Academic Policies

Administrative
Jameson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing Faculty reserve the right to dismiss any student whose academic achievement, health, conduct, or nursing practice make it inadvisable to permit continued enrollment in the program.

THE SCHOOL ALSO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ACADEMIC AND PROGRAM POLICIES.  THE STUDENT BODY WILL BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING OF THE CHANGES.

Student Handbook - Each student will receive a copy of the Student Handbook.  This Handbook contains information in detail regarding all School Policies for students enrolled in the program.

Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated at the Jameson Memorial Hospital School of  Nursing.  Failure to adhere to the policy regarding academic integrity, which is contained in the student handbook, may necessitate dismissal from the School of Nursing.

Grading
 Jameson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing students are expected to maintain a high level of scholarship throughout the program.  Courses offered by Jameson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing are graded according to the following distribution:
 

Only nursing courses are calculated into the QPA.

The cumulative point average is determined by dividing the total number of quality
points by the total number of credits for each course in the program.
ALL DETAILS CONCERNING ACADEMIC AND SCHOOL POLICIES ARE IN THE  STUDENT HANDBOOK.

Promotion
 Students progress through the program by meeting standards of academic achievement, attendance, and professional behavior as established by the School.  Promotion is dependent upon satisfactory achievement of course objectives and fulfillment of all Program Requirements.  (A "Satisfactory" grade in the clinical component of each nursing course and a grade of "C" or better in all courses is required).

Probation
Students are held accountable throughout the program for fulfilling Program Requirements. School of Nursing Administration and/or Faculty has the right to discipline any student whose behavior is disruptive to or reflects adversely on, the School of Nursing and/or Jameson Memorial Hospital.

Probationary status may be utilized for students in a variety of circumstances which include, but is not limited to, the following: Clinical performance which is not meeting the clinical course objectives, excessive absenteeism, unprofessional behavior and disregard for Program Requirements.

Complete details are in the Student Handbook.

Graduation

 To be eligible for graduation from the Jameson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, a student must have met the following criteria:

*    A passing grade of "C" in all nursing courses, clinical and non-clinical.

*    A Satisfactory clinical performance in all clinical components of each nursing course.

*    Demonstration of consistent progress in the practice of nursing

*    Demonstration of personal growth and advancement

*    Satisfied all financial obligations to the Jameson Memorial Hospital School of 
      Nursing 

Graduates are awarded the diploma and pin of the School of Nursing. They are eligible to take the examination for licensure as a registered nurse.

Other awards may also be presented.

SCHOOL POLICIES...
Attendance 
A student's attendance record is a reflection of professional accountability. Class attendance is expected on a regular basis, and students are held accountable for the information presented.

Clinical experience, which includes scheduled clinical prep time, clinical laboratory, and community experiences, provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate professional development under the direction and supervision of an experienced Faculty member in order to acquire or improve skills, apply nursing principles, and develop nursing judgment. All course objectives must be met in order to pass the course. Clinical time missed due to labor disputes in unionized affiliating agencies must be made up, and students will be given the opportunity to do so.

Orientation Week is scheduled prior to the start of classes. It is mandatory, and all students are required to attend.

Details concerning class/clinical attendance are in the Student Handbook.

Leave of Absence
 A Leave of Absence (LOA) for one (1) school year may be granted to an individual who is in good academic standing (a grade of "C" in all required courses and satisfactory clinical performance). The request for an LOA must be made in a letter and personally delivered to the Director of Professional and Allied Health Education, who determines the student's eligibility for a Leave of Absence.

A letter of intent to return to classes must be received at least three (3) months before the course is scheduled to begin. Return to the program will be dependent upon availability of space in the class and payment of all prior financial obligations to the Jameson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Identical course offerings are not guaranteed, and the time needed to complete the program will be lengthened. If a student is unable to attend class and/or clinical because of a medical disability and cannot continue to meet course objectives without it being detrimental to his/her health, the student must request a medical leave of absence.

Military Leave-Jameson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing is in compliance with Federal and State military and veteran's status.

Details concerning the Leave of Absence Policy are in the Student Handbook.

Withdrawal 
A student may withdraw from the nursing program at any time. Withdrawal interferes with scholastic progress, affects placement status, and may affect financial aid. The student planning to withdraw must submit a letter and a Jameson Nursing Course/Program Withdrawal Form to the  Director of Professional and Allied Health Education stating the reason for withdrawal and the effective date. Details concerning the Withdrawal Policy are in the Student Handbook.

A student failing to withdraw according to policy will receive a grade of "F" for the course.

Readmission
Individuals must meet the established criteria for readmission.  Details regarding the Readmission policy and procedures are in the Student Handbook.

The student seeking readmission must submit the request at least three months prior to the beginning of classes; however, a student who has an outstanding financial obligation to the School will not be considered for readmission until all financial obligations have been cleared.

A student may be readmitted only once, and class space must be available.  Challenge examinations and/or auditing of classes may be required on an individual basis.  Readmission is not guaranteed.

If a student is readmitted and repeats a nursing course, only the new grade will be calculated into the QPA.

Students on a Leave of Absence or seeking readmission have a maximum of 150% of the normal program length (3 years) from the time they first entered in which to complete the program.  After that time, they are no longer eligible for readmission but may apply for regular admission.

Students who have been dismissed for unprofessional conduct or unsafe clinical performance will not be considered for readmission.

Student Records and Release of Information
 As a result of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, students' records will be opened to review as detailed in the Student Handbook. All requests for release of information must be in writing.

Transcripts-Jameson Graduates 
The fee assessed for academic transcripts and health records will be $3.00 per copy. Course outlines are $7.00 per copy.  Official copies of transcripts with a seal will only be sent directly to the school or agency for which requested. Transcripts and references will not be issued until all financial obligations and Program Requirements have been met.

Nursing Student CPR Policy 
All nursing students must satisfactorily complete a certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course prior to starting clinical nursing activities. Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association including adult 1 and 2 man, infant, child, and obstructed airway, and AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). The student must maintain current certification in accordance with Hospital policy.  Certification must be valid through the date of graduation.  Only students with current CPR Certification are permitted to work in the clinical area.

Policy on Drug-Free Workplace 
Jameson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing will provide a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. Students will be made aware of the effects of drug use and the Hospital policies regarding the unlawful possession of controlled substances or when performing duties in the role of a student nurse.  Guidelines include:

1.            General information concerning substance abuse, related legal implications and
               the School of  Nursing Policies, will be included during orientation to the
               school.  In addition to published information distributed, the school, in
               accordance with the hospital, will provide periodic educational programs
               dealing with alcohol and drug use, prevention, and treatment.

 2.           Students are to report for clinical experience and class on time and in    
   appropriate mental and physical condition.

 3.            The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a
    controlled substance on hospital property or while participating in a school
    related activity off hospital premises is absolutely prohibited.

 4.            Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including
                dismissal from the program.  Students involved in violations of this policy may
                also be subject to legal consequences.

 5.            Students with drug dependency or substance abuse problems are encouraged
    to seek help in dealing with such conditions through the Student Health Service
    where appropriate referrals can be made and where health insurance plans can
    provide assistance with treatment options as appropriate.  Students who
    voluntarily seek assistance will not jeopardize their position in seeking help. 
    Clinical performance problems and other violations of school policy will
    continue to be noted and may subject the student to the disciplinary process.
    However, this does not include voluntarily seeking assistance after notification
    for a drug screen.  If the student is found to have a positive drug screen, the
    student is subject to the disciplinary action of dismissal from the nursing
    program.  If the student is found to have a negative drug screen, the student will
    be required to adhere to disciplinary requirements as a condition of maintaining
    enrollment in the School of Nursing.

6.            Students returning from substance abuse programs must submit to random drug
    testing.

7.            As a further condition of continuing enrollment, students must abide by the
   terms of this policy and also must report to the Director of Professional and
   Allied Health Education any conviction under a criminal drug statute for
   violations occurring on or off hospital premises.

 8.           The hospital is required to take appropriate action against any student convicted
   of a criminal drug offense and is required to impose sanctions, which can range 
   from dismissal from the program to a requirement of satisfactory participation in
   a drug/alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program as a condition of
   readmission to the educational program.

 9.           Any student receiving Financial Aid will acknowledge in writing his/her
   understanding of the imminent loss of financial aid when arrested or
   convicted of a drug related offense.

 10.         Information and referral services are also made available for treatment of
   alcohol and drug related situations.  These services are administered by the
   Hospital's  Employee Assistance Program.  Those needing treatment for
   substance abuse are referred to local and regional agencies.