Essential Faculty/Student Policies

These policies are from the WSON Faculty Handbook

  • Definition of Unsafe Practice

    Nursing students are legally responsible for their own acts, commission or omission, in the clinical area. It is the responsibility of the nursing faculty to evaluate unsafe student behavior and initiate dismissal from the clinical setting when appropriate. Unsafe clinical behavior is any act, practice, or omission that fails to conform to the accepted standards of nursing care which result from a disregard for the health and welfare of the public and of the patient under the student's care, and includes, but is not limited to, the following offenses:

    1. Violation of safety in patient care:
      1. Falsification of patient records or any other documentation related to the course or nursing program
      2. Commission or omission of patient care that endangers a patient's life or negatively impacts a patient's recovery and or well being
    2. Violation of confidentiality
    3. Physical/Verbal abuse of patient, peer, faculty, or clinical staff
    4. Evidence of substance abuse (under the influence or alcohol or drugs, possession, use, sale or delivery)
    5. Theft from patient, clinical sites, or school
    6. Any violation of the WellStar School of Nursing Policy on Professional and Ethical Behavior of Nursing Students or the ANA Code for Nurses

    A student who is considered to be unsafe in nursing practice by nursing faculty may require a clinical evaluation contract (contract >) and may be subject, but is not limited, to the following action(s):

    1. Counseling
    2. Remediation (forms >)
    3. Academic withdrawal
    4. Immediate removal from the clinical environment
    5. Dismissal from the clinical agency, course, nursing program, or Kennesaw State University

    Procedure

    When a student's behavior endangers the safety of a patient, peer, staff member, clinical agency, or clinical faculty, and/or demonstrates a serious breach of professional behavior, the instructor or clinical agency will immediately dismiss the student from the clinical setting. The student will not be allowed to continue in the clinical component of the program until a decision is made by a panel of nursing faculty within five working days of dismissal from the clinical setting.

    Appeals Process

    The student has the right to appeal any ruling according to the procedure outlined in the Kennesaw State University Catalogue.

    Adapted From: Rule 217.13 of the Board of Nurse Examiners Rules and Regulation when defining unprofessional nursing conduct@, Grayson Community University, Sherman, Texas.

    Process for Remediation

    1. Remediation is a process of tutorial assistance for students who exhibit clinical deficiencies. It is a time for students to practice skills and to help them to refine those skills. It is not a time of testing. The process is initiated by faculty and may involve learning activities in the campus skills lab (LRC), the audiovisual lab and/or the clinical setting.
    2. Remediation will be utilized when a student demonstrates a deficiency in a clinical objective(s).
      1. Deficiency in psychomotor skills will be remediated in the nursing LRC. (See list of lab skills)
      2. Deficiencies in any other areas should be outlined in a Clinical Evaluation Contract by the faculty member. (i.e. inability to prioritize nursing tasks, drug calculations, and inadequate nursing documentation).

        When a student is given a clinical remediation contract, refusal of the student to sign acknowledging receipt of the contract will result in the student being excluded from the clinical area until such time that the form is signed. Exclusion for a period of time may result in the student being unable to meet the clinical objectives of the course and constitute a clinical failure. In this case a grade of F will be awarded.

        If after signing, the student does not satisfactorily complete the specified activities in the clinical remediation contract, the student will be considered to have failed the course clinically and be awarded a grade of F.

    3. Process
      1. Faculty member completes a Prescription for Remediation of Clinical LRC Skills (form >) for clinical evaluation contract.
      2. The student will sign the document for remediation. This acknowledges that the process for remediation is understood by the student.
      3. A copy will be given to the student, faculty member, and the nursing LRC Coordinator, if appropriate.
      4. The student will review textbook material, laboratory manuals, and/or specific audiovisual material as outlined in the document for remediation.
      5. If the remediation is for a psychomotor clinical skill, the student will make an appointment with the Nursing LRC Coordinator. This must be done by the identified remediation completion date.
      6. The student will sign the document for remediation following completion of specified behaviors.
      7. The Nursing LRC Coordinator will forward the completed document for remediation to the referring faculty immediately upon completion.  A copy will be given to the student, a copy retained by the Nursing LRC Coordinator, and a copy will be placed in the student's file in the WellStar School of Nursing office.

    Process for Evaluation of Clinical LRC Skills Post Remediation

    1. The evaluation component does not need to be done for every outlined remediation.
    2. If evaluation of the deemed deficiency(ies) of skill(s) is required, the clinical faculty member will be responsible for the evaluation process, whether in the LRC lab or clinical area.
    3. Prescription for Evaluation of Clinical LRC Skills Post Remediation form (form >) when evaluation of a psychomotor skill(s) is deemed necessary.

    Last Reviewed 7/2017

  • UNIFORMS: Students are to wear a complete uniform, which is clean and neat (ironed) during the clinical experience (unless otherwise specified). The uniform consists of:
    1. Hospital - All students are required to purchase black uniforms from the approved School of Nursing professional apparel vendor. Black athletic shoes or closed-toe, flat leather shoes with ankle socks or hose are to be worn. Clogs are NOT ALLOWED. When obtaining clinical assignment, business casual covered by a neatly pressed (wrinkle-free) lab coat is acceptable (see business casual dress).
    2. On campus lab activities:
      1. Simulation – Students will dress in the attire mandated by the course they are enrolled to meet clinical guidelines.
      2. Competencies – Students must wear their WSON uniform.
    3. Community Health Nursing dress code - Student will wear either the WSON uniform or white shirt/blouse and navy blue or black pants/skirts, lab coats with Kennesaw State University sewn patch and Kennesaw State University name tag to the community clinical agency unless advised otherwise by the agency's personnel AND approved by the student's clinical instructor.   This dress codes applies not only to the hours of the precepted clinical experience, but to any time the student is in the community representing Kennesaw State University (e.g. teaching project, alternative experience, going to clinical site to complete paperwork/ screening). Students are also expected to comply with the other sections (i.e. hair, shoes, jewelry, etc.) of the dress code as outlined in the handbook.
    4. When an agency requires business attire or "business casual", the WellStar School of Nursing guidelines supersede them as follows: men's shirts must have collars.  Low cut blouses or open shirts are inappropriate at all times, at no time should the area below the collar bone or abdomen be visible. Sweatshirts, t-shirts, overalls, denim and exercise clothing are not permitted at any time.  Shorts, short skirts (more than three inches above the knee) and Capri pants are not appropriate. All black (including logos) athletic shoes or closed toe leather shoes with socks or hose are to be worn to all clinical experiences. Sandals, flip-flops, and spiked high heels are not acceptable. Students are held to this standard of dress regardless of what they observe in the agency. All students are to accept professional responsibility for appearance and dress in accordance with school policy.
    5. Black and white name pin (white background with black lettering) that include the following:
      1. Name (First name and first initial of last name)
      2. Kennesaw State University
      3. Graduate Nursing or Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing Student
      4. "R.N." when applicable
    6. Official Kennesaw State University patch to be worn on left side of the uniform.
    7. Graduate students are to wear office-professional dress with a white lab jacket and name pin, as previously described, to clinical sites.

    NAILS: Fingernails should be clean and short to avoid injuring the patient or collecting microorganisms. Nail polish should be neutral in color. ARTIFICIAL AND WRAPPED NAILS ARE PROHIBITED.

    HAIR: If hair length is below the collar, in most clinical settings it must be worn pinned up or tied back. Barrettes and hair combs in neutral colors may be worn. Faddish hair color (e.g. bright colors) is unacceptable and not permitted. Beards and mustaches are acceptable if neatly trimmed.

    MAKE-UP: Make-up should be conservative and well applied.

    JEWELRY: Since jewelry may collect microorganisms, students should not wear necklaces, rings, and earrings (other than one pair of small studs, less than one inch in diameter, in the ear lobe, one earring per ear). Wedding rings and wrist watches may be worn. No other body jewelry may be visible. Tongue jewelry is prohibited.

    BODY ART: Tattoos must be covered and should not be visible at any time.

    SCENTS: Scents are a highly subjective substance and may be allergenic to some individuals; therefore they are to be avoided in any form (perfumes, scented deodorant, body lotion, cigarette smoke, etc.).

  • The faculty of the WellStar School of Nursing (WSON) believes they have an ethical and professional responsibility to provide a safe and effective educational environment to students and to patients who receive nursing care from students.  Students are expected to participate in any learning experience, including classroom, campus laboratory, clinical settings, and other WSON sponsored functions, free of chemical impairment. Based on the assumption that addiction is an illness that can be successfully treated, the faculty is committed to assisting students with recovery from substance abuse. In developing the policy and procedures for intervening with a student who displays symptoms of substance abuse, the faculty has adopted the following basic assumptions of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Policy and Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Substance Abuse in the Nursing Education Community (1998):
    • substance abuse compromises both the education process and patient safety and must be addressed by schools of nursing;
    • academic units in nursing have a commitment to and a unique role in the identification of abuse, intervention, referral for treatment, and monitoring of recovering individuals;
    • addicted individuals need to recognize the consequences of their substance abuse;
    • addiction is a treatable illness, and rehabilitative and therapeutic approaches are effective in facilitating recovery;
    • individuals with addictive illnesses should receive an opportunity for treatment in lieu of, or before disciplinary action (p.2).

    Definitions and Assumptions

    The WSON faculty define the chemically impaired student as a person who, while in the academic or clinical setting, is under the influence of, or has abused, either separately or in combination, mind-altering substances including alcohol, over-the-counter medications, prescribed medications, illegal drugs, inhalants or synthetic designer drugs.

    Chemical abuse is a disease process with physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects that can have either episodic or chronic presentations. 

    Chemical abuse is a condition that can be treated successfully and that individuals can be returned to a productive level of functioning.

    A student known to be chemically impaired places a legal and ethical burden on WSON faculty and administration. Legal ramifications of a chemically impaired nursing student are injury to patients and potential malpractice, implicating the student, faculty, clinical agency, and educational institution. WSON faculty has a responsibility to intervene when patient safety and clinical performance are compromised by a student who is chemically impaired. When chemical impairment is suspected, the WSON Procedure for Faculty Intervention with the Chemically Impaired Nursing Student will be implemented.

    The policy on the chemically impaired student nurse incorporates the following components:

    • Prevention and education to WSON students, faculty, and staff regarding substance abuse and addiction.
    • Procedure for drug testing.
    • Identification of suspected chemically impaired nursing students during the time the student is enrolled in the nursing program.
    • Intervention whereby student is confronted with his or her reported behaviors and is asked to seek evaluation of a possible substance abuse problem.
    • Evaluation and referral for treatment.
    • Provisions for re-entry to WSON upon successful rehabilitation.
    • Disciplinary procedures for a chemically impaired student who is unable or unwilling to be rehabilitated.

    Prevention and Education

    Education is a crucial component in the management of substance abuse. WSON students, faculty, and staff will be provided information about substance abuse, along with the consequences of impairment due to abuse and addiction.  During the WSON orientation process, the Chemically Impaired Student Nurse Policy and Procedures will be disseminated and reviewed, along with information on services and programming offered by the Student Success Services at Kennesaw State University (KSU), the Collegiate Recovery Center at KSU and the KSU Health Center.

    Procedure for Drug Testing

    Drug and breathalyzer testing must be conducted by a qualified laboratory using established methods and procedures. Cost associated with drug and breathalyzer testing is the responsibility of the student. The procedure for urine collection, as determined by the collection site, will involve a witness to the voiding of the urine sample, securable urine containers, and chain of custody procedures.  The urine sample will be screened for drugs as identified in Appendix B of this document.  A drug test will be deemed positive if any of the drugs listed in Appendix B are identified. If a urine test is positive, a second test will be conducted on the original urine specimen. If the test is positive, the available evidence, including health history, will be used to determine the presence or absence of drug abuse.  The testing laboratory will notify the Director of the WSON with test results. The WSON will ensure confidentially of results by making the information available only to the student and appropriate WSON Administrators, Faculty, and clinical agencies (when needed). 

    Procedures for Faculty Intervention with the Chemically Impaired Student Nurse

    The WSON Faculty will follow the University’s policy prohibiting the illegal possession, use, or distribution of drugs and/or alcohol by students on University property or as part of any University affiliated academic activity, including off-campus learning activities, such as clinical.  Violators will be prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws and ordinances and will be subject to disciplinary action by the University in conformance with University policy (See KSU Student Handbook and Daily Planner regarding Student Code of Conduct—Use and Possession of Drugs, Including Alcohol).

    Identification

    Indicators suggesting chemical impairment of a student’s ability to meet standards of performance, competency, and safety are gathered and documented (See Appendices D and E).

    While an isolated incident may not indicate substance abuse directly, the occurrence of several incidents should be documented on the Reporting Form for Alleged Chemically Impaired Student (Appendix E). 

    If impairment is observed, the student must submit to random drug testing as described in the section on Drug Testing Procedure and in Appendix C. Refusal of a student to submit to testing may result in  disciplinary action,  including dismissal from the nursing program in accordance with the WSON policy.

    Faculty who suspect student impairment are to notify the WSON Director of their concern.
    Faculty is advised to keep detailed, anecdotal notes that describe the events involving the students.  Identification of impairment should be based on a pattern of observable, objective, and quantifiable behaviors. Notes should document the date, time of day, location of the event, persons present, and a description of what took place.

    If the student demonstrates impaired behaviors (see appendices D and E for examples of such behaviors) that compromise patient safety and/or academic performance, remove the student to a private area. With a neutral party present (i.e., clinical manager, KSU Faculty) discuss with the student behaviors observed and allow the student to provide a verbal explanation. Question the student regarding the use of substances and, if used, what, when, how much was used, and by what route consumed.

    If symptoms or other indicators of impairment are observed in a student, the student will be informed of the faculty’s responsibility to dismiss a student who is physically or mentally unable to meet the standards of performance, competency, and safety.  The student is to be relieved of further clinical/laboratory/classroom responsibilities for the day.  Inform the student that she/he is suspected to be in violation of the KSU WSON Chemically Impaired Student Nurse Policy Procedure Statement.  It is the student’s responsibility to arrange safe transportation to the nearest Advantage Testing facility for immediate testing. Faculty may assist in making the transportation arrangements and will document how the student left.

    Intervention

    Phase I

    Faculty completes a report of the alleged chemically impaired student nurse with observed behaviors indicative of chemical impairment (see Appendix D).

    Faculty informs student of observations indicative of chemical impairment. Student must submit to drug testing at the time of the reported behaviors. The test will be conducted by a qualified laboratory using established methods and procedures.

    The student is to be relieved of further clinical/laboratory/classroom responsibilities until a comprehensive professional evaluation of chemical abuse can be completed.

    A copy of this report is given to the student and the WSON Director. The student is informed that a copy of this report will be placed into the student’s file.

    WSON Director informs all other appropriate faculty members also involved with the student during the semester on a “need to know” basis.

    WSON Director reviews the procedural requirements of the KSU WSON Chemically Impaired Student Nurse Policy.

    Refusal of a student to submit to immediate testing or to any other requirement of this Chemically Impaired Student Nurse Policy/ Procedures may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the nursing program in accordance with the WSON policy.

    Phase II

    Within five working days of the filing of a report of alleged student chemical impairment, a conference is scheduled with the student, involved faculty member, committee member of the Advisory Committee to Faculty on Clinical Performance, and WSON Director.  In addition, a Counselor from Student Success Services at KSU will act as a neutral party, but not enforce nursing policies.  The WSON Director will take the lead in conducting the conference.

    Purposes of conference are to:

    • convey concern for the student as caregiver as well as concern for the patients;
    • explain how the behavior interferes with the student’s performance in the course;
    • explain academic consequences resulting from the student’s chemical impairment identification;
    • secure student agreement to a comprehensive chemical abuse evaluation for the purpose of professional evaluation of chemical abuse status and the determination of a treatment plan.

    A written contract for the chemically impaired student nurse (see Appendix F) is reviewed and the student is requested to agree to the terms set forth.  WSON Director asks the student to sign the contract and the Agreement for Monitoring the Chemically Impaired Student (see Appendix G) confirming that the student understands the terms of the contract and academic consequences.  If the student refuses to sign the contract, the student may be administratively dismissed from the nursing program in accordance with the WSON policy. (see Policy on Unsafe Practice in KSU WSON Student Handbook).

    WSON Director provides student with a list of state licensed agencies that provide chemical abuse evaluation services (see Appendix A).  WSON Director also reviews with student that he/she is responsible for the cost of the chemical abuse evaluation and any prescribed treatment.

    Other issues to be considered when obtaining treatment:

    • Realize the potential of suicidal risk upon intervention/confrontation of an issue of concern, and the time lapse to have an evaluation.
    • There are options on campus at KSU for the student to obtain evaluation, counseling and treatment services: The Collegiate Recovery Center, the KSU Health Clinic and Student Success Services
    • Have student/parent check insurance plan to see what providers are in network.
    • Utilize county mental health facilities if the student does not want to use services available on campus and insurance or finances are an issue.
    • Many treatment centers will do an initial triage for free, to at least evaluate for any risk of self-harm, and will provide resources for students.

    Evaluation

    Upon completion of a comprehensive professional evaluation of chemical abuse status, one of four courses of action may be taken by the WSON with the student:

    • Non-validation of the Violation of the KSU WSON Chemically Impaired Student Nurse Policy (i.e., the comprehensive chemical abuse evaluation does not support/substantiate the alleged report of student behaviors indicative of chemical impairment).  In the event of a non-validation of violation, all documentation will be removed from the student’s file.  Upon receipt of a negative drug test and written recommendations of the chemical abuse evaluator that there is no evidence of substance abuse, the student may return to all courses in progress with no academic penalty related to chemical impairment.
    • Validation of the Violation Without Implementation of the KSU WSON Chemically Impaired Student Nurse Policy (i.e., the comprehensive chemical abuse evaluation supports/substantiates the alleged report of student behaviors indicative of chemical impairment and the student refuses to follow the policy regarding treatment and monitoring). If the student refuses to sign the contracts for monitoring and return to the nursing program (See Appendices F & G), then the student may be administratively dismissed from the nursing program by the WSON Director.  WSON Director will point out that it is in the student’s interest to accept the outlined treatment and monitoring for chemical abuse.
    • Validation of the Violation With Implementation of the KSU WSON Chemically Impaired Student Nurse Policy (i.e., the comprehensive chemical abuse evaluation supports/substantiates the alleged report of student behaviors indicative of chemical impairment and the student agrees to follow the policy regarding treatment and monitoring). Student signs the contracts for monitoring and return to the nursing program (See Appendices G & H), and is allowed to continue in the nursing program as long as the student is in compliance with his/her substance abuse treatment program.
    • Mixed or Inconclusive Results of the Chemical Abuse Evaluation.  The student will be given the option to seek another mental health assessment.  The monitoring and treatment agreement will then depend on the outcome of the second evaluation.  If the student requires professional treatment, the student will sign a written plan of action for correcting the behavior, with a realistic time frame for meeting the recommendations of the action plan.  The student will be allowed to continue in the nursing program as long as the student is in compliance with the negotiated action plan.

    Academic Outcome

    The academic consequences required with the implementation of the KSU WSON Chemically Impaired Student Nurse Policy is contingent upon the completion of the substance evaluation or follow up mental health assessment, and agreement of the treatment/action plan if indicated.  A semester grade of “W” (Withdrawal), “I” (Incomplete), or “F” (Failure) will be assigned to courses dependent upon factors related to grade determination as outlined in the KSU Undergraduate and Graduate catalogs.  If no treatment for chemical abuse or mental illness is required, the student may return to all courses in progress upon receipt of the written recommendation from the professional evaluator.

    Other

    All students must be aware that the state examining board has the right to refuse to grant a registered nurse license to any individual regardless of educational credentials under circumstances of (1) falsification of application for licensure; and/or (2) conviction of a felony or crime of moral turpitude; other moral and legal violations specified in the Georgia law.

    Re-entry to WSON

    Upon successful completion of a treatment program as outlined according to the written plan by the chemical abuse evaluator or mental health counselor, the student can apply for re-entry to the nursing program for the semester the student desires to return or if there is an opening on a space available basis.

    The student will be expected to provide written documentation of the course of specialized treatment together with the treatment or mental health counselor’s written assessment of the student’s ability to perform the academic/clinical requirements of the nursing program following treatment to the WSON Director.  In addition, any restrictions of the student’s activities (i.e., limiting access to narcotics, schedule for counseling and self-help group meetings) are to be addressed in the written counselor’s assessment.

    Participation in support programs for recovery from chemical dependence is a lifelong process.  The cornerstone to this process is ongoing participation in twelve-step and other support program meetings.  Students will be encouraged to attend such meetings and be given necessary time to do so when possible.

    Noncompliance/Relapse

    If additional or continuing chemical impairment occurs subsequent to the implementation of these procedures, the WSON faculty will recommend that the student be administratively dismissed from the nursing program by the WSON Director.  The student has the right to grieve and appeal the procedure according to the University guidelines.

    • Appendix A: Chemical Abuse Policy Quick Reference Sheet for Faculty
    • Appendix B: List of Treatment Centers Providing Chemical Abuse Evaluation Services in Metropolitan Atlanta
    • Appendix C: List of Drugs Included in Drug Screening Test
    • Appendix D: Consent for Drug Testing Upon Admission to WSON
    • Appendix E: Indicators of Chemical Dependence
    • Appendix F: Reporting Form for Alleged Chemically Impaired Student
    • Appendix G: Contract for the Chemically Impaired Nursing Student
    • Appendix H: Agreement for Monitoring the Chemically Impaired Student
    • Appendix I: Contract for Return to Nursing Program
    • Appendix J: Chemically Impaired Student Withdrawal Letter
    • Appendix K: Chemically Impaired Student Nurse Letter for Returning to the Nursing Program
    • Appendix L: Chemically Impaired Student Dismissal Letter

  • As a student in the WellStar School of Nursing, it is an expectation that all will abide by the following principles and precepts for all school related activities on and off campus. Students are expected to conduct themselves in ways consistent with the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses (Student Handbook) and for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, as published in the Undergraduate Catalog. The following principles of ethics are core values held by persons in the nursing profession (Berman, Snyder, & Frandsen, 2016). 
    • Beneficence – the doing of good
    • Justice – fair, equitable, and appropriate care
    • Autonomy – freedom to make choices
    • Veracity – telling the truth
    • Fidelity – keeping one’s promises
    • Respect – for self and others
    • Non-maleficence – duty to “do no harm”

    Professional Behavior

    The KSU faculty expects students to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner at all times for all school related activities on and off campus. Students are expected to:

    1. Abide by the classroom rules regarding testing and test review.
    2. Be considerate of others.
    3. Be respectful of diverse ideas and opinions.
    4. Receive constructive feedback and utilize the feedback for enhanced learning.
    5. Be punctual for appointments, meetings, class, and clinical. Notify appropriate faculty in a timely fashion if late or unable to attend.
    6. Refrain from using slander (malicious, false or defamatory statements), or libel (defamation by written or verbal word), and profanity.
    7. Treat others with civility, kindness, and intellectual engagement.
    8. Promote the highest level of moral and ethical standing, accepting responsibility for all actions.
    9. Be ready and prepared for class/clinical. Arriving unprepared can cause potential harm to patients and liability to the health care facility and university. Being unprepared is grounds for immediate dismissal from the clinical site for that clinical day, which will be counted as a clinical absence.
    10. Adhere to the WellStar School of Nursing Dress Code. Dress professionally in clinical and in all professional encounters (Student Handbook)
    11. Adhere to the WellStar School of Nursing Chemical Abuse Policy (Student Handbook). No smoking or use of any tobacco products is allowed at clinical agencies. KSU prohibits the use of tobacco products on any University property: therefore, this policy extends to all clinical agencies (Student Handbook)
    12. Contribute to upholding the reputation and community values of Kennesaw State University and nursing educational program in all areas, locally and abroad.
    13. Personal use of technology (such as social media) during class and clinical activities is prohibited. Do not take pictures at clinical activities without permission of instructor and clinical agency.
    14. WSON student uniform or lab coat should only be worn for clinical and school related activities.

    Non-adherence to Expected Professional Behaviors

    A student who displays non-professional behaviors or actions which violate the ANA Code of Ethics and/or the WSON Student Code of Conduct will be brought to the attention of the Advisory Committee to Faculty on Professional Behavior and Clinical Performance by a faculty member.

    The faculty member should meet with the student to discuss and document observed behavioral concerns as soon as any unprofessional behavior is identified.

    When there is an alleged violation of professional behavior as specified in the ANA Code of Ethics and/or the WSON Student Code of Conduct, and if identified behavior(s) also constitutes a potential violation of the Kennesaw State University Codes of Conduct, the student may be referred to KSU Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) for appropriate investigation and possible university sanctions.

    A faculty member who believes that a student has engaged in non-professional behavior may discuss that behavior with the Advisory Committee to Faculty on Professional Behavior and Clinical Performance. If the committee concludes that the student’s behavior violates the ANA Code of Ethics and/or the WSON Student Code of Conduct, as alleged, the student will be given an opportunity to meet with the accusing faculty member and the committee, at that time the student will have the chance to hear and respond to the specific allegation(s). A student’s decision not to attend such a meeting will not be construed as an admission of responsibility. However, if the student receives notification of the meeting and fails to attend, the committee will make a decision based on the available preponderance of evidence regardless of whether the student chooses to attend. If the committee finds that the student did breach professional standards, the student will be placed under a Professional Behavior Contract developed jointly by the reporting faculty member and committee. The faculty will then meet with the student to review the contract and its implications. Signatures on the contract will include the student, reporting faculty member, chair of the advisory committee, and Associate Director for the Undergraduate Nursing Program.

    The Advisory Committee to Faculty on Professional Behavior and Clinical Performance may recommend that the student’s Professional Behavior Contract include:

    • evaluation by KSU Student Health Services and/or KSU Counseling and Psychological services,
    • completion of an assigned project,
    • resignation from any school of nursing related leadership position(s),
    • denial for induction into Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing Honor Society),
    • suspension from the undergraduate nursing program, or
    • dismissal from the undergraduate nursing program.

    Undergraduate faculty will be informed of all Professional Behavior Contracts, without the use of student identifiers, through the Advisory Committee to Faculty on Professional Behavior and Clinical Performance’s monthly report at the WSON undergraduate faculty meeting.

    A copy of the contract will be included in the student’s WSON academic file. The student will be required to adhere to the terms outlined in the contract during the remainder of their time in the program of study or such time as identified in the contact.

    If a faculty member determines that a student has violated the Professional Behavior Contract again, the student’s behavior will be reported to the Advisory Committee to Faculty on Professional Behavior and Clinical Performance and the Associate Director of the undergraduate nursing program for further action.

    Berman, A., Snyder, S. J., & Frandsen, G. (2016). Kozier & Erb’s Fundamentals of nursing: Concepts, process, and practice (10th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

  • Blood or body fluid exposure is defined as any of the following:

    • Percutaneous inoculation (needle stick or sharp injury).
    • Non-needle percutaneous exposure (open cuts and/or abrasions).
    • Direct mucous membrane contact (accidental splash).
    • Direct contact with large amounts of blood and body fluids without glove protection (hands frequently have small nicks or cuts, which act as a portal of entry for microorganisms).

    In the event of an exposure to blood and or body fluid:

    The affected STUDENT will:

    Immediately follow the steps of the WSON Blood and Body Fluid Post-Exposure Management Checklist.

    The FACULTY will:

    Immediately assist the student to follow the steps of the WSON Blood and Body Fluid Post-Exposure Management Checklist and ensure that a copy of the completed checklist is submitted to the Associate Director of the Undergraduate Nursing Program. 

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