Nursing Standard.doc.doc

American Institute of Health Sciences

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

SCHOOL OF NURSING

The School of Nursing welcomes your interest in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. Please review the following information to assist you in better understanding this program and in completing your application!

School of Nursing (SON) Mission

The American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) School of Nursing (SON) recruits, selects and graduates persons prepared for RN licensure from cultures and ethnicities poorly represented in the nursing community. The SON prepares graduates for practice as safe and competent nurses capable of providing culturally appropriate care in an increasingly complex and diverse healthcare environment. Graduates will demonstrate respect and caring for each human being as a valued member of society and will reflect and add value to the professional practice of nursing through the integration of the core concepts of research based knowledge, service to our fellow man, and a commitment to life-long learning.

AUHS is a Christian-based, minority-serving university where the values of faith in God, love of mankind, and respect for all persons, irrespective of race, color, ethnicity and religion, are embraced. The University is also a minority serving organization dedicated to providing high quality education to prepare underrepresented groups and others as competent and compassionate health care professionals and researchers. Through this outreach, the University harnesses the talents and abilities of persons currently underrepresented in healthcare and research while improving the dissemination of culturally appropriate care.

SON PHILOSOPHY AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The link between the AUHS mission, the SONs mission and philosophy and Nursing Professional Standards is demonstrated in the beliefs and values that are jointly held the professional value of Caring, the core competencies of Critical Thinking with the application of Research Based Knowledge, Communication, Human Diversity, and the technical skills to guide the development of a professional Provider of Care. The context of nursing, inclusive of the social, professional, political, cultural and economic milieu surrounding the discipline, and the health care system were considered during the elaboration of the philosophy. Given this perspective, the faculty adopts the following framework, which prepares students to become licensed registered nurses with a BSN degree.

Each individual is made up of biological, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions which are integrated, inseparable and interactional. Human beings respond in a holistic manner according to their environment and are valued for their abilities, characteristics and differences.

Nursing is a blend of both art and a science and not contained by a setting or work place. It is scientifically based and made up of knowledge, skill and judgment which when applied make up the practice of the discipline. Nursing is constantly evolving and the professional nurse applies research based knowledge from nursing and the sciences as the basis for practice. The art of nursing consists of the internalized approach or carative factors that a nurse reveals during the client/patient encounter.

The nursing process is a problem-solving approach that is foundational to all nursing actions with the client/patient and other members of the health-care team. Critical thinking underlies the process as the nurse utilizes clinical judgment and decision-making skills to analyze, synthesize, interpret, and formulate and adapt a plan of care.

Education is the catalyst used to prepare the student as a nurse. It is education that builds a foundation of essential knowledge and skill to become a safe and competent nurse, first and foremost. Having acquired foundation, education is also necessary to motivate the learner to search, transmit and interpret knowledge. If the student is to think critically, reason and accept responsibility and accountability for their actions education is the vehicle. It is through education and staying abreast of the evolving science and research that each student gains an appreciation of the discipline of nursing and why life-long learning is not only necessary for practice but a professional responsibility.

Teaching the student to be an active learner is vital to the educational process. The environment for learning, created by AUHS and the faculty, is intended to facilitate the students exploration of social interactions, individual differences, diversity, and his/her own learning styles. This knowledge will then be applied in the classroom as well as in different healthcare settings. This approach of keeping the student at the center of teaching-learning is a fundamental belief of the faculty.

Communication in multiple forms provides a medium for interaction that is essential for the nurse to master. Achievement of effective spoken and written language is necessary for care giving, collaboration, management and teaching-learning activities. The interpretation of language and its meaning while interacting with clients/patients from diverse cultural backgrounds is a essential to the nurse delivering health care today as well as in the future.

Caring is the essence of nursing and is the central and unifying focus for nursing decisions, practice and goals. This concept is translated to nursing practice through the understanding that each culture perceives nursing care differently and to work with groups/individuals effectively, one must learn their health-illness care behaviors and then adjust professional skills and knowledge appropriately. Nursing behaviors would include: Altruism, comfort, support, compassion, autonomy, empathy, human dignity, coping, stress alleviation, touching, nurturance, surveillance, protection, social justice, restoration, stimulation, health maintenance/ instruction/consultation.

Health is a dynamic state that transitions along the life span and emerges when stimulated by either positive or negative influences. Wellness, or the positive influence, is a unity within the individual that lends itself to health promotion and risk reduction. In health there is unity of the individuals body, mind and spirit. Illness, or the negative influence, finds disunity within the individual that asserts the need for nursing intervention and is the center of nursing functions.

Environment surrounds and stimulates all life both internally and externally. The internal environment transforms energy to enable one to continually adapt to an evolving and ever-changing external environment. It is this constant interaction that brings about change resulting from man adjusting himself to the environment or adjusting it to him. Equilibrium or steady state results when adaptation occurs and entropy results from the inability to adapt or adjust.

The faculty confirms that the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a means to prepare the diverse minority student population of AUHS to become licensed registered nurses and to consider graduate education as advanced practice nurses, including nurse educator, researcher and practitioner. The unique worth of each student is considered and the nursing faculty is committed to facilitating each students achievement of the programs goals. This will be accomplished through a supportive learning environment and grounded educational program, which focuses and integrates the above conceptual framework with the American Nurses Assn., Standards of Nursing Practice and the American Assn. of Colleges of Nurses, The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice.

Program Outcomes:

All of the graduates of the AUHS SON will be prepared to practice as competent, safe nursing clinicians in all settings where nursing care is delivered at an entry level, which will successfully pass the NCLEX exam, and obtain licensure as a registered nurse. Graduates of the SON additionally will meet the program goals and demonstrate the ability to:

Apply the theoretical and scientific knowledge of nursing, biological and behavioral sciences, and humanities to the professional practice of nursing

Incorporate the nursing process as a problem solving tool of the nurse in assisting individuals, groups and communities to attain, maintain and regain health

Effect positive client/patient outcomes through application of appropriate communication and teaching-learning theories, as well as advocating for the client/patient needs and rights

Develop, implement, modify and evaluate a culturally appropriate plan of care, even when client/patient needs may differ from the nurses personal values

Utilize scientific processes, evidence-based practice, critical thinking and professional judgment as integral parts of all decision-making

Practice within professional standards, an ethical framework, and regulatory guidelines

Facilitate collaborative relationships with the client/patient and members of the health team in the application of the nursing process and the delivery of health care

Demonstrate basic competence in nursing research, leadership and management consistent with an increasingly diverse and multicultural workforce and complex health care system

Demonstrate knowledge of social, historical and philosophical significance of the nursing profession

Develop personal responsibility for ongoing professional growth and development including higher education in advanced practice nursing

Influence health care systems and policy through professional involvement in nursing organizations and political activities

Based on the concurrence between the mission and philosophy of AUHS and the SON philosophy and program goals, graduates will demonstrate the following outcomes/behaviors/skills:

Are responsible and accountable to incorporate critical thinking in decision making while providing safe and competent care in a variety of healthcare environments.

Are aware of the cultural nuances in each client/patient and demonstrate respect and value for each individual

Communicate effectively, collaborates appropriately and incorporate valuable leadership and management skills

Understand the legal scope of practice of caregivers within the health care team and coordinate, delegate and appropriately supervise the delivery of safe, timely care

Subscribe to ethical principles while providing care to the client/patient and professional duties

Translate, and when appropriate, infuse evidenced-based research into practice to maintain currency and improve client/patient care

Utilize appropriate technology in delivering safe and competent care to the client/patient

Are aware of the health care environment of the client/patient and are able to facilitate change when appropriate

Practice within the regulatory boundaries of the Nurse Practice Act

CURRICULUM

The program requires twelve quarters of full time study over a three year period. The full time study program includes general education courses as well as nursing theory, clinical and non-clinical nursing courses. The course categories include biological, behavioral sciences, humanities and professional nursing courses. All theoretical and clinical nursing courses are based on the conceptual themes that are described in the following section of the Self Study. A minimum of 189 quarter units is required for program completion. These units minimally include the 90 hours of core content as required in Article 9, Public Health Nurse, Section 1491: Qualifications & Regulations. Upon successful completion of the 12 quarter program the Bachelors of Science Degree is awarded and the BSN graduate is also eligible to receive the State of California Public Health Nurse Certificate. The BSN graduate nurse who has demonstrated competency in all of the theoretical and clinical courses is eligible to sit for the NCLEX examination to become a registered nurse.

ADMISSION POLICIESQuarter System

The Universitys four quarter, year round operation system will expedite the ability of nursing students to complete a baccalaureate degree within three years. AUHS credits are expresses in quarter units; one quarter unit normally represents no less than one hour of class work and two or more hours of outside study per week for one quarter. One and one-half (1 ) quarter units are equivalent to one (1) semester units, and one quarter unit is equivalent to 2/3 semester unit of credit.

Core Performance Standards for Admission & Retention in the School Of Nursing

Background & American with Disabilities Act:

AUHS complies with the stipulations of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to prohibit discrimination against qualified people with disabilities. The ADA defines a qualified individual with a disability as an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position that such individual holds or desires.

The practice of nursing is an applied discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective, and motor components and students admitted to and retained in the AUHS, SoN program must be able to perform the functions, which are necessary for the safe practice of nursing and essential to the licensing standards with or without reasonable accommodations. The following standards are from the Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing, www.sreb.org/programs/nursing/publications/adareport.asp Revised 02/02, 02/04.

Core Performance Standards:

Ability to think critically sufficient for clinical judgment, identifying cause-and-effect relationships with clinical data, and develop nursing care plans appropriately utilizing steps of the nursing process.

Ability to demonstrate interpersonal abilities and establish rapport sufficient for interaction with individuals, families and groups, as well as health care team members, from various social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.

Ability to clearly communicate in verbal and written formats to explain treatment procedures, initiate health teaching and document and interpret nursing actions and patient/client responses.

Charting, talking on the phone, communicating with physicians, health care team members, patient and families interpreting and utilizing medical terminology. 3-4 hours in an 8 hour shift.

Ability to maneuver in small spaces and from one place to another independently and sometimes very quickly from clients rooms, bathrooms, in and out of work spaces, treatment areas, and procure and safely utilize emergency equipment when needed. Examples as below:

Continuous standing and walking: during all phases of patient care within the unit and throughout the hospital.

Frequent lifting: assisting with lifting patient, from side to side, up in bed, transferring from bed to chair, from bed to gurney, etc. Weight lifted usually ranges from 100 to 250 pounds, rarely 250-500 pounds (lifting should be done with help).

Frequent crouching (bending at knees) and stooping (bending at the waist): bathing, feeding, dressing changes, catheterization and care, checking chest tube containers, also to position wheelchair foot supports.

Twisting and reaching, frequent: transferring patients from chair to bed, feeding patients, performing some sterile procedures, obtaining supplies

Kneeling, occasional: transferring patients, performing CPR

Ability to demonstrate gross and fine motor skills sufficient to provide save, effective nursing care, including calibration and use of equipment, positioning and turning patients.

Pushing, frequent: pushing beds, gurneys, and wheelchairs, Up to 45 pounds effort.

Pulling, frequent: positioning patients in bed or during transfer to and from gurneys, wheelchairs and commodes, up to 70 pounds effort.

Calibrating and utilizing infusion pumps, SaO2 monitors, cardiac and respiratory equipment

Auditory ability sufficient for monitoring and assessing health needs, hearing cries for help, equipment alarms, emergency signals, breath and heart sounds on auscultation and various codes.

Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment essential to observe status of and changes in patient condition r/t level of consciousness, pain, movement, skin color, rashes. Ability to read small gauges, computerized equipment & readouts, medication labels and drug information.

Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment, including palpation, percussion, observe changes in skin temperature, therapeutic touch and perform related therapeutic interventions, such as:

Frequent handling/grasping: preparing and administering medications, starting & maintaining IV equipment, performing dressing changes and other procedures, manipulating oxygen equipment, obtaining supplies, using computer keyboards, etc.

ADMISSION INTO THE TRADITIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM

In order to be eligible for review, applicants must:

Apply and be accepted by the University.

Students MUST complete the AUHS Application packet & forms in addition to requirements specified below.

Submit 4 passport size pictures

Submit two recommendations on the form provided in the AUHS application packet.

Have obtained a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale of transferable college coursework. A grade of "C+" or better must be achieved in all courses required for the nursing major.

Submit an essay stating reason for program interest.

Complete the Pre-requisite Course Verification Form.

Have scheduled and passed the Universitys Wonderlic Scholastic Level Entrance Exam.

Have taken or schedule for the TEAS exam consist of Math, English, and science.

Resume

Have taken the following science courses: Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Math, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy (Critical Thinking). Each of these courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C+ or above, within the last 5 years. The overall Science GPA must be a 2.5. (Applicable only for the January 2, 2007 class)

Submit official transcripts

Demonstration of English competency (for foreign students) by scoring 500 on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Complete two interviews. Applicants will be notified for an appointment once the application is received.

Students who have completed ALL OF THE REQUIRED nursing pre-requisite classes listed in item #10 will be able to enter the program in the third quarter of the first year.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS UPON ADMISSION TO THE NURSING COURSESBefore beginning the nursing courses, admitted students must have the following:

Students must maintain current American Heart Assn. CPR card in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers, which includes resuscitation of infants, children & adults and AED. Annual renewal is required.

Students must submit evidence of physical exam and compliance with all of the Health Policies below, including immunizations.

Students must have a malpractice insurance policy for nursing students with $1 million/$3 million coverage. Students may obtain affordable malpractice insurance coverage at Nurses Service Organization (NSO), 159 East County Line Road, Hatboro, PA 19040-1218 or call 1-800-247-1500 for additional information.

Students must have a current Fire Safety Card (Acute Care Eight Hours)

Students must have a current California drivers license.

Students must successfully complete Criminal Background Checks as outlined below.

Students are responsible for their own access to an automobile, covered by insurance. Applicants are advised to make a suitable arrangement for dependent children, including alternative plans in care of a childs illness, etc.

LVN-to-BSN Applicants

LVN may apply for admission to Junior Level Nursing Courses.

In order to be eligible for review, applicants must:

Be a graduate from an accredited L.V.N. program and hold a current L.V.N. license. Applicants must submit a photocopy of L.V.N. license.

Be accepted by the University

Complete the application process for general admission

Submit two recommendation on the forms provided

Have obtained a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale of transferable college coursework. A grade of "C" or better must be achieved in all courses required for the nursing major.

Have taken the following science courses: Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Math, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy (Critical Thinking). Each of these courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C or above, within the last 5 years. The overall Science GPA must be a 2.5.

To be placed in the Junior year, applicants must successfully pass challenge exams for pharmacology and Fundamentals of Nursing.

Failure of two (2) required nursing courses, either the same course or two (2) separate courses, will result in non-admission.

Demonstration of English competency (for foreign students) by scoring 500 on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Participate in a conference for counseling regarding program and individual educational needs.

Satisfactorily complete the general education courses listed below. Courses must be college transferable.

The following courses require a "C" or better grade.

Chemistry 151 A & B General, Organic and Bio-Chemistry with Laboratory

Biology 200 A & B Anatomy & Physiology

Philosophy 160 Critical Thinking

Microbiology 201 - Microbiology

Sociology 100 General Sociology

Nutrition 230 Nutrition

Written and Oral Communication (6 units)

Psychology 100 General Psychology

Art or History

Philosophy 304 - Ethics

Accelerated Baccalaureate in Nursing Program Applicants

Applicants must have an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university. In order to be eligible for review, applicants must have:

Graduated from an accredited College or university

Earned a 3.0 overall GPA

Completed the admissions application process.

Completed the following college courses with a grade of "C" or better:

Chemistry 151 A & B General, Organic and Bio-Chemistry with Laboratory

Biology 200 A & B Anatomy & Physiology

Philosophy 160 Critical Thinking

Microbiology 201 - Microbiology

Sociology 100 General Sociology or Anthropology 250 Cultural Anthropology

Nutrition 230 Nutrition

Written and Oral Communication (6 units)

Philosophy 304 - Ethics

*Must have been completed within five years prior to admission

II.REQUIRED GENERAL EDUCATION COLLEGE COURSES

YEAR I:

Chemistry 151 A & B

Biology 200A & B Anatomy & Physiology

Mathematics 110 ( Quantitative Reasoning )

Philosophy 160 Critical Thinking

Microbiology 201

English 101 English College Composition I Reflective & Expository Writing

Sociology 100

Biology 230 Pathophysiology

Pharmacology 210 Clinical Pharmacology

Nutrition 230

Psychology 100

YEAR II & III

Anthropology 250 Cultural Anthropology

Communications 150 - Oral Communications

Statistics 415

English 207

GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES--ELECTIVES

*Philosophy 304: Ethics

*Art 103: Two Dimensional (2-D) Composition

*Art 104: Introduction to Drawing

*Art 350: Drawing II

*Spanish Language 101: Elementary Spanish

*Spanish Language 102: Elementary Spanish

*Spanish 280: Conversational Spanish

*Political Science 150: Government and American Society

*History 101: American History & the Constitution

*Political Science 101: American Political Institutions

*Required completion or demonstrated equivalent elective taken from an accredited institution.

A maximum of 105-quarter units (70 semester units) earned in a community college will be allowed towards the units required for graduation. Neither upper division credit nor credit for professional education courses is allowed for community college work.

LVN 45 Unit Options

The applicant must be a licensed vocational nurse in the state of California.

Course work will be evaluated to determine transfer status in clinical nursing classes.

The L.V.N. may elect to complete a 45-unit option to become eligible to sit for the State Board RN licensure exam, or NCLEX-RN. The LVN may be awarded credit for 26 units of lower division nursing following assessment of their transcripts. Following admission the student electing this option must complete the following 45 unit option program consisting of the following courses:

BIOL. 200 A and B 8 units Anatomy & Physiology

MICR 2014 units Microbiology

NURS 3103 units Human Life Cycle

NURS 300 & 300 L6 units Older Adult Health Nursing

NURS 350 & 350 L8 units Psychiatric/Mental Health Care

NURS 380 & 380 L8 units Critical Care Nursing

NURS 430 & 430L6 units Basic Nursing Leadership / Management

NURS 4602 units Transition to RN

Total 45 units

Critical thinking, decision making and the development, implementation and evaluation of care plans for the client/patient populations encountered during the practice of safe and competent nursing as a licensed RN in California must master the content found in these courses. These courses may be challenged by these students selecting these options.

Any nurse considering the LVN 45-Unit Option is required to meet with the Dean/Director or the Asst. Dean/Asst. Director to discuss this option and constraints associated with this choice prior to beginning any course work at AUHS.

Please note for Students Considering this Option: Completion of this course work does not fulfill all requirements for a baccalaureate degree in nursing and the student is NOT considered a graduate of the nursing program. Students are admitted to this option on a space-available basis only. For information and assistance regarding entrance, the applicant is invited to contact the Office of Admissions.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT

The School of Nursing and the Education Department will evaluate previous education that may be applicable to an educational program. If previous education meets the standards, in that the Units

were earned at institution approved by the BRN, public or private institutions of higher learning accredited by a state, regional or national accrediting association that is recognized by the United States Department of Education,

Or

were earned at an institution of higher learning, including foreign institutions, if the institution offering the undergraduate program documents that the institution of higher learning is equivalent to degree programs approved by the Bureau or accredited by an accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education.

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION

In selected departments, course credit by challenge examination is available on a limited basis and at the discretion of the department chairperson. The student must file the approved form in the Student Services Office. Only units of CREDIT will be awarded for these examinations (No record of failures will appear on a student's transcript.). All credit awarded in this manner will be so noted on the student's transcript. A course may only be challenged by examination once. Students may also take externally administered standard proficiency exams such as CLEP (College-Level Examination Program from CEEB) and PEP (Professional Equivalency Program from ACT) in those areas approved by the university. Information about these exams and a current list of approved exams are available as listed in the Admission Standards. Credit for CLEP or PEP exams taken prior to enrolling at AUHS and which appear on the transcript of record from another college or university will be accepted according to the transfer of credit procedure. If there has been no official awarding of credit, an original transcript from ACT or CEEB must be presented.

Students who have taken courses sponsored by the armed forces or other non-collegiate agencies may apply for an evaluation of these learning experiences.

For the baccalaureate degree, a maximum of 12 units may be secured through CLEP/PEP exams in areas approved by the university. All units earned in this manner are held in escrow until the student has successfully completed 30 units of course work at AUHS.

Students seeking credit for courses/training received at another institution must meet with the Dean/Asst. Dean of the SoN as well as the Chief Academic Officer to determine procedure for verification of credit and applicability of such credit to their educational goals. In order for a course to be considered for transfer credit, the student must submit:

Documentation that the Program/Institution is accredited and found in the catalog.

A copy of the college catalog where the credits were earned.

A copy of the course outline sufficient in length and content to determine the depth and scope of the course.

An official transcript containing the grade received for the course (must earn a B or better),

And must have been successfully completed within the last 5 years except for the LVN 45 Unit Option students where there is no date requirement.

Students can receive up to 12 credits through this process except for veteran students. There are no associate fees.

Credit is not given for any class which the student has previously attempted and failed or for which he/she has previously sought credit by examination. A maximum of a 105 quarter units (70 semester units) transferred from a community college will be counted towards graduation. No credit will be given to upper division classes from community college class work.

HEALTH POLICIES FOR ACCEPTED BSN STUDENTS

Nursing focuses on prevention and promotion of health. The following policies are in accordance with the California Department of Health, Center for Disease Controls Recommendations for Immunization of Health-Care Workers (MMWR 12/26/97 / 46(RR18); (1-42), and the various clinical agencies affiliated with AUHS. Prior to enrollment in the first nursing course, students will be informed of the School of Nursing health policies.

Every student admitted to the nursing courses must have completed and submitted written proof of the following to AUHS Student Services. Clinical agencies will not accept a student if he/she has not met all of the following health requirements:

PAST MEDICAL HISTORY:

Student attests the physical and emotional health are such as to allow for full participation in both clinical and theoretical components of the nursing curriculumPHYSICAL EXAMINATION:

Must be completed annually by a licensed physician, certified nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. The AUHS health form, which can be downloaded from www.AUHS.edu, must be used. The physical should include a urinalysis and complete blood count.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Rubeola (Measles)

1. Titer demonstrating immunity with date drawn, numerical value, and acceptable range

OR

2.Written documentation showing adequate vaccination for 1st and 2nd dose, including dates

Mumps

1. Titer demonstrating immunity with date drawn, numerical value, and acceptable rangeOR

2.Written documentation showing adequate vaccination with date administered

Rubella

1. Titer demonstrating immunity with date drawn, numerical value, and acceptable rangeOR

2.Written documentation showing adequate vaccination with date administered

Varicella

1. Written documentation showing adequate vaccination with date administered

OR

2.Written documentation showing adequate vaccination for 1st and 2nd dose, including dates

Hepatitis B

1. Titer demonstrating immunity (>10 iu hbSaB) with date

OR

2.Hepatitis B immunization program showing 1st , 2nd, & 3rd dose administration dates with HBsAB>90 days

OR

3. Signed declination to receive HBV vaccine

Tb Screening

1. A current 2 step PPD/Mantoux skin test for Tuberculosis is required on admission to the nursing program.

2. Then annual testing is required. If the student tests positive or has previously tested positive, a chest x-ray is required every year.

Information on two-step tuberculin skin testing: Two-step tuberculin skin testing is performed to detect delayed hypersensitivity reactions in people who have been infected with M. tuberculosis. Two-step testing is recommended for healthcare workers who will be retested periodically. The first skin test is given. If the first test reading is positive, the person requires follow-up including a chest x-ray to rule out active disease and evaluation for appropriate medication therapy if not previously treated. No further skin testing is done. If the first test reading is negative, the second test is performed 1-3 weeks later. If the second test reading is positive the person is classified as previously infected and cared for accordingly. A chest x-ray showing no disease is required.

NOTE: History of reactive PPD following receipt of IBCG is not accepted in lieu of documentation

If a student is unable to comply with these health requirements, the student must obtain a written statement to this effect from their physician and submit it to the School of Nursing and the health services in case special arrangements need to be made. The student has the responsibility of disclosing any temporary medical condition, which may hamper their ability to perform the essential performance standards. A written medical release from their health care practitioner is required if a student develops a temporary medical condition that hampers their ability to perform the essential performance standards. The release must be submitted to the School of Nursing prior to returning to the clinical area.

Clinical agencies may have additional requirements. If so, students will be instructed to obtain the necessary tests. A student with a health condition that may have a safety consideration, i.e. diabetes, pregnancy, seizure disorder, infectious disease, HIV positive, emotional problem, etc., must notify the clinical instructor so that assignment modification may be made as necessary. Students may be exposed to infectious illnesses in the clinical agencies. The School of Nursing has the responsibility to determine those health issues that may interfere with the students progress in the clinical area.

HIV/HBV/HCV Policies

In order to reduce the possibility of exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) of its nursing students, faculty, and clients/patients, the Department of Nursing has adapted the following policies. These policies are in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control June 29, 2001 guidelines as well as federal and state laws. The policies recognize the rights of individuals, confidentiality issues, and resources of the parent institution.

Policies HIV/HBV/HCV positive Individuals:

1. Qualified students will not be denied admission to the nursing program on the basis of their HIV, HBV, or HCV status.

2. While testing is voluntary, Nursing Students who may be at risk for HIV, HBV, or HCV have an ethical responsibility to be tested.

3. For those individuals likely to be at risk, pre and post testing counseling services are available in Health Services and counseling is strongly suggested.

4. Testing results can only be given with the individuals consent and are kept in confidentiality in Health Services.

5. Students who know that they are infected or immunosuppressed have an ethical obligation to voluntarily inform each of their clinical settings. They include the following:

6. Students who are HIV/HBV/HCV positive must follow CDC guidelines and Standard Precautions/Universal Precautions in clinical settings. They include the following:

All health care workers regardless of HIV status should adhere to Standard Precautions/Universal Precautions, which include the appropriate use of washing, protective barriers, and care in the use and disposal of needles and other stray instruments.

Infected health care workers should be excluded from performing certain invasive or exposure prone procedures in which the health care workers blood is likely to contact the patients body cavities, subcutaneous tissue, and/or mucus membranes.

According to the CDC guidelines, infected health care workers who adhere to Standard Precautions/Universal Precautions and do not perform invasive invasive procedures pose no risk in transmitting HIV to patients.

Policies for all Students:

1. All students will receive instructions on Standard Precautions/Universal Precautions for blood and air borne infections according to CDC guidelines prior to contact with patients in clinical settings.

2. No nursing student or faculty member may ethically refuse to care for a patient on the basis of their HIV, HBV, or HCV status.

3. The student should recognize that as novice practitioners, students may have a greater risk for exposure to blood borne diseases because of needle sticks.

4. The students have an ethical duty to report, to their clinical instructor, any accident which exposes themselves to a risk of transmission of a blood disease.

5. If an accidental exposure occurs students should follow the CDC guidelines for occupational exposure:

HIV testing should be done immediately for a baseline. Perform HIV antibody testing at least 6 months post exposure (e.g., at 6 weeks, 3 months & 6 months).

a) Open cuts or abrasions.

b) Direct mucus contact accidental splash.

c) Direct hand contact with larger amounts of blood or body fluids without glove protection.

d) percutaneous injury (e.g., needle stick or cut with a sharp object)

e) contact of mucous membrane or nonintact skin (e.g., exposed skin that is chapped, abraded, or infected with dermatitis) with blood, tissue, or other body fluids that are potentially infectious.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

To comply with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and state and local regulations for healthcare providers, nursing students and faculty are required to have a clear criminal background check to participate in placement(s) at clinical facilities. An initial background check will satisfy this requirement during continuous enrollment in the program. Should your educational process be interrupted, a new background check will be required.

1. Background checks will minimally include the following (See the following page for explanation of services):

a. Social Security Number Trace

b. Felony Criminal Conviction Record Search

c. Combined OIG/GSA Excluded Parties/Debarment Search

d. Sex Offender database search

2. Students will be unable to attend clinical facilities for the following convictions(s):

a. Murder

b. Felony assault

c. Sexual offenses/sexual assault

d. Felony possession and furnishing (without certificate of rehabilitation)

e. Felony drug and alcohol offenses (without certificate of rehabilitation)

f. Other felonies involving weapons and/or violent crimes

g. Class B and Class A misdemeanor theft

h. Felony theft

i. Fraud

3. Students may be denied access to clinical facilities based on offenses appearing on the criminal record which may have occurred more than seven years ago.

4. Students must provide the school with information allowing the school (and clinical facilities as necessary) access to the background check. If the students record is not clear, the student will be responsible for obtaining documents and having the record corrected to clear it. If this is not possible, the student will be unable to attend clinical rotations. Clinical rotations are a mandatory part of nursing education; therefore the student will be ineligible to continue in a school of nursing.

5. Students under 18 years of age are exempt for this requirement.

6. The estimated cost to student will be $48 for a background check. Payment must be made to the AUHS Office.

7. The student must sign the Disclosure and Consent regarding Consumer Reports form and return it to the School of Nursing.

8. This same type of background screening will occur again when you apply for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) through the Live Scan fingerprinting process. When you submit your application for NCLEX you will also be required under law to report all misdemeanor and felony convictions even if they have been expunged or a court diversion program has been completed.

Social Security Number Trace

The Social Security Number Trace will reveal a history of the subjects names

including alias and former names and addresses attached to the provided social

security number. The trace information will then be used by an investigator to

determine how to proceed with criminal history searches.

Felony/Misdemeanor Criminal Conviction Search A search will be conducted for criminal convictions at the appropriate state (county) court. Each criminal record search will cover a history of seven (7) years from the date of request. All criminal records discovered will be matched with three identifiers. All records bearing less than three identifiers will carry a special notation stating how the record was identified. Detailed information on records found will include, when made available by the criminal court, but may not be limited to: date of offense, charges, plea, disposition and sentence.

Sex Offender Database Search We will conduct a simultaneous database search for known Sex Offenders. Search details in the report usually include: identifiers, registered address, aliases, case numbers, charge(s), conviction details, and period of incarceration.

The following states are included in this search:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut,

Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,

Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,

Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey,

New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma,

Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont,

Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) / OIG (Office of the Inspector General) Cumulative Sanction / Excluded Parties List Search Search of federal government supported database. If a name match is discovered, the contracted investigation agency will make a reasonable attempt to identify the data on the list to the subject of the background investigation.

GSA (General Services Administration) Excluded Party / Debarment List Search Search of Federal government supported database. If a name match is discovered the contracted investigation agency will make a reasonable attempt to identify the data on the list to the subject of the background investigation.

For further information, contact:

Student Services

1600 East Hill Street, Building #1

Signal Hill, CA 90755

Tel (562) 988-2278 Ext. 19

LEVEL III:

Complex Nursing Care & Leadership

Across all health care settings

LEVEL II:

Specialized Nursing Care

Involving the

Client & Family Units

LEVEL I:

Basic through Intermediate

Nursing Care

SCHOOL OF NURSING: CORE NURSING COURSES

SIMPLE TO COMPLEXACROSS ALL NURSING DOMAINS

ACROSS ENTIRE WELLNESS TO ILLNESS CONTINUUM

Nsg. 220 & 220L

Phys. Assessment

Nsg. 250 & 250L

Intro. to Nsg.

Health Care

Nsg. 260

Health Care Communication

Nsg. 300 & 300L

Older Adult Health Care

Nsg. 310

Human

Life Cycle

Nsg. 320

Psychosocial

Aspects of Care

Nsg. 330 & 330L

Intermediate

Nursing Care

Nsg. 350 & 350L

Child Health Nursing

Nsg. 410 & 410L

Community Health Nursing

Nsg. 420

Nursing Research

Nsg. 360 & 360L

Women Health Nursing

Nsg. 370 & 370L

Psych/Mental Health Care

Nsg. 380 & 380L

Critical Care Nursing

Nsg. 350 & 350L

Child Nursing

Health Nursing

Nsg. 400

Community Health Science

Nsg. 430 & 430L

Basic Leadership/Mgmt.agment

Nsg. 440 & 440L

Case Mgmt of Vulnerable Pop.

Nsg. 450 & 450L

Advanced Nsg. Leadership

Nsg. 460

Transition to

Nursing Prtc.

Nsg. 340

Legal/Ethical Aspects of Care

AUHS CLINICAL LABORATORY

EXTENDED CARE AGENCIES

M/S ACUTE CARE AGENCIES

WOMEN & CHILDREN ACUTE CARE AGENCIES

PSYCH ACUTE/AMB/EXT. CARE

HOME CARE & HOSPICE AGENCIES

ACUTE & AMBULATORY AGENCIES

CC ACUTE AGENCIES

American University of Health Science, Student Catalog

Leininger, M. (1979). Transcultural nursing. New York: Masson.

American Nurses Assn. (2004). Scope and standards of nursing practice. Kansas City, MO: American Nurses Assn.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (1998). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice [On-line]. Available: HYPERLINK "http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/BaccEssentials98.pdf"http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/BaccEssentials98.pdf

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