The Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) awards the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Majors
Standards of Conduct
The nursing student shall comply with legal, moral and legislative standards that determine unacceptable behavior of the nurse and that may be cause for denial of a license to practice as a registered nurse in accordance with Alabama law as stated below.
"The board shall have the power to deny, revoke or suspend any license issued by it or to otherwise discipline a licensee upon proof that he or she is guilty of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license; has been convicted of a felony; is guilty of a crime involving moral turpitude or of gross immorality that would tend to bring reproach upon the nursing profession; is unfit or incompetent due to personal habits; is habitually intemperate due to the use of alcohol or is addicted to the use of habit-forming drugs to such an extent as to render him or her unsafe or unreliable as a licensee; has been convicted of any violation of a federal or state law relating to controlled substances; is mentally incompetent; is guilty of unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or injure the public in matters pertaining to health; or has willfully or repeatedly violated any of the provisions of this article as defined by board rules and regulations." (Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code, September 1997)
Failure to comply with any of the above stipulations while in the nursing program constitutes grounds for dismissal from the program.
It is important for nursing students to know about the Alabama Board of Nursing’s regulations governing review of candidates for initial and continuing licensure eligibility. There will be questions on the application to take the examination for licensure as a registered nurse that ask, “Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a criminal offense?” and, “Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol?” Application to take the examination may be denied on the basis of this review. Although these policies apply specifically in Alabama, other states have similar stipulations for licensure.
Pre-licensure Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression
Nursing education requires the acquisition of academic knowledge, clinical and specialized communication skills as well as professional attitudes and behaviors. All pre-licensure degrees certify that the student has acquired the broad base of knowledge and skills required for entry into professional nursing practice. This foundational education includes both academic and professional nursing courses that provide a base for clinical competence and informed judgements about health and patient care in a variety of settings. Since the treatment of patients is an essential part of the educational program, the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) must act to protect the health and safety of patients.
Candidates for any pre-licensure degree must have skills and abilities in ten core performance standards with or without reasonable accommodations. These ten standards include, but are not limited to, the following skills and abilities (bulleted examples included, not all-inclusive):
1. Critical Thinking: Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment.
- Identifies safety issues in clinical situations
- Identifies cause/effect relationships in clinical situations, develops, evaluates, and revises nursing plan of care as appropriate
- Has the ability to make safe judgments when planning and implementing all psychomotor nursing prescriptions
- Manages multiple priorities in stressful situations
- Responds instantly to emergency situations
- Exhibits arithmetic competence that would allow the student to read, understand and perform accurate calculations for computing medication dosages and intravenous flow rates
2. Interpersonal: Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds
- Establishes appropriate rapport with clients and colleagues
- Has the ability to work in groups on course activities
- Maintains therapeutic relationships with clients and colleagues
- Respects cultural diversity and rights of others
- Works effectively in small groups as a team member and as a team leader
- Practices verbal and non-verbal therapeutic communication
- Recognizes and attempts to resolve adverse events for both clients and colleagues
3. Communication: Communication abilities (hearing, speaking, reading, and writing) sufficient for interaction with others in verbal, written, assisted, and electronic form.
- Writes and communicates English effectively so as to be understood by the general public
- Has the ability to complete written assignments, participate in classroom discussion/activities, and complete group projects
- Has the ability to focus in class without making disruptive interruptions
- Communicates therapeutically with clients, families, and groups in a variety of settings
- Documents client data and nursing care completely and accurately
- Provides health teaching information for clients, families, and/or groups based on assessed needs, available resources, age, lifestyle, and cultural considerations
- Has the ability to use a variety of computer programs and platforms
- Must be able to give and receive constructive feedback, process feedback, and utilize it to conform behavior to expected professional standards
4. Physical Mobility: Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces.
- Able to attend and participate in class
- Has the ability to push, pull and/or lift a minimum of 30 lbs. of weight
- Has mobility and stamina sufficient to function for up to a 12-hour clinical experience in various settings
- Lifts, moves, positions, and transports clients without causing harm to client or self
- Has the ability to move around client’s room, work spaces and treatment areas, in all clinical settings
- Has the ability to stoop, bend, squat, and reach overhead as required to deliver care safely in emergent and non- emergent situations
- Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to recommended procedures and professional standards
5. Gross and Fine Motor Skills: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care
- Performs physical activities necessary to accomplish nursing skills, including but not limited to: putting on sterile gloves, donning mask and gown, operating a manual and electronic blood pressure cuff, using sterile technique and performing essential client care
- Performs correct hand washing technique
- Provides or assists with activities of daily living
- Administers all routes of medications to maintain client safety
- Has the ability to use computers and other electronic devices
- Performs electronic keyboarding/documentation and/or extensive writing
- Calibrates and uses equipment correctly (e.g. syringes, vials, ampoules, medication packages)
- Has the gross and fine motor ability to grasp small objects (e.g. IV tubing, syringe, dropper)
6. Auditory: Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs
- Has the auditory ability to participate in class lectures and contribute to discussions
- Has the auditory ability to participate in verbal exchanges among health care personnel and clients
- Has the auditory ability to monitor alarms, emergency signals, and cries for help
- Has the auditory ability to distinguish changes in tone and pitch for example when listening to a client’s respirations, cardiac, and abdominal auditory characteristics when using a stethoscope
7. Visual: Ability to Observe and Assess Visual Cues
- Has the visual ability to observe audio-visual aids and client, peer, and faculty responses.
- Has the visual ability to read medical documents; see small calibrations on sphygmomanometers, syringes, and thermometers; observe patient responses to interventions or health problems; and detect color changes
- Performs nursing skills such as inserting urinary catheters and IV devices, counting respirations, and preparing or administering medications
- Has the visual ability to discriminate colors, changes in color, size, and contour of body part
- Has the visual ability to identify, prepare, and administer medications accurately and safely by all routes
8. Tactile: Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment
- Performs palpation functions correctively for physical examination and therapeutic interventions such as pulses, temperature, texture, firmness, softness, and physical landmarks
9. Emotional Stability: Emotional stability sufficient to tolerate rapid and changing conditions and environmental stress
- Establishes therapeutic interpersonal boundaries
- Provides clients with emotional support and respect differences in patients, families and other students
- Complete all responsibilities in the assessment and implementation of nursing care for patients in a timely, safe and effective manner
- Adapts to stressful situations and changing environments while maintaining professional conduct and standards
- Have adequate environmental awareness and emotional stability to remain calm and function effectively in multiple, complex settings that may be stressful, noisy and may be potential harmful
- Take responsibility for their own actions
- Poses no threat to self or others
- Performs potentially stressful tasks concurrently
10. Professional Behavior: Behave in a respectful, ethical and professional manner with others
- Interacts respectfully with peers, faculty, superiors, clients, and families
- Strives to provide quality client care
- Applies knowledge and clinical reasoning
- Reflects on own behavior and clinical performance with clients; engages in self-evaluations
- Has the ability to interact with peers and colleagues appropriately
- Has the ability to collaborate with clients, families, and others in nursing situations
- Integrates ethical behavior in nursing practice
- Performs activities safely, so as to not injure or harm others or self
- Recognizes that all students represent the nursing profession and must behave accordingly
- Respects and adheres to the policies and procedures of the School of Nursing and clinical agencies
Application for Accommodation Prior to Matriculation
The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with approved accommodation(s). In order to request accommodations, students must contact the UA Office of Disability Services (ODS) and follow the registration process. CCN faculty collaborate with the Office Disability Services (ODS) within the scope of the core performance standards to establish reasonable accommodations. Throughout a student's career, the CCN will work with the student and ODS to ensure accommodations are reasonably facilitated and maintains safety for the student and patient.
Hours and Grade Points
The student must complete a minimum of 126 hours1 of academic credit approved by the Capstone College of Nursing to meet the requirements for the degree of bachelor of science in nursing. Additional courses may be necessary for students to meet the University Core Curriculum requirements.
All coursework leading to the BSN degree, including electives, requires a minimum grade of C-.
Footnotes | |
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1 | Any reference to hours indicates semester hours unless otherwise noted. |
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all course activities including classes, seminars, conferences, laboratories, and clinical learning experiences. PRIOR to an absence, students are required to contact course leader when absences are necessitated. Classroom absences due to illness require students to submit a physician signed medical excuse within 48 hours of the absence.
Faculty reserve the right to require make-up work for any course related absence, whether excused or unexcused. Each unexcused absence will result in a one point deduction per occurrence from the student’s final grade.
Should absences from a clinical learning experience be emergent/necessary, students are required to notify the course leader and clinical faculty. When applicable, students should contact the designated contact person in the clinical agency. Missed clinical learning experiences will be made up at a date and time designated by course faculty.
Students are encouraged to contact the faculty member directly in the event of absence.
Clinical Nursing Courses
The laboratory experiences in the upper division courses are very time-intensive. Consequently, most clinical courses are allocated 4-9 semester hours of credit. Students enrolled in clinical nursing courses engage in traditional classroom learning activities and in clinical laboratory experiences in which they provide care to clients in a variety of health care settings.
Health Requirements
All health requirements are maintained through an online immunization and record tracking vendor and monitored by the Office of Undergraduate Programs.
1. Upon promotion to the upper division, nursing students are required to submit to a drug screen and background check.
2. Promotion to the upper division will be withdrawn for students who:
- do not meet the drug screen and background check prior to upper division orientation.
- refuse to submit to the background check or drug screen; and/or
- have been convicted of or have a pending charge that would not be acceptable for clinical practice or have a positive drug screen.
3. Five forms are distributed to students during upper division orientation:
- Health and Physical Exam Form
- Immunization Form requiring verification of completed Tetanus, Meningococcal, Polio, Varicella, MMR, Hepatitis B and negative two-step TB skin test or IGRA blood test
- Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire
- Substance Abuse Policy (Attachments A and B signed and witnessed during upper division orientation)
- Academic Dishonesty Policy
4. Students must submit all documentation through the online immunization and record tracking system by the posted deadline which will be announced in upper division orientation.
5. In addition to above forms, student must also complete/submit the following requirements in the online immunization and record tracking system:
- Health and Physical Exam Form
- Immunization Form requiring verification of completed immunizations and negative two-step TB skin test
- HIPAA Privacy and Security Training Certification and Acknowledgement
- Student OSHA Training Acknowledgement
- Acknowledgement of review of BSN Undergraduate Catalog
- Copy of current medical insurance card (front and back)
- Copy of current CPR certification*
6. Students will be allowed to continue in nursing courses only if all mandatory requirements are completed and received by the posted due date. Failure to provide the required documentation by the due date will result in the student being administratively withdrawn from all nursing courses.
7. Annual renewal is required for:
- Drug screen and background check
- Health and Physical Exam Form (Statement of Health Status)
- TB skin test
- HIPAA Privacy and Security Training Certification and Acknowledgement
- Student OSHA Training Acknowledgement
- Acknowledgement of review of BSN Undergraduate Catalog
- Flu vaccine (due in fall)
- Copy of current CPR certification*
8. Students can only go to clinical when when all health requirements are met.
* The American Heart Association’s CPR Certification for BLS Providers is required for all clinical courses. Certification must be renewed annually and must be effective through the entire semester in which a student is enrolled in a clinical nursing course. Online certification will NOT be accepted.
Immunizations
· Measles, German Measles, Mumps Vaccines
The University of Alabama requires documentation of immunity of Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) for all students. Please refer to the University of Alabama’s Health Requirement for Registration Policy for specifics.
· Hepatitis B Vaccine
Prior to beginning the first semester of nursing courses, students must provide proof of immunization for hepatitis B or a hepatitis B titer that shows adequate antibody protection. In the event that a titer is performed and antibodies are insufficient to offer immunity, the complete hepatitis B series is required.
It is highly desirable that the series of 3 injections be completed prior to beginning the upper division. The minimum expectations and proof of immunization injections for hepatitis B are as follows:
- Injections 1 and 2 — documented on Student Health Form by date specified during Semester I of upper division.
- Injection 3 — documented either on Student Health Form or by official note from the health care provider who administered the vaccine by the end of Semester II. FAILURE TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION OF THE THIRD INJECTION WILL PROHIBIT ANY FURTHER PROGRESSION IN CLINICAL COURSES IN THE COLLEGE OF NURSING.
Hepatitis B injections are available from Student Health Center, many County Health Departments in Alabama (but not Tuscaloosa), private physicians, and clinics such as the Capstone Medical Center. Plans for all injections should be discussed with the chosen health care provider. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO PLAN A TIME SCHEDULE WITH THE SELECTED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO ASSURE THE COMPLETION OF IMMUNIZATIONS TO COINCIDE WITH THE DATES SPECIFIED. Students also are responsible for making all arrangements for receipt of and payment for the vaccine.
· Tetanus Vaccination (Tdap)
A DPT series and TD/Tdap within the past ten years is required, prior to entering the upper division clinical courses.
· Meningococcal Vaccination
A meningococcal vaccine is required prior to upper division clinical courses.
· Polio Vaccine and Booster
A polio vaccine series and booster is required prior to upper division clinical courses.
· Varicella Vaccine
A varicella vaccine series (2 doses) or varicella titer, which shows immunity, is required prior to upper division clinical courses.
· Flu Vaccine
One dose is required annually, obtained in the fall semester.
Expenses
Health Insurance–Variable annual costs
Upon promotion to upper division, students must provide evidence of current/active adequate health insurance to cover long-term and emergency treatment.
Nursing College Fees
College or course fees are additional charges associated with a student’s specific class enrollment for each term. College fees apply to any course offered by a college. Fees are billed to the student by Student Receivables and rates are subject to change without notice.
Infrastructure Fees
Infrastructure fees are used to meet the instructional needs of full access to the technology required by our students, faculty, and staff and provide a safer campus environment. Fees are billed to the student by Student Receivables and rates are subject to change without notice.
CPR Certification
Upon promotion to upper division, students are required to submit evidence of American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers that extends through the entire semester is required before a student begins a clinical nursing course and must be renewed annually. Fees charged by certifying agencies for initial certification and annual renewal vary and are the responsibility of the student.
TB Test
Upon promotion to upper division, students are required to submit evidence of a two-step tuberculin skin test or IGRA blood test. If either skin test or blood test is positive, an annual negative chest X-ray is required. A one-step TB skin test or IGRA blood test will be required annually after the initial. Fees charged for the TB test vary by provider and are the responsibility of the student.
Background Check and Drug Screen
Upon promotion to the upper division, students are required to submit to a drug screen and background check and must be renewed annually. Costs for background check and drug screen are billed directly to the student by CastleBranch.
Health Requirements (plus the cost of immunizations and physical exam)
Upon promotion to upper division, students are required to submit a Nursing Student Health and Physical Exam Form, Nursing Student Immunization Form and Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire completed by a physician or certified registered nurse practitioner. Completed forms are uploaded to the online immunization and record tracking system. Fees charged for the physical, completion of the forms and any needed immunizations vary by provider and are the responsibility of the student. Costs for immunization and record tracking system isbilled directly to the student by CastleBranch.
Clinical Uniforms (plus the cost of shoes and watch)
Upon promotion to upper division, students are required to purchase items comprising the clinical uniform, which have been approved by the College. These items will be used throughout the professional component of the curriculum and include two uniforms purchased from the vendor on contract. The cost of these two uniforms ranges from $145.00 to $160.00. A warm-up style lab coat with cuffs, all white leather shoes (sneaker or nursing), and a watch with sweep second hand are also required as well as a polo-type shirt that will be worn with scrub pants in certain clinical situations as specified by course faculty. Approximate cost for the polo is $37.00 and will be ordered through JNJ Apparel. Approximate cost for the lab coat is $45.00 and can be purchased from the vendor on contract or any nursing uniform store. Cost of the shoes and watch varies with personal preference.
Physical Assessment Equipment
Upon promotion to upper division students must purchase a complete set of physical assessment equipment/supplies. The set includes: stethoscope with bell and diaphragm, percussion hammer, retractable tape measurer, Snellen eye chart, pen light, bandage scissors, clear metric ruler, blood pressure cuff, tuning fork, china marking pen, transparent metric ruler, eye protection glasses, EKG ruler, and digital thermometer. Assessment Kits are purchased through the University Supply Store.
Mobile Devices and Required Software
In the second semester of Upper Division, students at the Capstone College of Nursing are required to purchase Davis’ Drug Guide software for their mobile device to be used in their coursework, clinicals and throughout the curriculum.
Travel Expenses
Nursing students assume individual responsibility for their transportation to health care agencies. The amount of travel varies with each clinical course, and the cost increases when the students’ assignments are in rural areas or outside Tuscaloosa County.
Textbooks and Packets
Each nursing course has a listing of required and recommended textbooks. Students are expected to have in their possession all books listed as required, and access to books identified as recommended.
Standard Assessment Tests
Proctored standardized tests are required periodically throughout the curriculum. Examination costs are billed to the student by Student Receivables.
Student Review and Clinical Materials
In order to enhance student outcomes, specialized educational tools and resources are used throughout the curriculum. These include content based assessments, skills improvement & remediation, and live review. In addition, clinical experience plays a key role in any nursing program. The more clinical experience a student has, the better prepared they are to enter the nursing field. Placement shortages, budget cuts and restrictions make clinical hours and experience difficult, leaving students without the training they need. In order to ensure students get the clinical experience they need to develop their clinical judgement, master key nursing skills, learn effective communication and become practice-ready nurses, a suite of nursing tools is required that includes Real Life Clinical Reasoning Scenarios, Video Case Studies and Skills Modules. Clinical costs are billed to the student directly from Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.
Graduation Expenses
During the senior year, students need to plan for extra expenses related to graduation and application for the licensure examination for registered nurses. Expenses typically include the following:
- Cap, Gown and Tassel Fee
- Degree Application Fee
- Transcript Requests
- Alabama State Board Application Fee
- If requesting a temporary permit additional costs apply
- NCLEX-RN Examination Fee
- Photographs
- Capstone College of Nursing Pin
Uniform
The Uniform of the Student of Professional Nursing
“Clothing is a form of nonverbal communication that stimulates judgmental or behavioral responses in others. Our clothing makes it possible for a stranger to categorize us — at least tentatively — and sets the stage for further interaction… Those who wear uniforms are issued a common identity, separating them from others. But uniforms send out a dual message: They are symbols of authority and power and, at the same time, a sign of reduced individuality — the wearer must act according to the expectations and limitations defined for the group.”
The CCN student uniform projects an image of professionalism and competence. Students represent nursing, the College, and The University of Alabama to the public when dressed in the student uniform; they, therefore are charged with portraying a positive professional image of nursing.
The student uniform was approved by the students and faculty of the College and is to be worn in its entirety. The uniform is ordered from the College’s specified vendor and is ordered prior to entering upper division clinical nursing courses. There are to be NO substitutes for the official uniform. If replacement uniforms are needed, they must be ordered from the vendor. Order forms are available online.
If a student chooses to wear a tee shirt under the college uniform, it must meet the following criteria. The tee shirt must be white, non-transparent, smooth texture with no visible tee-shirt wording, and no visible undergarments. The shirts may be short sleeved or long sleeved.
Jewelry worn with the uniform is limited to a plain band ring and watch, no bracelets or necklaces with the exception of medical alert wearables. Piercings can only contain studs, no hoops or dangling styles. Fingernails must be clean and of short length, not visible from the palm. No nail polish is permitted. Hair must be neat and well-groomed and must be secured so as to not interfere with client care. Perfume and excessive makeup must not be worn. Facial hair must be clean, well-trimmed and neat but is discouraged in patient care areas where masks are routinely worn, especially N-95 masks, as improper fitting may compromise student safety. Tattoos must not contain explicit or offensive language/content or must be covered.
Maternity uniforms that closely resemble the official uniform may be worn during pregnancy.
Please Note: The student uniform is worn only for scheduled clinical learning experiences including pre-clinical preparation days at the clinical agency. If a student is employed by a clinical agency, the uniform designated by the agency must be worn (such designation cannot be the student uniform as defined in this policy).
This student uniform policy is reviewed periodically by the Student Life Committee of the College of Nursing, which has student representation.
Time Limit
If upper-division requirements for the degree have not been completed within five years after initial registration in the Capstone College of Nursing, the student’s academic record will be reviewed to establish appropriate changes or requirements. Any student who has not enrolled in upper-division courses for more than one semester is required to seek approval from the assistant dean of Undergraduate Programs prior to registration to enroll in any subsequent courses. Approval may require repeating courses to ensure that knowledge is current.
Content Mastery Series
Content Mastery Series (RN Fundamentals, RN Pharmacology, RN Adult Medical Surgical, RN Mental Health, RN Maternal Newborn, RN Nursing Care of Children, RN Nutrition, RN Leadership, RN Community Health, and RN Comprehensive Predictor) are required. With the exception of the Comprehensive Predictor, the minimum performance benchmark for students on all Content Mastery assessments is a Level 2. For the Comprehensive Predictor, the minimum performance benchmark is 95% probability of passing NCLEX. Students must complete individualized remediation, which will vary based on student’s level of achievement.
Review Course
All graduating seniors are required to take the review course provided by ATI in preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Admission to Lower Division
Students are admitted to the lower division of the Capstone College of Nursing when they meet University of Alabama admission requirements. Students are encouraged to acquaint themselves with general academic regulations of the University, as stated under the Admissions section of this catalog. Transfer students are encouraged to seek advisement from the Capstone College of Nursing Office of Nursing Student Services.
Prerequisites
Many lower division courses have specific prerequisites. See course descriptions for prerequisites or contact the Office of Nursing Student Services for detailed information.
Promotion to Upper Division
An online application for promotion to the upper division may be accessed at nursing.ua.edu. It is the student’s responsibility to submit an application by the deadline. Applicants for the upper division must be admitted to The University of Alabama prior to accessing and submitting an application for upper division.
Promotion Policies
Promotion to the upper division requires successful completion of the lower-division courses designated on the Capstone College of Nursing BSN program of study. Students may apply and be considered for promotion to the upper division during the final lower-division semester if they will have completed all courses prior to the semester for which application to the upper division is made. In such instances, promotion to the upper division may be granted conditionally, pending successful completion of all courses required for promotion. Promotion to the upper division may be withdrawn if the level of academic performance is significantly lower in those courses completed after conditional promotion.
Only those applicants who meet minimum requirements are eligible to apply to the upper division of the Capstone College of Nursing. The minimum grade point averages are at least a 3.0 for the required courses in the lower division and at least a 2.75 for the required science courses. A minimum score of a 75 is also required on the admissions assessment. The Capstone College of Nursing reserves the right to utilize additional criteria in the promotion process.
Spaces in the upper division are limited and meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee promotion to the upper division of the nursing curriculum. When the number of students seeking promotion to the upper division exceeds the number of spaces available, the most qualified applicants will be promoted. Those applicants who present the strongest academic records and who show the most promise for success in the upper division will be promoted.
Native UA students are defined as those who have completed 32 or more hours of the required lower-division coursework at UA or through Advanced Placement (AP) or Dual Enrollment courses completed in high school. Transfer students are defined as those students who have completed less than 32 hours of the required lower-division coursework at The University of Alabama. A transfer student may be accepted into the upper division when the academic record, taken as a whole, presents evidence of outstanding academic performance and a strong likelihood of success in the upper division.
Students requesting a transfer to the upper division of the nursing program from another BSN program must follow the promotion policies above.
The Capstone College of Nursing does not accept nursing courses from another BSN program. The number of students promoted each semester is dependent upon available resources; promotion to upper division is competitive. Applications and deadlines for promotion to the upper division may be obtained online at nursing.ua.edu.
Upon progression to the upper division, permission to depart from the clinical sequence must be obtained from the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs. Because of the limitations in clinical course spaces, departure from the sequence for any reason may significantly lengthen the time for program completion.
The academic advisors in the Office of Nursing Student Services assist students regarding academic matters. Students may make an appointment to meet with an academic adviser for academic matters at any time during the semester. Academic matters include course sequencing, withdrawals, dropping and adding courses, academic progression, registration and academic problems. Faculty mentors are available to advise and mentor students regarding career goals and questions about the nursing field. Students may request a faculty mentor by submitting the faculty mentor request form available at nursing.ua.edu to the ONSS.
Preregistration Advising
Lower Division
Students must attend a preregistration advising session each semester to be cleared for registration, unless an academic adviser has cleared them during that semester. A student who does not complete a designated advisement session during the scheduled period will be required to register during late registration and pay the associated fee. Information about advising and registration is provided at nursing.ua.edu.
Upper Division
Upper Division students are advised via email by the Administrative Specialist of Undergraduate Programs during the designated preregistration advising period in the fall and spring semesters.
No request for specific clinical days will be accepted. Assigned days for the upcoming semester will be published by the end of the current semester to allow for scheduling purposes.
Administrative Withdrawal from Clinical Nursing Courses
Students’ clinical experiences are considered a vital part of learning the practice of professional nursing, and faculty guidance is available in facilitating these learning experiences. As students progress through the program of study, they are expected to increase their abilities to function independently and assume responsibility for their actions. When a student’s clinical decision making is deemed by faculty to constitute unsafe or unethical nursing practice, or when there is lack of adherence to established policies and procedures related to professional conduct, the student will receive a failing grade in the course and will be withdrawn from the course and/or suspended from the program. Administrative withdrawal procedures are initiated by faculty through the office of the senior associate dean for Academic Programs. Further progression in the Capstone College of Nursing is determined according to the rules for academic probation and suspension and the availability of space.
Return to the Undergraduate Nursing Program after a Nonacademic Leave of Absence
Following a nonacademic leave of absence (e.g., military, medical or other) from the Capstone College of Nursing for six or more months, a student’s academic record and time elapsed since completing clinical nursing courses will be reviewed by the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs to facilitate the student’s readiness to re-enter the program.
Individualized plans will be negotiated with the student to facilitate a smooth transition into the program and may include knowledge-refresher activities, either informal or formal independent study.
Components of the refresher plan may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- review of medication calculations and completion of a medication-calculation exam
- review of health-assessment materials, such as videos
- review of appropriate charting and documentation methods
- practice with medication administration, such as PO, IM and IV
- practice with skills such as foley catheter insertion, NG tubes, suctioning, sterile dressing changes, injections and IV insertion
- review of content from an NCLEX Review book of content areas previously completed
This option is offered to facilitate the student’s successful re-entry into the BSN program. The student assumes responsibility for his or her learning and is encouraged to seek needed assistance.
Auditing Courses
Clinical nursing courses are not open to auditors.
Inclement Weather
Faculty in the following situations may cancel clinical laboratory experiences:
- At those times when the Tuscaloosa city or county school systems are closed due to inclement weather conditions
- At those times when school systems in the same geographic location as the health care agency are closed due to inclement weather
Each faculty member is responsible for evaluating the weather conditions in the geographic area of the clinical site. If a decision is made to cancel the clinical experience, it is the faculty member’s responsibility to contact students with all relevant information. All cancelled clinical time will be rescheduled.
Classes located on the University Campus may only be canceled by the President’s office. Students should listen to local TV/radio broadcasts for information concerning cancellation of classes.
BSN Student Affirmation Form
Upper division students are required to sign a CCN BSN Student Affirmation Form each semester. By signing this affirmation, students are committing to maintain professionalism related to HIPAA guidelines, American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, University of Alabama Code of Academic Conduct, etc.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed by Congress in 1996 to insure the portability of insurance coverage as employees moved from job to job; to increase accountability and decrease fraud and abuse in health care; and to improve the efficiency of the health care payment process, while at the same time protecting a patient’s privacy. All upper division students must participate in an annual HIPAA Privacy and Security Training.
Occupational Safety & Health Administration Standards
CCN abides by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards. All upper division students must participate in an annual review of OSHA standards as they relate to bloodborne pathogens and transmission of tuberculosis. Fit testing for a respirator (mask) may be a part of this requirement.
Licensure
Upon completion of the program, students meet the educational qualifications of the Board of Nursing in the state for which they are seeking licensure for taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Completion of the academic program in no way assures the student of licensure. No employee, agent, or representative of the University is authorized or empowered to provide such assurances either directly or by implication.
Resolution of Concerns
Students are encouraged to seek the guidance of the academic advisor when problems arise. If problems occur that are directly related to nursing courses, resolution should be sought through conference with the course faculty. If the problem is not resolved at that level the student may seek resolution through a conference with the Course Leader, RN Mobility Coordinator (for RN Mobility Track Students), Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Programs, or the Dean, in respective order.
Student Employment
CCN assumes no responsibility for students employed in a health care agency. A student is personally responsible for any activities conducted while employed. Professional liability insurance purchased for each student by the College is valid in the student role, but not in the employment role. An individual who practices nursing illegally may jeopardize his/her future as a licensed professional. A student employed in an agency has the responsibility, personally and professionally, to engage in only those activities, that fall within the job description for non-professional workers, and has a responsibility to refuse to participate in activities, in which he or she has not been legally licensed to perform.
The purpose of this elective course is to introduce the student to the Capstone College of Nursing and to help the student develop an awareness of and appreciation for the nursing profession. Emphasis is placed on the advisement process, study skills, professional nursing organizations, an overview of the CCN curriculum, and opportunities in nursing. (Theory).
The purpose of this elective course is to introduce the student to the Capstone College of Nursing and to help the student develop an awareness of and appreciation for the nursing profession. Emphasis is placed on the advisement process, study skills, professional nursing organizations, an overview of the CCN curriculum, and opportunities in nursing. (Theory) This is the honors section and is designated for honors students only.