College of Nursing Program Handbook Acknowledgment Form Coming Soon!
UNDERGRADUATE NURSING PROGRAMS
Undergraduate Program Information
This handbook contains information regarding the academic policies and procedures that govern the College of Nursing undergraduate nursing programs, including both the traditional, accelerated, and RN to BSN (post-licensure) tracks. Please read this handbook and keep it with your school records for easy reference. By signing on the back page, you are acknowledging that you have read this handbook and that you understand the material presented. Please feel free to contact any of the nursing program staff members if you have any questions or concerns about this information or the undergraduate nursing programs.
Bachelor of Science Nursing Major
Program Description
The goal of the College of Nursing baccalaureate nursing programs is to provide students a course of study in professional nursing which combines humanities and sciences with the theory and practice of nursing. Students will acquire knowledge and skills needed to function as professional nurses in healthcare settings that are responsive to individual and community needs. These individuals will develop into leaders of research, practice, education, and administration within the healthcare environment.
Pre-Licensure BSN Programs
The pre-licensure nursing programs (traditional and accelerated) require completion of prerequisite coursework in the pre-nursing degree plan prior to 3 levels of coursework within the nursing major. Additional General Education requirements complete the degree requirements. Graduates from the pre-licensure programs at Baker College of Nursing receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and may sit for the NCLEX - RN (National Council Licensure Examination-RN) to become a Registered Nurse.
NCLEX Readiness and At-Risk Student Policy
Baker College of Nursing will identify AT RISK students based on the student’s Comprehensive Predictor score. (Note: This score is not the probability of passing NCLEX score; it is your test score. On your individual report, the score is called Adjusted Individual Total Score.)
| Proctored Comprehensive Predictor Score |
BC Status |
Certification of Completion Action (Program Director) |
ATI Status |
ATI Plan of Action (to be reinforced by NUR 4350 faculty) |
| 66.7% or below (=78% or below chance of passing NCLEX) |
At Risk |
Hold Certification of Completion until VATI complete |
At Risk |
Your performance places you at risk for not passing NCLEX. ATI recommends that you review the usage of ATI products and reflect on your performance of recent assessments, including time spent on Focused Review 2.0, and participate in available quizzes (located in Focused Review). You are encouraged to use active learning templates to reinforce knowledge in lower scoring content areas. |
| 67.3-70.7% (=80-89% chance of passing NCLEX) |
At Risk |
Hold Certification of Completion until VATI complete |
Needs Improvement |
Your performance on assessments is fluctuating and you may not be positioned for NCLEX success. ATI recommends you review your usage of ATI products and reflect on your performance on recent assessments, including time spent on Focused Review 2.0, and participate in available quizzes (located in Focused Review). You are encouraged to use active learning templates to reinforce your knowledge in lower scoring content areas. |
| 71.3-100% (=90-99% chance of passing NCLEX) |
On Track |
Submit Certification of Completion without delay |
On Track |
Your performance is currently on track for passing NCLEX. ATI strongly recommends and encourages you to review the lowest areas of Focused Review 2.0 to strengthen your knowledge, skills, and ability. Keep it up! |
Certification of Completion forms will not be submitted for at risk students until the at-risk student has displayed completion of VATI. Completion is indicated by:
- Receipt of the “Green Light” within VATI (note: Green Light requires a score of a 72% or higher on the VATI predictor as well as completion of all assigned remediation from the coach)
OR
- Completion of VATI (3 attempts at the VATI Comprehensive Predictor with remediation) For reference, these scores/guidelines were established based on the Probability of Passing NCLEX table and guidelines established by ATI: Probability of Passing Expectancy Table.
Licensure: Authorization to Test
Once you meet all the standards and requirements of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and the State of Michigan, you are eligible to take the NCLEX. The campus Program Director of Nursing will obtain the forms that need to be filled out and submitted in order for you to be allowed to schedule the exam. These forms will be completed at a meeting with the Program Director of Nursing in the last semester of the program. As an NCLEX candidate, you will then apply to the Michigan Board for permission. You will also register with Pearson VUE ( http://www.vue.com/nclex). Only after both these steps are completed will you be granted authorization to test. The exams are scheduled at various times and locations throughout the state. The Michigan Board of Nursing can deny a license to an applicant if any of the following are true:
- The applicant has been convicted of a criminal offense in a court of competent jurisdiction.
- The applicant is habitually intemperate in the use of alcoholic beverages.
- The applicant is addicted to or has improperly obtained, possessed, used, or distributed habit-forming drugs or narcotics.
- The applicant is guilty of dishonesty or unethical conduct.
- The applicant has violated or aided or abetted others in violation of any provision of this act.
Per the MI BON Administrative Rules, there is no limit to the number of times a candidate can sit for the NCLEX. You must pass the NCLEX within 3 years of the date of graduation or after obtaining one of the required evaluations or certifications required in R 338.10204(2)(C) or R 338.10210(2)(C). If you fail, you will have to wait 45 days before you can re-test. Once you pay and re-register with Pearson Vue, you will be sent an ATT with a 90-day window which will not begin until the 45th day has passed from the previous testing date. If you do not pass the NCLEX within 3 years as required above, you will have to complete a certification of skills competency or submit a written request to the Board of Nursing for an extension. See this FAQ sheet for further information.
Fingerprints are required to take the NCLEX. The Michigan Board recommends that applicants contact one of the board approved agencies no later than 7-10 days after applying. Examination candidates who did their education out of state should have official transcripts sent. In-state students will have a certification of education.
If you have any questions about your situation, please call the Board of Nursing at (517) 335-0918. Reference www.michigan.gov for more information regarding application and scheduling of the NCLEX. RN to BSN (Post-Licensure) Program Completion
This program is designed to build on existing knowledge to obtain a baccalaureate degree (RN to BSN). In order to be eligible for this program, you must have an unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories, or Canada. Nursing (Post Licensure) classes are taught exclusively through Baker Online. Plus, general education and prerequisite courses are typically available through Baker Online, Online Live, and on all campuses throughout Michigan. Some students can complete the RN to BSN in as little as 9 months, and the maximum time allowed is seven (7) years. Factors that influence the time to completion include: tuition assistance, family obligations, and work responsibilities.
Mission
The mission of the College of Nursing is to prepare graduates who are life-long learners with the core knowledge and skills needed to provide competent, holistic nursing care in a diverse and ever-changing health care environment.
Vision
The vision of the College of Nursing is to empower nursing students by providing opportunities for professional growth through the acquisition of knowledge and skills needed to respond to diverse individual and community needs in various healthcare settings.
Goals (Core Values)
The faculty of the College of Nursing support the mission, vision, and core values of Baker College.
Integrity:
The faculty will model ethical principles, demonstrate honesty in academic and clinical settings, and cultivate a sense of responsibility and accountability for students that facilitates the highest standards of integrity in their practice as future nurses.
Caring:
Faculty will model caring behaviors when interacting with students to foster professional growth in nursing practice. Actions include facilitating a safe, inclusive student-centered learning environment, providing constructive feedback in an open, respectful manner, and coordinating meaningful and effective caregiving experiences.
Inclusiveness:
Faculty will embrace students as individuals by recognizing the diversity of perspectives, experiences, cultural context, and learning styles that impact the delivery of nursing education.
Innovation:
Faculty will provide an educational approach that is evidence-based and adaptive to the current needs of the healthcare profession.
Social Responsibility:
Faculty will facilitate opportunities for students to participate in learning experiences within diverse community settings in order to foster an understanding of social responsibility and address healthcare inequities and disparities.
Community of Interest
The Baker College of Nursing defines the communities of interest as internal and external groups that share a common passion or concern for Baker College of nursing. Internal COI include (a) current students, (b) faculty, (c) staff, and (d) Baker administrators and committees. External COI include (a) local healthcare agencies’ nursing administrators, recruiters, and consumers of healthcare, (b) accreditation, legislative, and regulatory agencies, (c) external fiscal supporters, (d) nursing alumni, (e) other universities, colleges, and schools of higher education, and (f) prospective students.
Curriculum
Curriculum Outcomes Model
The College of Nursing Baccalaureate Degree Program utilizes the American Nurses Association Standards of Nursing Practice and Professional Performance, The Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials (AACN), and the Michigan Board of Nursing Administrative Rules to derive concepts central to the program curriculum. In addition, the nursing profession adheres to the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses.
Terminal Program Outcomes for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
Graduates of the BSN program will:
- Knowledge of Nursing Practice: Integrate, interpret and apply established nursing and educational knowledge to practice nursing using clinical judgment.
- Person-Centered Care: Deliver compassionate, holistic, evidence-based, and individual-focused care that promotes positive health outcomes and embraces cultural humility and inclusivity.
- Population Health: Promote collaborative global health initiatives and preventative measures for disease and injury while considering the influence of cultural and environmental factors impacting healthcare outcomes.
- Scholarship for the Nursing Discipline: Utilize research based evidence and ethical principles to guide clinical judgment and promote optimal patient outcomes.
- Quality and Safety: Facilitate a just environment while adhering to standards of safety and quality in nursing and healthcare practice to enhance favorable patient care outcomes and reduce potential risk to both patients and providers.
- Interprofessional Partnerships: Employ various communication techniques when interacting with the interdisciplinary team, patients, families, and community stakeholders to optimize patient outcomes.
- Systems-Based Practice: Use evidence-based practice to coordinate resources across healthcare systems, facilitating safe, cost-effective, equitable care to diverse populations across the continuum of care
- Healthcare Technologies: Leverage healthcare informatics technologies and processes to improve communication in the delivery of nursing and healthcare services while adhering to professional standards and best practices.
- Professionalism: Demonstrate a professional nursing identity that embodies values and ethics, knowledge, accountability to the profession, and professional comportment.
- Personal, Professional and Leadership Development: Engage in reflective activities that stimulate personal development and resiliency, contributing to lifelong learning by fostering ongoing growth in leadership and professional identity.
Terminal Program Outcomes are derived from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials (Updated 2024)
American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses
- The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.
- The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or populations.
- The nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient.
- The nurse has authority, accountability, and responsibility for nursing practice; makes decisions; and takes actions consistent with the obligation to promote health and to provide optimal care.
- The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety, preserve wholeness of character and integrity, maintain competence, and continue personal and professional growth.
- The nurse, through individual and collective effort, establishes, maintains, and improves the ethical environment of the work setting and conditions of employment that are conducive to safe, quality health care.
- The nurse, in all settings, advances the profession through research and scholarly inquiry, professional standards development, and the generation of both nursing and health policy.
- The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public to promote human rights, promote health diplomacy, and reduce health disparities.
- The profession of nursing, collectively through its professional organizations, must articulate nursing values, maintain the integrity of the profession, and integrate principles of social justice into nursing and health policy.
American Nurses Association. (2015) Code of Ethics for Nurses. American Nurses Publishing, American Nurses Foundation/American Nurses Association. Washington, DC.
Additional Program Outcome Progression for pre-licensure nursing students is found in Appendix A.
Direct Admission Criteria
To be considered for direct admission, you’ll need to submit the following items before February 1st of your senior year:
-
-
A copy of your high school transcripts
-
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
-
A minimum grade of 2.7 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in biology and one other science course.
Direct Admission First-Year Requirements
If the First-Year requirements are not met, you will transition to applying through the Professional Program Application process, joining the competitive process for admission to the program as outlined in the Professional Program Application Requirements.
Application/Admission
Application and admission requirements can be found at this website.Course Transfer Policy
In order to receive credits towards the BSN degree, the following prerequisites/corequisites are required to have been completed with a minimum grade of B- (2.7), within 5 years of starting Nursing (NUR) classes:
- BIO 1210: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIO 1211: Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
- HSC 1010: Introduction to Health Professions
- BIO 1220: Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIO 1221: Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
- BIO 2150: Pathophysiology
All other prerequisites/corequisites must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) in order to be transferred in for the bachelor of science degree.
Post-Licensure track BSN students may only transfer in courses that have been completed in the last 5 years.
Transfer from Another Nursing Program
The College of Nursing representative or College of Nursing Dean will review the documents to determine which classes will be accepted for NUR transfer credits. Baker College will accept qualified nursing student transfer credits under the following criteria:
- The student’s current nursing program is accredited by either ACEN or CCNE
- The student meets College of Nursing course grade requirements (B- or better)
- The College of Nursing representative or College of Nursing Dean will review nursing courses for equivalencies.
- The student may not have more than a one year absence from Nursing (NUR) courses.
- The student must complete at least 15 credits in the nursing program major to graduate with a Baker College nursing degree (see Baker College Handbook).
- As a rule, senior level (4000 level courses) will not be accepted for transfer.
- Transfer of any clinical course, health assessment course, and the pharmacology course will require passing of skills validation within two attempts prior to course registration. A minimum of 24 hours is required between attempts.
- Skills are based on the course requirements and may include but are not limited to vital signs, sterile technique/procedure, head to toe assessment, medication administration, etc.
All College of Nursing academic requirements must be met for a nursing degree to be conferred (see Baker College Handbook).
Essential Functions/Technical Requirements
Baker College of Nursing is committed to providing equal access to all students.
Academic accommodations are granted on the basis of determined need and documentation of disabilities. The process outlined in the Student Handbook will be followed and adhered to.
The curricula leading to degrees in Nursing from the College of Nursing require you to engage in diverse and complex experiences directed at the acquisition and practice of essential nursing knowledge, skills, and functions. Combinations of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, physical, and social abilities are required to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform the varied roles of nurses. In addition to being essential to the successful completion of the requirements of a nursing degree, these skills and functions are necessary to ensure the health and safety of patients, fellow students, faculty, and other health care providers. The following standards comprise the five core professional nursing competencies. In addition to academic qualifications, the College of Nursing considers these personal and professional qualifications essential for entrance to, continuation in, and graduation from our nursing degree programs.
Standards
A. Observation: Visual, Auditory, and Tactile
- Ability to acquire information from demonstrations and participate in learning activities.
- Ability to accurately acquire information from patients and assess findings.
- Perform a complete physical exam in order to integrate findings based on this information and develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan. Observation involves visual, auditory, and tactile abilities or the functional equivalent.
- Ability to gather data from written reference materials (including, without limitation, illustrations), oral presentations, demonstrations, observations of a patient and his/her environment, and observations of procedures performed by others.
- Ability to perform health assessments and interventions; observe diagnostic specimens; and obtain information from digital, analog, and waveform representations of physiologic phenomena to determine a patient’s condition.
B. Communication
- Ability to communicate, including the ability to ask questions and receive answers, with accuracy, clarity, efficiency, and effectiveness with patients, their families, and other members of the healthcare team. This includes expressive and receptive oral and nonverbal communications, such as interpretation of facial expressions, affect, and body language.
- Communication (expressive and receptive) includes oral, hearing, reading, writing, and computer literacy.
- Mastery of both written and spoken English, although applications from students with hearing or speech disabilities will be given full consideration. In such cases, the use of a trained intermediary or other communication aid may be appropriate if the intermediary functions only as an information conduit and does not serve integrative or interpretive functions.
C. Motor
- Sufficient sensory and motor function to perform a physical examination using palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers. In general, this requires sufficient exteroceptive sense (touch, pain, and temperature), proprioceptive sense (position, pressure, movement, stereognosis, and vibration), physical strength, and motor function.
- Ability to execute motor movements to provide general care and to competently use patient care equipment (such as intravenous monitors, sterile equipment, and catheters).
D. Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Emotional
- Ability to relate to colleagues, staff, and patients with honesty, integrity, and nondiscrimination.
- Capacity for the development of a mature, compassionate, respectful, sensitive, and effective therapeutic relationship with patients and their families, including sufficient emotional and intellectual capacity to exercise good judgment and complete patient care responsibilities promptly and professionally.
- Ability to work constructively in stressful and changing environments with the ability to modify behavior in response to constructive criticism and to maintain a high level of functioning in the face of taxing workloads and stressful situations.
- Ability to participate collaboratively and flexibly as a member of a healthcare team.
- Capacity to demonstrate ethical behavior, including adherence to the professional nursing and student honor codes, as well as applicable laws and regulations governing the nursing profession.
- Openness to examining personal attitudes, perceptions, and stereotypes that may negatively affect patient care and professional relationships.
E. Cognitive, Conceptual, and Quantitative
- Ability to exhibit behavior and intellectual functioning that does not differ from acceptable professional standards.
- Ability to read and understand written documents in English and solve problems involving measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis.
- Ability to gather data, develop a plan of action, establish priorities, and monitor treatment plans and modalities.
- Ability to comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships.
- Ability to learn effectively through a variety of modalities, including, but not limited to, classroom instruction, small group discussion, individual study of materials, preparation and presentation of written and oral reports, and use of computer-based technology.
These technical standards reflect performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the program at Baker College. These standards are not conditions of admission to the program.
ADA Statement
Baker College is committed to addressing the needs of students who meet the criteria for special accommodations. It is the College’s policy to comply fully with federal and state laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), regarding students with disabilities. Information concerning the College’s policies and procedures related to disability can be found in the Student Handbook and on the Baker College website.
For additional support, email disability_specialist@baker.edu
Program Details, Recommendations and Policies
ATI/NCLEX Preparation Policy
ATI is a learning product that supports your nursing education. This product is integrated throughout the six nursing program semesters and portions of the product will be available to you six months after graduation.
Course Fees
Each student will pay a course fee for the following courses for the ATI resource. The course fee is auto-billed from Baker College as part of the tuition bill. This fee covers various ATI program costs and program-specific software.
Pre-Licensure BSN
• NUR 2150
• NUR 2550
• NUR 3550
• NUR 3750
• NUR 4150
• NUR 4350
Accelerated BSN
• NUR 2170
• NUR 3570
• NUR 4170
Initial Student Health and Safety Requirements
Health and Immunization Requirements: (Align with specific clinical agency policy) You are financially responsible for all immunizations, tests, and titers needed for College of Nursing requirements.
Prior to beginning the nursing practicum courses, the following information must be submitted via ACEMAPP. Specific deadlines may vary on each campus due to clinical site expectations. Failure to submit requirements, by stated deadlines, will result in you not being able to participate in clinical studies and being removed from the course.
- Baker College Health Information Form
- Tuberculosis Testing: T.B. skin test, serological test, or chest x-ray results must be submitted as outlined by your campus requirements, which are specific to your clinical placements. You must not have active or communicable tuberculosis.
- Varicella-Zoster Testing: Provide documentation to verify immune status via serologic testing or documentation of immunization.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Immunization: Submit a valid immunization record documenting administration of this required immunization (MMR) and/or verification of immune status for measles and rubella via serologic testing.
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis Immunization: Submit a valid immunization record documenting a primary series and booster dose (Tdap) within the previous ten (10) years.
- Hepatitis B Immunization Series: Submit documentation of having received or in the process of receiving the Hepatitis B immunization series. Although this may be an optional immunization, the College of Nursing strongly recommends that you be protected prior to clinical activities and possible exposure. A lack of the Hepatitis B series may prevent you from access to some clinical site placements.
- Influenza Vaccine: Submit documentation of an annual flu vaccine by October 1st. This requirement will be enforced to enable nursing students at Baker College to be placed in clinical rotations. Failure to meet this requirement may result in loss of clinical placement and failure to meet course objectives.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: The College of Nursing recommends that all eligible individuals receive the COVID-19 vaccine. While the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended, it may be required for some clinical sites associated with clinical placements for certain campuses. These requirements are put in place by the clinical sites themselves and are subject to change based on their respective policies and guidelines. If you are assigned to a clinical placement where the COVID-19 vaccine is required, you will be expected to either provide proof of vaccination or obtain an exemption from both the college and the clinical site, if applicable.
You will receive information on your specific campus requirements for immunization documentation and are required to follow campus-specific requirements.
Students are working in a clinical environment and may be exposed to communicable diseases, bed bugs, lice, etc. If exposed, you should notify faculty and follow the clinical site and Baker College reporting procedures.
Immunization Exemption
To request an accommodation that allows you to be exempted from a vaccination requirement, please complete this electronic form through the BC Portal. In general, exemption requests are based on valid medical or religious grounds. If the request is based on a medical condition, a Medical Verification Form will also need to be submitted with your electronic request. The College will review your request and notify you whether it is approved. The College may ask you for more details about your request, and may need you to provide additional information. Medical Verification Form Coming Soon!
Post-Licensure track BSN students are expected to follow the immunization requirements of the clinical sites where you will complete your practicum.
Criminal History and Background Requirements
As a College of Nursing student, you are required to have a criminal background check through Certified Background Check before registration of 1st semester classes. Information will be provided to you with your acceptance letter to the program. According to Michigan Public Acts 27, 28, and 29 of 2006, prohibited offenses and/or mandatory exclusions for specified time periods for offenses may prohibit your participation at clinical sites. If you have certain felony convictions or certain misdemeanors, you are not allowed in the clinical settings by law, and therefore, will not be accepted into the nursing program. The Michigan Board of Nursing may deny RN Licensure to an applicant who has been convicted of a crime or is addicted to drugs or alcohol. You will be required to provide disclosure statements for the semesters thereafter. If you have any history of misdemeanors during the past two years or if you have any felonies that might impact your ability to be allowed to attend clinical practicum, please contact the Program Director of Nursing immediately. The results of any criminal history or background check may be provided to clinical sites, accrediting agencies, or outside entities as required for your matriculation in the nursing program or as required by law.
Healthcare License
If you have a past or current licensure (nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse, emergency medical technician, etc.), you must report this information upon admission to the program director. In addition, the license must be unencumbered. If at any time during the length of the program a violation or incident is reported on the license it must be reported within 14 days to the program director.
Drug Screen
A drug screen must be completed at a designated location and time prior to the first clinical rotation. If you have been on program probation or leave of absence greater than one semester, you will be required to repeat the drug screen upon re-entry to the program.
The College of Nursing or the clinical site may require a random drug screen based on affiliation contract or behavior exhibited by the student. If you are believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during class or clinical, you will be referred for a drug screen and temporarily suspended from clinical work until the results of the drug screen are reported. If you fail to present at the designated time/place for this random drug screen, this will be considered a positive result and may result in dismissal from the program.
Please note: Marijuana remains an illegal substance under Federal law. A positive drug screen for medical or recreational marijuana will result in dismissal from the program.
Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP) Training (Pre-Licensure)
BBP training will be completed by the undergraduate student annually in ACEMAPP. As protection against HIV/HBV infection and transmission, nursing students, faculty, and staff practice standard precautions, which are regularly updated and revised by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). All nursing students, faculty, and staff have the responsibility to maintain and share the current knowledge regarding these guidelines.
Latex Allergies
The goal of the College of Nursing is to provide a latex safe environment for workers and students. However, because latex can be found in a variety of products (erasers, wallpaper, paint, computer terminals, etc.), it is almost impossible to ensure a latex free environment. If you have a history of latex allergies or allergic reactions, you should notify your instructors in laboratory courses where latex exposure may occur. If you suspect that you are experiencing a latex allergy, you should notify the class instructor and program director.
If you have a latex allergy, we encourage you to consult with your personal health care provider regarding the impact of this allergy on health careers and treatment options. Because latex exposure may be unavoidable in certain occupations, if you develop serious reactions to latex, you may not be able to complete your chosen program at Baker College. Baker College will make all reasonable accommodations to provide latex free products for you.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act: (HIPAA) Training (Pre-Licensure)
HIPAA training will be completed by all undergraduate students annually in ACEMAPP. Individual clinical agencies may also require you to participate and complete HIPAA training as it relates to that facility. If you violate HIPAA policies, it may result in dismissal from the program and/or civil or legal actions against you. In addition, you must adhere to the Baker College social networking policy as stated in the Baker College Student Handbook.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Requirements
You are required to obtain and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS). There are many organizations that provide BLS courses. The requirement for this program is Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association. Please note: no other BLS courses will be accepted. You are responsible for submitting proof of certification. You will not be allowed to attend your clinical practicum courses without current BLS certification.
If you are a Post Licensure track BSN student, you are expected to follow the immunization, HIPAA, Blood Borne Pathogens, Background Check, Drug Screen, and BLS requirements of the clinical sites where you will complete your practicum.
Health Insurance
As a student enrolled in the College of Nursing, you must have health insurance during the time in which you are in any clinical/practicum experiences.
Professional Liability
As a pre-licensure nursing student, you are are held to the same legal standards as registered nurses. Baker College provides professional liability insurance that covers students and faculty during the Baker College academic related clinical experiences. This does not prevent students from obtaining their own professional liability insurance if they choose to do so.
If you are a Post-Licensure nursing student, you are expected to purchase individual professional liability insurance prior to registering for the practicum courses. Student academic advisors are able to assist with this requirement.
Registered Nurse Licensure (RN to BSN/Post-Licensure)
RN to BSN (Post-Licensure) nursing students are expected to maintain an unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse throughout enrollment in the Baker College Nursing program.
You are responsible for all costs associated with background checks, drug screens, immunizations, etc. Item of Service and cost may vary by program and/or clinical site.
| ITEM |
ESTIMATED COST |
| Background Check |
$20-$50 |
| Drug Screening (if required by clinical site) |
$25-$75 |
| Fingerprinting (if required by clinical site) |
$68-$100 |
| Immunizations/Titers |
Varies by students’ immunization history and medical insurance |
| Immunization Tracking |
$15-$25 |
| Clinical Placement Service (if required) |
Varies by program or clinical site |
| Basic Life Support/CPR/First Aid Training |
$50-$125 |
| Central Registry Clearance through Health and Human Services Department |
Varies by program - must be cleared before the start of clinical |
| Uniforms |
$40-$80/scrub set |
| Equipment (stethoscope, bandage scissors, etc) |
Varies depending on product |
Compliance Policy
Before beginning any NUR course, including all didactic, clinical, and lab components, you are required to satisfy all health and safety requirements. If you need assistance with meeting these requirements, contact the program director.
To be considered in full compliance, all nursing compliance requirements (except for the flu shot) must be valid for the entire academic semester. None of the compliance requirements may expire at any time during the academic semester.
All compliance requirements must be uploaded to Acemapp by the due date identified by the student’s specific campus. You are advised to upload their compliance materials at least 2 weeks before the due date to allow processing time for approval. If you do not have all requirements needed for the academic semester in an approved/completed status by the required deadlines, you may be subject to the following conditions: you will not be able to attend scheduled clinical, and/or you may be subject to dismissal from the program, unless there is a documented exception with the nursing division.
Any campus that does not utilize Acemapp for clinical placement may have campus specific requirements and use alternative processes.
In the event that you have a change to your criminal record, including arrests, after submitting the criminal background check*, you must notify your Nursing Program Director and the Dean of Nursing. This notification should be made within three business days of any arrests, plea bargains, sentencing, convictions, or other criminal activity. In addition, issues with your criminal background check may also prevent you from being able to sit for state licensure. The College of Nursing is not able to guarantee that any student who graduates will qualify for licensure.
*Please note that some activity reported in your background check may prevent you from being placed in the appropriate clinical settings required to complete the program and, therefore, may result in you being withdrawn from that course. In these cases, you should promptly consult with the Nursing Coordinator and your academic advisor to explore alternative placements or degree programs. Under certain circumstances, you may not be eligible to graduate from the Baker College of Nursing program.
Nursing Student Professional and Safety Responsibilities
Professional Conduct
As a Baker College nursing student, you are held accountable to a code of professional behavior. Key components of these standards and behavior will be presented and discussed in Nursing Fundamentals and throughout the nursing program. It is expected that you address your instructors (didactic, lab/simulation, and clinical) as Dr., Professor, Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss at all times while in the nursing program.
See Baker College Student Handbook for additional professional conduct policies.
Safety
Safety is inherent in professionalism. The term patient safety means “the prevention of harm to patients.” It includes human factors, teamwork, communication, patient management, and clinical performance.
Ethical Care
Nursing students and faculty are expected to provide quality and dignified health care to every patient regardless of his or her social status, race, ethnic background, or diagnosis. Students and faculty are expected to apply legal and ethical principles to the caring practice of nursing in a culturally diverse society. Client confidentiality is an essential element of ethical care.
Confidentiality
The principle of confidentiality is one of the central, ethical responsibilities of all health professionals and will apply in all circumstances. Confidentiality regarding HIV/HBV status of nursing students, faculty, and staff shall be strictly maintained pursuant to federal and state laws. Confidentiality regarding patient care and information must be strictly upheld. Individual clinical sites may require students and faculty to sign confidentiality statements. Breach of confidentiality policies may result in failure of the clinical experience and failure of the course. Additional breaches will result in dismissal from the nursing program.
Social Networking Policy
Course information of any kind (materials, pictures, events, etc.) including information from clinical work sites, cannot be shared or discussed on any social network or electronic account outside of those required by the instructor for class participation. Violation of this policy may result in dismissal from the College of Nursing. See also the current social media policy for Baker College.
Academic Honor Code
See Baker College Student Handbook Cheating and Plagiarism
You are encouraged to review the Baker College Undergraduate Catalog for specific information on the Baker College Honor Code.
You should only use materials a) provided by the faculty, b) available at the bookstore, Academic Resource Center, Baker Library, or reputable online retailer, c) directly from the student resources on the publisher’s website. You may not use items or upload items to online retailers such as CourseHero, Etsy, Chegg, etc. The sale and/or distribution of copyright protected material like test banks or test questions or professor resources such as PowerPoints, case studies, and assignments may result in dismissal from the College of Nursing, inability to take the NCLEX or practice in a health profession, civil (monetary) or criminal liability for violation of federal copyright laws. *If you are questioning a source, please seek out assistance from your instructor.
Audio/Video Recording and/or Photographic or Electronic Devices
Nursing abides by Baker College audio/video recording and/or photographic or electronic device use policy. The use of cell phones or electronic devices (including smartwatches) may be prohibited in the clinical setting. Use of electronics, such as personal cell phones with clinical apps, are allowed in post conferences only for clinical support such as use of medication references under instructor supervision.
Student Participation in Committees
Student participation in committees is encouraged by program standards. If you are interested in a committee appointment, you should contact their campus nursing program director.
Other committees will be available for your participation as designated per campus and approved by the Program Director.
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If you are on probation, you must seek approval from your campus program director of nursing to represent the college in any student organization or committee or hold office in any student organization.
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You will not be penalized for attending approved nursing conventions/conferences and will be given the opportunity to make up any missed clinical or didactic work. It is expected that you will notify all instructors ahead of time and discuss options prior to attending the event.
Student Nurses Association
Baker College has a Student Nurses Association (SNA) that is part of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) and the Michigan Nursing Students Association (MNSA). Membership is expected as Baker College participates in a total membership plan with NSNA. Participation is encouraged in SNA activities as a way to develop leadership skills. Service learning hours may be available with participation in activities and serving on the campus SNA elected board.
College of Nursing Committee
Student Affairs Committee Student Representative
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The Student Affairs Committee (SAC) will consist of one or more faculty representative from each campus and a minimum of one student representative from each campus cohort. Student membership will first be offered to SNA Board members. If SNA Board members are unavailable, the SNA Board can appoint an alternate student to attend with faculty approval. Each student representative should ideally be the campus SNA president. If an SNA board member is not available, another appropriate alternative may be selected or elected.
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Students will convene twice a semester (every other month during planned committee meetings). A report of SAC meeting minutes and activities will be disseminated to all students.
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Reports from each of the following Baker College of Nursing (CON) committees - Assessment, Curriculum, and Technology - will be submitted and open for discussion at student attended SAC meetings. Feedback and action items will be noted in the minutes and addressed by faculty. Items of discussion will be forwarded to the appropriate committee chair for consideration. Faculty and students will collaborate in identifying solutions to concerns related to the academic program.
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A minimum of two Student Affairs student representatives (ideally each campus SNA president and one other student) should also attend the Baker CON “All Hands” meetings which are open to students. An alternate representative may attend in the place of a student representative who is unavailable.
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If the student representative on the Student Affairs Committee is not an SNA board member, then an SNA board member should attend the CON “all hands” meeting in addition to the Student Affairs student representative.
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If a representative is unavailable or will be absent, an alternate representative is to be selected by the student with SAC faculty approval.
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The Student Affairs Committee student representatives and all other students present at CON “all hands” meetings will participate in a student breakout meeting session. This breakout meeting session will allow for students from all the campuses to have a meet and greet, discuss an assigned objective, or to discuss things that they would like addressed at the CON level (e.g., things they like about the program, things they would like to see added to the program, things they would like to see changed, etc.). The students will then bring this information back to the SAC.
Outside Employment
Nursing courses are very demanding of students’ time and energy. It is recommended that as a Baker College pre-licensure nursing student, you limit outside employment while enrolled in nursing courses.
Conflicts with outside employment work schedules are not considered sufficient reasons for changes in nursing course schedules, academic, or clinical assignments.
Smoking Policy
Tobacco and smoking-related products are defined as any type of tobacco product or product intended to mimic tobacco products or the smoking or vaping of any other substances. This includes but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, pipes, bidis, and hookahs.
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While on campus refer to Baker College Smoking Policy.
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Use of tobacco or smoking related products is not allowed while at the clinical site
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Use of tobacco or smoking related products in your car is not allowed at the clinical site.
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If you smell like smoke, you will be dismissed from the clinical site for the day and will be counted as an absent.
Letters of Recommendation
Nursing students who need letters of recommendation for job opportunities, scholarships and awards must make their request to a faculty member utilizing the College of Nursing approved recommendation request document. Faculty members, advisors, and the director of the program have the right to accept or decline this request. In addition, faculty and staff must abide by Baker College’s policy regarding letters of recommendation that limits the amount and type of information that can be released regarding the student and their academic history. Students should allow a minimum of one week for preparation and processing of these recommendations. Reference Letter Release Form Coming Soon!
Academic Rules, Policies, and Procedures Class Schedules
To best support our students’ success and ensure the highest quality educational experience, the College may occasionally adjust course schedules or cancel courses when necessary. The Dean or Program Director reserves the right to change course schedules and/or cancel courses. Should it be necessary to change schedules, you will be notified via Baker email, mail, or telephone. Please refer to the Baker College Student Handbook for inclement weather policies. Any additional information will be provided by the campus Program Director of Nursing.
Nursing courses are demanding, therefore, to aid in the opportunity for success, you are prohibited from taking more than two nursing courses that have a clinical component during any one semester.
Grading Policy
Courses that include a theory, lab, simulation experience, and/or clinical component require you to pass all components of the course to progress in the program. The final grade required in all nursing courses is B- or 800 points (recorded as the theory grade).
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Labs, simulations, and/or clinicals are pass or fail. The instructor may require additional time to ensure all student learning outcomes are met, at their discretion.
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All theory courses are out of 1000 points. Seven hundred of these points are devoted to testing to ensure readiness for the national licensure examination. You must meet two criteria to pass the theory course: A) 800 points or more as a final grade, and B) 525 points or more of the 700 testing points.
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Testing points will not be rounded
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Final course points may round
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Testing point requirement course exceptions include NUR 3050, NUR 3150, NUR 4050, NUR 4250, NUR 4350, NUR 4630, NUR 4650, NUR 4680, NUR 4710, and NUR 4750
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The final grade recorded is the overall grade earned.
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If you do not pass clinical, simulation, or lab, the recorded grade is 799 points (C+) or the theory grade, whichever is lower.
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No extra credit will be given in any course to align with the Baker College Handbook.
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Failure of two nursing courses results in academic dismissal from the nursing program.
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Your grades are subject to change only in the event of a clerical or calculation error or to change an incomplete to a letter grade. See the Baker College Handbook for the incomplete grade policy.
Repeating a Course
You may repeat nursing courses one (1) time. If you are not successful during the second attempt the dismissal policy will be followed.
Paper Grading
Papers that score below a 60% will be reviewed by a second faculty who is not associated with the course. If > 10 points differ between the two instructor scores, then the average of the two scores will be recorded. If < or equal to 10 points differ between the two instructors, then the original score with the original faculty will be recorded.
Evaluation and Examination Information (Pre-Licensure)
Evaluation and examinations are inherent in the teaching/learning process. As a nursing student, you are tested and otherwise evaluated in a variety of settings including the classroom, learning laboratory, and during clinical practicum experiences. Course exams build on previous knowledge as well as new information.
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As a pre-licensure nursing student, you must obtain 525 total points on proctored tests/final examination prior to calculation of final grade.
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Testing point requirement course exceptions include NUR 3050, NUR 3150, NUR 4050, NUR 4250, NUR 4350, NUR 4630, NUR 4650, NUR 4680, NUR 4710, and NUR 4750.
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All exams are taken on the Baker College LMS/Learning Management System (i.e., Canvas) or through the ATI platform, either in a computer lab or on a personal laptop only.
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You are expected to download and have access to required software.
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During testing, all web-based windows except for Canvas or ATI will be closed. Faculty is responsible for verifying that Canvas or ATI is the only internet-based window in use.
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If any incident occurs that may require a click, navigation away, or distribution in the test window during testing, you must immediately inform the instructor or proctor in real time to note the discrepancy. Faculty will review any navigation away from Canvas or ATI and have the discretion to give a zero if page navigation is noted.
Use of tablets or phones are not allowed for exams or quizzes.
Please refer to Baker College Technology Requirement document for minimum requirements related to BYOD.
Exam Policy
In Person Testing Instructions:
These instructions are designed to simulate a testing environment similar to the NCLEX licensure exam, helping you become familiar with this type of setting. By practicing under these conditions, you’ll build confidence and reduce potential test anxiety, supporting your success on the licensure exam.
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Arrange class tables and chairs per instructor’s directions.
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All bags are to be put in the front of the room (or a designated spot).
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All phones are to be off and secured in the instructor designated area.
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Watches are to be off and in student bags in front of the room
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No hats/headgear (unless culturally indicated)
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Drinks (if allowed by campus in testing room) may be kept on floor but must have non spill lid and approved by instructor before testing
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Only one person may take a break at a time; no phones are allowed unless in case of emergency
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You are only allowed scrap paper or dry erase board (with your name on it and turned in at the end of class; paper may be provided by the instructor or if you are using your own paper, no writing should be on the front or back of the paper prior to the start of the test), writing utensils, ear plugs, class stress items (e.g., stress ball or pipe cleaner) with the instructor’s knowledge.
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Log into Canvas (or ATI) and close all other websites and documents
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Browser windows should be full screen
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You are not to visit other websites during the test. A log of any other activity will be recorded during the test and the instructor can view it.
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If a pop-up window occurs, you are to notify the instructor
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Any deviations from Canvas log or ATI pop-ups are eligible for evaluation of possible disciplinary action according the nursing handbook
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It is recommended that you pace yourself - average 1 or 1.5 minutes per question (more time given for math problems)
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When done, QUIETLY follow the instructor’s directions; do not disturb other students
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Students with testing accommodations are subject to this policy as well.
Tardiness to Examinations
You are expected to arrive on time for all scheduled examinations. If you arrive late to an exam and one or more of your classmates have already completed and submitted the exam, including any students with accommodations who have finished after the scheduled testing time has begun, you will not be permitted to take the exam. In such cases, the following conditions will apply:
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If this is your first missed exam in the course, you may follow the procedures outlined in the course’s Missed Exam Policy, as applicable.
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If you have already used the Missed Exam Policy for a prior exam in the course, you will receive a grade of zero (0) for the exam.
Please plan your schedule accordingly and arrive early to ensure readiness for all assessments. This policy is in place to maintain exam integrity and uphold a fair testing environment for everyone.
Hand Held Calculators
Students using Canvas testing are required to use instructor-provided handheld calculators instead of embedded calculators.
Posting of Results
Faculty need appropriate time to evaluate and analyze exam scores. Therefore, exams may not be posted the day of the exam. All grades will be determined based on the exam analysis.
Remote Proctoring Testing Instructors/Announcements:
Student Logistics
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You need to have a quiet testing environment, free of interruptions.
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You need to have a device (laptop, desktop, tablet) with reliable internet access. Consider device restrictions on the testing software being used.
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You need to follow Baker technology requirements and are required to download any applications or programs needed to complete course work.
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Please refer to the Baker College Technology Skills, Requirements, Accessibility, & Privacy Information.
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You will need a webcam or camera capability on your device.
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You may use a blank paper and a writing utensil. This paper MUST be shown to the camera prior to testing (both front and back) before the exam and re-shown to the camera at the end of the exam (both front and back). If the paper is being used, the paper should be scanned and uploaded to the Canvas course. The paper should include your name, be legible, and show which item it should be addressing.
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You should follow guidelines provided by the remote proctoring service (for example ATI).
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You will be offered a pilot exam before the initial exam.
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If you have testing accommodations, you are still expected to adhere to this policy.
Exam Guidelines
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Tests will be given during scheduled class time. Tests will be timed. Faculty will remain available to you during this time in case testing issues arise.
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No watches (any type) are allowed to be worn during the testing session.
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Screenshots or pictures of test information are strictly prohibited.
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Background music or television sounds, earbuds or headphones, watches/smartwatches, or hats/headgear (unless culturally indicated) are prohibited.
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Additional computer monitors, screens, or tablets should be removed during the exam.
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No writing should be visible on the desk, floor, or walls.
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Under no circumstances should you exit the proctored environment during the exam.
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No test items should be copied, saved, or shared during or following the exam.
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Do not talk to anyone else‐‐No communicating with others by any means.
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No other people except the test‐taker should be permitted to enter the room during testing. The computer may not be transported to another location after the exam has started.
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A cell phone is allowed in the testing area turned off face down and is for emergency use only to contact the instructor. You should speak to the remote proctoring system webcam that you are going to use the phone to call the instructor prior to reaching for the phone.
Virtual Testing Instructions
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Sit at a clean desk or table if available. In the event a desk is not available, you may utilize a seating bench (not on the bed or floor). You will need a stable surface to support your device. The background should be quiet. The desk or table needs to be cleared of all other materials. This means the removal of all books, papers, notebooks, calculators, etc. If you are testing in a remote environment, you must pan the room before beginning the exam. The testing space should be free of clutter, in a private, distraction-free area.
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A piece of paper may be used at the discretion of your instructor. It MUST be shown to the camera (both front and back) before the exam and re-shown to the camera at the end of the exam (both front and back). If paper is being used, the paper should be scanned and uploaded to the Canvas course. Paper should include your name, be legible, and the paper should include the number of which item it is addressing.
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Maintain room lighting bright enough to be considered “daylight” quality. Overhead lighting is preferred; however, if overhead is not possible, the source of light should not be behind the test taker.
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If lighting is inadequate, the remote proctoring system will prompt you.
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Gather student ID and have it within reach. You will be asked to present it to the camera when prompted.
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Clear cookies, and restart your computer before logging into the proctored test environment. All other programs and/or windows on the testing computer must be closed before logging into the proctored test environment and must remain closed until the exam is completed.
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Webcam, when possible, should be placed on the upper screen of the computer or where it will have a constant, uninterrupted view of the test taker.
Virtual Testing: Technology Failure
Code of Conduct and College of Nursing Missed Test Policy
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Virtual testing follows all guidelines for the code of conduct and the Academic Honor Code as detailed in the Baker College of Nursing Handbook and Baker College Student Handbook.
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The instructor will outline testing expectations and instructions prior to each test. If you do not comply with expectations (i.e, do not adequately show your testing environment, do not maintain visual and audio connection, or do not show paper before or after the exam), you will be subject to the missed exam policy on the first occurrence. Additional occurrences will result in 0 points earned on the exam.
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You will be monitored and recorded from the point of login and during the entire length of the exam. This video will be watched and reviewed by the instructor. The video is archived within the course.
Test/Exam Review Policy (Pre-Licensure)
You are expected to review the Baker College Honor Code that includes the responsibility to maintain examination security at all times. Examples of violations of examination security include but are not limited to using cell phones or other electronic devices to take photos of exams, verbally sharing exam questions with other students, and/or removing exams from the classroom.
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Faculty may discuss content and test strategies with you but may not show test questions and answers to comply with copyright laws.
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Alternate questions not on the test may be utilized to support testing strategies.
Dosage Calculation and Medication Administration Policy
Beginning in Year 2, you will complete dosage calculation questions on every exam (10%). You will also complete a Proctored Dosage Calculation exam through ATI. You must demonstrate proficiency in medication administration during the identified clinical courses: NUR 3550P, NUR 3570P, NUR 3650P, NUR 3670P, NUR 3750P, NUR 3770P, NUR 4150P, NUR 4170P, and NUR 4350P. Failure to demonstrate medication administration proficiency may lead to failure in the clinical course.
ATI Proctored Dosage Calculation Policy
Dosage Calculation 3.0 Practice and Proctored Assessments are a group of online assessments that provide data that measure a student’s ability to accurately perform safe dosage calculations as part of clinical competence in specific content areas. The majority of item types are fill‑in-the-blank calculations; there are also multiple-choice items. The proctored assessments show what percentage of each specific content area is correct, as well as performance by outcome. Each proctored test consists of 25 scored items and 10 unscored items related to the appropriate dosage calculation of medications.
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All assigned remediation is due within seven (7) days from the date the test was taken.
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All students will remediate as outlined in the rubric below. Students may complete additional remediation at the discretion of their instructor.
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The student will receive an incomplete for the course until the remediation is completed to a satisfactory level.
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Any student not completing proctored testing on the assigned test date will receive an automatic 5-point deduction.
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No late remediation will be accepted. All assigned remediation must be completed by the due date to receive credit.
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Practice tests must be completed within the semester assigned to receive credit.
Assessment Information: Practice and Proctored
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| Practice Assessment - Total: 5 points |
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Complete Practice Assessment
(Complete sometime during weeks 0-6 per instructor)
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5 points:
Student completes assigned practice test to 100% proficiency
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0 points:
Student does not complete the assigned practice test to 100% proficiency
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Standardized Proctored Assessment
(Traditional: Complete during Weeks 8-15 per instructor
Accelerated: Complete during Weeks 3-7 per instructor)
5 Points Total
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Score of 100% - no remediation required = 5 points
Score of 80% or higher with completed remediation = 5 points
Score below an 80% with completed remediation = 4 points
Score of 80% or higher with incomplete remediation = 3 points
Score below an 80% with incomplete remediation = 0 points
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Proctored Assessment Remediation Requirements:
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Total Points Possible: 10
(Practice 5 points + Proctored Assessments 5 points)
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Baker College Course
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ATI Dosage Calculation Assessment
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| NUR 2150/NUR 2170 |
No Testing Requirement |
| NUR 2250/NUR 2270 |
No Testing Requirement |
| NUR 2350/NUR 2370 |
No Testing Requirement |
| NUR 2550/NUR 2570 |
No Testing Requirement |
| NUR 3450/NUR 3470 |
Dosage Calculation RN Mental Health Practice and Proctored Assessments 3.0 |
| NUR 3550/NUR 3570 |
Dosage Calculation RN Adult Medical Surgical Online Practice and Proctored Assessments 3.0 |
| NUR 3650/NUR 3670 |
Dosage Calculation RN Nursing Care of Children Online Practice and Proctored Assessments 3.0 |
| NUR 3750/NUR 3770 |
Dosage Calculation RN Maternal/ Newborn Online Practice and Proctored Assessments 3.0 |
| NUR 4150/NUR 4170 |
Dosage Calculation RN Critical Care Online Practice and Proctored Assessments 3.0 |
National Benchmark Exams
You will complete proctored benchmarked exams within ATI starting in the second semester of the nursing program. Completion of practice tests in preparation for the proctored exams is strongly encouraged. Proctored exams along with required remediation will constitute 5% of your course grade.
Content Mastery Series Assessment ATI Policy
The Content Mastery Series Assessments (CMS) provide essential data regarding your mastery of concepts in relation to specific nursing content areas. These assessments will help you identify what you know, in addition to areas requiring remediation (called Topics to Review.)
Assessment Information: Practice
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Practice Assessment - Complete/Incomplete. Strongly encouraged to complete both prior to the CMS proctored exam. One attempt per practice exam. The practice exam is not open book/note/internet and is an individual exam. Purpose of the test is to identify individual weaknesses.
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Complete Practice Assessment A & B (Complete during week 8-10)
Complete/Incomplete
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Remediation:
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Minimum 1-hour Focused Review
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Complete a minimum of 1 active learning template (or an alternative equivalent form of documentation) on the lowest scoring NCLEX category.
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Take Post Study Quiz (if available) and complete a minimum of 1 active learning template (or an alternative equivalent form of documentation) for the lowest scoring NCLEX category.
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Standardized Proctored Assessment
(Complete during Weeks 14-15)
50 Points
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● All assigned remediation due within seven (7) days from the date the test was taken.
● All students will remediate as outlined in the rubric below. Students may complete additional remediation at the discretion of their instructor.
● Any student not testing on the assigned test date will receive an automatic 10-point deduction.
● No late remediation will be accepted. All assigned remediation must be completed by the due date to receive credit.
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Level 3
20 points
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Level 2
(Goal) = 20 points
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Level 1
10 points
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Below Level 1
0 points
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Remediation = 30 points
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Minimum 1-hour Focused Review
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For each topic below 75%, complete an active learning template as part of the required remediation process.
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Complete any available post quizzes (available if any topic area scoring below 75%).
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Remediation = 30 points
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Minimum 1-hour Focused Review
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For each topic below 75%, complete an active learning template as part of the required remediation process.
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Complete any available post quizzes (available if any topic area scoring below 75%).
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Remediation = 30 points
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Minimum 2-hour Focused Review
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For each topic below 75%, complete an active learning template as part of the required remediation process.
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Complete any available post quizzes (available if any topic area scoring below 75%).
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Remediation = 30 points
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Minimum 3-hour Focused Review
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For each topic below 75%, complete an active learning template as part of the required remediation process.
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Complete any available post quizzes (available if any topic area scoring below 75%).
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Missed Test/Exam Policy (Pre-Licensure)
You should prepare for all exams. If you miss one test/exam, the missed test/exam is replaced with the average of all tests/exams. Additional missed tests will earn zero points.
Tests/exams and quizzes will be calculated separately.
The Final Exam, Health Assessment Head to Toe, and the Pharmacology Math Test are not to be used when determining the missed test average score.
This policy will allow you to calculate the final exam score needed to pass a course prior to the last day to withdraw from a course.
Students are expected to take all tests. All proctored testing (ATI and Canvas exams) will begin at the scheduled times, and students are expected to arrive on time, fully prepared to start. Arriving late may impact test integrity, and decisions regarding the admission of tardy students will be based on instructor discretion in maintaining test security and individual student factors; however, no additional time will be granted. Additionally, it is unprofessional to miss a scheduled exam and still attend class that day. Students demonstrating repeated tardy arrival and/or unprofessional conduct may be required to meet with the instructor and/or program director to develop a success plan addressing punctuality and professional expectations. Professional expectations can be viewed in the Baker College Handbook.
Missed Quiz Policy (Pre-Licensure)
You can miss one quiz (for any reason) and your missed quiz score will be an average of all your other quizzes in the semester. Additional missed quizzes will earn 0 points.
Final Exam Policy (Pre-Licensure)
Final exams are required to be taken on the scheduled date and time.
Progression in the Nursing Program
You cannot progress to the next nursing level if less than a B- (2.7) was received in any NUR class of the previous nursing level. If you earn less than a B- in a NUR course, you must meet with the campus director of nursing to discuss program re-entry options. (Refer to the re-entry policy for details.)
General Education Courses During the Nursing Program
You must earn a C (2.0) in all general education courses. Retaking a failed general education course may compromise your ability to complete NUR courses in the typical progression as outlined by the academic plan. In this case, you must submit a written plan for completion of the failed course and other general education requirements in addition to the NUR course plan and submit it to the program director for approval.
Attendance
Laboratory Classes/Simulation Experiences
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Laboratory and/or simulation experience attendance is required. You are expected to make any necessary arrangements to attend these experiences. You should not expect to be excused from required laboratory and/or simulation experience hours for personal, family, or work commitments.
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One absence of a scheduled lab or simulation day, per semester, per course (i.e., course includes lab, simulation, clinical) is acceptable. Any additional absence for any reason may result in failure of the course.
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In the event of an unplanned illness or personal emergency the Program Director or Clinical Coordinator, lead faculty, and clinical faculty must be notified at least two hours prior to absence.
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Arriving late and/or leaving early is considered an absence.
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Tardiness is unprofessional, counts as an absence, and will be addressed as soon as possible.
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Tardiness is defined as more than 2 minutes past the scheduled start time.
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All missed laboratory and/or simulation experience hours must be accounted for regardless of the reason and made up to ensure these hours meet the expectations of the State Board of Nursing.
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Any and all missed laboratory and/or simulation experience time must be made up at the designated time and according to the availability of faculty. The manner in which these hours will be completed is to be determined by the Nursing Director and/or Clinical and/or Lab Coordinator and Lead Course Faculty.
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Make-up requirements are to equal the amount of missed laboratory and/or simulation experience time.
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If you are not available to attend the scheduled make-up session or do not attend, it will be considered a failure of the course. Please note that any financial obligation incurred due to withdrawal and/or failure is your responsibility.
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In the event that a laboratory and/or simulation experience day is canceled by Baker College, the hours are expected to be made up, per the discretion of the individual campus.
Clinical Courses
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Clinical attendance is required. You are expected to make any necessary arrangements to meet clinical hour requirements. You should not expect to be excused from required clinical hours for personal, family, or work commitments.
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One absence of a scheduled lab or simulation day, per semester, per course (i.e., course includes lab, simulation, clinical) is acceptable. Any additional absence for any reason may result in failure of the course.
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In the event of an unplanned illness or personal emergency the Program Director or Clinical Coordinator, lead faculty, and clinical faculty must be notified at least two hours prior to absence.
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Arriving late and/or leaving the clinical assignment early is considered an absence.
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Tardiness is unprofessional, counts as an absence, and will be addressed as soon as possible.
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Tardiness is defined as more than 2 minutes past the scheduled clinical start time.
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All missed clinical hours must be accounted for regardless of the reason and made up to ensure clinical hours meet the expectations of the State Board of Nursing.
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Any and all missed clinical time must be made up at the designated time and according to the availability of faculty. The manner in which clinical hours will be completed is to be determined by the Nursing Director and/or Clinical and/or Lab Coordinator and Lead Course Faculty.
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Make-up requirements are to equal the amount of missed clinical or lab time.
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If you are not available to attend the scheduled make-up session or do not attend, it will be considered a failure of the course. Please note that any financial obligation incurred due to withdrawal and/or failure is your responsibility.
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In the event that a clinical day is canceled by Baker College, the hours are expected to be made up, per the discretion of the individual campus.
Nursing Faculty Absence
You are required to wait at least thirty (30) minutes for course faculty who are late or absent from regularly scheduled nursing classes, learning laboratory, simulation experiences, clinical practicum experiences, or examinations. You should contact the Program Director if an instructor does not show up for an on-campus class. You should contact the Nursing Clinical Coordinator or Program Director if nursing faculty are absent for off campus clinical courses. You are not permitted to perform patient care activities until nursing faculty arrive.
Lab and Clinical Policies
Lab and Clinical Supplies
You must purchase the following prior the start of Lab and Clinical Courses:
- Stethoscope
- Bandage scissors
- Watch with a second hand
- Penlight
- Uniform and White Lab Coat
Dress Code Requirements
Detailed Clinical/Practicum and Lab/Simulation Dress Code Requirements
- You must report to your assigned clinical rotation and labs in specified uniform and prepared for your patient and lab assignment(s). You are to appear neat, clean, and well groomed.
- If you report for clinical practice or skills lab or simulation experience and are not in keeping with the dress code, you will be sent home from clinical or skills lab/simulation and this will be recorded as a missed clinical day. Additionally, you will receive a written warning and referral to the Program Director of Nursing or Nursing Clinical Coordinator.
- You are required to wear Baker College uniforms with the Baker College logo.
- All items of uniform clothing must be neat, clean, and pressed.
- Baker uniforms and lab coats will be worn for skills labs/simulation and clinical practicum.
- A name tag identifying your title and status as a Baker College nursing student must be worn at all times during clinical.
Although freedom of expression is acceptable in many venues, we expect all nursing students to consider and respect patients’ values and opinions.
Uniform Requirements (Pre-Licensure)
- Socks must be worn with Baker College uniform
- Shoes:
- Solid colored white, gray, or black rubber-soled shoes
- Clean and in good repair
- No open-back, clogs, sandals, open-toed shoes, or canvas/fabric shoes
- Hair:
- No decorative hair pieces or ornaments (including feathers)
- Beards, sideburns, and mustaches neat and trimmed. Not to exceed 2 inches from the jawline; otherwise beards must be covered with a hair net or mask.
- Nails:
- Neatly trimmed to a length that will not interfere with safe hygienic nursing care
- No nail polishes
- No acrylic/gel or artificial nails
- Jewelry:
- One small earring per ear lobe that does not dangle
- One ring (e.g., wedding set or engagement ring without sharp setting that may cause injury when providing care)
- Nursing and Health Promotion pins (e.g., breast cancer ribbon, lamp pin)
- Plain watch with second hand (smart watches are not allowed)
- To ensure safety and proper hygiene, other jewelry is not permitted.
- Tattoos are a form of self-expression; however, it is essential to maintain a professional appearance in healthcare settings to ensure patient comfort and uphold professional standards. Tattoos are permitted for nursing students participating in clinical rotations. However, tattoos must be covered if requested by the clinical instructor or the facility where the clinical rotation is taking place. This policy is in place to ensure that the professional image of the nursing profession is maintained and to respect the preferences of patients and healthcare facilities.
- No perfume, cologne, or strong fragrances are to be worn during clinical.
- Patients may have sensitivities or allergies and the odor may be nauseating to acutely ill patients.
Out of Uniform Clinical Dress (Business Casual)
In the event that you are required to attend a Baker College Event as a nursing student, but not in your clinical uniform, you should dress in business casual attire or appropriate Baker logo clothing.
Injury/Exposure/Incident Reporting
Any injury or exposure during a clinical or lab experience should be reported immediately to the faculty overseeing the course, the program director, and the clinical coordinator (clinical incidents). The incident reporting form will be filled out and followed. The form will then be submitted to the Standards Committee for Quality Improvement purposes.
Additional Clinical and Lab Expectations:
- In order to ensure that both you and the patients you care for are safe, you must have a minimum of an 8-hour rest period before caring for patients.
- You are to be prepared mentally and physically to carry out the patient assignments. Faculty have discretion to remove any student from the clinical experience if they are deemed by the faculty to be unprepared and considered a risk to safe patient care.
- You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the assigned clinical agency
- You are expected to abide by the existing rules/regulations of the assigned clinical agency
- If you need adjustments in the clinical schedule, you MUST meet with the clinical coordinator ASAP. Adjustments will be made ONLY if the clinical coordinator is able to accommodate the request.
The nursing faculty reserves the right to require you to repeat a clinical and lab course and/or complete additional clinical and/or lab time when, in the opinion of the clinical and/or instructor, your performance or the time you have been absent from clinical and/or lab makes it impossible to accurately assess your attainment of the course outcomes and competencies. Additionally, you may be required to complete additional assignments due to the absence from clinical and/or lab at the discretion of the clinical instructor.
Client/Patient Confidentiality
Protected Health Information Policy (PHI):
You must maintain patient confidentiality or you will risk disciplinary action.
Confidentiality and Use of Medical Records:
- Students and faculty with any access to a clinical setting must comply with HIPAA rules and regulations and cooperating clinical agency guidelines for training.
- Students and faculty are required to follow agency policies regarding use of and access to electronic medical records.
- Cooperating agency compliance modules must be completed as per cooperating clinical agency protocols.
- Patients’ PHI must be de-identified. PHI includes sufficient information about a patient such that the patient could be identified.
Use of Technology and Social Media
- Any technology, tool, or online space in clinical agencies cannot be used for personal business. This applies to social media platforms. You must follow clinical agency policies regarding use of technology or social media. At times, a clinical setting may allow use of technology or online space or use of social media for work purposes. They are only to be used as they relate directly to patient care or specified agency activities.
- Agency computers cannot be used for personal business such as checking e-mail or social media sites.
- Any personal communication such as cell phone use or texting must be done outside of agency clinical areas on your own personal time.
- Posting or discussing any information about faculty, staff, other students, or external clients (i.e., patients and families) on social media or online space is not permitted.
Violation of HIPAA and Patient Confidentiality
Non-compliance with policies regarding HIPAA, the use of technology and social media, patient confidentiality, or respecting patient privacy will result in a course failure and may be subject to dismissal from the Baker College of Nursing.
Transportation
- Clinical practicum experiences will generally occur at a variety of health care facilities that are within a 50-mile radius from the campus.
- NOTE: Some clinical sites may be further than 100 miles away.
- Reliable transportation is absolutely necessary to assure prompt arrival to all clinical assignments. Have a backup solution planned in advance in case your primary transportation option is not functioning on any given day.
- In the event an overnight stay is required for practicum experiences, the cost will be at your expense.
Academic Status - Probation, Withdrawal, Dismissal, Re-Entry
College of Nursing Program Probation
In the event that you are not successful in completing a nursing course, you will be placed on programmatic academic probation and will remain on academic probation until graduation. Reasons for probation may include, but are not limited to:
- Earning a failing grade (below B-) in a nursing course(s) during a semester
- Being granted a leave of absence/withdrawal up to one year
If you are placed on programmatic academic probation, you should see your Program Director of Nursing as soon as possible following notification of your probation status.
Leave of Absence/Withdrawal from NUR Course(s)
Completion of the Nursing Program
Pre-licensure nursing students are to complete their academic nursing program within four and a half (4.5) years of beginning enrollment in their first nursing course, following admission into the nursing program. If you are seeking an extension, you must apply to the Program Director of Nursing at your assigned campus in writing.
- If you withdraw from the College of Nursing, you must notify your campus Program Director of Nursing in writing as well as follow the Baker College policy pertaining to course withdrawal.
- Academic withdrawal follows Baker College policy for lack of academic activity.
- You can only withdraw from a specific course once.
- Re-entry must occur within one year.
- If you withdraw from the College of Nursing, you must follow the program re-entry guidelines in this document.
Re-Entry to the College of Nursing Policy
If you have withdrawn from or failed one or more nursing courses, you:
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May not progress in the program.
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Must re-enter the program within one year after withdrawal or unsuccessful nursing course attempt.
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Must re-enter the program at the point of withdrawal or course failure
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Must repeat any failed course (can only repeat each course once)
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If you are dismissed from the College of Nursing, you may not apply for re-entry
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Program withdrawal due to a medical reason requires a letter from a healthcare provider:
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Attesting to your ability to resume a professional nursing course load
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Medical clearance stating you can perform all Essential Function/Technical Requirements without restrictions
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Follow the nursing program re-entry process
The nursing program re-entry process is as follows: Re-entry into the nursing program is not a guarantee. It is based upon availability of clinical space, faculty, and successful completion of the re-admittance process.
- You will submit a letter or email addressed to the Program Director of Nursing at the campus where you are requesting re-entry for the desired semester. DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REQUEST WILL BE THE END OF THE SEMESTER BEFORE RE-ENTRY IS REQUESTED.
- DEADLINE TO SUBMIT RE-ENTRY REQUESTS:
- Fall Semester: 1st Monday in July
- Spring Semester: 1st Monday in October
- The typed letter or email must include:
- The last semester attended in the nursing program
- Reasons for withdrawal, including course failure(s)
- Reasons why you desire to be re-entered
- The circumstances that have changed to indicate that you will be successful in completing the nursing program if re-entered
- You must arrange a meeting with the Program Director of Nursing from the campus in which program re-entry is being requested after submission of the above described letter.
- You will meet with the Program Director to create an individualized learning plan.
- The individualized learning plan may include review modules, skills review, simulation, auditing prior courses, or assigned resources.
- Program Clinical Requirements must be completed
- Random drug screen if you were not enrolled for more than one semester if drug screens are required by the clinical affiliates at that campus
- Background check: If you are out for more than one semester
- Current TB test
- Current proof of required vaccinations
- Current American Heart Association BLS
- If you do not complete any Baker College courses for more than one semester, you must meet with your academic advisor and the Baker College re-entry policy would apply, per the Baker College Student Handbook.
- The Program Director of Nursing will grant final approval of re-entry.
College of Nursing Dismissal
As a pre-licensure student, you may be dismissed from the nursing program due to, but not limited to any of the following issues:
- Recurrent unsatisfactory academic progression (i.e., failure of 2nd NUR course, or failure to pass a NUR course after two attempts).
- Unsafe clinical practice/violation as evaluated by nursing faculty
- Breach of HIPAA compliance
- Improper professional behavior
- Absenteeism/tardiness
- Substance abuse (prescription/non-prescription)
- Violation of social networking policy
- Failure to meet required clinical expectations including deadlines
*Note: Academic dismissal from the nursing program does not automatically result in dismissal from Baker College. You should discuss any options you may have related to other programs with your academic advisor.
RN to BSN (Post-Licensure) Students
Post-Licensure BSN students must follow the policies and procedures as outlined by the Online campus specific to withdrawal, dismissal, and class participation.
Transfer Between Campuses
You may transfer between campuses, either for a limited period (a semester/a year) or permanently. Campus transfer approval is a College of Nursing-specific matter and will be approved by the Campus Director and the Dean. The Procedure and Application Form includes the process and deadline dates for applications, as well as the timescales within which campuses should process transfers. Since the decision to permit a transfer between campuses is a matter of campus situation, you will not have grounds for appeal if a transfer application is not approved.
If You Wish to Transfer
- Discuss the transfer, both in a written statement and face-to-face conversation with the current campus Nursing Director. The Nursing Director explains academic criteria differences between campuses.
- You will be advised of the Application Form, deadlines, and approval process.
Application Form Process
- You must complete the Application Form and submit to the Nursing Director at current Campus
- Current Campus indicates approval/non-approval on Form. If non-approval, you will be informed of reasons.
- If approval is given, current Campus Nursing Director sends form to transferring Campus Nursing Director
- Transferring Campus Nursing Director indicates approval/non-approval on Form. If form indicates non- approval, you will be informed of reasons.
Approved Transfers
- If the transfer is approved, the Application Form is returned to current Campus Nursing Director
- Current Campus Director of Nursing will notify you about the decision and next steps (e.g., sending student file)
- Transferring Campus connects with you as the transferring student on: course enrollment, specific campus clinical requirements, accommodation if applicable
- Transferring Campus puts in place required academic orientation at the campus (if there is any difference between campus regulations; e.g., student parking, campus hours, dress code, etc.).
APPENDIX A
Pre-Licensure Program
Program Outcome Progression
The course sequence progresses from basic knowledge and skills, wellness care, and less complicated care situations to care of patients with special needs and complex health situations, and on to leadership and management of patient care. Your learning in this program will progress:
- From uncomplicated care situations to complex and multisystem care scenarios.
- From basic skills to complex technical skills.
- From application of basic assessment of the adult patient to assessment of patients in a wide range of specialty environments and complex acute and chronic medical surgical conditions.
- From health promotion through the lifespan to health care that promotes an optimal state of wellness.
- From needing assistance with problem-solving and clinical reasoning skills to an independent ability to solve patient care health situations.
- From following leaders in nursing care situations to application of leadership skill.
- From community health awareness to application of the nursing process within community health settings.
- From awareness of research to utilizing research in provision of evidence-based care.
- From instructor-directed learning to collaborative student self-directed learning.
Following is a brief description of the progression of nursing course work across levels and across the six semesters of the nursing program.
Level 1 - (Semester 1): The first semester presents fundamental concepts and skills for nursing practice and formation of health assessment skills and techniques. At this level you are introduced to the nursing process and there is a focus on guiding you into the professional nursing role. Clinical experiences may be provided in a variety of settings including long-term care and/or acute care settings. Patient safety and infection control measures are emphasized along with the concept of evidence-based practice and methods to promote information literacy.
Level 2 - (Semester 2): In the second semester, you continue to develop critical thinking and clinical-reasoning skills in an acute care medical-surgical environment. You are also introduced to health promotion concepts and developmental stages across the lifespan. Medication administration and more complex nursing skills are introduced. Demonstration of professional behavior and further socialization into the nursing role is emphasized and expected. Growth in the areas of communication and collaboration with other health care disciplines is also evaluated.
Level 3 - (Semester 3 and Semester 4): In the third and fourth semester, you further develop your nursing knowledge and skills by learning to correlate key concepts and curricular threads to specialty populations including obstetrical, pediatric, and mental health patients in a variety of health care settings. In addition, further exposure to medical surgical concepts occur with an emphasis on gerontology and chronic illness in the adult population. You are expected to more consistently demonstrate understanding and competency in all areas. Caring principles, use of theory and research in the application of the nursing process, evidence based care, quality and safety, and the application of the nursing process are further integrated to provide patients with comprehensive, holistic, and patient-centered care. Consistent demonstration of professional behavior is expected. Concepts of leadership and legal and ethical principles are more thoroughly explored at this level.
Level 4 - (Semester 5): In the fifth semester of the nursing program, concentration is placed on achievement of optimal health outcomes for target populations and selected vulnerable subgroups within the community. You will further develop your nursing knowledge and skills by learning to correlate key concepts and curricular threads to specialty populations in a variety of health care settings. You must demonstrate an ability to apply community health and nursing principles in the care of individuals, families, and selected vulnerable subgroups within a community setting.
Level 5 - (Semester 6): In the sixth semester of the nursing program, you continue to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills in an acute care medical-surgical environment. You will provide nursing care in a variety of health care settings, including critical care, emergency, and perioperative settings, with an emphasis on provision of competency in all major program areas as you begin the transition to an independent practitioner. You must demonstrate an ability to consistently provide care that is safe, patient-centered, holistic, collaborative, and evidence-based. Integration of all program threads and processes should be consistently demonstrated and understood. Further development of nursing leadership occurs through identification of personal leadership style and values, in relation to professional standards, the nursing code of ethics, effective communication, and leadership theories and models. You will also begin preparation for professional licensure and the NCLEX-RN. Demonstration of higher levels of analytical and critical thinking and clinical reasoning in the clinical setting are evaluated and modeled. Preparation for entry into practice as a professional nurse is emphasized.
APPENDIX B
Service Learning Hours Guidelines
Service-learning is a strategy that integrates meaningful community service with reflection of that service to enrich the learning experience. Service-learning teaches civic responsibility and helps to strengthen communities. A major objective of this endeavor is to encourage you to make the connection between classroom learning and the larger community of which you will be a part by providing hands-on learning out in that community. It has been shown that this type of learning contributes to the personal and professional growth of students and at the same time benefits the college and the community. It is a win-win situation for everyone!
Guidelines:
All Baker College of Nursing Students are required to participate in service-learning experiences before they graduate from the program.
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A minimum of 15 hours of actual service is required for traditional students and 7.5 hours total for accelerated students. This needs to be completed with a minimum of TWO service experiences and should only occur in increments of 2 hours or more per experience.
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You are encouraged to complete 5 hours of service-learning activities each year in the program to meet this requirement. (7.5 hours total for accelerated students)
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A maximum of two hours may result from a Baker College sponsored walk or walk with Baker faculty present.
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You are responsible for keeping an accurate log of your experiences on the service learning log provided. You are required to provide proof of completion of hours. This can take the form of a signature, picture, documentation from the event, etc.
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You should verify with a nursing faculty member the appropriateness of the experience in meeting program requirements BEFORE signing on. Your experience does not have to be directly related to nursing, but it certainly can be. Any organization in the community that can benefit from your presence in a meaningful way should be considered.
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The service learning log will become part of your portfolio upon completion. In addition to the log, you will write a reflective summary of your service-learning experience demonstrating how the service hours met one or more of the Program Outcomes, the impact volunteering has had on your education, and your plans for continuing to volunteer in the community.
Traditional Program Service Log Accelerated Program Service Log
It is the intent of this requirement to provide you with a positive, meaningful, and real-life experience that will give you an opportunity to utilize your knowledge of nursing in an environment that promotes teamwork, cooperation, and application of your ability to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Program Outcomes:
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Knowledge of Nursing Practice: Integrate, interpret, and apply established nursing and educational knowledge to practice nursing using clinical judgment.
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Person Centered Care: Deliver compassionate, holistic, evidence-based, and individual-focused care that promotes positive health outcomes and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Population Health: Promote collaborative global health initiatives and preventative measures for disease and injury while considering the influence of cultural and environmental factors impacting healthcare outcomes.
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Scholarship for the Nursing Discipline: Utilize research based evidence and ethical principles to guide clinical judgment and promote optimal patient outcomes.
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Quality and Safety: Facilitate a just environment while adhering to standards of safety and quality in nursing and healthcare practice to enhance favorable patient care outcomes and reduce potential risk to both patients and providers.
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Interprofessional Partnership: Employ various communication techniques when interacting with the interdisciplinary team, patients, families, and community stakeholders to optimize patient outcomes.
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Systems-Based Practice: Use evidence-based practice to coordinate resources across healthcare systems, facilitating safe, cost-effective, equitable care to diverse populations across the continuum of care
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Informatics and Healthcare Technologies: Leverage healthcare informatics technologies and processes to improve communication in the delivery of nursing and healthcare services while adhering to professional standards and best practices.
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Professionalism: Demonstrate a professional nursing identity that embodies values and ethics, knowledge, accountability to the profession, and professional comportment.
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Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development: Engage in reflective activities that stimulate personal development and resiliency, contributing to lifelong learning by fostering ongoing growth in leadership and professional identity.
Potential Options:
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SNA leadership activities
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Health clinics, vaccination clinics, free clinics, health fairs, COVID screenings
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Distribution of items to those in needs
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Educational projects
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Volunteering or working at walks, marathons, etc.
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Volunteering at medical reliefs, food banks, clothes closets, soup kitchens, etc.
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Supporting (screenings, education, etc.) local public and private school districts
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Volunteer at blood drives
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Adopt a highway
Note: You will be awarded up to 4 hours per conference attendance with a cap of 8 hours total permitted for conference attendance. You must provide a deliverable sharing of information learned from the conference by delivering a presentation or a similar sharing platform.
GRADUATE NURSING
Program Overview, Mission, Philosophy, and Program Outcomes
College of Nursing Mission
The mission of the College of Nursing is to prepare graduates who are life-long learners with the core knowledge and skills needed to provide competent, holistic nursing care in a diverse and ever-changing health care environment.
Vision Statement
The vision of the College of Nursing is to empower nursing students by providing opportunities for professional growth through the acquisition of knowledge and skills needed to respond to diverse individual and community needs in various healthcare settings.
Goals (Core Values)
Integrity:
The faculty will model ethical principles, demonstrate honesty in academic and clinical settings, and cultivate a sense of responsibility and accountability for students that facilitates the highest standards of integrity in their practice as future nurses.
Caring:
Faculty will model caring behaviors when interacting with students to foster professional growth in nursing practice. Actions include facilitating a safe, inclusive student-centered learning environment, providing constructive feedback in an open, respectful manner, and coordinating meaningful and effective caregiving experiences.
Inclusiveness:
Faculty will embrace students as individuals by recognizing the diversity of perspectives, experiences, cultural context, and learning styles that impact the delivery of nursing education.
Innovation:
Faculty will provide an educational approach that is evidence-based and adaptive to the current needs of the healthcare profession.
Social Responsibility:
Faculty will facilitate opportunities for students to participate in learning experiences within diverse community settings in order to foster an understanding of social responsibility and address healthcare inequities and disparities.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing Program, the graduate will be able to:
- Knowledge for Nursing Practice: Integrate information from various disciplines to improve advanced practice nursing in the realms of education, leadership, interprofessional collaboration, and clinical practice.
- Person-Centered Care: Integrate holistic, culturally responsive, and patient-centered strategies in delivering healthcare, guided by evidence to promote equitable health outcomes.
- Population Health: Participate in collaborative efforts to enhance and promote equitable population health outcomes on both local and global scales.
- Scholarship for Nursing Practice: Exhibit scholarly investigation and reflective analysis to facilitate transformation in the practice of professional nursing
- Quality and Safety: Utilize leadership competencies to support the development, oversight, and assessment of quality and safety initiatives.
- Interprofessional Partnerships: Employ interprofessional written and oral communication to encourage and facilitate collaborative relationships aiming to improve patient outcomes.
- Systems-Based Practice: Contribute to changes within intricate healthcare systems with the goal of improving healthcare quality.
- Informatics and Healthcare Technologies: Appraise information technology and scientific methodologies, specifically Evidence-Based Practices, for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of care systems, programs, and outcomes.
- Professionalism: Model professional values, ethical standards, a code of ethics, professional standards, and legal statutes applicable to the practice of nursing.
- Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development: Demonstrate the value of lifelong learning, self-reflection, and continuous career development within the nursing profession.
Program Completion
Some Students can complete the MSN in as little as 18 months, and the maximum time allowed is seven (7) years. Factors that influence the time to completion include: tuition assistance, family obligations, and work responsibilities.
All required courses in the program must be successfully completed before students may enroll in the capstone courses, NUR 6220 and NUR 6230.
Professional Academic Conduct
As a post-licensure nursing student in the College of Nursing, you are expected to demonstrate integrity and uphold the standards outlined in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics. Maintaining confidentiality and accurately reporting and recording information are essential responsibilities; failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
Any instance of academic dishonesty will be reported immediately to faculty. Additionally, all information, ideas, concepts, statistics, or data used to complete assignments must be properly cited to avoid plagiarism. For more information, please refer to the Academic Honor Code in the Baker College Student Handbook.
Grading Policy: RN to MSN
Students enrolled in the undergraduate bridge courses must achieve a minimum grade of B- or 800 out of 1000 points to successfully complete the course. Failure to meet this standard will require you to retake the course to progress within the program. All graduate-level courses within the RN to MSN program require a minimum grade of C, in alignment with the Baker College Center for Graduate Studies grading policy. You must meet this standard to earn credit for the course and continue in the program.
Undergraduate bridge courses include the following:
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NUR 3050: Evidence-Based Practice
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NUR 3210: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice
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NUR 4450: Community Health Nursing
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NUR 4550: Nursing Leadership and Management
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NUR 3510: Information Management in Healthcare
Transfer Credit Policy
Courses transferred into the RN to MSN program must meet the following criteria:
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The course content must align with the requirements of the RN to MSN curriculum.
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The course must have been completed at an accredited institution within the last five (5) years.
A minimum grade of B- must have been earned in the undergraduate bridge courses, and a grade of C must have been earned in a graduate level course to be eligible for transfer.
Preceptors and Clinical Agencies
As a graduate student, you will self-identify preceptors and clinical agencies in your local communities with the approval of course faculty. To that end, you will need to:
- Submit preceptor agreements to course faculty prior to beginning practicum hours.
- Submit preceptor Curriculum Vitae to course faculty prior to beginning practicum hours to assure preceptor has the necessary experience and skills to assist in guiding you through the practice process
- Submit clinical agency agreement to faculty prior to beginning practicum hours. Within the state of Michigan, Baker College has contracts with most of the health care providers and you are encouraged to conduct practice hours in these facilities. However, should you wish to conduct practice hours in a facility where Baker College does not have a contract, it is your responsibility to obtain approval from the facility to conduct their practice hours. Please reach out to your program director or the Dean of Nursing as needed for assistance in this process. A clinical agreement is required, including the facilities where you are an employee. You will need to comply with any additional documentation requirements for the facility. While Baker College’s affiliation agreement approval process is efficient, the timeline for clinical site approvals may vary. To prevent delays, we recommend initiating these agreements with the clinical site as early as possible.
- While conducting practice hours, you are functioning in a student role, not staff, and it is required that the facility acknowledges this change in role by use of the facility agreement. It is not the responsibility of the College of Nursing to obtain contracts for student identified facilities by which to conduct the practicum experience.
- You are subject to all policies and procedures of the practice facilities, including documentation of immunizations, BLS certification, drug screening, etc. Once you have submitted the facility agreement form and started the practice experience, failure to comply with any facility policy and practice may result in failure of the practice experience and in the course.
Requirements of Students Prior to Practice Experience
1. Unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in the state where you will conduct the practice experience
2. Professional liability coverage (you must have documentation of professional liability insurance in order to register for courses with practice hours).
3. Health Insurance: As a student enrolled in the College of Nursing, you must have health insurance during the time in which you are in any clinical/practicum experiences.
Student Health and Safety Requirements for Clinical Experiences
You are expected to follow the immunization, HIPAA, Blood Borne Pathogens, Background Check, Drug Screen, and BLS requirements of the clinical sites where you complete your clinical hours. Possible requirements are noted below. It is recommended that you ensure that you have all of the possible requirements completed in the event these are required by a clinical site to facilitate being able to complete hours in a timely manner.
Health and Immunization Requirements: (Align with specific clinical agency policy). MSN students are expected to follow the requirements of the clinical sites where you will complete your practicum. You are financially responsible for all immunizations, tests, and titers needed for compliance with your clinical site requirements. Possible requirements may include:
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Tuberculosis Testing: T.B. skin test, serological test, or chest x-ray results must be submitted as outlined by your clinical site requirements, which are specific to your clinical placements. You must not have active or communicable tuberculosis.
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Varicella-Zoster Testing: Documentation to verify immune status via serologic testing or documentation of immunization if required by clinical site.
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Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Immunization: A valid immunization record documenting administration of this required immunization (MMR) and/or verification of immune status for measles and rubella via serologic testing.
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Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis Immunization: A valid immunization record documenting a primary series and booster dose (Tdap) within the previous ten (10) years.
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Hepatitis B Immunization Series: Documentation of having received or in the process of receiving the Hepatitis B immunization series. Although this may be an optional immunization, the College of Nursing strongly recommends that you be protected prior to clinical activities and possible exposure. A lack of the Hepatitis B series may prevent you from access to some clinical site placements.
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Influenza Vaccine: Documentation of an annual flu vaccine.
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COVID-19 Vaccine: The College of Nursing recommends that all eligible individuals receive the COVID-19 vaccine. While the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended, it may be required for some clinical sites. These requirements are put in place by the clinical sites themselves and are subject to change based on their respective policies and guidelines. If you choose a clinical placement site where the COVID-19 vaccine is required, you will be expected to either provide proof of vaccination or obtain an exemption from both the college and the clinical site, if applicable.
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Criminal History and Background Check
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Drug Screen: The College of Nursing or the clinical site may require a random drug screen based on affiliation contract or behavior exhibited by the student. If you are believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during clinical and this is reported to the College of Nursing, you will be referred for a drug screen and temporarily suspended from clinical work until the results of the drug screen are reported. If you fail to present at the designated time/place for this random drug screen, this will be considered a positive result and may result in dismissal from the program.
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Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
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Item
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Estimated Cost
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Background Check
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$20 - $50
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Drug Screening (if required by clinical site)
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$25 - $75
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Fingerprinting (if required by clinical site)
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$68 - $100
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Immunizations/Titers:
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Varies by students’ immunization history and medical insurance
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Immunization Tracking
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$15 - $25
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Clinical placement service (if required)
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Varies by program or clinical site
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Basic Life Support/CPR/First Aid Training
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$50 - $125
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Equipment (stethoscope, bandage scissors, etc)
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Varies depending on product
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Students are working in a clinical environment and may be exposed to communicable diseases, bed bugs, lice, etc. If exposed, you should notify faculty and follow the clinical site and Baker College reporting procedures.
Immunization Exemption
To request an accommodation that allows you to be exempted from a vaccination requirement, please complete this electronic form through the BC Portal. In general, exemption requests are based on valid medical or religious grounds. If the request is based on a medical condition, a Medical Verification Form will also need to be submitted with your electronic request. The College will review your request and notify you whether it is approved. The College may ask you for more details about your request, and may need you to provide additional information.
Responsibilities of Preceptor Participants
Preceptor Requirements
All individuals who elect to serve as preceptors for the MSN program must meet the following requirements:
- Hold current unencumbered license to practice in their discipline as a RN in the identified state
- Possess expertise in the clinical area of study
- Hold one of the following degrees: MSN, DNP, or PhD. In special circumstances, exceptions may be made given a preceptor’s unique clinical expertise and experience.
- Possess expertise and greater than one year of experience in the clinical area of study
- Submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume to course faculty
- Have approval of course faculty
Preceptor Responsibilities
- Submit Preceptor CV or Resume
- Meet with faculty for preceptor orientation (this may occur via e-mail communication and/or telephone conversation or any other means of electronic communication agreeable to both course faculty and preceptor)
- Serve as a positive professional role model
- Direct learning experiences to help the student meet course objectives
- Maintain responsibility for the practice outcomes
- Provide ongoing feedback to student and faculty members as indicated
- Participate in evaluation of student and preceptorship experience
MSN Student Responsibilities
- In collaboration with course faculty, the student will identify a preceptor and institution for the practicum portion of the program experience.
- Provide preceptor with the course objectives prior to beginning on site practicum hours.
- Document all practice encounters. All entries must be cosigned by the preceptor.
- Adhere to policies of Baker College, the College of Nursing, and the institution for practicum experience.
- Complete self-evaluation and evaluations of your preceptor and preceptorship experience.
Faculty Responsibilities
- Be available to the preceptor to discuss the program outcomes, course objectives, and student performance.
- Assess the practicum facility for appropriateness in meeting course objectives.
- Maintain open communication with the preceptor regarding the student’s progress.
Practice Policy
The preceptor or course faculty has complete authority to remove any student whose behavior is unsafe or unsatisfactory from the practice site. The Dean of the College of Nursing, the faculty member, preceptor, and student will review the incident prior to the student returning to the practice area.
Practice Dress Code
Professional practice attire is required at all times. You must adhere to the dress code of the facility where you are conducting the practice hours. Recommended attire includes white lab coat, student identification badge, and closed toe shoes.
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