MSN-Online Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive

The primary purpose of the graduate program in nursing is to prepare students for advanced practice in nursing. The program aims to prepare a graduate capable of assuming diverse leadership roles in clinical practice, thereby contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession while enhancing the quality of life for those that we serve.

The program has a strong clinical emphasis and provides an opportunity for continuing career development. An educational environment is created in which scientific inquiry, role development and leadership behavior are synthesized to facilitate the implementation and advancement of nursing theory and to contribute to the scientific knowledge base needed for advanced clinical practice.

The graduate program builds on the foundation established by undergraduate nursing education by providing experiences designed to increase the knowledge base necessary for advanced practice in nursing. This increased knowledge base includes developing expertise in scientific inquiry, specialized practice, and leadership skills.

Advanced practice in nursing students are educated to:

1. Synthesize advanced nursing knowledge, patient preferences and best available evidence to make decisions for practice.
2. Provide leadership to influence delivery of healthcare to diverse populations in increasingly complex environments.
3. Operationalize role competencies appropriate to the area of nursing specialization.
4. Evolve a professional philosophy that reflects the humanistic values of nursing and a commitment to the discipline.

Description of the Conceptual Framework for College of Nursing Graduate Programs

Introduction

The Purdue University Northwest College of Nursing conceptual model is focused on student centered learning, with students surrounded by diversity, equity, justice, inclusivity, belonging, and social determinants of health. Evidence-based practice serves as the basis or stem of all activities in the College of Nursing. The petals that help students grow are integrity, collaboration, professionalism, innovation, and systems. Our students take on various roles and specialties. They function within the College of Nursing Environment and in the broader community; they both shape and are shaped by the environment. Each element of the model is described below.

CON Graduate Concept Flower Model

The Core

Student Centered Learning – A metacognitive process that enables graduate nursing students to gain increased autonomy and accountability with the outcome goal of acquiring an enhanced and deeper understanding of advanced level nursing concepts. Six key concepts surround the student.

• Diversity – A broad range of individual, population, and social characteristics that impact all aspects of life.
• Equity – The ability to recognize and mitigate the differences in the resources needed to allow individuals to fully participate in society to overcome obstacles and ensure fairness.
• Justice – The expectation and fair distribution of equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities.
• Inclusion – Environmental and organizational cultures that intentionally embrace differences and work to ensure the perspectives and experiences of others are invited, welcomed, acknowledged, and respected.
• Belonging – An environment of fellowship, with shared attitudes, interests, and goals, where everyone is treated like a full member of the group; the individual feels accepted by the group and the group accepts and embraces the individual.
• Social Determinants of Health – The conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life and influencing health outcomes.

Evidence-Based Practice – A problem-solving approach to healthcare delivery by which nurses make practice decisions using best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences in the context of available resources.

The Petals

Integrity –  A core value where nurses commit to a personal value-system to act ethically in all situations. Nurses integrate this core value into professional and personal goal planning, every-day clinical judgement, and interactions with patients to ensure advocacy, civility, and promote safe and quality care. Key components of integrity are clinical judgement, ethics, civility, and scholarship.

• Clinical Judgement – The process by which a nurse demonstrates cue recognition, hypothesis generation and evaluation, takes action, and evaluates the outcomes of those actions in the context of time constraints and risk. It is an observable result of the ability of an individual to critically think and make decisions.
• Ethics – A moral obligation to act within the commonly accepted principles of bioethics including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
• Civility – Behavior and speech that contributes to the creation of an ethical environment whereby individuals treat other with dignity and mutual respect resulting in feelings of validation, effective communication, collaboration, and belongingness.
• Scholarship – The generation, synthesis, translation, application, and dissemination of knowledge that aims to improve health and transform health care.

Collaboration – Work done cooperatively with others to accomplish objectives to build and maintain mutually-beneficial partnerships, leverage information, and achieve positive results. Key aspects of collaboration are communication, health and wellness, interprofessional and multi-sector partnerships, and person-centered care.

• Communication – A two-way process to exchange information, thoughts, and feelings through a variety of mechanisms. It encompasses the various ways people interact with each other, including verbal, written, behavioral, body language, touch and emotion. It also includes intentionality, mutuality, partnerships, trust and presence.
• Health and Wellness – A dynamic state of emotional, mental, physical, and social well-being influenced by biological, cultural, environmental, psychological, sociological, and spiritual experience(s) and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
• Interprofessional and Multi-Sector Partnerships – Partnership involving two or more professions or professionals from various stakeholder groups (i.e., civil society, government, and private sector) and sectors (i.e., economy, environment, and health) who can leverage their knowledge, expertise, and resources to work towards a shared goal of producing better health outcomes.
• Person-Centered Care (Family-Centered Care) – Providing care to individuals, families, and populations to optimize shared decision-making within the four spheres of care: 1) disease prevention/promotion of health and well-being; 2) chronic disease care; 3) regenerative or restorative care; and 4) supportive, palliative, or hospice care.

Professionalism – Demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles, leadership standards with just culture accountability, prioritize lifelong learning, and advocate for nursing in all venues. Important aspects of professionalism are growth, transformation, nursing knowledge, lifelong learning, and practice expert.

• Growth – The practice of reflection that fosters personal health, resilience, enhanced knowledge, and application of expertise while supporting the evolution of professional practice standards.
• Transformation (Education) – A progression of academic growth, specialized training, and professional development that offers a comprehensive insight into system-level changes that promote a culture of inquiry and innovation.
• Nursing Knowledge – Transform care delivery models through the integration of specialized clinical expertise and critical thinking grounded in an evidence-based theoretical foundation that reflects the current nursing practice and promotes futuristic thinking.
• Lifelong Learner – A commitment to identify personal learning needs through self-reflection and engage in appropriate educational activities and dissemination.
• Practice Expert – Demonstrate an elevated proficiency in graduate nursing practice as a result of specialized education and work experience and translates evidence and theory into practice.

Innovation – A novel development that delivers new or improved health policies, systems, products and technologies, and services and delivery methods that improve people’s health. Components of innovation include informatics, leadership, artificial intelligence, and technology.

• Informatics – The science for using multiple information and analytical processes to gather data and evidence, communicate, and gain knowledge to guide decision making, clinical judgement, and ultimately provide and improve safe, efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality care for patients.
• Leadership – The ability to assert control, influence, and power in professional and personal contexts; demonstrate lifelong learning and ongoing self-reflection; and exhibit resilience, agility, and the ability to adapt to ambiguity and change.
• Artificial Intelligence – A machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations or decisions influencing real or virtual environments.
• Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.

Systems – A complex and dynamic interaction between multiple elements including people, processes, institutions, technology, and equipment working together to impact the provision of health care. Essential aspects of systems include quality and safety, economics, population, and policy.

• Quality & Safety – Key components of health care delivery that is effective, safe, people-centered, timely, equitable, integrated throughout the life course, and efficient. A systems approach to safety and quality focuses on identifying and improving the interaction of different elements rather than placing blame on the individual elements, thereby creating a just culture.
• Economics – The strategic allocation of healthcare resources that support quality and value-based care which fosters succession planning, systems thinking, and fiscal management.
• Population – A collection of individuals who have one or more personal or environmental characteristics in common.
• Policy – A law, regulation, procedure, administrative action, incentive, or voluntary practice of governments and other institutions. Policy decisions are frequently reflected in resource allocations and may influence health.

The Leaves

Roles – Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who complete an accredited graduate-level education program, passed a national certification examination. Roles within Purdue University Northwest’s College of Nursing graduate program are adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist and family nurse practitioner.

Specialties – A nursing practice focused on a specified area of study, research, and practice as defined and recognized by the profession. Purdue University Northwest’s College of Nursing graduate program encompasses the nurse educator, nurse executive, and Doctor of Nursing Practice specialties.

The Context

Environment – Internal and external elements which are in constant interaction with people. The internal environment is comprised of physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual factors that influence people from within. The external environment includes the physical and social elements that are extrinsic to and interactive with people. The internal and external environment interact to produce needs unique to each person. The environment exerts social, cultural, political, and other norms that influence the behavior of individuals, families, populations, and communities. In turn individuals and groups influence the nature of the environment.

Summary

Purdue University Northwest College of Nursing faculty members respect the uniqueness of each student and have built a supportive environment where students can flourish. They encourage students to build upon their initial education as they reflect, refine, and evolve a professional philosophy and evidence-based framework during their advanced-level nursing education and in their nursing careers.

Professional Nursing Standards and the MSN Curriculum

The faculty developed the curriculum, end-of-program student learning outcomes and program outcomes based on the following standards and guidelines:  APRN Consensus Work Group and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing APRN Advisory Committee’s Consensus model for APRN regulation (2008), Indiana Nurse Practice Act, the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, 3rd Edition (2015), the ANA Social Policy Statement (2010), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Standards and Criteria (2017), Healthy People 2020, the IOM report on the Future of Nursing (2011), and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Master’s Education (2011).

With respect to the MSN areas of concentration and post-master’s certificate programs, faculty use the following standards and guidelines to guide the curriculum:

• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists’ (NACNS) Statement on CNS Practice and Education (2019)
  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Competencies (2010)
  • American Nurses Credentialing Corporation (ANCC) Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist certification examination information and eligibility requirements
  • American Association of Critical-Care Nurses certification examination information and eligibility requirements
• Family Nurse Practitioner
  • National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies (2017)
  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and ANCC family nurse practitioner certification examination information and eligibility requirements
• Nurse Executive
  • American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Nurse Executive Competencies (2015)
  • American Nurses Association Nursing Administration Scope and Standards, 2^nd Ed (2016)
  • ANCC Nurse Executive examination information and eligibility requirements
  • AONL certification examination information and eligibility requirements
• Nurse Educator
  • National League for Nursing’s (NLN) Scope of Practice for Academic Nurse Educators (2012)
  • NLN’s Certified Nurse Educator Examination information and eligibility requirements

We welcome you to PNW’s online MSN program with a focus on nurse executives and nurse educators. We’re very happy that you chose PNW to pursue your MSN and build your nursing credentials. You will find a lot of information and policies in this handbook to help you be successful on your journey. Please read through this information as you are responsible for abiding by the policies in the handbook. We know that you will have questions as you progress through your program, so please reach out via email to your academic advisor. Your advisor will be able to answer your questions or connect you with the best person who can.  We wish you well throughout your master’s degree program and beyond.

Customer Support Center The CSC is available by phone, chat or email during the following hours:

• Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Email: csc@pnw.edu
• Phone: 219-989-2888

Virtual Help Desk: Zoom

• Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Information Services for Students
• Student Brightspace Resources

The following is a checklist of minimum computer hardware/software requirements and basic computing skills that are necessary for all students.

Hardware

• 4 GB of RAM
• Windows 10 or higher operating system for a PC
• OSX 10.13 or higher for a MAC
• At least one USB port
• WiFi capability
• High speed internet connection (preferred)
• 250 GB or larger of storage (either internal, external or cloud)

*Chromebooks/iPads are not recommended as students may experience software incompatibility issues.

 Software

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Anti-Virus software
• Mozilla Firefox – for either PC or Mac
• Google Chrome – for either PC or Mac
• Adobe Acrobat Reader

*PNW students may be eligible for discounted software. More details are available at the Customer Service Center.

Required Computer Skills

• Keyboard and use a mouse
• Basic windows functions (maximize, minimize, move windows)
• Word processing
• Create text
• Cut, copy, paste
• Manipulate fonts
• Name, rename and save files to a variety of storage devices
• Create tables
• Insert an object
• Create a PowerPoint presentation
• Create directories/folders, manage files
• Attach files, send e-mail
• Use “help”
• Access the Internet
• Search the Internet
• Identify the type of Internet source
• Download a file/application
• Install a downloaded application

*(Go to the Hawkes website to create an account, then select and purchase the English Composition class. Cost: $65.99)

Link to the Shadow Health website: Shadow Health

Time Management: A typical college course requires at least 3 to 4 hours per credit hour each week studying and doing assignments and readings in addition to the “class” or credit hours associated with the course. For example, a 3-credit course taken in a typical 15-week semester, would require students to spend 9 to 12 hours a week to meet course requirements. Because your classes are taken during a 7-week time frame and are therefore faster-paced than a 15 week course, you should anticipate spending around 19 to 20 hours a week on each 3-credit course. Plan ahead and make sure to schedule assignments and submission deadlines. Seven weeks will go by fast and it’s better to stay on top of things from the very beginning in order to successfully complete your course.

All students enrolled in the program must keep their RN license current/active. Students must also maintain residency in the state they were living in when they were admitted to the program.  If students move to another state, there is no guarantee that the student will be able to complete the program. Email is the preferred and quickest method of communication for the Online MSN Nurse Executive and Nurse Educator programs as it provides a written record, time stamp, and can be sent directly to the people that can best assist in a particular situation. Additional communications between students and university personnel may be arranged directly. The College of Nursing requires that current students only use their PNW student email accounts to contact university personnel. Based on the nature of email message, the College of Nursing asks for a minimum of 48 business hours in order to receive an email reply.

Contact Information for MSN Program

We want you to feel connected to the faculty and staff at Purdue University Northwest and the College of Nursing. Contact information for commonly contacted staff and departments are listed below. The PNW CON faculty and staff will respond to emails within 48 hours during the business week. If you are unsure who to contact, please start with the Graduate Program Secretary, Dawn Wasek. She will help direct your question to the appropriate person or department. Your academic advisor is another great resource in your journey through the program.

College of Nursing

Business hours for the Online MSN program are Monday thru Friday 8am – 4:30 pm CST

• Taryn Eastland: Associate Dean Graduate Studies 219-989-2117
• Patti Ludwig-Beymer: Nurse Executive Program Director 219-989-3248
• Cari Furst: Nurse Educator Program Coordinator 219-989-2815
• Amy Fry: Director, Online Programs 219-989-2834
• Dell Dumas: Graduate Program Advisor  219-989-2847
• Joe Verble: Coordinator of Instructional Design/Technology 219-989-2841
• Dawn Wasek Graduate Program Secretary 219-989-2815

Office of the Registrar

• Cindy Jones: Registration Coordinator  219-989-8352

Office of Financial Aid

• Mark Montella 219-989-2018
• Josephine Blockson  219-989-3236

Admissions and Registration

• Dell Dumas: Graduate Program Advisor 219-989-2847

Course Related Support

• Customer Service Center– (PNW Gmail / MyPNW): 219-989-2888
• Blackboard / Login Issues: 855-326-1173 (toll free)
• Office of Instructional Technology:  219-989-2888

Tuition and Payment

• Office of the Bursar (Pay Online or in Person only)
• Donna Gonzalez – Billing Information: 219-989-2735

Library

• Library
• Marcia Keith – Reference Librarian for AP Program 219-989-2523

Dean of Students

• Dean of Students

PNW Accessibility Center

• PNW Accessibility Center

Faculty

Faculty teaching in the Nurse Executive and Nurse Educator MSN are rated as excellent instructors and expert practitioners. The faculty teaching you hold advanced degrees, many are active in nursing practice and research, as well as certified as advanced practice nurses.

• College of Nursing Faculty and Staff

Academic Coaches

Academic Coaches play a crucial role in creating support for the student and connecting students with faculty. All hold advanced degrees, many are active in nursing practice and research, and certified as advanced practice nurses. Academic coaches:

• track student participation and monitor student progress.
• reach out to students to determine if and when help is needed.
• direct students to resources in the course (or outside the course).

Contact your Academic Coach or Faculty

In an accelerated, online learning environment, strong communication is essential to successful course/program completion.  Contact your academic coach or faculty with course specific questions. They are the best qualified to assist you with questions related to course content, course progress, or the award of final grades. Likewise, if you are struggling in class, your academic coach and faculty provide strategies for success.

Your faculty and academic coaches may be a resource for when seeking letters of recommendation for graduate education.

Email is the preferred and quickest method of communication for the MSN program as it provides a written record, time stamp, and can be sent directly to the people that can best assist in a particular situation. Additional communications between students and university personnel may be arranged directly. Please see your syllabus for contact information. If you cannot reach your academic coach or faculty, please contact the Director of Online Program for assistance.

Academic Advisor

The role of the advisor is to:

• Guide you through your program and help you along your educational pathway.
• Direct you to the appropriate people and resources for help.
• Make sure you are getting the answers about the different areas relating to school and the program.
• Track and monitor your progression toward graduation.

Contact your advisor for additional help when you have questions. Email is the best and quickest method for the program as it provides a written record and time stamp. Additional communications may be arranged directly between advisors and students as needed.

The online MSN program MSN are designed for students to be able to be self-sufficient and actively engaged in their education with guidance as needed. Therefore, it is essential that students are familiar with and understand all the provided materials and resources.

Contact your advisor periodically. Since the program moves at such a fast pace, we recommend making contact at least once a semester. It is important that it is noted in your file how you are doing and that you are making progress. You should also let your advisor know if you will be stepping out of the program at any time or make any changes to your plan.

Plan of Study: Nurse Educator

Total number of credits = 35

Purpose

The purpose of the Nurse Educator concentration at Purdue University Northwest is to prepare nurses to function in nurse educator roles and to take the Certified Nurse Educator certification exam. The nurse educator practices in settings such as academia or with health care organizations. Nurse educators use the best available evidence to facilitate learning; facilitate learner development and socialization; use assessment and evaluation strategies; participate in curriculum design and evaluation of program outcomes; function as a change agent and leader; pursue continuous quality improvements in the nurse educator role; engage in scholarship; and function within the educational environment. As a result of their educational preparation and expertise, nurse educators make a significant impact on the preparation of current and future nurses.

Core Master’s Courses (17 credits)

• NUR 50100 Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing (2 credits)
• NUR 50500 Sociocultural Influences on Health (3 credits)
• NUR 51000 Research & Evidence Based Nursing Practice (3 credits)
• NUR 52500 Nursing Informatics (3 credits)
• NUR 53100 Theory & Ethics (3 credits)
• NUR 65600 Health Care Organization, Policy & Economics (3 credits)

Advanced Core (6 credits)

• NUR 50310 Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators (3 credits)
• NUR 50710 Pathophysiologic Concepts and Pharmacologic Interventions (3 credits)

Education Area of Concentration Courses (12 credits)

• NUR 66000, Curriculum Development in Nursing (3 credits)
• NUR 66100, Theories and Principles of Teaching and Learning in Nursing Education. (3 credits)
• NUR 66200, Teaching Strategies for Nursing (3 practicum credits, 135 clock hours)
• NUR 66300, Assessment and Measurement in Nursing Education (3 credits)

Updated 6/5/20

Plan of Study: Nurse Executive

Total Number of Credits = 32

Purpose

The purpose of the Nurse Executive concentration at Purdue University Northwest is to prepare qualified Master’s prepared nurses to function in nurse executive and administration roles.  Nurse executives set the vision for patient care and nursing practice in the delivery of safe, timely, efficient, equitable and patient-centered care. The nurse executive uses evidence to foster a collaborative and interprofessional environment; improve patient care quality and satisfaction; improves the health of populations; and reduce the per capita cost of health care.  Nurse executive competencies focus on communication, knowledge, leadership, professionalism, and business skills. As a result of their educational preparation and expertise, nurse executives exert a significant, positive influence on patient, nurse, and healthcare organizational outcomes.

Core Master’s Courses (17 credits)

• NUR 50100 Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing (2 credits)
• NUR 50500 Sociocultural Influences on Health (3 credits)
• NUR 51000 Research & Evidence Based Nursing Practice (3 credits)
• NUR 52500 Nursing Informatics (3 credits)
• NUR 53100 Theory & Ethics (3 credits)
• NUR 65600 Health Care Organization, Policy & Economics (3 credits)

Nurse Executive Specialty Courses (15 credits)

• NUR 65000 Concepts for the Nurse Executive Creating an Environment for Professional Practice (3 credits)
• NUR 65100 Role of the Nurse Executive in Creating an Environment for Professional Practice (3 credits)
• NUR 65300 Healthcare Financial Management (3 credits)
• OBHR 63300 Human Resource Management (3 credits)
• NUR 67100 Nurse Executive Practicum (3 practicum credits; 135 clock hours)

Modified 6/5/20

Nurse Educator Post-Master’s Certificate Program Overview

Purpose

The purpose of this post master’s certificate program at Purdue University Northwest is to prepare qualified Master’s prepared nurses to function in nurse educator roles and to take the Certified Nurse Educator certification exam. The nurse educator practices in settings such as academia or with health care organizations. Nurse educators use the best available evidence to facilitate learning; facilitate learner development and socialization; use assessment and evaluation strategies; participate in curriculum design and evaluation of program outcomes; function as a change agent and leader; pursue continuous quality improvements in the nurse educator role; engage in scholarship; and function within the educational environment. As a result of their educational preparation and expertise, nurse educators make a significant impact on the preparation of current and future nurses.

Credit Hour and Clinical Contact Hour Requirements:

The certificate requires students to complete a minimum of 12 hours and a maximum of 18 credit hours consisting of the following courses:

• NUR 50310: Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators -3 credits *
• NUR 50710: Pathophysiological Concepts and Pharmacologic Interventions -3 credits*
• NUR 66100: Theories and Principles of Teaching and Learning in Nursing Education -3 credits
• NUR 66000: Curriculum Development in Nursing -3 credits
• NUR 66300: Assessment and Measurement in Nursing Education -3 credits
• NUR 66200: Teaching Strategies for Nursing -3 credit hours, 135 clinical hours

*May be waived if student has taken a comparable graduate course at Purdue University Northwest or at another accredited nursing program within 5 years prior to application to this program.

Modified 6/5/20

Nurse Executive Post-Master’s Certificate Program Overview

Purpose

The purpose of the Nurse Executive post master’s certificate program at Purdue University Northwest is to prepare qualified Master’s prepared nurses to function in nurse executive and administration roles.  Nurse executives set the vision for patient care and nursing practice in the delivery of safe, timely, efficient, equitable and patient-centered care. The nurse executive uses evidence to foster a collaborative and interprofessional environment; improve patient care quality and satisfaction; improves the health of populations; and reduce the per capita cost of health care.  Nurse executive competencies focus on communication, knowledge, leadership, professionalism, and business skills. As a result of their educational preparation and expertise, nurse executives exert a significant, positive influence on patient, nurse, and healthcare organizational outcomes.

Credit Hour and Clinical Contact Hour Requirements:

The certificate requires students to complete 15 hours consisting of the following courses*:

• NUR 65000 Concepts for the Nurse Executive Creating an Environment for Professional Practice (3 credits)
• NUR 65100 Role of the Nurse Executive in Creating an Environment for Professional Practice (3 credits)
• NUR 65300 Healthcare Financial Management (3 credits)
• OBHR 63300 Human Resource Management (3 credits)
• NUR 67100 Nurse Executive Practicum (3 practicum credits; 135 clock hours)

*May be waived if student has taken a comparable graduate course at Purdue University Northwest or at another accredited nursing program within 5 years prior to application to this program.

Created 11/17/21

Your academic advisor is also your plan of study coordinator.  Please review the Plan of Progression you received with your “Welcome” letter to view the upcoming nursing course offerings. When ready, email your academic advisor the following information:

• Your Full name
• PNW Student ID number
• Courses and start dates

Questions, concerns or changes to your registration should be directed to your academic advisor

Reading the Carousel

Students can use the Carousel of Courses when choosing courses per start date

• Begin by finding your start date; the start date for each seven-week session can be found at the top of the page
• Move to the bottom of the column. This will be the first course (NUR 50100: Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing)
• Determine the rest of your courses by reading from left to right based on the start date
• Please make sure you are viewing the carousel that corresponds with your admission date in order to correctly map out your progression of courses

• Click the video link below to watch How to Read the Carousel of Courses
• Video link: https://youtu.be/bkUr5Xc0P4Q

Notes on Order of Courses:

NUR 50100 will always be your first course

NUR 66100 is a prerequisite course for NUR 6600, 66300, and 66200.

NUR 66200 will always be your last course.

• Once you start courses in the carousel, it is highly recommended to NOT take a break during those phases. This may cause a delay in your progression due to courses being offered on a fixed rotational basis.

Your Academic Advisor can help you in reading the Carousel of Courses and determining the best courses to register.

Reading the Carousel

Students can use the Carousel of Courses when choosing courses per start date

• Begin by finding your start date; the start date for each seven-week session can be found at the top of the page
• Move to the bottom of the column. This will be the first course (NUR 50100: Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing)
• Determine the rest of your courses by reading from left to right based on the start date
• Please make sure you are viewing the carousel that corresponds with your admission date in order to correctly map out your progression of courses

• Click the video link below to watch How to Read the Carousel of Courses
• Video link: https://youtu.be/4U0_YdaIiyM

Notes on Order of Courses:

NUR 50100 will always be your first course

NUR 65000 is a prerequisite for NUR 65100.

NUR 67100 will always be your last course.

• Once you start courses in the carousel, it is highly recommended to NOT take a break during those phases. This may cause a delay in your progression due to courses being offered on a fixed rotational basis.

Your Academic Advisor can help you in reading the Carousel of Courses and determining the best courses to register.

Returning students enrolling in courses must email the registration coordinator by 4:00 pm CT Monday one week before classes start with the name and start date of the course they wish to enroll. There are no exceptions made to this deadline date.

Enrollment/Grade Verification

Enrollment verification services are provided for students who receive educational loans, good student auto insurance discounts, medical insurance, tuition reimbursement for employers and other situations in which official verification of enrollment status is needed.

Students can email their registration coordinator to receive a letter of grade verification or a letter of program completion prior to the end of the semester.

Feel free to browse the Office of the Registrar website for information on other services offered, such as:

• requesting a transcript
• changing your address or other contact information
• commencement

Making Payments for Class

• Tuition payments are due on or before the Friday before the start of class by 1pm CT.
• Missed payment deadlines will result in being dropped from the class.
• Invoices and periodic reminders regarding payment amounts due and payment deadlines are sent via email.

Payment For Tuition and Fees

• Can be made online
• Can be made in person at the Bursar’s Office
• Can be made by mail
• PNW Bursar’s Office no longer accepts payments by phone

View your Student Account in myPNW

• Select Online MSN tab
• Click Financial Aid Awards
• Select Student Tab
• Click Student Account
• Select MyAccount
• Click View Account Activity

Make a Payment

• Please pay the exact amount due as shown and do not round your payment up.
• Once you enter your credit card or check information, you can enter the amount you wish to pay
• Please view this tutorial to help you pay online.

Please visit the website for Financial Aid for the Online MSN Nurse Executive and Nurse Educator Partnership Program to learn how to apply for financial aid.
If you have Financial Aid, please check the status to ensure you are on schedule for disbursement and that no further action is required on your part.  Contact Josephine Blockson, Assistant Director of Financial Aid.

Type of Financial Aid Available to Graduate Students

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: You are not required to demonstrate financial need to receive this loan. Interest accrues (accumulates) from the time it is first paid out. Recipients must be enrolled at least half-time (2 credit hours for the entire semester).

How enrollment is determined for Financial Aid

Enrollment, for financial aid purposes, is based on the total number of credit hours for the entire semester.
Students must be enrolled in a minimum 2 credit hours for the entire semester at PNW to qualify for part-time financial aid status.
There are two start dates for spring, fall, and summer semesters.
All financial aid documentation must be submitted 10 days prior to the start of classes.

• Stafford Loans will be adjusted for changes in enrollment. If you fall below 2 credit hours your eligibility may change. If refunds have been issued, you may have to return funds to the university. Contact Josephine Blockson if you are considering withdrawing from any classes to discuss how this might affect your financial aid eligibility.

Honor Code

Students enrolled in the graduate nursing program must adhere to the ANA Code of Ethics and conform to the Purdue University Northwest Honor Code and the Purdue University Northwest Academic Integrity Policy. Students are responsible for becoming familiar with and adhering to the policies outlined in the documents. Students must be aware that academic dishonesty in any form may result in an automatic failure in the course and a referral to the Dean of Students. A letter describing the incident will be placed in your student file. Further disciplinary action will be pursued according to the policies of the university.

Because of the seriousness of plagiarism, also refer to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL) for definitions and examples of plagiarism and ways to avoid it.

Student Conduct

Students in the College of Nursing are expected to adhere to the ANA Code of Ethics.  The Code of Ethics for Nurses is a guide for carrying out nursing responsibilities in a manner consistent with quality nursing care and the ethical obligations of the profession. Students are responsible for acquainting themselves and adhering to the policies outlined in the document.

Students in the CON are also expected to adhere to the PNW Civility Code as stated below:

Purdue University Northwest places a priority on student learning. We value the inherent worth and dignity of every person, thereby fostering a community of mutual respect. We believe that in order to achieve these ideals, all Purdue University Northwest students are expected, while in the role as student or representative of the university, to exhibit and practice civil behaviors, defined as behaviors that:

1. Respect faculty, staff, fellow students, guests, and all university property, policies, rules and regulations
2. Take responsibility for one’s choices and actions
3. Accept consequences of one’s inappropriate choices and actions
4. Communicate in a professional and courteous manner in all forms, and at all times, whether verbal, non- verbal or written.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students have the right to a learning environment free of disruptive behaviors.  Students are expected to comply with regulations regarding civility, attendance, and appropriate classroom behavior.

Faculty Rights and Responsibilities

Faculty has the right and responsibility to define expected classroom behavior consistent with University policy, as well as address and manage disruptive student behavior.

With the enactment of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the idea that patients have the right to privacy and confidentiality became more than just an ethical obligation of health care providers, students and health care organizations; it is the law. The right to privacy is essential to patients and families. Under no circumstances should any student ever release or remove confidential patient information from the practicum setting or discuss it with anyone unless it is needed for treatment of the patient.

Each clinical agency has strict guidelines regarding patient information, including computer access, security, documentation, and patient confidentiality. These specific guidelines are available for each agency, and several ask students to sign a confidentiality statement.

Violations of the Guidelines

Violation of these guidelines can result in disciplinary action by the agency, the assignment of a failing grade for a nursing course, and/or dismissal from the course and/or nursing program. The following guidelines in general reflect expectations of all students in all agencies.

1. Patient medical records are not to be removed from their location.
2. Students granted access to patient medical records are accountable at all times for the protection of the record and its contents while in their possession.
3. Sharing medical record/patient information with family, friends, and staff not directly involved in the patient’s care is prohibited.
4. Students are not allowed to remove medical records from the patient care area.
5. Reproducing by photocopying, cutting and pasting, taking a picture, or printing any part of the medical record for a student’s purpose is strictly prohibited. Data cannot be saved to any device.
6. When referring to patients in written work for schoolwork purposes, students must use patient initials only. Keep all identifying information to a minimum.
7. Any identifiable patient information should be properly destroyed before the student leaves the unit.
8. Students must follow HIPAA guidelines at all times as outlined by each clinical agency and federal regulations.
9. Professional standards expect that student nurses withhold discussing, in any format, (verbally, in writing, via social media), any patient situations and confidences outside the clinical course context. Situations may only be discussed in private, for the purpose of learning, as directed by the clinical instructor.

Rationale:

The College of Nursing recognizes that social networking websites and applications including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, are an important and timely means of communication. However, students must be aware that posting any information about patients or clinical agencies attended for clinical is prohibited and may be illegal under HIPAA guidelines and subject to disciplinary actions. Violation of existing statutes and administrative regulations may expose the offender to criminal and civil liability, and the punishment for violations may include fines and imprisonment. Offenders also may be subject to adverse academic actions that may include immediate removal from the clinical setting, referral to the Dean of Students, course failure and dismissal from the College of Nursing.

Privacy and Confidentiality:

Official University communications sent by e-mail are subject to the same public information, privacy, and records retention requirements and policies as other official University communications. Also, any reference to a client, colleague, faculty, or staff nurse on any social media outlet is not appropriate (see American Nurses Association’s social media statement), including “disparaging remarks” even if the person is not identified by name. “Promptly report a breach” (per ANA) to your faculty. Please review the following national and international guidelines regarding the proper use of social media:

• NCSBN: Social Media Guidelines for Nurses
• ANA Fact Sheet on Social Media (PDF)
• National Student Nurses Association (PDF)
• International Nurse Regulator Collaborative Statement (PDF)

Clinical & In-Class Procedure:

Please refer to the syllabus for possible course-specific guidelines. Clinical students must uphold the Social Media Policy guidelines. Individual clinical faculty members may also make additional requests regarding use of technology during clinical according to clinical agency policy.

The purpose of this policy is to notify students of the Purdue University Northwest requirement that all students in the College who are enrolled in a clinical course submit to a drug screen as outlined in this policy and test negative before engaging in clinical activity associated with a College of Nursing Program.

The University’s Alcohol-and-Drug-Free Campus Workplace Policy prohibits the unauthorized use, possession, sale, conveyance, distribution, and manufacture of controlled substances, as well as being under the influence of legally prescribed drugs that prevent an individual from performing the essential functions of his or her job or where the individual poses a direct threat while using those drugs.  Clinical agencies affiliated with the University also have drug and alcohol policies and are requiring that nursing students comply with their drug testing policies in a similar manner to their employees. Safety in the delivery of care to patient/client populations is the basis for drug testing. Clinical sites have the right to refuse any student for clinical placement based on concerns about that student’s ability to deliver safe practice.

It is the policy of Purdue University Northwest to comply with federal and state laws and regulations dealing with the usage and detection of drugs. This policy is subject to change at the sole discretion of the University and is meant to supplement other relevant University policies, including but not limited to, the Alcohol- and Drug-Free Campus and Workplace Policy, Executive Memorandum C-44. This policy is in addition to any drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures at the clinical sites, and while students are engaging in clinical activities at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or other facilities on behalf of the College, the drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures of the hospital, clinic, nursing home, or facility will govern.

Policy and Procedures

All nursing students will be required to submit to a drug screen at the expense of the student, and test negative for drugs  at certain times in their nursing education:

• prior to participation in a clinical course in a College of Nursing Program,
• annually,
• as requested by the clinical facility

Unannounced drug testing may occur based on reasonable suspicion.

If a student’s drug screen is positive but the student provides proof that prescribed medications (a copy of the prescription or verification from the healthcare provider that they are taking medication under supervision) lead to a positive drug screen, the College of Nursing will make record of such. All positive drug tests will be reported to the clinical site in an anonymous manner.  If present, prescription verifications will accompany any positive drug screens also in an anonymous manner.  The clinical site policy will determine whether a student may participate in the scheduled clinical rotation.

By participating in the drug screening process, the student is authorizing release of the drug test results in accordance with this policy.

Negative Test Result

If the drug test is negative, and pending all other requisite acceptances and approvals, the student will be allowed to participate in clinical activities.

Refusal to Test

If a student fails to produce the requested sample by the date and time designated, the student will be treated as if the test result was positive.

Positive Test Result

Any student who engages in conduct prohibited by this policy, tests positive for drugs, or who does not comply with any notice, request, or procedure provided for hereunder, shall be withdrawn from all clinical courses, and may be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal from the Program, on the basis that the student is not able to meet course objectives for classroom and/or clinical requirements.  If the Student is not dismissed from the Program, the Student will not be permitted to participate in Clinical Activities until the Student undergoes the rehabilitation process set forth below. In addition, future participation in Clinical Activities is dependent on the length of time needed for the rehabilitation process and space availability as described below.

Rehabilitation

If the Student is not dismissed from the Program, the Student will be required to undergo a professional evaluation by the Counseling Center or by a mutually agreed upon independent, certified drug and alcohol counselor for evaluation and treatment at the student’s expense. The student must complete the treatment prescribed by the approved counselor at the student’s expense. Upon completion of the treatment plan, the counselor shall conduct a follow-up evaluation and issue a report to the Dean of the College of Nursing.  If the counselor reports that the student successfully completed the treatment plan and is ready to engage in Clinical Activities, the student will be tested with a new drug screen at the Student’s expense. If the Drug test is positive, the Student will be dismissed from the Program.  If the Drug test result is negative, the student will be eligible to enroll in clinical coursework depending on space availability and acceptance by clinical sites.  Because of the time that is required to complete treatment and testing, it is possible that the Student will be delayed and need to re-work his/her plan of study with an academic counselor.

After a student has completed the required treatment plan prescribed by the certified drug and alcohol counselor, has a negative Drug screen and is participating in Clinical Activities, unannounced drug testing may occur periodically, based on reasonable suspicion, until the student graduates from the Program. The Dean of the College of Nursing will notify the student of the designated time and place for the drug screening which will be completed, at the student’s expense, on the day of notification. If a positive Drug screen occurs, or if the student fails to complete a drug test as requested or otherwise comply with this policy, the student will be dismissed from the Program.

Confidentiality

The College of Nursing and the University will take reasonable measures to ensure individual privacy under this Policy including, without limitation, keeping all Drug test results confidential to the extent possible.  Drug test results will be released in accordance with this policy and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

Grievance and Appeal Procedures

Pursuant to the University’s Bill of Student Rights, any student can seek redress for any complaints related to the application or enforcement of this Policy through applicable University grievance policies and procedures, including Program appeal procedures.

Access to Records

The College of Nursing and the University will maintain records relating to this policy as required by law.  Upon written request to the Dean of the College of Nursing, a student will be provided copies of records pertaining to his or her Drug tests. The University may charge the student a reasonable fee for copying these records.

Questions

Questions about this policy should be directed to the Dean of the College of Nursing.

All students enrolled in the program must keep their RN license current/active.  Students must also maintain residency in the state they were living in when they were admitted to the program.  If students move to another state, there is no guarantee that they will be able to complete the program.

Email is the preferred and quickest method of communication as it provides a written record, time stamp, and can be sent directly to the people that can best assist in a particular situation. Additional communications between students and university personnel may be arranged directly.

The College of Nursing requires that current students only use their PNW student email accounts to contact university personnel.

The College of Nursing Graduate Program has established the following grading scale to be used for all courses taught in the Graduate Nursing Program:

Students must obtain a minimum grade of “B” in all required nursing courses. Additionally, graduate students must have a final graduation grade point average of a “B” or better on the approved plan of study in order to receive your degree.

The Electronic Plan of Study (EPOS) is an academic contract between the graduate student, the student’s faculty chair, College of Nursing Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, and the Graduate School.  On the EPOS, students will list the coursework they must complete/completed that fulfill the requirements of the graduate degree. They also choose a faculty chair.   Students must submit their EPOS and have it finalized/approved prior to the start of the last semester of the program.  Failure to file the EPOS in a timely fashion may prevent the student from graduating upon completing their final semester.  Students can find instructions for submitting their EPOS in the program tab located in myPNW and/or by contacting the Graduate Program Academic Advisor for assistance.

Probation

Graduate students in degree-seeking status who receive a grade of C or below in any required course or whose cumulative graduate program GPA falls below 3.0 (a B average) will be placed on probation, indicating serious academic difficulty. Students on probation must repeat within one calendar year the course in which they received the grade of C or below. Students will be dismissed from the program if a grade of C or below is received for the repeated class.

Repeating Courses

If a degree-seeking student receives a grade of C or below in a required class, the class must be repeated within one calendar year. A class may be repeated only one time and a grade of B or higher must be achieved. The maximum number of different courses toward the degree that may be repeated is two.

Dismissal from the Program

Degree-seeking students will be dismissed from the graduate program when any of the following occur:

• A conditionally admitted student fails to meet admission conditions.
• A student on probation fails to repeat a required nursing course within one calendar year after receiving a grade of C or below.
• A student receives a grade of C or below when repeating a required nursing course.
• A student received a grade of C or below on a third required nursing course.

In matters of integrity, clinical judgement, plagiarism, or other situations that compromise the ANA Code of Ethics, the Purdue University Northwest Student Honor Code, and/or the Graduate Student Standards of Work, the graduate faculty of the CON may place a student on probation or recommend dismissal from the program to the Dean of Students.

The responsibility for assessing student achievement and assigning grades rests with the course instructor and, except for unusual circumstances, the course grade given is final. If a student has concerns or complaints about grading or clinical evaluations, he/she may choose to proceed with the following:

• discuss these concerns with the faculty member responsible for teaching the course.
• if not satisfied with the outcome of this discussion, he/she should bring the concerns to the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in Nursing.
• if the situation is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction after talking with the Associate Dean, students should follow the university’s grade appeal procedures.

Students may appeal decisions of dismissal from their program of study for scholastic performance or violations of the code of conduct.  Students who wish to appeal a decision related to program dismissal should:

• Meet with the College of Nursing’s Associate Dean for Graduate Studies to discuss the situation.
• If students want to continue the appeals process, they will submit to the College of Nursing’s Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in Nursing a written notification of the desire to appeal and a request for reconsideration explaining why the student should be given an opportunity to continue in the program. The deadline for submitting the written notice of appeal is the twenty-first calendar day after the start of the fall or spring semester following notification of dismissal.
• Students will appear at the next scheduled Admission Progression and Graduation Committee meeting to address the request for reconsideration.
• If the dismissal decision is upheld by the Committee, students may submit a written appeal to the Dean of the College of Nursing.
• If students were dismissed due to academic reasons and are not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting with the Dean, they may submit a written appeal to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs/Provost. For students dismissed due to conduct violations, a further appeal can be submitted to the Office of the Dean of Students.

It is the belief of the faculty and administration of the College of Nursing that if a student has a concern with a nursing course or faculty member, the student has the right to due process as outlined by the Dean of Students Office.

The student should attempt to resolve the problem by following the appropriate Chain of Command depending on the type of issue.

ACADEMIC or POLICY ISSUE

1. Faculty member involved, and if no resolution
2. Director of Online Programs; and if no resolution
3. Associate Dean of Graduate Programs; and if no resolution
4. Dean of the College of Nursing; and if no resolution
5. Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs or Dean of Students

PRACTICUM ISSUE

1. Faculty member or preceptor involved; and if no resolution
2. appropriate Program Coordinator; and if no resolution*
3. Director of Online Programs; and if no resolution
4. Associate Dean of Graduate Programs; and if no resolution
5. Dean of the College of Nursing

* Program Coordinators

Dr. Cari Furst, Nurse Educator Program Coordinator

Dr. Patti Ludwig-Beymer, Nurse Executive Program Coordinator

If you choose to withdraw from a course, please email your registration coordinator for assistance. In addition, your academic advisor should be notified so that she can adjust your plan of study according to the carousel of classes.

Refunds are offered to students who to officially withdrawal from the course no later than Tuesday of the start of classes by 4:00pm CT. Students who receive financial aid should check with the financial aid department to determine the effect withdrawing has on their financial aid obligation.

If you withdrawal later than Tuesday of the start of classes, and feel that you have extraordinary circumstances, you may contact a student advocate in the Office of the Dean of Students to provide documentation and ask for a refund.

If you desire to withdraw from a course, you must notify your registration coordinator by 4:00 pm CT the Tuesday of the 6^th week of class. The table below describes how your transcript will be affected. Please contact your academic advisor with further questions.

Your withdrawal will impact your transcript as shown below:

• Students who need to withdraw from nursing courses due to medical, military, or catastrophic life events should notify their academic advisor at the time of withdrawal for plan of study adjustments as needed.
• Students interrupting their progression due to course withdrawal, failure or  part-time study are subject to policy changes as they progress.
• If students interrupt their progression for a year or more, they will need to submit a new application before continuing their progression.
• The time limit to complete the MS program is 6 years from the term of admission.  In addition, if 5 years elapse between taking courses and resuming work toward a degree, the Purdue University Graduate School prohibits including any of the courses taken prior to the period of inactivity on the plan of study.  Therefore, required courses that are more than 5 years old would need to be repeated.

Graduate students are needed to participate in the following College of Nursing Committees:

1. Graduate Committee: Provides general guidance to the graduate program; develops, evaluates, and revises the curriculum; initiates and evaluates program changes and course offerings; determines curriculum policies including admission, progression and graduation: makes resource recommendations; analyzes outcome data related to graduate programs; and contributes to development of accreditation reports.
2. Student Affairs Committee: Coordinates student-related social functions; reviews policies regarding student health and welfare; serves as a forum for student interaction for non-academic matters; nominates student representatives to College committees, provides input into College Grade appeal process.
3. College Curricula and Assessment Committee: Approves curriculum proposals across programs; approves admission, progression and graduation requirements across programs; assesses and maintains effectiveness of College of Nursing academic programs; and evaluates program-specific outcome assessment data.
4. Resources and Budget Committee: Recommends and prioritizes acquisition of professional books and journals for the library collection, audiovisual materials, computer hardware/software, simulation equipment, and other supports for educational functions of the College; secures support for acquiring instructional materials; serves as an advisory group to the university library and the College of Nursing Learning and Simulation Center; and provides input to the Dean on the use of the College’s discretionary funds.

Student input is of great importance to the faculty, and students are encouraged to participate and volunteer to serve on these committees.

A large component of graduate study focuses on discussion and exchange of ideas. The graduate nursing faculty, therefore, expect that each student will recognize his/her responsibility to professional colleagues and actively participate in all online courses, on-campus courses as applicable, and all practicum experiences.

If a graduate nursing student is unable to attend a classroom or laboratory session, the need for remedial study will be assessed on an individual basis or according to requirements set forth by the course faculty member.

In the case of an absence from a practicum experience, both the clinical facility preceptor and the responsible faculty member are to be notified by the student prior to the scheduled experience.

A behavioral objective is a learning outcome stated in measurable terms, which gives direction to the learner’s experience and becomes the basis for student evaluation.

Objectives may vary in several respects. They may be general or specific, concrete or abstract, cognitive, affective, or psychomotor. Cognitive objectives emphasize intellectual outcomes, such as knowledge, understanding, and thinking skills. Affective objectives emphasize feeling and emotion, such as interests, values, attitudes, appreciation, and methods of adjustment. Psychomotor objectives emphasize motor skills, such as physical assessment skills and administration of chemotherapy.

Points in writing behavioral objectives:

1. Begin each behavioral objective with a verb. The critical aspect of any behavioral objective is the verb selected to indicate expected behavior from learning activities.
2. State each objective in terms of learner performance. A behavioral objective is one that is considered to be observable and measurable. Behavior is generally construed to be an action of an individual that can be seen, felt, or heard by another person.
3. State each objective so that it includes only one general learning outcome.

Examples of objectives

At the graduate level of nursing education, it is expected that learning objectives will be general, abstract, and cognitive or affective. Examples of appropriate objectives for graduate students are as follows:

• Cognitive: Create an assessment tool based on a nursing theory for patients experiencing pain.
• Cognitive: Evaluate the usefulness of nursing research in clinical practice.
• Affective: Accept professional responsibility for change in problem clinical situations.

Illustrative verbs for stating specific learning objectives:

Many references are available concerning Behavioral Objectives. The materials in this guide were taken from:  Gronlund, N. E. (2004). Writing instructional objectives for teaching and assessment (7^th ed.).  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.

Purdue University Northwest, College of Nursing Nurse Educator/Nurse Executive Practicum Requirements:

When to Submit and How

All MSN students are responsible for submitting the information prior to the practicum course.

Practicum placement information should be submitted to the department secretary 2 full semesters (4 sessions) before the practicum begins.

All Castlebranch information should be submitted no later than 1 full semester (2 sessions) before the practicum begins.

Note: Students will not be allowed to begin practicum experiences until all practicum requirements are met. Additionally, students must continue to update practicum requirements as needed in order to remain in practicum settings.

All students must sign the Communicable Diseases and Exposure Policy document before they
start their initial practicum. Failure to do so will prevent the student from attending the practicum and the student will not be able to complete the program.

Following is a list of all information to submit along with the corresponding submission schedule. Students will purchase CastleBranch’s Medical Document Manager to submit required documents. Refer to the Practicum Information and Submission deadlines document located in the Online MSN portal for purchasing information.

Note: Results of services and training purchased through CastleBranch will automatically upload to the document manager.

Between four and two months before the first practicum, all students will access CastleBranch at castlebranch.com to purchase the required criminal background check. If not available through other means, students may also access CastleBranch to purchase:

• 10-panel drug screen
• HIPAA eLearning module
• OSHA eLearning module

All students enrolled in practicum courses are provided liability insurance purchased by the University at the time of registration. Students will receive verification of coverage through PNW email.

All students in the Graduate Nursing Program must present evidence of registered nurse licensure for all states in which they plan to pursue their practica experiences.

Students need to undergo a comprehensive health examination performed by a healthcare provider no longer than 6 months prior to the start of the first practicum course. The healthcare provider should document a summary of the health examination on the Student Physical Examination Summary form.

All students, prior to beginning practicum courses must meet immunization requirements as outlined on the Residency Requirements and Submission Deadlines section of the handbook. The College of Nursing document entitled “Communicable Diseases and Disease Exposure Policy” must be carefully read and adhered to.

All above policies and forms are located in the “Practicum Forms” drop-down menu within the Practicum Forms and Information Section of the MSN-APRN tab in the myPNW portal.

Before beginning each practicum experience, there are several steps that each student needs to take. Each step is listed below:

1. Select area of focus based on course requirements and/or professional goals. Note: Faculty are available for guidance in the selection process.
2. Write tentative behavioral objectives that are congruent with course objectives. Refer to the information in this section of the handbook for further information
3. Select a preceptor. Points to consider:
   • Acceptance by preceptor of the concept of advanced practice nursing
   • Willingness to serve as preceptor.
   • Size, type and quality of practice setting.
   • Match of preceptor to the nature of the required experience.
   • Qualifications of the preceptor: experience, credentials, type of preceptor
   • Faculty prefer that you obtain your practicum experience at a location that is different from where you are employed. However, if it is not feasible for you to locate a preceptor and perform your practicum at a different site or facility, you should consult with your program coordinator about the possibility of completing your practicum at your place of employment.

Note that if you stay within your place of employment for practicum, your direct supervisor cannot be your preceptor and you may not complete practicum hours during work time. Also the preceptor cannot be a family member or a personal friend.

1. No more than three clinical sites may be used during a single semester to fulfill course requirements.
2. Hold an initial meeting with the preceptor. Points to consider:
   • Discuss goals and objectives of experience and provide a copy of your objectives
   • Provide a current copy of your vita
   • Arrange for orientation to the practice setting
   • Determine a schedule most beneficial to both
3. Submit required forms. See the “Required Practicum Forms” section of this handbook for further information.
4. Note that you will not be able to begin your practicum until all letters of agreement and/or contracts have been completed.  Your role in this process is to supply the College with accurate information about your preceptor and the person within the agency who is responsible for practicum placements.  The College is responsible for sending placement letters and relaying information to the university’s contracts office to begin a new contract or update an existing contract.

Student Responsibilities

• Prepare personal learning objectives and submit them to faculty during the first week of class.
• On the first day of your practicum, give your preceptor a copy of the course objectives, your personal objectives, the clinical time sheet and your clinical evaluation tool.
• Arrange for an on-site conferences/visits with preceptor and faculty member.
• Collaborate with and seek guidance from your preceptor in order to meet practicum objectives.
• Discuss your progress with preceptor.
• Continue to evaluate your progress toward meeting course and personal objectives.
• Assume responsibility and accountability for practicum requirements. Specific responsibilities include:
• Remain aware of deadlines and submit required materials to the Graduate Program Secretary.
• Maintain a professional appearance, behavior and etiquette. This includes but is not limited to: no texting or personal phone calls during the clinical practicum experience; arriving on time; and staying as long as necessary to complete practicum obligations.
• Notify your preceptor if you are unable to appear at a scheduled clinical experience or if you are not able to arrive on time.
• Notify your clinical instructor if you change sites or if you need to be absent from a scheduled clinical practicum. Notify your clinical instructor within 24 hours, per email, if you are absent from clinical practicum for any reason.

Preceptor Responsibilities

• Orient the student to the practice setting.
• Assist the student in selecting appropriate means for meeting course and personal objectives.
• Provide validation and feedback pertaining to student experiences.
• Provide faculty with feedback on student’s performance.
• Provide feedback and contribute to the evaluation of the student’s clinical performance.

Faculty Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and supervision for the student during the preceptorship.
• Arrange conferences with student at the beginning, middle and end of the semester or as needed or requested.
• Make on-site/telephone visits.
• Assist the student in solving clinical and interactional problems during on-site visits, conferences, and seminar discussions.
• Maintain communication with preceptors and other agency personnel.
• Evaluate the student’s practicum performance. Practicum evaluation criteria may include:
  1. observations during on-site visits
  2. assigned materials
  3. ongoing contact with preceptor
  4. ongoing contact with student
  5. degree of attainment of course and personal objectives

Students will purchase a standard lab coat and name tag to wear in the practicum settings that take place in healthcare facilities.  Purchasing instructions are located in the Practicum Forms and Information Section of the MSN-APRN tab in the myPNW portal.