrea Bowden-Evans, Associate Dean of Health Services…….........................................
205.391.2452
Office #2605 email: abowden@sheltonstate.edu
Michalle Cox, Nursing Instructor……………………………………………………………………………………
205.391.2396
Office #2527 email: mcox@sheltonstate.edu
Casey Dunlap, Skills Lab Coordinator…………………………………………………………………………….
205.391.2357
Office #2535 email: cdunlap@sheltonstate.edu
Darlene Holley-Jones, Nursing Instructor .........................................................................
205.391.2428
Office #2642 email: dholleyjones@sheltonstate.edu
Imari Horton, Nursing Instructor……………………………………………………………………………………
205.391.2526
Office #2526 email: ihorton@sheltonstate.edu
Angela Hyde, Nursing Instructor .......................................................................................
205.391.2465
Office #2623 email: ahyde@sheltonstate.edu
Konda Keebler, Nursing Instructor…………..........................................................................
205.391.2391
Office #2523 email: kkeebler@sheltonstate.edu
Alicia Logan, Nursing Instructor ........................................................................................
email: alogan@sheltonstate.edu
Carol Mapp, Nursing Instructor ........................................................................................
205.391.5825
Office #2709 email: cmapp@sheltonstate.edu
Gwen Miller, Nursing Instructor……………………………………………………………………………………
205.391-2354
Office #2524 email: gmiller@sheltonstate.edu
Gwen Montgomery, Health Services Specialist……………………………………………………………..
205.391.2310
Office #2602 email: gmontgomery@sheltonstate.edu
Keri Moon, Nursing Instructor ..........................................................................................
205.391.2358
Office #2726 email: kmoon@sheltonstate.edu
Rosalynde Peterson, Nursing Instructor ...........................................................................
205.391.3923
Office #2706 email: rpeterson@sheltonstate.edu
Kandace Shoults
, Nursing Instructor ................................................................................
email: kshoults@sheltonstate.edu
Lynn Sexton, Nursing Instructor ........................................................................................
205.391.2372
Office #2643 email: lsexton@sheltonstate.edu
Hilary Spadoni, Nursing Instructor ....................................................................................
205.391.2970
Office #2729 email: hspadoni@sheltonstate.edu
Kevil Tice, Health Services Specialist..................................................................................
205.391.2443
Office #2612 email: ktice@sheltonstate.edu
Rosann Turner, Nursing Instructor ...................................................................................
205.391.2447
Office #2634 email: rosann.turner@sheltonstate.edu
Leigh Ann Williams, Nursing Instructor .............................................................................
205.391.2931
Office #2707 email: [email protected]
Lauren Yeager, Nursing Instructor ....................................................................................
205.391.2230
Office #2515 email: lyeager@sheltonstate.edu
Nursing Program Email ……………………….….……………………………………………..….nursing@sheltonstate.edu
Nursing Office Fax Number ................................................................................................
205.391.2448
Skills Lab .............................................................................................................................
205.391.2911
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Introduction
The Shelton State Community College (SSCC) Nursing Program operates within the policies of the College. All policies
and services common to students enrolled in the College are in effect for nursing students, as well. College policies are
published in the SSCC Catalog and SSCC Student Handbook, to which nursing students have access.
The purpose of this handbook is to provide additional information regarding specific policies and procedures unique to
the performance of responsibilities as a nursing student. The SSCC Nursing Program Student Handbook has been
prepared by the faculty, staff, and students and is reviewed and/or updated annually. It is designed to accomplish the
following:
1. Assist the faculty in decision-making and in giving consistent, equitable advisement to students; and
2. Serve the student as a supplement to orientation, course information guidelines, instructor advising, and
resource for general information and policies to assist with successful completion of the SSCC Nursing Program.
Students are required to obtain and/or have access to a copy of the SSCC Nursing Program Student Handbook on
admission to the program. Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by the information presented in the SSCC
Nursing Program Student Handbook, SSCC Catalog, and the SSCC Student Handbook. If changes are made to any policies
or procedures, then students will be given notice of those changes.
Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees and Shelton State Community College, a
postsecondary institution under its control, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion,
marital status, disability, gender, age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law, be excluded from
participation, denied benefits, or subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. Important
information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students attending programs can be found at
sheltonstate.edu/gainful employment.
The SSCC Nursing Program faculty accepts this policy as their own, will consider for admission all qualified applicants
without discrimination, and will provide equal educational opportunity to those students accepted in the program.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Due to the evolving nature of CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19), updates to academic and safety protocols will be reflected
on the SSCC webpage and specific instructions relevant to the Nursing Programs will be provided within the Canvas
course shell by instructors.
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I. PROGRAM OF LEARNING
Alabama Community College System System-Wide Nursing Program Mission and Philosophy
Mission – The mission of the nursing programs of the Alabama Community College System is to prepare graduates to
practice safe, competent, patient-centered care in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing healthcare system. We
seek to provide full and equal access to opportunities for educational success to meet the community’s needs.
Philosophy – We believe that nursing is a dynamic profession, blending science with the use of evidence-based practice
and clinical reasoning and the art of caring and compassion to provide quality, patient-centered care.
We believe learning is an interactive process in which faculty and students share responsibility to meet program
outcomes. We believe in using educational methods that are current and supportive of students in the teaching and
learning environment with the presentation of information from simple to complex.
Nursing is guided by standards of practice and standards of professional performance. Standards reflect the values and
priorities of the nursing profession. Therefore, we have integrated competencies from the Quality and Safety Education
for Nurses (QSEN) and National League of Nursing (NLN) into our philosophy as part of our core values.
Competencies – NLN competencies for nursing are central to the conceptual framework. The related QSEN
competencies for graduate nurses define the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that graduate nurses should possess to
improve continuously the quality and safety of the healthcare systems within which they work. (QSEN)
Human Flourishing – Advocate for patients and families in ways that promote their self-determination, integrity, and
ongoing growth as human beings. (NLN)
Patient-Centered Care – Recognize the patient or designee as the source of control and full partner in providing
compassionate and coordinated care based on respect for the patient’s preferences, values, and needs. (QSEN)
Nursing Judgment – Make judgments in practice, substantiated with evidence, that integrate nursing science in the
provision of safe, quality care and that promote the health of the patient within the family and community context.
(NLN)
Safety – Minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness and individual performance.
(QSEN)
Informatics – Use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support
decision-making. (QSEN)
Professional Identity – Implement one’s role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices,
and an evolving identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice; caring; advocacy; and safe, quality care for
diverse patients within a family and community context. (NLN)
Teamwork and Collaboration – Function effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open
communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care. (QSEN)
Spirit of Inquiry – Examine the evidence that underlies clinical nursing practice to challenge the status quo, question
underlying assumptions, and offer new insights to improve the quality of care for patients, families, and communities.
(NLN)
Evidence-Based Practice – Integrate best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient/family preferences and
values for delivery of optimal healthcare. (QSEN)
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Quality Improvement – Use data to monitor the outcomes of care processes and use improvement methods to design
and test changes to improve the quality and safety of healthcare systems continuously. (QSEN)
The conceptual framework derived from the philosophy forms a basis for the organization and structure of the nursing
curriculum. This framework serves as a guide for nursing instruction in the attainment of student learning outcomes.
The framework consists of concepts that encompass the qualities of a successful graduate nurse. NLN competencies
were chosen because they specifically define the competencies of the graduate Associate Degree Nurse. QSEN
competencies reflect current contemporary practice. Concepts interlace NLN and QSEN competencies to achieve the
goal of providing graduate nurses with the tools needed to provide holistic care in an ever-changing healthcare delivery
system. Each competency includes knowledge, skills, and attitudes to serve as a basis for consistent performance
expectations across academic and practice settings.
SSCC Nursing Program Philosophy Statement
The Philosophy of the SSCC Nursing Program is consistent with the mission, goals, and objectives of the Alabama
Community College System. The program provides curricula to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary
for entry-level employment in professional nursing. The nursing faculty endorses the beliefs listed below.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is the foundation for the program of learning. According to Abraham Maslow, all
individuals have similar needs arranged in a hierarchy with higher needs emerging as basic physiological needs are met.
Individuals are unique biological, psychosocial, and spiritual beings striving to meet holistic needs. Each individual has
the right to make informed decisions about one’s health in a technologically changing society. Society, a complex
system that influences culture, values, and beliefs, provides direction and meaning to an individual’s experiences
throughout the lifespan.
Health, which is individually perceived, exists when needs are met. Ranging on a continuum from highest-level wellness
to death, health is a dynamic state. The goals of healthcare are to promote, maintain, and restore health.
Nursing is an art, as well as a science, in which the holistic needs of the individual are met through utilization of the
nursing process in a variety of settings. The nursing process incorporates scientific principles, interpersonal, and
psychomotor skills. The practice of nursing takes place in an ever-changing healthcare system and requires caring,
critical thinking, competency, legal/ethical accountability, dedication to an evolving body of knowledge, lifelong
learning, and client advocacy.
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The teaching-learning process is a shared responsibility between faculty and students in which faculty serve as
facilitators of learning. The successful teaching-learning process requires an environment that promotes learning,
considers the needs of the individual, and provides opportunities for student participation and educational goal
attainment. The learning process is based on principles of critical thinking and is enhanced by the presentation of
information from simple to complex. Learning is achieved when there is evidence of a change in behavior within the
cognitive, affective, and/or psychomotor domains. Individuals have the right to achieve self-actualization, and society
provides educational opportunities.
Nursing education is a learner-centered process that combines general education and nursing courses to prepare the
individual for the practice of nursing. Incorporating a program of learning, a variety of instructional methodologies, and
available resources, nursing education fosters competency, accountability, and continued professional development.
Learning is a lifelong process that promotes professionalism and is beneficial for the learner and society.
Shelton State Community College Nursing Program Outcomes
1. Performance on Licensure Exam: The licensure exam pass rate expected level of achievement (ELA) for all
Program options will be 80% or greater for all first-time test-takers during the calendar year.
2. Program Completion: Program completion rate expected levels of achievement (ELA) vary by program option as
identified below. The Program completion rates reflect the percentage of students in each program option
finishing in 100% of the stated program length, beginning with the first required nursing course as delineated
below.
• Traditional Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program – five semesters: ELA 60% or greater program
completion rate
• Mobility Associate Degree Nursing Program option with NUR 209 – three semesters: ELA 50% or greater
program completion rate
• Mobility Associate Degree Nursing Program option without NUR 209 – two semesters: ELA 50% or greater
program completion rate
• Embedded Practical Nursing Program – three semesters: ELA 60% or greater program completion rate
• Independent Practical Nursing Program – three semesters: ELA 50% or greater program completion rate
3. Job Placement: Job placement rate expected levels of achievement (ELA) vary by program option as identified
below. The job placement rates reflect the percentage of Program graduates employed in a position for which the
SSCC Nursing Program prepared them within one year of graduation.
• Traditional and Mobility Associate Degree Nursing Programs: ELA 85% job placement rate
• Embedded Practical Nursing Program: ELA 20% job placement rate
• Independent Practical Nursing Program: ELA 85% job placement rate
End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes
1. Human Flourishing – Graduates will advocate for patients and families in ways that promote their self-
determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings.
1a. Patient-Centered Care – Recognize the patient or designee as the source of control and full partner in
providing compassionate and coordinated care based on respect for the patient’s preferences, values, and
needs.
2. Nursing Judgment – Graduates will make judgments in practice, substantiated with evidence, that integrate nursing
science in the provision of safe, quality care and that promote the health of the patient within the family and
community context.
2a. Safety – Minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness and
individual performance.
2b. Informatics – Use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and
support decision-making.
3. Professional Identity – Each graduate will implement one’s role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity,
responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice; caring;
advocacy; and safe, quality care for diverse patients within a family and community context.
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3a. Teamwork and Collaboration – Function effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering
open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care.
4. Spirit of Inquiry – Graduates will examine the evidence that underlies clinical nursing practice to challenge the
status quo, question underlying assumptions, and offer new insights to improve the quality of care for
patients, families, and communities.
4a. Evidence-Based Practice – Integrate best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient/family
preferences and values for delivery of optimal healthcare. (QSEN definition)
4b. Quality Improvement – Use data to monitor the outcomes of care processes and use improvement methods
to design and test changes to continuously improve the quality and safety of healthcare systems. (QSEN
definition)
Practical Nursing End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes/Graduate Competencies
• Promote the human dignity, integrity, self-determination, and personal growth of patients, oneself, and
members of the health care team.
• Advocate for the patient and family in the provision of compassionate and coordinated care to support
the health, safety, and well-being of patients and families.
• Provide a rationale for judgments used in the provision of safe, quality care and for decisions that promote
the health of patients within a family context.
• Incorporate information and technology within one’s own scope of practice to support safe processes of care.
• Demonstrate the effective use of strategies to reduce the risk of harm to self or others.
• Demonstrate awareness of good practice, boundaries of practice, and professional identity formation, including
knowledge and attitudes derived from self-understanding and empathy, ethical questions and choices that are
gleaned from a situation, awareness of patient needs, and other contextual knowledge.
• Function competently within one’s own scope of practice as a member of the health care team.
• Collaborate with health care team members to utilize evidence, tradition, and patient preferences in
predictable patient care situations to promote optimal health status.
• Utilize various sources of information to review outcomes of care, identifying potential areas for
improvement of the quality and safety of care.
• Implement evidence-based practice in the provision of individualized health care.
Associate Degree Nursing Level II Student Learning Outcomes/Graduate Competencies
• Advocate for patients and families in ways that promote their self-determination, integrity, and ongoing
growth as human beings.
• Recognize the patient or designee as the source of control and full partner in providing compassionate and
coordinated care based on respect for the patient's preferences, values, and needs.
• Make judgments in practice, substantiated with evidence, that integrate nursing science in the provision of safe,
quality care and that promote the health of patients within a family and community context.
• Minimize the risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness and
individual performance.
• Use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-
making.
• Implement one's role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving
identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice; caring; advocacy; and safe, quality care for diverse
patients within a family and community context.
• Function effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual
respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care.
• Examine the evidence that underlies clinical nursing practice to challenge the status quo, question
underlying assumptions, and offer new insights to improve the quality of care for patients, families, and
communities.
• Use data to monitor the outcomes of care processes and methods to design and validate
changes for improvement in the quality and safety of health care systems.
• Integrate best evidence-based practice with clinical expertise, patient/family preferences, and
values for delivery of optimal health care
.
16
II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS/POLICIES
The SSCC Nursing Program offers the traditional Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program with an evening ADN
Program option offered biennially (odd years). Twenty-one (21) months, or five consecutive semesters, are required to
complete the program. Students who have successfully completed the ADN program through the end of the third
semester may opt to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). A student may opt
out of the ADN program at this point to work as an LPN (non-traditional), or the student may continue and complete
the ADN program if progression criteria are met. Students who successfully complete the ADN program may take the
NCLEX-RN licensure exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Students may also bridge into the ADN-RN Mobility
program option from other health programs, for example, paramedic to RN, LPN to RN, veteran LPN/paramedic to RN,
and others as determined by the College. Final student selection for either program of study is made by the SSCC
Nursing Program Admissions Committee. Information regarding admission may be found in the SSCC Catalog, Nursing
Program Student Handbook and on the SSCC website at www.sheltonstate.edu/nursing.
To qualify for admission into the SSCC Nursing Program, applicants must meet the requirements below and submit all
required documents by the application submission deadline.
Minimum Admission Criteria for the Two-Year Associate Degree Nursing or Practical Nursing Program
1. Unconditional admission to the College
2. Good standing with the College
3. Complete and submit online application and documents within the application period of the desired program
type listed below. Once acceptance received, start date is shown for that application period in the last column.
Program Type
Application Period
Admission Acceptance
Associate Degree Nursing
May 1 to June 1
Fall admission
Associate Degree Nursing
September 1 to October 1
Spring admission
Associate Degree Nursing (EVENING)
March 1
to April 1
(ODD YEARS)
Summer admission
Practical Nursing (EVENING)
September 1 to October 1
Spring admission
4. Minimum 18 ACT composite score national or residual
5. Have a minimum 2.50 GPA for nursing required academic core courses (BIO 201, BIO 202, BIO 220, MTH 100, ENG
101, PSY 210, SPH 106 or SPH 107, and a Humanities elective); An official SSCC transcript with all transfer credit must
be available by the application deadline. NOTE: BIO 201 or BIO 202 must have been taken within the last five years.
6. Minimum 2.50 cumulative high school GPA for students without prior college courses (GED will be used if
applicable.) An official high school transcript or a GED must be available by the application deadline.
7. Meet the essential functions for nursing (See Appendix A.)
8. Be eligible to enroll in or have completed the following:
a. MTH 100 or higher
b. BIO 201
(BIO 103 is a pre-requisite to BIO 201.)
(MTH 100 or higher and BIO 201 must be taken prior to or during the first semester of nursing courses.)
c. ENG 101
17
Minimum Admission Criteria for the ADN Health Transition Program (Mobility)
1. Unconditional admission to the College
2. Good standing with the College
3. Submit completed application for admission to the ADN Health Transition (Mobility) Program by July 1 for
spring admission. Applications are completed online and are accepted each year from June 1 to July 1 for
spring admission.
4. Minimum 18 ACT composite score national or residual
5. Minimum 2.50 GPA for nursing required academic core courses; An official SSCC transcript with all
transfer credit must be available by the application deadline.
6. Meet the essential functions for nursing. (See Appendix A.)
7. Complete the prerequisite courses, including the following:
a. ENG 101, MTH 100 or higher, BIO 201, BIO 202, SPH 106 or SPH 107, PSY 210
NOTE: BIO 201 or BIO 202 must have been taken within the last five years.
b. NUR 209 Concepts for Healthcare Transition Students is required for students who did not graduate from an
approved Alabama Community College System PN program using the standard state curriculum within one
year of seeking admission.
8. Valid, unencumbered Alabama Practical Nursing license, unencumbered Alabama paramedic license, or
equivalent license/credentials for other health professions.
Selection of Applicants
1. Admission to the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program and the ADN Health Transition (Mobility) Program
is competitive, and the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available.
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
2. Acceptance is points-based and is determined by rank of the applicant’s academic GPA, ACT score, points for
selected courses, and additional points.
3. Applicants are notified by mail of their acceptance or non-acceptance.
4. Students selected for admission to the program are required to attend mandatory orientation session(s).
5. Applicants not accepted may reapply during the next application period if they meet the admission criteria.
18
Practical Nursing Degree Program ACCS Concept Based Curriculum
First Semester
Course Name and Number
Total
Theory/Lecture
Lab
Clinical
Total Weekly
Credits
Hours
Hours
Hours
Contact Hours
NUR 112 Fundamental Concepts of Nursing
7
4
6
3
13
MTH 100 Intermediate Algebra or Higher
3
3
0
0
3
BIO 201 Anatomy and Physiology I
4
3
2
0
5
Total
14
10
8
3
21
Note: Following successful completion of the first semester, the student is eligible to take the Nursing Assistant
Certification Exam.
Second Semester
Course Name and Number
Total
Theory/Lecture
Lab
Clinical
Total Weekly
Credits
Hours
Hours
Hours
Contact Hours
NUR 113 Nursing Concepts I
8
4
3
9
16
ENG 101 English Comp I
3
3
0
0
3
PSY 210 Human Growth and Development
3
3
0
0
3
BIO 202 Anatomy and Physiology II
4
3
2
0
5
Total
18
13
5
9
27
Third Semester
Course Name and Number
Total
Theory/Lecture
Lab
Clinical
Total Weekly
Credits
Hours
Hours
Hours
Contact Hours
NUR 114 Nursing Concepts II
8
5
0
9
14
NUR 115 Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning
2
1
0
3
4
SPH 106 or 107 Speech
3
3
0
0
3
Total
13
9
0
12
21
Note: Students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam after successful completion of the program.
Practical Nursing (PN):
Academic and Nursing Theory Contact Hours
480
Academic Credits
20
Academic and Nursing Lab Contact Hours
75
Nursing Credits
25
Nursing Clinical Contact Hours
360
Total Credits
45
TOTAL PROGRAM CONTACT HOURS
915
19
Associate Nursing Degree Program ACCS Concept Based Curriculum
First Semester
Course Name and Number
Total
Theory/Lecture
Lab
Clinical
Total Weekly
Credits
Hours
Hours
Hours
Contact Hours
NUR 112 Fundamental Concepts of Nursing
7
4
6
3
13
MTH 100 Intermediate Algebra or Higher
3
3
0
0
3
BIO 201 Anatomy and Physiology I
4
3
2
0
5
Total
14
10
8
3
21
Note: Following successful completion of the first semester, the student is eligible to take the Nursing Assistant Certification Exam.
Second Semester
Course Name and Number
Total
Theory/Lecture
Lab
Clinical
Total Weekly
Credits
Hours
Hours
Hours
Contact Hours
NUR 113 Nursing Concepts I
8
4
3
9
16
ENG 101 English Comp I
3
3
0
0
3
PSY 210 Human Growth and Development
3
3
0
0
3
BIO 202 Anatomy and Physiology II
4
3
2
0
5
Total
18
13
5
9
27
Third Semester
Course Name and Number
Total
Theory/Lecture
Lab
Clinical
Total Weekly
Credits
Hours
Hours
Hours
Contact Hours
NUR 114 Nursing Concepts II
8
5
0
9
14
NUR 115 Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning
2
1
0
3
4
SPH 106 or 107 Speech
3
3
0
0
3
Total
13
9
0
12
21
Note: Students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam after successful completion of the third semester.
Fourth Semester
Course Name and Number
Total
Theory/Lecture
Lab
Clinical
Total Weekly
Credits
Hours
Hours
Hours
Contact Hours
NUR 211 Advanced Nursing Concepts
7
4
0
9
13
BIO 220 General Microbiology
4
2
4
0
6
Total
11
6
4
9
19
Fifth Semester
Course Name and Number
Total
Theory/Lecture
Lab
Clinical
Total Weekly
Credits
Hours
Hours
Hours
Contact Hours
NUR 221 Advanced Evidence Based Clinical
Reasoning
7
3
0
12
15
Humanity Elective (Ethics Preferred)
3
3
0
0
3
Total
10
6
0
12
18
Program Totals
66
44
17
45
106
Note: Students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam after successful completion of the fifth semester.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
Nursing Credits
39
Academic and Nursing Theory Contact Hours
660
Academic Credits
27
Academic and Nursing Lab Contact Hours
255
Total Credits
66
Nursing Clinical Contact Hours
675
TOTAL PROGRAM CONTACT HOURS
1,590
Practical Nursing (PN)
Academic and Nursing Theory Contact Hours
480
Academic Credits
20
Academic and Nursing Lab Contact Hours
75
Nursing Credits
25
Nursing Clinical Contact Hours
360
Total Credits
45
TOTAL PROGRAM CONTACT HOURS
915
20
Associate Degree Mobility Program ACCS Concept Based Curriculum
Prerequisite Courses Prior to NUR 209
Course Name and Number
Total
Theory/Lecture
Lab
Clinical
Total Weekly
Credits
Hours
Hours
Hours
Contact Hours
MTH 100 Intermediate College Algebra or Higher
3
3
0
0
3
Math
BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
4
3
2
0
5
BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
4
3
2
0
5
ENG 101 English Composition I
3
3
0
0
3
PSY 210 Human Growth and Development
3
3
0
0
3
SPH 106 Fundamentals of Oral Communication
or SPH 107 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
3
3
0
0
3
**NUR 209 Concepts for Healthcare Transition
10
6
3
9
18
Students
Total without NUR 209
20
18
4
0
22
Total with NUR 209
30
24
7
9
40
First Semester
Course Name and Number
Total
Theory/Lecture
Lab
Clinical
Total Weekly
Credits
Hours
Hours
Hours
Contact Hours
NUR 211 Advanced Nursing Concepts
7
4
0
9
13
BIO 220 General Microbiology
4
2
4
0
6
Total
11
6
4
9
19
Second Semester
Course Name and Number
Total
Theory/Lecture
Lab
Clinical
Total Weekly
Credits
Hours
Hours
Hours
Contact Hours
NUR 221 Advanced Evidence Based Clinical
7
3
0
12
15
Reasoning
***Humanity Elective (Ethics Preferred)
3
3
0
0
3
Total
10
6
0
12
18
Program Total without NUR 209
41
30
8
21
59
Program Total with NUR 209
51
36
11
30
77
Program Credit Hour Totals:
Health Transition Nursing (Mobility) Contact Hours:
Academic
27
Academic and Nursing Theory
450-540
Nursing
14-24
Academic and Nursing Lab
120-165
Total Credits
41-51
Nursing Clinical
315-450
Total Program Contact Hours
885-1,155
**Required for students who want to bridge into the ADN-RN track from other health programs (i.e., paramedic to RN and
LPN to RN). After completion of the NUR 209 course, fifteen (15) nontraditional hours of credit will be awarded and placed
on the student’s transcript. Total credits awarded after completion of the course will be twenty-five (25) credits. LPNs
completing the ACCS Standardized Concept Based Curriculum can return for RN completion within one year but must meet
the current admission criteria to the program. The course is offered in the fall semester prior to starting the Health
Transition Program.
***Students may choose from art, art history, foreign language, literature, music, music history, philosophy, ethics, religion,
theater, and dance.
Note: The nursing curriculum may change to meet the requirements of institutional, state, or national approval/accrediting
agencies.
21
Tuition, Fees, and Expenses
Please find below the estimated costs for the Associate Degree Nursing Program (tuition, supplies, and fees). The prices
listed below are subject to change.
Uniforms:
PN: One-Year
ADN: Two-Year
ADN: Mobility
1 Pair of White Shoes
100.00
100.00
100.00
1 Lab Coat (SSCC monogrammed)
40.00
40.00
40.00
2 Uniforms (SSCC monogrammed scrubs)
200.00
200.00
200.00
1 Deluxe Dual Head Stethoscope
40.00
40.00
40.00
1 Pocket Organizer
10.00
10.00
10.00
1 Reusable Penlight (Non-LED)
15.00
15.00
15.00
1 Pair of Scissors
15.00
15.00
15.00
1 Watch (with second hand)
40.00
40.00
40.00
Subtotal
460.00
460.00
460.00
Tuition (including academic courses) and Fees:
Tuition, Maintenance, Instruction Fees
7,470.00 (45 hours*)
10,956 (66 hours*)
7,470.00 (45 hours*)
Books (estimate)
3,225.00
3,335.00
3,335.00
ATI Testing and NCLEX Review Fees
1,626.00
2,710.00
1,626.00
Accident Insurance and Campus Fee
40.50
67.50
40.50
Liability Insurance
15.00
30.00
15.00
Preclinical Screening/Background Check
64.80
64.80
64.80
CastleBranch Document Tracking
30.00
30.00
30.00
Nurse Packs
380.00
380.00
380.00
NCLEX Application, Licensure, Transactions
288.50
303.50
303.50
Subtotal
13,139.80
17,876.80
13,154.80
Optional:
Cap and Gown for Graduation
40.00
40.00
40.00
Composite Pictures
40.00
40.00
40.00
Nursing Pin and Lamp
80.00
80.00
80.00
Temporary Permit
50.00
50.00
50.00
Student Nurses’ Association Dues
10.00
50.00
50.00
Subtotal
220.00
260.00
260.00
Total Approximate Cost for SSCC Nursing Program
$13,819.80
$18,596.80
$13,874.80
*Additional hours are required if the student must take BIO 103 or NUR 209.
Tuition/fees are due by the day of registration. If a portion of the registration expenses is to be paid by some type of
financial aid or by a sponsoring agency, then it is the responsibility of the student to provide written evidence of such
arrangements to the Financial Aid Office at or before registration. In the event of non-payment of financial obligations,
students are not issued transcripts or allowed to register again until financial obligations are satisfied.
Late Registration
There is no late registration for nursing courses. Late registration is allowed for the academic co-requisite courses
(dependent on space availability) until the end of the Schedule Change/Late Registration period. Space in courses is
not guaranteed. Specific dates are published each semester on the College website, www.sheltonstate.edu.
22
Drop/Add Policy
Nursing courses cannot be added after the registration period. Nursing courses must be taken in sequence; therefore,
students who drop or withdraw from a nursing course cannot progress in the program until all required courses are
complete.
Auditing
Students who audit nursing courses do not attend the clinical component of the course. The enrollment cost is the
same for auditing or taking a course.
SSCC Nursing Program Withdrawal Policy
In addition to the College policies, withdrawal from the SSCC Nursing Program requires the following:
1. Completion of a withdrawal form;
2. A scheduled student exit interview with the Director of Nursing Programs;
3. Return of all equipment, books, etc., belonging to the department.
A student who wishes to withdraw from a nursing course must do so officially on or before the last day designated to
withdraw. A withdrawal from a nursing course for ANY reason or at ANY time during the semester is counted as one
attempt at trying to complete the course. The student will have only one additional opportunity to be successful in the
course. Failure to complete the course successfully after two attempts will require the student to reapply to the
program as a new student, and the student must take or retake all SSCC Nursing Program courses. (See additional
information regarding progression and reinstatement in Section V: Academic Class Information.) NOTE: Students who
fail to follow these procedures may be denied reinstatement to the program. Leaving the College or the SSCC Nursing
Program without filing formal withdrawal notices and following the appropriate procedures will result in a failing
grade in all courses in which the student is enrolled.
III. STUDENT SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Nursing Scholarships
Organizations award several scholarships to nursing students. Applications and information regarding the scholarships
will be made available by the Director of Nursing Programs, posted in the course management system, and included on
the SSCC Nursing Program’s web page. Several scholarships specific to nursing students are offered through the SSCC
Foundation each year. Students should contact the SSCC Scholarship office for these scholarship opportunities. Some
Alabama clinical facilities award tuition and expenses to students. In return, the students agree to work at the facility
upon graduation. Students should contact the appropriate clinical facility if interested in more information.
Advising/Educational Planning
The College Educational Planning staff serve as pre-admission academic advisors for prospective nursing students. The
nursing faculty serve as academic advisors to students currently enrolled in the SSCC Nursing Program. The Health
Services Specialist’s office develops a record of all applicants for admission to the SSCC Nursing Program and maintains
record information. After admission, student records are maintained by the College’s Health Services office.
Office hours are posted on each faculty member’s door. Additional hours may be provided by appointment. All
faculty members have voice mail for telephone messages and emails. Students are encouraged to contact faculty
members directly. In the event of an emergency, the student may contact the Health Services Specialist at
205.391.2443 for assistance in locating a faculty member.
23
Claims of Harassment at Clinical Agency
Complaints of harassment of any type by a student in the clinical agency should be reported to the clinical instructor.
Clinical instructors will make complete written documentation of the incident and submit it to the Director of Nursing
Programs and the Dean of Student Services.
IV. ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Nursing Computer Laboratory
The SSCC Nursing Program’s computer laboratory, located in Rooms 2362 and 2363, offers an opportunity for students
to become familiar with computers and to use software that will facilitate success in the program. The laboratory offers
access to required online testing programs, word processing programs, Internet use, and other applications. Students in
the SSCC Nursing Program are responsible for knowing and adhering to the following computer lab policies and
procedures:
1. Absolutely no eating, drinking, or gum is allowed in the laboratory.
2. The laboratory is to be used only by authorized students under the supervision of an instructor or lab assistant or
with special permission from the nursing office. No children or visitors are permitted.
3. All students who utilize the laboratory must be able to show SSCC identification when requested.
4. Software and hardware problems should be reported immediately to the IT Department at 205.391.3939.
5. Students are to bring a portable memory device for work to be saved. Under no circumstances should students
save work on the hard drive.
6. Absolutely no software may be loaded on computers without written permission from the Director of Nursing
Programs or nursing office personnel.
7. Students may purchase a personal portable headphone set for use in the computer lab for programs that have
sound. Students may also check in the nursing skills lab for the availability of portable headsets.
8. Students should leave the laboratory as they find it. Students should shut down computers, replace chairs,
remove garbage if any is accumulated, and erase board(s).
9. To access assigned computer programs, students should follow directions from their course instructors, or the
directions outlined in the nursing packet.
10. Students should refer to the nursing laboratory operating hours for each semester. The operating hours will be
posted on the door of the laboratory to facilitate the learning process.
11. Each semester, students will have a predetermined number of printing copies before a fee is charged. Refer to
the College’s printing policy for more information.
Outside Library Services
Nursing students have access to library resources and study rooms on the Martin Campus. Students are able to access
additional online resources with Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) for periodicals, audiovisuals, books, and other
materials to support student learning in nursing courses. Nursing students are subject to all library rules and fines.
24
V. PROGRAM COMMUNICATION
Lines of Communication
The faculty, including clinical instructors, encourages open communication with nursing students. Thus, written
communication and documentation in the form of memos, letters, emails, facsimiles, and anecdotal notes are utilized
throughout the curriculum. (See Appendix P.) Students are required to update and keep a current, valid mailing address,
email address, and phone number on file in the Health Services Specialist’s office.
Students are encouraged to seek guidance when a classroom, clinical, or general problem or concern arises. If the
concern is related directly to nursing courses, then resolution should be sought through conference with the course
faculty. If the concern is not resolved at that level, then subsequent steps include a conference with the Director of
Nursing Programs with documentation of the complaint or concern in writing and a conference with the Associate Dean
of Health Services. If the student, instructor, Director of Nursing Programs, or Associate Dean of Health Services cannot
resolve the issue successfully, then the student should follow the Grievance Policy (or the Grade Appeals Policy when
applicable) found in the SSCC Catalog and/or Student Handbook.
Student Concern/Feedback
The nursing faculty and staff are open to student feedback regarding educational and College experiences. Students
have access to a Student Concern/Feedback Form. (See Appendix Q.) This form serves as a communication tool for
constructive input in the following areas: curriculum, teaching, methodologies, resources, services, and miscellaneous
items. The forms are also available in the nursing skills lab. Students may be asked to complete College Student Opinion
Surveys administered near or at the completion of specific courses, program surveys, and program follow-up surveys
within one year after graduation.
Bulletin Boards
Designated bulletin boards are located near the nursing classrooms. When appropriate, students are notified via these
bulletin boards about upcoming SSCC events, SSCC Nursing Program events, changes in schedule, etc. Commercial
notices are not permitted on the bulletin boards, and all items posted must be pre-approved.
Electronic Communication
Information specific to the SSCC Nursing Program is posted on the nursing web page, which can be accessed from the
College website or by visiting www.sheltonstate.edu/nursing. The course management system (currently Canvas) is used
to post general SSCC Nursing Program information and notices, as well as relevant information specific to nursing
courses. Students should check Canvas daily for program information and announcements. Students are responsible for
reading information and notices as posted.
Students are required to use their SSCC email account to communicate with faculty and staff. It is the policy of the
College and of the SSCC Nursing Program that grades will not be emailed.
Social Networking Policy for Health Programs
Definition: As non-limiting examples of social networking sites, this policy is intended to cover Facebook, Linked-In,
Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Pinterest, and/or any other site normally considered under social networking.
Students are advised to use social media cautiously and to avoid disclosing any information that could be considered
confidential patient information. Any disclosure, intentional or unintentional, of information that could lead to the
identification of a patient will result in appropriate disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal from the SSCC
Nursing Program. Removal of an individual’s name, face, or image is insufficient to protect identity or confidential
information. The use of privacy settings that are available on many social networking sites does not guarantee that
information will not appear in public and is deemed insufficient to protect confidential patient information.
Students are not to make negative, disparaging, or unprofessional remarks about fellow students, instructors, patients,
patients’ visitors, clinical sites, or other healthcare professionals through social media. Any negative or disparaging
25
remarks, intentional or unintentional, through social media will be considered unprofessional and will be considered a
form of misconduct. This type of misconduct will be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions.
Students should adhere to the following guidelines:
• Do not save confidential or sensitive patient information, or information of any sort that could serve as
identifying information, on any personal computer or other electronic device.
• Treat as confidential any email or texting correspondence with faculty; do not include patient identifying
information.
• Do not transmit any patient-related information or images through social media. Do not take pictures or
videos of patients or record discussions with cell phones or other personal devices.
• Do not rely solely on limiting access through privacy settings because these settings are not deemed
sufficient to protect privacy and confidentiality of information. There is no such thing as a “private” social
media site.
• Comply with clinical agency regulations regarding use of computers, cameras, electronic devices, and cell
phones while present in the clinical agency.
• Always maintain patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Report breaches of confidentiality or privacy to the SSCC Nursing Program instructor promptly.
• A violation of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the
SSCC Nursing Program.
Liability Insurance
All students enrolled in clinical nursing courses are required to have liability insurance. The College enrolls students in a
blanket school insurance policy for liability and accidents. Insurance fees are attached to specific nursing courses to
facilitate the process. The policy insures students while they are participating in clinical activities that are a requirement
of the curriculum. Eligibility for insurance coverage is made through annual and/or interval premiums to the insurance
companies. Students are required to obtain personal medical and hospital insurance while enrolled in the SSCC
Nursing Program as healthcare will be provided if needed while in a clinical or laboratory setting, and the student will
be charged for the medical care.
In addition to the liability insurance, the College requires students to purchase and participate in Student Accident
Insurance, which also covers the student for activities while under the care and direction of the College. Fees are
assessed at registration each semester. For further information or to file a claim, the student may contact the Office of
the Dean of Students.
Students who are employed as nurses’ aides, LPNs, or in any other healthcare role while students in the SSCC Nursing
Program are not covered by the College’s insurance when assuming these roles. Students must not identify themselves
as SSCC student nurses when they are working as employees in a clinical agency and any other situation/setting not
authorized by the SSCC Nursing Program.
Parking at Clinical Sites
Students are expected to abide by the parking regulations for each of the clinical agencies utilized by the SSCC Nursing
Program. Students are to assume the responsibility for any tickets incurred.
Identification Cards
All students enrolled at SSCC are required to have an official student identification (ID) card. Nursing photo ID badges are
issued to nursing students prior to their first clinical lab assignment. Nursing photo ID badges are worn as a part of the
nursing uniform and are used for identification as a SSCC Nursing Program student to the clinical agency. The cost of the
nursing ID badge is $5.00. The student must pay the $5.00 to the Cashier’s Office and show the receipt prior to getting
the photo ID badge made. To obtain a school issued ID, students must have an unexpired government issued
identification card.
26
Lost and Found
Misplaced or lost items within the SSCC Nursing Program’s classrooms or laboratory may be found in the lost and found
bin located in the Nursing Skills Lab (Room 2118).
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices
Unauthorized use of cell phones is prohibited during class, lab, or clinical. Students are permitted to bring approved
handheld devices that support the nursing software to class, lab, and clinical, but these devices must be used in
accordance with SSCC Nursing Program guidelines and clinical agency guidelines. Use of a cell phone or other portable
electronic device is not permitted during any assessment or test time. Students found using these devices will be
considered in violation of the Academic Misconduct Policy, reported to the Associate Dean of Health Services, and
Academic Misconduct procedures will be instituted. Penalties may range from a reprimand to dismissal from the SSCC
Nursing Program.
Tobacco/Smoking at Clinical Sites
Nursing students will abide by the tobacco/smoking policies of the clinical agency to which they are assigned. Smoking
during scheduled clinical activities is prohibited.
Drug Screen Policy
Any student who enrolls in the SSCC Nursing Program and desires to participate in courses that have a clinical
component is required to submit to an initial pre-clinical drug screening. The initial pre-clinical drug screen will be
conducted prior to entering the SSCC Nursing Program. The student must abide by the SSCC Nursing Program’s Drug
Screen Policy and Clinical Agency Policy for which the student is assigned clinical practice, including pre-clinical and
random drug screening should the student exhibit behaviors indicative of substance abuse at any time while enrolled in
the SSCC Nursing Program. (See Appendix B and Appendix C for the complete Drug Screen Policy.)
Background Screening Policy
All students who enroll in the SSCC Nursing Program are required to submit to a background check. Students may also
be required to have a background screening if requested by the clinical agency for which the student is assigned for
clinical/lab rotations. All students must give permission to perform a background screening as required by federal law
pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The student must abide by the SSCC Nursing Program’s Background Screening
Policy and Clinical Agency Policy for which the student is assigned clinical practice. (See Appendix D and Appendix E for
the Background Screening Policy.) Every effort will be made to provide students with the required clinical experience to
meet the Student Learning Outcomes. Any student denied access by a clinical affiliate will be subject to dismissal from
the program.
VI. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Shelton State Association of Nursing Students
The Shelton State Association of Nursing Students (SSANS) is a pre-professional student organization for pre-nursing and
ADN students. It is an affiliate of the Alabama Association of Nursing Students (AANS) and the National Student Nurses’
Association (NSNA). The national, state, and local associations create unity among nursing students by stimulating
interest in promoting professional nursing. Thus, the SSANS offers an opportunity for students to meet and work with
peers within their institution as well as those from other nursing programs across the state and country. Personal
accomplishments derived through joining the SSANS can be an asset to the individual; such assets may include gaining
leadership experience in holding offices on a local, state, and national level as well as committee work. This association
gives the student an indication of what to expect when entering a professional association (American Nurses’
Association/Alabama State Nurses’ Association). Members of the organization have the only voice on state and national
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nursing legislation offered to students. Information is available through the faculty advisors to the association and at
new student orientation. The membership fee is $50.00 per year.
Nursing Policy/Curriculum Committee
Students are elected by class members to serve as class representatives. These representatives attend selected faculty
meetings and serve on the Nursing Curriculum Committee as needed. This committee provides for the development,
implementation, evaluation, and modification of the curriculum and policies as indicated. Student concerns must be put
in writing and brought to the committee through their representatives for resolution. The committee meets quarterly
or as needed, and membership consists of the nursing faculty, student representatives, and the Director of Nursing
Programs.
VII. ACADEMIC HONORS AND AWARDS
Nursing Awards
Students in the SSCC Nursing Program who are outstanding in academics, clinical performance, leadership, personal
qualities, and classmate support are recognized and honored during Honors Day and during the pinning ceremony.
Honors Day is held in the spring of each year. Honors awarded in the SSCC Nursing Program are listed below.
Nightingale Award (Traditional ADN and Mobility Track ADN)
The Nightingale Award is the most prestigious award presented by the nursing faculty and students to the
student who demonstrates excellence within the SSCC Nursing Program, clinical competence, leadership, and
personal qualities.
Shelton State Association of Nursing Students (SSANS) Leadership Award
This award is given in recognition of outstanding participation in the SSANS. The award is presented to the SSANS
member who has demonstrated leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm for the nursing profession through
involvement in the organization. The SSANS advisor selects the recipient.
Shelton State Association of Nursing Students (SSANS) Fellowship Award
The award is presented to a student for demonstrating humanitarian traits, qualities of unselfishness, helpfulness to
others, consideration, humility, and loyalty to the SSCC Nursing Program. The recipient is selected by the nursing
faculty with input from the student body.
Outstanding Associate Degree Nursing Student Award (Traditional ADN and Mobility Track ADN)
The award is presented to a graduating ADN student who has a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and
demonstrates exemplary behavior both in the classroom and in the clinical setting. The recipient is selected by the
nursing faculty.
Outstanding Practical Nursing Student Award (PN Track)
The award is presented to a graduating PN student who has a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and
demonstrates exemplary behavior both in the classroom and in the clinical setting. The recipient is selected by the
nursing faculty.
Spirit of Nursing Award (Traditional ADN and Mobility Track ADN)
The Spirit of Nursing Award is given to the ADN student who best demonstrates the spirit of nursing in nursing
practice. Qualities of leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm for the nursing profession must be demonstrated. The
recipient is selected by the nursing faculty.
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Spirit of Nursing Award (PN Track)
The Spirit of Nursing Award is given to the PN student who best demonstrates the spirit of nursing in nursing
practice. Qualities of leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm for the nursing profession must be
-demonstrated. The recipient is selected by the nursing faculty.
VIII. CLASS/CLASSROOM INFORMATION
Textbooks and Required Course Materials
Each nursing course has one or more required textbooks. The course materials contain pertinent information related to
that course, including, but not limited to, course syllabus, course objectives, topical outline, method of instruction, class
schedule, grade determination, clinical objectives, clinical evaluation form, student learning outcomes, and criteria for
written assignments. Course materials will be available through the course management system. Textbooks and/or
eBooks should be purchased prior to the first day of class as they are used in orientation to the course. The class
instructor will review the course material information, and students will use it as a resource for the remainder of the
semester. Students are encouraged to retain textbooks purchased for nursing courses to be used as references and in
preparation for the NCLEX. These books are also often listed as required or recommended texts in subsequent courses.
Achievement Tests
Achievement tests from national testing companies are clinically related examinations that are commensurate with
course content and administered near the completion of a nursing course. All students are required to take the
achievement tests. (See each course syllabus.) Scores on these tests serve as an appraisal of success. They provide a
comparison of a student’s achievement to that of fellow classmates and students enrolled in nursing programs across
the nation. Students are encouraged to prepare for achievement tests and to discuss the interpretation of their scores
with their class instructor. Fees for these tests are paid upon registering each semester. Students who score below the
expected level are required to do additional remedial work to enhance their learning process. (Refer to each course
syllabus for specific information.)
Class Attendance Policy
In addition to the College’s attendance policy, SSCC Nursing Program attendance requirements are as follows.
• A student is considered excessively absent after missing more than two weeks of classes or ten percent of
laboratory/clinical.
• For an absence to be considered excused, it must be accompanied by an extenuating circumstance and proper
documentation within one week of returning to class. Extenuating circumstances include sickness, unexpected
pregnancy related conditions, death in the immediate family, or certain legal obligations. Work related,
childcare, and travel circumstances will not excuse an absence. For further information regarding extenuating
circumstances, see the SSCC Student Handbook.
• Students must be responsible for their own attendance record. Instructors are not required to notify students in
danger of excessive absences or if the student has been excessively absent.
• There are no provisions to make up clinical absences. However, when a clinical/lab assignment is missed and is
within the ten percent allowed, an alternate assignment may be completed at the discretion of the instructor.
(Check course syllabus for further information.)
• Missed material will not be re-taught by the instructor. Make-up work, tests, or assignments given for excused
absences, as allowed by the Standard College Policies, shall be left solely to the discretion of the instructor.
• Students who are excessively absent are asked to meet with the Director of Nursing Programs to develop a
possible improvement plan.
• Students will be considered tardy on arrival to class after the official class starting time. A tardy is counted as
one-half (½) class absence.
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Classroom Behavior
Students are expected to be alert, attentive, and courteous to others while in class; show a willingness to respond to
questions and participate in class discussions; and have a lively interest in the subject matter, as evidenced by attention
to/participation in classroom activities.
The SSCC Nursing Program has zero tolerance for disruptive class behavior. Students are expected to demonstrate
common courtesy and cooperation in the classroom. Disruptive behavior will be reported to the Associate Dean of
Health Services, and appropriate steps will be taken on all such violations. Instructors set the tone and demeanor of their
classes. Unauthorized use of cell phones, unsanctioned talking, eating, sleeping, arriving late, leaving early,
argumentative discourse, and reading of unrelated materials during a class will be considered rude or disruptive to the
learning environment. Students will be asked to leave the classroom if rude or disruptive behavior occurs. Students who
are asked to leave the classroom due to behavioral reasons must meet with the faculty member, Director of Nursing
Programs, and/or the Associate Dean of Health Services prior to being allowed to return to class.
Netiquette Policy
(Etiquette, also known as Netiquette)
Simply defined, Netiquette relates to the Do's and Don’ts of online communication. It is imperative that you
communicate with classmates and instructors with a degree of professionalism. The same rules of Netiquette for face-
to-face classes apply to online course interactions; thus, do not communicate or post offensive text. Remember:
• Use effective communication and always be polite, friendly, positive, and self-reflective. Professional and
respectful tone and civility are used in communicating with fellow learners and the instructor, whether the
communication is by electronic means or by telephone or face-to-face.
• Do not use vulgar or obscene language.
• Use caution and do not reveal your address or phone number.
• Email is not guaranteed to be private.
• Do not intentionally disrupt the network or its users.
• Abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. Spelling and grammar are correct.
• Do not compose text using slang or profane language. Written communication, both formal and informal, uses
Standard English rather than popular online abbreviations and regional colloquialisms.
• Always reflect a respectful tone, particularly in verbal communications and body language during video
interactions.
Classroom Restrictions
Food and drink are not permitted in the classroom. Special health problems will be considered on an individual basis.
Visitors (including children) are not allowed in the classroom. All cell phones or other electronic devices must be turned
off or on silent and set aside while in class or lab (unless used as directed by the instructor in a case study and/or class
assignment). The instructor may establish guidelines and restrictions for electronic device use in the classroom. Students
found using these devices outside of established classroom guidelines will be reported to the Director of Nursing
Programs and the Associate Dean of Health Services. Academic Misconduct procedures may be instituted. Penalties may
range from a reprimand to expulsion from the College.
Examination Attendance
Students are expected to make every effort to be present for all examinations. Students are expected to notify the class
instructor prior to an expected absence on examination day. Students arriving late to write examinations are expected
to complete the examination within the same specified time frame as other students who arrived on time. With
documented, extenuating circumstances and the instructor’s permission, missed examinations may be scheduled during
the week prior to final exams for the semester. Make-up work, tests, or assignments given for excused absences, as
allowed by the Standard College Policies, shall be left solely to the discretion of the instructor. (See specific course
syllabus for further information.) The student must arrange with the instructor to write missed exams. Make-up exams
can be of any format (i.e., essays, multiple choice, etc.).
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Examination Policy
To ensure equal opportunity and prevent distractions during examinations, the following policies will apply.
1. Instructors reserve the right to control seating arrangements, departures from the room, and communication
exchanges among students.
2. Books, notebooks, cell phones, smart devices of any kind, and personal property may be required to be placed in
a designated area or collected as directed by the instructor before writing an examination.
3. Examination booklets’ answer sheets and scrap paper if used will be submitted to the instructor upon or after
completion of the exam.
4. Students are not to write in the exam booklet unless instructed to do so by the instructor.
5. Students are to check their answer sheets very closely before submitting to the instructor on exam day. Should
the student erase an answer, he or she is instructed to erase carefully and completely and to write the selected
response letter at the end of the test item. Erasures will be considered only if the student follows these
guidelines.
6. Students may not leave during the exam testing period without prior permission from the instructor.
7. Caps and sunglasses are prohibited during the exam testing period.
8. Cell phones and smart devices of any type are prohibited during the exam testing period.
9. Other electronic devices are prohibited unless permission is given by the instructor.
Note: Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. A course instructor or any other person who has reasonable cause to
believe a student has engaged in an act of academic misconduct will report the matter to the Director of Nursing
Programs. Penalties for academic misconduct can range from a reprimand to suspension from the College.
Examination Reviews
The purpose of the exam review is to enhance the student’s learning process in developing increased knowledge and
comprehension of tested materials/subjects.
The nursing faculty has approved the following exam review guidelines.
1. Exam reviews may or may not be conducted. If a review of an exam is conducted, then the manner in which it is
carried out is at the discretion of the instructor(s) teaching the course.
2. All exam reviews will be conducted in a professional manner. Any student who becomes argumentative or
disruptive may be excused from the review session.
3. Students who have not taken the exam are not allowed to attend the exam review.
4. Students may choose not to attend an exam review. If the student chooses not to attend, then the student will
forfeit any additional points or grade changes after the review is completed.
5. The exam review is conducted by the course instructor or a faculty designee. The review is usually held within
two weeks after the exam. The course coordinator will set the review date and time.
6. Students participating in the exam review must abide by the following rules:
• No pencils or pens are allowed on the desktop during the review.
• Exam score sheets may or may not be returned to those students who are present. Returning answer
sheets is at the discretion of the instructor.
• Test booklets may or may not be given to students. If booklets are given to the student, then there will be
no writing during the review.
• Cell phones or smart devices of any type are prohibited during an exam review and may be collected
beforehand by the instructor.
7. Any discrepancy in the exam grade must be discussed with the instructor immediately after the test review or at
a time designated by the instructor.
8. If a discrepancy in scoring is found by the instructor, then adjustments will be made to all affected students’
grades.
9. Any and all grade changes are at the discretion of the course coordinator/instructor.
10. No changes to the exam grade will occur until after the review is completed.
11. If extenuating circumstances prevent a student from attending a scheduled exam review, then the student must
notify the instructor before the exam review date. The student may then request an appointment to discuss his
or her status consideration. There will be no make-up exam reviews.
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Note: If a review is not held after an exam, then the students’ grades will be assigned based on the scores the
students achieved using the standard accepted grading policies/procedures.
Nursing Student Self-Remediation Policy
If a student is unsuccessful on a theory exam, then the student is expected to complete a self-remediation form and
submit it to the instructor within three days of the next scheduled exam. See the Nursing Student Self-Remediation
Form (Appendix S).
Grading Policy
The SSCC Nursing Program records student achievement by means of a letter grade system. To facilitate the completion
of grade averages, a grade point value is placed on the grades. The following table gives the letters used, the meaning,
and the corresponding grade point values. See the individual course syllabus for further specific grading information.
1. Clinical laboratory performance: Unless denoted otherwise in the course overview, clinical laboratory
performance is graded as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. The clinical/laboratory grade earned must be
“Satisfactory” to receive a passing grade in the course. A student who fails to meet the criteria
satisfactorily for the clinical/lab component of a nursing course will not pass the course regardless of
the grade in the theory component.
2. Theory: No rounding of test scores will be done. (For example, 78.6 is 78.6.) Only the final grade is rounded. (For
example, 0.5 or higher will be raised to the next whole number.)
Grade Scale for All Nursing Courses
A = 90–100
B = 80–89
C = 75–79
D = 60–74
F = 59 or below
Note: A grade of B equals 85 - 89 in the drug calculation component of NUR 112 and any other calculation tests in the
program.
A minimum letter grade of “C” (75) is required in all other nursing courses to pass and progress in the program. In
each course, a student must achieve a seventy-five percent (75%) grade average on the unit and comprehensive
final exam to complete the course successfully. Other grades will be added only after the minimum grade of
seventy-five percent (75%) is achieved.
Course Grades That Do Not Affect Academic GPA
W
=
Withdraw
AU
=
Audit
I
=
Incomplete
The grade point average (GPA) is determined by multiplying the number of grade points for each grade received by the
number of semester hours for the course; then the total number of grade points is divided by the total number of
semester hours attempted. A grade of “Incomplete” (I) indicates that the student, for reasons satisfactory to the
instructor, has been unable to complete the requirements of the course by the end of the semester. For credit in the
course, the work must be completed within the following semester; otherwise, the grade (I) is automatically calculated
as a failure. At the close of each semester, final course grades are submitted to the Admission’s Office by the course
instructor. Final course grades can be viewed via the Internet by going to the Shelton State webpage
(www.sheltonstate.edu), accessing your myShelton account, and following instructions on that page. Nursing exam
grades are provided to the student within one week of the exam. Exam grades are not publicly posted but accessible via
the learning management system.
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High Stakes Assessment and Evaluation
The SSCC Nursing Program integrates high-stakes assessment and evaluation within the curriculum to determine and
document student achievement against standards of nursing knowledge and competent nursing practice. High-stakes
testing and evaluation are defined as any assessment that has an effect on a student’s progression or non-progression
within the program of study. High-stakes assessments are essential and address the following needs:
• To determine minimum levels of competency associated with knowledge, skills, and attitudes that
are acceptable for safe practice;
• To provide faculty with the ability to separate accurately those who are competent from those who are not;
• To protect the public by setting a standard for competent versus incompetent practice;
• To evaluate the curriculum and program of study to provide a mechanism for early detection of struggling
students with subsequent development of a remediation plan; and
• To evaluate NCLEX preparedness and predict students’ ability to pass the NCLEX.
In courses that integrate high-stakes assessments, a “no pass” or unsatisfactory evaluation may result in “not passing”
the course. For example, in NUR 112 Fundamentals Concepts of Nursing, a student may be passing the didactic
portion of the course but not be passing the required lab component. Not passing a high-stakes assessment may
result in not passing the course.
Examples of high-stakes assessments include lab performance exams and final comprehensive exams. The SSCC Nursing
Program is dedicated to promoting student success. Students who do not pass a high-stakes exam are offered
remediation opportunities. Students should refer to individual course syllabi regarding high-stakes assessments within
specific courses.
Progression Policy
1. In order to progress/continue in the SSCC Nursing Program, the student must achieve the following:
a. Achieve a grade of “C” (70) or better in all required general education courses and a grade of “C”
(75) or better in all nursing courses.
b. Be acceptable by all clinical agencies for clinical experiences. If a student is dismissed from a clinical
agency, then he or she may be dismissed from the program and/or receive a failing grade for the
course enrolled.
c. Maintain all SSCC Nursing Program health requirements and clinical facilities’ health requirements.
d. Maintain the ability to meet essential functions for nursing with or without reasonable
accommodations.
e. Maintain current CPR at the healthcare provider level.
f. Complete all nursing courses in the prescribed sequence. If a student withdraws or makes a failing grade
in a nursing course, then the student cannot progress/continue in the program until the course is
repeated successfully. Course repetition will be based on instructor availability and program resources.
2. If a student has a documented extenuating circumstance that should be considered related to a withdrawal or
failure, then the student may request a hearing before the appropriate College committee for a decision on
repeating a course or reinstatement to the program.
3. ADN students whose second unsuccessful attempt occurs in NUR 211 or NUR 221 may apply for the Mobility
(Health Transition) Program. These students must meet all admission requirements for Mobility, including a
2.5 cumulative GPA and valid, unencumbered Alabama Practical Nursing License.
4. A student may be reinstated to the SSCC Nursing Program only one time. The reinstatement is not guaranteed
due to limitations in clinical spaces and/or other program limitations. All SSCC Nursing Program admission
standards must be met.
Withdrawals and Failures
1. Students who withdraw and/or fail (D, F, or W) one or more required courses in a single semester must apply for
reinstatement to the program.
2. Students who withdraw and/or fail (D, F, or W) a nursing course in the first semester of the SSCC Nursing
Program must apply for admission as a new student.
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Definitions
Reinstatement
Students who have a withdrawal, failure in a nursing course, or an interruption in the program and are eligible to return to that
course will be considered for reinstatement to the program.
Readmission
Students ineligible for program reinstatement may apply for program admission as a new student and must submit all application
criteria. If accepted as a new student, then the student must take, or retake, all SSCC Nursing Program courses.
Reinstatement Process
Reinstatement to the SSCC Nursing Program is not guaranteed. Variables impacting the program’s ability to accept
students applying for reinstatement include instructor availability, program resources, and clinical space
availability. Priority for reinstatement will be given to prior SSCC Nursing Program students. (See Appendix G for
further information.)
Students applying for reinstatement must perform the following.
1. Schedule an appointment with the Director of Nursing Programs to discuss eligibility for reinstatement.
2. Submit a completed Reinstatement Application (Appendix F) with ACT results and an unofficial copy of the
student’s transcript, no less than six (6) weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student
plans to seek readmission. Students who submit reinstatement requests after the deadline may be considered
at the next course availability.
3. Request reinstatement within one year (less than twelve months) from the term of withdrawal or failure.
4. Demonstrate psychomotor and cognitive competency in previous nursing course(s) as indicated.
5. Adhere to the current nursing curriculum and program policies and procedures in effect in the SSCC Catalog,
SSCC Student Handbook, and Nursing Program Student Handbook at the point of reinstatement.
6. Apply for readmission to the College if not currently enrolled. College readmission must be accomplished
by published deadlines.
7. Update immunizations, CPR, drug testing, and background screening according to program policy.
8. Meet academic eligibility, which includes the following:
a. cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher at SSCC, and
b. grade point average of 2.0 from nursing courses completed at SSCC.
9. Meet acceptable criteria for placement at clinical agencies for clinical experiences.
10. Do not be reinstated to the SSCC Nursing Program or other nursing program prior to the present request.
11. Do not be dismissed from the SSCC Nursing Program or another nursing program for disciplinary reasons and/or
unsafe/unsatisfactory client care in the clinical area.
Transfer Policy
The transfer policy applies to students desiring to transfer between Alabama Community College System institutions. It
does not apply to students wishing to transfer from other institutions.
Criteria for Transfer
1. Meet minimum admission standards for the SSCC Nursing Program.
2. Possess a grade of “C” or better in all SSCC Nursing Program required courses taken at another institution and
possess a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at the time of transfer.
3. Provide a letter of eligibility for progression in previous nursing program from the dean/director of the previous
nursing program.
4. Comply with all nursing program policy requirements at accepting institution.
5. Complete at least 25% of the nursing program’s required courses for degree/certificate at the
accepting institution.
6. Meet acceptability criteria for placement at clinical agencies for clinical experience.
7. Understand that acceptance of transfer students into nursing programs is limited by the number of faculty
and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal standards does not guarantee acceptance.
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Transient Student Policy
The transient policy applies only to students enrolled in a nursing program at an Alabama Community College
System institution. It does not apply to students enrolled at other institutions.
Criteria for Transient Status
1. The student must meet minimum admission standards for the nursing program.
2. The student must possess a grade of “C” or better in all nursing program required courses taken at another
institution and possess a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
3. The dean/director of the primary nursing program must provide a letter of eligibility for progression in
the primary nursing program.
4. A student enrolled at another institution must secure permission from that institution by submitting an
application for admission to the College and a Transient Student Form completed by an official (nursing program
dean/director) of the primary institution.
5. Transient students must complete a Transcript Request Form at the end of the term before a transcript will
be issued to the primary institution.
6. The student must comply with all program policy requirements at the accepting institution.
7. The student must meet acceptability criteria for placement at clinical agencies for clinical experience.
8. Acceptance of a transient student into a nursing program is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities
available. Meeting minimal standards does not guarantee acceptance.
Program Completion
Students completing NUR 112, 113, 114, 115, and required academic courses can be awarded the Practical Nursing
Certificate. Students who have completed required academic courses and continue in the program through
completion of NUR 211 and 221 will be awarded an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Students are responsible for
meeting all progression and graduation requirements.
PN Progression
Students completing NUR 112, 113, 114, and 115 at an institution that offers only the PN program and who wish to
transfer to another institution to complete the ADN must meet the requirement for twenty-five percent course
completion at the college of graduation. Students who cannot meet the twenty-five percent course requirement
must apply for the Mobility Program and take the transition course (NUR 209) to meet the twenty-five percent course
requirement.
Leadership Development Policy
The nursing faculty supports the development of student professionalism and leadership development. The faculty
believes that these qualities can be developed and enhanced through a student’s participation in his or her professional
organization and extracurricular activities. The faculty has developed and endorses the following extra credit criteria to
encourage leadership and professional development:
1. Two points on the lowest course unit exam or
2. One point on the final course grade (must have a final grade of seventy-five or above before point is added)
Students desiring to receive the extra credit must be a member of the Shelton State Association of Nursing Students
(SSANS) and the national organization affiliate. Students must have annual membership fees paid prior to participating
in any leadership activity. Students must also meet one of the following criteria in order to be eligible to receive extra
credit:
1. Attend the annual Alabama Association of Nursing Students (AANS) convention.
2. Participate in a minimum of three preapproved community/campus service projects. Examples include
donating/assisting with the blood drive and actively participating in local health fairs, community
service organizations, or walks (i.e., Diabetes Walk, Relay for Life, Race for the Cure, Sickle Cell Walk).
Once a student has met the above criteria, the student must receive written documentation from the SSANS
advisor who will forward this information to the student and faculty member. The above activities must be
witnessed by or have received prior approval by the advisor. A student may receive extra credit for leadership
involvement in one nursing course per semester. Students must already have a passing grade in the course prior to
receiving any extra points.
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Course Evaluations
For program improvement, students are expected to complete a student opinion survey at the end of specific
semesters. Evaluations of the course, teacher effectiveness, clinical instructor, and clinical agency are included. The
evaluations may be completed via paper/pen and/or online, and the students’ anonymity is protected.
Clinical Written Assignment Guidelines
Written clinical assignments, nursing care plans, drug information forms, etc., will be submitted and reviewed with the
clinical instructor at the beginning of the clinical day or during pre-clinical conferences. Failure to submit a required
written plan of care/preparation will result in dismissal from the clinical unit, and an unsatisfactory grade for that clinical
day will be recorded.
The written preparation work is evaluated and returned to the student. All completed written clinical assignments will
be returned to the instructor for interval and final clinical evaluation.
Skills Lab Policies for Student Use
The nursing skills laboratory offers an opportunity for students to practice the nursing skills they will need to be
successful in the SSCC Nursing Program. It is equipped with complete bedside units, mannequins, models, equipment,
and supplies necessary to simulate and practice nursing care skills. Students in the SSCC Nursing Program are
responsible for knowing and adhering to the following policies and procedures.
1. Students are required to attend all skills lab classes. More than ten percent of absences is considered excessive.
2. Once the student acquires a uniform, he or she may be required to wear it in the skills lab.
3. Students will be provided theory, principles, and demonstration of physical assessment, medical asepsis, use of
equipment, and correct technique to perform nursing procedures. Students are expected to perform a limited
proficiency return demonstration that is satisfactory according to established criteria.
4. A student’s return demonstration will be evaluated as satisfactory by the instructor before allowing the
student to perform the procedure or use equipment in the clinical facilities.
5. All skills lab equipment and supplies should remain in the designated area at all times when not in use.
6. Removal of any equipment or supplies from the skills lab requires the permission of an instructor or skills lab
instructor/assistant and the completion of a request form.
7. All equipment checked out must be returned within twenty-four hours and/or specified agreed time and must
be signed in by the instructor or skills lab instructor/assistant.
8. The depletion of, or need for, supplies should be reported to the instructor or skills lab assistant.
9. Students should ask for assistance if unsure of equipment usage.
10. Students will be provided with or have supplies made available to assist them with becoming proficient in
their assigned nursing procedures. The students are responsible for following the protocols of skills lab care of
supplies and equipment.
11. When the skills lab is not in use, students may request permission to use the skills lab for additional practice.
Students should check with the instructor, lab assistant, or the bulletin board to schedule practice time each
month.
12. Following use of the skills lab, students are responsible for leaving the area clean, neat, and orderly.
13. All parenteral and/or invasive procedures performed in the skills lab are demonstrated on mannequins only.
14. No finger sticks by faculty or students are to be done in the skills lab.
15. Needles and syringes will be disposed of in the Sharps disposal container. Should the student receive a needle
stick injury during the skills lab experience, the instructor will be notified (even though the likelihood of the
presence of blood-borne pathogens is minimal). An incident report will be written and submitted to the Director
of Nursing Programs. (See Appendix G5.)
16. Stethoscope earpieces should be cleaned before and after each use.
17. Gloves are not to be exchanged.
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18. Thermometer sheaths should be disposed of properly. Needles and syringes should be disposed of properly.
Faculty or the nursing skills lab instructor/assistant will orient students on proper disposal.
19. Students are not to sit on counter tops, behind the nurse’s station, or on the beds; students are not to recline.
20. Skills lab is to be utilized by the students in the SSCC Nursing Program only. (NO visitors are permitted.)
21. No eating or drinking is allowed in the nursing skills lab.
22. Students are to place books or items not needed for practice in the cubicles at the entrance to the lab.
23. Students are not permitted in the lab without an instructor.
24. Students are not authorized to use the phone at the desk in the lab.
25. The skills lab shall be locked when no faculty are present. Full-time faculty and the skills lab instructor/assistant
are authorized to have keys.
26. Students are to report damaged or inoperative equipment to the instructor or skills lab instructor/assistant.
27. Each student is required to purchase a nurse pack for skills lab practice and is responsible for the contents.
Nurse packs are available to purchase through the campus bookstore.
NOTE: CELL PHONES, SMART WATCHES, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES MUST BE TURNED OFF OR PLACED IN
SILENT MODE DURING LAB CLASSES UNLESS THEY ARE BEING USED FOR AN ASSIGNMENT.
For additional/specific information on policies and procedures related to the nursing skills lab, please refer to the SSCC
Nursing Program Skills Lab Manual located in Room 2118.
IX. HEALTH POLICIES
Student Records Policy
Students who are seeking admission and/or are enrolled in the SSCC Nursing Program are required to submit an
application and academic information as well as health, medical, and related information. All information submitted
becomes the property of the SSCC Nursing Program and is held confidential. Students and graduates of the program are
encouraged to obtain and maintain copies of the health, medical, or related information submitted for future reference
(i.e., medical exam record, TB skin test results, immunization record, CPR records, etc.). NO HEALTH, MEDICAL, OR
RELATED INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED BY THE SSCC NURSING PROGRAM TO PERSONS OR AGENCIES FOR
EMPLOYMENT OR PERSONAL REASONS.
Clinical Requirement Guidelines and Procedures
Clinical requirements are extremely important and relevant to the future professional life of the nursing student.
Cooperation with the SSCC Nursing Program’s processes, such as meeting deadlines, is a component of nursing
education and the clinical experience. Keeping information current is the student’s responsibility. Timely submission of
clinical requirement documentation ensures that coordination with clinical sites will not be delayed.
1. One week after the clinical requirement deadline has passed, a letter from the Director of Nursing Programs
will be sent to the student detailing that until he or she is compliant, the student will not be allowed to attend
classes, clinical experience, or lab.
2. The student must receive authorization of compliance from the nursing department prior to being allowed to
resume attendance to class, clinical experience, or lab. There is no mechanism for clinical make-up.
3. A Corrective Action Plan may be filled out by the director’s office and completed with the student.
Student Health Examination and Related Requirements
Students accepted into the SSCC Nursing Program are required to submit the following health status documentation and
maintain a current status of the following:
1. Health/medical record form completed by a licensed physician or practitioner
a. The form should include the status of any current mental or physical health problems, clearance for the
student to enter the SSCC Nursing Program, and ability to perform essential functions. (See Appendix A.)
2. Annual negative TB Skin Test, initial two-step, or chest x-ray
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3. Vaccinations
a. A required annual flu vaccination
b. MMR (German Measles, Mumps, Rubella) or titer
c. Hepatitis B Series or evidence of immunity (See Appendices H, I, and J.)
d. Other current CDC recommended vaccinations encouraged.
4. Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification (Required course: Basic Life Support for
Healthcare Providers)
a. Each student is required to maintain current annual CPR certification consisting of a manual
component. Additionally, CPR certifications should have the designation for Healthcare Providers or
Basic Life Support (BLS).
5. Change of Health Status Form (Appendix K)
a. This form is required for any significant change in health status, such as hospitalization, surgery,
pregnancy, childbirth, accident-related injuries, or other severe illness. Students must also submit a
written statement by a licensed physician releasing the student to return to full classroom and clinical
activities.
6. Initial drug screen prior to the first clinical lab course. (Refer to the complete policy, Appendix B, and Appendix
C.)
7. Background screening (Refer to the complete policy, Appendix D and Appendix E.)
8. Notification of pregnancy
a. A student will notify the clinical instructor when she suspects she is pregnant. This information will
assist the faculty in making assignments for the student in the clinical lab. Pregnant students must have
written documentation from their physician each semester during the pregnancy and after the
pregnancy stating the student may participate in clinical/lab classes.
Note: All students must attend an OSHA universal precautions class before any first clinical assignment and annually
thereafter. (See the complete Exposure Control Plan and Procedure, Appendices L, M, M1, and N.)
Change of Health Status
As stated above, a Change of Health Status Form (Appendix K) is required for any incidence of absence related to a
significant change in health status, such as hospitalization, surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, accident-related injuries, or
other severe illness that occurs after admission into the SSCC Nursing Program. The student is to complete the form
and have it signed by the licensed physician who has been overseeing his or her care. The student must also submit a
written statement by a licensed physician releasing the student to return to full classroom and clinical activities. These
required documents should be submitted to the nursing clerk.
HIV Reporting Policy
Per Chapter 420-4-3 of the Alabama Administrative Code and “The Alabama Infected Healthcare Worker
Management Act,” healthcare workers, including students, who become infected with HIV or HBV are required to
report to the State Health Officer their condition within thirty days of the time they are aware of the infection. The
infected healthcare worker must realize that any physician providing care to any infected healthcare worker must
notify the State Health Officer of the infected status within seven days of the time he or she is diagnosed. All students
must comply with this law.
Care of Infectious Respiratory Patients
SSCC Nursing Program students are not to provide nursing care in the clinical setting to patients with infectious
respiratory illnesses that require the student to use N-95 respirator masks. These masks are specifically fitted to each
individual. The costs and time involved in this process make it unrealistic to require that nursing students care for
infectious respiratory patients in the clinical setting.
Health Insurance
All students in the SSCC Nursing Program are responsible for healthcare costs sustained while enrolled in nursing
courses. The SSCC Nursing Program requires that all students carry personal health insurance coverage and be able
to provide proof of insurance.
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X. CLINICAL/LAB POLICIES
Uniform Policy
The uniform/ID badge provides identification of the SSCC Nursing Program student in the clinical agency. Students
should be constantly aware that they represent the SSCC Nursing Programs and the College to the public when dressed
in the uniform. Clinical/lab attire will be addressed in each clinical course.
Each student is required to have the designated school uniform/ID badge the first clinical day. Uniforms must meet the
guidelines developed by the SSCC Nursing Program faculty and students. Students will not be allowed to deliver patient
care and will be sent home if the uniform guidelines are not met. Maternity uniforms must be approved by the Director
of Nursing Programs and/or nursing faculty. The designated uniform is purchased during the first semester of the SSCC
Nursing Program.
Hair, Nails, and Miscellaneous
1. Hair must be a naturally occurring color. Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be pulled back and pinned
up away from the face and off the collar. Hair should be neatly groomed and have a professional appearance.
Large, brightly colored, or ornate bows, ribbons, or clips are not to be worn.
2. Men must be clean shaven or have neatly trimmed beards or moustaches.
3. Nails must be short (not visible from the palm or side of the hand), clean, and neatly filed. Acrylic nails, gel
nails, dipped nails, or overlays are prohibited. Nail polish, if worn, must be clear or of neutral color.
4. A wedding band and one pair of small hoops or stud earrings of gold, silver, diamond, or pearl (no larger
than ½ inch in diameter) may be worn in the ear lobes only. Other body piercing ornaments are prohibited.
5. Tattoos are not to be visible while in the clinical/laboratory.
6. A watch with a second hand may be worn when providing client care. No smart watches will be allowed
during clinical experiences. NO other jewelry or ornament may be worn on the body.
7. Because some persons are adversely affected by odors, cologne, perfume, or other strongly scented products
are not to be worn while administering nursing care.
8. Chewing gum is not allowed during any clinical laboratory experience.
9. Students should practice good personal hygiene and grooming.
10. Eyelashes must be natural in appearance and cannot exceed 1 (one) centimeter in length.
Uniform
1. Full uniform/ID badge should be worn each clinical day unless otherwise instructed.
2. The ID Badge should only be attached at eye level with a standard metal badge clip only. No decorative or
retractable badge clip permitted.
3. Uniforms must be clean, neat, pressed, and reasonably well-fitted.
4. All white leather sport/ nursing shoes must be worn for clinical experiences with uniform. Shoes must be clean,
in good repair, and worn only for clinical experiences. Sandals, open-toed, and canvas shoes are not acceptable.
5. Miscellaneous non-uniform sweaters and jackets are not permitted.
6. Clean, white, fitted short- or long-sleeved t-shirts may be worn under the uniform top. The short-sleeved t-
shirt should be visible only at the neck and the neck and sleeve for the long-sleeved t-shirt.
MALE AND FEMALE NURSING STUDENT UNIFORM
1. Designated, monogrammed, green uniform top
2. Designated green uniform pants
3. Designated, monogrammed, white uniform lab coat
4. White socks and white under shirt
5. White leather shoes
6. ID badge
7. Required clinical supplies
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Required Clinical Supplies
• Pocket size notebook
• Black or blue ink pen
• Bandage scissors
• Stethoscope
• Watch with second hand (NO smart watches)
• Penlight (NO LED lights)
Professional Attire Guidelines (when not in uniform)
• Before students enter any clinical site, SSCC Nursing Program faculty will provide students with
information regarding attire requirements for the specific clinical setting to which they are assigned.
• Students are to wear conservative and professional attire.
• While in the clinical setting to gather information in preparation for clinical experiences, students are to wear
appropriate street attire; the designated, monogrammed, white uniform lab coat; and their SSCC clinical photo
ID badge. Alternatively, students may be required to wear their complete SSCC uniform and clinical photo ID
badge.
Approved conservative/professional attire includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Women
• Dress, skirt, dress pants, or khakis (not form fitting)
• Dresses, skirts, blouses, tops, and/or sweaters with professional appearing neckline and length (no cleavage)
o Tops are to cover the midriff, and no torso skin is to be exposed.
o Dresses or skirts can be no more than two inches above the knee and must be longer than the lab
coat.
• Designated, monogrammed, white uniform lab coat with SSCC clinical photo ID badge
• Closed-toed shoes that are in good repair and clean
• Minimal jewelry and make-up
Men
• Dress slacks or khakis (not form fitting)
• Short- or long-sleeved collared shirt and/or sweater
• Designated, monogrammed, white uniform lab coat with SSCC clinical photo ID badge
• Closed-toed shoes that are in good repair and clean
• Minimal jewelry
Examples of inappropriate dress for women or men include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Sweatpants
• Sweatshirts
• Excessively short or tight skirts
• Plain or logo t-shirts
• Leggings
• Pajama bottoms/outfits
• Jeans
• Shorts
• Halter tops or tops that expose an excessive amount of skin/tank tops
• Any other sexually provocative attire
• Flip-flops or open-toed shoes
• Crocs
• Shoes with holes
• Hats
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Preparation for Clinical Experiences
Students are expected to arrive to clinical experiences prepared to provide safe patient care according to the
student learning outcomes specific to that particular course. Students who are not prepared for clinical as outlined
in each course will be sent home. In many clinical rotations, it is required that one day prior to the clinical
experience a student spend approximately two hours at the agency for client selection, gathering of client data, and
pre-clinical assessment if required. Students will be given specific instructions by their clinical instructor for each
clinical facility prior to their first clinical day in that facility.
Students may enter clinical facilities in the role of a SSCC Nursing Program student only under the
following circumstances:
• To prepare for client care as arranged by the faculty member
• At scheduled clinical times
• When special arrangements are made through the faculty member for special entry into a clinical facility
to complete course requirements, such as preceptorships
• When wearing the appropriate attire and wearing the College ID badge
Students who provide client care while presenting themselves as a SSCC Nursing Program student but not taking part
in an approved, College-related learning experience will face disciplinary action.
Clinical/Lab Attendance
Students must notify the instructor at least a week prior to an intended absence (e.g., legal obligations, elective
surgery, etc.). A written explanation and date of the intended absence must be submitted at that time. In the event of
unforeseen, extenuating circumstances on the day of a clinical experience, the unit and assigned clinical instructor
must be notified at least thirty minutes prior to the assigned clinical start time.
Clinical Absences Due to Extenuating Circumstances
In the event of extenuating circumstances, the equivalent of ten percent of skills lab hours or clinical hours for
each course will be recognized as legitimate absences. Absences in excess of these parameters may contribute to
the student’s inability to achieve the objectives required to pass the course.
Extenuating circumstances include sickness, unexpected pregnancy-related conditions, death in immediate family, or
certain legal obligations. Work related, childcare, and travel circumstances will not excuse an absence. Students must
verify the extenuating circumstances by proper documentation and be responsible for their own attendance record.
The student must submit appropriate documentation of extenuating circumstance to the instructor within one week
of returning to class in order for an absence to be excused.
Instructors are not required to notify students in danger of excessive absences or if the student has exceeded the
absence policy rules. There are no provisions to make up clinical absences. However, when a clinical/lab assignment
is missed and is within the ten percent allowed, an alternate assignment may be completed at the discretion of the
instructor. (Check course syllabus for further information.) Missed material will not be re-taught by the instructor.
Clinical/Lab Tardiness
Tardiness to clinical/lab is not acceptable. Tardiness is defined as any arrival after the scheduled clinical/lab start
time. Students who arrive within fifteen minutes after the assigned clinical start time will be counted absent for ½
day. Students who arrive later than fifteen minutes after the scheduled clinical start time will be dismissed and
counted absent unless the clinical instructor has been previously notified and has approved the late arrival. Any time
accumulated as a result of the preceding protocol will be counted towards the ten percent allotted for absences.
Travel Expenses Clinical/Lab
Nursing students are responsible for their transportation to clinical agencies and any expenses incurred related to
transportation. The amount of travel varies with each clinical course. Students are encouraged to form carpools
when possible. Due to insurance restrictions, students are not to transport patients in their cars.
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Clinical/Lab Accident and Injury
Clinical agencies by contractual agreement must provide access to emergency care in the event of injury to a student.
Students who are injured should immediately notify the clinical instructor who will initiate the action for treatment.
Emergency care will be handled according to clinical agency policy. A written summary of the occurrence and care
rendered will be submitted by the clinical instructor to the Director of Nursing Programs. Incident Reports (Appendix
O) are completed for untoward actions made by the student (e.g., medication errors, injury involving a student,
patient, and/or others). The report will describe in detail the circumstances of the incident and action taken. The
incident should be immediately reported to the instructor and nursing staff RN. If necessary, a physician will be
notified and will direct any further action or medical intervention. A copy of the incident report is submitted to the
clinical affiliate coordinator or designee, the Director of Nursing Programs, and Associate Dean of Health Services. In
the event of an exposure incident, specified forms will be completed and submitted. (See Student Exposure Incident
Report Appendix N.) Follow-up medical reports will also be submitted to the Director of Nursing Programs.
Expenses resulting from emergency treatment and/or medical intervention are the responsibility of the student. The
College and/or the clinical agencies are not responsible for any claims or expenses that result from an action of a
student in the clinical agency. Students are required to purchase personal medical insurance. The College requires
students to purchase and participate in Student Accident Insurance, which also covers the students for activities while
under the care and direction of the College. Fees are assessed at registration each semester. For further information or
to file a claim, the student may contact the Office of the Dean of Students.
General Policies for Clinical/Lab
1. Skills laboratory is required in specific courses. Students are required to purchase their own designated Nurse
Pac for the specific course to utilize during the practice learning activities in the skills laboratory.
2. The clinical instructor will arrange orientation to the clinical agencies prior to having students provide patient
care. The orientation will include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. Fire disaster policies and procedures,
b. HIPPA policies and procedures,
c. Infection control policies and procedures, and
d. Policies and procedures related to compliance with OSHA regulations on blood-borne pathogens.
3. Students will make their assigned patient(s) aware of their student status.
4. Complete uniforms will be worn to each clinical lab assignment unless directed differently by the instructor.
5. Students will park only in areas designated by the clinical agency.
6. Students will follow the policies and procedures of the clinical agency to which they are assigned. A policy and
procedure manual is accessible on every unit.
7. Students will do only those procedures in which they have had classroom instruction, practice in skills lab, and
have subsequently been checked-off by the clinical instructor.
8. Students will not take physicians’ verbal orders. They will explain their student status and locate a
qualified person to take the order. Students may transcribe written orders under the supervision of a staff
RN during the management component of a preceptorship course.
9. No students will have access to locked narcotic storage in the clinical facility. The clinical instructor will
accompany the student to obtain narcotics from the identified storage location at each facility. The
clinical instructor will observe student administration of the narcotic.
10. Students will have nursing documentation approved and verified by the clinical instructor.
11. Students will provide the staff RN with a complete verbal report of a patient’s condition before leaving
or terminating the clinical day.
12. Any patient admission and/or discharge procedure completed by a student must be reviewed and co-signed by
the staff RN responsible for the patient.
13. Students will handle specimens of blood or other potentially infectious material; students will decontaminate
and/or dispose of contaminated material according to the policies of the clinical agency to which they are
assigned.
14. Students will remain on the assigned unit unless authorized by the clinical instructor or staff RN to leave.
15. Breaks are limited to one fifteen-minute break and one thirty-minute lunch break during the clinical day.
Students will report to the clinical instructor or staff RN when leaving and returning.
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16. Students will report the status of their patient(s) to the staff RN responsible for the care of the patient if absent
for an extended period, including mealtimes.
17. Students are encouraged not to smoke while in uniform. Smoking regulations will be complied with according
to the policy of the respective clinical agency.
18. Students are not to use clinical unit telephones for personal calls. In case of an emergency, permission may be
granted to use the clinical agency’s phone. Approved smart devices that support nursing software may be
used in accordance with the clinical agency policy.
19. Each student should give his or her family a copy of the clinical and class schedule, including the instructor’s
name, course number, room number at the College, and contact information for the assigned clinical unit. In
the event of an emergency, the family must contact the instructor, and the instructor will notify the student.
20. Students will not divulge information about patients’ conditions over the telephone.
21. Confidentiality of patient information must be maintained. No information via verbal or electronic means is to
be taken from the patient care area according to HIPPA guidelines.
22. A student will notify the clinical instructor when she suspects she is pregnant. This information will assist the
faculty in making assignments for the student in the clinical setting. Pregnant students must have written
documentation from a physician/healthcare provider each semester during the pregnancy and after the
pregnancy stating the student may participate in clinical/lab classes. (See Change of Health Status, Appendix K.)
23. Students will not report to clinical lab or maintain a presence on the clinical unit if physically or emotionally
impaired.
24. Students’ communication with patients should be patient-centered. No personal affairs or problems will be
discussed within the patient’s hearing.
25. Students are not to give or receive gifts from patients.
26. Students will be respectful and courteous to others.
27. Upon completion of patient care assignments, students are expected to use available time productively (ex.
spending time sitting and talking with or listening to the patient(s), assisting other students with nursing
care, doing research about assigned patients or topics for the clinical objective of the day).
28. Anecdotal notes may be used to communicate satisfactory and unsatisfactory behaviors. (See Appendix H.)
29. Students will attend the beginning and end-of-shift reports. Students will provide an end-of-shift report on their
assigned patient(s).
30. Students who do not have all preclinical prep work completed and/or are unable to discuss the care of their
assigned patient will be dismissed from the clinical area. Time missed as the result of being unprepared for
care of patient will be counted as a clinical absence.
Skills Laboratory Remediation
Students who are not successful on the first attempt of a psychomotor skills validation test must undergo remediation
prior to revalidation. Remediation requirements are identified on the Nursing Skills Lab Remediation Form (Appendix R).
Observational Experiences
Students who are assigned observational experience are NOT allowed to perform any skills or assist with patient
transfer, medication administration, or documentation of any information unless they are under the direct supervision
of the assigned nurse.
National Patient Safety Goals
The SSCC Nursing Program encourages and supports practices that follow current National Patient Safety Goals. The
goals are updated annually by the Joint Commission and can be found at www.jointcommission.org
Completion of Clinical Evaluations
The following procedures are used for clinical evaluations:
1. Students will review the designated clinical evaluation tool at the beginning of the semester to become
familiar with expected behaviors during clinical rotation experiences.
2. Students will self-evaluate on the clinical evaluation tool for interval and final evaluations.
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3. Instructors will evaluate the student’s performance using a separate form for interval and final evaluations. The
student will make an appointment with the clinical instructor to discuss the student’s clinical performance,
including strengths and areas for improvement.
4. Students will complete an affiliate evaluation, if applicable, of the assigned clinical agency.
5. Students will have an opportunity to complete a Student Opinion Survey/Evaluation for the course near the end
of the semester that includes an evaluation of the clinical learning experience.
XI. STUDENT CONDUCT
A student may be subject to disciplinary action for failure to exhibit the attitudes and skills deemed necessary to
function as a professional nurse. The SSCC Nursing Program faculty recognize their responsibility to the nursing
profession and to the consumers of healthcare. Therefore, any act by a nursing student considered to be unprofessional
behavior shall be defined as clinical misconduct and shall be deemed cause for disciplinary action. The SSCC Nursing
Program faculty also reserve the right to recommend to the Director of Nursing Programs and/or the Associate Dean of
Health Services that a student be terminated from the SSCC Nursing Program or not allowed to progress in the nursing
course for reasons of clinical misconduct.
Clinical Misconduct
Guidelines used for evaluating clinical misconduct include:
1. Provisions of the Alabama State Nurse Practice Act;
2. American Nurses Association Code of Ethics; and
3. Policies of the College, SSCC Nursing Program, and of the clinical agency.
Behaviors considered as clinical misconduct include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Breach of confidentiality, legality, or accountability;
2. Violation of HIPAA policy;
3. Non-adherence to policies of the clinical agency and/or SSCC Nursing Program;
4. Any act in violation of safe nursing practices;
5. Falsifying records or failure to document or report accurate patient information;
6. Unprofessional attitudes and/or behaviors, such as disrespect for the dignity, rights, and individuality of the patient
and others;
7. Lack of personal and professional integrity; and
8. Demonstrating behavior that reflects impairment of judgment and/or the inability to provide safe and competent
nursing care (such as, but not limited to, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs).
A student whose conduct is judged to be clinically unsafe will be dismissed at any time from the clinical unit. Unsafe
clinical performance is defined as that behavior that is actually or potentially injurious to patients, staff, or the
reputation of the clinical agency. Any student who unduly compromises the safety of a patient and/or displays behaviors
of clinical misconduct may receive a clinical grade of unsatisfactory for the semester and cannot return to the clinical
area. The student must achieve a clinical grade of satisfactory in order to progress in the SSCC Nursing Program. A grade
of unsatisfactory will result in a grade of “F” for the course.
Clinical Misconduct Procedure
1. The clinical faculty member observes the behavior or verifies the report of another who was actually present.
2. The faculty member determines that the behavior was unsafe or injurious. The judgment is based on the
professional knowledge of the faculty and does not require further confirmation.
3. The faculty member informs the student and dismisses the student from the clinical area.
4. The faculty member seeks consultation with the Director of Nursing Programs, describes the situation in writing,
and gives a copy to the Director of Nursing Programs, the student, and the Associate Dean of Health Services.
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5. The Director of Nursing Programs and the Associate Dean of Health Services will then make a final decision
regarding the appropriate course of action.
The student will be prohibited from further clinical laboratory attendance pending any appeal. The student has the right
to file a grievance/appeal of all penalties imposed for clinical misconduct and is assured a fair and impartial hearing and
due process. Grievance/appeal procedures are published in the SSCC Catalog/Student Handbook.
Clinical Probation Policy
Clinical probation results from failure to accomplish the required clinical behaviors as listed on the clinical evaluation
tool. The instructor conducting the evaluation will counsel the student, document the situation, and place
documentation in the student’s file. (Refer to Appendix T.)
The student is provided guidance and recommendations on ways to improve performance and placed on probation for
a specified time. During the probation period, the student is closely observed and must demonstrate competency.
Failure to demonstrate competency will result in failure of the clinical component of the course and thus a failure for
the course. Probationary status will be reviewed at the end of the specified time period. STUDENTS WHO DISPLAY
CLINICAL MISCONDUCT BEHAVIORS MAY BE DISMISSED FROM THE PROGRAM.
Clinical Progression
A clinical grade of “Satisfactory” is required to pass SSCC Nursing Program courses successfully. The student must
receive a summative evaluation of “Satisfactory” in order to complete each course successfully and progress in the
program. To receive a satisfactory summative evaluation, the student must meet the following requirements.
1. Earn and maintain “Satisfactory” on all (100%) of the critical behaviors identified on the evaluation tool.
2. No more than the specific course allowed non-critical behaviors may be unsatisfactory/needs improvement.
3. Attend at least 90% of the total scheduled clinical time.
Clinical Grade Descriptions
NA = Not Applicable: This grade may be given for a behavior that is either not observed or not applicable; however,
faculty and student should attempt to obtain the experience described in each behavior.
S = Satisfactory: This grade indicates that a student has consistently demonstrated behavior at or above accepted
standards (adequate knowledge or preparation for performance of behaviors; performance was appropriate to
situation; performance met standards for accuracy, efficiency, completeness with average amount of assistance).
NI = Needs Improvement: This grade indicates that a student has demonstrated inconsistent behavior at only a minimal
or substandard level (below average knowledge or preparation for expected performance and/or behavior inappropriate
to the situation, performance met standards with a large/above average amount of assistance). These areas should be
improved to acceptable standards by the end of the semester.
U = Unsatisfactory: This grade indicates that a student has consistently demonstrated areas in which substandard
behavior is identified. Clinical grades are recorded as “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory.” Progress in the clinical
component of nursing courses is determined by informal and formal evaluations. Informal evaluations are conducted
throughout the semester. Clinical evaluation tools are used for formal evaluations and are documented summations of
the student’s performance of clinical behaviors for the term period indicated.
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XII. GRADUATION INFORMATION
Requirements for Graduation
Requirements for graduation certificate, AA, AS, and AAS degree programs are listed in the SSCC Catalog. (Please refer
to this section for detailed information.) In addition, all nursing students are required to pass a NCLEX Comprehensive
Predictor Assessment during the third semester and the last semester of the program. The student is given two
scheduled opportunities to pass each exam successfully. The two opportunities are included in the ATI course fee
attached at the time of registration. If each exam is not passed by the second attempt, then the student will receive an
“I” (incomplete) for the course and must complete the requirements of the Comprehensive Predictor Policy listed on the
specific course syllabus.
Graduation Ceremonies
Shelton State Community College conducts formal graduation ceremonies at the end of each semester. A reception for
graduates, families, and friends may also occur in conjunction with the ceremony. Applications for graduation are
available on the College website and in the Admissions Office. The College reserves the right to withhold diplomas or
transcripts for students who do not satisfy their financial obligations to the College.
SSCC Pinning Ceremony
Nursing students who complete the SSCC Nursing Program have the option of participating in the Nursing Pinning
Ceremony. The ceremony is a symbolic event serving as a transitional step signaling the end of the training period as a
student and the beginning of a career as a professional. The ceremony will be held at the end of each graduating
semester and will be under the auspices of Shelton State Community College and thus under the general control of the
SSCC Nursing Program administration and faculty.
SSCC Nursing Pins and Lamps
Only graduates of the SSCC Nursing Program are entitled to wear SSCC nursing pins. Instructions for purchasing pins
and lamps will be provided by the nursing department. Prices are subject to change. The procedure for obtaining pins is
explained to students during the last semester of the program.
NCLEX Examination
The National Council Licensure Examinations (NCLEX-PN and RN) are administered by NCS Pearson, Inc. for the National
Council. Testing occurs year-round via computerized adaptive testing (CAT) in all states and U.S. territories. Official
transcripts with evidence of the completion of the program of study must be submitted by the school to the Alabama
Board of Nursing (ABON) within thirty days of graduation. The Board of Nursing must review applications and authorize
candidacy before the graduate can schedule to sit for the NCLEX. Applications to sit for the NCLEX may be denied by the
ABON based on this review. Therefore, successful completion of the ADN or PN curriculum does not guarantee eligibility
to sit for the NCLEX for Iicensure. A live NCLEX review session is provided on campus prior to graduation. Students are
required to attend the live NCLEX review course.
NCLEX Examination Policy and Procedure
Students are expected to make application for licensure with the Alabama Board of Nursing and with the National
Council of State Boards of Nursing to take the NCLEX examinations upon completion of the last semester of their
program of study. Nursing faculty and staff will provide the necessary forms and/or assist all students with the
application process. Graduates from SSCC are expected to sit for the NCLEX examination within four months of
program completion. Graduates who fail to take the exam within the four-month completion period are encouraged to
refresh their knowledge base.
46
Application for Licensure for NCLEX
Legal requirements for licensure in the state of Alabama are listed in the Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative
Code. Application forms for the NCLEX are available from the ABN website (www.abn.state.al.us) and are reviewed with
the graduates during the final semester along with procedural information. The NCLEX application for licensure includes
questions regarding past arrests and convictions for DUI and/or criminal offenses (misdemeanor or felony), history of
mental illness or chemical dependency, placement on state or federal abuse registry, disciplinary action or actions
pending by any state board of nursing, and previous court martial or military discipline. Candidates are advised to
respond honestly as failure to do so can result in denial of licensure. Therefore, a student who completes the program is
not guaranteed eligibility to write the NCLEX exam for licensure. Applications with an affirmative response to one or
more of the aforementioned questions cannot be routinely processed.
The Alabama Board of Nursing requires that individuals who apply for a license must submit a social security number
and proof of citizenship; therefore, the individual’s social security number and proof of citizenship documentation will
be included with the transcript sent to the Alabama Board of Nursing.
Previous Convictions
When applying for licensure by exam, any applicant who has a previous conviction must submit a detailed letter of
explanation, certified copies of the charges, disposition of the charges, and evidence of meeting conditions of the
court. Information must be obtained from the clerk of the court in the county where the conviction occurred. If it is
a drug or alcohol related conviction, then the applicant must submit verification of treatment for substance abuse
and evidence of support group attendance and compliance with after care recommendations.
Hospitalization or Treatment for Mental Illness/Chemical Dependency
If an applicant for licensure has been hospitalized or treated for mental illness, then the applicant must submit a
detailed letter of explanation, a statement from an appropriate healthcare provider (physician, psychologist) that
indicates (a) diagnosis; (b) treatment, including present medication; (c) stability; and (d) after care recommendations.
The applicant should request the healthcare provider to send the statement (original or certified) directly to the Board
of Nursing. The applicant should submit a statement explaining the type of illness and treatment. If an applicant has
been treated for chemical dependence, then the following documentation must be sent to the Board of Nursing:
1. Verification of treatment for substance abuse (to be sent directly to the Board of Nursing from the
treatment center)
2. Verification of compliance with after care recommendations
3. Verification of current support group attendance
4. Sobriety date
Disciplinary Action by a Licensing Authority for Nurses
If an applicant for licensure has had disciplinary action taken against him or her by a licensing authority for nurses
(RN/LVN/LPN), then a certified copy of the board order, including findings of fact and conclusions of law, must be
submitted to the Board of Nursing. All of the information will be reviewed, and a determination made regarding the
approval of the application. Depending on the information submitted and the circumstances, there may be a delay
in processing the application and temporary work permit. If further information is needed, then the BON will contact
candidates. Each
case will be handled individually. Applications for graduates who are eligible for licensure, pending
examination results and having none of the listed disciplinary actions, will be processed routinely. A candidate with
questions regarding his or her application should call the BON office for direct information (334.293.5200 or
1.800.656.5318).
47
XIII. GLOSSARY
Academic Misconduct – all acts of dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, and/or knowingly furnishing false
information to the college in academic related matter.
Accreditation – a voluntary, non-governmental process that uses peer review to determine if academic programs meet
public confidence.
Approval – the term generally referred to by most state boards to describe authorization of nursing education
programs meeting minimal standards as defined by the Nurse Practice Act or state rules and regulations.
Blood-borne Pathogens – pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and cause disease in humans.
These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Breach of Accountability – failure to assume responsibility for ethical and legal actions related to patient care in
accordance with HIPAA.
Breach of Confidentiality – unauthorized disclosure of information or knowledge concerning patients in accordance
with HIPAA.
Breach of Legality – conduct that is contrary to that permitted by law.
Breach of Safety – conduct that leads to exposing others to harm, injury, and/or contamination or the potential
for harm, injury, and/or contamination.
Cheating – knowingly attempting to give or acquiring information fraudulently in order to influence
performance on examinations and/or assignments.
Clinical Agencies – off campus healthcare facilities (hospitals, public health clinics, mental health agencies,
nursing homes, etc.) where planned instructional activities occur with patients across the lifespan.
Clinical Evaluations – an appraisal form used in the clinical component of each course to determine the extent to which
a student is achieving the student learning outcomes and program competencies.
Clinical Experiences – planned instructional activities with patients across the lifespan designed to achieve student
learning outcomes and graduate competencies. The learning experiences are under the direction of a qualified
instructor or agency nursing personnel who provides feedback and support.
Clinical Misconduct – conduct that fails to conform to professional standards or an act by a student in the clinical agency
that has the potential to compromise the safety of the patient unduly.
Clinical Unit – patient care unit to which students are assigned for nursing care experiences.
Competencies – measurable behaviors, knowledge, actions, and skills essential to the practice of nursing.
Co-requisite – academic course taken concurrently with nursing courses after admission to the program.
Course Syllabus – a document that defines the course outcomes, contains a course description, meeting times,
expectations, attendance policies, course outline, reading assignments, exam dates and numbers, grading policy,
required texts and supplies, and required related activities in which the student will be involved in and out of class.
Dismissal – to send away or remove from the clinical area pending decisions about an occurrence or incident.
48
Drug and Alcohol Abuse – any use of alcohol and/or drug substance that has mind-altering properties to the extent that
the student’s judgment, skills, and abilities to provide safe and competent nursing care are impaired.
Essential Functions – physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities necessary to function as a student nurse.
Evaluation – a method used to determine the extent to which a student is achieving the goals of the learning
experience.
Exposure Incident – a specific eye, mouth, or other mucous membrane; non-intact skin; or parenteral contact with blood
or other potentially infectious material that results from the performance of a student’s skill in the clinical agency.
Faculty – persons who teach and evaluate students and are academically and experientially qualified.
Incident Report – clinical agency forms used when an error or accident occurs (e.g., medication error, injury involving
student, patient, staff, visitor, etc.) for documentation purposes.
Invasive Procedure – a procedure that involves introduction of an object into a body cavity (other than mouth or
ears) or pierces mucous membranes or the skin barrier with an object.
Learning Experience – experience carefully selected to show the relationship between theory and practice.
Licensure – the process by which a governmental agency gives affirmation to the public that the individual engaged in an
occupation or profession has minimal education, qualifications, and competence necessary to practice in a safe manner.
Nurse Administrator(s) – the individual(s) with responsibility and authority for the administration and instructional
activities of the nursing education unit (program) within the governing organization (i.e., dean, chairperson, director).
Outcome – a statement that reflects the achievement of identified goals.
Physical and/or Emotional Impairment – a current physical and/or emotional illness that interferes with the student’s
judgment, skill, and/or ability to perform safe and competent nursing care.
Plagiarism – representing another’s works, ideas, or data as one’s own in any academic activity.
Probation – a period of time allowed to correct a deficit or performance standard.
Program Outcome – the end result of what the nursing program wants to achieve or accomplish. They are measurable,
consumer-oriented indexes designed to evaluate the degree to which the program is achieving its mission or goals (i.e.,
program completion rates, job placement rates, licensure exam pass rates, graduate satisfaction, and employer
satisfaction).
Protocols – guidelines for student attendance and performance on specific clinical units.
Skills Lab – campus simulated laboratory to provide students with practice of nursing skills.
Staff – non-faculty personnel who facilitate the attainment of goals and outcomes of the nursing education
unit (program), including clerical and other support person(s).
Student Learning Outcome – statements of expectations written in measurable terms that express what a student will
know, do, or think at the end of a learning experience (at the end of a course or program).
Termination – expelling the student from the program without readmission privileges.
Unprofessional Conduct – conduct that would tend to bring reproach upon the college and/or nursing profession and/or
of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or injure the public in matters pertaining to health.
49
XIV. SHELTON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (SSCC) NURSING PROGRAM
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Alabama Community College System and Shelton State Community College (SSCC) endorse the Americans with
Disabilities Act. In accordance with College policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for
individuals with disabilities.
Physical, cognitive, psychomotor, affective, and social abilities are required in unique combinations to provide safe and
effective nursing care. The applicant/student must be able to meet the essential functions with or without reasonable
accommodations throughout the program of learning. Admission, progression, and graduation are contingent upon one’s
ability to demonstrate the essential functions delineated for the SSCC Nursing Program with or without reasonable
accommodations. The SSCC Nursing Program and/or its affiliated clinical agencies may identify additional essential functions.
The SSCC Nursing Program reserves the right to amend the essential functions as deemed necessary.
In order to be admitted and to progress in the SSCC Nursing Program, one must possess a functional level of ability to perform
the duties required of a nurse. Admission or progression may be denied if a student is unable to demonstrate the essential
functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
The essential functions delineated are those deemed necessary by the Alabama Community College System nursing
programs. No representation regarding industrial standards is implied. Similarly, any reasonable accommodations made
will be determined and applied to the respective nursing program and may vary from reasonable accommodations made
by healthcare employers.
The essential functions delineated below are necessary for SSCC Nursing Program admission, progression, and
graduation and for the provision of safe and effective nursing care. The essential functions include, but are not
limited to, the ability to perform the following functions.
Performance Category
Essential Functions
1.
Sensory Perception
Visual
a)
Observe and discern subtle changes in physical conditions and the environment.
b)
Visualize different color spectrums and color changes.
c)
Read fine print in varying levels of light.
d)
Read for prolonged periods of time.
e)
Read cursive writing.
f)
Read at varying distances.
g)
Read data/information displayed on monitors/equipment.
Auditory
h)
Interpret monitoring devices.
i)
Distinguish muffled sounds heard through a stethoscope.
j)
Hear and discriminate high and low frequency sounds produced by the body and the
environment.
k)
Hear effectively in order to communicate with others.
Tactile
l)
Discern tremors, vibrations, pulses, textures, temperatures, shapes, sizes, locations,
and other physical characteristics.
Olfactory
m)
Detect body odors and odors in the environment.
2.
Communication/
a)
Engage in two-way communication and interact effectively with others, verbally and
Interpersonal
in writing, from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
Relationships
b)
Work effectively in groups.
c)
Work effectively independently.
d)
Discern and interpret nonverbal communication.
e)
Express one’s ideas and feelings clearly.
f)
Communicate with others accurately in a timely manner.
g)
Obtain communications from a computer.
50
3.
Cognitive/
a)
Read, write, and comprehend the English language effectively.
Critical Thinking
b)
Engage consistently and dependably in the process of critical thinking in order to
formulate and implement safe and ethical nursing decisions in a variety of healthcare
settings.
c)
Demonstrate satisfactory performance on written examinations, including
mathematical computations without a calculator.
d)
Achieve the program objectives satisfactorily.
4.
Motor Function
a)
Handle small, delicate equipment/objects without extraneous movement,
contamination, or destruction.
b)
Move, position, turn, transfer, assist with lifting, or lift and carry clients without injury
to clients, self, or others.
c)
Maintain balance from any position.
d)
Stand on both legs.
e)
Coordinate hand/eye movements.
f)
Push/pull heavy objects without injury to clients, self, or others.
g)
Stand, bend, walk, and/or sit for six to twelve hours in a clinical setting performing
physical activities that require energy without jeopardizing the safety of clients, self,
or others.
h)
Walk without a cane, walker, or crutches.
i)
Function with hands free for nursing care and transporting items.
j)
Transport self and client without the use of electrical devices.
k)
Flex, abduct, and rotate all joints freely.
l)
Respond rapidly to emergency situations.
m)
Maneuver in small areas.
n)
Perform daily care functions for the client.
o)
Coordinate fine and gross motor hand movements to provide safe, effective nursing
care.
p)
Calibrate/use equipment.
q)
Execute movement required to provide nursing care in all healthcare settings.
r)
Perform CPR and physical assessment.
s)
Operate a computer.
5.
Professional
a)
Convey caring, respect, sensitivity, tact, compassion, empathy, tolerance, and a
Behavior
healthy attitude toward others.
b)
Demonstrate a mentally healthy attitude that is age appropriate in relationship to the
client.
c)
Handle multiple tasks concurrently.
d)
Perform safe, effective nursing care for clients in a caring context.
e)
Understand and follow the policies and procedures of the College and clinical
agencies.
f)
Understand the consequences of violating the student code of conduct.
g)
Understand that posing a direct threat to others is unacceptable and subjects one to
discipline.
h)
Meet qualifications for licensure by examination as stipulated by the Alabama Board
of Nursing.
i)
Do not pose a threat to self or others.
j)
Function effectively in situations of uncertainty and stress inherent in providing
nursing care.
k)
Adapt to changing environments and situations.
l)
Remain free of chemical dependency.
m)
Report promptly to clinical, and remain for six to twelve hours as assigned on the
clinical unit.
n)
Provide nursing care in an appropriate time frame.
51
o) Accept responsibility, accountability, and ownership of one’s actions.
p) Seek supervision/consultation in a timely manner.
q) Examine and modify one’s own behavior when it interferes with nursing care or
learning.
Upon admission, an individual who discloses a disability may request reasonable accommodations. Individuals will be
asked to provide documentation of the disability in order to assist with the provision of appropriate, reasonable
accommodations. The College will provide reasonable accommodations but is not required to alter substantially the
requirements or nature of the program or provide reasonable accommodations that inflict an undue burden on the
College. In order to be admitted, one must be able to perform all of the essential functions with or without reasonable
accommodations. If an individual’s health changes during the program of learning so that the essential functions cannot
be met with or without reasonable accommodations, then the student will be withdrawn from the SSCC Nursing
Program. The nursing faculty reserves the right at any time to require an additional medical examination at the student’s
expense in order to assist with the evaluation of the student’s ability to perform the essential functions.
Requests for reasonable accommodations should be directed to the Office of Disability Services.
Student Name: ______________________________________
myShelton A#: ___________________________
(Check one.)
_____
I have read and understand these essential functions, and I certify, to the best of my knowledge, that I have the
ability to perform these functions.
_____________________________________________
_______________________________
Student Signature
Date
OR
_____
I have read and understand these essential functions, and, to the best of my knowledge, I will be unable to
perform essential function number(s) _______ due to a disability. I understand that I need to provide
documentation of my disability and recommendations for accommodations of my disability from my physician.
_____________________________________________
________________________________
Student Signature
Date
*************************************************************************************************
(To be completed by physician)
(Check one.)
_____
I feel that this student is physically able to perform the functions that have been listed on the previous page.
_____
I feel that this student is not physically able to perform some of the functions that have been listed on the
previous page. (Please indicate in comments below which functions the student is unable to perform.)
______________________________________________
________________________________
Physician Signature
Date
COMMENTS:
52
APPENDIX B – SHELTON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE NURSING PROGRAM STUDENT DRUG SCREEN POLICY
Any student who enrolls in the Shelton State Community College (SSCC) Nursing Program and desires to participate in
courses that have a clinical component is required to have an initial pre-clinical drug screening. The initial pre-clinical
drug screen will be conducted prior to entering the SSCC Nursing Program. The student must abide by the College’s Drug
Screen Policy and any agency policy for which the student is assigned clinical practice. This policy includes random drug
screening and reasonable suspicion screening.
I. PRE-CLINICAL SCREENING
1. All students will receive notice of the drug screening guidelines prior to admission to the SSCC Nursing Program.
2. The SSCC Nursing Program will maintain on file a signed consent to drug screening from each student. Students
have the right to refuse to consent to drug testing under this policy; however, students who decline participation in
the drug screening program will not be permitted to participate in courses with a clinical lab component.
3. Drug screening will be scheduled and conducted by Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. at the cost of $28.60 per
student. The fee for testing is to be paid by the student.
4. Any student failing to report for screening at the designated time and place (Laboratory Corporation of
America) must complete testing within twenty-four hours of that date and/or provide documentation of
extenuating circumstances.
5. Failure to complete drug screening with a negative test result on the Ten (10) Classes of Drugs as required by the
College and/or clinical agency will prohibit the student from completing the clinical component of required nursing
courses.
6. Positive drug screens will be confirmed by the medical review officer. No sample is reported as positive before it has
been tested at least three times.
7. Results will be sent to the Director of Nursing Programs.
8. A student who is unable to complete the clinical component of required courses due to a positive drug screen may
apply for readmission to the SSCC Nursing Program. The student will be considered for readmission according to the
criteria in Section VII of this document.
II. RANDOM DRUG SCREENING
At any point or time in a student’s enrollment, the student may be subject to a random drug screen. The Director of
Nursing Programs will establish the number of students included in the random screening sample. The selection will be
made from all currently enrolled nursing students using a statistically random procedure. After being notified of their
selection, students will report to Laboratory Corporation of America at the designated time. The same procedural steps
(2-13) outlined in Section IV, Student Drug Screen Procedure, will be used except that there is no cost to the student for
a random screen.
III. REASONABLE SUSPICION SCREENING
Students may also be required to submit to reasonable suspicion testing as stipulated in the drug screen policy of the
College and/or clinical agency while participating in clinical experiences. Reasonable suspicion is defined as, but not
limited to, the following behaviors:
1. Observable phenomena, such as direct observation of drug use and/or the physical symptoms or manifestations
of being under the influence of a drug.
2. Abnormal conduct or erratic behavior while on the clinical unit, absenteeism, tardiness, or deterioration in
performance.
3. Evidence of tampering with a drug test.
4. Information that the individual has caused or contributed to an incident in the clinical agency; and
5. Evidence of involvement in the use, possession, sale, solicitation, or transfer of drugs while enrolled in the SSCC
Nursing Program.
At any point or time in a student’s enrollment, the student may be subject to a reasonable suspicion drug screen. After a
student’s behavior is noted as suspicious, the student will report to Laboratory Corporation of America at the designated
time. The same procedural steps (1-13) outlined in Section IV Student Drug Screen Procedure will be used.
53
IV. STUDENT DRUG SCREEN PROCEDURE
1. Students must pay the $28.60 screening fee prior to the time of specimen collection.
2. Students must submit a photo ID and a social security number at the time of specimen collection.
3. The collector will be a licensed medical professional or technician who has been trained for collection in
accordance with Chain of Custody and Control procedures. The collector will explain the collection procedure and
Chain of Custody form to the student and provide a sealed collection container.
4. Students must remove unnecessary outer garments (coats, sweaters, bags, etc.) and remove items from
pockets when entering the collection site.
5. The collector will ask the student if he or she is currently taking any medications. It is important that the student
bring all prescription medication at the time of testing.
6. The collector will collect a monitored urine specimen.
7. In the presence of the student, the collector will seal the urine specimen with a tamper proof security seal and
affix an identification label with a code number.
8. The student will verify the information on the identification label, initial the security seal, read, and sign the Chain
of Custody Form.
9. The collector will sign the Chain of Custody Form and give the student the appropriate copy.
10. The collector will forward the sealed urine specimen and Chain of Custody Form to the designated certified
testing center/laboratory for testing.
11. Specimens will be screened for ten (10) classes of drugs:
a. Amphetamines
b. Barbiturates
c. Benzodiazepines
d. Cocaine
e. THC
f. Methaqualone
g. Methadone
h. Opiates
i. Phencyclidine
j. Propoxyphene
12. Positive screens will be confirmed by the medical review officer. Students will be informed of the positive screening
results by the Director of Nursing Programs.
V. CONFIDENTIALITY
The Director of Nursing Programs will receive all test results. Confidentiality of the test results will be maintained. Only
the director will have access to the results, the exception being any legal action occurring that requires access to test
results.
VI. APPEALS PROCESS FOR POSITIVE SCREENS
1. If a student drug screen is positive for drugs, then the student will be contacted by the Director of Nursing
Programs.
2. The student will then contact the medical review officer and follow the procedure for split specimen testing
as stipulated by the lab.
3. The student is responsible for any costs associated with the split specimen testing procedure.
4. Once the student obtains the results of the split specimen testing, the student should contact the Director of
Nursing Programs. If the student remains unsatisfied, then the student should explain in writing his or her
complaint. The director will have seven working days to respond.
5. If the student cannot reach an agreement with the Director of Nursing Programs, then the student’s next step is
to present documentation to the Associate Dean of Health Services who will have seven working days to
respond.
6. If the student does not reach a satisfactory conclusion with the Associate Dean of Health Services, then the student
should make an appointment with the Dean of Students.
54
VII. READMISSION
To be considered for readmission, students who withdraw from the SSCC Nursing Program due to positive drug screens
must complete the following;
1. Submit a letter from a treatment agency verifying completion of a substance abuse treatment program; and
2. Submit to an unannounced drug screen at the student’s expense prior to readmission. A positive screen will
result in ineligibility for readmission.
Drug screening policies/programs suggested or required by the Alabama Board of Nursing, Shelton State Community
College, and/or various institutions with which the College contracts may vary from time to time in any or all of their
aspects. Students will be required to comply with the screening that satisfies the program or requirement established
by the Alabama Board of Nursing or any clinical agency with which the College contracts for clinical experience, whether
it is pre-clinical drug screening, random drug screen, or reasonable suspicion screening.
Some of the ten classes of drugs for which screening will be conducted are available by prescription from healthcare
practitioners. Prescription drugs prescribed to a student by an appropriate healthcare practitioner may nevertheless be
subject to abuse and may give rise to reasonable suspicion testing. The fact that a student has a prescription for one or
more of the ten classes of drugs that are legally prescribed by a healthcare practitioner does not necessarily, in and of
itself, excuse the student from the effect of this policy. The medical review officer may follow-up or give
recommendation(s).
By signing below, the student acknowledges agreement to the following statements.
1. I have read, understand, and agree to the above drug screen guidelines.
2. I hereby release Behavior Health Systems, Laboratory Corporation of America, the medical review officer,
Shelton State Community College, and the nursing faculty from any claim in connection with the Drug
Screen Policy.
3. I understand that should any legal action be taken as a result of the Drug Screen Policy, confidentiality can no
longer be maintained.
____________________________________________
_____________________________
Student Signature
Date
____________________________________________
______________________________
Witness
Date
May 2002
Revised May 2016
Reviewed October 2018
Revised
August 2022
55
APPENDIX C – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM STUDENT DRUG SCREEN POLICY PARTICIPATION FORM
By signing this document, I am indicating the following:
1. I voluntarily agree to the requirement to have a scheduled pre-clinical drug screen, random drug
screen, and/or reasonable suspicion drug screen if deemed necessary.
2. I understand that any student who enrolls in the Shelton State Community College (SSCC) Nursing
Program and desires to participate in courses that have a clinical component is required to have an
initial pre-clinical drug screening.
3. I understand that I must provide a certified negative drug screen result prior to participation in the
clinical component of the SSCC Nursing Program. I further understand that if I fail to provide a
certified negative drug screen result, then I will be unable to participate in the clinical portion of
the SSCC Nursing Program.
4. I have received a copy of the SSCC Drug Screen Policy and have read and understand the
requirements of the policy and guidelines.
5. I understand that a copy of this signed and dated document will constitute my consent for the
certified laboratory performing the drug screen to release the original results of any drug screen to
the SSCC Nursing Program.
6. I further understand that my continued participation in the SSCC Nursing Program is conditional
upon satisfactorily meeting the requirements of the clinical agencies providing clinical rotations for
the SSCC Nursing Program.
__________________________________________ _______________________________________
Student Signature
Witness Signature
____________________________________________________________________________________
Student Printed Name
Witness Printed Name
____________________________________________ _______________________________________
Date
Date
It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees and Shelton State Community College, a postsecondary
institution under its control, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, gender,
age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law, be excluded from participation, denied benefits, or subjected to
discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.
Reviewed April 2013
Revised May 2016
Revised October 2018
Revised August 2022
56
APPENDIX D – SSCC HEALTH RELATED PROGRAMS BACKGROUND SCREENING POLICY
Students must abide by the policies established by the healthcare (clinical) agencies with which Shelton
State Community College (SSCC) Health Programs (Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Health Information
Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology) contract for clinical experiences. These policies may
include a pre-clinical background screening. Fees for all background screenings must be paid by the
student.
1. All students will receive notice of the background screening requirement prior to admission and
will receive a copy of the policy upon admission to the program.
2. Background screening will be scheduled and conducted by the assigned clinical agency
and/or Bullet Investigations.
3. Failure to pay appropriate fees or to consent to the background screening by the published
deadline will prohibit the student from completing the clinical component of the program.
4. A student who is denied acceptance at a clinical facility due to a questionable/suspect
background screen may be assigned to an alternative clinical facility for the required clinical
experience. In the event that the alternative clinical facility denies acceptance due to the
questionable/suspect background screen, the student will not be able to complete the required
course(s) to complete the program. (See Progression and Readmission Policies for further
information.)
Procedure
1. Students must pay $36.00 (or fee in effect at the time of screening) for the
background screening as directed.
2. Students must sign appropriate consent forms prior to the screening. Consent forms will be
kept on file in the office of the director of the program.
3. Background screening may include the following.
Skip Trace: Checks for other names used, other states lived in, or addresses
used by the individual for linking cases
Criminal History: Reveals felony and misdemeanor convictions and pending
cases; usually includes date, nature of offense, sentencing date,
disposition, and current status
Nurse Aide Registry:
Reports whether a Certified Nurse Aide is in good standing or if
the individual has been involved in an abuse case
Social Security Number Trace: Verifies that the number provided by the individual was issued
by the Social Security Administration and is not listed in the
files of the deceased
57
Office of Inspector General: Identifies those individuals who may no longer be capable of
being provided with Medicare benefits
4. The Director of Nursing Programs will notify the student of questionable/suspect findings
prior to notification of the clinical facilities for a determination regarding student
acceptance for clinical experience.
5. Questionable/suspect findings on the background screening will be reported to the Director of
Human Resources or other designated person at the appropriate clinical facility. The clinical
facility will determine if the student will be accepted for clinical experience. If a clinical facility
denies a student’s placement, then the program director will seek placement in a similar clinical
facility for which the program has a contract using the same procedure of notification as
described above. If all clinical facility options available to the program deny the student’s
placement, then the student will not be able to complete the required clinical component of the
course(s) and will not receive a passing grade for the course(s).
6. Background screens that would render a student ineligible for placement include, but are not
limited to, certain convictions or criminal charges that could jeopardize the health and safety of
patients and sanctions or debarment.
Confidentiality
1. The Director of Nursing Programs will receive all screening results, which will be secured in a
locked file in the director’s office. Confidentiality of test results will be maintained with only the
director and the student having access to the results with the exception of legal actions that
require access to test results.
2. Students must sign consent prior to disclosure of the screening results to the Director of
Human Resources or other designated person at the clinical facility.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the policies and
procedures set forth above.
____________________________________________ _______________________________________
Student Signature
Witness Signature
____________________________________________ _______________________________________
Student Printed Name
Witness Printed Name
____________________________________________ _______________________________________
Date Date
June 2009
Reviewed April 2013
Revised May 2016
Reviewed November 2021
Revised August 2022
58
APPENDIX E – SSCC HEALTH PROGRAMS STUDENT BACKGROUND SCREEN POLICY PARTICIPATION FORM
By signing this document, I am indicating the following.
I understand that as part of clinical agency requirements, any student who enrolls in the Shelton State
Community College Health Programs and desires to participate in courses that have a clinical component
is required to have a pre-clinical background screen.
I have received a copy of the Shelton State Community College Background Screen Policy and have read,
understand, and agree to the requirements of the policy and guidelines.
I understand the information contained in these reports may be used to deny placement in clinical
agencies. Questionable/suspect findings on the background screening will be reported to the Director of
Human Resources or other designated person at the appropriate clinical facility. I understand that the
program director will notify me of questionable/suspect findings prior to notification of the clinical
facilities for a determination regarding student acceptance for clinical experience.
I have read, understand, and voluntarily agree to the required background screen to participate in the
clinical component of the health program. I further hereby authorize Shelton State Community
College, by and through an independent contractor, to complete a background screen prior to clinical
assignments and to release the original results of the screen to Shelton State Community College.
I give my permission for Shelton State Community College to release the results of the background
screen to other authorized agents if deemed necessary. I understand that these results are confidential
and will not be otherwise released without my authorization. I hereby release Shelton State Community
College and its affiliates from any and all liability, claims, and/or demands of whatever kind related to
my completed background screen.
___________________________________________
Student Signature
_______________________________________
Witness Signature
____________________________________________
Student Printed Name
_______________________________________
Witness Printed Name
____________________________________________
Date
_______________________________________
Date
June 2009
Reviewed April 2013
Revised May 2016
Reviewed October 2018
Revised August 2022
59
Official Use Only:
APPENDIX F
– SSCC
REINSTATEMENT
APPLICATION
Reinstatement Granted:
Yes_______ No: _____
Date: __________________________________________
SHELTON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
NURSING PROGRAM
REINSTATEMENT APPLICATION
Name: ______________________________________
myShelton A# _______________________
Address:_________________________________________________________________________________
(Route, House Number, Box Number)
(City)
(State)
(Zip)
Email Address: _______________________________Home Phone: (_______) ________________________
Work Phone: (______) _________________________Cell Phone: (______) ___________________________
I, ________________________________, hereby apply to be reinstated into the SSCC Nursing Program.
(Please print.)
(Please check one:) I request to be reinstated into: ___PN Program
___Two-Year ADN Program
___Health Transition/Mobility ADN Program
I request for my reinstatement to begin in the ___________________ semester of _______________.
(Fall, Spring, Summer)
(Year)
I was enrolled last in the SSCC Nursing Program during _____________________________________________.
(Semester)
(Year)
My reason(s) for leaving the SSCC Nursing Program included the following.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
I request reinstatement for the following reason(s).
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
60
By signing this document, I am indicating the following.
I understand that this form and a copy of my current transcript(s) must be received in the office of the Director of
Nursing Programs at least six (6) weeks prior to the semester in which I plan to seek reinstatement.
I understand that a current medical exam/physical, TB (2-Step test required if original test was not 2-Step) Skin test,
Hepatitis B Vaccine series or titer, and CPR training for healthcare providers must be completed (within the last six
months of reinstatement date).
I understand that failure to follow this procedure may result in being denied reinstatement/clearance to re-enter the
SSCC Nursing Program. (Please see reinstatement policies in the SSCC Nursing Program’s Student Handbook for details.)
If I am accepted for reinstatement and decline or fail to return, then I realize that I must make another application
for reinstatement or seek application as a new student.
____________________________________________
Student Signature
____________________________________________
Student Printed Name
____________________________________________
Date
*************************************************************************************
Return form to the following:
Director of Nursing Programs
Shelton State Community College
9500 Old Greensboro Road
Box 112
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
*************************************************************************************
Comments: Office Use Only
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees and Shelton State Community College, a postsecondary institution
under its control, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, gender, age, or any other
protected class as defined by federal and state law, be excluded from participation, denied benefits, or subjected to discrimination under any
program, activity, or employment.
61
APPENDIX G – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM REINSTATEMENT POLICY
Student Name: myShelton Username: _________________________________
__________Two-Year Associate Degree Nursing Program
__________ Mobility Practical Nursing to Associate Degree Nursing Program
The very nature of the profession requires that the nursing student must have a firm grasp of previously learned and
updated materials, which includes both theory and skills for safe and competent student nursing practice and successful
course completion. The College acknowledges there are academic and personal reasons why a student may not be able
to complete the SSCC Nursing Program within the scheduled sequence of time. Therefore, the following guidelines have
been established to meet the needs/desires of the returning student and to enhance the student’s opportunity to
succeed in the nursing courses.
I. Any student who has been absent from the SSCC Nursing Program for more than one year or three semesters
must apply for admission to the program as a new student.
II. For any student who has failed to make passing scores for a class or has been out more than one semester,
the following policy will apply.
A. No nursing class can be repeated more than one time.
B. Reinstatement will be at the discretion of the Director of Nursing Programs and the Associate Dean of Health
Services.
C. Students may be required to undergo evaluation in order to assess their needs and design an individual plan for
success. (This plan may require the student take remedial courses before being allowed to continue in nursing
courses.)
D. A student desiring to be reinstated to a course in the SSCC Nursing Program must register the intent with the
nursing department by submitting an Application for Reinstatement Letter (Appendix D) and completing the
appropriate reinstatement checklist. (Intent needs to be registered at least six weeks in advance of the
intended date of reinstatement.) This checklist must be completed prior to registration. Failure to follow this
procedure may result in denial of reinstatement to the SSCC Nursing Program.
E. Students dismissed from the previous program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe or unsatisfactory client
care in the clinical area will not be allowed reinstatement to the SSCC Nursing Program.
F. All students reinstated under this policy are required to conform to the current nursing department
requirements and are subject to all rules and regulations regarding attendance, grades, discipline, health status,
and physical limitations.
G. Selection of students requesting reinstatement to the SSCC Nursing Program will be based on, but not limited
to, the following.
1. Fulfillment of admission criteria (academic and clinical)
2. Student/teacher ratio
3. One prior admission
4. Space availability of course(s) and clinical(s)
5. Minimum grade point average of 2.0 from courses completed
6. Acceptance of the student by the clinical agencies
7. Successful completion of validation requirements for previous completed courses
8. No more than twelve months elapsing since the student was enrolled in a nursing course
9. Student not being dismissed from the SSCC Nursing Program (due to clinical failure or disciplinary
reasons)
H. FOR NUR 114 Reinstatement Only: Student must complete all designated ATI testing and remediation for the
NUR 115 co-requisite course regardless of prior success in the NUR 115 course.
62
III. Validation (Psychomotor) for the SSCC Nursing Program
A. Those students who have been out of the clinical setting for one semester or more may be required to validate
the following skills, depending upon course placement in the program.
1. Vital signs
2. Administration of medication (all routes)
3. Head to toe physical assessment
4. IV therapy techniques (i.e., prime line, start infusion, converts IV to saline lock, and calculation of IV rate)
5. Two of the following: Foley catheter insertion, sterile gloving, sterile dressing, tracheotomy care
with suctioning, or insertion of NG tube
B. Satisfactory performance of these skills must be achieved before the student will be given permission to register
for the next required semester. The student will be allowed only two attempts for each skill to pass the skill
successfully. It will be the student’s responsibility to practice independently. The student will be encouraged to
videotape his or her skills practice. The student must provide his or her own supplies for validation. If a partner
is needed in the skills validation, then the student must bring a partner at the scheduled validation time. If the
student will need use of the lab for practice, then the student must check with faculty to make sure the lab is
available for practice. The student who anticipates the need for faculty assistance must contact faculty at least
five working days in advance to schedule an appointment for assistance. The student’s request for the lab and
faculty assistance does not supersede currently enrolled students or faculty obligations. When using the lab for
practice, the student must sign in with the nursing office.
C. If the student is unsuccessful in demonstrating competency of these skills, then reinstatement may be denied. If
the student is successful in the psychomotor competency testing, he or she will receive the clinical passport.
IV. Validation (Cognitive/Knowledge/Academic Content)
A. Cognitive/knowledge/academic content must be successfully validated for each nursing course previously taken.
A written validation exam(s) of the content will be administered. The exam(s) will consist of comprehensive final
exam(s) for courses previously taken. Content will reflect the currently required texts in use for the course(s).
Mobility students who were unsuccessful in NUR 211 and request reinstatement must take the NUR 209 final
exam. The student must score at least 75% on each written exam. Failure to score at least 75% on each exam
will demonstrate failure to validate knowledge and therefore exclude the student from reentering the
nursing course sequence. The student will have only one attempt on the proctored cognitive exams.
B. In addition, a pharmacology dosage calculation exam will be administered. The student must score at least
85% on the exam to pass the exam. Should the student be unable to score the required 85% on the first
attempt, a second and FINAL pharmacology dosage calculation exam will be administered. The student who is
unable to score the required minimum score of 85% on the second attempt will not be allowed to reenter the
nursing course sequence.
NOTE: All validation (cognitive and psychomotor) will be conducted within the six weeks prior to the
intended reentry date.
63
REINSTATEMENT CHECKLIST
Yes
No
N/A
Signature
Student has repeated and passed failed courses.
___
___
___
_______________________
Student has completed an individual plan for success.
___
___
___
________________________
Student has current required documents on file in the
nursing office (i.e., physical, CPR certification, Hepatitis B
vaccine, flu vaccination [when applicable] or current
Hepatitis Titer, evidence of drug
screen).
___
___
___
________________________
Student has paid premium for liability and accident
insurance.
___
___
___
________________________
Student has validated psychomotor skills in lab (if
___
___
___
________________________
applicable).
Student has validated academic content (if
___
___
___
________________________
applicable).
Student has received and/or has access to current
SSCC Nursing Program Student Handbook/Policies.
___
___
___
_________________________
Student has signed reinstatement contract/conditions of
reinstatement (if applicable).
___
___
___
_________________________
64
APPENDIX H – SSCC HEPATITIS B VACCINATION POLICY FOR NURSING STUDENTS
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that students in health professions be vaccinated with the Hepatitis B vaccine.
Nursing students at the College should be aware of the risks involved in exposure to Hepatitis B and the benefits of the Hepatitis B
vaccination. Nursing students should see the most current CDC Vaccine Information Sheet for Hepatitis B (Appendix F-2 in the SSCC
Nursing Program’s Student Handbook) for up-to-date information on Hepatitis B and the Hepatitis B vaccination.
All students entering the SSCC Nursing Program are required to sign the Shelton State Hepatitis Policy forms and receive the proof
of previous Hepatitis B vaccination or to provide proof of immunity to Hepatitis B prior to participating in clinical lab. Students must
complete the series of three (3) doses in the six (6) month time frame or the equivalent in order to continue to be allowed to attend
clinical lab. Students who have had the series completed more than two (2) years prior to admission must have a titer drawn or
provide proof of immunity. A titer less than ten (10) requires the student to complete the three-vaccine series again or have a
booster shot at the discretion of the physician.
Verification from the student’s physician who administered each of the three (3) vaccine doses or equivalent should be provided to
the course coordinator and placed in the student’s file. Vaccination can be arranged through the student’s personal physician at an
approximate cost of $240.00. Students are responsible for the full cost of the vaccine and its administration.
The following acknowledgement of the requirement to receive the Hepatitis B vaccination must be submitted upon enrollment
in the time frame of the SSCC Nursing Program. The student must complete and submit the attached validation forms within six
months following enrollment in the first nursing course.
Please keep in mind the following items.
1. When an incident occurs that involves accidental exposure to blood or blood products, the situation is one
demanding immediate attention because of the potential effects it can have on the health of the student.
2. Students are responsible for reporting immediately to their faculty member or preceptor any incident that
involves accidental exposure to blood or blood products.
3. Students assume responsibility for adhering to established policies and procedures of the clinical agency when situations
of accidental exposure to blood or blood products occur.
4. Students have an accident policy through Shelton State to cover the cost of emergency room fees and laboratory tests
should an accidental exposure to blood or blood products occur. However, the cost of prophylaxis, if necessary, will be the
student’s financial responsibility.
The student’s signature below indicates the information printed above has been read and understood. The student has been given
two forms. One is for the student’s personal record, and the other is to be signed and returned to the nursing clerk’s office.
I acknowledge that I am aware of the requirement to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine and understand it is my responsibility to
arrange and pay for vaccinations. I agree to receive the complete series of immunizations according to the following schedule: 1
st
dose of vaccine at a date prior to attending clinical lab, 2
nd
dose of vaccine one month later, 3
rd
dose of vaccine six months after
the initial dose.
Failure to complete the vaccine series will result in dismissal from the SSCC Nursing Program. I agree to hold SSCC and any and all
of its agents, officials, or employees harmless from injury, complication, or side effect(s) caused by the administration of said
vaccine.
____________________________________________
________________________________________
Student Signature
Witness Signature
____________________________________________
________________________________________
Student Printed Name
Witness Printed Name
________________________________
Date
Date
65
APPENDIX I – CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL HEPATITIS B VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENT
66
67
APPENDIX J – SSCC NURSING PROGRAMS VERIFICATION OF HBV VACCINATIONS
Verification of HBV Vaccination #1
Student Name:
Student A#
Has received the first (#1) in a series of three (3)
The next vaccination in the series is due on:
vaccination for hepatitis B on this date:
Physician/Health Care Provider Name (print):
Physician/Health Care Provider Signature:
MD, DO, CRNP, PA
Physician/Health Care Provider’s Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
Verification of HBV Vaccination #2
Student Name:
Student A#
Has received the second (#2) in a series of three (3)
The next vaccination in the series is due on:
vaccination for hepatitis B on this date:
Physician/Health Care Provider Name (print):
Physician/Health Care Provider Signature:
MD, DO, CRNP, PA
Physician/Health Care Provider’s Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
Verification of HBV Vaccination #3
Student Name:
Student A#
Has received the third (#3) in a series of three (3) vaccination for hepatitis B on this
date:
Physician/Health Care Provider Name (print):
Physician/Health Care Provider Signature:
MD, DO, CRNP, PA
Physician/Health Care Provider’s Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
Verification of TITER
Student Name:
Student A#
Hepatitis B Titer Results Check One): Protected Not Protected Infected
Titer Date:
Hepatitis B Booster (If Titer Results are Not Protected) Date:
*Not Protected results require verification of HBV Vaccination #1, #2, and #3 OR HBV
Booster with Verification of TITER result of Protected (4-8 weeks after booster)*
Physician/Health Care Provider Name (print):
Physician/Health Care Provider Signature: MD, DO, CRNP, PA
Physician/Health Care Provider’s Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
NOTE: If the Titer is protected at time of admission into the Nursing Program,
verification of Hep B #1, #2, and #3 are NOT required.
68
APPENDIX K – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM CHANGE OF HEALTH STATUS FORM
Any change in health status while enrolled in the SSCC Nursing Program must be reported to the course coordinator,
clinical instructor, and the Director of Nursing Programs. Medical clearance from the healthcare provider that is
treating the condition that caused the change in health status is required for the student to continue class and clinical
coursework. Students will need to have their physician complete the bottom portion of this form as well as a
reevaluation of the Essential Functions. (See Appendix A in the SSCC Nursing Program Student Handbook.) It is the right
of the course coordinator, clinical instructor, and/or Director of Nursing Programs to determine if a student
demonstrates the ability to achieve course and clinical objectives and to provide safe patient care.
TO BE COMPLETED BY STUDENT:
Last Name:
First Name:
Middle Name:
myShelton A#
Date of Birth:
Gender:
Mailing Address:
City, State:
Zip Code:
Email:
Home Phone:
Cell Phone:
Emergency Contact:
Phone Number:
Describe the change in health status.
Are you taking any medications?
Yes
No
If yes, then list the medication
(name, dosage and frequency).
I understand it is my responsibility throughout the program of study to inform my course coordinator, the Director of
the Nursing Programs, and clinical instructor(s) of any change in my health status. I understand that this disclosure is
necessary to protect my health and well-being as well as the health and well-being of patients for whom I may provide
care. I acknowledge the information contained in this form is accurate, current, and complete. I am aware that
falsification of any health information is sufficient cause for dismissal from the SSCC Nursing Program.
Student Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: ______________________________
To be completed by physician:
Please indicate below if the student who is currently under your care is able to participate in the SSCC Nursing
Program at this time considering his or her current medical state and ability to perform the required Essential
Functions.
Yes_____________________ No__________________
Please list any restrictions or comments:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Physician Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ______________________________
69
APPENDIX L – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
Purpose: To prevent accidental exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other infectious materials, the SSCC Nursing
Program has established a policy for employee and student protection. Nursing students providing care to patients in
the clinical lab are at increased risk of exposure to various blood-borne and other pathogens.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is enforcing classification A rules and regulations aimed at
controlling the spread of blood-borne and other pathogens. In an effort to comply with these rules and regulations, the
SSCC Nursing Program has developed an Exposure Control Plan. The following measures have been adopted and are
intended to reduce the risk of infection by blood-borne and other pathogens.
Upon Admission into the SSCC Nursing Program:
1. The student will be required to complete the following:
a) Sign a consent for Hepatitis B vaccination and receive the first in the series of three (3) vaccinations; or
b) Provide verification of previous vaccination for Hepatitis B; or
c) Provide verification of antibody testing revealing immunity to Hepatitis B.
Students are responsible for obtaining the vaccination from their private physician and to assume cost of the
vaccination. Verification of all vaccinations/immunity must be provided to the Director of Nursing Programs.
(See Appendix F3.) Vaccination status of all students will be maintained on file in the nursing office.
After Admission into the SSCC Nursing Program:
1. All nursing students will be provided access to a written copy of the OSHA Rules and Regulations. A copy is
located in the SSCC Nursing Skills Lab Manual housed in the skills lab.
2. All students will participate annually in the mandated SSCC Nursing Program’s Exposure Control Class. A class
will be scheduled during the student’s regularly scheduled class time. During the class, students will be given
the opportunity to ask questions.
3. All students will be required to sign a form indicating they have attended the SSCC Nursing Program’s Exposure
Control Class and will assume responsibility for understanding the material provided prior to attending the first
clinical lab each academic year. (See Appendix G4.) This form will be submitted to the course coordinator.
4. Students will be oriented by the course coordinator pertaining to the control of blood-borne and other
pathogens as noted in the agencies’ written policies and procedures. All students must familiarize themselves
with the policies and follow the Exposure Control Plan of each agency to which they are assigned.
5. Students will be presented an explanation and demonstration on the principles of medical asepsis, the types of
appropriate personal protective equipment, the correct way to use the equipment, and the correct procedure
to employ when removing the equipment. Students will be tested on the content and perform a return
demonstration on the utilization of protective equipment following the class presentation.
6. No parenteral or invasive procedures will be performed in the campus skills lab except on mannequins.
7. Failure to follow these appropriate policies and procedures will result in an unsatisfactory (U) for the clinical/lab
day. The incident must be recorded in writing by the clinical lab instructor and signed by both the instructor and
the student. The report will be filed in the student’s permanent record, and a copy will be submitted by the
instructor to the Director of Nursing Programs as soon as possible.
8. An incident involving failure to follow procedure aimed at controlling the spread of blood-borne or
other pathogens may result in the student’s dismissal from the SSCC Nursing Program. (See the SSCC
Nursing Program Student Handbook.)
70
Highlights of Medical Asepsis Principles
A brief description of the policies and principles of medical asepsis is as follows.
1. Universal Precautions (Standards)/Body Substance Isolation as recommended or defined by the Centers for
Disease Control and/or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) must be observed in all
circumstances in order to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Students
should treat all bodily fluids/substances as if known to be infectious for blood-borne and/or other pathogens.
2. Specimens of blood or other potentially infectious material should be handled according to the agency’s policies.
3. Any equipment that becomes contaminated with blood or other infectious materials should be reported to
the RN in charge on the unit to which the student is assigned, and the agency’s policies should be followed in
handling the contaminated equipment.
4. Students should handle, decontaminate, and/or dispose of contaminated personal protective
equipment/supplies according to the agency’s policies.
5. Any uniform or other garments becoming contaminated by blood or other potentially infectious materials
should be removed immediately or as soon as feasible and handled according to agency policy.
6. Gloves should be worn when it can be reasonably anticipated that the student may have contact with blood
and/or bodily fluid (draining wounds, sputum, urine, feces) when performing venipuncture or other vascular
access procedures and when handling/touching contaminated items or surfaces. Any glove that is torn should be
replaced immediately or as soon as feasible. Gloves must be changed after contact with each patient. Hand
washing is required before, after, and in-between patient care.
7. Students should wash their hands immediately or as soon as possible after removal of gloves or other personal
protective equipment and after hand contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
8. Students should wash hands and any other skin areas with soap and water or flush mucous membranes with
water immediately or as soon as feasible following contact of such bodily areas with blood or other potentially
infectious materials. Students also are to notify the clinical instructor and the RN in charge as soon as possible.
9. All personal protective equipment should be removed immediately upon ceasing to provide care for the patient
or as soon as possible. If contaminated, then the personal protective equipment should be placed in an
appropriately designated area or container for disposal according to the agency’s policies. At no time should
protective equipment, uncontaminated and/or contaminated, be worn outside of the patient’s room.
10. The handling and disposal of contaminated Sharps should be carried out according to the agency’s policy. No
contaminated needles are to be recapped, bent, broken, sheared, or removed following use. In compliance with
OSHA Safety Needleless Law, medical personnel must use retractable needles or equipment compatible with
needleless devices.
11. Students are prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact
lenses (personal) in immediate patient care areas or other areas where there is a potential for exposure to blood
or other potentially infectious material exposure.
12. All procedures involving blood or other potentially infectious materials should be performed in such a manner
as to minimize splashing, spraying, and aerosolization of these substances.
13. Where there is potential for exposure to blood and/or other potentially infectious material, students will be
required to use appropriate personal protective equipment. This “appropriate” equipment will not permit
blood or other potentially infectious materials to pass through to reach work/street clothes, undergarments,
skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes under normal conditions of use and for the duration of time
the equipment is to be used. The equipment may include, but is not limited to, gloves, gowns, eye protectors,
and foot coverings. The type and characteristics of the protective clothing will depend upon the task and degree
of exposure anticipated. The policies of the agency to which the student is assigned for clinical lab should be
followed in regard to the protective apparel that is to be worn in various situations.
14. Masks in combination with eye protection devices, such as goggles or glasses with solid side shields or chin
length face shields, should be worn whenever splashes, sprays, splatters, or droplets of blood or other
potentially infectious materials may be generated, and eye, nose, or mouth contamination can be reasonably
anticipated.
71
15. Contaminated work surfaces should be decontaminated according to agency policies. Blood spills and other
infectious bodily materials should be cleansed from surface areas using the approved solution.
16. Broken glassware should not be picked up directly with hands but should be cleaned up using
mechanical means, such as a brush, dustpan, tongs, or forceps.
17. Regulated waste materials should be handled and disposed of according to agency policy. All containers for
regulated waste should be closable, puncture-resistant on sides and bottom, and properly labeled and/or
color-coded for incineration.
18. Laundry should be managed according to the policies of the agency to which the student is assigned.
Contaminated laundry should be handled as little as possible with a minimum of agitation. Whenever
contaminated laundry is wet and presents a reasonable likelihood of soak-through or leakage, the laundry
should be placed and transported in bags or containers that prevent these problems. Students who have
contact with contaminated laundry should wear protective gloves or other appropriate personal
protective equipment.
19. Items that contain or are contaminated by blood or other potentially infectious materials are referred to as
BIOHAZARDS. Students should recognize the biohazard label as being fluorescent orange or orange-red with
lettering or symbols in a contrasting color. They should recognize that red bags or red containers may be
substituted for labels. Students should handle any material labeled as a biohazard according to agency policy.
Agencies will have specific places in which redline bags/containers are located.
20. All laboratory specimens of bodily fluids or substances are considered potentially infectious and should be
handled according to the policies of the agency to which the student is assigned.
21. Any student who is exposed to blood or other potentially infectious material should follow the post-
exposure procedure that has been established by the SSCC Nursing Program. (See Appendix G3.)
a. Students will be required to complete a written Shelton State Community College Exposure Incident Report
should exposure to blood-borne pathogens occur.
b. A copy of this report and forms should be submitted to the Director of Nursing Programs.
c. A copy of the Student Exposure Incident Form will be made available to the Alabama Department of
Postsecondary Education by the Director of Nursing Programs through the President of the College. (See
Appendix G5.)
d. Students are responsible for the cost of post exposure blood testing and treatment.
According to OSHA, nursing personnel are classified as being in Category I – high-risk for exposure to blood-borne
pathogens and other infectious pathogens. Employees in this category perform tasks that require protective equipment
to be worn. Students should refer to specific agency protocols.
Students in the SSCC Nursing Program perform many skills that may potentially place them at risk for exposure. Below
is a list of some of these skills the student may perform while in the SSCC Nursing Program.
Administration of Oral Medications
Parenteral and Enteral Medication
Administration
Venipuncture
Administering and Monitoring Intravenous
Fluids
Initiating and Terminating Intravenous Access
Patient Bathing
Caring for Patients on Isolation Precautions
Putting on and Removing Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Postmortem Care
Obtaining Vital Signs
Suctioning (Oral/Nasal/Endotracheal
Tube/Tracheostomy)
Tracheostomy Care
Assisting Patient with Bed Pan/Urinal
Intake/Output
Medical/Surgical Asepsis
Catheterization and Irrigations
Inserting and/or Removing Foley Catheter
Finger Stick Blood Sampling
Specimen Collection
Enema/Douche
72
Checking for Fecal Impaction
Feeding Patient
Newborn Care
Testicular and/or Breast Examinations
Nasogastric Lavage and Irrigation
Enteral Feeding and Flushing
Wound Care/Dressing Changes
Perioperative Care
Suture and/or Staple Removal
Any other procedure that would lend itself to
contact of secretions of any bodily fluids and/or
blood-borne pathogens
73
APPENDIX M – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM POST-EXPOSURE PROCEDURE
Exposure to blood-borne pathogens is considered to have occurred if blood or other potentially
infectious materials or items/surfaces contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious
materials come in contact with a student’s eyes, mouth, other mucous membranes, or non-intact skin,
or if mucous membranes or skin is pierced by items contaminated by blood or other infectious
materials through events, such as needle sticks, human bites, cuts, or abrasions.
In the event that a student is exposed to blood-borne pathogens, the following procedures should be
followed.
1. Immediately, or as soon as feasible, the skin areas should be washed thoroughly with soap and
water and/or the mucous membranes, eyes, and/or mouth should be flushed with water. Any
contaminated clothing should be removed. Any emergency care needed will be given by the
clinical agency at the student’s expense.
2. As soon as feasible, the incident should be reported to the SSCC clinical instructor and the RN in
charge of the area where the student is assigned for clinical lab.
3. A Shelton State Exposure Incident Report Form should be filled out by the student and signed by
both the student and the clinical instructor. This report should be submitted as soon as feasible
to the Director of Nursing Programs. A copy will be given to the student and one placed in the
student’s file in the nursing office.
4. The policies and procedures of the agency in which the student is assigned for clinical should
be followed by the student with the assistance of the RN in charge and the clinical instructor.
5. The RN in charge will make arrangements to gain consent and test for the source
individual’s blood if the source is known. The student may be responsible for the expense of
the blood testing. The student should see the Director of Nursing Programs to initiate and
file accident insurance claims if applicable.
6. Results of the source individual’s blood testing will be made available to the exposed student.
The student will be informed that he/she is prohibited by law from disclosing the identity of
the source individual.
7. The exposed student should see his or her private physician for follow-up care. This follow-up
care will be at the student’s expense. The student will be provided with the following
information for the physician by the Director of Nursing Programs:
a) Information on the student’s HBV vaccination status
b) A copy of the OSHA regulations pertaining to blood-borne pathogens
c) A copy of the Shelton State Exposure Incident Report, which includes documentation of the
route(s) of exposure and circumstances under which exposure occurred
d) A description of the student’s duties as they relate to the exposure incident
e) A copy of the student’s completed Student Health Examination Form
f) Results of the source individual’s blood testing if available
8. It is the student’s responsibility to get follow-up care from the private physician following an
exposure incident and to pay for the cost of that care. Verification that follow-up care has been
done must be provided to the Director of Nursing Programs by the student.
9. Documentation of the follow-up of care will be noted on the Exposure Incident Report.
Reviewed October 2018
Reviewed November 2021
Revised August 2022
74
APPENDIX M-1 – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN/CLASS ATTENDANCE
VERIFICATION
____________________________________________ _________________________________
Student Name
myShelton A#
My signature on this form indicates that I have attended the SSCC Exposure Control Class on the
OSHA Regulations on Blood-borne Pathogens. Topics covered in this class included the following.
1. An explanation of the OSHA regulations on blood-borne pathogens
2. A general explanation of the epidemiology and symptoms of blood-borne disease
3. An explanation of the modes of transmission of blood-borne pathogens
4. An explanation of the SSCC Nursing Program Exposure Control Plan
5. An explanation of the appropriate methods for recognizing tasks and other activities that may
involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials
6. An explanation of the use and limitations of methods that will prevent or reduce exposure,
including appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment
7. Information on the types, proper use, location, removal, handling, decontamination,
and disposal of personal protective equipment
8. An explanation for the basis for selection of personal protective equipment
9. Information on the Hepatitis B vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety, methods of
administration, the benefits of being vaccinated, and my responsibility to get the vaccination(s)
from my private physician
10. Information on the appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an
emergency involving blood or other potentially infectious materials
11. An explanation of the procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs, including the method
of reporting the incident and the medical follow-up that should be done
12. Information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up and my responsibility to see my
private physician for this follow-up
13. An explanation of the signs and labels and/or color-coding required by the OSHA regulations
14. Notification that as a student I am not considered to be an “employee” of SSCC and, therefore, I
am not entitled to free vaccination or post-exposure evaluation and follow-up
I was given an opportunity to ask and have my questions answered by the person presenting the class.
In addition, I received a copy of the following:
1. SSCC Exposure Control Plan, and
2. OSHA Regulations on Blood-borne Pathogens.
I have received and been directed to read the SSCC Nursing Program Student Handbook, paying
particular attention to the section on clinical lab and compliance with OSHA regulations related
to blood-borne pathogens.
____________________________________________ _________________________________
Student Signature
Date
____________________________________________
Student Printed Name
Reviewed October 2018
Reviewed November 2021
75
APPENDIX N – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM STUDENT EXPOSURE INCIDENT REPORT
Name: ___________________________________ myShelton Username: _________________________
Student Phone Number: _________________ Email: _________________________________________
Course Name and Number: ______________________________________________________________
Location of Incident (specific clinical agency, area): __________________________________________
Potentially Infectious Materials Involved:
Blood: ________________________________ Other: _________________________________________
Type of Exposure:
− Needle stick: ________________________ To which body part: _____________________________
− Contact of bare skin with blood/other:
(Describe the part of the body exposed, the condition of the skin, and the amount of potentially
infectious material.)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
− Contact of mucous membranes, eyes, and/or mouth with blood/other:
(Describe the part of the body exposed, the condition of the skin, and the amount of potentially
infectious material.)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Describe any injuries suffered in the event.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Name other persons exposed or injured.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
List personal protective equipment being used at the time of exposure.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Name witnesses to the exposure incident.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Briefly describe the exposure incident (work being performed, how incident was caused, and
estimation of duration of exposure).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Source of exposure known: Yes______________ No______________
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Was blood testing done on exposure source? Yes______________ No______________
If no, then why not?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Note actions that were taken (persons involved, decontamination, clean-up, reporting, etc.).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Suggest recommendations for avoiding repetition.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Provide name and address of physician seen/to be seen for follow-up.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Explain follow-up care of the above incident.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________
Student Signature
_____________________________________________
Date
_______________________________________ _____________________________________________
Clinical Instructor Signature Date
_______________________________________ _____________________________________________
Director of Nursing Programs, Signature Date
Reviewed April 2013
Revised May 2016
Reviewed October 2018
Revised August 2022
77
APPENDIX O – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM STUDENT INCIDENT REPORT
Name: ______________________________________ myShelton Username: ___________________
Student Phone Number: ________________________ email: __________________________________
Course Name and Number: ______________________________________________________________
Location of Incident (specific clinical agency, area):___________________________________________
Describe any injuries suffered in the event.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Name other persons involved or injured.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
List special equipment being used at the time of the incident.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Name witnesses to the incident.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Briefly describe the incident (work being performed, how incident occurred or any
contributing factors, and any relevant facts pertaining to the incident).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Note actions that were taken (persons involved, treatment, reporting, etc.).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
78
Suggest recommendations for avoiding repetition.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Provide name and address of physician seen/to be seen for treatment follow-up if applicable.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Describe follow-up care required for the above incident.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________ ______________________________________
Student Signature Date
____________________________________________ _______________________________________
Clinical Instructor Signature Date
____________________________________________ _______________________________________
Director of Nursing Programs Signature Date
July 2016
Reviewed August 2022
79
APPENDIX P – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM ANECDOTAL NOTES
DATE: _______________________________________
STUDENT NAME: ________________________________MYSHELTON A#: _________________
COURSE NAME AND NUMBER: ___________________________________________________________
COMMENTS:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date: ____________
Instructor Signature: _________________________________________________ Date: _____________
Director of Nursing Programs Signature: _________________________________ Date: _____________
Revised 2009
Reviewed April 2013
Revised May 2016
Revised August 2022
80
APPENDIX Q - SSCC HEALTH PROGRAMS CONCERN/FEEDBACK
Concern/Feedback Form
What are you thinking? This form serves as a communication tool for constructive input in the following
areas for the health programs: curriculum, teaching methodologies, resources and services, and
miscellaneous items. You are encouraged to share your ideas and submit this form to your
curriculum/class representative to be forwarded to the appropriate individual.
Date: ___________________________________
Concern(s)/Feedback:___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Suggestion(s):_________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Comment(s):__________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Signature (not required): ________________________________________________________________
If more space is needed, then you may write on the back of this form.
Reviewed April 2013
Revised May 2016
Reviewed October 2018
Reviewed November 2021
81
APPENDIX R – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM NURSING SKILLS LAB REMEDIATION FORM
Student Name: Date:
Course: __________________________________________________
Remediation Required for Demonstration/Validation:
___ Handwashing Bed Baths Bed Making
Clean Dressing Change Vital Signs NG Insertion/DC
PPE Donning/Doffing Physical Assessment Med Admin
Insulin Mixing/Admin* IM Injection* SUBQ Injection*
IV Insertion/DC Priming/Hanging IV tubing IV Piggyback
Use of IV PUMP Trach Suctioning/Care Sterile Gloving
Urinary Cath Insertion/DC __ Sterile Dressing Change EKG strip
interpretation
*Part of Medication Administration Validation
Validating Instructor:
Remediation requirements:
1. Students who are unsuccessful on the first attempt of a psychomotor skill must undergo
remediation prior to revalidation.
2. Students will review the specific SSCC Faculty Demonstration Video and the ATI module that
corresponds to the unsuccessful return Demonstration/Validation.
3. Students will schedule practice time in the Skills Lab prior to revalidation.
Student signature: _________________________________________ Date: _________________
*************************************************************************************
Remediation Instructor: ___ Date: ________________
Student: Date: _____________
Comments:
The validating instructor will file a copy of this document and the original skill validation document in the
remediation notebook. A copy will be given to the student. Remediation must be completed prior to the scheduled
revalidation.
2014
Revised 8/2022
82
APPENDIX S – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM NURSING STUDENT SELF-REMEDIATION FORM
(This form will be submitted to the student’s faculty advisor and/or instructor.)
Students who make below a 75 (passing score) on a unit exam are required to complete this form.
Students who fail to complete and submit this document in a timely manner and meet with the
instructor at least three (3) days prior to the next scheduled unit exam to discuss improvement plans
will not be allowed to take the next unit exam.
Student Name:
Test Number:
Test Score:
Semester:
Year:
Course:
How does this score compare with previous tests in the SSCC Nursing Program?
□ Same
□ Lower
□ Higher
□ N/A
SELF-REFLECTION
Following the review of test results, what categories did you isolate for questions missed?
Content area(s):
My Overall Impression(s) of Why I Performed Below Standard:
I misread the question.
I misunderstood the question.
I read into the question.
I missed important keywords.
I did not remember subject content.
I did not understand the subject.
I did not recognize the rationale for
I guessed wrong.
the answer.
I changed the answer.
I marked the answer incorrectly.
I did not read all responses
I used incorrect rationales for
carefully.
selecting responses.
I did not have time to study.
Other:
Do these impressions differ from past experiences?
Yes
No
POST-TEST SELF-ASSESSMENT
Describe your usual study schedule/routine.
Describe how you prepared for this test. (When did you begin? Did you utilize visual aids? Did you take
50-100 standardized NCLEX style questions prior to each exam, including reading rationales?)
83
Did you study primarily by yourself or in a group? □ By myself □ In a group
Which method works best for your learning style? Why?
Are there any stressors that are impacting your performance (family, finances, employment)? What is
your strategy to overcome these stressors? When will your strategy begin?
WHAT STUDY ITEMS OR STRATEGIES DID YOU FIND MOST HELPFUL? (ATI DYNAMIC QUIZZES/, ATI PRACTICE TEST)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Plan for Success (to be developed with faculty advisor/instructor):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Student Signature:
Date:
Instructor Signature:
Date:
Revised May 2016
Reviewed October 2018
Revised November 2021
84
APPENDIX T – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM CLINICAL PROBATION POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Purpose: To provide students with communication and documentation of an unacceptable behavior in
which disciplinary action is deemed necessary.
Policy: The faculty of the Nursing Program recognizes its responsibility to the nursing profession and to
the consumers of healthcare. Therefore, any act by a nursing student considered to be unprofessional
behavior shall be defined as clinical misconduct and shall be deemed cause for disciplinary action.
If it is determined that the student is not meeting the clinical / lab objectives of the course, an
unsatisfactory clinical progress notice will be given.
1. The student will be placed on Clinical Probation when the following is met:
A. Clinical: demonstrates less than satisfactory level and/or unsafe practice in clinical
performance and/or clinical paperwork. If any time the student’s actions are evaluated
by the instructor to be unsafe in the clinical area, the student may be suspended
immediately from the clinical area.
B. Lab: demonstrates less than satisfactory validation of required skills.
C. Professional: demonstrates less than satisfactory level in clinical performance such as
fails to maintain confidentiality, legality, or accountability, falsifying records, dresses
inappropriately, demonstrates inappropriate behavior and/or attitude, or demonstrates
non-compliance with attendance requirements and tardies.
2. Clinical probation is a mechanism whereby the nursing faculty assists the student in
identification of specific areas of weakness in meeting clinical objectives. Suggestions for
improvement will be specified in a written contract (see Clinical Probation Contract) developed
in collaboration between faculty and student. When a student is placed on clinical probation,
signatures of the instructor and student will be on the form and serve to document that the
student is aware of the contents of the Nursing Progress Report. Signed copies of these notices
will be distributed to the student, the instructor, and the student’s file.
Procedure:
1.Notification Process (depending on the severity of the situation a student may not receive two
notices).
A student whose conduct is judged to be clinically unsafe will be dismissed at any time from the
clinical unit. Unsafe clinical performance is defined as that behavior that is actually or potentially
injurious to patients, staff, or the reputation of the clinical agency. Any student who unduly
compromises the safety of a patient and/or displays behaviors of clinical misconduct may receive a
clinical grade of unsatisfactory for the semester and cannot return to the clinical area. The student
must achieve a clinical grade of satisfactory in order to progress in the Nursing Program. A grade of
unsatisfactory will result in a grade of “F” for the course.
A. First Notice: Initial Conference with Student (Cause for Concern)
1. The student will receive an Unsatisfactory Clinical Day Report from their clinical
instructor. The student will prepare a plan to improve clinical performance
within a time frame specified by the course instructors by completing the
Clinical Probation Contract. The student may be placed on Clinical Probation.
2. The student may be referred to the Nursing Skills Lab for extra skills practice. If
the student is referred to the Nursing Skills Lab, the student will receive a
Remediation Skills Form which will outline the skills needing practice. The
student will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the identified skills. If the
student is unable to demonstrate proficiency after two attempts,
the referring faculty will be notified, and the student may be placed on clinical
probation.
85
B. Second Notice:
The student may receive a second Clinical Probation Contract from their course
instructors for continued or subsequent unsatisfactory performance issues. The
student will be placed on clinical probation.
C. Final Notice: Failure to meet the terms of the Clinical Probation Contract shall result in
the student being referred to the course instructors to review and evaluate the plan.
The student must demonstrate marked improvement in specified areas.
1. Failure to meet the terms of the Clinical Probation Contract, the student will
earn an unsatisfactory clinical grade and will be ineligible to progress in the
program.
2. Failure to meet specified performance objectives and/or anytime unsafe
nursing practice is demonstrated, the student will earn an unsatisfactory clinical
grade and will be ineligible to progress in the program.
2. Dismissal – The nursing faculty also reserves the right to recommend to the Director of Nursing
Programs and or the Associate Dean of Health Services that a student be terminated from the
Nursing Program or not allowed to progress in the nursing course for any reason.
86
APPENDIX U – SSCC NURSING PROGRAM SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY FOR HEALTH PROGRAMS
Definition: As non-limiting examples of social networking sites this policy is intended to cover are
Facebook, Linked-In, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, Pinterest, and any other site normally considered under
social networking.
Students are advised to use social media cautiously and to avoid disclosing any information that could
be considered confidential patient information. Any disclosure, intentional or unintentional, of
information that could lead to the identification of a patient will result in appropriate disciplinary actions
up to and including dismissal from the health program. Removal of an individual’s name, or face, or
image, is not sufficient to protect identity or confidential information. The use of privacy settings that
are available on many social networking sites, does not guarantee that information will not appear in
public and is thus deemed insufficient to protect confidential patient information.
Students are not to make negative or disparaging or unprofessional remarks about fellow students,
instructors, patients, patient visitors, clinical sites or other health care professionals through social
media. Any negative or disparaging remarks, intentional or unintentional, through social media will be
considered unprofessional and will be considered a form of misconduct. This type of misconduct will be
subject to appropriate disciplinary actions.
The following guidelines are to be followed:
• Do not save confidential or sensitive patient information, or information of any sort
which could serve as identifying information, on any personal computer or other
electronic device.
• Email or texting correspondence with faculty should be treated confidentially and
should not include patient identifying information.
• Do not transmit any patient-related information or images through social media. Do
not take pictures or videos of patients or record discussions with cell phones or other
personal devices.
• Limiting access through privacy settings is not deemed sufficient to protect privacy and
confidentiality of information. There’s no such thing as a “private” social media site.
• Comply with clinical agency regulations regarding use of computers, cameras,
electronic devices, and cell phones while present in the clinical agency.
• Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality at all times.
• Report breaches of confidentiality or privacy to the health program instructor
promptly.
• Health Services students will not bring negative attention to the College or the
organization. This includes all forms of social media.
• Health Services students whose behavior in the community is inappropriate or
unlawful will be dismissed.
A Health Program student may be dismissed for any of the following reasons:
1. Violation of code of conduct as determined by the College and Health Services Programs.
2. Behavior that compromises the integrity of the Health Services Programs or the reputation of
the College (at the discretion of the Associate Dean of Health Services and the Dean of
Students).
Printed Name:
Signature: Date:
July 2022
Shelton State Community College • sheltonstate.edu
Prepared by faculty, sta, and students
of the Nursing Program
