University of Delaware
School of Nursing
Graduate Program
Policy Manual
2009-2010
School of
Nursing Philosophy........................................................................................................................ 4
School of Nursing Organizational Framework................................................................................................... 6
Concepts and Sub-concepts................................................................................................................................................ 6
School of Nursing Graduate Education Beliefs................................................................................................. 8
School of Nursing Graduate Program Outcomes............................................................................................ 10
School of Nursing Graduate Programs Admission
Requirements..................................................................... 11
Admission Requirements – MSN......................................................................................................................................... 11
Admission Requirements – MS............................................................................................................................................ 11
Admission & Matriculation Requirements – RN to MSN................................................................................... 12
Financial Support........................................................................................................................................ 12
School of Nursing - Advisement and Course Registration................................................................................ 13
Advisement....................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Plan of Study................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Course Registration for MSN & MS Students....................................................................................................... 13
Course Registration for RN-MSN Students............................................................................................................ 13
Full-Time and Part-Time
Status.................................................................................................................... 13
Communication & Identification.................................................................................................................... 14
E-mail..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Graduate Mailbox........................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Communication with Faculty.............................................................................................................................................. 14
Communication with Students........................................................................................................................................... 14
Grade Reporting.......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Student I.D. Cards....................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Parking Permits............................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Clinical Courses - General Information........................................................................................................... 15
Clinical Courses Locations................................................................................................................................................ 15
Typhon Student Clinical Tracking System.............................................................................................................. 15
Clinical Dress Code..................................................................................................................................... 15
Mandatory Clinical Requirements - Overview.................................................................................................. 16
Outline of Clinical Requirements................................................................................................................... 16
Mandatory Clinical Requirements – Detailed Information................................................................................. 16
Hepatitis B Vaccination........................................................................................................................................................... 16
Rubella Documentation......................................................................................................................................................... 17
PPD (Mantoux) Skin Test.......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Chickenpox (Varicella)............................................................................................................................................................ 17
Tetanus................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Measles (Rubeola)...................................................................................................................................................................... 17
CPR Requirement.......................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Hazardous Chemical and Bloodborne Pathogens Training...................................................................... 17
Background Checks................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Drug Screening............................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Policy on Student Criminal Background Checks and Drug
Screening............................................................... 18
School of Nursing Graduate Degree Offerings & Core
Requirements................................................................ 19
Degree Types & Concentrations.................................................................................................................................... 19
Requirements for the MSN Degree.............................................................................................................................. 19
MSN HSAD
Core Courses............................................................................................................................................................ 19
CNS &
NP Core Courses.............................................................................................................................................................. 20
Requirements for the MS Degree................................................................................................................................. 20
Requirements for the RN to MSN Degree...................................................................................................... 21
Fulfillment of the Research Requirement....................................................................................................... 22
Thesis Option................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Scholarly Project Option................................................................................................................................................... 23
Nursing Science: Research Application (NURS-687)........................................................................................... 23
Thesis/Project Information............................................................................................................................ 23
Change of thesis/project advisor............................................................................................................................... 23
Grades for thesis/project................................................................................................................................................. 23
Sustaining Status........................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Fulfillment of the Research Requirement HSAD Students............................................................................... 24
HSAD Course Requirement................................................................................................................................................... 24
HSAD Choosing a Project Advisor................................................................................................................................. 24
HSAD Guidelines for Format for Scholarly Project.................................................................................... 24
HSAD Ideas for the Scholarly Project..................................................................................................................... 24
HSAD Procedure........................................................................................................................................................................... 25
HSAD Summary................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Change of Program Concentration................................................................................................................ 26
Progression in the Program – MSN students................................................................................................. 26
Monitoring of Progress – MSN students................................................................................................................ 26
Progression in the Graduate Program – MS students..................................................................................... 26
Monitoring Of Progress – MS students................................................................................................................... 27
Change from RN to MSN Program to RN to BSN Program.............................................................................. 27
Transfer of Credit......................................................................................................................................... 27
Waiver Policy............................................................................................................................................. 27
Graduate Student Grievance Procedure......................................................................................................... 28
Academic Honesty...................................................................................................................................... 28
Leave Of Absence....................................................................................................................................... 28
Continuous Registration............................................................................................................................... 28
Application for Advanced Degree.................................................................................................................. 28
Application for Completion of Post Master’s Certificate................................................................................... 28
Graduation................................................................................................................................................. 28
Resignation from the University.................................................................................................................... 29
Graduate Student Safety Training................................................................................................................. 30
University of Delaware Department of Occupational Health
and Safety (DOHS)................. 30
School of Nursing Safety Committee........................................................................................................................ 30
Emergency Training.................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Accident/Illness Information............................................................................................................................................ 31
Additional Areas for Students Exposed to Hazardous
Materials..................................................... 32
Post‑Exposure Evaluation and Follow‑Up
Procedure....................................................................................... 33
Distance Learning Information...................................................................................................................... 34
Technical Support:.................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Course Support:.......................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Accessing the Library:........................................................................................................................................................... 34
Course Delivery Formats:................................................................................................................................................... 34
Registration:................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Ordering Books and Supplies:......................................................................................................................................... 34
Web Sites of Interest................................................................................................................................... 35
School of
NursingPhilosophy
The
School of Nursing derives the general principles of its philosophy from the
philosophy and functions of the University of Delaware. The faculty of the School of Nursing is
responsible for implementing the nursing education component of the three
University functions of teaching, research, and service.
The
faculty view human beings as biopsychosociocultural systems that have all the
properties of open systems. Human beings
possess universal needs which influence their capacity for intellectual,
emotional, social, and humanistic accomplishments. As they interact with the environment, human
beings make choices and decisions that influence need satisfaction.
A
society is an organization of individuals and groups that, through
interactions, form communities of various sizes and descriptions. Societies are dynamic in nature and
culturally diverse. Societies assure
that the needs of their members are met.
Individuals, families, and communities develop social roles, identities,
and values through opportunities provided by the society in which they live.
Because
humans are integrated beings, health embodies biological, psychological,
social, economic, cultural, and sociocultural dimensions. Health is a state of being that fluctuates
between varying degrees of wellness and illness. When human needs are altered, varying levels
of equilibrium within health may result.
If self-regulatory processes fail to maintain or restore wellness,
individuals may become functionally inadequate and unable to develop or
survive.
Nursing,
as a profession, is an essential component of the healthcare delivery
system. Nursing is based on a rapidly expanding
body of scientific knowledge and skills that promotes the achievement,
maintenance, or enhancement of dynamic equilibrium across the lifespan. Through the nursing process and nursing
research, nurses use the scientific method to advance knowledge and practice in
the discipline.
The
faculty of the School of Nursing believes that a major goal of education is to
develop socially responsible individuals who can think critically, logically,
and creatively. The educational system
promotes the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of each
individual. The goal of the educational
process in nursing is students' internalization of values and beliefs
consistent with the roles of professional nurses. An environment conducive to effective
learning is one in which learners and teachers share mutual goals, mutual
effort, and mutual respect for individual and cultural differences. Educational outcomes of the teaching/learning
process are best achieved when learners are active participants and teachers are
role models and facilitators.
Baccalaureate
education in nursing prepares learners with diverse educational backgrounds for
the first level of professional nursing, the generalist level. Through systematic and sequential
experiences, baccalaureate students learn to use critical thinking and make
independent judgments, to integrate nursing theory and nursing practice, and to
provide comprehensive nursing care to individuals and families in a variety of
settings. As professional nurses,
baccalaureate graduates evaluate current practices; define ways of improving
the quality of professional nursing practice, and use research findings in
describing, evaluating, and improving practice.
As generalists, professional nurses deliver direct nursing care and are
prepared to assume leadership responsibilities in guiding and directing others
in the provision of nursing care. In
addition, professional nurses collaborate with colleagues and other health
professionals in healthcare delivery. In
an ever changing society, baccalaureate nurses participate in defining the
emerging roles of professional practice.
Graduate
education in nursing builds on theories and practices acquired at the
baccalaureate level and provides the basis for doctoral study in nursing. Graduate education socializes learners to
advanced nursing roles. Nurses in
advanced roles influence the quality of nursing practice and the direction of
healthcare delivery. As nursing
specialists, administrators, and/or nurse practitioners, they function independently
and interdependently with peers and members of other healthcare disciplines in
direct and indirect care of individuals, families, and community groups. In addition, these nurses are capable of
generating scholarly activity and of defining, developing, and adapting to
present and emerging advanced roles in nursing.
They serve as leaders in professional, civic, and/or community
organizations and may be actively involved in political/legislative arenas.
In
addition to providing opportunities for formal, degree-granting programs, the
faculty of the School of Nursing is committed to providing ongoing education
for nurses in conjunction with the University’s Professional and Continuing
Studies. The faculty believes that life-long learning is a means for achieving
a satisfying and productive life and is of paramount importance in the delivery
of safe, effective, and efficient healthcare.
Approved
by Faculty of the College of Nursing
9/13/94
Revised:
JS:sg 9/97
Reviewed: LP
5/02
Reviewed:
Grad Ed 9/08
School of Nursing Organizational Framework
The curricula of the School
of Nursing are based on the College philosophy and organizational
framework. The framework was developed
by the faculty as a tool that provides a method of organizing learning
experiences to promote an understanding of clients and their interactions with
their environment.
Further, this organizational
framework represents the faculty's beliefs about nursing and provides a frame
of reference for situations that lend themselves to theory testing. The ultimate goal of the organizational
framework is to assist the student to implement professional nursing practice.
The organizational framework
of both undergraduate and graduate curricula is built on four major concepts:
clients, environment, health, and nursing.
These are interactive and open systems.
A system is an organized
unit with a set of components that mutually react. The system acts as a whole. Systems may be open or closed. Open systems must interact through the
exchange of information, energy, and material to maintain a state of dynamic
equilibrium. The client (individual,
family, and community) openly interacts with the environment. The nurse promotes client health and
environmental interaction by providing energy and feedback to the system.
Clients are individuals,
families, groups, communities, and populations with biopsychosociocultural
dimensions. Client systems are
interdependent yet have definable structures, relationships, and boundaries.
Biopsychosociocultural
dimensions refer to clients biological, psychological, and sociocultural
components of health across the lifespan.
Environment is the setting
in which nursing occurs and the dynamic surroundings of the client, including
the physical, psychological, social, ecological, and cultural contexts.
Health
is a state of being that fluctuates between varying degrees of wellness and
illness. Health embodies the subconcepts
of promotion, prevention, restoration, and maintenance.
Health
Promotion: Is the process of assisting clients to enhance well-being through
behaviors that promote health and maximize potential.
Disease
Prevention: Is the process of protecting clients from disease, illness, and
injury. The specific levels are
classified as: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary prevention involves stopping the
development or occurrence of disease, illness, or injury. Secondary prevention focuses on the early
detection and treatment of disease or illness.
Tertiary prevention involves rehabilitation to limit excess disability,
complications, and/or death.
Health
Restoration: The process of assisting clients to return to an optimal state of
health.
Health
Maintenance: The process of preserving an optimal level of health.
Nursing is a profession that
promotes health with clients. Nursing
includes the following roles: caregiver, critical thinker/problem solver,
researcher, advocate, teacher, collaborator, and leader.
Caregiver:
In this role, the bachelor’s prepared nurse provides safe, competent,
culturally sensitive care.
The
master’s prepared caregiver is an expert clinician whoprovides,guides, directs
and evaluates the nursing care delivered to the individual, family, and
community.
Critical
thinker/problem solver: The nurse as a critical thinker engages in a
deliberative process of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of facts, theories,
principles, and interpretations. In this
role, the nurse organizes experiences, creatively approaches problems, and
gives explanations.
Researcher: The bachelor’s
prepared nurse is a research consumer.
In this role, the content, method, and applicability of research findings
are applied to practice.
The
master’s prepared researcher identifies current researchable problems,
collaborates in research, and evaluates and implements research findings that
have an impact on nursing and healthcare.
Advocate: The nurse provides
for the protection of client rights. The
nurse also secures care for all clients based on the belief that clients have
the right to make informed decisions about their own health.
Teacher: The nurse as
teacher promotes health-related learning through formal and informal
activities/interactions with clients.
Collaborator: Establishes
relationships with clients, families, healthcare providers, and members of
other disciplines. In this role, the
nurse coordinates services to facilitate health.
The
master’s prepared nurse collaborates in interdisciplinary efforts to provide
healthcare and improve healthcare delivery systems at local, state, and/or
national levels.
Leader: The bachelor’s
prepared nurse as a leader guides change, strategically manages, employs
vision, and provides motivation for clients and staff in all environments,
including health systems, communities, and the political arena.
The
master’s prepared nurse leader defines, develops, and implements current and
emerging nursing roles and interprets and promotes professional nursing and
healthcare to members of the professions, other disciplines, consumers, and
legislators.
KS:sg
10/25/96
Approved by
Faculty 3/18/97
Revised:
LMS:BHL/sg 6/24/97
DNS\ORGFRAME.FNL
Reviewed:
Grad Ed. 9/08
School of Nursing Graduate Education Beliefs
The School of Nursingfaculty
believes that the program leading to a master of science in nursing
- Builds on the theories and practices acquired in
the educational program leading to the first professional degree in
nursing and provides a basis for doctoral study in nursing.
- Prepares clinical nurse specialist, nurse
administrators, and nurse practitioners who accept accountability for
actions as leaders in influencing the quality of nursing practice and the
direction of the healthcare delivery system.
- Focuses on concepts of advanced nursing practice
specific to chosen area of specialization as well as key concepts
applicable to all of nursing.
- Emphasizes the independent functions of nursing
while recognizing the appropriateness and need for collaboration in
achieving the health goals of individuals, families, and communities.
- Promotes conceptualization, hypothesis
formation, theory testing, operationalization of theory in practice, and
communication of findings both within and outside the nursing profession.
- Prepares graduates to practice in a variety of
roles and settings with particular focus on expanding roles.
The School of Nursingfaculty
believes that graduate students in nursing who have diverse educational
backgrounds and experiences
- Are highly motivated to pursue advanced study in
a chosen area of specialization.
- Are self-directed and capable of formulating
their objectives to meet required goals of functioning independently and
interdependently and of monitoring their own progress.
- Are prepared to learn to analyze, synthesize,
and integrate concepts basic to developing expertise in specialty areas,
research competency, and new roles.
- Are aware of the changing nature of professional
nursing practice and of their obligation to participate in activities in
professional and academic communities.
The School of Nursingfaculty
believes that both faculty and students
- Share responsibility for maintaining a climate
conducive to learning.
- Are active participants in the teaching-learning
process.
- Have mutual respect for the unique qualities of
students and teachers.
- Are committed to sharing expert skills and
knowledge in professional nursing practice.
The School of Nursingfaculty
believes that it has a responsibility to prepare nurse practitioners and
clinical nurse specialists with expertise as clinicians and nurse administrators
with a variety of management skills; all students receive knowledge in
scientific inquiry. The faculty views
clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and nurse administrators as
leaders in nursing who
- Influence the quality of nursing practice and
the direction of the healthcare system.
- Function independently and interdependently with
peers and members of other healthcare disciplines in direct and indirect
care of individuals, families, and community groups.
- Formulate research problems and engage in
research studies.
- Define, develop, describe, and adapt to present
and emerging roles in nursing.
- May serve as monitors of healthcare delivery and
planners of health programs.
- Participate in professional organizations to
effect changes in the profession.
- Review current policies in the healthcare system
and contribute to change using appropriate political and legislative
channels.
Approved by
DANS Faculty 10/88
Revised:11/27/95
8/14/98
10/17/03 :jm
policy 2003-2004
Reviewed:
Grad Ed. 9/08
School of Nursing Graduate Program Outcomes
Students who complete the
Master of Science in nursing program will have developed the ability to
practice as clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, or nurse
administrators in a variety of healthcare settings. They will demonstrate the following behaviors.
Evaluate theories and
concepts drawn from nursing, the arts and humanities, and the biological,
social, and physical sciences as the basis for practice as clinical nurse
specialists, nurse practitioners, or nurse administrators.
Analyze the influence of
value systems and ethnicity on healthcare practices, healthcare systems, and
the roles of clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, or nurse
administrators.
Demonstrate competence as a
clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, or nurse administrator.
Collaborate in interdisciplinary
efforts to provide healthcare and improve healthcare delivery systems to local,
state, and/or national levels.
Assume leadership in
interpreting and promoting professional nursing to other members of the
profession, other disciplines, consumers, and legislators.
Provide leadership in
defining, developing, and implementing current and emerging nursing roles.
Develop proposals for
studies or projects that can contribute to the expansion of nursing knowledge
and practice.
Demonstrate ethical decision
making and professional accountability as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse
practitioner, or nurse administrator.
Advocate for health
legislation at local, regional, and/or national levels.
Approved by
DANS Faculty 10/88
Revised 5/94
Revised by
the Committee for Graduate Education, March, 2001/May, 2002/September, 2008
Bb word/c/program/program-outcomes
Concentrations: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS),
Nurse Practitioner (NP), & Health Services Administration (HSAD)
To be considered for
admission, applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLNAC
or CCNE accredited school of nursing.
The School of Nursing
Graduate Education Committee evaluates applicants on the following criteria:
§
Three
satisfactory academic and/or professional references
§
An interview
with faculty from the graduate program
Concentration: Health Services Administration (HSAD)
To be considered for
admission, applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in a
health-related field such as nutrition/dietetics, sports medicine/exercise
science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, public policy, information
sciences, health education, or health promotion and wellness.
The School of Nursing
Graduate Education Committee evaluates applicants on the following criteria:
§ Completion of one year of management
experience in a health-related field or three years experience in a
professional health-related practice
§
Satisfactory
performance in undergraduate academic work as well as in upper-division major
courses
§
Three
satisfactory academic and/or professional recommendations
§
Submission of a
personal statement concerning goals related to health services administration
§
Interview with
faculty from the graduate program
Admission
& Matriculation Requirements – RN to MSN
The School of Nursing offers
a separate program to allow registered nurses an opportunity to earn a Master
of Science in Nursing concurrently with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The
number of credits for both degrees is a minimum of 134-138 for the Clinical Nurse Specialist or
143-146 for the Adult or Family Nurse Practitioner Specialist. Licensed
registered nurses who are graduates of associate degree or diploma programs may
apply for admission to this program.
After completing the first
13 credits of the program and maintaining a GPA of 3.0, students formally
matriculate into the MSN program.
Students are admitted to the
Master of Science for the Registered Nurse program. Before enrollment in
anynursing courses, students must meet the following criteria:
§
Official
admission to the RN to MSN major
§
Successful
completion of RN licensure exam (30 credits nursing knowledge awarded) and
current RN license
§
Completion of 60
pre-requisite non-nursing credits (See BRN program information.)
§
GPA of 3.0 or
higher in all previous college work
§
Submission of
Nursing Employment Verification Form
§
Three
satisfactory academic and/or professional recommendations.
§
Interview with
faculty from graduate program.
Additional requirements for
RN to MSN Health Services Administration concentration:
§
Completion of
one year of management experience in a health-related field or three years
experience in a professional health-related practice.
§
Submission of a
personal statement concerning goals related to health services administration.
Financial support in the
form of traineeships, grants, or teaching assistantships is usually limited to
full-time nursing students. Funding is
available for part-time students in the last two semesters of study. Limited additional specialty-related funds
are available through the Office of the Director of the School of Nursing. Requirements are subject to change.
School of
Nursing - Advisement and Course Registration
Each student receives
personalized advisement by a faculty member knowledgeable about graduate education
at the University of Delaware. An
academic advisor is assigned at the time of admission. The student may change
his/her academic advisor and is responsible for notifying the graduate
secretary of the change. One of the key responsibilities of the academic
advisor is to develop a program of study for the student.
All students need to make
sure the department graduate office has an up-to-date academic plan of study on
file. A plan may be developed at the time of the student’s initial interview
and should be updated at the time of admission, or anytime a change is made
with the student’s assigned academic advisor.
Some courses have co‑ or prerequisites that must be considered in
the plan sequence. It is the student’s responsibility to notify his/her
academic advisor of any proposed changes to his/her program of study before
they are implemented. The plan of study helps the School of Nursing faculty
plan when courses are offered and helps students anticipate their needs in
arranging work schedules, childcare, travel, etc.
Course
Registration for MSN& MS Students
Students can register on the
Web using UDSIS, the University’s online interactive student information
system. Students are required to
register during the pre-registration period for required core and clinical
facilities to assure placement. If
faculty permission is needed to register for a course, contact the graduate
program secretary, by phone (302) 831-8386, e-mailjmarra@udel.edu, or in person.
After permission is granted, students wanting to register for distance
courses complete the registration through the UD Online Office of Continuing
Education. This website (see web sites
of interest) has useful information about registration forms, etc. Students are required to register during
pre-registration for required core and clinical courses to assure placement.
Course
Registration for RN-MSN Students
Registration - All
registration for graduate NURS courses need permission from the School of
Nursing before registration. This is
done by contacting the graduate program secretary either by phone (302)
831-8386, e-mailsUD-gradnursing@udel.edu , or in person.
After permission is granted, students wanting to register for distance
courses complete the registration through the UD Online Office of Continuing
Education. This website (see web sites
of interest) has useful information about registration forms, etc. Students
must register during the pre-registration period for required core and clinical
courses, to assure placement.
Students enrolled in at
least nine(9) graduate (500 level or above) credit hours or in sustaining
credit are considered full-time students.
Those enrolled for fewer than nine (9) graduate credit hours are
considered part-time students, although students holding assistantships are
considered full-time with six (6) credits.
Generally, a maximum load is 12 graduate credit hours. Additional credit hours may be taken with the
approval of the student’s adviser and the Office of Graduate and Professional
Education. A maximum course load in
either summer or winter session is seven (7) credit hours.
All students are assigned a
UD e-mail address. Faculty and staff
will communicate using the UD e-mail address only (not personal e-mail
address). The University has set up a
method to easily arrange to forward your university e-mail to your personal
e-mail (AOL, Hotmail, Comcast, etc.).
To forward your UD e-mail to
your personal e-mail, go to http://www.udel.edu/help. You only
need to complete this process one time.
If you have any questions contact the UniversityHELPCenter at 831-6000.
Graduate Nurse Practitionerstudents
have individual file folders with their name in an unlocked filing cabinet in
the Mailroom on the third floor of McDowell Hall. This folder is used to for notes from
faculty, for returning course work, etc.
Students should check their mailbox as indicated when they are in
McDowell Hall.
Faculty members have voice
mail and e-mail. Faculty contact
information can be accessed from the University of Delawarehome page under the
directories search link and from the School of Nursing home page. Students may
leave telephone or email messagesfor a faculty member. Calls or messages will be returned as soon as
possible. If students wish to speak to someone immediately, they can call
831-1253 between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M.
Students must make sure that
their current correct name, home address, e-mail address, and home and work
telephone number(s) are on file in the graduate office of the School of
Nursingso that they can be reached as needed. Students must also update the
University Student Information System records through UDSIS. www.udel.edu/udsis
At the end of each term,
grade reports are available through UDSIS personal access website. www.udel.edu/udsis
All students must carry a
valid UD#1 CARD (identification card).
New and replacement cards can be obtained at the StudentServicesBuilding
on Lovett Avenue, weekdays from 8:30-5:00, phone (302) 831-2759. Lost/stolen cards should be reported
immediately, 24 hours a day, by dialing (302) UD#1 CARD (831-2273). For more information, visit www.udel.edu/Registrar/ud1card.html
Commuting graduate students
may purchase a red or gold permit regardless of their off campus address.
Purchasing your permit for the full year is more cost effective than purchasing
for shorter time frames. Students must
be registered and have a personal ID number (PIN) to register for a parking
permit. To access an online application
for a parking permit, go to www.udel.edu/publicsafety/students.html. For fees, go
to
http://www.udel.edu/PublicSafety/studentpermits.htm#pricesPublic Safety is located at 413 Academy Street, phone
(302) 831-1184, e-mail parking@udel.edu. Students may also park and pay an hourly rate in one of the University
parking garages. The parking garage closest to McDowell Hall is located on Main
Street next to the TrabantStudentCenter. There are also a few hourly parking
meters in the parking lot directly across from McDowell Hall for quick trips
into the building.
Clinical
Courses - General Information
Clinical
Courses Locations
Clinical experiences may be
arranged close to a student’s home or work.
Some travel may be required.
Effort is always made to arrange clinical sites that are
convenient.Students are expected to provide their own transportation to all
required clinical experiences.
Typhon
Student Clinical Tracking System
Nurse Practitioner and
Clinical Nurse Specialist students are required to use the Typhon Student
Tracking online system during their clinical courses. Students will pay a one time fee for access
to the tracking system.
All University of Delaware
nursing graduate students assume responsibility for their own attire while in
the clinical setting. Their manner of
dress must be consistent with the policies described in this code (see below)
and consistent with those policies in effect in the institutions in which
clinical experiences are completed. The dress code is subject to change based
upon clinical site and agency requirements.
Students are expected to be aware ofany additions to and exceptions from
the dress code for each of their clinical agencies.
§
The student
presents herself/himself as a professional nurse.
§
The student is
continuously aware of the impact of self upon clients.
§
Students, as
representatives of the School of Nursing, are expected to appear tastefully and
hygienically dressed at all times in the clinical setting.
§
Students are
responsible for purchasing their own professional attire for clinical. The
choice of attire must be consistent with all standards stated in the dress
code.
§
All students are
required to wear name tags while in the clinical setting. The tags should contain the student’s name
and credentials, Graduate Program, University of Delaware. These name tags can be purchased from the
University Bookstore.
§
Students are to
dress in a professional manner: slacks, knee length skirts, or dresses. No jeans of any color, short skirts, shorts,
or open toe shoes are to be worn. The
entire torso must be covered including the shoulders and abdomen.
§
Hairstyles that
extend below the collar should be tied back and neatly kept under control. It is expected that professional nurses style
their hair in a manner in which practice skills may be performed and patient care
safely rendered.
§
Small, plain,
silver or gold post earrings (which do not extend over the ears) are acceptable
jewelry in the clinical areas. Wedding
rings are acceptable in some clinical areas.
In some clinical settings, it may be necessary to secure rings in a
non-visible area of the uniform for patient and/or nurse safety.
§
In order to
conform with the policies of clinical agencies, the students must comply with
the following:
o
All tattoos must
be covered and hidden during patient care.
o
Facial or tongue
jewelry are not allowed.
o
Only two
earrings per ear.
o
No artificial
nails
o
No nails beyond
fingertips.
Requirements for Health
Services Administration students will be determined by the agency/state/country
where practicum is scheduled.
All NP and CNS students are
required to be in 100% compliance with the clinical requirements outlined
below, before registration for clinical courses. Graduate students will not be permitted to
enroll in clinical courses until proof of compliance is received by the
graduate program clinical coordinator in the School of Nursing.
If a student goes to a
clinical site and is found to be in non-compliance with any of the below
requirements he/she will be removed from the clinical site and risk expulsion
from the graduate program. These requirements are subject to change at any
time.
§ Photocopy of current Delaware
nursing license, license from compact State, or State in which clinical will be
arranged.
§
Proof of
immunization status for:
o Hepatitis B
o
Measles
(Rubeola) - if born after 1957
o
German measles
(Rubella) - if born after 1957
o
Tetanus (good
for ten years)
§
Evidence of
current TB status (PPD) or chest X-Ray
§
Evidence of
Varicella status (by titer or documentation of having had chicken pox)
§
Photocopy of
current CPR certification
§
Proof of
Bloodborne Pathogens Safety Training
§
Urine Drug Test
§
Criminal
Background Check
§
Additional
requirements for the clinical education may be required by the healthcare
agency to which a student is assigned.
The Hepatitis B vaccination
is strongly recommended for APN students because of the potential for exposure
to the virus in clinical settings. The
vaccination consists of three injections over a six-month period. The first two are administered one month
apart; the third injection is administered five months later. All three injections are required to
establish immunity.
The vaccinations may be
obtained privately or through Student Health Services. If the latter is used, the student will pay
for each injection at the time of service.
For part-time students who have not paid the Student Health Service Fee,
there will be an additional charge for each of the three injections. Students should call Student Health for an
appointment. The series should be
started at least 6 months prior to the first scheduled clinical course.
Students who choose NOT to
receive the vaccination must sign a waiver before they will be permitted to
begin the sophomore nursing courses.
Rubella Documentation
All students must present
proof of immunity to rubella (German measles) prior to beginning in the
sophomore nursing courses. Physician
documentation of rubella disease history is not sufficient. The proof of immunization may consist of the
date from a physician’s office that the student has received a rubella immunization
after one year of age, or a laboratory statement showing a positive rubella
titer. No student is exempt from this
requirement.
A PPD (Mantoux) test with a
negative reading is required annually.
If positive, a chest x-ray is required.
Proof of PPD tests must be submitted annually to the Clinical
Coordinator in 354 McDowell.
A statement of immunity to
chickenpox (either by vaccine or history or the disease) is required.
Proof of a recent tetanus
booster (less than 10 years) is required.
Proof of TWO measles
vaccines is required.
CPR is a requirement of
clinical agencies. There are no
exceptions. All students must present a
valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card to the Clinical Coordinator.
Completion of the American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider CPR
course or the American Red Cross Basic Life Support Course in CPR is the
required training. This level includes
one- and two-rescuer CPR for adults, infant CPR, and management of foreign body
airway obstruction in both adults and infants.
Hazardous
Chemical and Bloodborne Pathogens Training
An annual on-line (www.udel.edu/OHS/bbptrain.pdf) participation in the University’s bloodborne
pathogens educational training and the University’s Right to Know (http://www/udel.edu/OHS) must be completed.
A single criminal background
check must be done before enrollment in clinical courses. This requirement will suffice for the entire
nursing program unless clinical agencies alter their requirements (background
checks other than those recommended by the School of Nursing may be
appropriate).
A single urine nine-panel
drug screening must be done before enrollment in clinical courses. This
requirement will suffice for the entire nursing program unless clinical
agencies alter their requirements (drug screenings other than those recommended
by the School of Nursing may be appropriate).
Policy on Student Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening
The University of Delaware’s
School of Nursing contracts with multiple clinical agencies for clinical
education experiences which are an essential component of the nursing
curriculum and required to meet the requirements for graduation. An increased number of clinical agencies are
requiring all students, participating in activities involving direct client
care, to complete criminal background checks and drug screenings. This requirement is a direct reflection of
the joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization Comprehensive
Accreditation Manual for Hospitals (2004) that requires all students and instructors
have criminal background checks and drug screening to participate in
clinically-related activities within an accredited hospital agency.
To meet the contractual
obligations and provide high-quality and essential clinical learning
experiences, all nursing students in the pre-licensure programs are required to
complete criminal background checks and drug screenings. The following guidelines apply:
The timeframe for completion
of the criminal background check and drug screening will be announced. Testing will be scheduled by the student
within the announced timeframe, and testing will be conducted by a
certified/licensed agency with the costs being paid by the individual student.
Documentation of the drug
screening and criminal background check must be on file in the School of
Nursing prior to participation in clinical activities of two days or more
involving direct client care. The
student acknowledges and agrees that the information received from any
screening and background check may be shared with any clinical agency
considering the student for clinical experience. In the event of a positive drug screening,
the student will be asked to provide a second drug screening. The student will not be allowed to begin or
continue clinical activities involving direct client care until documentation
of a second negative drug screening is provided. If the second screening is positive, the
student will be dismissed from the nursing major and be referred to the
University of Delaware’s substance abuse professional at Wellspring.
In the event that a
student’s criminal background check discloses a criminal conviction, such
conviction shall be the basis of withdrawal from the program unless the student
furnishes the School of Nursing with written evidence demonstrating that the
State Board of Nursing or analogous licensing agency in the state of the
student’s choice has reviewed the criminal background information and granted
permission to the student to take the NCLEX examination in that state. This documentation must be provided before a
student may begin or continue clinical activities involving direct client care.
Refusal by the student to
complete a criminal background check or drug screening will result in dismissal
from the nursing major.
Any student to be dismissed
from the nursing major as a result of this policy may appeal the decision to
the Student Affairs Committee. The issue
on appeal shall be limited solely to whether a screening or background check
contains erroneous information, and the appellant must offer direct evidence to
rebut the findings. The decision of the
Student Affairs Committee shall be final.
Approved by
Faculty 3/13/06
Reviewed:
Grad Educ 9/08
MSN – Master of Science in
Nursing
Clinical
Nurse Specialist(CNS) - 34 credit hours (37 with thesis)
§
Nursing of
Children
§
Adult Health
Nurse
Practitioner
§
Family Nurse
Practitioner (FNP) - 43 credit hours (46 with thesis)
§
Adult Nurse
Practitioner(ANP) - 40 credit hours (43 with thesis)
Health
Services Administration (HSAD) - 37 credit hours (40 with thesis)
RN – MSN – Registered Nurse
to Master of Science in Nursing
Clinical
Nurse Specialist (CNS) - 134 – 138 total credit hours
§
Nursing of
Children
§
Adult Health
§
Psychiatric Nursing
Nurse Practitioner (NP) – 143-146 total
credit hours
§
Adult Nurse Practitioner
§
Family Nurse Practitioner
Health Services
Administration (HSAD) - 134 – 138 total credit hours
MS – Master of Science
Health
Services Administration(HSAD)- 37 credit hours (40 with thesis)
Coursedescriptions
for courses referred to below can be found on the UD on-line course catalog:http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/handle/19716/2675
Requirements
for the MSN Degree
Students must complete all
course requirements within five years of matriculation into the graduate
program. Core courses are listed below:
NURS604
Advanced Practice Roles for Healthcare Providers
NURS609 Nursing Science: Theory and Research (4 cr.)
NURS619 Financial Management in Health
Services Organizations
NURS635 Health Administration Theories
NURS637 Health Planning Strategies
NURS638 Health Services Evaluation
NURS664 Health Services Administration
Practicum
NURS868 Research (Scholarly Project)
EDUC665 Elementary Statistics
Specialty didactic and clinical courses.
NURS604 Advanced Practice Roles for
Healthcare Providers
NURS609 Nursing Science: Theory and Research (4 cr.)
NURS622 Advanced Pharmacology
NURS620 Advanced Health Assessment
NURS621 Advanced Pathophysiology (Psychiatric nursing
students take NURS 670 Advanced Psychopathology)
EDUC665 Elementary Statistics
NURS687 Nursing Science Research
Application or NURS868 Research/Scholarly Project or
NURS869 Thesis
Clinical Courses in Specialty area
Clinical Course Requirements for each Concentration
Required in addition to the
core course requirements
CNS - Concentrations Required
Clinical Courses #
Nursing of Children (NC) 654 655 686
Adult Health (AH) 636 646 686
NP - Concentrations Required
Clinical Courses #
Family Nurse Practitioner
(FNP) 616 623 624 625 626 617 627
Adult Nurse Practitioner
(ANP) 616 623 - 625 626 617 627
Requirements
for the MS Degree
Students in the MS HSAD
program must complete 36 credit hours of graduate study. Students take at least 24 credits of core
courses and research. Students must
complete all course requirements within five years of matriculation into the
graduate program. Full-time HSAD
students can complete the program in two years. Core courses are listed below:
MS HSAD Core courses
HSAD604
Advanced Practice Roles for Healthcare Providers
HSAD619 Financial Management in Health
Services Organizations
HSAD635 Health Administration Theories
HSAD637 Health Planning Strategies
HSAD638 Health Services Evaluation
HSAD664 Health Services Administration
Practicum
HSAD868 Research (Scholarly Project)
HSAD890 Colloquium (0 cr.) (pass/fail) *
EDUC665 Elementary Statistics
Specialty didactic and clinical courses.
*Students register for
HSAD890 Colloquium to present their 868 Scholarly projects orally.
Prerequisite Courses
Non-Nursing Requirements:
(60 credits)
English Composition (6
credits to include ENGL 110)
Psychology (3 credits)
Sociology (3 credits)
Lifespan Development (3
credits)
Restricted Elective (3
credits chosen from the following):
ART, ARTH, HIST, PHIL, MUSC,
THEA, CMLT, BAMS, ECON, POSC, WOMS, FLLT, LING, ENGL
Sciences (24 total credits
to include a minimum of one course in each of the following categories):
Biology
Microbiology
Chemistry
Anatomy/Physiology
Nutrition
Free electives (18 credits)
After required courses are
completed, sufficient elective credits must be taken to meet the minimum
credits required for the degree (134 credits; 137 with thesis option for
Clinical Nurse Specialty and Health Services Administration; 143-146 For Nurse Practitioner
specialty).
Multicultural Course
Requirement- Within his/her course of study, each student must satisfy the
multicultural requirement through an approved course stressing multicultural,
ethnic, or gender related content. This may be fulfilled through a required or
elective course. Students should consult with their advisors to be sure this
requirement is met.
Core Courses for all
Specialties
NURS 335 BRN
Orientation
NURS 411/412 Topics in
Health Care Delivery (Elective)
NURS 442 Community Health
Nursing
NURS 604 Advanced Nursing
Roles
NURS 609 Nursing Science:
Theory & Research
EDUC 665 Elementary
Statistics
Core Courses for Clinical
Specialties
NURS 435 Leadership &
Management in Health Organizations
NURS 620 Advanced Health
Assessment
NURS 621 Advanced
Pathophysiology
NURS 622 Advanced
Pharmacology
NURS 686 Clinical Nurse
Specialist Role Integration
NURS 687 Nursing Science:
Research Application - or
NURS 868 Scholarly Project -
or
NURS 669 Master’s Thesis
The following CNS courses
are required for each clinical specialty.
Adult Health
NURS 636 Adult Health Nursing
NURS 646 Adult Health Nursing II
Nursing of Children
NURS 654 Nursing of Children I
NURS 655Nursing of Children
II
Core Courses for Health
Services Administration Specialty
NURS 619 Financial
Management
NURS 635 Health
Administration Theories
NURS 637 Health Planning
Strategies
NURS 638 Health Services
Administration
NURS 312 Pathophysiology
(or)
NURS 670 Advanced
Psychopathology (or)
NURS 621 Advanced
Pathophysiology
NURS 620 Advanced Health Assessment (or)
NURS 350 Wellness Health
Assessment
COMM 610 Organizational
Communication (or)
COMM 642 Topics in
Organizational Administration (or)
COMM 656 Communication in
Organizations
UAPP 837 Public Sector Human
Resources (or)
UAPP 685 Personnel and Human
Resources
NURS 664 Administration
Practicum
NURS 687 Nursing Science:
Research Application (or)
NURS 868 Scholarly Project
Core
Courses for Nurse Practitioner Specialty
The following NP courses are required for each clinical specialty.
Adult Nurse
Practitioner
NURS
616 Primary Care in Community Health (Clinical Course)
NURS
623 Management or Women’s Health Care (Clinical Course)
NURS
616 Community Health (Clinical Course)
NURS
641 Primary Care of the Adult I (Clinical Course)
NURS
642 Primary Care of the Adult II (Clinical Course)
NURS
643 Primary Care of the Adult III (Clinical Course)
NURS
644 NP Preceptorship I (Clinical Course)
NURS
645 NP Preceptorship II (Clinical Course)
For
Family Nurse Practitioner all the above courses plus
NURS
624 Children’s Health Care (Clinical Course)
The decision to complete
NURS869 Thesis, NURS868 Scholarly Project, or the course NURS687 Nursing
Science: Research Application is made by
the student in consultation with the academic advisor after completion of
NURS609. Each of these options provides an opportunity to explore and use
concepts from other disciplines that support expansion of nursing knowledge and
advancement of nursing practice. If the
student chooses to complete a thesis or scholarly project, the following
guidelines apply.
The thesis option requires
students to take NURS609 Nursing Science:
Theory and Research and 6 credits of NURS869 Thesis. In this option, students design and implement
a research study and write the report in a formal paper, the thesis, using APA
format, the School of Nursing’s Guide for the Thesis (available from the
graduate program secretary in the School of Nursing), and the most current
University of Delaware Thesis and Dissertation Manual (available from the Book
Store or U-Discover Online).
Students pursuing the thesis
option select one research advisor to guide them through the research
process. A list of faculty available for
thesis advisement is available from the graduate program secretary. The student has the responsibility to
initiate discussion with faculty and to ask a faculty member to be the thesis
advisor. The thesis advisor must sign a
form, agreeing to the topic and study design.
This form is placed in the student’s file. After the student develops the proposal with
the guidance of the research advisor, the procedure for the protection of human
subjects must be approved by the Office of Research.
Distribution of the required
6 credits for thesis must be approved by the thesis advisor. All 6 credits may
not be taken in one semester. Before
registering for thesis credits, the student must submit the completed
Thesis/Scholarly Project Registration Approval form to the graduate program
secretary in the School of Nursing.
The final copy of the thesis
must be signed by the thesis advisor, indicating approval of the completed
project. The completed document is
submitted to the Director, School of Nursing, for signature and approval. Submission
to the Director must occur 2 weeks BEFORE theses are due in the Office of
Graduate and Professional Education.
Final approval is given by the Office of Graduate and Professional
Education.
Scholarly Project Option
In the scholarly project
option, students take NURS609 Theory and Research and NURS868 Research. The project may include the development of
clinical practice guidelines, practice-oriented instruments, or educational
programs. The completed project is
described in a formal paper using APA format and the School of Nursing Guide to
the Scholarly Project (available from the graduate program secretary in the
School of Nursing).
Students electing to do the
scholarly project select a project advisor to guide them. A list of faculty available for project
advisement is distributed in NURS609 or available through the graduate program
secretary. The student has the
responsibility to initiate discussion with the project advisor. The advisor must sign a form agreeing to the
project topic. This form is placed in
the student’s file.
Distribution of the required
3 credits for the scholarly project must be approved by the project
advisor. Before registering for project
credits, the student must obtain a second reader for the project and submit the
completed Thesis/Scholarly Project Registration Approval form to the graduate
program secretary in the School of Nursing.
The final copy of the
project must be signed by the advisor and second reader, indicating approval of
the completed project. The completed
document is submitted to the Director, School of Nursing, for signature and
approval. Submission to the Director
must occur 3 weeks before the end of the semester.
NOTE:Past theses and
projects are available to be borrowed from the School of Nursing graduate
office in McDowell Hall.
Nursing
Science: Research Application (NURS-687)
This course follows NURS609
and focuses on the application of research to nursing practice. The course includes a critical analysis of
research through an organized critique process, examination of data, and
examination of facilitators and barriers to research and research utilization,
models of research utilization, and methods of quality management.
Change of
thesis/project advisor
A student may request a
change in thesis or project advisor by notifying the advisor of his/her intent
to request a change and then submitting a written request to the advisor’s
Director, School of Nursing. In making
such requests, students should be aware that it is the prerogative of a new
advisor, after reviewing the student’s work, to require substantial revisions
and/or refocusing of the thesis or project, regardless of the stage of the
research/project. The decision to grant
a request for a change of advisor is made by the Director, School of Nursing in
consultation with the student’s current and prospective thesis or project advisors. If a change in faculty thesis or project
advisor becomes necessary because of workload or extended leaves from the
School, the Director School of Nursing, the student, and the prospective
advisor negotiate a reassignment.
Until the thesis or project is completed, a temporary grade
of S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) is submitted for any semester or
session in which the student is registered for thesis or project credits. When the thesis or project is completed, the
advisor assigns a letter grade for the work.
The advisor may assign one grade for the entire number of credits or may
assign a separate grade for each period of registration for thesis or project
credits. If a student receives a U for a period of registration, he/she will
receive a final grade of B or below for that semester or session.
Once a graduate student who
is electing a thesis/project option has completed all required credits needed
for the degree but has not yet submitted the thesis/project, the student must
maintain his/her matriculation in the degree program by registering for
Master’s Sustaining: Thesis (UNIV899), Project (UNIV895). All students, including sustaining students,
must be registered in the semester in which the degree is officially
awarded. Sustaining registration is not
required for summer sessions unless the degree is to be awarded at the conclusion
of the summer session. Registration for
sustaining status is completed by contacting the graduate program
secretary. There is a sustaining fee for
each semester.
The scholarly project
fulfills the graduate program’s terminal objective relating to research. Students who plan to complete a scholarly
project must take a Research course and three credits of NURS 868 Research
(scholarly project). These credits can
be taken in either one semester or sequentially, depending upon the student’s
academic schedule, the project advisor’s schedule, and the timetable for
completion. Students are encouraged to
select a topic early in his/her career and that can be modified and used for
the scholarly project.
HSAD
Choosing a Project Advisor
Students should meet with
their academic advisor to explore a direction for the scholarly project and to
plan an appropriate course of study.
Once the potential topic has been identified, students should refer to
the list of faculty specialty areas available from the graduate program
secretary to ascertain which faculty specializes in the student’s area of
interest. Students are encouraged to
ascertain faculty availability preferably in their research course but no later
than one semester prior to registering for the project because some faculty may
be unable to serve as an advisor due to their workload assignment or scheduled
sabbatical leave. Students should make
an appointment to talk with the potential advisor about the project idea. The advisor and second reader must sign a
form of agreement which is available from the graduate program secretary. It is important to communicate frequently
with the advisor, especially if the timetable for completion has changed.
HSAD
Guidelines for Format for Scholarly Project
The project must be written
as a scholarly paper and must adhere to a discipline specific referencing
guideline, except where the University of Delaware’s Thesis Guide supersedes,
such as the title page, signature page, and table of contents. The main body of the paper is the rationale
and process of development of the project.
The finished product will include a copy of the actual project, preceded
by problem identification, significance of the project, a comprehensive review
of the literature, and the process of project development... Typically, the chapter format is similar to
the thesis format, although there are fewer chapters. It is recommended that students visit the
Graduate Office website www.udel.edu/gradoffice . You can find detailed information for current
students under graduation information for the formatting of chapters, table of
contents, appendices, and signature pages.
Students are encouraged to review other completed scholarly projects
available from faculty or from the Graduate Program Secretary, 349 McDowell
Hall.
HSAD Ideas
for the Scholarly Project
There are many different
possibilities for a scholarly project.
It may be a project that benefits a specific institution or meets the
student’s own special interest within his/her specialty area. Past ideas have included a proposed year-long
orientation program for new managers; educational modules for staff, clients,
and families to satisfy a variety of needs; a continuing education program on
communicating with foreign staff, or development of a business plan for opening
a new patient care unit.
Some other suggestions for
topics for the project include but are not limited to: comprehensive review of the literature on a
timely topic; refined proposal for a research study; comprehensive curriculum
for an educational offering for staff nurses, allied health personnel, or
patients; plan for development of a counseling program, focus, or support
group.
Additional creative
possibilities to consider for the scholarly project:
A comprehensive review of
the literature of a defined area of knowledge to develop, elaborate, compare,
or contrast a concept or concepts with reference to their implication(s) for
enriching managerial or administrative practice:
A centered investigation in
a managerial/administrative role or related area using such methods as
interviews and/or observation with a view to proposing a new set of standards,
operating protocols, measurement tools, or furthering the theoretical base for
managerial/administrative practice.
HSAD Procedure
When the scholarly project
is complete and the project advisors have signed the signature pages, one copy
of the project and all signature pages should be submitted to the Dean of the
College of Health Sciences. Deadline for
submission of the project to the Dean is one to two weeks after the date
published on the University of Delaware calendar for the submission of theses
to the Graduate office. Consult your
project advisor for the exact date. Once
all signatures are complete, students are notified.
Before a grade for the
project is submitted, students must supply three copies of the project,
(department, advisor, and co-advisor copies) with signed signature pages to the
Graduate Program Secretary. The projects
must be in either a black pressure binder (can be purchased at the University
Bookstore supplies department); or bound through the University Bookstore
Jewelry counter. If the latter option is
chosen, the project is sent to be bound and the student’s name and date are
printed on the spine. Students who
choose to have the binding will receive a receipt. A copy of the receipt must be given to the
Graduate Program Secretary as proof that the binding requirement has been
completed.
The student must be aware of
all submission deadlines. If the
deadlines for completion are not met, the student is not eligible for
graduation and will incur the additional expense of a sustaining fee.
§
The student will
approach faculty to gain consent to act as the advisor and co-advisor.
§
The student will
meet with the scholarly project advisor to discuss and obtain approval of the
topic/project and to develop a proposal for the project.
§
To register for
NURS 868 Research credits, the project advisor must provide written approval of
the student’s plan for completion of the scholarly project by signing the
thesis/research registration approval form.
Forms can be obtained from the Graduate Program Secretary, and are to be
returned to the student with the project advisors’ signatures before the
student can be registered. The student also registers for HSAD890 (presentation
of the scholarly project) the semester the project is completed. There is no
fee for HSAD890.
§
If human
subjects are involved, students must submit the proposal to the University
Research and Human Subjects Review Committee.
The advisor will indicate when the proposal is developed sufficiently
for the student to seek approval from the Human Subjects Review Committee of
the University. The Criteria for
Approval of Proposals for the Protection of Human Subjects are to be followed
in preparing the proposal to submit to the committee and can be obtained from
the Graduate Program Secretary.
§
The project must
show evidence of scholarly effort based on the accurate and appropriate
selection and utilization of verified knowledge. The finished project must show evidence of
appropriate analysis and synthesis of the information obtained.
§
All written
material must be in acceptable discipline specific manuscript form (APA, MLA,
AJNT, etc), except where the University of Delaware’s Thesis Guide supersedes
such as the title page, signature page, and table of contents.
§
When the project
is completed, the advisor and co-advisor must sign the approval pages.
§
Once advisor and
co-advisor approvals have been received, the entire document must be submitted
to the Dean, College of Health Sciences for her signature on the approval
pages. Deadline for submission of the
project to the Dean must occur one to two weeks after the deadline for
submission of theses to the Graduate Office.
Consult your project advisor for the exact date. The deadline for theses submission is
published in the University calendar.
§
Final copies of
the scholarly project are to be in black folders: one copy is to be placed on file in 349
McDowell Hall, Graduate Nursing Office; and two copies should be provided for
the advisor and co-advisor.
Students in good standing
may request a change in concentration/option by (a) discussing their interest
to change with their academic advisor; (b) talking with the faculty
coordinating their current concentration/option; (c) talking with the faculty
coordinating the concentration/option they wish to enter; and (d) completing
the appropriate form available from the graduate secretary, School of
Nursing. The decision to grant a request
for a change in program option is made by the faculty coordinating the program
students wish to enter on a space available basis. Once permission is granted by the faculty
coordinating the program, the appropriate form must be signed and put into the
student’s record.
Successful progress toward
candidacy for the MSN degree is determined by the student’s performance in the
courses for which he/she is registered.
Graduate students in nursing are subject to the standards for academic
status set forth in the University of Delaware Graduate Catalog. To be eligible for an advanced degree, a
student’s cumulative grade point average shall be at least 3.0. A grade below a
B- in a graduate nursing core course will not be counted toward the course
requirements for a degree, but is calculated in the student’s cumulative grade
point average. A graduate student who receives a grade less than a B- in a
required nursing core courses must repeat the course. Courses may be repeated only one time. If a student fails to obtain a B- or better
after repeating a course, it will be recommended to the Office of Graduate and
Professional Education that the student be dismissed from the program.
Note: If a
student receives a D+ or below in a nursing course with a practicum, he/she
will not permitted to repeat the course, and it will be recommended to the Office
of Graduate and Professional Education that the student be dismissed from the
program.
Monitoring
of Progress – MSN students
§
Each student is
evaluated according to the requirements established by the course instructor or
instructors. Didactic courses generally
include a combination of the following evaluation measures: written examinations,
class presentations, term papers, and self and/or group evaluations. A practicum within a course may be evaluated
by clinical observations, supervision, logs, clinical papers, clinical
projects, performance testing, self evaluation, and preceptor/faculty
evaluation.
§
Each student’s
record is reviewed each semester by the student’s advisor. If academic difficulties are identified, the
faculty advisor counsels the student and files the recommendations with the
Committee for Graduate Education in the School of Nursing.
Successful progress toward
candidacy for the MS degree is determined by the student’s performance in the
courses for which he/she is registered.
Graduate students are subject to the standards for academic status set
forth in the University of Delaware Graduate Catalog. To be eligible for an advanced degree, a
student’s cumulative grade point average shall be at least 3.0. A grade below a B- in College core courses
will not be counted toward the course requirements for a degree, but is
calculated in the student’s cumulative grade point average. In addition, the student must receive a
course grade of B- or better in HSADCollege core courses. A student who receives a grade less than a B-
in a HSADCollege core course may repeat each course one time. If a student fails to obtain a B- or better
after repeating a course, it will be recommended to the Office of Graduate and
Professional Education that the student be dismissed from the program.
Monitoring Of Progress – MS students
§
The grades of
all students are reviewed after each semester by the student’s advisor. At the end of each academic semester, the
HSAD Governance Committee may convene to review the progress and performance of
students in the program who are in jeopardy, and to make recommendations for
action. In the case of substandard
performance, actions are initiated in accord with general University guidelines
regarding warning, probation, and termination.
Students may decide to exit
the RN to MSN program and pursue only the BSN.
These students complete 120 program credits. After completing the BSN, re-entry into the
RN to MSN program is not allowed.
Students who exit with a BSN degree are eligible to pursue the
traditional MSN degree.
The following procedures
relate to the transfer of credits to a graduate program at the University of
Delaware.
University of Delaware
Continuing Education Credits
§
Students who
complete graduate credits with the classification of CEND (Continuing Education
Non Degree) at the University of Delaware may use a maximum of 9 graduate
credits earned with this classification toward their graduate degree. The CEND credits, grades, and quality points
become a part of the student’s academic record and grade point average. CEND credit can be transferred provided that
(a) the course was at the 600-800 level, (b) the course was taken within the
past 5 years, (c) a grade no less than a B- was received, and (d) the course
was in accord with the specific degree program as specified by the Graduate
Program Policy Statement of the School of Nursing. Transfer of these credits is initiated by the
School of Nursing after the student matriculates.
Another Institution
Graduate credit earned at
another institution is evaluated at the written request of the student. Such a request should include a course
description and syllabus and be given to the student’s advisor. At the advisor’s discretion, course materials
may be referred to the Committee for Graduate Education for a decision. A maximum of 9 credits required for the
degree will be accepted provided that such credits (a) were earned with a grade
of no less than B-, (b) are approved by the student’s advisor or the Committee
for Graduate Education, (c) are in accord with the specific degree program of
the student as specified by the School of Nursing’s Graduate Program Policy
Statement, (d) are not older than five years, and (e) were completed at an accredited
college or university. The student is
responsible for having an official transcript sent to the graduate program
secretary in the School of Nursing. The
School initiates the transfer of credits. The credits, but not the grades or
quality points, are transferable to University of Delaware graduate
records. Graduate courses counted toward
a degree received elsewhere may not be used.
Credits from institutions outside of the United States are generally not
transferable to the University of Delaware.
A student requesting to take a course for transfer of credit from
another institution follows the same procedure.
Petition for Variance
Students who would like to
petition for a variance in acceptable courses or policies should submit
petitions to the Committee for Graduate Education. Students are encouraged to see their advisor
regarding the process.
Credits are waived when they
are part of an awarded degree but are duplicated in the MSN, MS, or a post
master’s certificate program. Courses do
not have to be substituted for waived credits.
For a course to be waived, it must have been taken within the past 5
years and have a grade of B- or better.
Students need a minimum of 30 credits of graduate course work for the
MSN and MS degrees in addition to the waived credits.
The procedure applies as
stated in the current University of Delaware Official Student Handbook.
Academic honesty and
integrity lie at the heart of the educational enterprise. Students are expected to do their own work
and neither to give nor to receive assistance during quizzes, examinations, or
other class exercises. One form of
academic dishonesty is plagiarism.
Students are urged to consult individual faculty members for explanation
of procedures for taking tests, writing papers, and completing other course
requirements so that students may fully understand their instructor's
expectations. Because faculty and
students take academic honesty seriously, penalties for violations may be
severe, depending upon the offense as viewed by the Graduate Student Judicial
System. The minimum sanction for cases
of proven academic dishonesty is an automatic failure for the course and/or
expulsion from graduate studies at the University. Access the Official Student Handbook at http://www.udel.edu/stuguide/08-09/code.html#honest
Matriculated students who
seek a leave of absence from the program must write a letter to their advisor
requesting a leave of absence. The
school will forward the request to the Office of Graduate and Professional
Education. The length of time needed for
the leave should be indicated. Upon
approval by the Office of Graduate and Professional Education, the student’s
academic transcript will note the approved leave in the appropriate
semesters. The period of absence will
not affect the limitation of time for completion of the degree requirements as
stated in the student’s official letter of admission. Students who do not register for courses at
the University in any given semester must request a leave of absence for that
semester.
Failure to comply with the
requirement of maintaining continuous registration in courses, in sustaining
status, or with approved leave of absence will be taken as evidence that the
student has terminated his/her graduate program, and the admitted status to the
graduate program will be terminated. The
date of termination will be recorded on the student’s transcript.
To initiate the process for
degree conferral, candidates must submit an “Application for Advanced Degree”
obtained from the graduate program secretary in the School of Nursing. Application deadlines are found in the
University Academic Year Calendar. The
application must be signed by the candidate’s academic advisor and School
Director. There is an application fee
for master’s degree candidates. Students
should complete the form, attach a check made out to the University of
Delaware, then turn the form into the Graduate Program’s Secretary who will get
signatures and send to the Office of Graduate and Professional Education. Students can apply to complete their degree
requirements for May, August, December, and February. If a student applies for graduation but does
not complete the program requirements, the application will automatically
convert to the next completion date.
Post Master’s students fill
out an Application for Completion of Post Master’s Certificate form that can be
obtained from the graduate program secretary in the School of Nursing. There is no application fee.
The University of Delaware
holds two Commencement ceremonies (May and January) but confers degrees four
times a year (end of fall and spring semesters, and winter and summer
sessions). The School of Nursing holds a
Convocation ceremonyin May.
Resignation
from the University
A graduate student wishing
to resign from the University (i.e., terminate his/her association with the
University and a specific degree program) may do so by submitting a letter to
the Office of Graduate and Professional Education and the Director, School of
Nursing, indicating the reasons for the resignation. The Office of Graduate and Professional
Education will cancel the student’s matriculation and indicate the effective
date of the resignation on the student’s transcript.
Revised:
School of Nursing Graduate Education Committee: 9/2008
Schoolof Nursing
Graduate
Student Safety Training
Safety
All students taking
on-campus graduate course(s) for the first time will be asked to complete the
New Graduate Student Safety Orientation.
The goal of the graduate student safety training is to provide a minimum
level of safety knowledge for all students and is not meant to replace existing
training requirements.
All graduate students must
receive initial training and then annual training in handling bloodborne
pathogens, chemical hygiene, and radiation safety. This training will be done annually online at
http://www.udel.edu/OHSensuring that all students receive this training.
University of Delaware Department of Occupational
Health and Safety (DOHS)
The policy of the University
of Delaware is to provide the University community with a safe and healthful
work environment. Serious attempts will
be made to minimize recognizable hazards.
The intent of the University is to comply with all occupational health,
safety, and fire regulations and recommended practices. The DOHS has resources available at http://www.udel.edu/OHS . University of Delaware safety policies can be
viewed online at http://www.udel.edu/ExecVP/polprod/.
School of Nursing Safety Committee
The School of Nursing Safety
committee is appointed by the Director of the School of Nursing and will
include a minimum of one full-time faculty and a minimum of one professional
staff. The functions of this committee
are to provide for training under the State of Delaware Right-to-Know Law and
the OSHA mandated Chemical Hygiene Plan, to provide bloodborne pathogen
training, to carry out safety inspections of all teaching and research
laboratories and departmental offices according to University policy, and to
initiate such changes in departmental policy and practice as might promote
safety. The department safety committee
meets four times a year. Additionally,
the committee will conduct a walk through of McDowell Hall checking for
potential environmental safety concerns.
When notified of fire or
other emergency by alarm system or orally, personnel and students must evacuate
the building and move to an area at least 200 feet from the building. Do not reenter the building until advised by
the person in charge. Entrances,
sidewalks, and driveways shall be kept clear to allow emergency vehicles and
personnel access.
An individual who discovers
a fire or other emergency, such as abnormal heating of material, hazardous gas
leaks, hazardous material or flammable liquid spill, smoke, or burning odor,
shall immediately follow these procedures:
Don’t
risk self - leave the area if unsafe.
Give
the alarm by
§
Sounding the
building evacuation alarm by pull box or, if not available, orally notifying
occupants of the building; and
§
Notifying Public
Safety by University telephone (9-911) or by an Emergency Phone.
§
Isolate the area
by closing all doors and windows.
§
Shut down all
equipment in the area if possible.
§
Use a portable
fire extinguisher to
§
Assist oneself
to evacuate the building,
§
Assist another
to evacuate the building, or
§
Control a small
fire if you are properly trained.
Individuals should not
operate a fire extinguisher unless you have been trained in its use or as
designated in items above.
Red/Blue light phones. Anyone wishing to contact the Department of
Public Safety (University Police) may do so by using one of the more than 200
campus emergency telephones. Look for
the blue lights above outdooremergency telephones; red phones are located
indoors. Simply lift the receiver or
push the button and you will be connected to the Department of Public Safety.
Emergency phone
numbers. Public Safety can be notified
by University telephone (9-911) or by using a red or blue Emergency Phone. The DOHS can be reached at 831-8475 or through
Public Safety after hours.
Power outage evacuation
procedures.
1. If
the power goes off to a laboratory building, immediate evacuation must take
place. In general, laboratory fume hoods
will not operate properly and a hazardous indoor environment could result.
2. If workers are in a basement area or an area with no natural
lighting, they must move to an area with natural lighting or outside.
3. If the outage is in a “Place of Public Assembly” all public
events must be discontinued. Classes are
not considered public events.
4. All workers must evacuate buildings for outages longer than one
hour. Management will advise staff
concerning alternate work areas or when to report back to the building.
5. In any event, if a worker feels unsafe in a building during an
outage, they may leave for the duration of the outage after consulting with
their supervisor (see Extreme Weather Conditions/Power Outages Policy).
6. Please remember that emergency lighting from battery packs will
only last approximately 20 minutes.
Accident/Illness reporting
and investigation responsibilities.
Accident reporting/investigation are the responsibility of departmental
supervisors and departmental safety committees.
Incidents must be reported to the supervisor (instructor) as soon as
possible. The DOHS coordinates all accident
investigations and receives copies of all employee, student, and visitor
investigation report forms. All
accidents or illness must be reported.
Student and visitor accident reports and investigation report forms must
be submitted to the Department of Occupational Health and Safety.
Accident/Illness reporting
forms for the School of Nursing are located in the Nursing Department office
(391 McDowell Hall).
CPR information. The University’s Department of Occupational
Health and Safety is an accredited American Heart Association training
center. Four levels of CPR classes are
offered to anyone who is interested.
More information is available at http://www.udel.edu/OHS/CPR.html. Additional classes are arranged through the Student
Nurses Association.
University ambulance
procedures. Call 9-911 for ambulance
service. The University of Delaware
Emergency Care Unit (UDECU) was founded by students in 1976 to provide quality
emergency ambulance service to the University of Delaware campus and
community. Today, UDECU is a state certified
ambulance run entirely by student volunteers.
Crews consist of Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technicians,
Certified State of Delaware Ambulance Attendants and Emergency Vehicle
Operators. The ambulance is available
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to handle any emergency
situation. The ambulance is a basic life
support unit in which the latest non-paramedical equipment and techniques to
treat and rapidly transport patients are used.
Additional Areas for Students Exposed to Hazardous
Materials
Personal protective
equipment requirements. In 1992, the
University approved Policy 7-40, Personal Protective Equipment. This policy requires University personnel to
conduct hazard reviews of all tasks performed on the job and to specify the
personal protective equipment (PPE) required for these tasks. Supervisors are required to assure personnel
and students follow the procedures outlined in the job hazard analysis and use
the required PPE.
Students are required to
purchase an approved eye protection and any needed protective equipment. These items are to be brought to each
laboratory or clinical session as required by the instructor.
Waste management. The University’s Department of Occupational
Health and Safety has developed a Chemical Waste Management Program to assure
that proper handling and disposal procedures are used to protect the health and
safety of the University community and to be in compliance with federal and
state regulations governing hazardous and solid waste management. Types of chemical waste generated at the
University of Delaware include, but are not limited to, unwanted laboratory
reagent chemicals; waste mixtures generated from laboratory research and
education; glassware and trash contaminated with chemicals; chemical spill
clean-up debris; oils; paints; maintenance cleaners; and mercury if glass
thermometers are broken.
Students will be instructed
on the proper disposal of laboratory waste.
All biohazardous material should be placed into a double-lined autoclave
container. Uncontaminated glass should
be placed into labeled cardboard containers.
Safety training
requirements/resources. Departmental
Safety Committees have the responsibility to facilitate required safety
training within the department. All
undergraduate/graduate students must be provided with a safety training seminar
coordinated by the department. The
committee may accomplish this requirement by developing a program to meet the
various training requirements, sending personnel to the Department of
Occupational Health and Safety classes, or arranging with the Department of
Occupational Health and Safety to provide department specific training. When appropriate, faculty, graduate students,
and undergraduate students must receive initial training and then annual
training in handling bloodborne pathogens, chemical hygiene, and radiation
safety. This training will be done
annually in courses ensuring that all students receive this training. Records of attendance will be maintained in
the office of the Assistant to the Director, School of Nursing.
Hazardous materials
emergency/spill procedures. All waste
debris collected during a spill clean-up must be packaged, labeled and disposed
of as chemical waste.
Department of
Occupational Health and Safety
Post‑Exposure Evaluation and Follow‑Up
Procedure
1. If
an exposure occurs, first determine if emergency medical help is required.
Examples of when emergency medical help would be required are: excessive
bleeding, loss of consciousness, and broken bones. If emergency medical help is
required, call 9‑911 for police or ambulance on the campus.
2. For
a non‑life threatening emergency, administer first aid. Allow a
penetrating injury to bleed. Wash the injury site thoroughly with soap and
water or rinse the exposed mucous membrane thoroughly with water. If anyone
assists with first aid they should wear gloves. An apron or gown and eye
protection may be necessary if a potential for splashing exists. It is the
University's policy that personal protective equipment appropriate for the
potential hazard is worn, but it is recognized that in certain emergency
situations this may not be possible.
3. The
source of the exposure should be identified if possible, without causing
further injury to anyone else. This could simply mean identifying the patient
from whom the specimen came.
4. Contact
DOHS (831-1433 or 831-8475) with information regarding the incident AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE. An injured student may be
referred to Student Health or to the medical provider approved by DOHS; contact
DOHS to determine the appropriate healthcare provider for the exposure. Timely evaluation by a healthcare provider
may minimize the complications from an exposure.
5. If
an exposure occurs at a clinical location, follow their procedures for
reporting the exposure at the facility if indicated. The facility may test the source patient
and/or the exposed individual. The
exposure must still be reported to the DOHS as soon as possible.
6. As
soon as feasible fill out the Exposure Report Form. Forms are available at DOHS. If possible, the employee or student will
take a copy of it to the medical provider when they are referred. Otherwise, it will be sent as soon as
possible. DOHS will send the other
necessary information, as required by the OSHA BBP Standard, regarding the
exposure to the medical provider.
7. Following
the exposure, appropriate paperwork must be filed. An injured student must complete a “First
Report of Injury.” The employee,
supervisor, or safety committee for the injured subject must complete an “Accident/Loss
Investigation Report.”
8. The
source individual's blood, or material the individual was exposed to, may be
tested to determine HBV and HIV status. This shall be done in accordance with
the Delaware Annotated Code, title 16, Sections 1202 and 1203.
9. The
exposed individual will be evaluated by the medical provider, including testing
for HBV and HIV serological status if the individual consents.
10. Post‑exposure
prophylaxis, when medically indicated, counseling, and evaluation of reported
illnesses will be performed by the medical provider. The medical provider shall
inform the exposed individual of any test results, including those performed on
the source individual, if such tests were run.
If you have any questions
regarding these procedures, or about bloodborne pathogens or other biosafety
issues, please contact Krista Murray, Biosafety Officer, via e-mail at klmurray@udel.edu, or by phone at 831-1433.
ohs 10/96
Distance Learning Information
The UD Online office
provides technical support to students and has extended hours for a period
before and after semesters begin (302-831-1053 or 1-800-597-1444). At times you may be referred to the
University technology help line for additional help (302-831-6000).
Academic questions should
be referred to your instructor. All other course support questions or concerns
can be directed to the Distance Learning Secretary Monday-Friday, 8AM-4: 30PM.
(1-800-UOD-NURS or 302-831-3012).
The UD web proxy server is
a resource that provides access to materials previously available only through
a direct connection to the campus network.
On-campus users and
off-campus users who dial in directly to the University of Delaware do not
need to use a proxy server with their web browser.
University of Delaware
users who access the Internet by first connecting to an Internet Service
Provider (ISP) other than the University can use the web proxy to gain access
to materials which are restricted, by license, to University students and
staff. If you use an ISP to reach the University's network, you will need to
use UD's web proxy server to access restricted UD Library databases, the
UDeploy software site, and some other resources on our campus network. Go to http://www.udel.edu/topics/connect/webproxy/index.html for detailed instructions.
Most courses are offered in
a web-classroom delivery format.
Web-classroom UD Online distance learning courses have online course
materials (instructor information, syllabus, handouts, assignments) that must
be accessed through WebCT. Faculty lectures are available in a modular format
within WebCT.
After receiving departmental approval, distance learning students
can register for courses in three ways: as residents, non-residents or as
non-resident site participants. Site participants register using an official UD
work site or participating community college; each participation option has
different payment methods and some variation in students' responsibilities. If
you live in Delaware it is best to register as a resident and take your exams
at the University. If you live outside Delaware it is best to register through
an official UD worksite or participating community college. A complete list can
be found at: http://www.pcs.udel.edu/udonline
The registration process
for online courses is different from that of campus-based courses. Registration
is completed by phone through Professional and Continuing Studies during
specific timeframes as noted in the UD Online registration booklet
(302-831-1053 or 1-800-597-1444) or by fax (302-831-3292), U.S. mail, or
in-person.
Textbooks and popular
reference books are available at the University Bookstore located in the
PerkinsStudentCenter on Academy Street. Visit the University bookstore’s
website to purchase textbooks online or check store hours at www.udel.edu/bookstore. The University Bookstore accepts
all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover),
Personal Checks, Financial Aid, Debit Cards, Flex and Cash.
The University Bookstore
supplies the following items and can special order other items as needed:
nursing pins, name tags, patches, stethoscopes, sphygmomanometers, lab coats,
penlights, scissors, latex examination gloves, laboratory supplies, and the
most current reference books and medical dictionaries.
Web Sites of Interest
University of Delaware - www.udel.edu
Access to UD links such as academic calendar,
bookstore, computing sites, forms, library, and student organizations.
College of Health Sciences - www.udel.edu/health
School of Nursing - www.udel.edu/nursing
Office of Graduate and Professional Education - www.udel.edu/gradoffice
The
central location for graduate admissions and enrollment information
Graduate Nursing Catalog Online –
http://www.udel.edu/nursing/handbook/LIPPENCO.doc
Official
listings of program descriptions, degree options, faculty, and courses
Official Student Handbook – http://www.udel.edu/stuguide/08-09/index.html
Important
information about life as a student at UD
Office of the Registrar - www.udel.edu/Registrar
This
office maintains official calendars and some information on policies and
procedures
UD SIS, the Student Information System –www.udel.edu/udsis
With your student identification number and PIN, you
can use UD SIS to access grades, bills, unofficial transcripts, and to change
addresses.
Billing and Collections - www.udel.edu/bill_coll/fees.html
Tuition
and fees
Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid – http://admissions.udel.edu/finance/
Foreign Student & Scholar Services –
http://www.udel.edu/ofs/
FSSS, part of International Programs & Special
Sessions, is the most know office for foreign graduate students. Visa information, IAP-66 policies, advice for
apartment searching, and more.
Student Health Services - www.udel.edu/shs
Continuing Education
- www.continuingstudies.udel.edu
Continuing Education
- UD Online – www.continuingstudies.udel.edu/udonline/
Information Technologies - HelpCenter – www.udel.edu/help
Thesis Manual Online – www.udel.edu/gradoffice/current/thesismanual.html
Professional and Continuing Studies – www.pcs.udel.edu/udonline
This
office handles all online course registrations
WritingCenter – http://www.english.udel.edu/wc/
The
WritingCenter is available to assist students with the technical aspects of
preparing formal expository and scientific papers. Staff members at the center are most willing
to assist students who have writing problems to improve their scholarly
communications. The WritingCenter is
located in 016 Memorial Hall. The phone
number is 831-1168.
Revised:
Grad Ed 9/2008