STUDENT HANDBOOK FOR CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT & HOME HEALTH AIDE

Transcription

1 STUDENT HANDBOOK FOR CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT & HOME HEALTH AIDE Revised 05/02/2017

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Philosophy and Goals. 1 Introduction.. 1 Program Policies. 2 General Code of Conduct. 2 Attendance.. 2 Use of personal Electronic Devices.. 3 Absence/Absentee Policy 3 Health Statement. 3 Student Illness or Injury.. 3 Pregnancy Leave.. 4 Grading and Clinical Evaluation 5 Retention.. 6 Rating for Clinical Evaluation... 6 Critical Elements for all Courses 7 Unsafe Performance.. 9 Clinical Probation 9 Certification Requirements. 10 Procedure for Examinations.. 10 Gavilan College Academic Honesty Policy.. 11 Allied Health Student Integrity Policy.. 14 Infection Control Awareness. 15 Impaired Student Policy.. 16 Dismissal of Students. 17 Withdrawal.. 18 Incomplete Grades.. 18 Responsibility of the Student. 19 College Catalog 19 Program Expenses.. 19 Transportation.. 19 Current Address 19 Photo ID Badges 19 Guidelines for Professional Conduct. 19 Personal Appearance. 20 Uniform.. 20 Shoes/Socks 20 Hair 20 Makeup and Tattoos 21 Odors/Aromas.. 21 Nails. 21 Jewelry/Piercings 21 Speech and Conversation 21 Eating/Drinking/Smoking. 21 For Field Trips 21 Health Insurance 21 Gifts and Gratuities. 22 Clinical Ethics. 22 Students as Hospital Employees 22 Personal Reasons for Visiting in the Hospital... 22

3 ADA Compliance Statement 23 Essential Physical Requirements.. 23 Essential Cognitive Learning Skills.. 24 Essential Communication Skills. 25 Quality of Care 25 Code of Nurses.. 25 Students Rights and Resources 26 Allied Health Faculty Office Hours.. 26 Faculty Evaluation.. 27 Learning Resource Center.. 27 Scholarships and Financial Assistance.. 27 Skills Laboratory.. 27 Students Problem Resolution Process.. 27 Contract 30 Oath of Confidentiality. 31 Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or other disability should contact their instructor, counselor, advisor or the Disability Resource Center.

4 Gavilan College Allied Health Philosophy and Goals Philosophy We are committed to the goal of providing every student with the opportunity to become prepared for the world of work with acquisition of marketable skills necessary to become suitably employed. We are proud to offer these educational opportunities to our students. Goals The goals of the following courses are: 1. To provide entry level skills and preparation for employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide. 2. To provide entry-level skills and preparation for advanced vocational training. INTRODUCTION TO THE NURSING FUNDAMENTALS HANDBOOK AH 180 Fundamentals of Nursing-Convalescent provides a basic introduction to patient care in the convalescent setting. Emphasizes principles, understanding and skills necessary to perform basic nursing procedures safely and effectively. Includes introduction to health care, planning, safety, infection control, personal care, basic procedures, rehabilitation, nutrition and clients rights and needs. At the completion of this course students will qualify for state certification as a nursing assistant. AH 182 Home Health Care is designed to prepare students to provide basic health care in the home. Includes interpretation of medical/social needs, personal care services, cleaning tasks, nutrition, and the scope of limitations of a home health aide. Students will be eligible for a Home Health Aide certificate from the State of California. Students are assigned actual patients to care for. Providing direct health care is a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. It requires discipline, knowledge, skills and responsibility of the health care worker. It is because of this that the following guidelines and requirements in this handbook have been developed. Please read the entire book carefully and clarify with the instructor any portion you do not fully understand. The handbook is for you and the instructor, but mostly for the patients we care for. 1

5 Gavilan College Nursing Fundamentals and Home Health Aide Program Handbook Program Policies General Code of Conduct Because patients in clinical settings are dependent upon their caregivers for their physical well-being, emotional security, and their perception of their illness, the conduct expected of all students in the Allied Health programs of Gavilan College exceeds that of the general student. Failure to demonstrate behavior that conforms to these expectations will be cause for dismissal from the program. Components of these standards include, but are not limited to, those listed below: Professional Attitudes: Maturity Compassion and Caring Integrity and Truthfulness Sound judgment and priority setting Professional Appearance: (see the personal appearance section) Cleanliness Neatness Inspires confidence of patient Professional Behaviors: Safe clinical performance Punctuality Ethical Conduct Conscientiousness in carrying out duties Maintenance of confidentiality Appropriate behavior in patient care areas Adherence to Gavilan College policies and Allied Health Policies Cell phones must be turned off and pagers should be kept in vibrating mode while in class or clinical Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to, use of profanity, inappropriate relationships or behavior with patients, staff, faculty, or fellow students, use of substances that impair clinical performance. Attendance Attendance will be taken and recorded for each session. Students missing any class time in either theory or clinical for AH 180 & AH 182 will be dropped without possibility of credit, or failed if after the last day to withdraw. 2

6 The State of California has approved the Nursing Fundamentals and Home Health Aide courses so that students who successfully complete it can become certified. This also means that the State mandates the number of hours students must attend. Any student who misses more than the allowed absences will not be certified. Unfortunately, there is no way to make up clinical hours or theory hours. Students who do not attend the first class session will be dropped from class in order to admit other students desiring to enroll. Each student is responsible for meeting the weekly learning objectives. Make-up of clinical and/or theory objectives for AH 180 & AH 182 is not possible within the semester and will result in the student receiving an F if this occurs after the withdrawal date. Precautionary statement about meeting course objectives: Use of Electronic Devices in the Classroom Using personal electronic devices in the classroom setting can hinder instruction and learning, not only for the student using the device but also other students in the class. The Allied Health Department establishes the right of each faculty member to determine if and how personal electronic devices are allowed to be used in the classroom. Absence/Absentee Policy The student is expected to be in attendance at all times in clinical and theory in order to meet course objectives. Absences, tardiness, and leaving early are detrimental to meeting the course objectives and leave an inadequate opportunity to evaluate the student s clinical performance. Due to the strict requirements mandated by the state for clinical and theory hours, students who are enrolled in the CNA and HHA class are not allowed to have any absences for clinical and theory. Health Statement Every student must provide a written Health Statement. The Gavilan College Health Statement form will be given to you by the instructor. The Health Statement must be current within 90 days of clinical. The instructor must have your current health statement before you can participate in the clinical setting. Student Illness or Injury Injury in the classroom or clinical setting must be reported immediately to the instructor. For the protection of students, patients, clinical personnel, and faculty, the policies must be adhered to at all times. Students suffering from an obvious injury or illness that might jeopardize safe patient care must be removed from the clinical setting and may be required to furnish certification of health before returning to the class or clinical setting. Students who develop an active oral 3

7 herpetic lesion will not be allowed to participate in clinical. Students must have a physician release on-file stating that they are physically able to participate fully without restriction or limitations in clinical. Limited assignments are not provided. It may be necessary for a student to withdraw from the program and return (space available) when their physician restrictions or limitations are lifted. In order to return to the clinical area, students must submit a written release from their physician stating the student has no limitations after an injury or illness. Injury Reporting Process 1. Injury occurs. 2. Student immediately reports injury to the instructor. 3. Instructor assesses student to determine if he/she needs to go to the emergency room If the student does not have an emergent injury: instructor and injured student must complete an Accident/Injury/Incident Report and forward to HR once complete. If the student does have an emergent injury that requires an emergency room visit: student must seek medical attention immediately. Once medical attention has been rendered, student must file a workers compensation claim by contacting the Gavilan College Human Resources Department at (408) Human Resources will follow up with the injured student if any further medical care required. Pregnancy Leave 1. Antepartum A. A written clearance from a health care provider (to be submitted to the Director of Allied Health Programs) is necessary within the first trimester of pregnancy. B. The student may remain active in the nursing program with provider clearance until she delivers, provided she is able to meet all the weekly clinical laboratory objectives and her attendance record remains satisfactory. C. The student should notify the clinical instructor as soon as pregnancy is suspected as some scheduled observational experience may need to be eliminated for her safety. 2. Postpartum A. The student may return no sooner than one week postpartum. B. The student must present a written clearance from her attending physician. This should be submitted to the Director of Allied Health Programs. C. The maximum absence policy of the nursing program will apply. 4

8 Grading and Clinical Evaluation At the beginning of each semester, the student is given a course outline with specific objectives and expected outcomes. Requirements and assignments will be specified. In addition the system of grading will be clearly defined on a percentage basis. In the clinical area, students will be given an individual evaluation of their clinical performance. Evaluation conference will be arranged at the discretion of the instructor, either on campus or in the clinical area. The grading system used in the nursing program is in accordance with that used by the campus as a whole, which is as follows: A indicative of excellent performance B indicative of good performance C indicative of a satisfactory performance D less than satisfactory, not eligible for certification or licensure F failing NC no credit I incomplete In the nursing program the following percentage values have been assigned to the letter grades of A, B, and C. A "C" grade is considered the lowest level that can be achieved in the nursing program and still successfully pass a course and proceed with the next course in the curriculum. A % A % B % B 83-86% B % C % C 75-76% F 74.9% or less (not passing) A C grade is considered the lowest level that can be achieved in the program and qualify the student for eligibility to take the nursing assistant certification exam. 1. Theory: 100% of grade will be from scores on tests, quizzes, lecture notes, assignments, handouts and workbook material. Clinical will be graded Pass/Fail. Withdrawal: The programs will follow college policy regarding NRS and W grades. Specified dates are printed in the Schedule of Classes. Incomplete Grades: The programs will follow college policy in that a student will receive an incomplete if unable to complete final course requirements because of unforeseeable, emergency and justifiable reasons. The requirements necessary to complete the course must be fulfilled the next term of attendance (excluding 5

9 summer) within the year. If the "I" grade is not removed in this fashion it will revert to an "F." A committee composed of nursing faculty will decide whether the student's reasons are of a nature to be serious and compelling enough to warrant being offered the incomplete option. Student must be receiving a satisfactory grade in lecture, and passing in clinical (not on probation) in order to be eligible for consideration for receiving an incomplete grade. In order to receive certification the student must receive a grade of "C" or better in theory and a passing grade in clinical. Students receiving a "Fail" in clinical will automatically receive an "F" for the entire course. 2. In addition, students must demonstrate competence in performing skills in the clinical setting. 3. You will be given a clinical checklist form at the beginning of the clinical. It is your responsibility to see to it that you are checked by the instructor on each skill as the semester progresses. 4. Students are required to take vital signs accurately by the end of the Nursing Fundamentals and Home Health Aide. The students must measure the vital signs within the following parameters: Pulse - within 4 beats of the instructor s reading Respirations - within 2 breaths of the instructor s reading Blood Pressure - within 4 mm Hg of the instructor s reading Temperature - three accurate readings 5. Individual evaluations of clinical performance will be given at midterm and the end of the semester. Additional evaluations are at the discretion of the clinical instructor. In the clinical setting, students will be evaluated on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. It is the faculty s belief than an evaluation based on Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory in the clinical setting will promote a greater atmosphere of learning in the clinical area and provide more consistency in clinical evaluations. Students must achieve a Satisfactory in all areas evaluated in order to progress. A student must demonstrate progressive mastery of skills. Failure in any one area will result in course failure. Retention Students are offered assistance to succeed in the CNA & HHA programs by receiving extra help from instructors during office hours. Ratings for Clinical Evaluation Satisfactory Safe clinical performance; demonstrates expected skills, synthesis of learning and application of nursing principles at expected level. 1. Functions safely at expected level. 2. Demonstrates ability to make expected observations. 3. Demonstrates ability to relate and apply knowledge, 6

10 clinical performance at expected level. 4. Assumes responsibility for assignments. 5. Makes appropriate nursing judgments at expected level. 6. Initiates appropriate nursing interventions at expected level. 7. Consistently seeks learning experiences. 8. Consistently demonstrates expected professional conduct. Needs Improvement Inconsistent clinical performance; inconsistently demonstrates expected skills, synthesis of learning and application of nursing principles at the expected level. 1. Functions safely only with continual guidance. 2. Inconsistently demonstrates ability to make obvious observations related to patient care. 3. Inconsistently relates knowledge to clinical situation at expected level. 4. Inconsistent in assuming responsibility for assignment. 5. Fails to seek guidance in making nursing judgments; makes occasional, unsafe nursing judgments. 6. Inconsistent in initiating nursing intervention even with guidance. 7. Seeks learning experiences only when prompted. 8. Demonstrates expected professional conduct under continued guidance. Unsatisfactory Clinical performance inadequate, indicates lack of skill, unsafe nursing practice, inadequate depth of knowledge, or application of nursing principles. Functions below expectations of student at this level. 1. Does not function safely even with guidance. 2. Does not demonstrate ability to make expected, obvious observations related to patient care. 3. Does not demonstrate ability to relate knowledge to clinical situation at expected level. 4. Has difficulty accepting responsibility. 5. Does not make safe nursing judgments. 6. Does not initiate nursing intervention without maximum guidance. 7. Seldom seeks learning experiences. 8. Demonstrates unprofessional conduct. 9. Failure to meet any critical element (see below). *Critical Elements for All Courses Critical elements include those behaviors that are so important to nursing care that failure to perform them correctly is considered unsafe nursing care, and will result in a Fail for the clinical portion of the course. Students may be immediately dismissed from the program for any of the following: 7

11 1. Failure to demonstrate honesty and integrity. 2. Failure to wash hands at appropriate times. 3. Failure to properly identify patient by arm bands. 4. Failure to report significant change in patient condition. 5. Failure to validate with instructor therapy rationale when contrary to classroom instruction. 6. Failure to recognize and/or report any error or unsafe condition. 7. Divulging confidential information. 8. Failure to administer personal care and treatments correctly. 9. Failure to use aseptic technique. 10. Failure to recognize own limitations and/or misrepresent own abilities. 11. Nurse assistant students are expected to maintain a physical and mental state which will enable them to meet professional responsibilities. 12. Failure to practice standard precautions. 13. Inappropriate behavior. 14. Failure to report important patient data. a. change in condition b. new or worsening problems c. adverse reactions to drugs or treatments d. significant patient complaints 15. Failure to communicate important patient data. a. student to instructor b. student to nurse c. student to provider d. student to other disciplines e. student to patient 16. Failure to accurately calculate, document, and report I&O. 17. Failure to adhere to Gavilan College policies and Allied Health policies. 18. Failure to meet 100% attendance policy for AH 180 & AH 182 Also, the following behaviors are considered unacceptable and reflect a lack of professional responsibility and may result in receiving a "Fail" grade. being late lack of participation not calling instructor if you will be absent from clinical failure to adhere to critical elements of this course as described in the course handbook failure to maintain professional conduct as described in the course handbook failure to turn in a weekly log outlining experiences in the clinical setting All critical areas will be considered in evaluation of clinical performance. 8

12 *CONTINUED FAILURE IN ANY ONE OF THESE AREAS MAY RESULT IN THE STUDENT RECEIVING A "FAIL" IN THE COURSE. Unsafe Performance In the clinical setting, the Allied Health student practices under the immediate supervision of a nursing instructor. The student is directly responsible to the clinical instructor or preceptor, who is required to adhere to: a) the standards of Gavilan College, b) California Department of Public Health (CNA/HHA) c) and the requirements of the agency s agreement with the college. Unsafe nursing care is any action or inaction on the part of the student that threatens the physical or emotional well-being of an individual. The instructor has the unquestioned authority to remove a student from the clinical setting whenever his/her personal behavior or physical/mental condition threatens the safety and welfare of clients. Students who exhibit behavior that may be due to impairment by alcoholism or drug abuse or emotional illness may be dismissed from the clinical setting for Unsafe Behavior. The student will not be readmitted into the Nursing Program unless there is evidence that the student has had treatment or rehabilitation to correct the illness. Clinical Probation Implementation of clinical probation means that students are given notice of a need to change their behavior in the clinical setting or face dismissal from the nursing program. Examples of reasons for clinical probation are: 1. Excessive absences (more than are allowed by college policy) and/or state agency requirements. 2. Failure to adhere to the General Code of Conduct according to the Allied Health Program Student Handbook. 3. Failure to meet Critical Elements for All Courses according to the Allied Health Program Student Handbook. 4. Failure to adhere to Gavilan College/Allied Health Department policies and procedures. Students will be notified of probationary status in writing through clinical evaluations, either spontaneous or scheduled. 9

13 Certification Requirements Students who maintain a grade of "C" or higher in theory and a grade of "Pass" in clinical and satisfy attendance requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Completion by Gavilan College as a Nurse Assistant and/or Home Health Aide at completion of the course. The State of California requires all nursing assistants that wish to be certified to take and successfully pass a written and manual skills evaluation. Students wanting certification as a Home Health Aide must be Certified Nursing Assistants. Procedure for Examinations Make-up quizzes are not given. At the end of the semester the lowest quiz score may be dropped by instructor decision. Generally, make-up midterms and finals are not given. At the discretion of the instructor, make-up midterm or final exam may be given if prior arrangements have been made. It is the student s responsibility to make the arrangements with the instructor. The make-up test may be of a different format than the missed test. Finals will be given at scheduled times. The following standards will be enforced during the giving and taking of examinations: 1. All examinations will have an instructor present in the room at all times. 2. There will be absolutely no talking during an exam. 3. If a student has a question about the test, he/she is to raise his/her hand, and the instructor will go to the seat of the student. The instructor will answer only non-substantive questions. The information given to the individual student will then be made available to the entire class if it is deemed relevant by the instructor. 4. Books, papers, coats, and other personal articles are to be placed away from the working space during an examination. 5. It is the responsibility of each student taking the examination to position him/herself so that he/she is as far away from other students as possible so that the papers of others students are not visible. 6. It is also the responsibility of each student to monitor his/her own behavior so that the possibility of personal suspicion is minimal. 7. If a student's behavior during an exam is deemed suspicious, the instructor will immediately collect the student's examination papers and an alternative examination will be given at a later time. Evidence of cheating on exams is subject to dismissal as unprofessional conduct. 8. After the student has completed the examination, he/she is to leave the room immediately and silently, taking his/her personal belongings with him/her. 10

14 Gavilan College Academic Honesty Policy Academic honesty depends upon the integrity of the students and faculty. The College itself is defrauded if faculty and/or students knowingly or unwittingly allow dishonest acts to be rewarded academically. It is the faculty s responsibility to make every reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct. If the faculty member believes that there is evidence of academic dishonesty on the part of a student it is the faculty member s responsibility to take appropriate action in accordance with these procedures. Students at Gavilan College have the right to know what constitutes academic honesty at the College and in each course in which they are enrolled. Faculty members will apprise their classes of the ethical standards required in their courses and the permissible procedures in class work and examinations. A statement referring to this information as a reference for the class will be presented in the course outline (green sheet)* and/or on the individual examinations. Students will be informed of the consequences of violating these standards, their rights of appeal, and the procedures to be followed in the appeal. The purpose of this procedure is to expand, clarify, and set forth clear levels of authority and disciplinary protocols in response to violations of the Standards of Student Conduct (BP 5500), specifically as it relates to academic honesty. These procedures guarantee the student or students involved the due process rights extended to them by state and federal constitutional protections. The procedures will be used in a fair and equitable manner, and not for purposes of retaliation. Definition of Academic Dishonesty: The act of deliberately exhibiting a set of unacceptable behaviors that defy the standards of ethical and scholarship standards. Examples include but are not limited to: Purposely allowing another student to copy from another student during a test. Giving homework, term paper or other academic work to another student to plagiarize. Having another person s work submitted in another s name. Lying to an instructor or university official to improve grade. Altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for re-grading (without knowledge of the instructor). Removing test(s) from classroom or any other place without instructor s approval. Stealing tests or keys to tests. Forging signatures on drop/add slips or other college documents. Definition of Cheating: The act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work through any dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent means. Examples include, but are not limited to: Copying, in part or in whole, from another s test or other evaluation instrument or obtaining answers from another person during the test without instructor s approval. 11

15 Submitting work previously presented in another course, if contrary to the written rules of the course. Using or consulting, during an examination, sources or materials not specifically authorized by the instructor. Intentionally altering, changing, misusing documents or records. Knowingly furnishing false information or generally interfering with grading procedures or instruction of a class. Any other act committed by student(s) in the course of academic work, which defrauds or misrepresents, including aiding or abetting, in any of the actions defined above. Definition of Plagiarism: The act of incorporating the ideas, words, sentences, paragraphs, or parts thereof, or the specific substance of another s work without giving appropriate credit, and representing the product as one s own work. An example can include, but is not limited to: Representing another s artistic/scholarly works such as musical compositions, writings, computer programs, photographs, paintings, drawings, scriptures, or similar works as one s own. REPORTING PROCEDURES When a Gavilan faculty member, responsible for a course, has reason to believe, and has evidence to substantiate, that the behavior of a student or students falls within one or both of the above sets of definitions, it is an instructor s responsibility to take the following steps: 1 Arrange an office conference with the student and at that time advise the student of the allegations and make him or her aware of the supporting evidence and the probable consequences. Any classroom confrontation should be as discreet as possible. If, as a result of this meeting, the instructor believes that the student s response is insufficient to offset the charge of academic dishonesty to the extent that the student may be excused, the instructor will inform the student of the sanctions to be recommended or assessed in accordance with this policy. 2 At the discretion of the instructor, a written report of the infraction and the sanction taken may be submitted to the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services with a copy to the appropriate area Dean. 3 When a student, who has been informed in writing of an impending conference to discuss the alleged dishonesty, fails to attend, or when the apparent dishonesty is detected near the end of the semester and the instructor makes a good faith effort to contact the student but is unable to do so, the instructor may impose the recommended sanctions and file a written report to the area Dean and VP of Instruction and Student Services without a conference. In either case, the student s right to appeal is preserved. SANCTIONS There shall be two major classifications of sanctions that may be imposed for Academic Honesty violations: Academic and 12

16 Administrative. The imposition of one variety of sanction (Academic or Administrative) will not preclude the addition of the other. Academic sanctions will be defined as those actions related to coursework and grades. Faculty are responsible for the type of academic sanction to be applied to students involved in incidents of cheating or plagiarism. Usually a form of grade modification will be employed. Administrative sanctions concern a student s status on campus and are acted on by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services. Faculty Discretion: Cases involving the careless or inept handling of quoted material but falls short of the definitions of the acts of cheating and/or plagiarism as defined in this policy, may be dealt with at the discretion of the faculty member concerned. Academic Sanctions: Before sanctions can be employed, the faculty member must have verified the instance(s) of academic dishonesty by personal observation and/or documentation. In all cases the violation should be reported to the area dean. A student may be: 1. Reprimanded orally. A student may be referred for counseling but cannot be required to seek counseling. 2. Failed in the evaluation instrument (paper or exam). 3. Reduced course grade, including possible failure of course. 4. Referred for administrative sanctions. A faculty member may choose to refer a student to the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services for disciplinary action in lieu of any academic sanction or in addition to the academic action the faculty member has taken. Administrative Sanctions: As stipulated in the California Administrative Code, Sanction 41301, cheating or plagiarism in connection with an academic program at a campus may warrant expulsion, suspension, probation or a lesser sanction. Administrative action involving academic dishonesty at Gavilan is the responsibility of the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services according to the Standards of Student Conduct (Student Discipline Procedures, AP5520). The Vice President of Student Services will notify faculty members involved when action has been taken. The Vice President of Instruction and Student Services will respond to: 1. referrals from the dean 2. flagrant violations of academic standards; and 3. repeat violations as brought to his/her attention by the faculty or through the written reports filed with the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services and Instruction. PROTECTION OF RIGHTS Nothing in this procedure is intended to deny students who come within its scope appropriate due process, including the right to be informed of the charges, the nature of the evidence supporting the charges, and to have a meeting with the faculty member, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, or other decision-makers, at which time statements and evidence on behalf of the student may be 13

17 submitted. Nor is it intended to deny the right to appeal, through the Standards of Student Conduct (Student Discipline Procedures, AP5520) or the Students Problem Resolution Process, any decision resulting from such a meeting. 1 Academic sanctions may be appealed through the Vice President of Student Services in accordance with the Students Problem Resolution Process. 2 When disciplinary suspension or expulsion is being recommended as an administrative sanction, the student has the right to a formal hearing as stated in the Standards of Student Conduct (Student Discipline Procedures, AP5520) (Education Code 66017). Allied Health Student Integrity Policy It goes without saying that every nurse must have unquestionable integrity and honesty at both personal and professional levels. The profession and practice of nursing is dependent upon these values being demonstrated at all times by its members. Therefore, behavior demonstrating lack of integrity will not be tolerated and may lead to immediate dismissal from the program without readmission privileges. Documentation Assignments and Other Written Assignments Documentation assignments are developed to ensure safe client care. They document the Allied Health student s understanding and application of theory to the clinical setting. Documentation assignments are also a tool to enhance student learning and should be utilized fully for this purpose. Behavior reflecting absolute integrity is imperative for Allied Health students. All documentation assignments submitted by Allied Health students and all other written work must be the student s own work. No photocopies of any written work will be accepted. Any student turning in documentation assignments or other written work that is not his/her own work is demonstrating behavior indicative of dishonesty, cheating, and/or plagiarism, as stated in the Gavilan College Allied Health Student Handbook. Such behavior will lead to disciplinary action including dismissal from the program without readmission privileges. All Allied Health instructors will be monitoring for cheating on assignments and examinations throughout the semester. Examples of cheating include but are not limited to: 1. Copying another person s homework and turning it in with your name on it. 2. Copying from another student s answer sheet during a test or appearing to do so, copying from a cheat sheet, etc. 14

18 3. Changing answers on scantron after the scantron has been corrected. 4. Taking a test late and soliciting other students for answers before you take it or discussing exam with other students in any way before you take it. 5. Using material that was submitted in a previous assignment. 6. Failure to log out when not present in computer lab. Make-up tests, regardless of reason for absence of original test, may be in a different format from the original test (e.g. essay). Any students caught cheating will be immediately dismissed from the nursing program. Confidentiality Under no circumstances are students to share information concerning patients with anyone outside the hospital. All records and other information concerning patients is strictly confidential and in no way is this confidentiality to be violated at any time. Students are forbidden to access medical records other than those assigned by faculty. Accountability Accountability is a key word in the discipline of nursing. This handbook appears to spell out many policies and expectations, which the Allied Health student must fulfill. Therefore, the primary purpose of this handbook is to acquaint the student with the program and its expectations so that he/she will understand what is required, be responsible and accountable in fulfilling the curriculum and related requirements. This will ultimately prepare the Allied Health student to function as a safe, responsible, accountable graduate. Infection Control Awareness 1. Current knowledge about the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B indicates that early detection and appropriate intervention can interrupt the spread of the virus. a. It is each person s responsibility to determine the need for HIV testing and counseling. b. Those who believe they are at risk for HIV infection should continue to monitor their sero HIV status. c. If a student is HIV positive, it is his/her responsibility to protect patients and peers from exposure to the disease. d. Use caution in handling and disposing of needles. e. Follow agency and nursing program protocol when exposed to needle sticks or contamination with body secretions. 2. Prevention of the spread of infectious diseases involves: a. Maintenance of current immunization status. b. Utilization of universal precautions/body secretion isolation. c. Consistently following infection control procedures according to agency policy. d. Following agency policy for personal illness. 15

19 3. It is incumbent upon the individual to assume responsibility for knowing and performing safe nursing practice as delineated by the Federal Center for Disease Control. Impaired Student Policy Patient safety is an overriding principle in the delivery of health care. For the health care professional to provide safe care, the health care professional must be able to make sound judgments. Excessive stress, poor mental and physical health, and the use of drugs and alcohol can adversely affect thought processes and decision-making. Impaired by the aforementioned factors, the health care professional can easily make unsafe decisions and, therefore, jeopardize patient safety. As health care professionals, we recognize that excessive stress, poor mental and physical health, and dependency on drugs or alcohol are conditions that can be treated by early recognition and rehabilitation. Rehabilitated students will be encouraged to re-enter the educational process for successful completion of a health care program. The student whose thought processes and decision-making ability is impaired by excessive stress, poor mental or physical health, or the use of drugs or alcohol will be considered unsafe to provide health care services and will be removed from the clinical setting. The student would be subject to faculty review and possible dismissal from the program. In addition, the student will be counseled about the importance of seeking voluntary aid for such conditions that could, if left unattended, lead to disciplinary action and may prevent them from being licensed to practice nursing in the State of California. The Gavilan College Nursing Faculty have developed the following policy/procedure in regard to Allied Health students impaired by ALCOHOLISM, DRUG ABUSE, AND EMOTIONAL ILLNESS. This policy is consistent with the Board of Registered Nursing Guidelines of November Policy Any student who exhibits symptoms of alcoholism, drug abuse, or emotional illness will be removed from the classroom or clinical setting and the established procedure for assessment and rehabilitation will be followed. Assessment The student will be removed from the classroom or clinical setting when the student s behavior and performance pose a danger to the safety and well-being of self or others. These behaviors may include, but are not limited to: 1. physical impairment; 2. impaired judgment; 3. mental or emotional impairment; 16

20 4. disruptive actions; and 5. inconsistent behavior patterns. Procedure When a student exhibits any of the above behaviors the following actions will take place: 1. 1the student will be removed from the classroom or clinical area immediately; 2. the instructor will immediately report the incident to the Program Director; and, 3. within 24 hours, the student will make an appointment to see the Program Director. At this time the student will be referred for further professional assessment. The student will be given a referral form indicating those behaviors that led to the classroom and/or clinical exclusion. The student must have this form signed by a licensed chemical dependency/mental health counselor indicating that the student is safe to return to nursing. This form must be submitted before the student can be re-admitted. Dismissal/Suspension 1. When an instructor identifies a student as being impaired, and is a danger to self or others and the student refuses to submit to the required assessment, the student may be dismissed from the nursing program. 2. If the student completes the required assessment and is diagnosed as being impaired, the student will be suspended from the nursing program until the next time the course is offered and until such time proof of having received professional treatment and a certified release to return to nursing can be provided. Re-Admission Students disqualified from the nursing program under the Impaired Student Policy may be considered for re-entry according to the following guidelines: After a minimum period of one year from the time of dismissal/suspension, the student may petition for re-admission. This petition should be submitted to the Director of Allied Health Programs. It will be the student s responsibility to furnish evidence of rehabilitation. The student will be expected to show reasonable evidence that he/she would be able to function effectively in providing safe and therapeutic care of patients in the clinical setting. Re-admission will be based on a space-available basis. If application for re-entry is denied, a period of three years must elapse before a second petition will be considered. 17

21 Dismissal of Students Students may be dismissed for the following reasons: 1. Excessive absences/tardiness. 2. Unprofessional Conduct. Behavioral objectives will include those relating to professional attitudes and conduct. Failure to meet these objectives, after counseling by faculty, may result in dismissal from the program. Decision for dismissal may be made by the nursing faculty. 3. Underachievement. Failure to achieve behavioral objectives at a C or better level will result in disqualifying the student for the certification exam. 4. Unsafe Clinical Practice. The following policy applies to instructor-initiated drops for individuals who are unsafe in clinical: a. Safety is defined as meeting the objectives of a course by the times designated for each objective and to the degree of mastery designated. b. Students will be dropped from clinical laboratory courses due to demonstration of unsafe behaviors related to the course objectives in which the student is currently enrolled, or to the course objectives of previously completed clinical laboratory nursing courses. 5. Failure to adhere to Gavilan College and Allied Health policies. Withdrawal Student withdrawal from class will be designated as follows: Course Meetings* Symbol Up to 30% NRS (No Record Shown) Up to 75% W Greater than 75% Grade must be assigned *Approximate times indicated. Specific dates are printed in the Schedule of Classes. Incomplete Grades Incomplete (incomplete academic work for unforeseeable, emergency and justifiable reasons). The requirements necessary to complete the course must be fulfilled during the next term of attendance (excluding summer) with the next year. If the I grade is not removed in this fashion, it will become an F. 18

22 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT College Catalog All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the relevant contents of the Gavilan College Catalog. Program Expenses Approximate cost for the CNA/HHA course (subject to change without notice) Textbook - Mosby s Nursing Assistant - 8 th Edition $75.95 Workbook - Mosby s Nursing Assistant Workbook & Competency - 8 th Edition $36.95 Mosby s Medical and Nursing Dictionary - Current Edition $44.95 Enrollment Fee (8.5 units) $46/unit Registration Fees $31.00 Health Examination, Related Tests & Immunizations $ Stethoscope & Watch $40.00 Student Uniforms and Accessories $ Certification Exam $ Drug Screen $55.00 All of the costs are the responsibility of the student. Transportation All transportation arrangements are the responsibility of the student. Current Address Each student is to keep their current address and telephone number on file with the instructor. This information will be kept confidential at the student s request. Photo ID Badges Photo ID badges identifying you as Gavilan College Allied Health students are required while in the clinical area. Failure to wear photo ID will result in exclusion from clinical. For security reasons, the ID badges must be surrendered should you discontinue in the nursing program, withdraw from Gavilan College, or upon graduation. GUIDELINES FOR PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT The fact that you have entered the profession of nursing intensifies the standards, which you present as an individual. Your personality is the sum total of the behavior patterns by which you are known as a unique person. In taking inventory of your standards, consider the following: 19

23 Personal Appearance Asepsis, safety, and comfort are integral parts of patient care. Student interference with these aspects of patient care due to uniform, hair, rings, tattoos, piercings, nails, jewelry, offensive odors or any other contributing factors must be corrected as determined by the instructor. Students not meeting appearance standards may be dismissed from the clinical setting. Uniform The uniform must be clean, neat, pressed, complete, and in good repair. 1. Students must use the uniform required of all students in the program. 2. The standard uniform for women includes the dress or scrub top and pants and jacket designated for all students, neutral beige or white hose, and white shoes constructed to insure safety and support (see below). Uniform must be royal blue. Jacket must be thigh length and white long-sleeve. 3. The standard uniform for men includes the scrub top and pants and jacket designated for all students, white socks and white shoes constructed to insure safety and support (see below). Uniform must be royal blue. Lab jacket must be thigh length and white long-sleeve. 4. All students are required to have as part of their uniform a black ink pen, watch with a second hand, bandage scissors (optional), stethoscope with diaphragm and bell capabilities and with black or royal blue (that matches uniforms), and photo ID. Shoes/Socks Hose must be worn with a dress; hose or socks are to be worn with pants. Skin tone or white hose are acceptable. Plain white anklets/socklets are permissible. Clean, white regulation nurse s shoes or solid white all-leather athletic shoes are worn with the uniform. Clogs, tennis shoes, open-heeled shoes are not acceptable. Hair Hair must be neat, clean and away from face. Ponytails must be properly secured, if ponytail is longer than mid-back - hair must be in a bun 1. No extreme hairstyles or hair colors are permitted. Clips, barrettes, or anything used to contain hair should be small, plain, white, or the same color as hair. Students have the option of wearing a surgical bonnet to contain their hair. 2. Sideburns should be neatly trimmed and groomed (not long or bushy). If required by hospital policy, beards must be shaved off. Beards may not be started during the course of the semester. 20

24 Makeup/Tattoos Moderate, simple makeup is permitted. Extreme makeup, including eyelashes, eye shadow, and extreme shades of lipstick and heavy cake makeup, is prohibited. Tattoos must be covered at all times. Clinical instructors, at their discretion, may ask students to alter makeup. Odors/Aromas Consideration must be given to the patient. Heavy fragrances, body or tobacco odors are often offensive and harmful to patients. Nails Natural fingernails must be clean and short. Only clear nail polish is acceptable while in clinical areas. Clinical instructors, at their discretion, may ask students to alter. Acrylic/artificial nails are not acceptable in the clinical area or on campus clinicals. Jewelry/Piercing One pair of inconspicuous post pierced earrings are acceptable. No hoops or dangling earrings. Other visible pierced jewelry is not acceptable, including tongue piercings. Students may wear one ring as long as it does not pose a threat to asepsis or the patients skin integrity. A wedding set constitutes one ring. Speech and Conversation 1. Be aware of your responsibility as well as the legal implications in respecting the rights of others, especially the right to privacy. 2. Do not discuss any patient, any member of the health team, or any disease or symptoms in a place where you might be overheard (i.e. elevators, cafeteria, etc.) and possibly infringe on someone s right to privacy. Eating/Drinking/Smoking Eating, drinking, chewing gum or smoking is unacceptable in the nurses station, patient care areas or during shift report. Food supplied for patients is not available to students. Students will be expected to adhere to the facility policies regarding smoking area. Chewing gum/smoking is not allowed in the classroom or clinical setting. Eating and drinking is the classroom setting is at the discretion of the instructor. For Field Trips Students must be professionally dressed if going on a field trip. No jeans. Shorts, cutoffs, strapless tops, short crop tops, see-through tops, short skirts, skirts with high slits, high-heeled shoes, bare feet, clogtype shoes with no heel strap are not considered acceptable attire. Health Insurance Students in the nursing program are strongly urged to have their own health insurance. Students are not employees of the college or of the 21

25 hospitals used as extended campus sites for the program. Therefore, at all times, students are responsible for their own medical care needs. Costs associated with emergency treatment of injuries to students that occur in the clinical facility are covered by the college through Worker s Compensation. Any injury is to be immediately reported to the instructor. The involved instructor will initiate steps to insure prompt notification to the college. Any injury sustained in an oncampus laboratory/class is not covered by Worker s Compensation. Students injured on campus must assume responsibility for medical care. Gifts and Gratuities Gifts and gratuities to instructors are discouraged. Cards and letters of appreciation are appropriate. Acceptance of gratuities or gifts by students from patients is inappropriate. Clinical Ethics Hospital copy machines, phones, or other equipment is not to be used without authorization of the instructor. Scrubs, office supplies, dressings, or other hospital property may not be removed from facility. Students as Hospital Employees When students are functioning in any of our cooperating agencies in a role other than as a student, such as a volunteer or paid employee, they are NOT then functioning in a student role. At such times they are not representing the school, and may not wear the student uniform or student ID badges. At such times these persons are governed by the policies and regulations that are applicable to the particular job. In such instances, the college assumes no responsibility for student work and the college s liability insurance does not apply. The students are directly responsible to the person under whose supervision they have been assigned. Personal Reasons for Visiting in the Hospital If present at the hospital for personal reasons, such as visiting relatives or friends, students should NOT wear their uniforms. Appearance and dress should be acceptable and conform to standards for appearance in public places. Students abide by the same visiting regulations as all other visitors. 22