Academic Policies

Policies

Academic Policies

The Trinity Health System School of Nursing reserves the right to change without notice statements contained in this catalog/website concerning rules, policies, tuition and fees, curricula, courses, or other administrative or educational policies.

academic policy

Statement

HIPAA Compliance Statement

Trinity Health System and Trinity Health System School of Nursing are in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, specifically the patient privacy portion of this law, which became effective on April 14, 2003. Every employee and student of Trinity Health System School of Nursing has participated in the mandatory HIPAA Compliance Program offered by Trinity Health System. Every Trinity nursing student signs a Trinity Health System Non Disclosure Acknowledgement regarding confidentiality and privacy.

HIPAA Policy

Certification

Basic Life Support Certification

A photocopy of each student’s BLS Certification must be kept on file in the School office. The course must be the American Heart Association (AHA) BLS.  This certification must be kept up to date while the student is enrolled in the program. (Trinity School of Nursing will not provide skill competency needed for completion of online renewal).

Basic Life Support

Policies

Classroom Policies

  1. Attendance

Classroom activities are essential to learning and to the application of knowledge. The student is responsible for knowing and meeting all course requirements, including tests, assignments, and class participation, as indicated by the course instructor.

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. If a student is absent from class, the student will be held responsible for all work missed due to this absence. Absence from class must be reported to the Secretary’s voice mail (740-266-1222 or 740-264-5591 ext. 1322) by 7:30 am. If a student leaves class before the end of the scheduled time, the student must report off to the lecturing instructor and School Secretary.

Students are not to schedule personal appointments during times scheduled for class. Any request for extended time off from class should be presented to the Dean of the School and Course Lead Instructor.

Faculty will work with service members and reservists to accommodate short absences due to service obligations. Students should notify faculty of required service obligations as soon as possible and submit documentation of requirement.

  1. Student Evaluation

Didactic evaluation is completed through exams, quizzes, and student projects. Students are informed of didactic evaluation via the nursing course syllabus and course schedule. Grades are calculated at midterm and students are informed of their progress. If the course grade average is less than 77% the student is placed on probation. Final grades are computed after the completion of all course requirements. Students may receive their final grades from the Lead Instructor. The Lead Instructor submits the grade sheet to the School Secretary who completes the Course Grade Reports and updates the Student Transcripts. Students receive official grade reports at the end of each semester/session. Grade reports are mailed to each student.

Students must complete and submit all assignments on time.  If an assignment will be late, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor.  For each weekday that an assignment is turned in late, five percent (5%) will be deducted from the final grade of the assignment.  No assignment will be accepted more than five (5) weekdays past the due date and a grade of “0” will be assigned. Individual situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The instructor has no obligation to give make-up examinations or to review other class work missed by a student as a result of absence. However, if the instructor chooses to administer makeup exams/classwork/clinical assignments, the format of the make-up work will be determined by the instructor. Students are responsible for making arrangements with the instructor.  If an exam/quiz is missed, the student must take the exam/quiz within five (5) weekdays, or a grade of “0” will be assigned. Individual situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Comprehensive Final Examination

Students must pass the comprehensive final examination in each nursing course with a grade of “C” or above before progressing to the succeeding semester/session or program completion. Students who fail to achieve a passing grade of “C” on the comprehensive examination, may take a second comparable comprehensive examination within two (2) school days, ONLY if the student has achieved a passing grade of “C” in the course prior to taking the comprehensive final examination. The two comprehensive final exam scores will be averaged together and the student must achieve an averaged grade of 77% (“C”) or better. Students who are permitted to take a second comprehensive examination and who are successful in achieving an averaged grade of “C” or above will only receive a grade of 77% (“C”) for the comprehensive examination score. Students whose averaged score of both comprehensive final exams is < 77% (“C”) will receive a failing grade in the course. Students who have NOT passed the first comprehensive final examination with a grade of “C” or above and who were failing the nursing course prior to the final examination will NOT be eligible to take a second comprehensive final exam.

The total number of comprehensive final exam retakes cannot exceed one (1) throughout the duration of the program. If a student fails a second final exam, the student will be ineligible to retake the comprehensive final, will receive a failing grade, and thus be ineligible for progression in the program.

Auditing Policy for Nursing Courses

AUDIT:

Definition:  Attendance and participation in a nursing course for which no credit is awarded and no fee is assessed.

Guidelines:  The student may:

  1. attend theory presentations and clinical lab experiences.
  1. complete course tests and quizzes for the purpose of self-evaluation

TRINITY HEALTH SYSTEM SCHOOL OF NURSING GRADING SCALE

GRADING POLICY
GRADING SCALE Grade Quality Point Value
Per Credit Hour
Trinity Health System
Percentage Range
A (Excellent) 4.0 93%-100%
B+ 3.5 90%-92%
B (Above Average) 3.0 85%-89%
C+ 2.5 82%-84%
C (Average) 2.0 77%-81%
D+ Failure 1.5 74%-76%
D Failure 1.0 69%-73%
F Failure 0.0 68% and below
P Pass or Transfer 0.0 No Quality Points Earned
WP Withdrew passing 0.0 No Quality Points Earned
WF Withdrew failing 0.0 No Quality Points Earned
W Withdrew 0.0 No Quality Points Earned
I Incomplete This grade indicates that the work has not been completed because of factors that in the opinion of the instructor were outside the control of the student. Permission for this grade must be obtained from the Dean of the School. The student will then have until the beginning of the succeeding semester/session to remove the incomplete letter grade. If it is not removed within that period, the grade automatically becomes “F” and the student then becomes ineligible for promotion.
*There will be no rounding of grades
(R) Repeated Course The grade earned in repeated course replaces original grade and is the grade used to determine progression and calculation of GPA.

Eastern Gateway Community College Marking System

Eastern Gateway Community College’s Marking System is utilized for all college courses offered within the curriculum. A letter grade of “C” or above is required for all college courses. The quality of coursework at Eastern Gateway Community College is indicated by means of letter grades. Each letter grade, in turn, carries “quality points” which are used in computing the student’s “cumulative point average (CPA).” The academic achievement which reflects competency will be recorded in letter grades at the end of each semester or summer term for all coursework for which credit is granted. The credit hours attempted and quality points attained will enter into the computation of the student’s cumulative point average.

The marking system is as follows:

QUALITY POINTS PER SEMESTER HOUR
A – Superior Quality 4.0
B – High Quality 3.0
C – Average 2.0
D – Below Average 1.0
F – Failing 0.0

 

  1. Academic Probation

Grades for each course are calculated at midterm. Any student whose midterm grade is below the required “2.0” or 77% (for nursing courses) will be placed on Academic Probation. Students are notified in writing when placed on Academic Probation. The Course Lead Instructor meets with each student on Academic Probation and completes the Student Probation/Progression Report. The student will document a Plan for Improvement on the report and sign the report at that meeting. The probationary status must be corrected by the completion of the course or the student automatically becomes ineligible for progression into the subsequent semester/session.

Classroom Policies

Policies

Clinical Policies

  1. Attendance

Students are expected to attend all scheduled clinical time. Absence from a clinical experience must be reported directly to the nursing unit where the experience is scheduled and to the Secretary’s voicemail (740-266-1222 or 740-264-5591 ext. 1322) by 6:45 am.

In all nursing clinical courses, one (1) clinical absence will result in the issuance of a verbal warning; two (2) clinical absences will result in the issuance of Clinical Probation; and three (3) or more clinical absences may result in the issuance of a Clinical Failure. Individual situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Clinical make-up time is planned when clinical objectives cannot be met because of absences and will be arranged at the discretion of the clinical instructors. If a student is absent from clinical, the student will be held responsible for all work missed due to this absence.

Students missing clinical time because of unpreparedness will also be required to make up the clinical days. Unpreparedness includes, but is not limited to, failure to produce evidence of BLS certification or mandatory health work before the first clinical experiences each semester/session or failure to exhibit knowledge or skill level safe for practice.

Faculty will work with service members and reservists to accommodate short absences due to service obligations. Students should notify faculty of required service obligations as soon as possible and submit documentation of requirement.

  1. Student Evaluation

Clinical components of the course include clinical assignments that may include provision of direct patient care or observation of patient care and clinical laboratory hours.

Evaluation of clinical performance is assessed throughout each clinical experience. The Appraisal of Clinical Competence is completed no less than four (4) times a semester/session inclusive of midterm and final evaluations. Instructors document pertinent information about a student’s progression or lack of progression on the Appraisal of Clinical Competence. Individual conferences are held as necessary to discuss the student’s progress.

The clinical experience is graded as “S” (Satisfactory), “U” (unsatisfactory), or “N.O.” (No opportunity or Not observed).

Satisfactory performance is defined as:

1. Integration into student performance of each Nursing Course Objective. The expected clinical performance is demonstrated through satisfactory accomplishment of each course objective.

2. Demonstration of consistent progression in the clinical performance of the identified course’s nursing practice.

Unsatisfactory performance is defined as:

1. No integration into student performance of any one Nursing Course Objective.

2. No demonstration of consistent progression in the clinical performance of the identified course’s nursing practice.

In the event that the student did not have the opportunity to complete a component of the clinical objective, the instructor documents N.O.

  1. Clinical Probation

Students who are not meeting the established Course Objectives, as outlined on the student’s Appraisal of Clinical Competence Form, will be placed on Clinical Probation by the Clinical Instructor. Clinical Probation can be established any time during the semester when a student is not achieving the clinical objectives. Students are notified in writing when placed on Clinical Probation. The Clinical Instructor meets with each student on Clinical Probation and completes the Student Probation/Progression Report. The student will document a Plan for Improvement on the report and sign the report at that meeting. The probationary status must be corrected by the completion of the course or the student automatically becomes ineligible for progression into the subsequent semester/session.

Clinical Policy

Policy

Course Enrollment Policy

Students will be enrolled in courses each semester by the Coordinator of Student Affairs. The progression of courses within the curriculum is illustrated in the Curriculum Plan.

Students will be enrolled into the nursing course designated within the Curriculum Plan that corresponds to the appropriate semester/session. Student transcripts and academic files will be reviewed to determine if students need to be enrolled in the designated Eastern Gateway Community College course that is offered during that designated semester/session. If transfer of credit has been received for the designated Eastern Gateway Community College course, the student will not be registered for that course.

Students that are recipients of VA educational benefits will not automatically be enrolled in courses each semester. Those students will need to give approval of the enrollment in courses each semester. Students receiving VA educational benefits should see Jill Duska, Coordinator of Student Affairs in Suite 2623, in order to approve their enrollment each semester. Students receiving VA benefits will not be enrolled in any online classes.

Dismissal

Policy

Progression Policy

Students must satisfactorily complete each semester/session of the program before progressing to the subsequent semester/session.

A minimum grade of “C’ (2.0 GPA) and a satisfactory clinical evaluation are required in each nursing course, and a minimum grade of “C” (2.0 GPA) is required in each college course for a student to be eligible for progression into the subsequent semester/session.

Students receive official grade reports at the end of each semester/session.

The faculty recommends students for progression.

Every student must demonstrate satisfactory progress according to the School’s Progression Policy in order to receive any financial aid awarded through the School.

When repeating any course within the curriculum, the grade earned during the re-take of the course is the grade used to determine progression and calculation of GPA.

Progression Policy

Withdrawal

A student who desires to withdrawal from the School should submit a letter of resignation to the Dean of the School. Prior to withdrawing, the student is required to contact the Lead Instructor of the course and the Coordinator of Student Affairs. The student is encouraged to consult his/her Academic Advisor.

Failure to attend scheduled classes does not constitute an official withdrawal. The official withdrawal date shall be:

  1. The date of the student’s resignation letter submitted to the Director of the School, or

  2. For the student who does not officially withdraw from the program, the withdrawal date will be the date the School became aware the student ceased attendance.

The School reserves the option of using the student’s last date of documented attendance at an academically/clinically oriented activity as the student’s official withdrawal date.

Students considering withdrawal prior to completing 60% of a semester/session are urged to review the Return of Title IV Funds Policy in the financial aid section.

According to the Student Identification Badge Policy, withdrawing students must return the student identification badge. Failure to do so will result in a delay of receipt of official transcripts. The student parking hangtag should be returned to the School upon withdrawal. 

Withdrawal

Dismissal

Each student has a personal responsibility to the School of Nursing in the observance of all academic policies and codes of conduct. The faculty is committed to helping the student in every way possible; however, the faculty of the School is obliged to determine whether the student is progressing satisfactorily. If the student fails in theory or clinical experience or fails to abide by School regulations/policies, the faculty has the right and authority to dismiss the student. A student may be dismissed without having been put on probation.

Dismissal

Achievement

Recognition of Academic Achievement

Students who earn a GPA of 3.5 or above per semester/session will be placed on the School’s Academic Honors List.

Recognition of Academic Achievement

Policy

Graduation Policy

A student will be awarded a Diploma in Nursing and School of Nursing Pin if the following requirements are met:

1. Satisfactory completion of the program with a grade of “C” or above in all courses and satisfactory clinical evaluations.

2. Recommendation by the Faculty.

3. Return of all school property and freedom from monetary unsecured indebtedness to Trinity Health System School of Nursing, Trinity Health System, or any of its affiliate or extension agencies.

The student is expected to be present at graduation exercises unless excused by the Dean of the School.

A student who has not met the requirements may not participate in the public graduation ceremony. The diploma and pin will be awarded when all requirements have been met.

Graduation Policy

Policy

Application for Licensure Policy

Fingerprinting and background checks must be completed and submitted to the appropriate Board of Nursing 6-9 months prior to NCLEX-RN testing. At the completion of the program, the graduate must file an application with a State Board of Nursing to take the examination for licensure. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and complete the application form, and send it with the necessary fee(s) to the State Board Office and NCLEX-RN testing center. Upon meeting the requirements set forth in the School’s Graduation Policy, the Dean of the School will send a program completion form to the appropriate Board of Nursing to meet the eligibility requirements to take the NCLEX-RN examination. Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN examination, the graduate will be licensed to practice as a professional Registered Nurse using the legal title RN. The diploma nursing program at Trinity Health System School of Nursing meets the state education requirements for an RN nursing license in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Trinity Health System School of Nursing has not determined if the diploma nursing program at Trinity Health System School of Nursing meets the state education requirements in any other state or any U.S. Territory. Contact the state regulatory agency for nursing in any other state for which this information is needed.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has resources that may be helpful.

Application for Licensure Procedure

Rewards

Graduation Awards

Traditionally, awards are given at graduation exercises for outstanding academic achievement or clinical excellence. The top three academic awards are presented at the graduation ceremony by the Board of Trustees, Medical Staff, and Trinity Health System Nursing Service.

Additional awards include The Nancy H. Bright, M.D. Excellence in Pediatric Nursing Award, The Patrick Macedonia M.D. Excellence in Maternal-Newborn Nursing Award and The Carmel A. Esposito, EdD Award for Community Leadership.

Periodically, additional honors are awarded by philanthropic and service organizations or individuals.

Insurance

Liability Insurance

Every student is covered under a blanket liability policy purchased by the School. The annual premiums to cover this policy are deducted from the General Fees paid by students every Fall semester.

Liability Insurance

Information

Communication of Routine and Emergency Information

One Call Now, a high-speed phone messaging delivery service, is utilized for communication to the entire student population, selected students, or classes. In cases of emergency or routine notification, students will receive an automated voice and/or text message indicating the nature of the matter. Emergency notification will occur without delay and take into account the safety of the students as well as the community.

Upon admission to the program, students will provide phone numbers to the Coordinator of Student Affairs. This information will be used for the sole purpose of this communication system. Students are required to update their contact information by utilizing the Change Form. The Change Form can be obtained from any School staff member, Coordinator of Student Affairs, or Course Lead Instructor.

The Coordinator of Student Affairs or their designee is responsible for the activation of One Call Now as well as the content of the message. Annual testing of this emergency response system will be conducted.

Communication of Emergency Information

Weather

Cancellation of Classes/Inclement Weather

The Dean or a designated faculty member will make decisions regarding cancellation/delay of classes and/or clinical due to inclement weather.

Announcements of School cancellations/delays will be made via One Call Now/SNAP, telephone communication trees, or local media:  WTOV9 and www.wtov9.com on the internet.

Please note that just because EGCC classes are cancelled, it doesn’t mean Trinity School of Nursing classes are cancelled.

Inclement Weather

Policy

Transportation Policy

Students are responsible for their own transportation for all experiences as required by the curriculum. Trinity Health System and the School of Nursing are not responsible for liability incurred in travel.

Transportation Policy

Policy

Student Identification Badge Policy

The School of Nursing strives to provide a safe environment for all students and employees and requiring students to wear Identification (ID) badges is one way to promote safety. A student ID badge will be issued to each student during the first week of school by Trinity Health System. The badge is the property of the Health System and must be returned when the individual is no longer a student at the School. Student ID badges MUST be worn at all times while engaged in all academic or clinical activities. The badge is to be attached to the upper torso so that patients, visitors, and employees can easily see the student’s name.

Whenever a student graduates, withdraws or is dismissed from the program, the student must return the identification badge to the Lead Instructor of the current course of study or to the Coordinator of Student Affairs. Failure to do so will result in the delay of receipt of official transcripts.

One student nurse identification badge will be replaced free of charge, then a $5.00 fee will be charged for each additional replacement.

Student ID Badge Policy

Code

Dress Code

I. Policy Statement:  Clinical and non-clinical attire should complement an environment that reflects an efficient, orderly, and professionally operated School of Nursing. Student’s attire projects their own person image, as well as the Health System’s image. Good personal hygiene and a neat, professional appearance should be maintained by all students at all times. Clothing should be clean and properly fitted.

II. Dress Code – Clinical Areas:

A. The regulation dress consists of uniform, student  identification badge, and white hose or white socks (with pant uniform). Shoes must be solid white, closed-toe athletic/tennis/nursing shoe. Minimal (<10%) light grey trim is acceptable. Shoes must be clean and in good repair. Crocs, buckles, embellishments, or multi-colored shoes are not permitted. A pen with black ink, watch with a second hand, and bandage scissors are part of the uniform.

The uniform is to be kept clean, neatly pressed and mended. If the uniform skirt is worn, it must be no shorter than mid-knee. A white cardigan sweater or white lab coat may be worn, except when giving patient care.  Pants must not fit tightly and be of appropriate length. Hem length must ensure that the pant does not touch the floor at any time. Pants must be worn at the waist. Undergarments are not to be visible or show through clothing at any time.

B. Students are required to wear Lab coats over dresses or pants/slacks (no leggings, jeggings, jeans or yoga pants) when obtaining patient clinical assignments or during specific clinical experiences. No open -toes shoes are permitted in patient care areas.

C. Scrub apparel may be worn only in the area of the Hospital where it is hospital dress code. Scrub apparel must be covered by a buttoned white lab coat while on break/lunch.

D. The hair must be neat, of a natural hue, and conservative in nature. Hair must not lie on the anterior collar, and must be secured in such a fashion that it does not interfere with the provision of patient care. Beards and mustaches must be neatly trimmed and of reasonable length/style. Headbands, if worn, should be of a solid neutral color.

E. Cosmetics should be used in moderation. Strong perfume, cologne or other obvious odors are not considered appropriate; including but not limited to cigarette smoke, body odors or other environment odors.

F. Fingernails must be clean and trimmed to a proper length; only non-chipped clear polish is permitted; no type of artificial nails, this includes but is not limited to tips, wraps, appliques, acrylics, gels, or any additional items on the nail surface.

G. A watch, wedding band and/or 1 pair of studs in each ear lobe are permissible.

H.  Visible pierced jewelry on any other part of the body is not permitted.

I. Tattoos with profanity and nudity are not permitted to be shown at any time. Tattoos that could be deemed inappropriate or offensive in nature must not be visible while on clinical when in uniform or selective alternative uniform.

J. Student uniform is worn only in the Hospital, for classes, and other specified occasions. The uniform should not be worn when visiting the Hospital.

K. Students who have clinical experiences in areas other than Trinity Health System must comply with uniform regulations of those institutions or agencies.

L. Students wearing the alternative uniform for select clinical experiences must also comply with the dress code related to jewelry, nails, cosmetics, and hair.

III. Dress Code – Non Clinical Areas (include class, cafeteria, Hospital areas other than clinical, library, faculty offices, and main lounge of School).

A. Appropriate nonclinical attire includes:

Pants/slacks

Jeans

Dresses/skirts

Uniforms

Shorts (NO short shorts)

B. The following listing is considered inappropriate attire in any areas:

Halter-tops

See-through blouses

Crop Tops

Clothing with inappropriate sayings

Pajama pants/lounge pants

Slippers

Short Shorts

IV. If any student’s appearance does not reflect the Hospital/School dress code, the student will be asked to leave the clinical area/classroom.

Dress Code

Education

Promotion of Continuing Formal Education

According to the School’s Philosophy, “Education is a lifelong, dynamic, participative process through which the learner’s potential is actualized”.Belief in this concept guides the faculty to promote the importance of continuing formal education to student nurses. Multiple educational options in the pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing are available to graduates of Trinity Health System School of Nursing. Graduates can tailor an educational path with flexibility and ease.

Trinity Health System School of Nursing and Chamberlain University established an Education Agreement in March of 2020. This Agreement allows employees, faculty, or graduates of Trinity Health System School of Nursing to enroll in Chamberlain College of Nursing’s online programs or Chamberlain College of Health Professionals online programs and receive a waiver of the application fee and incorporates all current and future programs offered by Chamberlain University in Ohio. This Agreement assists graduates and faculty in the fulfillment of Trinity Health System School of Nursing’s promotion of continuing formal education. The definition of Education is the foundation of the School of Nursing’s Philosophy.

Chamberlain University is comprised of the College of Nursing, which offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program and flexible post-licensure programs such as the RN to BSN degree completion option, Master of Science in Nursing degree program, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program and graduate certificates and the College of Health Professions, which offers a Master of Public Health degree program and a Master of Social Work degree program.

Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post graduate APRN certificate program at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). For the most updated accreditation information, visit chamberlain.edu/accreditation.

Continuing Education

The information contained in this site is considered to be descriptive in nature.

It does not constitute an irrevocable contract between the student and the school. The school reserves the right to change without notice statements contained in this site concerning rules, policies, tuition and fees, curricula, courses or other administrative or educational policies.

You may contact the school at (740) 266-1230 for the most up-to-date information or email the school at [email protected]