text:
Entry-Level Bachelor of Science in Nursing Student Handbook 2014–15
Please use the topics below to access the content of the Entry-Level Bachelor of Science in Nursing Student Handbook 2014–15
- Introduction
- History of the School of Nursing
- The School of Nursing Faculty and Staff
- Mission and Philosophy
- Program Outcomes/Valued Ends
- Entry-Level Nursing Program – Curriculum Plan
- Studying in the Nursing Program
- Paper Requirements in Nursing Courses
- Academic Advisement
- Communicating with Nursing Students
- Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing,
Mu Eta Chapter
- Honor Code
- Academic Appeals Procedure
- Graduation Awards
- Special Curricular Opportunities
- Entry-Level BSN Program Policies
- Progression/Acceptance Policy – Pre-Nursing to Nursing Major
- Acceptance Policy for Transfer Students – to the Nursing Major
- Progression Policy in Nursing Major
- Requirements for Clinical Courses
- Clinical Placements
- Clinical Evaluation
- Clinical Grading
- Criteria for Clinical Evaluation
- Clinical/Campus Simulation Lab Attendance Policy
- Dress Code – Clinical Setting
- Dress Code – Classroom Setting
- Student Behavior in the Clinical Setting
- Confidentiality
- Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions
- Medication Administration
- Dosage Calculation
- Social Media Policy
- ATI Policy
- Ombudsperson for Nursing Program
- School of Nursing Substance Abuse Policy
- University Substance Abuse Policy
- Release for Audiovisual Recording
- Confidentiality Agreement
- Acknowledgement of Receipt of NDMU Nursing Program Student Policy and Information Manual
The purpose of this handbook is to provide foundational material on the organization, resources, and policies of the School of Nursing to guide students on the journey though the entry-level BSN program. Information contained in this Entry- Level Nursing Student Handbook is supplemental to the:
- Notre Dame of Maryland University Undergraduate Catalog: Women's College and College of Adult Undergraduate Studies
- School of Nursing Course Syllabi
The information contained within this Handbook reflects current policies; therefore, it is subject to modification. Students will be notified of any changes through announcements distributed in class, NDMU e-mail, Joule, and/or U.S. Mail. Students are responsible to keep themselves up-to-date with the current information and are accountable to the policies herein.
History of the School of Nursing
1974—The Faculty and Administration of the College of Notre Dame of Maryland (now Notre Dame of Maryland University) identified that many adult workers needed more innovative schedules and teaching methods to enable them to pursue baccalaureate education. In response to this need, the Weekend College was initiated. This format, which was the first of its kind in Maryland, combined traditional on‑campus classroom experience with guided independent study.
1979-1981—The first registered nurses enrolled in the program in September 1979 with nursing courses first offered in Summer 1980. By August 1981, 30 of the 47 students who finished the nursing courses had completed all the requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree and received their degrees. During the first 10 years of the program, approximately 1,000 RNs earned their BSN degrees through the Weekend College
2003—The faculty submitted changes to the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) for a redesigned curriculum. The new curriculum was approved by both agencies and the first students were admitted to both accelerated options. To date, Sixteen hospitals throughout Maryland now partner with the University for education of students in the RN-BSN program: Anne Arundel Medical Center, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Carroll Hospital Center, Harford Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Kernan Hospital, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, MedStar Harbor Hospital, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, Meritus Medical Center, Southern Maryland Hospital Center, St. Agnes Hospital, St. Joseph Medical Center, and Upper Chesapeake Medical Center.
2008—MSN program began, enrolling students in two concentrations: Leadership in Nursing Administration and Leadership in Nursing Education. Thirty-six students graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing in May 2009.
2009—RN-BSN program received full (eight years) continuing accreditation
MSN program received initial accreditation (five years)
The National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (now Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, ACEN)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404-975-5000 www.nlnac.org (now http://acenursing.org/)
2011—College of Notre Dame of Maryland became Notre Dame of Maryland University; Nursing Department became School of Nursing. The Entry-level BSN program accepted students into the pre-nursing curriculum.
2013—School of Nursing accepted its first students into the entry-level nursing major.
2014—Entry-Level BSN program received initial accreditation; RN-BSN received continuing accreditation
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (formerly National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission)
The School of Nursing—Faculty and Staff
All full-time faculty and staff offices are located in the University Academic Building (UAB).
Katharine C. Cook, PhD, RN, Dean and Professor
Amy Rohrs, BS, Administrative Assistant
410-532-5526 (office)
Jessie Canfield, BS, Administrative Assistant
Undergraduate Programs
410-532-5236 (office)
Jenna Hoffman, MS, Retention and Success Specialist
Margaret Runyon, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC, Clinical Placement Coordinator
Jane Balkam, PhD, RN, APRN, CPNP, IBCLC, Assistant Professor
Janice Brennan, MS, RN-BC, CNE, Director of the Center for Caring with Technology, Assistant Professor
Erica Brinkley, DNP, RN, Assistant Professor
Hannah Murphy Buc, MSN, RN, Assistant Professor
Adriane Burgess, MSN, RN, RNC-OB, CCE, Assistant Professor
Virginia Byer, MS, RN, Assistant Professor
Bethany Correlli, MSN, RN, Assistant Professor
Renee Franquiz, MSN, RN, Assistant Professor
Barbara Friend, PhD(c), RN, Assistant Professor
Zane Hunter, AA, Simulation and Technology Support Specialist
Fairuz Lutz, PhD(c), RN
Roxanne Moran, PhD, RN, CNE, Associate Professor
410- 532-5586
Mary O'Connor, PhD, RN, FACHE, Coordinator, MSN Program and Associate Professor
Mary T. Packard, PhD, RN, Chair, Undergraduate Studies and Associate Professor
Sabita Persaud, PhD, RN, APHN-BC, Assistant Professor
Sara Rosenthal, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor
Ronna Schrum, DNP, RN, CRNP, Assistant Professor
Marleen Thornton, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor
Mark Walker, RN, CNL, MS, Assistant Professor
Mission and Philosophy
The School of Nursing offers three programs: an entry-level BSN program through the Women's College, an accelerated RN-BSN program through CAUS and a MSN program through the College of Graduate Studies. The School of Nursing is one of 4 schools in the university's Office of Academic Affairs. All nursing programs are grounded in and inspirited by the mission and philosophy of the School of Nursing and Human Caring Science Theory. Program Outcomes/Valued Ends bring the philosophy to a practical reality and guide evaluation of the program.
Mission of the University
Notre Dame of Maryland University educates women as leaders to transform the world.
Embracing the vision of the founders, the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the University provides a liberal arts education in the Catholic tradition. Distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs challenge women and men to strive for intellectual and professional excellence, to build inclusive communities, to engage in service to others, and to promote social responsibility.
Mission of the School of Nursing
The School of Nursing educates students to transform nursing and healthcare through authentic presence, caring connections with patients, students, colleagues, and the discipline of nursing, and by preserving care and compassion as the ethical foundation of nursing practice and scholarship.
Nursing and the teaching of nursing is a journey through deep caring connections with patients, students, colleagues, and the discipline of nursing. Nursing is imagined and known through caring authentic presence with others and multiple ways of knowing. Nursing is a presence to life lived with those entrusted to our care, a beacon, attentive to the extraordinary in the mundane and boldly entering questions of meaning. All stories of individuals and of the discipline are valued as necessary to the growth and advancement of the profession. Healing practice is possible in partnership relationships; nursing creates safe welcoming places, encouraging growth, seeking to understand, and knowing each other's hearts.
Nurses are called to care through advocacy, action, 'power-with' and trusting relationships with persons and groups in diverse settings. Nursing embraces diversity and commitment to social justice. With perseverance and fortitude, caring and compassion are preserved as the ethical foundation of nursing practice and scholarship.
A nursing way of being requires reflective practice, a listening, that allows for meaning-making in all dimensions of academic and practice endeavors. Nursing practice is characterized by thoughtfulness and necessarily lived out with intention. This way of being a School of Nursing in all aspects allows for possibilities for our mission to be realized—educating nurses to transform the world.
Program Outcomes/Valued Ends
The program outcomes are lived by graduates as:
- Presence
preparing a space for being-with patients, families, communities, and health care colleagues that reveals authentic nursing presence—opening possibilities for meaning-making, cultural understanding, and reflective practice in diverse settings.
- Praxis
engaging in and cultivating excellence in praxis through the synthesis of an active thoughtful commitment to the watchfulness of safety and quality interwoven with an authentic confident professional demeanor that is rooted in the foundation of arts and sciences.
- Advocacy
responding to the call to be an active voice for patients, families, and communities around
health policy and social justice, leading professional lives as valued by the Code of Ethics for
Nurses, and demonstrating positive partnerships with other disciplines in the spirit of the welfare
of our patients.
- Scholarship
curiosity to deepen and broaden one's continuous learning, a lively spirit of critical inquiry, aesthetics and additional ways of knowing, an ongoing quest for salience in practice, and unlimited potential for discovery of knowledge.
- Self Care
valuing professional development of self and others through reflective practice, civility, and resilience.
- Leadership
the courage to integrate interpretation of evidence with lived experiences through the lens of reflection leading to promotion of excellence in nursing practice and advancement of the profession.
Date Approved: January 12, 2011
Entry-Level Nursing Program—Curriculum Plan
Entry-Level Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program - SUGGESTED CURRICULUM PLAN
|Algebraid Applications OR Applied Algebra
|Survey of General, Organic & Biochemistry
|First Year Seminar
|General Microbiology
|College Writing
|Introduction to Philosophy
|Fundamentals of Biology
|Introductory Psychology
|General Education Course (General Education requirements are specific to nursing, see requirements on the next page)
|13/17 credits
|18 credits
|Genetics and Genomics for Clinical Practice
|Human Anatomy & Physiology II
|Nutrition for Wellness (Online)
|Introductory Sociology
|Medical Ethics
|Human Growth & Development
|Human Anatomy & Physiology I
|Basic Statistics
|General Education Course (General Education requirements are specific to nursing, see requirements on the next page)
|General Education Course (General Education requirements are specific to nursing, see requirements on the next page)
|16 credits
|16 credits
|Holistic Health Assessment
|Healthy Aging
|Foundations of a Caring Profession
|Professional Nursing Care of the Adult I
|Nursing Informatics
|Nursing Care of Children and Families
|Nursing Research
|15 credits
|14 credits
|Maternal and Infant Nursing
|Nursing Leadership in the New Millennium
|Professional Nursing Care of the Adult II
|Community Health Nursing
|Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
|Clinical Practicum
|Contemporary Trends and Theory in Nursing
|Senior Seminar
|15 credits
|15 credits
|Total General Education Credits
|Total Nursing Credits
|Total credits
*Math Requirement
If pre-nursing students place into MAT-100 Algebraic Applications on the math placement test, then they are required to take MAT-100. If pre-nursing students place into MAT-103 Applied Algebra, then they are required to take MAT-103, however if they place into MAT 107 or higher, then MAT-103 may be waived.
w General Biology Requirement
BIO-111 General Biology requires permission of instructor to take without pre-requisite BIO-110 Exploring Concepts of Biology.
Remaining General Education Requirements:
- History general education requirement
- RST-201 Introduction to Biblical Studies
- RST-300/400 Level
Students who take both MAT-100/103 and BIO-110, will need to fit a general education requirement into a winterim or summer semester (these students will meet with their advisor to make a plan for completing the requirement).
Scholarly Writing in Nursing Courses
Written work in all nursing (NUR) courses follows the guidelines set forth by the American Psychological Association in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Resources and tutorials for APA HELP are available in course Joule sites, LNDL website, and APAstyle.org.
University Resources for Writing Assistance
University Writing Center
Services are available for all students by appointment or on a drop-in basis. Peer tutors are available to help in the development of essay topics, increase significance and depth of presentation, improve and support development of ideas, better organize material for writing/presentation cohesiveness, and more.
Gibbons Hall
Room 504
Dr. William Davis, Director
Nursing peer teaching assistant (TA) program
Peer student TA is available to all pre-nursing and nursing majors for writing assistance. At the beginning of the academic year names and contact information of TAs will be provided to all students. Students are responsible to make individual or group appointments.
Jenna Hoffman, Coordinator of TA Program
University Academic Building, Room 206-A
Smarthinking is an online tutoring program connecting students to live educators from any computer that has Internet access. Students work one-one in real time with a tutor communicating using a virtual whiteboard technology. Students can submit a paragraph or essay for individualized critique by expert writing tutors.
Turnitin is an Internet-based plagiarism-detection service that allows both students and instructors to check written work for originality of text. The purpose of Turnitin is to aid in the detection and monitoring of plagiarism. By checking the originality of text, students and instructors can work together to improve the level of scholarly work and limit the dangers of plagiarism.
Please refer to course syllabus for requirements of each course.
Academic Advisement
All students are assigned a nursing faculty advisor upon admission to NDMU. Our Retention and Success Specialist collaborates with nursing faculty toward implementation of success plans.
Nursing Student-Faculty and Staff Communication
Pertinent messages for students in the School of Nursing may be provided through NDMU e-mail, Joule site, or through the U.S. Mail. Notices may also be announced in relevant courses.
All email communication will be through NDMU student e-mail accounts.
Students may send messages to nursing faculty through the University voice mail or e-mail systems (see numbers and addresses above). Written messages for Nursing Faculty may also be left in their mailboxes in the Nursing suite.
Sigma Theta Tau International
Honor Society of Nursing, Mu Eta Chapter
Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing, Mu Eta Chapter, is open to baccalaureate nursing students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement and leadership potential. Membership encourages, fosters, and actively supports further professional development, thus promoting nursing scholarship, leadership, creativity and commitment to nursing.
The Nursing Department (now School of Nursing) Honor Society, founded by Dr. Katharine Cook and Eileen Fox, had its first induction ceremony as an honor society in May 1987. The society was granted chapter status in 1989 and inducted its first members to the Mu Eta Chapter in a chartering ceremony in April 1990.
There are three classifications of membership:
- Undergraduate Student—Junior or senior students enrolled in our baccalaureate programs who have completed at least 1/2 of the nursing curriculum, rank in the upper 35 percent of their graduating class and have achieved academic excellence (at schools where a 4.0 grade point average system is used, this equates to at least a 3.0).
- Graduate Student—Master's students enrolled who have completed at least 1/4 of the nursing curriculum, have achieved academic excellence (at schools where a 4.0 grade point average system is used, this equates to at least a 3.5).
- Nurse Leader—The candidates are legally recognized to practice in their countries, have at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing or other field and demonstrate achievement in nursing.
Honor Code
The Honor Code at the Notre Dame of Maryland University is based on respect for the individual, personal responsibility, and honesty. By registering at the University, all students accept and are bound by the Honor Code. Students are expected to follow this Code as it is described in the current University Undergraduate Catalog, University Student Handbook, and NDMU website. Students commit to the Honor Code as follows:
With a keen sense of responsibility, I accept this symbol of my entrance into the world of scholarship. And I give this pledge of my purpose to wear it worthily.
I shall try to follow all truth. I shall try to see all beauty. I shall try to be all goodness. And thus to come to that eternal wisdom, which is the word of God.
The Honor Code bestows upon students the privilege to write her tests without proctoring by the instructor. Students find the Honor Pledge written on every examination, to remind them of their personal responsibility for their own and Notre Dame's academic integrity.
The Honor Code bestows upon students the privilege to write her tests without proctoring by the instructor. Students write the Honor Pledge on every examination and written assignment to remind them of their personal responsibility for their own and Notre Dame's academic integrity.
Academic Appeals Procedure
Students should make every effort to settle academic appeals with the involved faculty member. In the event that a satisfactory solution is not reached with this informal process, the student may initiate the Appeals Procedure outlined in the current University Undergraduate Catalog: Women's College and College of Adult Undergraduate Studies.
Students should make every effort to settle academic appeals with the involved faculty member. In the event that a satisfactory solution is not reached with this informal process, the student may initiate the Appeals Procedureoutlined in the current University Undergraduate Catalog: Women's College and College of Adult Undergraduate Studies. http://catalog.ndm.edu/undergraduate/academicinformation/#Appeals
Graduation Awards
Students are recognized for outstanding achievement at a School of Nursing awards reception during graduation week.
School of Nursing Award
Awarded annually to a graduate who demonstrates outstanding leadership, scholarship, and spirit according to the following criteria as determined by nursing faculty:
Leadership— the courage to integrate interpretation of evidence with lived experiences through the lens of reflection leading to promotion of excellence in nursing practice and advancement of the profession.
Scholarship—curiosity to deepen and broaden one's continuous learning, a lively spirit of critical inquiry, aesthetics, and additional ways of knowing, an ongoing quest for salience in practice, and unlimited potential for discovery of knowledge.
Spirit—a commitment to creativity, assertiveness, energy, and involvement, with a special sensitivity to values, goals, and priorities.
Academic Achievement Award
Awarded to the student(s) with the highest GPA
Latin Honors
Degrees with Latin honors are conferred on undergraduate students who achieve the following grade point average based on work at Notre Dame of Maryland University:
- 3.90 for the distinction Summa Cum Laude
- 3.70 for the distinction Magna Cum Laude
- 3.50 for the distinction Cum Laude
To earn honors at graduation, students must earn a minimum of 60 credits in graded coursework at Notre Dame. This excludes credits earned in Pass/Fail courses (including standardized testing, petitioning for credit and transfer). Students are limited to four Pass (P) grades on graded courses.
Special Curricular Opportunities
Academic Service-Learning
Educational experiences are also directed toward enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration, strengthening professional integrity, and deepening the social and ethical commitments of the student. Integrating service learning in the teaching-learning process promotes personal
transformation for the student—often strengthening empathy, deepening social commitments, and creating a deeper and broader understanding of complex societal issues.
The Nursing Faculty are committed to providing academic service-learning experiences as part of the nursing curriculum. Through service-learning projects/opportunities, academic course work is linked with service to select community agencies. Thus the learning process is enriched for students, and the agencies receive valuable resources from the students and faculty. Academic service-learning is an integral part of NUR-431 Community Health Nursing and other courses.
Study Abroad
NUR-428 Global Nursing, partially fulfills requirements for select entry-level nursing courses such as NUR-431 Community Health Nursing. During the 2014-2015 academic year students have the opportunity to serve and learn in Jacmel, Haiti. For information on this study opportunity, please contact Jessie Canfield, Administrative Assistant for Undergraduate Nursing.
Web-Enhanced Student Resources
A variety of on-line learning opportunities are available through nursing courses. Nursing students are eligible to take advantage of any courses that offer on-line learning experiences. Informatics and Nutrition are the only Nursing courses that are given totally on-line. All of the remaining NUR courses incorporate some on-line classes and/or on-line assignments, using the Joule program.
Disability Support Services
Learning support services and accommodations are available to students covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodations in this course, you must immediately contact Laura Mathabel, Director of Disability Support Services at 410-532-5401 or email her at email@example.com. It is extremely important that you begin this process at the beginning of the semester. Please do not wait until the first test or paper.
Entry-Level BSN Program Policies
Progression/Acceptance Policy—Pre-Nursing to Nursing Major
Students are admitted to Notre Dame of Maryland University as pre-nursing students. During their first and second years, students take liberal arts and sciences, general education requirements, and all support courses for the nursing major. Admission to NDMU does not automatically ensure progression to the nursing major; however, all students who meet the minimum criteria will be accepted to the nursing major. Students will meet the following criteria for acceptance to the nursing major:
Cumulative grade point average of 2.8 and
Each of the following courses must be completed with a minimum grade of "C:"
- BIO-111 Fundamentals of Biology
- BIO-281 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIO-282 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- CHM-108 Survey of General, Organic & Biochemistry
- BIO-260 Genetics and Genomics for Clinical Practice
- NUR-250 Nutrition for Wellness
- BIO-253 General Microbiology
- ENG-101 College Writing
- MAT-100 Algebra Applications or MAT 103 Applied Algebra (unless waived)
- MAT-215 Basic Statistics
- PSY-233 Human Growth and Development
- PHL-339 Medical Ethics
Only one science course (BIO or CHM designation) may be repeated one time (for grade less than C).
Students who need to take BIO-110 Exploring Concepts of Biology must receive a grade of C+ or better to advance to all subsequent Biology courses. BIO-110 Exploring Concepts of Biology is a non-repeatable course.
The following prerequisite courses must be completed in order to progress to the nursing major:
- NDMU-100 First Year Seminar
- ENG- English Literature general education requirement
- PHL-201 Introduction to Philosophy
- PSY-101 Introductory Psychology
- RST-201 Introduction to Biblical Studies
- HIS- History general education requirement
- SOC-101 Introductory Sociology
- RST- 300/400 Elective
Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam is required in order to progress into the nursing major. Results are used for individualized success planning.
Interview upon request
The Admissions and Progression Committee will review every student's academic record every semester. A student will be placed on program probation when her record reveals:
- overall cumulative GPA below 2.8
Students placed on program probation must re-establish overall cumulative GPA of 2.8 to be eligible for the nursing major.
Successful applicants typically have GPAs of 2.8 or above (on a 4.0 scale). If GPA is lower than 2.8, but the student believes that her grades do not accurately reflect her abilities, the student may still apply. The Nursing Admission and Progressions Committee will carefully review and consider each application on a case by case basis.
Transfer Students applying to the Nursing Major
Students who have completed all pre-requisite courses may be admitted to Notre Dame of Maryland University as a nursing major. Students who meet the criteria for acceptance are welcomed on a space available basis.
Cumulative grade point average of 2.8
Each of the following required courses must be completed with a minimum grade of "C":
- General Biology
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- Survey of General, Organic & Biochemistry
- Genetics and Genomics for Clinical Practice
- Nutrition
- General Microbiology
- College Writing
- Applied Algebra (unless waived)
- Basic Statistics
- Human Growth and Development
- Medical Ethics
Only one science course may be repeated one time (for grade less than C) and the student is limited to one course withdrawal. If the student has not repeated any science courses (with a grade below a C) than the student is allowed up to two course withdrawals.
Students are waived from General Biology if they have already completed Anatomy and Physiology successfully.
The following courses must be completed; select courses may be completed during the Junior and Senior year if the remaining courses are compatible with the nursing courses.
- Literature general education requirement
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Introductory Psychology
- Introduction to Biblical Studies
- History general education requirement
- Human Growth and Development
- Introductory Sociology
- Religious Studies 300/400 Elective
Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam is required in order to begin the nursing major. Results are used for individualized success planning.
Interview upon request
Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Microbiology must be taken no more than five years prior to NUR-301 Holistic Health Assessment and NUR-305 Foundations of a Caring Profession.
Only nursing courses earned in CCNE and/or ACEN accredited programs will be considered for transfer into Notre Dame of Maryland University nursing program. If a student is transferring from another Baccalaureate Nursing Program, a letter from their current nursing program confirming good academic standing is required. If a student has more than one nursing course grade of a D or F, than they are not eligible for acceptance to the nursing major.
Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Microbiology must be taken no more than five years prior to NUR-301 Holistic Health Assessment and NUR-305 Foundations of a Caring Profession.
Only nursing courses earned in CCNE and/or NLNAC accredited programs will be considered for transfer into Notre Dame of Maryland University nursing program
Progression Policy in Nursing Major
Once enrolled in the nursing major, students meet the following criteria in order to progress in the major:
Students adhere to the NSNA Code of Ethics for Nursing Students—Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct
- Advocate for the rights of [patient]s
- Maintain [patient] confidentiality
- Take appropriate action to ensure the safety of [patient]s, self, and others.
- Provide care for the [patient] in a timely, compassionate and professional manner.
- Communicate [patient] care in a truthful, timely and accurate manner.
- Actively promote the highest level of moral and ethical principles and accept responsibility for our actions.
- Promote excellence in nursing by encouraging lifelong learning and professional development.
- Treat others with respect and promote an environment that respects human rights, values and choice of cultural and spiritual beliefs.
- Collaborate in every reasonable manner with the academic faculty and clinical staff to ensure the highest quality of [patient] care.
- Use every opportunity to improve faculty and clinical staff understanding of the learning needs of nursing students.
- Encourage faculty, clinical staff, and peers to mentor nursing students.
- Refrain from performing any technique or procedure for which the student has not been adequately trained.
- Refrain from any deliberate action or omission of care in the academic or clinical setting that creates unnecessary risk of injury to the [patient], self or others.
- Assist the staff nurse or preceptor in ensuring that there is a full disclosure and that proper authorizations are obtained from [patient]s regarding any form of treatment or research.
- Abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages or any substances in the academic and clinical setting that impair judgment.
- Strive to achieve and maintain an optimal level of personal health.
- Support access to treatment and rehabilitation for students who are experiencing impairments related to substance abuse and mental or physical health issues.
- Uphold school policies and regulations related to academic and clinical performance, reserving the right to challenge and critique rules and regulations as per school grievance policy. (National Student Nurses' Association, Inc., 2009)
Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 in nursing courses.
Successfully complete each nursing course in the level before progressing to the next level. Achievement of a grade of C or better in a nursing course is considered passing. A clinical failure constitutes failure of the entire nursing course.
Students are expected to enact the Code of Ethics for Nursing Students (2009).
Only one nursing course may be repeated—and only one time. Withdrawal from a course in a failing status counts as a course failure.
Students are limited to two withdrawals from nursing courses during their course of study.
Academic Program Probation
Students will be placed on academic program probation for the rest of the completion of the degree requirements:
- grade less than C is earned in any nursing course (A student who earns a grade less than C in any nursing course must repeat the course);
- cumulative GPA is less than 2.8
Students who withdraw from the program in good standing will be reviewed for re-acceptance on a case-by-case basis. University admission policies are followed.
Dismissal from the Nursing Major
Students who earn a second grade less than C in a nursing course will be dismissed from the nursing major. Applicants for re-acceptance will be reviewed on a case by case basis
Carrick, J. A. (2011). Student achievement and NCLEX-RN success: Problems that persist. Nursing Education Perspectives, 32(2), 78-83. (2009). Code of ethics: Part II. Retrieved from National Student Nurses website: http://www.nsna.org/Portals/0/Skins/NSNA/pdf/NSNA_CoC_Academic_Clinical_Interp_Statements.pdf
Davenport, N. (2007). A comprehensive approach to NCLEX-RN success. Nursing Education Perspectives. 28(1), 30-33. (2011). University of Minnesota School of Nursing. Retrieved from
Wade, R. J. (2100). Predicting NCLEX-RN pass rates: A regional study in the United States. (Doctoral dissertation, Capella University) Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/884793010/fulltextPDF/1330F43C1E24916C179/11?accountid=12164
Honors at Graduation
Degrees with Latin honors are conferred on undergraduate students who achieve the following grade point average based on work at Notre Dame of Maryland University:
3.90 for the distinction Summa Cum Laude
3.70 for the distinction Magna Cum Laude
3.50 for the distinction Cum Laude
To earn honors at graduation, students must earn a minimum of 60 credits in graded coursework at Notre Dame. This excludes credits earned in Pass/Fail courses (including standardized testing, petitioning for credit and transfer). Students are limited to four Pass (P) grades on graded courses.
Requirements for Clinical Courses
All students must comply with the following requirements prior to the start of NUR-305 Foundations of a Caring Profession. All data is entered into the Certified Background website. Students are responsible for any and all fees/payments associated with these requirements.
** Current CPR Certification – Must be the American Heart Association's, or an approved CPR provider's, Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider Course or its equivalent. This course includes the skills of CPR for victims of all ages (including ventilation with a barrier device, a bag-mask device, and oxygen); use of an automated external defibrillator (AED); and relief of foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO). Students must submit a copy of both the front and back of the card verifying this certification; all signatures, including the student's, must be present. On-line courses will not be accepted. Certification must remain current while in the program.
Immunity to Hepatitis B – May either submit evidence of vaccine series with follow-up positive titer, or sign School of Nursing declination form.
Immunity to Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – If born after 1957, must submit proof of both initial MMR vaccine and second measles vaccine following second birthday. If born prior to 1957, must provide titer results which show immunity to the three diseases. Any student may provide titer results. If titers do not demonstrate immunity, vaccine is required.
Immunity to Varicella – May provide positive titer results or documentation of the dates Varicella Vaccine was received. If titer does not demonstrate immunity, vaccine is required.
**TB Status Report – Evidence for this can be either a negative PPD within the last year or, if unable to have PPD done, a negative chest X-ray and a negative symptom list within the last year. If PPD results are positive, a follow-up Chest X-ray is required.
Tetanus Vaccine – Must provide documentation that vaccine was received within the last 10 years.
**Influenza Vaccine – Must submit documented evidence of annual flu vaccination that includes student name, date of vaccination, location administered (actual vaccination slip must be submitted).
Indemnity and Hold Harmless Form - All students must sign a Nursing Clinical Rotation Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement prior to beginning their clinical experience.
Universal Precautions - All students must sign a form indicating they have received instruction and will use Universal Precautions.
Confidentially Form - All students must sign a Confidentially Agreement prior to beginning their clinical experience.
Drug Screening/ Background Checks –The dominant accrediting body for healthcare organizations and programs, The Joint Commission (TJC), mandates that criminal background checks be performed on all persons having any opportunity for patient interaction at its accredited organizations. This includes employees and volunteers as well as students. A criminal background check revealing a conviction for certain crimes could result in a ban from participation in clinical rotations and thus prevent graduation/completion of the nursing program. Based on the updated TJC accreditation standards, the Notre Dame of Maryland University has put into place the following policy:
All students entering the nursing program will be subjected to a criminal background check. Students will be directed to use a specific vendor identified by the School of Nursing when submitting to a criminal background check. Students may not request to be assigned to sites that do not require a criminal background check and/or drug screening. Students are responsible for all costs incurred with the criminal background check and drug screening.
The criminal background checks must be completed prior to participating in clinical rotations. This may also be the case if a drug screening is requested by the clinical site.
A positive test on the drug screening could result in dismissal from the clinical site with the result of preventing completion of the course/clinical objectives and ultimately graduation from the nursing program. The same would hold true for a criminal background check which may affect a student's eligibility to participate in a clinical rotation, practicum or other clinical experience and ultimately the ability to graduate from or complete the nursing program.
Both the criminal background check and the drug screening will be performed just prior to the beginning of clinical coursework. Currently, it is the belief of the School of Nursing that these screenings can be performed once during a student's enrollment in an academic program. However, depending upon the specific program sequencing and each student's individual situation, a second background check may be required. The student will be responsible for all costs incurred. Each student will still be required to meet any request to complete additional criminal background checks and/or drug screenings from specific clinical sites they are assigned for clinical experiences. Students may not self-select out of specific sites in order to preclude additional screenings. Students are encouraged to contact the Chair of Undergraduate Studies in the School of Nursing if they have questions.
The clinical agency will make the decision to accept or deny the student for clinical placement. If a student is rejected by a clinical agency, the Nursing Program will make
one additional attempt to place the student at another clinical agency. If the student is rejected by the second clinical agency, the student will not be able to meet the program requirements and will not be able to continue in the Nursing Program.
Other – Some clinical agencies may require documentation of additional health-related requirements. Health-related requirements could include, but are not limited to, flu vaccines and mandatory events training (provide written evidence from hospital). Students will be notified of these requirements as soon as possible and will be expected to pay any expenses associated with these requirements.
Students who do not present updated documentation in a timely manner will be unable to attend clinical until the proper documentation is recorded on Certified Background. Clinical grades will be adversely affected by noncompliance with the policy.
Documentation for the items that are marked with a double asterisks (**) must be updated when/if the time limit expires while still in the Nursing Program.
Clinical Placements
Students are placed in clinical rotations in an effort to ensure an optimal learning experience in a variety of settings. It may be deemed advisable to separate siblings, family members and/ or close friends into separate clinical groups. Student preferences for placement in the clinical area should not be expected based on child-care needs, parking fees, proximity to employment site, car pool requests, etc. Clinical days and hours may vary from course to course. The student is responsible for providing her own transportation to all clinical sites. Fees that are incurred during the clinical rotation are the responsibility of the student (i.e., parking, badges, and deposits).
Clinical Assignment/Preparation
Clinical preparation is individualized by course as described in each course syllabus. Students are expected to be prepared and in appropriate uniform/ clothes for each clinical day.
For the students own protection, it is recommended that students who are pregnant notify their clinical faculty.
Students may be requested to leave the clinical area for the following reasons (not all-inclusive):
- Being inadequately prepared for clinical assignments.
- Being unable to apply knowledge and skills from previously completed units/courses.
- Being mentally or physically unable to perform nursing care safely.
- Seeking supervision from other than the NDMU nursing faculty member, without permission, when performing nursing interventions
- Not adhering to the policies as stated in the NDMU Student Handbook.
- Being unable to apply knowledge and skills expected at the appropriate course level.
Clinical Evaluation
A course specific Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET) is used to document the student's clinical performance. This tool reflects the program outcomes and documents the student's progression in the clinical setting. A student with a passing grade for the clinical experience will receive the theory grade earned for the course grade. A student with a final failing grade for the clinical experience will fail the course and receive an F for the final course grade, even if the theory grade is passing. A failure of either clinical or theory will require the student to repeat the entire course.
Clinical Grading
The Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET) will be used to evaluate the student's performance in meeting the clinical course outcomes and the related clinical behaviors. Documentation will indicate that the student either met clinical outcomes (Pass) or did not meet the clinical outcomes (Fail). To achieve a passing grade in clinical courses, students must meet all clinical outcomes. Students will receive a progress check at the midpoint of the course and a final grade at the end. Individual conferences will be held as necessary to advise students of their clinical performance status.
Criteria for Clinical Evaluation
Fail, Pass, and Pass with Distinction
Critical behaviors include behavior and conduct, safety, medication safety, infection control, and confidentiality (refer to individual course CETs).
Student Requirements
Students are to familiarize themselves with the clinical objectives, related behaviors, and the grading criteria contained in the CET.
Students must meet all clinical objectives in the CET by the final evaluation. If clinical objectives are not being met at any time in the course, the student will be counseled and remediation initiated. A significant or repeated breach in a clinical objective, e.g., lack of being able to perform previously learned skills or apply previously learned theory to the clinical situation, or a lack of maintaining critical behaviors will result in a Clinical Variance Report.
If a Clinical Variance Report is received, the student will be counseled and remediation plan initiated. The remediation plan must be completed by the designated date.
Failure to complete the remediation plan or to correct the variance in behavior may result in immediate clinical/course failure and dismissal from the program.
Clinical/Campus Simulation Lab Attendance Policy
The student must notify the faculty with as much time as possible prior to the start of clinical or simulation lab experience if she will be absent.
The student should make every attempt to notify the faculty if she will be late. Students will receive a Clinical Variance Report for more than one lateness regardless of faculty notification.
An excused absence from a clinical or simulation lab experience is defined as an absence with notification of the faculty and which is unavoidable such as:
- Death in the immediate family
- Personal illness (a primary health care provider's note may be requested)
- Jury duty
Written verification of excused absence may be requested by the faculty.
Students will receive a Clinical Variance Report for an unexcused clinical absence. A repeated unexcused clinical absence may result in failure of the course.
Examples of unexcused absences are:
- Absence from clinical without notification of the faculty;
- Leaving the clinical area prior to the completion of the clinical day without permission of the clinical faculty member;
- Failure to meet Nursing Program requirements will result in an unexcused absence. (for example, not being appropriately registered for the course, failure to comply with non-academic requirements for clinical courses, such as not having a valid CPR card or up to date PPD.)
All clinical/lab/simulation absences, excused or unexcused, regardless of reason will require an alternate experience to meet clinical objectives.
Examples may include:
- Full clinical day
- Simulation experience
- Clinical observation experience
- Written report or paper
Students may only have make-up experiences for one absence during a clinical rotation. More than one absence during a clinical rotation will require consultation with the clinical instructor and may result in the student not being able to complete clinical course objectives.
All alternate experiences must be completed prior to the end of the course. Students will receive an Incomplete as a course grade until the make-up experience is completed. A timeframe for the completion of the alternate clinical experience will be determined by the clinical instructor
Absence due to Religious Holidays
Students who miss class or clinical due to observance of religious holidays must give prior notice to faculty at the beginning of the semester. In addition, students are only excused for the time which the holiday spans (e.g. sundown to sundown). Students are not excused for travel time with regard to the holiday. Students may receive a grade of Incomplete (I) until missed time can be completed.
Absence due to Cancellations or Delays
In the event of inclement weather, cancellation or delays in classes and campus laboratories will be announced through selected media (radio, television, campus hot line, web site).
- Classes and clinical will be cancelled when the university is closed. In the event that the university opens late due to weather-related or other emergency conditions, classes and clinical will commence at the announced opening time and resume the normal schedule thereafter for the remainder of the day. Alternative arrangements for clinical time may be made by the clinical faculty.
- Students and faculty engaged in clinical placements may not attend clinical until the university has opened and therefore should discuss the handling of emergency situations and university opening late at the beginning of the clinical rotation. Both the requirements of the program and the safety of persons involved should be considered in planning a course of action in those cases where students are expected to report to off-campus locations. Additional learning experiences may be scheduled to facilitate achieving course objectives.
- In the event that a clinical faculty must cancel a clinical day due to illness or some other emergency, the faculty will make every effort to notify students as early as possible. The clinical faculty will then arrange for a clinical make-up day/assignment with the clinical group.
Medical Clearance Note
Students are required to have medical clearance before returning to school from childbirth, injury, surgery, or other restricted health issue. The note must specify that there are no restrictions for participation in the clinical component of the Nursing Program.
Dress Code—Clinical Setting
Uniform Policy
In order to maintain a professional demeanor and presence, it is the responsibility of each student to maintain a complete, properly fitting, clean, and pressed student uniform. Students are required to follow the uniform policy for each course. The appearance of the student must meet the approval of the faculty in the clinical practice area including laboratory simulation. Students will be asked to leave the clinical site if faculty or agency official has determined the attire is not appropriate. Students who are not in compliance with the uniform dress code will receive a Clinical Variance Report. Repeated offenses may result in failure of the clinical course. Full uniform is required for clinical and simulation days. Laboratory jacket over appropriate attire is required upon entry to the lab on practice and testing days.
Uniform – The NDMU Nursing program designated uniform is to be worn. Clean white leather athletic shoes without colors or decorations are acceptable. Shoes must be totally closed and kept clean. High top shoes, sandals, clogs, boots, or decorative socks are not acceptable. Plain white socks may be worn with slacks only. Appropriate undergarments must be worn.
Students working in special rotations (pediatrics, day care, mental health, long term care, or community health) may require special exceptions to the uniform dress code. Students will be notified of the exceptions prior to the planned experience as outlined in specific course syllabi.
An NDMU Picture ID badge must be clearly displayed for clinical experience. Students may also be required to wear an ID badge from the clinical agency to which they are assigned.
Other required items – Students are required to bring bandage scissors, curved or straight hemostat, black writing pen, pocket size notebook, wristwatch (must record seconds), a pen flashlight, and dual headed stethoscope to clinical practice settting.
Jewelry - A watch with a second hand is required. Other jewelry should be limited to a band ring, and a single small set of post/stud pierced earrings (no larger than a dime). No dangle or loop earrings are permitted. No jewelry is to be worn in any other pierced areas (i.e., nose, lip, eyebrow, or tongue). No other observable jewelry is allowed.
Grooming - Uniform will be clean and intact. Hair, in the spectrum of naturally occurring shades, will be neat, controlled, out of face, off the collar, and held back to prevent contamination of the work field . Make-up may be worn in moderation. Nails will be short and clean; no nail polish is permitted. Acrylic nails, tips, or overlays are not permitted. Tattoos must be covered. Chewing gum is not permitted. Proper hygiene is essential to avoid body odor. Fragrances of any kind are not permitted (e.g., perfume, strongly scented lotions).
The use of electronic devices is permitted in the clinical setting or simulation laboratory for educational uses only. Students are encouraged to put the devices in silent mode so as not to disturb the patient care and teaching/learning environment. The clinical instructor may advise students regarding agency policy for electronic devices in the clinical setting.
Dress Code--Classroom Setting
Dressing with a professional image in mind is a simple act which may have a transformative effect on students and the larger university community. As students begin the journey to the practice of professional nursing, it is wise to consider that one's outward appearance and manner of dress convey a message that may be judged by others. Students are encouraged to dress in a casual yet professional manner when in and around the School of Nursing classroom environment.
Student Behavior in the Clinical Setting
The Maryland Nurse Practice Act states that the Nursing Program Administrator and faculty are responsible for:
developing and implementing a written plan that provides that all students participating in clinical practice settings are physically and mentally competent at all times to provide safe patient care.
Any student participating in a clinical experience is expected to demonstrate behaviors that lead faculty to believe that the student is physically and mentally competent to provide safe patient care. Examples of behaviors that might be indicative of potential threats to patient safety include: slurred speech, uncoordinated movements, ineffective attention, inability to follow simple commands, and/or an odor of alcohol. Inappropriate behaviors, including repeated violation of critical behaviors identified on the clinical evaluation tool, will be considered detrimental for patient safety, trust, and security. The jeopardy to the patient's physical and psychological safety will be immediately addressed at the discretion of the clinical faculty and the student may be asked to leave the clinical setting.
Nursing faculty will be available to the clinical agency via cell phone for consultations, emergencies or issues of inappropriate student conduct.
A decision to re‑enter the clinical setting will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Recommendations from the student's health care provider may be requested and considered in the final decision. See Classroom and Clinical Policies and both the University's and School's Substance Abuse Policy for additional information.
Information concerning patients is privileged and must remain confidential. Appropriate information regarding patients, which needs to be shared among team members or for educational purposes, will only be discussed in a private setting away from patient care areas. Nursing students must abide by Nurses Code of Ethics as well as state and federal laws, and agency regulations to safeguard patient information. This means that a student may be held legally responsible for disclosure of information. Faculty will maintain strict confidentiality with regard to both personal and academic information about students. (See Policy: Confidentiality in Clinical Settings in this Handbook.)
Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions
All students are required to abide by the Notre Dame of Maryland University's HIV‑AIDS policy and current Center for Disease Control Recommendations for Blood and Body Fluid Precautions and other agency policy requirements whichever is more strict.
Medication Administration
Prior to administering any medication, the nursing student must demonstrate a clear understanding of the drug actions, purposes, indications, expected patient response, possible adverse reactions and/or side effects, contraindications, interactions with other drugs/food, allergic response, necessary assessments or pre-administration nursing actions, and patient teaching needs.
At the bedside the student and faculty member will verify the Seven Rights of Medication Administration (right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, allergies, drug expiration) and identify the patient with two patient identifiers.
Nursing students will document the appropriate outcome on the medical record according to agency policy. All medication documentation must be reviewed and signed by the clinical faculty member or precepting RN, according to agency policy.
- The instructor will be present during the student's administration of medication.
- Access to automated medication dispensing system will be provided to the clinical faculty by the clinical agency. This access will not be shared with students.
- Students should be knowledgeable of drug actions and monitor the outcome and effectiveness of all drugs received by the assigned patient whether or not administered by the student.
- Nursing students will not:
- Administer IV cardioactive medications (Procainamide, Dobutamine, etc.)
- Administer chemotherapeutic agents
- Initiate or titrate medication infusions including but not limited to Heparin, Dopamine, and insulin
- Initiate, program, or maintain Pitocin or Magnesium sulfate in Labor and Delivery situations
- Initiate, program, or reprogram patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps
- Administer any medications in an observation experience
- Administer controlled substances to children less than two years old
- Due to agency regulations, neither the clinical faculty member nor the student will personally contact the physician for changes to medication orders. Call to physicians regarding medication orders may be made by the charge nurse or primary nurse assigned to the patient.
- Although students are expected to review the electronic and/or paper medical record for update orders, clinical faculty and students are not to obtain new orders, transcribe or input new orders, or acknowledge or verify medication orders.
- Medication errors must be documented on the agency's incident form and on the NDMU incident form.
The course coordinator must be notified within 24 hours of the medication error.
- Students who fail to adhere to this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Dosage Calculation
Beginning Students
Nursing students in NUR 305, Foundations of a Caring Profession, must master nursing dosage calculations prior to progressing to second semester courses in which medication administration is required. Students will complete the Dosage Learning Module during the Foundations course. After completing the Dosage Learning Module, students will have three attempts to pass a mastery dosage test with a score of 95% or greater. After each unsuccessful attempt, students will have the opportunity to meet with a math tutor and/or instructor for remediation.
Continuing Students
Prior to each semester, students must pass a dosage master test in order to continue with courses.
Students will have three attempts to pass a dosage mastery test with a score of 95% or higher. Students will be permitted to take only one test per day. There will be three scheduled dosage testing dates. If students begin testing on the first testing date, they will have three opportunities to pass. However, if students miss the first testing date, there will only be two opportunities to pass, and so on. Students who do not achieve a grade of 95% or higher after three attempts will not be able to continue with courses.
Students may use a calculator during testing. A maximum of 60 minutes will be allowed for the completion of each test. It is the student's responsibility to start testing at the first scheduled opportunity in order to take advantage of all three tests.
Social Media Policy
Nursing students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with standard professional and ethical practices and abide by state and federal laws regarding privacy and confidentiality at all times. Social networking sites can be an effective way to collaborate with colleagues and enhance learning. While this creates new opportunities for communication and collaboration, it also creates vulnerabilities for individuals and institutions. Violations of privacy and confidentiality may occur intentionally or inadvertently and may result not only in dismissal from the nursing program but also possible civil and criminal penalties.
Use of Social Media is prohibited while performing direct patient care activities or in unit work areas, unless Social Media use in these areas has been previously approved by SON faculty.
Social media includes but is not limited to:
· Blogs, and micro‐blogs such as Twitter · Social networks, such as Facebook · Professional networks, such as LinkedIn · Video sharing, such as You Tube and vlogs (video weblogs) · Audio sharing, such as podcasts · Photo sharing, such as Flickr and Photobucket, and · Social bookmarking, such as Digg and Redditt · Public comment sections on WebPages (such as those for online news sites) · User created web pages such as Wikis and Wikipedia, and · Any other internet‐based Social Media application similar in purpose or function to those applications described above.
The following guidelines are intended to assist NDMU nursing students in adhering to professional and ethical standards for social media.
Social Media Policy
Nursing students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with standard professional and ethical practices and abide by state and federal laws regarding privacy and confidentiality at all times. Social networking sites can be an effective way to collaborate with colleagues and enhance learning. While this creates new opportunities for communication and collaboration, it also creates vulnerabilities for individuals and institutions. Violations of privacy and confidentiality may occur intentionally or inadvertently and may result not only in dismissal from the nursing program but also possible civil and criminal penalties.
Use of Social Media is prohibited while performing direct patient care activities or in unit work areas, unless Social Media use in these areas has been previously approved by SON faculty.
Social media includes but is not limited to:
· Blogs, and micro‐blogs such as Twitter · Social networks, such as Facebook · Professional networks, such as LinkedIn · Video sharing, such as You Tube and vlogs (video weblogs) · Audio sharing, such as podcasts · Photo sharing, such as Flickr and Photobucket, and · Social bookmarking, such as Digg and Redditt · Public comment sections on WebPages (such as those for online news sites) · User created web pages such as Wikis and Wikipedia, and · Any other internet‐based Social Media application similar in purpose or function to those applications described above.
Students will first exemplify the following:
- Maintain professional boundaries surrounding the nurse-patient relationship in the online environment in addition to the classroom and testing areas.
- Promptly report any identified breach of confidentiality of privacy to clinical faculty.
- Familiarize themselves with and use conservative privacy settings regardless of the content on their social media profiles.
- Practice restraint when disclosing personal information on social networking sites. Even seemingly innocuous pictures and comments can impact the respect and trust patients and peers have for you, now and in the future.
In accordance with the Nursing Code of Ethics, it would be a violation of human rights if students:
- Take any pictures in any clinical, laboratory, or practice site without faculty approval.
- Share, post, or transmit any personal information, health information, or images of other by way of any electronic media. Sharing this information is a violation of patient rights to confidentiality and privacy.
- Engage in communication with patients and their family members or legally appointed decision makers on social networking sites.
- Post on behalf of NDMU or present as an official representative or spokesperson for the University or School of Nursing.
- Refer to anyone or any group in a disparaging, disrespectful, or threatening way, even if the person or group has not been identified. This includes, but it is not limited to patients, families, faculty and staff.
- Access websites and/or applications in a manner that interferes with or disrupts classroom, clinical, or simulation lab instruction.
Violate the Information Management policies or clinical agencies.
For more information, please refer to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) White Paper: A Nurse's Guide to the Use of Social Media found at the website below:
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2011). A nurse's guide to the use of social media. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/Social_Media.pdf
ATI Policy
The School of Nursing has adopted the use of Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) to support students' learning throughout the nursing program. These materials are a supplement to the caring curriculum, encouraging students to reinforce nursing content in various ways through technology. The support resources include tutorials, review materials, practice assessments and proctored assessments geared toward content and concept mastery. Students also take the RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam toward the end of their final semester to help predict their probability of passing NCLEX-RN and to identify specific areas in need of remediation. While ATI products are not a replacement for theory or clinical portions of any nursing course, students may be assigned ATI materials to complement the learning that takes place in the classroom as noted on the course syllabi. The practice and proctored assessments will be given periodically throughout the program as noted on course syllabi. Because we believe that these products are effective in supporting students as they progress toward NCLEX-RN readiness, participation is required and will count toward course grades as indicated in the nursing course syllabi.
ATI Content Mastery Series® Review Materials, Practice, & Proctored Assessments are offered as part of the following courses:
|Nursing Course
|ATI Content Mastery Series®
|NUR305 – Foundations of a Caring Profession
|NUR310 – Pathopharmacology
|NUR312 – Nursing Care of Children & Families
|Nursing Care of Children
|NUR311/NUR409 – Professional Nursing Care of the Adult I & II
|Adult Medical/Surgical
|NUR408 – Maternal & Infant Nursing
|NUR410 – Pyschiatric/Mental Health Nursing
|Mental Health
|NUR431 – Community Health Nursing
|Community Health
|NUR432 – Nursing Leadership
Practice Assessments
These assessments allow students to gauge their own progress in a specific content area. Once they have completed the majority of the course content (usually about 75%), students will take the practice assessment associated with that course. This assessment may be taken anywhere (such as at home or in the library) the student has a computer with Internet access. Students are encouraged to spend time with the ATI tutorials and review materials in preparation for this assessment. There is no specific number of hours required to sit for the exam, but the more hours a student practices the material, the better her performance will be. Students are required to complete the practice assessments for each content area, per the course syllabi, but it will not be counted toward the course grade.
Proctored Assessments
These assessments are a summative assessment of the student's progress in a particular content area. Once they have completed the majority of the course content (usually about 85%), students will take the proctored assessment associated with that course. This assessment will be offered in an on-campus computer lab at a pre-determined time. Students should refer to the syllabi for testing times and locations for each course. Students are encouraged to spend time with the ATI materials in preparation for this assessment, specifically their focused review, in preparation for this assessment. Students are required to complete the proctored assessments for each content area, per the course syllabi, and it will be counted toward the course grade as follows:
|Cut Score 2 or 3
|Cut Score 1 or below
|Junior/1st sem
|5% of course grade
|Junior/2nd sem
|10% of course grade
|Senior/1st sem
|15% of course grade
|Senior/2nd sem
|15% of course grade
**Upon receiving a Cut Score of 1 or below, the student will immediately meet with Retention & Success Specialist to develop an individual remediation plan to include another Practice Assessment; if plan is achieved by a reasonable date (agreed upon by Retention & Success Specialist and student), student will receive for full % toward course grade.
Comprehensive RN Predictor Exam
The RN Predictor Exam will be given toward the end of the senior year in NUR451 - Senior Seminar. This assessment will be offered in an on-campus computer lab at a pre-determined time. Students should refer to the syllabi for testing times and locations for each course. Students are encouraged to spend time with the ATI materials in preparation for this assessment, specifically their focused review, in preparation for this assessment. Students are required to complete the Comprehensive RN Predictor Exam per the course syllabus, and it will be counted as 30% of the course grade as follows:
|Predicted Probability
|1st ATI Exam
|2nd ATI Exam
|94% or greater
|Below 94%
|Take 2nd exam ***
|0% and failure of course
***If a student does not achieve 94% or greater predicted probability of passing NCLEX-RN on the 1st Comprehensive RN Predictor Exam, the student will immediately meet with Retention & Success Specialist to develop an individual remediation plan. Once the plan is complete, the student will re-take the exam. If a 94% or greater predicted probability is achieved, the student will receive credit of 20% toward the total course grade (out of the possible 30%). If the student does not achieve 94% or greater on the 2nd exam, the student will receive 0% toward the total course grade (out of the possible 30%) resulting in failure of the course. If this is the student's first failed nursing course, the student will be allowed to re-enroll in the course for grade improvement. If this is the student's second unsuccessful nursing course, the student will be dismissed from the major in accordance with the School of Nursing Progression Policy
Ombudsperson for Nursing Program
- Students or other individuals who have concerns about the Nursing Program (that are not addressed by the University Grievance Policy) are encouraged to share them in a constructive manner with appropriate persons in the School of Nursing.
- In the event that these concerns are not resolved at the School level, they may be reported to the Nursing Program's Ombudsperson, who is the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Ombudsperson will attempt to address the complaint and, when possible, mediate it with the Dean of the School of Nursing and/or involved faculty. In addition, the Ombudsperson will clarify whether the reported concern is a formal complaint.
- Written reports will be maintained on all formal complaints and will be summarized in an annual report submitted to the Dean of the School of Nursing each January.
- Formal complaints will be reported to the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission as part of the Program's Annual Report.
School of Nursing Substance Abuse Policy
- The Notre Dame of Maryland University's School of Nursing adheres to the University's Substance Abuse Policy (see document that follows). The School also functions under the parameters of the Maryland Nurse Practice Act, Annotated Code of Maryland Health Occupations Article, Title 8, and Code of Maryland Regulations, Title 10, Subtitle 27.
- In accordance with the Maryland Nurse Practice Act (§8-316, [7]), a nurse is prohibited from providing "professional services while (i) under the influence of alcohol; or (ii) Using any narcotic or controlled dangerous substance, as defined in §5-101 of the Criminal Law Article, or other drug that is in excess of therapeutic amounts or without valid medical indication."
- Students in the Notre Dame of Maryland University's Nursing Program are considered to be providing professional services during all clinical labs and while participating in any and all aspects of designated clinical experiences in NUR431.
- Students who are suspected of substance abuse while providing professional services as a nursing student in the Notre Dame of Maryland University's Nursing Program will be subjected to disciplinary actions that include, but are not limited to:
a. Immediate dismissal from the lab/clinical setting;
b. Reporting the incident to the Dean of the School of Nursing;
c. Presentation of written documentation about the incident to the Nursing Council to determine the specific course of action;
d. Development and implementation of a course of action in compliance with the NDM Substance Abuse Policy and the Maryland Nurse Practice Act;
e. Reporting the incident to the Maryland Board of Nursing.
- The student will not be permitted to return to the lab/clinical setting and the corresponding classes until a thorough assessment has been completed and an intervention plan has been developed and implemented.
Date Approved: September 3, 2003
Date Effective: September 3, 2003
Date Revised: June 28, 2011
Notre Dame Of Maryland University Substance Abuse Policy
Endorsed by the Administrative Council May 28, 1997
It is the goal of the Notre Dame of Maryland University to protect the health and environment of students, faculty and staff by observing a drug‑free environment in keeping with the Drug‑Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Drug Free Schools and Campus Act of 1989, and the Policies of the Maryland Higher Education Commission Concerning Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control. This policy applies not only to students and staff of the University, but also to all employees of contractors and subcontractors, as well as food service employees.
Standards of Conduct
All students, faculty, staff and administrators are prohibited from the abuse of alcohol* and the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of illicit drugs or alcoholic beverages on University property or as part of any university activity, both on or off campus.
All Notre Dame of Maryland University students and employees are required to comply with the University's Substance Abuse Policy. Sanctions levied against a student or employee who violates the Standards of Conduct are included under the section entitled Sanctions. For students, violations will be subject to adjudication by the campus judicial system and/or appropriate law enforcement officials. For employees, violations are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal, or, as a condition of continued employment, may be required to successfully complete drug or alcohol abuse counseling or rehabilitation. Criminal or civil actions do not preclude campus action.
This policy covers the following substances: ‑alcoholic beverages of any kind. (Alcohol means ethyl alcohol or ethanol.)
‑controlled or illegal drugs or substances which include all forms of narcotics, hallucinogens, depressants, stimulants, and designer drugs whose use, possession, transfer, sale, manufacture, distribution and dispensation, are restricted or prohibited by law.
*Alcohol abuse is the singular or repeated use of alcohol that violates local, state, or federal law or University policy.
University Regulations
Alcohol and Illegal Drugs‑Students
Students and their guests are expected to follow the laws of Maryland, specifically, Article 27 of the Annotated Code of Maryland which states that no individual under the age of 21 may buy, consume, or possess alcoholic beverages of any kind, and individuals over 21 may not sell or provide alcohol to minors on University property or as part of any University activity, both on or off campus.
Students over the age of 21 may consume alcohol in their residence hall rooms, but not in public areas of the University, including, but not limited to hallways, lounges, bathrooms and common areas. In the residence halls, those who are 21 years of age or older may not consume alcohol in the presence of anyone under the age of 21 unless they accept the responsibility for insuring that no one under the age of 21 is consuming or possessing alcohol.
Those under 21 are not permitted to possess, distribute, or consume alcohol anywhere on campus, including their residence hall rooms. For those of legal drinking age, containers of alcoholic beverages larger than three liters, including kegs, are not permitted in the residence halls.
Students may not possess, distribute, sell, manufacture, dispense or use illegal drugs on or off campus. Those who decide to drink or abuse drugs are accountable for their behavior while under the influence, in the same way as if they had not been abusing drugs or alcohol.
Alcohol and Illegal Drugs‑Employees (including student employees)
The University will not hire anyone who is known to currently use illegal drugs or abuse substances. Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment. Employees must report to work mentally and physically fit to perform their duties.
The following activities are prohibited while an employee is on the University's premises or otherwise engaged in university business:
- the consumption of alcoholic beverages except at University sponsored events, where authorized,
- being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during business hours,
- performance of duties while under the influence of alcohol or controlled and/or illegal substance whether on or off University premises, and
- the manufacture, possession, use, sale, distribution, dispensation, receipt or transportation of any controlled substance or illegal drug.
Alleged violations may be reported to the Dean of Students or the Director of Residence Life, the Director of Human Resources for staff and the Vice President for Academic Affairs for faculty.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages may be sold, served or consumed if (1) it is in compliance with law, and (2) it is done at gatherings in locations approved by the Director of Campus Activities. The Director of Campus Activities reserves the right to forward requests for alcohol use to the Committee on Student Affairs for approval.
- The Director of Campus Activities may approve alcoholic beverages for use at campus gatherings if all the following conditions are met:
- The event is held in a special use location, facility, or building;
- The event is requested by a faculty member, staff, administrator or student organization, or University department,
- The majority of those in attendance will be at least 21 years of age;
- Those over the age of 21 will be identified by the use of a wrist band, hand stamp, etc;
- Food and non‑alcoholic beverages win be served;
- The sale/serving of alcoholic beverages will be discontinued at least one hour before the event ends;
- Proper campus supervision is provided in areas where alcohol is served/sold.
Alcohol permit forms are available in the Vice President for Student Affairs Office and must be submitted at least 10 working days prior to the event
Sanctions for Students Violating This Policy
Alcohol Abuse
Students who violate the Notre Dame of Maryland University Substance Abuse Policy by abusing alcohol are subject to the following sanctions:
- First Offense Alcohol Misuse: Possible sanctions include, but are not limited to, an alcohol‑related health assessment, participation in a one‑session alcohol education program at Loyola University Maryland, community service and other disciplinary sanctions as may be deemed appropriate, including, but not limited to probation, visitation, restriction, etc.
- Second Offense Alcohol Misuse: Required alcohol‑related assessment, mandatory attendance at a two session alcohol education program at Loyola University Maryland, community service and other disciplinary sanctions as deemed appropriate, including, but not limited to restitution, fines, probation, suspension, etc.
- Third Offense Alcohol Misuse: Required attendance at the six‑session alcohol education program at Loyola University Maryland or other community‑based alcohol education program, community service and other disciplinary sanctions as may be deemed appropriate, including, but not limited to restrictions, probation, suspension or expulsion.
Providing Alcohol To Minors
Students who violate the Notre Dame of Maryland University Substance Abuse Policy by providing alcohol to minors are subject to the following sanctions:
- First Offense Involving Providing Alcohol to Minors: Disciplinary probation for up to 6 months and up to 25 hours of supervised community service in an alcohol education activity.
- Second Offense Involving Providing Alcohol to Minors: Suspension of a minimum of one semester and up to 50 hours of supervised community service in an alcohol education activity (to be completed prior to reinstatement at the University); possible notification of legal authorities.
- Third Offense Involving Providing Alcohol to Minors: Dismissal; notification of legal authorities.
Controlled or Illegal Drugs
A student who has violated the Substance Abuse Policy through the illegal possession, use, sale, manufacture, dispensation or distribution of any drug narcotic, or controlled substance, whether on or off campus, is subject to the following sanctions:
- First Offense: Suspension from the University for a period of not less than the remainder of the semester in which the infraction occurred. Suspension may be probated and sanctions may include required drug assessment, counseling, rehabilitation and community service along with other appropriate penalties. During a probated suspension, a student may be allowed to live on‑campus. Successful completion of probated suspension is a prerequisite to reinstatement as a full‑time student.
- Second Offense: Dismissal from the university; notification of legal authorities.
- Other violations of the Social Honor Code occurring in conjunction with violations of the Substance Abuse Policy will be handled separately.
Sanctions for Employees Violating This Policy
An employee who engages in such behavior will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal, or as a condition of continued employment, may be required to successfully complete drug or alcohol abuse counseling or rehabilitation, if necessary. Other sanctions may include verbal counseling, written warning, suspension with or without pay, rehabilitation/counseling, or referral for prosecution.
Employees will not be terminated for voluntarily seeking assistance for a substance or alcohol abuse problem; however, performance, attendance, or behavioral problems may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Any employee who wishes to receive information about counseling and rehabilitation may request the information from the Human Resources Department
Where available evidence warrants, the University will bring matters of illegal drug or alcohol use to the attention of appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Employees convicted for off‑the‑job drug or alcohol involvement may be considered to be in violation of University policy. Employees who are convicted of controlled substances‑related violations under state or federal law or who plead guilty or nolo contendere (i.e., no contest) to such charges must inform the University in writing within five days of the conviction or plea. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment.
Within 30 days after receiving such notice, the University will take appropriate personnel action, (up to and including termination), or require satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program by the convicted employee.
Assistance Program Referrals
The University recommends that individuals who have a drug or alcohol abuse problem seek professional help.
The Counseling Center (410/532‑5384) provides education, assessment, individual counseling, and behavioral methods to address problem areas. The Student Health Center at Loyola University Maryland (410/617‑5055) also provides information and can assist individuals in identifying referrals, treatment programs, and other community services.
The following agency may be contacted to identify assistance programs offered in the community:
- Addict Referral Counseling Center, Inc.
5438 York Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
- Alcoholics Anonymous
217 North Warwick Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21223
- Narcotics Anonymous
21 West 25th Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
The University provides educational programs designed to promote lawful and responsible use of alcohol and prevent the use of illicit drugs. These programs include such topics as information on alcohol and illegal drugs, the consequences of the use and abuse of these substances, the role of individual responsibility, personal liability, and this policy.
These programs are available to any member of the University community and are primarily offered through the Student Affairs Office, Residence Life, Student Health Educators and BACCHUS, a recognized student organization.
Drug‑Free Awareness Program will inform employees annually of a.) the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, b.) the University's policy of maintaining a drug‑free workplace, c.) available drug counseling and rehabilitation, d.) penalties that may be imposed upon employees for violations.
- ALCOHOL ‑ (Beer, Wine, Distilled Spirits)
SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: relaxation, breakdown of inhibitions, euphoria, depression, decreased alertness, stupor, nausea, unconsciousness, hangover, and death. LONG‑TERM EFFECTS FROM CONTINUED EXCESSIVE USE: obesity, impotence, psychosis, ulcers, malnutrition, liver and brain damage, delirium tremors and death.
- AMPHETAMINES ‑ (Benzedrine, Dexedrine, Methedrine, Preludin) SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, decreased appetite, restlessness, rapid speech, irritability, insomnia, stomach disorders, convulsions. LONGTERM EFFECTS: insomnia, excitability, skin disorders, malnutrition, delusions, hallucinations, psychosis.
- ANABOLIC STEROIDS ‑ (Prednisone and Synthetic Testosterone‑like Drugs which have tissue‑building properties) SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: mood elevation or depression, increase or decrease in sex drive, increased aggressive behavior, may stunt growth, change in electrolyte balance causing retention of sodium and retention of fluids. LONG‑TERM EFFECTS: jaundice (yellowing of skin), liver damage, high blood pressure, endocrine imbalance; *in males can cause enlarged breasts, decrease in testicular size and Rinction, decrease of sperm production; females can experience acne, menstrual irregularities, irreversible masculinizing effects such as hair on the face, deepening of the voice, change in the genitals.
- ANTIDEPRESSANTS ‑ A. Tricyclics (Elavil, Ritalin, Tofranil, Prozac) SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: relief of anxiety and depression, temporary impotence, nausea, hypertension, weight loss, headaches. LONGTERM EFFECTS: irregularities in heartbeat, disturbed vision, decrease or increase in sexual desire, constipation, edema, extremely toxic in excessive doses and overdose can cause death. B. MAO Inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Phenazine) SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: combination of certain foods can trigger very high blood pressure, rapid pulse, headaches, problems with vision, sometimes paralyzing or fatal strokes; foods high in the amines, trymine or histamine should be avoided, i.e., beer red wines, chocolate, pickled fish, cheese, yogurt, stimulants, caffeine and allergy pills. LONGTERM EFFECTS: (may take six weeks for drug to work): glaucoma, weight gain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, weakness, tremors, dry mouth, constipation. C. Antimanic (Lithium) SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: difficulty staying on medication since euphoric feelings and sense of well‑being experienced during mild manic attacks is missed, there is a narrow range between the therapeutic and toxic levels (blood tests periodically are needed), nausea, lethargy, thirst, hand tremors, greatly increased urination, possible weight gain. LONG‑TERM EFFECTS:, drug excreted almost entirely by kidneys, any injury or weakness may allow the drug to accumulate to dangerous levels, avoid diuretics and low‑sodium diets so as not to further deplete sodium level, carefully monitor drug level.
- BARBITURATES ‑ (Chloral, Hydrate, Doriden, Nembutal, Phenobarbital, Seconal) SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: relaxation, euphoria, decreased alertness, drowsiness, impaired coordination, slurred speech, stupor, hangover and death. LONG‑TERM EFFECTS: excessive sleepiness, confusion, irritability, severe withdrawal, sickness and death.
- CAFFEINE ‑ (Coffee, Cola, Tea, No‑Doz) SHORTTERM EFFECTS: increased alertness, restlessness, insomnia, upset stomach. LONG‑TERM EFFECTS: restlessness, irritability, insomnia, stomach disorders.
- CANNABIS ‑ (Hashish, Marijuana, THC) SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: relaxation, breakdown of inhibitions, alteration of perceptions, euphoria, increased appetite, increased heartbeat, dry mouth. LONG‑TERM EFFECTS: fatigue, loss of memory, school grades may decline, hormonal changes, psychosis.
- COCAINE ‑ (Known as Coke, Snow, Crack) SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: feeling of self‑confidence and power, intense exhilaration, extreme euphoria, paranoia, violence, increased blood pressure and heart rate, feeling of things crawling under the skin (frequent abrasions and dig marks on skin from scratching coke bugs), dilated pupils, runny or stuffy nose if snorted, headaches, chronic insomnia, irritability, depression, psychosis.
- HALLUCINOGENS ‑ (LSD, Mescaline, Scopolamine, PCP, STP, Psilocybin, DMT) SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: perceptual changes especially visual, increased energy, hallucinations, panic, anxiety, exhaustion, tremors, psychosis. LONG‑TERM EFFECTS: increased delusions and panic, psychosis.
- INHALANTS ‑ (Glue, Paint Thinner and Removers, Correction Fluid, Gas, Laughing Gas, Nitrous Oxide) SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: relaxation, hypersensitivity, possible violence, impaired judgement, reduced muscle reflex control, rapid heartbeat, impaired coordination, headache, nausea, visual disturbance, euphoria. LONG‑TERM EFFECTS: brain damage, lung and kidney damage, blood and bone marrow alteration, possible death.
- NICOTINE ‑ (Cigarettes, Cigars, Pipe Tobacco,
Snuff, Chewing Tobacco, Nicotine Gum) SHORT TERM EFFECTS: relaxation, constriction of blood vessels, dry mouth and throat, adrenaline release, increase in pulse, heart and blood pressure. LONGTERM EFFECTS: hypertension, nervousness, irritability, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, impaired breathing, heart and lung disease, cancer of the lungs, larynx, trachea, esophagus, throat, mouth, cheek, lips and nasal cavity, arteriosclerosis and death.
- OPIATES ‑ (Opium, Codeine, Morphine, Heroin, Dilaudid, Percodan) SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: euphoria, prevention of withdrawal symptoms, pain relief, mental clouding, drowsiness, central respiratory depression which can cause death. LONG‑TERM EFFECTS: addiction, constipation, loss of appetite, toxic syndrome, lowered blood pressure.
- TRANQUILIZERS ‑ (Librium, Miltown, Equinol, Thorazine, Valium) SHORT‑TERM EFFECTS: relief of anxiety and tension, suppression of hallucinations and aggression, steep, drowsiness, bluffed vision, dizziness, slurred speech, allergic reactions, stupor. LONG‑TERM EFFECTS: blood cell destruction, jaundice, coma and death.
Applicable State Laws Relating to Unlawful Use, Possession, and Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 27
Offense: Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispension or possession to indicate intent to manufacture, distribute, dispense a controlled dangerous substance (or counterfeit substance) Penalty: Guilty of felony and subject to imprisonment up to 20 years and/or a fine up to $25,000
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 27, 286A
Offense: Transporting and possession of illegal drugs (in certain amounts)
Penalty: Guilty of felony and subject to imprisonment up to 25 years and/or a fine up to $50,000
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 27, 286B
Offense: Distribution of noncontrolled substance as a controlled dangerous substance
Penalty: Guilty of felony and subject to imprisonment up to 5 years and/or a fine up to $15,000
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 27, 286C, 286E Offense: Use of minor to manufacture, deliver or distribute controlled dangerous substance
Penalty: Guilty of felony and subject to imprisonment up to 20 years and/or a fine up to $20,000
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 28,287
Offense: Possession of controlled dangerous substance
Penalty: Guilty of misdemeanor and subject to imprisonment up to 4 years and/or a fine up to $25,000; for marijuana, one year and/or a fine up to $1,000
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 27, 287A
Offense: Use, delivery, or possession with intent to use, deliver, or sell drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, conceal, inject, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body, a controlled dangerous substance Penalty: Guilty of misdemeanor and subject to a fine up to $500 for first offense, imprisonment up to 2 years and/or a fine up to $2,000 for second offense; for situations involving a minor up to 5 years and/or a fine up to $15,000
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 27,287A
Offense: Advertising to promote the sale or delivery of drug paraphernalia
Penalty: Guilty of misdemeanor and subject to a fine up to $500 for first offense, imprisonment up to 2 years and/or a fine up to $2,000 for second offense
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 27, 287B
Offense: Possession and/or purchase of noncontrolled substance believed to be controlled dangerous substance
Penalty: Guilty of misdemeanor and subject to imprisonment up to one year and/or a fine up to $500
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 27, 400
Offense: Misrepresentation or false statement of age in order to obtain alcohol or to induce the illegal sale or supplying of alcohol
Penalty: Guilty of civil offense and subject to a fine up to $500 or up to $1,000 if repeat offense, plus court costs
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 27, 400A
Offense: Possession of alcohol by person under 21 Penalty: Guilty of civil offense and subject to a fine up to $500 or up to $1,000 if repeat offense, plus court costs
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 27, 400B
Offense: Possession of false identification by person under 21
Penalty: Guilty of civil offense and subject to a fine up to S500 or up to $ 1,000 if repeat offense, plus court costs
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 27,401,401A
Offense: Purchasing alcohol for person under 21 Penalty: Guilty of civil offense and subject to a fine up to $500 or up to $ 1,000 if repeat offense, plus court costs
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Transportation Article 21‑902 and 27‑ 101
Offense: Driving while intoxicated/under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs ~*
Penalty: Penalties ranging from a fine up to $500 and/or imprisonment of one year; if repeat offense, up to a fine of $3,000 and/or imprisonment up to 3 years
- Jurisdiction: Maryland Article 2B, 19‑101, 19‑102 Offense: Disorderly intoxication
Penalty: Guilty of misdemeanor and subject to imprisonment up to 90 days and/or a fine up to $100
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed biennially by the Substance Abuse Policy Review Committee comprised of representatives from Student Affairs, the Chief Financial Officer, representatives of the Student Association, faculty, Human Resources and Campus Safety and Security to determine its effectiveness, make changes if necessary and to ensure that sanctions are consistently enforced.
Back to Top
A key component of nursing education is reviewing and discussing student participation in healthcare simulations. I understand that as part of my learning, audiovisual recording may take place during Nursing Lab sessions and classroom activities throughout the Nursing Program.
I understand that, unless otherwise approved by me, I will not be specifically identified and that the depiction will be shown for educational or research purposes only. No commercial use of the recording will be made without my written permission.
I understand that as a nursing student I may participate in and observe others in a simulation learning environment. In order to make this a secure, comfortable learning environment, I agree to maintain confidentiality regarding the performance and debriefing of all individuals during the simulation. Also, I agree to hold confidential the specific details of each scenario.
I have read the information and agree to the terms under the release for audiovisual recording and the confidentiality agreement.
Confidentiality Statement / Video Release Form
The objective of simulation experiences is to provide the nursing student with learning opportunities to practice necessary skills, apply knowledge learned, and acquire behaviors needed in real nursing practice. Simulation provides a safe learning environment where the student may make mistakes with no harm to actual patients. During your participation in simulated clinical experiences at Notre Dame of Maryland University in the Center for Caring with Technology, (CCT), you will be both an active participant in simulated scenarios and an observer. The simulation experience can occur as an individual or group experience. By signing this agreement, you agree to the following conditions and guidelines.
I agree to adhere to the following conditions and guidelines:
- The simulation manikins and standardized patients (SP) are to be treated with respect and handled with care as if they were real patients.
- Because the simulation manikins are to be treated as live patients, I will uphold the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and any other federal or state laws regarding confidentiality. I agree to report any violations of confidentiality that I become aware of to my facilitator or instructor.
- All patient information, including but not limited to diagnosis, interventions, laboratory values, medications, and vital signs, used in the simulation scenario is privileged and confidential regardless of format: electronic, written, overheard or observed. As such, I will not view, discuss, or disclose any of this patient information to another student. I understand that any violation whether intentional or unintentional may lead to disciplinary action as outlined in the student handbook.
- Patient information may be viewed, used, disclosed, and discussed with other students participating in the simulation scenarios only as it relates to the performance of my educational duties in the simulation scenario. Any viewing, discussion, or disclosure of this information outside of the simulation environment is a violation of HIPAA and other state and federal laws.
- In order to maintain optimal simulation experiences for other learners who will be following me, I agree to maintain strict confidentiality regarding the specific scenarios, as well as what happened during the simulation experience.
- The simulation laboratory is a learning environment. All students are expected to demonstrate behaviors that maintain a caring, respectful, and supportive learning environment. I agree to treat all persons involved in the scenario with caring, respect and a professional manner.
Any breach in this agreement may result in consequences including a failing grade for that experience that may potentially result in course failure.
- I agree to maintain strict confidentiality about the details of the scenarios, participants, and performance of any
participant(s) whether seen in real time, on video or otherwise communicated to me.
- I authorize the Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Nursing faculty and/or staff to video record my performance during simulation experiences.
- I authorize the Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Nursing faculty/staff to use the video recording(s) for purposes including, but not limited to: debriefing, faculty review, educational research, public relations, , and/or fund raising activities.
Print Name
Signature Date
Student Name: Date:
Student Signature:
Acknowledgment of Receipt of the Notre Dame of Maryland University Nursing Program Student Policy and Information Manual I have carefully read and understand the policies in this manual.
This is to verify that I have received the Notre Dame of Maryland University Nursing Program Student Policy and Information Manual on (Date) and I understand that this
information governs the Nursing Program. I accept responsibility for adhering to these policies throughout the time I am in the Nursing Program. I understand that I am responsible each semester to review the electronically posted version of the manual and will be held accountable for all new and updated policies. I also understand that the policies contained in this manual are in addition to the policies contained in the University Undergraduate Catalog: Women's College and College of Adult Undergraduate Programs and in course syllabi.
(Printed Name)