Student Information | Curriculum and Plan of Study | Academic Information

ACADEMIC CONDUCT

The Code of Academic Conduct and the full Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy appears in The University of Alabama’s Student Handbook.

ACADEMIC SUSPENSION FROM THE CAPSTONE COLLEGE OF NURSING’S TRADITIONAL BSN PROGRAM

  • Any student who receives a second D or F in any nursing course or in any combination of nursing courses will be academically suspended.
  • Any student who withdraws from a second nursing course will be academically suspended.
  • Any student who withdraws from a course and who receives a D or F in any nursing course or in any combination of nursing courses will be academically suspended.

*All Upper Division nursing courses are included in this policy.

ACADEMIC SUSPENSION FROM THE CAPSTONE COLLEGE OF NURSING’S RN to BSN PROGRAM

  • Any student who receives a second D or F in any nursing course or in any combination of nursing courses will be academically suspended.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES

The following services are available to assist Upper Division students in being successful:

  1. UA Writing Center, and additional information for distance learners
  2. The Center for Academic Success
  3. Office of Disability Services
  4. English Language Institute
  5. Assistance in developing general academic skills, i.e., study habits, note taking, and test-taking skills is available through enrollment in NEW 222, Academic Potential, a two-semester hour course taught on a pass/fail

The ONSS can provide information about other resources available to assist students.

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 studies, 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and procedures related to professional conduct, the student will receive a failing grade in the course, and will be withdrawn from the course and/or suspended from the program.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. Further progression in the Capstone College of Nursing is determined according to the rules for academic suspension and the availability of space.

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend all course activities including classes, seminars, conferences, laboratories, 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 or clinical absences due to illness require students to submit a 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.

All CCN faculty have voice mail for telephone messages. Students are encouraged to contact the faculty member directly in the event of absence. In the event of an emergency, students may contact the receptionist (205-348-6639) for assistance in locating the faculty member. The receptionist will take a message, if requested. Inability to reach a faculty member is not an acceptable reason for failure to notify faculty of an 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.

CORE CURRICULUM

UA students must meet Core Curriculum requirements to achieve a general education while pursuing a specific concentration in a chosen field of study. Students should refer to the UA Undergraduate Catalog for a detailed listing of Core Curriculum requirements.

CRITICAL BEHAVIORS

Consistent performance of certain behaviors is deemed critical in the clinical laboratory and clinical setting. Failure to consistently perform any one of the critical behaviors will result in an unsatisfactory grade in clinical, and thus a grade of F in the course. The critical behaviors and related program objectives are:

  1. Shows evidence of preparation for the clinical experience. (II, III, IX)
  2. Calculates medications correctly. (II, V, IX)
  3. Administers medications correctly. (II, V, IX)
  4. Maintains medical and surgical asepsis. (II, III)
  5. Performs psychomotor skills at expected competency level. (II, III)
  6. Adheres to agency guidelines. (IV, V, VI, VII)
  7. Gives accurate reports in the clinical setting. (II, IV, VI, XI)
  8. Recognizes hazards and takes appropriate action in order to insure patient safety. (II, V, IX)
  9. Demonstrates respect for the rights, dignity, culture and individually of all persons, within the context of social justice including but not limited to: maintaining confidentiality consistent with HIPAA regulations, providing privacy, and avoiding stereotyping. (V, VII, X)
  10. Demonstrates caring behaviors when working with individuals and groups. (II, III, VIII)
  11. Establishes therapeutic relationships with intraprofessional and interprofessional teams when providing patient centered care. (II, III, VI)
  12. Makes evidence-based nursing decisions that are within ethical-legal parameters and consistent with HIPAA regulations. (III, VI)
  13. Demonstrates responsibility and accountability at a level consistent with the expected knowledge base. (I, II, V, VI)
  14. Utilizes the nursing process at a level consistent with the expected knowledge base. (II, III, XI)
  15. Modifies behavior in response to guidance. (V, VI)
  16. Promotes patient centered care with an emphasis on patient safety utilizing available technology. (IX)
  17. Demonstrates behaviors consistent with professional nursing roles, including, but not limited to: motivation, communication, leadership, organizational skills, ability to work under stress, appearance, punctuality, collaboration, technology skills and attendance. (V, VII, X, IV, IX)

*Roman Numerals refer to Program Objectives

DECLARING A NON-NURSING MINOR

Students may pursue a minor in any area that has a University-approved minor program and is approved by the academic advisor. Department listings should be consulted for specific course requirements. Students may declare a minor through MyBama.

DEPARTURE FROM PROGRAM OF STUDY

Upon progression to upper division, permission to depart from the clinical sequence must be obtained from the Associate Dean, 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.

ELECTIVE COURSES

Nursing electives may be offered to provide additional learning experiences during the year. In addition to these electives, students can design learning experiences consistent with their own educational needs and career goals in NUR 317, Independent Study. Guidelines for NUR 317 are available from ONSS. Students must contract with a faculty member for this experience prior to registering for NUR 317.

GRADING POLICIES

Grading Scale

Effective Fall Semester 1999, the faculty of the Capstone College of Nursing adopted the following numerical scale to accompany The University of Alabama grading system. Final course grades will be calculated to the tenths place and not beyond.

Letter Grade100 Point ScaleGrading Points on the 4 Point Scale
A+98-1004.33
A94-974.00
A-91-933.66
B+88-903.33
B85-873.00
B-83-842.66
C+80-822.33
C77-792.00
C-75-761.66
D+72-741.33
D69-711.00
D-67-68.66
F0-660

Please contact the Office of Nursing Student Services if you have any questions.

When a grade of less than a C- is earned, the course must be repeated to be considered as applicable toward the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

An “I” or incomplete grade should be removed as soon as possible but it becomes an “F” after 12 months. The student must contact the faculty member to arrange for completion of course requirements. If the course is a prerequisite to another course, the student cannot progress to the next course. Until an incomplete grade is removed, the “I” computes as an “F” in the grade point average.

Calculating Grade Point Averages

The University of Alabama uses a 4.0 scale to calculate GPA. The student is referred to The University of Alabama Catalog for computation of grade point average.

Policy on Repeating Courses

The following policies apply to students who desire or are required to repeat a course:

  1. A record of all courses attempted will appear on the student’s transcript.
  2. A grade of “Withdrawal Failing” received prior to fall, 2001 is equivalent to one unsuccessful attempt to pass that course.
  3. If a grade less than a “C-” is received in any course required in the CCN program of studies, the course must be repeated.

Students repeating a course must make an appointment with the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs to discuss repeating the course. Enrollment is based on space available.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

A student must complete a minimum of 126 semester hours of academic work approved by the CCN 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. To receive the BSN from UA, a student must have completed a minimum of 32 semester hours at this university. The student must have an overall grade point average of 2.0 at the time of graduation.

An application for degree must be completed in order to graduate. Students may apply for graduation online through MyBama and must meet the deadline set by the University Registrar. The deadline to apply is generally in the middle of the semester in which a student expects to graduate. Students will be billed a graduation fee.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

The UA Faculty Handbook broadly defines an academic grievance as a student complaint regarding an academic action taken by instructional or administrative personnel at The University of Alabama. An academic grievance may be filed by a student against university personnel including instructional personnel, administrators, or staff members at the University. Examples of academic grievances include, but are not limited to, allegations of unfairness in grading, alleged violation of a written or oral agreement with a student (e.g. course requirements for graduation), and alleged inconsistent applications of existing policies. For more details, see Appendix D in Faculty Handbook.  A grievance is filed in the Office of the Senior Associate Dean.

HEALTH STATUS VERIFICATION

For traditional nursing students, a health form must be completed after promotion during the first semester of the upper division. The health form materials are discussed during the Upper Division Student Orientation held prior to beginning Semester I courses. A licensed physician or a certified registered nurse practitioner must complete the health forms.

Prior to beginning Semester IV courses, students must submit a statement indicating their health status is unchanged. If a student’s health status has changed, another health form must be completed by an MD or NP and submitted by the student prior to beginning any clinical experiences in Semester IV. Failure to present completed forms prior to the designated semester may result in inability to participate in clinical experiences and being dis- enrolled from the course.

All students/faculty that are required to wear a respirator will be required to have a medical evaluation prior to being fit tested. This form is a requirement under federal law and should be completed by the student/faculty and signed by a licensed physician.

For RN Mobility students, information and forms for completion of health requirements and other documentation will be mailed with the promotion packet to upper division (nursing) courses. The health form must be completed by a certified nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or licensed physician.

·         TB Skin Test

All students must have a two-step Tuberculin Skin Test. The two-step test is a PPD, which is administered, read, and repeated within one to three weeks after the first test. The tuberculin skin test must be repeated annually and be in effect for the entire semester. Only a one step is required after the initial two-step. If the test is positive, a negative chest x-ray and report are required.

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.

IMMUNIZATION POLICIES

·         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.

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.

Exposure Control Plan

CCN developed an Exposure Control Plan consistent with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. This policy, Policies & Procedures Regarding Instances Involving Blood or Blood Products-to-Blood Contact, applies to clinical experiences occurring in the College’s Clinical Practice Laboratory. A copy of the plan is available for review in the Learning Resources Center (Room 2024), and the Office of Academic Programs (Room 3037). For all other clinical experiences, students are to consult the Exposure Control Plan of the clinical agency.

CONTENT MASTERY SERIES AND COMPREHENSIVE LIVE REVIEW

Standardized assessments are administered near the end of each semester (SII – SIV) in the upper division and count as a percentage of the course grade. These assessments give students and faculty data to assess students’ knowledge acquisition and areas needed for further study. All students in NUR 475: Preparation for Licensure must successfully complete the ATI Comprehensive Predictor and Remediation and achieve a 75% average to be eligible for graduation from the Capstone College of Nursing.

Comprehensive Live Review

Students in the last semester will complete an NCLEX review course led by a Master’s-degreed ATI nurse educator.

STUDENT EVALUATIONS

Each student is responsible for making arrangements with an assigned course faculty for a midterm and final clinical evaluation conference. During the conference meeting, students may receive a copy of their clinical evaluation upon request to the clinical instructor. Once the clinical evaluation is placed in the student’s file in the Office of Nursing Student Services, the FERPA procedure for requesting student records must be followed. Other conferences may be required at the request of the student, course leader or course faculty.

Students are given the opportunity to evaluate CCN course and faculty teaching effectiveness at least annually. During the last semester, students also complete a program evaluation survey.

TEXTBOOKS

Each Blackboard Learn supported nursing course has a list of required and recommended textbooks that students are expected to have in their possession. They are expected to have access to any books listed as recommended.

Students should keep nursing textbooks for use in future nursing courses, for preparation for taking NCLEX-RN, and for reference as they engage in increasingly complex clinical decision making in practice settings. The texts are helpful and often listed as required or recommended texts in subsequent courses. Faculty strongly encourages students to retain texts used in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nutrition courses.

Students should purchase all texts prior to the first day of class because these resources are used in the orientation to the course.

TRANSFER CREDIT

After UA admission, students who want to transfer courses for credit from outside UA must seek from the ONSS before such courses are taken. Letters of Transiency are only required for community colleges in the state of Alabama. Institutions outside of Alabama may require a Letter of Transiency. See the current UA Undergraduate Catalog for more information. The Capstone College of Nursing does not accept nursing courses from another BSN program. Students who have previously been enrolled in a BSN program must present a letter of good standing from that nursing program. This statement must reflect that the student is eligible to return to that program.