"Continuing the Tradition
of Leadership in
Community Health"

1211 Wilmington Avenue
New Castle, PA 16105
(724) 658-9001

                                                                                                School of Nursing (724) 656-4052

Policies (Academic & School)

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:
 

       Theory     Letter Grade    Numerical Grade      Grade Points
              A          94-100             4
              B          87-93             3
              C          80-86             2
              D          75-79             1

Clinical Grade:            S - Satisfactory          U-Unsatisfactory

The passing grade in theory for all courses is a "C" or 80%.  A nursing course consists of both theory and clinical practice components.  The student must successfully complete both components to pass the course.
If a student who has failed the theory portion of a course seeks readmission, both the theory and clinical components must be repeated.  A student who has failed the clinical component of a course is not eligible for readmission.

University Courses

1)   All college courses must be successfully completed with a grade of "C" or better prior
      to starting the nursing program.  Only nursing courses are calculated into the QPA.

2)   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.

Graduation Awards

 The following awards are given annually at graduation:

Mark L. Rosenblum Student Nurse Scholarship Award 
Awarded for outstanding scholastic achievement; to be used for advanced nursing education.

Rene D. Jenkins Memorial Award 
Presented for outstanding contribution to the School of Nursing.

Travis A. French Award 
Presented for exceptional ability and understanding in the care of the child-bearing family.

Lawrence County Medical Society Award
Presented for outstanding ethical conduct.

Jameson-Shenango Alumni Award 
Presented for the best all-around nurse chosen by the graduating class.

Spirit of Nursing 
Awarded by the School of Nursing Faculty to the graduate who best embodies 
the Spirit of Nursing.

Mary Ruth Heasley Award

Presented to the graduate who demonstrates excellence in the practice of nursing care of children.

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 
A student requesting readmission must complete the following at least three months prior to the beginning of classes:

         *     Submit a letter to the Director of Professional and Allied Health Education
                requesting readmission
         *     Submit a reference from a Faculty member
         *     Take the ATI TEAS test and achieve a seventy (70) percentile or higher in the
                "Percentile Rank- National" to be considered for readmission.  An applicant
                may take the ATI TEAS test only one (1) time.
The total cost for readmission is $40.00 and is payable at the time the letter requesting readmission is submitted (This includes the cost of the ATI TEAS test).

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.

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.

Details regarding the readmission policy and procedures are in the Student Handbook.

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 and the School of Nursing will provide a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. Students are made aware of the effects of drug use and the Hospital policies regarding the unlawful possession of controlled substances on Hospital property as outlined below:

1)   General information concerning substance abuse, related legal implications, and the
       Hospital and School of Nursing Policies will be included during orientation to each
       level. In addition to published information displayed within the facility, the Hospital
       and School provide periodic educational programs dealing with alcohol and drug use,
       prevention, and treatment.

2)   Students are expected and required 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 are absolutely prohibited.

4)   Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
      Students involved in violations of this policy also may 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 positions in seeking such help. However, clinical
      performance problems and other violations of School policy will continue to be noted
      and may subject the student to the disciplinary process.

6)   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.

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

8)   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.

9)   Information and referral services are also made available for treatment of alcohol and
      drug-related situations. These services are administered by the Hospital's Social
      Services Department. Those needing treatment for substance abuse are referred to
      local and regional agencies.

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