Academic/Clinical Honesty

• Admission

Students are admitted to the program based on meeting all of the GCC and PNC nursing program admission criteria including the health requirements of the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) and affiliated clinical agency requirements.

• Advanced Placement

There are opportunities for graduates to pursue advanced standing in the GCC Associate Degree Nursing Program or baccalaureate level. Please speak to your advisor or contact the Nursing Pathways Advisor or download the Associate Degree in Nursing Information Packet.

• Attendance & Participation

Students are expected to attend all classes, skills labs, clinical experiences and conferences, and all other related activities, such as service learning. All students are expected to arrive on time and stay until the end. Please refer to the course syllabus regarding additional attendance information.

If a student misses a nursing class or a class ticket, he/she is accountable for the content covered in those activities missed.

Classes are student-centered and consist of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities. Everyone is expected to participate in these activities. Your unique perspective and ideas are valuable, and may bring something to the conversation that nobody else has considered. In addition to calling on volunteers, instructors will issue regular invitations for individual students to participate in our discussions and everyone is expected to accept those invitations at least some of the time. If this represents a problem for you for some reason, please reach out to your instructor in person or via email and we will find a way to get you involved so we can hear your good ideas and questions.

Clinical absences are strongly discouraged. Students missing more than one clinical day are at risk for not meeting course objectives.

It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor of an intended absence or tardiness prior to the start of the clinical day. A clinical absence or tardiness without prior notification will result in a written warning. Please refer to the syllabus in each course for specific procedure as to who to contact if missing clinical (see academic and clinical attendance policy).

All students are expected to arrive at  clinical start time “fit for duty.” If the student arrives late, they may be sent home and this will be recorded as a clinical absence. If a student is deemed “unfit for duty” they will be sent home, and this will be recorded as a clinical absence. Any student demonstrating a pattern of lab or clinical absence, tardiness, unpreparedness, or failure to notify the instructor in advance of same, may be required to meet with the Program Coordinator of Practical Nursing and the Dean of Nursing to discuss their standing in the program. (See course specific Clinical Absence Policy)

Skills/SIM Lab absence will be handled like clinical absences. Arrangements must be made with the lab coordinator before the next scheduled lab for an assigned make-up lab.

Students who currently have military service obligations should contact the Dean of Nursing to discuss any absences related to this.

In the event of a clinical instructor absence, make-up assignments will be determined by the nursing faculty.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification

Career Services

Cell Phones

Cell phones must be silenced in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical setting. Texting is also not allowed during class, lab or clinical. Use of the cell phone, to the extent it disrupts the learning environment may result in the offender being told to leave the room.

In case of emergency, students will be located and given messages. Incoming emergency calls should be made to the Nursing Program Administrative Assistant (775-1753) or the Dean (775-1763). Appropriate cell phone use will be defined by the course/clinical faculty.

Class Representatives

Each class will identify at least two classmates to represent them at monthly faculty meetings to put forth program questions and concerns. 

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Students are elected from the class. 
• It is a fundamental responsibility of a Student Representative to ensure that the students they represent are aware of who they are and that they are available for students to share concerns, complaints, or positive experiences. 
• Student Representatives are a vital channel of communication between the college and students- representing, communicating and giving feedback on college and student matters. They act as a representative leader.
• Representatives should act as a bridge between the college and the students. They are not authorized to make any formal or informal decisions on behalf of the nursing faculty of the college. 

Responsibilities:

• Be a voice for the students to ensure that they have a qualitative learning experience at GCC in the PNC program
• Act as a key contact between faculty and fellow class members regarding safety, facilities and student welfare needs
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to data protection of any shared information
• Attending monthly faculty meetings:
  • Brings ideas, interests, and concerns of their classmates to the meetings
  • Reports back to the class regarding what was decided at a meeting
• It is the responsibility of the Student Representative to fairly, accurately, and effectively represent their classmates. Student Representatives are expected to become aware of the issues concerning the students they represent and communicate these issues appropriately.
• Student Representatives are subject to the same rules and regulations as other students in the college. Being a Student Representative does not afford the Representative any academic or personal privileges not given to other students

Class Preparation & Study Time

In order to succeed in the program, students must be prepared for the amount of study and class preparation that is required. In addition to the exams and written assignments noted on the course calendar/syllabus, there are daily homework and class preparation assignments as well as required readings as noted on the module outlines. We strongly advise that students do not work more than 20 hours/week and make adequate day-care plans for dependents.

Code of Conduct

Communications

Confidentiality

Counseling Services

Greenfield Community College understands that students face stressors that can impact their academic success. No matter what your circumstances, meeting with a counselor can often assist students to identify personal and academic issues and can help develop a plan to ensure student's success. The Wellness Center/Counseling services has a Learning Support Counselor available to aid students with any personal problems. We offer one-on-one counseling, web-based counseling tips and mental health information and resources to promote student's wellness while pursuing academic goals. Short-term on campus counseling is available. This service is available to all current GCC students at no cost. Call (413) 775-1332 for an appointment or contact .

If the need is immediate GCC has available a 24/7 hotline: 1-833-434-1217

If students are looking for long term counseling or additional support, referrals can be made to counselors or therapists in the local community.

Computer Use

Access to a computer and printer is required. Students must have a proficient level of computer and technology literacy. We provide a computer lab for students’ use in our classroom and the computer labs are available on the Greenfield campus.
All college computers are to be used for educational purposes only. Printing of non-school related materials is not allowed. Foul language, profanity, and disruptive behavior are not allowed, and use of the computer system for personal or commercial gain is strictly prohibited. Such use may result in a formal reprimand, suspension, or removal from the program.

• Course Exemption

There are no exemptions from any PN Program courses or content.

Criminal Offender & Sex Offender Record Info (CORI/SORI)

Drug & Alcohol Policy

GCC does not require drug testing. However, there are affiliating clinical agencies that require it. Nursing students are required to have urine drug screening prior to beginning clinical in the program (see the appendices).

As stated in the GCC student handbook, “The College prohibits the use, possession or sale of a controlled substance or alcohol on the campus, or at any college sponsored activity of Greenfield Community College. Students who violate these restrictions will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension from the college. Students may also be subject to criminal prosecution under State and Federal laws.”

Recognizing the nature of nursing student responsibilities in the clinical setting, the Nursing program sets standards different from the general college policy related to drugs and alcohol. When the nursing student is on campus, the college policy will be followed.

In the clinical setting, agency policies will apply. When drug or alcohol abuse is suspected in the clinical setting, the following procedure will be carried out:

1. If an individual appears intoxicated or under the influence or is in possession of a controlled substance or has the odor of alcohol on their breath, the individual will be dismissed immediately from the clinical unit. The substance abuse policies of the clinical facility will be followed to provide confirmation of status.

2. Written documentation of the incident will be completed by the clinical instructor and maintained in the student's file. The Assistant Dean will be informed. At this time, the student will be notified that a second clinical incident will result in dismissal from the program. For any student for whom this is not considered a single incident or symptom, a meeting and referral for treatment will follow. The Dean or designee, Clinical Instructor, and the student will all be present at the meeting.

3. With acceptance of referral and treatment, the following assurances will be given to the student:

• The addictive disease will be treated as any other health problem in relation to sick leave, absence from the program.
• Confidentiality of records, except for mandatory reporting requirements to state and federal authorities for any diversion of controlled substances, will be maintained.
• Requesting or undergoing treatment will not affect readmission in the Nursing Program at a later date on a space available basis; and
• The readmitted student will be required to show evidence of compliance with the agreed upon plan of care and follow-up in order to be readmitted and remain in the program.

4. Without acceptance of referral and treatment, the student will be ineligible for readmission.

Educational Assistance

Employment

Expenses

Students should be prepared to budget for additional costs inherent in the nursing program, beyond tuition and usual fees. Additional costs are approximate and may be covered by financial aid:

Scholarship money may be available to help students cover extra fees.

Financial Aid

• Grievance

Health Status & Immunizations

Inclement Weather

The decision to cancel or delay classes or clinical due to emergencies or adverse weather conditions is decided by the President of the College. Cancellations will be provided on local TV and radio stations, the College’s “weather line” at 413-775-1010 and on the college’s website. If GCC cancels or delays opening the PN program will follow that directive. Faculty reserve the right to delay, cancel, or release students early from clinical if surrounding area weather conditions are considered dangerous.

Program Completion

Students will be considered to have completed the PN Nursing program when all required coursework has been completed and grades are submitted to the GCC Registrar. Certificates are conferred at a GCC pinning ceremony.

Students must complete the Plan to Graduate Form available in MyGCC in February of your Graduation Year. Failure to complete this form will delay your ability to test for your NCLEX.

• Readmission

If you withdraw from the program or are unable to successfully complete a course in the PN Program, you will receive a Withdrawal Letter from the Assistant Dean of Nursing that will include conditions you must meet if you choose to request readmission to the program.  Consideration for readmission is given to any student who has previously been enrolled in the program. The student would be eligible to re-enter the program into the course that was not completed.

A student may apply for readmission for up to two years after leaving the program.  After two years, the student may only re-enter the program if they reapply for program admission as a new PNC student and begin the program over from the beginning.  Students will be considered for ONE readmission only (unless special circumstances exist which would require appeal and approval by the Dean of Nursing).

Readmission to the program is only possible when a space becomes available. There is no guarantee that a space will be available, nor is it possible to notify applicants about their status until an opening occurs.

For readmission into the program, students must meet all College and program readmission requirements:

• Complete the Readmission Application
• Follow the instructions on the Readmission Application
• Submit a CORI/SORI request form
• Submit a copy of a current CPR certification
• Complete all health and immunization records requirements
• Have a 2.0 GPA or higher at the College

See gcc.mass.edu/admissions/health-careers/ for more information.

Students who have left the nursing program for any reason and are requesting readmission into the program must submit a letter electronically to the Dean of Nursing that addresses the following:

• The semester you are petitioning to reenter
• The reasons and conditions which led to your withdrawal from the program
• Specific nursing education activities and courses that you intend to complete before re-entering the program.
• A  plan that outlines exactly how you intend to ensure your success in the program this time.
• The student must be up to date on program requirements (see Program curriculum)

All deadlines found on the health occupations website will be adhered to.

Safe Nursing Practice

All students in the Practical Nursing Certificate Program are expected to demonstrate safe and ethical nursing practice at all times. The college may take disciplinary action against the student upon the student's failure to demonstrate safe and ethical nursing practice. Safe and ethical nursing practice includes, but is not limited to compliance with the regulations listed below and/or any other laws and regulations related to the practice of nursing.

All students must:

1. Practice within the guidelines and outcomes of the Practical Nursing Certificate Program at Greenfield Community College as described in this handbook, the GCC catalog and student handbook and in course description and clinical evaluation tools.
2. Adhere to the rules and regulations of affiliating health care agencies as described during clinical orientation.
3. Practice within the NAPNES Standards of Practice (see the appendices).
4. Adhere to all state laws and Board regulations governing the practice of nursing and all other state and federal laws and regulations related to such practice.

Social Media

The PN Program has adopted the NCSBN’s stance on the use of social media. Read their position statement here: https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/NCSBN_SocialMedia.pdf

Student Evaluations of Courses, Faculty & Facilities

Near the conclusion of each nursing course, students will have the opportunity to complete the following surveys:

• The Course Evaluation Survey
• Clinical Facility Evaluation Survey
• College generated Course and Clinical Faculty Evaluation Surveys
• Graduates will be asked to complete a Nursing Program Evaluation Survey six months after graduation via email.

These forms are confidential and anonymous. Students should respond to these evaluations in a truthful, mature, and constructive manner. Faculty evaluation summaries are made available to the faculty member, Dean of Nursing, and the VP of Student and Academic Affairs.

Students are required to produce verification of survey completion.

Faculty incorporate students’ suggestions in their syllabi and course activities whenever possible. Pertinent feedback regarding clinical facilities is shared with the nursing administrators of those facilities. Graduate survey data is essential to our continuing approval from the Massachusetts Board of Registered Nursing (BORN).

Technology

• Transfer

Transportation

Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to all clinical areas and program related activities. Please be aware that bus transportation may not be adequate to meet required clinical start times or skills lab start times. It is not always possible for students to carpool to clinical sites. Students must be able to drive to their assigned clinical agencies within a 50 mile radius of the Northampton campus.

• Withdrawal

Students may withdraw from the College any time before the posted last day to withdraw date. Students withdrawing during the second third of the semester will receive grades of “W” for all courses in which they were enrolled. After the posted withdrawal date, students who stop attending class will receive the grade assigned by the instructor. Students cannot withdraw from a class that ended prior to the submission of a withdrawal request.

Students considering withdrawing from GCC should consult with their academic advisor. To withdraw officially, students must complete a withdrawal form to the Registrar’s Office. Stopping attending class or telling instructors of plans to withdraw does not officially withdraw a student from the program and may jeopardize eligibility for tuition refunds, financial aid, and future enrollment at GCC.

If extraordinary circumstances force a student to consider withdrawal during the last third of the semester, they may discuss the possibility of an exception to the policy with the Dean.

• Educational Mobility

The GCC Practical Nursing Program believes graduates of our program should have the option to progress in their nursing education. We acknowledge that some students may be interested in other pathways and to this end the Endowment Fund provides a Nursing Pathways Advisor to help students in exploring other educational and career options (e.g., LPN to BSN programs).

Graded Assignments

All course materials, due dates, and exam dates will be posted on Moodle including: class presentations, activities, faculty notes, assignments and if available, videos and links to case studies or other required activities.

Exams

Computerized exams will be given on the date and time scheduled on the course calendar. Exceptions must be arranged with faculty prior to testing. Prompt arrival on the day of the exam is required. Ear plugs are permitted but listening devices are not. Cell phones, smart watches, backpacks, coats, hats, keys, and all items unrelated to testing are not allowed in close proximity to the test taker.. During the exam, the student’s face and hands must be easily visible to the test proctor at all times.

Students may have an opportunity to review tests after grading.

Missed Exam

Make up exams must be taken at the Testing Center on GCC main campus. Arrangements for missed exams are the student’s responsibility and are at the instructor’s discretion. STUDENTS WILL BE PERMITTED ONE MAKE-UP EXAM OR QUIZ PER YEAR WITHOUT PENALTY.

If a student exceeds this limit, then five points will be deducted from the grade per academic day until the test  is completed up to seven days; if not completed within this timeframe, the student will receive a zero for the exam. Make up exams may be a different version of the original exam. In extenuating circumstances, exceptions to this policy may be made at the determination of the faculty.

Written Assignments

All written work submitted by students shall be graded for composition, spelling, and grammatical errors, as well as essential content. This work must be typed unless specified by the professor and use APA for formatting, references,and citations. All written assignments submitted shall represent the student’s own work. Plagiarism is prohibited and will be viewed as cheating. This includes violation of copyright regulations. A student submitting another person’s work as their own will face disciplinary action.

Rewrite Policy: Rewrites are eligible to earn up to a maximum grade of 74%. Failing assignments must be submitted with revisions within one week.

Late Paper Policy:  It is the responsibility of the student to communicate with the course coordinator before the due date via email to prevent loss of assignment credit. Rewrite policies for failed papers are based on individual course syllabi. No papers will be accepted after the due date without penalty, except with prior approval of the course faculty. All written assignments include written directions and a time and date they are due. Five points will be deducted each day an assignment is late up to 10 days. After 10 days, a zero grade will be entered for the assignment.

In extenuating circumstances, exceptions to this policy may be made at the determination of the Program Coordinator and faculty.

• Grading/Academic Progression

Students are required to pass every course with a minimum grade of “C” in accordance with the sequence of courses in this handbook. In nursing courses a student must receive a grade of 74 in class work and pass clinical in order to pass the course and continue in the program.

Additionally, students must pass clinical and demonstrate competency in the skills lab as indicated in each skills lab outline. Remediation opportunities will be provided in order to fully support student outcomes.

If a student is not successful in meeting academic objectives, they will receive a progress note. Every attempt is made to keep students fully informed of their standing in the course, so the student should expect that verbal and written clinical evaluations and progress notes may also be given at any time during the semester deemed necessary by the instructor.

The student will also submit an action plan outlining the steps that they will take to meet the indicated learning objectives to the instructor for approval.

Grades are based on a combination of assessment types and assignments. The course syllabus identifies the exact combination and weight of these assignments. Partial course credit will not be granted, and assignments are never “curved”; no “extra credit” is given. Grades are never rounded.

Textbooks & Electronic Resources

Your ATI bundle is paid through fees and resources through GCC.

Client/Patient Confidentiality

Clinical Assignment Preparation

Clinical Performance & Grading

Clinical grades are pass/fail and are based on nursing assessments, care plans, nursing case studies, clinical performance and clinical worksheets. Clinical competencies are the guidelines used by all clinical instructors, and students are advised to review them at the beginning of a clinical course. Clinical performance is documented using the clinical evaluation tool and the “5 P’s” which contains the required clinical competencies and are reviewed by the clinical instructor with the student at mid-term and end of course.

If a student is not successful in meeting clinical objectives, they will receive a progress note as soon as possible. Every attempt is made to keep students fully informed of their standing in the course; verbal and written clinical evaluations and/or progress notes may be given at any time during the semester deemed necessary by the instructor.

The student will also submit an action plan outlining the steps that they will take to meet the indicated learning objectives to the instructor for approval.

Clinical performance is graded on a met/not met clinical objectives. Evaluation tools are kept on file and may be reviewed by faculty, administration, or accrediting bodies. If the student does not meet the clinical objectives, they cannot progress in the program.

Clinical performance is graded as either met or having not met the course outcomes. Evaluation may occur at the clinical site, lab, simulation and service learning. Service-Learning commitments must also be fulfilled, as they are a part of clinical. Each clinical evaluation tool describes the required course outcomes. They are maintained on file and may be reviewed with the appropriate faculty members.

1. Met – The student has met all the course outcomes and passes.
2. Not Met – The student who does not meet all the course outcomes fails clinically and is unable to progress in the program. A failure in a clinical course requires the student to withdraw from the associated academic course.
3. Course outcomes are the guidelines used by all clinical instructors for evaluation of student progress and students are advised to review them at the beginning of a clinical course. Program outcomes are evaluated throughout the curriculum. Clinical faculty will meet and discuss students’ clinical performances near the midterm of the clinical experience and discuss students’ progress. Final clinical evaluations will be done at the end of the clinical experience.

Criteria for Evaluation

• To pass the clinical rotation, a student must meet ALL essential course outcomes and maintain competencies achieved in all prior nursing courses.
• Students MUST meet course math requirements in order to participate in medication administration. Failure to pass this requirement successfully will prevent the student from engaging in medication administration and lead to clinical failure.
• Meeting a competency requires demonstration of steady and progressive improvement towards its attainment. 
• If a student does not meet a course outcome, they will receive a progress note indicating which objectives they did not meet and a date by which they must meet the objective. 
• Any student failing to meet one or more course outcomes will receive verbal and written warnings with opportunities for remediation. 
• Clinical failure can occur at any time during or at the end of the rotation in the event of lack of progress toward course outcome attainment.

Clinical Simulation

Simulation lab is part of the clinical component of the program. Students are expected to treat the SIM experience as a traditional clinical experience. They will be evaluated in the same manner. In addition, students may be filmed during the simulation experience for the purposes of evaluating and analyzing their performance. Confidentiality is essential to the learning process with simulations; therefore students must not discuss any element of the simulation process outside of the individuals involved in their specific simulation.

Students are expected to come to simulations in full uniform with all equipment required in an off-site clinical facility.

Uniform Policy

Greenfield Community College Practical Nursing Certificate Program’s uniform policy is explained below. You may purchase uniforms anywhere you like but they must meet the guidelines in the policy. Uniforms may be purchased in the GCC bookstore using financial aid.  All students are expected to meet uniform standards in all clinical settings,  lab, and simulation.

School Uniform Code

During clinical, and in public settings, students are representing the nursing profession. Extremes of fashion, hair, and jewelry are not allowed. The student’s appearance must be professional, neat and clean. Natural nails must be trimmed to a short length, artificial and nail extensions are not permitted. Hair must be pulled back and off the collar for infection control purposes. Students may be asked to cover tattoos at the discretion of the faculty and the clinical facility.

The school uniform code for clinical, lab, and simulation is:

• Professional hunter green scrub pants of appropriate fit (length must be above the sole of the shoe and not be excessively loose fitting nor tight)
• Professional white or hunter green scrub top. If you choose to wear a garment underneath the scrub top, it must be white or black.
• White or black closed-toe nursing shoes or all-white or all-black  leather sneakers kept clean 
• Socks
• Official school identification visible at all times
• Optional:  Solid white or hunter green scrub jacket OR white lab jacket (NO sweatshirts or hoodies)
• Watch with sweep second hand
• Students who must visit a cooperating agency on school related matters, i.e., research or obtaining an assignment, must wear name tags and uniforms.
• In certain specialized experiences, the dress code will be determined by the facility.
• Students should carry at all times a watch with a second hand, bandage scissors, a stethoscope, a blood pressure cuff, pocket-sized notebook and a black ballpoint pen.

WHILE IN UNIFORM, THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE:

• Hair length or style which is likely to be a safety or contamination hazard including facial hair.
• Bare feet or inappropriate footwear including open-toed shoes. 
• T-shirts, sweatshirts, midriff tops, or tank tops.
• Blue jeans or sweatpants
• Attire in which underclothing and/or skin is exposed in the conduct of normal duties.
• Strong body odor, including cigarette smoke odor, excessive scents, or poor personal hygiene.
• Long, dangling, or other inappropriate jewelry likely to be a safety hazard
• Artificial nails or natural nails that are longer than ¼ inch beyond the finger tip.
• Visible body or facial piercings; stud earrings and 1 minimal nose stud are permitted.