The student is responsible and accountable for individual actions while administering nursing care to the client. The student is to perform nursing care commensurate with the level of nursing education and to adhere to the policies and procedures of the institution where their clinical experience is scheduled.

It is the responsibility of the student to seek supervision from the nursing instructor for any nursing skill or treatment that the student does not feel competent to perform.

Evaluation
Student evaluation is based on the curriculum, course and level objectives. It is a continuous process involving both faculty and student. Each week the instructor will meet with the student at a scheduled time for a clinical evaluation of the previous week. Upon completion of a term, each student will receive a final clinical evaluation by the instructor. The final theory grade and clinical pass/fail grade is given to the student and recorded on his/her academic transcript. At the end of each term the student anonymously evaluates the clinical site, classroom and clinical instructor, and theoretical experience.

Grading Scale - Theory

Grading Scale - Clinical
To achieve a passing grade in clinical, the student must obtain a satisfactory rating for each clinical objective. A Pass (P)/Fail (F) system of grading is used for the final clinical grade. Students who do not achieve a satisfactory score in each clinical objective will receive a final grade of "F." "P" or "F" clinical grades are not used in calculating the QPA.

Progression/Promotion
If all academic and professional standards of the School are met, the student will progress to the next term. A student will progress to the next term only if the cumulative QPA (Quality Point Average), and the individual grade for each course (college and/or nursing course) is 2.0 (C grade) or above. A student not meeting the standard as outlined above will be dismissed.

Maximum Time Frame
A financial aid recipient must complete the program within 150% of the normal program length as measured in months. The maximum time frame for transfer students will be adjusted. Students who exceed their maximum time frame are subject to the loss of financial aid, which can be appealed following the procedures outlined on the next page.

Readmission
A student who is academically dismissed may apply for readmission. A student may re-enroll only once with the approval of the ad hoc Faculty Committee for Admissions. Due to the sequential nature of the program, re-enrollment will typically be ten to twelve months after the dismissal or withdrawal. A student will be re-admitted on Conditional Status if he or she had previously academically withdrawn or been dismissed.

Conditional Status
Conditional Status serves as a warning to students whose theory/clinical performance or conduct is below the standards set by the School of Nursing. A student re-enrolling following academic withdrawal will be admitted on Conditional Status. Circumstances involving Conditional Status are fully explained in the Student Guidebook. The faculty reserves the right to place any student on Conditional Status or to dismiss any student from the nursing program if he or she fails to meet the academic and/or professional standards of the School of Nursing.

Graduation
A student who has fulfilled the requirements of the nursing program will graduate and be eligible to receive the diploma, cap and pin of the School. All financial obligations must be fulfilled prior to graduation.

The graduate nurse may apply to take the state licensing examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN) providing all requirements for eligibility are met.


Attendance at graduation is mandatory

Medication Administration Competency Policy
Purpose: To demonstrate competency in math calculations and/or medication administration.

A memo is mailed to the incoming first year students prior to entering the program in September, instructing them to study certain chapters form the book Calculate with Confidence.

1. Introduction to Nursing and Adult and Gerontological nursing: A medication administration exam, which is administered during the first week of the program, will include fractions, decimals and percentages, ratios, and proportions. A 90% must be obtained on the exam; the student is given three opportunities to take the exam. A mandatory tutorial session will be provided to the students prior to taking the math exam on the second and third attempts. Failure to attend the tutorial session will result in forfeiture of the opportunity to take the second or third exam. If the student fails on the third attempt to achieve a 90% on the medication administration exam, the student cannot continue in the nursing program.
   
   
2. A medication administration exam is given within the first week of the medical-Surgical Nursing course which will include medication calculations and medication administration questions as they relate to the specific content. The student must pass with a 90% and will have two opportunities to take the exam. A mandatory tutorial session will be offered prior to taking the second exam. Failure to attend the tutorial session will result in forfeiture of the opportunity to take the second exam. A minimum of two days must lapse between the first and second attempt, but the second exam must be completed by the end of the second week of the course. A student may not administer medications in the clinical setting until the medication administration is passed. If the student is unable to pass on the second attempt, the student cannot continue in the nursing program.
   
   
3. Senior students will be given a comprehensive math exam reflective of the math skills needed to be successful in the senior year at the beginning of the year. Students must earn a minimum of 90% on the exam. If 90% is not achieved the student will be given one more opportunity to take the exam and achieve 90%. If the student desires a tutorial session prior to the math exam, it is their responsibility to make these arrangements with their instructor. Failure to earn 90% or better in two attempts will result in the student being dismissed from the program.
   
   
4. There will be a minimum of 20 questions on the medication administration exams, but the total number of questions is up to the discretion of the instructor.
   
   
5. Five (5) percent of all unit and comprehensive exams will be math calculation and/or medication administration questions.
   
   
6. Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing issued calculators are permitted.
   
   
7. Remediation resources are available to students in the form of: Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI), math practice worksheets and drug calculation books.
   
   
8. This policy and material contained within is subject to the discretion of the Director of the Program.

Professional Standards
The faculty of Ohio Valley General Hospital School of Nursing believes that certain behaviors are necessary to maintain the professional status that nursing has earned.

1. Comply with the designated dress code for class and clinical experiences.
   
   
2. Respect the dignity and worth of all people by offering nursing care without prejudice.
   
   
3. Promote the individual and institution’s right to privacy by maintaining confidentiality according to State and Federal law. Uphold Patient’s Rights, including but not limited to the right to privacy and confidentiality as defined by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
   
   
4. Maintain integrity of nursing practice by reporting errors to the appropriate persons and accepting responsibility for his/her own actions.
   
   
5. Collaborate with other members of the health profession and other citizens in an effort to meet the health needs of the public.
   
   
6. Progress through the theoretical and clinical experiences through honest endeavors. (See Academic Integrity Policy)
   
   
7. Demonstrate behavior that will promote respect for oneself and others and uphold and promote the standards of the nursing profession.
   
   
8. Complete all theory and clinical assignments in a timely manner and respect scheduled appointment times.

Prerequisites to Attending Classes
Students must be certified in CPR for the Health Care Provider by the American Heart Association prior to and during their enrollment in the nursing program.

Students must satisfy all health requirements prior to beginning the program. No student may begin classes unless the health record is complete.

Leave of Absence
A leave of absence may be requested in writing and must be approved by the director of the School of Nursing. A student may take no more than one (1) leave of absence in a twelve-month period; the leave may not be in excess of two (2) weeks in duration.

Students are permitted a three-day funeral leave for a death in the immediate family. Immediate family includes; parent, parent-in-law, spouse, child, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, sibling or legal guardian. If a close relative dies, the student is permitted a one-day funeral leave. Close relatives include; grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece or nephew.

Withdrawal from the Program
A student may withdraw from the nursing program at any time. The student is required to submit a dated letter to the director of the School of Nursing, stating official withdrawal from the program, effective date, and the reason for withdrawal. The student must make arrangements for a final conference with the Director. A student who does not officially withdraw from the school and/or college or who fails to complete a course will receive a grade of "F." All financial and or scholarship obligations must be met before the student withdraws.

Dismissal from the Nursing Program
A student will be dismissed from the School of Nursing for any of the following violations:

Holidays
Students are exempt from class and clinical experience on:

Exemption from class and clinical experience will be given individual consideration by the director for cultural and ethnic practices.