Student Information | Curriculum and Plan of Study | Academic Information
Advisement of Traditional BSN Students
- General information:
Each student should make regular contact with the academic advisor in the Office of Nursing Student Services (ONSS) for academic related questions or concerns.
Students are expected to participate in planning elements of their course of study and to seek advice and counsel as necessary from the academic advisor or from the student’s current course faculty as appropriate.
- Academic Advising:
The academic advisor assists students regarding academic matters. Students may make an appointment to meet with the academic advisor for academic matters at any time during the semester. Academic matters include course sequencing, withdrawals, dropping and adding courses, academic progression, registration, and academic problems.
- Pre-registration advising:
- Lower Division
- Students must attend a pre-registration advising session each semester to be cleared to register, unless an academic advisor has cleared them during that semester. Unless there are documented extenuating circumstances, a student who does not complete a designated advisement session during the scheduled period will be required to register during late registration and pay the associated fee.
- More information about advising and registration is provided at BSN Advising.
- Upper Division
- Upper Division students are advised via email by the Administrative Specialist of Undergraduate Programs during the designated preregistration advising period in the fall and spring semesters.
- No request for specific clinical days will be accepted. Assigned days for the upcoming semester will be published by the end of the current semester to allow for scheduling purposes.
- Lower Division
Advisement of RN Mobility Students
Advisement of RN Mobility students is handled by the Academic Advisor for RN Mobility and the RN Mobility Coordinator
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PARTICIPATION BY UPPER DIVISION NURSING STUDENTS
In keeping with the CCN Mission and Vision to facilitate the socialization of graduates into the nursing profession, the faculty acknowledge the need to encourage students to attend professional meetings, conferences, and seminars outside of the College. Because time conflicts may arise between scheduled classes and/or clinical experiences and professional opportunities outside of the College, guidelines have been established to govern student’s participation in professional development. For more information and to submit a request form, students can review the Professional Development Participation by UD Students policy.
BSN STUDENT AFFIRMATION FORM
Upper division students are required to sign a CCN BSN Student Affirmation Form each semester. By signing this affirmation, students are committing to maintain professionalism related to HIPAA guidelines, American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, University of Alabama Code of Academic Conduct, etc.
CAPSTONE COLLEGE OF NURSING PIN
Only graduates of the CCN are entitled to wear the CCN’s distinctive gold nursing pin. Pins are available in the University Supply Store. The procedure for obtaining pins is explained to seniors during their last semester.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA CAPSTONE COLLEGE OF NURSING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (UACCNAA)
The UACCNAA was established to provide support for the CCN. In addition to graduates, membership is also open to faculty and friends of the College. The general purpose of the association is to increase understanding, appreciation, and support for CCN goals, programs, and activities.
CAREER PLANNING AND PLACEMENT
ONSS and the UA Career Center maintain information about various career opportunities in nursing. Students will find information on health care agencies and institutions and the employment opportunities they offer in the ONSS and in the Career Center. Information is also posted on CCN bulletin boards. Students, when seeking employment can file placement credentials, including transcripts and recommendations, in the Career Center. Counselors in the Career Center can provide guidance in writing resumes for students who request these services.
CCN AMBASSADORS
The CCN Ambassadors are the official student representatives for the Capstone College of Nursing. They represent the college during special functions by providing college related information to prospective students, parents, and other visitors. These functions may include Homecoming, Honor’s Day activities, graduation receptions, recruiting trips, visits to the college by such groups as the Board of Visitors, and other such functions deemed important to the promotion of the Capstone College of Nursing. The Ambassadors also work closely with the faculty, staff, and administrators of the Capstone College of Nursing.
Applications for CCN Ambassadors are accepted each spring. Eligibility requirements are:
- minimum GPA of 3.0;
- a declared major in nursing;
- completion of 30 semesters hours at UA;
- ability to attend special functions of CCN; and
- willingness to volunteer when situations arise or when services are
COMMUNICATION
Students and faculty communicate via e-mail so STUDENTS SHOULD CHECK THEIR CRIMSON E- MAIL ACCOUNT AT LEAST DAILY. Digital display boards located throughout the nursing building are also used to post information and notices important to students. Designated bulletin boards are used by faculty in each course to post information relevant to students enrolled in specific courses. The bulletin board in the student lounge is used by student organizations to post notices. For students enrolled in online courses, faulty will post announcements or e-mail messages using Blackboard Learn.
NO NOTICES ARE TO BE PLACED ON ANY SURFACES OTHER THAN BULLETIN BOARDS.
When appropriate, students are notified by postal or e-mail of changes, upcoming events, etc. Students should verify that their mailing addresses are correct each time they register for courses. Faculty also make announcements during classes, as needed, regarding matters that affect students. Updated/revised policies will be distributed to students.
COMPUTER USE IN CCN
Students follow policies and procedures for Appropriate Use of Computers .
CPR CERTIFICATION
The American Heart Associations’ Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers is required for all clinical courses. Certification must be renewed ANNUALLY and must be effective through the entire semester in which a student is enrolled in a clinical nursing course. Online certifications or certifications through any other entity will NOT be accepted. Evidence of annual certification will be uploaded to the online immunization/compliance tracking system.
EXPENSES (ADDITIONAL) IN UPPER DIVISION
In addition to the expenses common to all UA students, there are additional expenses specific to the nursing program. These additional expenses are listed on the CCN website to help students plan. The expenses of the first and last semesters in Upper Division are greater than those of intervening semesters.
FIRE ALARMS
University buildings are equipped with automatic fire and smoke detectors and fire alarms. Once the fire alarm is activated, the fire department is automatically alerted. Should the fire department not respond immediately, fires may also be reported by calling 911 from a campus phone or 348-5454 from a cell phone to report the building address of 650 University Boulevard East. The 911 operator will then route your call to the campus police department to report the fire. When an alarm is initiated, a steady loud bell rings and lights flash throughout the building.
Students, faculty and staff are required to exit immediately to the nearest exit using the stairways. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS. Remain calm; the greatest danger can be from panic rather than fire. Everyone should gather in the CCN building’s paved parking lot out of the way of fire trucks and rescue units and where students, faculty and staff can be accounted for. From time to time, fire drills will be held, with or without notice, and everyone should respond as they would to an actual fire.
HONORS AND AWARDS, HONORS WEEK
CCN faculty acknowledges students who are outstanding in academic and clinical performance and in leadership. With a few exceptions, most awards and recognitions are given during the graduating class pinning ceremony, held in May and December each year. Awards for RN students will occur during the August graduation reception. Various campus-wide activities are planned to recognize outstanding students.
The University of Alabama presents university-wide student awards each year for which students may make application. The College of Nursing recipients are recognized during the graduation pinning ceremony, and establishes other recognitions and awards as appropriate.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
Faculty in the following situations may cancel clinical laboratory experiences:
- At those times when the Tuscaloosa city or county school systems are closed due to inclement weather conditions
- At those times when school systems in the same geographic location as the health care agency are closed due to inclement weather
Each faculty member is responsible for evaluating the weather conditions in the geographic area of the clinical site. If a decision is made to cancel the clinical experience, it is the faculty member’s responsibility to contact students with all relevant information. All cancelled clinical time will be rescheduled.
Classes located on the University Campus may only be canceled by the President’s office. Students should listen to local TV/radio broadcasts for information concerning cancellation of classes.
LIBRARIES
The University of Alabama libraries have materials available for teaching, learning, and research by faculty and students. The resources of the libraries exist primarily to support the teaching and research needs of the University community. The University of Alabama libraries include Amelia Gayle Gorgas (Main) and departmental libraries. Departmental libraries include the Business Library, Education Library (McLure), Science Library, Law Library, Health Sciences Library and the Rodgers Science & Engineering Library. The CCN collection is housed in the Rodgers Science and Engineering Library.
LICENSURE
Licensure is a process by which a legal authority grants permission to a qualified individual to perform certain activities that are illegal to perform without a license. In Alabama, the Board of Nursing has the authority to grant the legal right to practice professional nursing to individuals who qualify.
Only graduates of Board-approved nursing programs are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. To determine whether an individual is competent to practice professional nursing, the Alabama Board of Nursing administers the National Council Licensure Examination, NCLEX-RN (pronounced en-clex). The licensure exam is a computerized adaptive test. A passing score must be received to earn the legal title of registered nurse.
NCLEX-RN application forms for Alabama are available online. Students who desire to make application for licensure in other states must apply to the Board of Nursing or agency responsible for regulating nursing practice in the respective state.
Standards of Conduct
Students applying for licensure by examination must comply with legal, moral, and legislative standards that determine unacceptable behavior of the nurse and that may be cause for denial of license to practice as a registered nurse, in accordance with the Alabama law regulating practice of registered and practical nursing, as stated in the Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code. In addition, failure to comply with any of the stipulations listed in the Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code while in the nursing program constitutes grounds for dismissal from the program.
It is important for nursing students to know about the Alabama Board of Nursing’s regulations governing review of candidates for eligibility for initial and continuing licensure. There will be questions on the application to take the examination for licensure as a registered nurse that ask “Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense?”; “Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol?”; “Have you within the last 5 years received or been recommended to receive treatment for mental illness or an emotional disorder?”; and “Have you ever abused drugs/alcohol or been treated for chemical dependency?” Application to take the examination may be denied on the basis of this review. Although these policies apply specifically in Alabama, other states have similar stipulations regarding licensure.
LEARNING RESOURCES CENTER (LRC)
The College’s Learning Resources Center (LRC) provides faculty with the necessary resources to teach essential nursing concepts, skills and critical thinking. Resources available in the LRC include learning experiences guided by faculty supervision, and is composed of a computer laboratory, clinical practice laboratory and simulation center.
Students use the open access computer lab for testing, to complete assignments, and work on group projects. The computer lab has 25 student computers. It is located on the 2nd floor of the CCN, and is open during LRC hours for all UA student use unless otherwise scheduled. Wireless access is provided by the University throughout the building. Our computer lab and wireless access allows students to access library resources and other University resources, and supports computerized testing for students in undergraduate courses. Since testing and scheduled class use may be conducted in the computer lab, students can check with LRC staff for available times. Students are strongly encouraged to have their own laptop, but laptops are available for students to checkout for testing purposes only.
Staff members are available during open hours to assist students with equipment operation and check-out and to help students locate and use various materials. Work-study students also are available to assist students as needed. If there are any questions or problems concerning the LRC and its services, please contact the Director of Technology and Distance Education. Students should check the posted LRC schedule for hours of operation.
Hours of Operation
Monday 8:00 am – 4:45 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 4:45 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 4:45 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 4:45 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 4:45 pm
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed
Refer to Appendix A for specific policies and procedures related to Appropriate Use of Computers at the Capstone College of Nursing.
Food and drinks are not allowed in the LRC or CCN classrooms. Students using the LRC should turn off cell phones and strive to maintain an environment conducive to learning.
Simulation Center for Clinical Excellence
The Simulation Center provides students with the opportunity to learn and practice nursing skills in a non- threatening, simulated environment. In January 2005, the College purchased its first adult high fidelity human patient simulator. By the following fall semester simulated experiences were implemented throughout the nursing curriculum. The College now has four iStan adult simulators, one PediaSim pediatric simulator and a Lucina maternal fetal simulator. A REPLAY digital audio-visual management system is installed in all simulation rooms.
Simulators provide state-of-the art learning opportunities for students. Preprogrammed scenarios allow students to practice providing realistic care without risk or harm to the patient. Scenarios also allow all students the opportunity to care for patients with high-acuity, low-frequency conditions, that they might not have the opportunity to care for in the acute care settings. Scenarios enhance critical thinking skills and clinical judgment and, during scenarios, faculty act as facilitators to guide the learning experience and ensure that students achieve learning objectives.
Clinical Practice Laboratory
The Clinical Practice Laboratory (CPL) is part of the LRC and is composed of 34 hospital beds. Upper division nursing students spend many hours in the CPL. The CPL houses a wide variety of equipment and supplies that students are confronted with in the clinical settings and are expected to know how to use when providing direct patient care. Teaching models are provided for students to learn and practice skills essential to the nursing profession. To facilitate independent learning, students can check out various equipment and models to practice essential skills and conduct student projects.
CCN TEST/TEST REVIEW POLICY
When you come to the CCN to take a computerized exam/quiz or for a test review, you are NOT to do any other computer activity prior to taking the test, during the test, while the testing period is in progress, or during the test review session. Students must abide by specific directions given by course faculty regarding each test. Violation of this policy will be viewed as violation of the University Honor Code and will be dealt with accordingly. For testing policy details, see Exit Exam Administration Policy
OFFICE OF NURSING STUDENT SERVICES (ONSS)
The ONSS is located on the first floor of the nursing building. The mission of the ONSS is to assist students with their needs and concerns. The ONSS is responsible for record keeping within the CCN, coordinating the lower division advising process, and recruiting new students. In addition, questions regarding financial aid, scholarships, or information in general may begin in the ONSS. Any student concerns or complaints are the concern of the ONSS. The office is operated for the benefit of the students and students are encouraged to avail themselves of the services offered.
PEER TUTORS FOR UPPER DIVISION NURSING COURSES
Peer tutors for upper division nursing courses are available. Students in need of an upper division peer tutor may contact the Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Programs’ office at 205.348.7156 to obtain tutor information. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the tutor and negotiate an action plan as well as payment arrangements.
RESOLUTION OF CONCERNS
Students are encouraged to seek the guidance of the academic advisor when problems arise. If problems occur that are directly related to nursing courses, resolution should be sought through conference with the course faculty. If the problem is not resolved at that level the student may seek resolution through a conference with the Course Leader, RN Mobility Coordinator (for RN Mobility Track Students), Assistant Dean Undergraduate Programs, the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs, or the Dean, in respective order.
SIGMA THETA TAU, INTERNATIONAL: THE HONOR SOCIETY OF NURSING
Six nursing students founded Sigma Theta Tau, International (STTI) in 1922 at Indiana University. The Honor Society of Nursing has grown to include more than 500 chapters that are associated with university schools or colleges of nursing in more than 90 countries. Sigma Theta Tau International is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. The Capstone College of Nursing Honor Society was established in 1979 as a prerequisite for the 1982 chartering of a Sigma Theta Tau Chapter. Epsilon Omega Chapter and Sigma Theta Tau International ascribe to the following Mission and Vision:
Society Mission
Is advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.
Society Vision
To be the global organization of choice for nursing.
STTI Membership is by invitation. Eligible BSN student applicants must have the following qualifications.
- Completed on half of the upper division, nursing curriculum.
- Rank in the upper 35% of class.
- Have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Meet the expectation of academic integrity.
By March of each year, eligible students are sent electronic notifications via their official University of Alabama email account, indicating their eligibility and inviting them to complete the application process. Names of STTI Faculty Counselors and contact information may be obtained by visiting the STTI link found on the CCN homepage. Induction of new members is held each spring.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
CCN assumes no responsibility for students employed in a health care agency. A student is personally responsible for any activities conducted while employed. Professional liability insurance purchased for each student by the College is valid in the student role, but not in the employment role. An individual who practices nursing illegally may jeopardize his/her future as a licensed professional. A student employed in an agency has the responsibility, personally and professionally, to engage in only those activities, which fall within the job description for non- professional workers, and has a responsibility to refuse to participate in activities, which he or she has not been legally licensed to perform.
STUDENT LOUNGE
A student lounge is located on the first floor of the nursing building. Soft drink and snacks are available. Bulletin boards are available for announcements about student organizations, job opportunities, etc. It is the responsibility of students to maintain the cleanliness of the lounge.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION
The Association of Nursing Students
The National Student Nurse Association (NSNA) is the pre-professional nursing student organization. The state constituent of the NSNA is the Alabama Association of Nursing Students (AANS). The local affiliate at the Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) is named the Capstone Association of Nursing Students (ANS). The national, state, and local pre-professional associations create unity among nursing students by stimulating understanding and interest in promoting professional nursing as a vital societal force. For details, see the CCN ANS website.
STUDENT REPRESENTATION ON CCN COMMITTEES
The CCN Faculty Organization provides for student membership on the following committees: Undergraduate Education, Graduate Education, Student Life, and Organizational Performance and Strategic Planning.
Detailed functions of committees with student representation are available in the ONSS. Students will be informed of student vacancies on CCN Committees. The students then elect peers to fill vacant positions. Student concerns within the scope of the purposes of these committees should be shared with the student representatives to the CCN committees.
Students are also appointed to serve on appropriate ad hoc committees. For example, students have served on Dean and Associate Dean Search Committees and on Self-Study Steering Committees.
STUDENT REQUEST FOR RECORDS
FERPA affords a student the right to inspect and review his or her education records within 45 days of receipt of a written request for access. This right does not necessarily include the right to make a copy of the records.
Students should submit written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect to the Office of the University Registrar, 206 Student Services Center, The University of Alabama, Box 870134, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY/DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY
The CCN Substance Abuse Policy, is intended to complement the University’s Drug-Free Campus and Work Place Policy.
TOBACCO USE AT THE CAPSTONE COLLEGE OF NURSING
Effective Jan. 1, 2015, The University of Alabama extended its smoke-free policy to include all facilities, grounds and parking areas on the UA campus.
THE UNIFORM OF THE STUDENT OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING
“Clothing is a form of nonverbal communication that stimulates judgmental or behavioral responses in others. Our clothing makes it possible for a stranger to categorize us — at least tentatively — and sets the stage for further interaction… Those who wear uniforms are issued a common identity, separating them from others. But uniforms send out a dual message: They are symbols of authority and power and, at the same time, a sign of reduced individuality — the wearer must act according to the expectations and limitations defined for the group.”
The CCN student uniform projects an image of professionalism and competence. Students represent nursing, the College, and The University of Alabama to the public when dressed in the student uniform; they, therefore are charged with portraying a positive professional image of nursing.
The student uniform was approved by the students and faculty of the College and is to be worn in its entirety; that is, dress (or uniform pants), nametag, and appropriate foot and leg wear. The uniform is ordered from the Dove Company and is ordered prior to entering upper division clinical nursing courses. There are to be NO substitutes for the official uniform. If replacement uniforms are needed, they must be ordered from the Dove Company.Order forms are available online.
The female uniform is available in two styles and may be ordered as a dress or tunic with pants. The length of the student dress uniform should be no shorter than mid-knee. White hose and all-white, all-leather, ankle-cut shoes or clog-type shoes with an ankle strap are required as part of the uniform. All-white socks may be worn with the tunic and pants uniform; socks are not worn with the dress uniform. The male uniform consists of one style, white socks and shoes as described for female students, and the prescribed tunic. Full-length lab coats with closures are necessary for certain clinical areas. The lab coat with nametag must be worn over appropriate street dress when the student is in the clinical area but not involved in direct client care (e.g., when a student is obtaining information about clients for clinical assessments). Generic students in the senior practicum wear the official CCN prescribed uniform, and a new nametag denoting Senior Practicum Nursing Student. RN Mobility students will wear the uniform prescribed by the clinical agency and the nametag denoting RN-BSN Student or RN to BSN/MSN student.
If a student chooses to wear a tee shirt under the college uniform, it must meet the following criteria. The tee shirt must be white, non-transparent, smooth texture with no visible tee-shirt wording, and no visible undergarments. The shirts may be short sleeved or long sleeved.
Jewelry worn with the uniform is limited to a plain band ring and watch, no bracelets or necklaces with the exception of medical alert wearables. Piercings can only contain studs, no hoops or dangling styles. Fingernails must be clean and of short length, not visible from the palm. No nail polish is permitted. Hair must be neat and well-groomed and must be secured so as to not interfere with client care. Perfume and excessive makeup must not be worn. Facial hair must be clean, well-trimmed and neat but is discouraged in patient care areas where masks are routinely worn, especially N-95 masks, as improper fitting may compromise student safety. Tattoos must not contain explicit or offensive language/content or must be covered.
Maternity uniforms that closely resemble the official uniform may be worn during pregnancy.
Please Note: The student uniform is worn only for scheduled clinical learning experiences including pre-clinical preparation days at the clinical agency. If a student is employed by a clinical agency, the uniform designated by the agency must be worn (such designation cannot be the student uniform as defined in this policy).
This student uniform policy is reviewed periodically by the Student Life Committee of the College of Nursing, which has student representation.
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND MISCONDUCT SERVICES AND SUPPORT
The University provides a variety of resources, services and support to the campus community to help prevent and respond to any type of sexual assault or misconduct. For more information, visit https://www.ua.edu/campuslife/safety/sams.