Nursing Student Guide and Policies

Undergraduate nursing students will be asked to sign the affirmations below when applicable to their coursework. The affirmations will be formatted as an assignment in the learning management system. 

9.1.1 Syllabus Statement

I have/will read the syllabus of this nursing course I am taking this semester, and I understand the criteria established for grading my course work. The simple average of exam grades, before the weighted calculation is performed, must be 75% or above to pass the course. Grades will not be rounded when calculating the average (74.5 – 74.9 is not rounded to 75). Students with an overall exam average of 75 or higher will have course grades calculated based on the weighted calculation of the exams and other required coursework.

9.1.2 Clinical Progression and Dismissal

I understand to pass this clinical course, I must pass both the theory and the clinical components of the course. Clinical performance that is deemed incompetent and/or is a threat to patient/family, faculty, staff, or student safety and well-being may result in dismissal from the program.

I understand that if removed from clinical placement at the request of the facility where the placement is assigned, I automatically fail the course and may not be placed in an alternate clinical that term. The reason behind the request for removal may launch a program dismissal process.

9.1.3 Social Media / Networking

This policy aims to outline the privacy and confidentiality issues related to students' postings to safeguard The University of Texas at Tyler School of Nursing's (SON) identity, integrity, and overall reputation to prevent confidentiality and privacy violations.

Social Networking is any activity involving interaction with other individuals in an online environment. Social networking platforms may be effective modalities for students to connect in positive ways. However, students must be aware of and sensitive to the information and pictures they post of themselves and others.

Using other electronic devices to record pictures, images, and other information or data that may be stored, reviewed, or shared with others immediately or at a future date is also considered social networking. This includes, but is not limited to, browsing other users' profiles,
personalized web pages, and photos; reading messages sent through social networking forums; engaging in online messaging services or email that is in any way related to UT Tyler or the School of Nursing or activities conducted while in attendance at the University.

Students are encouraged to read "A Nurse's Guide to Professional Boundaries" and "A Nurse's Guide to the Use of Social Media" on the following website, prepared by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). These guidelines are not all-inclusive; they are intended to be used as a foundation for sound decisionmaking. 

Confidentiality and Privacy

Violations of Confidentiality include but are not limited to:

1. Photocopying or recording patient documents, removing patient documents from the clinical site, and posting patient information on social network platforms, online blogs/vlogs, and journals.
2. Contacting patients or patients' family members through a social network platform.
3. Photographing in any clinical setting. Taking and/or posting any pictures taken within a clinical facility without the written permission of the facility or patient (even if the patient's identity is not disclosed) is a breach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
4. Discussing or posting any patient information related to the clinical facility one is assigned on social network platforms or in a public place.
5. Using UT Tyler School of Nursing's name, logo, or other information in one's personal social networking profile. Students may post pictures where they are identified as a nursing student at SON sanctioned events, e.g., white coat ceremony, pinning ceremony, community events, group photos outside of buildings, simulation, and skills labs. Students may not post photos in uniform in personal settings such as restaurants, bars, and shopping areas. Social networking platforms, blogs/vlogs, and email are public
   domain.

Failure to comply with the above guidelines will result in disciplinary action, which may include dismissal from the program. Any student found in violation of the policies mentioned above
and/or any policies related to conduct unbecoming a University of Texas at Tyler student is subject to procedural disciplinary action as outlined in the UT Tyler Manual of Policies and Procedures for Student Affairs.

9.1.4 Course Material Agreement

I understand that course materials are for my personal studies only. I realize that course materials downloaded, printed, or recorded may not be shared with other people without the written consent
of the faculty member. I also understand that lecture materials or discussion comments may not be used in any way against the faculty member, other lecturers, or students whose classroom
comments are downloaded, printed, or recorded as part of course activities.

I am aware that the information contained in the course material is protected under federal copyright laws and may not be published or quoted without the expressed consent of the lecturer or author of the course material and without giving proper identity and credit. I agree to abide by these guidelines concerning any course material I download, print, or record while enrolled as a student at The University of Texas at Tyler.

9.1.5 Photo / Video / Audio / Chat Release Statement

I agree to participate in the photo opportunities available at The University of Texas at Tyler and give UT Tyler permission to use those photos in any advertising or marketing promotions
(print/electronic/outdoor advertising, faculty presentations, and publications).

Students are responsible to notify the School of Nursing Administrative Assistant if they do not consent to this
policy.

Class sessions may be recorded by the instructor for use by students enrolled in this course. Most course recordings are not shared outside of the course however occasionally videos are shared with other students/faculty outside the course but within the university. This includes video, audio and chat discussions within the recorded session. Students are responsible to notify the course faculty if they do not consent to this policy.

All prints, slides, video, audio, chats and digital images belong to UT Tyler solely and completely.

9.1.6 Undergraduate Student Accountability

Students may NOT:

1. Take verbal or telephone orders from physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants.
2. Transcribe or note physician, midwife, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant orders.
3. Witness operative or procedural permits.
4. Perform any skill that violates the Nurse Practice Act, even under a physician's supervision (i.e., intubation of a patient).
5. Perform any delegated medical act (i.e., removal of chest tube, arterial line, pacer wires).
6. Discontinue central IV lines, including PICC lines.
7. Access central venous access devices.
8. Administer chemotherapy.
9. Initiate or adjust IV Pitocin drips during the labor process.
10. Initiate IV therapy in the nursery.
11. Take possession of the narcotic keys.
12. Sign out narcotics, witness stocking of narcotics, or remove narcotics from a storage unit.
13. Initiate infusion of blood products.

Students MUST be surpverised by the preceptor/instructor when:

1. Performing any peripheral or central IV-related procedure (including IV initiation, hanging solutions, changing tubing, flushes, pushing medications, and site dressing change).
2. Performing an unfamiliar skill; students should only perform skills listed on the SON clinical check-off lists.
3. Administering medications by any route.

If present during a code, a student may:

1. Perform CPR, except on a newborn.
2. NOT Document code procedures.
3. NOT administer drugs or perform skills other than basic CPR.

9.1.7 Simulation Contract

As a University of Texas at Tyler nursing student or faculty, I understand that I will participate in simulation as part of my clinical hours. I understand I may be recorded during scenarios for teaching purposes only. I understand that all simulation recordings will be destroyed upon the completion of the semester.

Confidentiality and "Safe Environment"

Student

I understand that the content of the simulations is confidential and that the simulation hospital is an educational "safe environment" where my fellow students and I can make errors and learn from them without medical repercussions. It is unethical for me to share simulation scenarios in any format (verbal, written, electronic, etc.) or to take pictures during simulation. As a nursing student, I will not humiliate other students for any mistakes they may make in the learning environment. Any breach of the educational "safe environment" could mean a verbal reprimand or more severe consequence at the discretion of my clinical instructor. 

Faculty

I will preserve the privacy of simulation and endeavor to create a safe place for students to learn and give constructive feedback that neither humiliates nor creates barriers to the learning experience. I agree not to use the names of specific students as examples of mistakes in lectures or future nursing clinical groups. 

A/V Recording

Student

What happens on the simulation recordings is not to be discussed outside of debriefing, and classmates are not to criticize one another for their actions on recordings; to do so will lead to consequences determined by my clinical instructor. 

Suspension of Disbelief

Student

I understand that there are limitations to the realism I will experience in simulation. I will suspend my disbelief and criticism of the "realism" of the scenario in order to have the best learning outcome possible.

Faculty

If nursing students will suspend disbelief, even when it is difficult, and attend simulation clinical with a genuine desire to learn, I promise an exchange of knowledge and skills that is directly
applicable to what nursing students will see when treating patients as a BSN prepared nurse.

*By posting in Canvas, the clinical instructors agree to these guidelines, and this serves as the initials/signature of the clinical instructor.

(Revised 7/16/2022)

Graduate nursing students will be asked to acknowledge affirmations below when applicable to their coursework. The affirmations will be formatted as an assignment in the learning management system.

9.2.1 Syllabus Statement

I have/will read the syllabus of this nursing course I am taking this semester, and I understand the criteria established for grading my course work.

9.2.2 Social Media / Networking 

This policy aims to outline the privacy and confidentiality issues related to students' postings to safeguard The University of Texas at Tyler School of Nursing's (SON) identity, integrity, and overall reputation to prevent confidentiality and privacy violations.

Social Networking is any activity involving interaction with other individuals in an online environment. Social networking platforms may be effective modalities for students to connect in positive ways. However, students must be aware of and sensitive to the information and pictures they post of themselves and others.

Using other electronic devices to record pictures, images, and other information or data that may be stored, reviewed, or shared with others immediately or at a future date is also considered social networking. This includes, but is not limited to, browsing other users' profiles,
personalized web pages, and photos; reading messages sent through social networking forums; engaging in online messaging services or email that is in any way related to UT Tyler or the School of Nursing or activities conducted while in attendance at the University.

Students are encouraged to read "A Nurse's Guide to Professional Boundaries" and "A Nurse's Guide to the Use of Social Media" on the following website, prepared by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). These guidelines are not all-inclusive; they are intended to be used as a foundation for sound decisionmaking. 

Confidentiality and Privacy

Violations of Confidentiality include but are not limited to:

1. Photocopying or recording patient documents, removing patient documents from the clinical site, and posting patient information on social network platforms, online blogs/vlogs, and journals.
2. Contacting patients or patients' family members through a social network platform.
3. Photographing in any clinical setting. Taking and/or posting any pictures taken within a clinical facility without the written permission of the facility or patient (even if the patient's identity is not disclosed) is a breach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
4. Discussing or posting any patient information related to the clinical facility one is assigned on social network platforms or in a public place.
5. Using UT Tyler School of Nursing's name, logo, or other information in one's personal social networking profile. Students may post pictures where they are identified as a nursing student at SON sanctioned events, e.g., white coat ceremony, pinning ceremony, community events, group photos outside of buildings, simulation, and skills labs. Students may not post photos in uniform in personal settings such as restaurants, bars, and shopping areas. Social networking platforms, blogs/vlogs, and email are public
   domain.

Failure to comply with the above guidelines will result in disciplinary action, which may include dismissal from the program. Any student found in violation of the policies mentioned above
and/or any policies related to conduct unbecoming a University of Texas at Tyler student is subject to procedural disciplinary action as outlined in the UT Tyler Manual of Policies and Procedures for Student Affairs.

9.2.3 Course Material Agreement

I understand that course materials are for my personal studies only. I realize that course materials downloaded, printed, or recorded may not be shared with other people without the written consent
of the faculty member. I also understand that lecture materials or discussion comments may not be used in any way against the faculty member, other lecturers, or students whose classroom
comments are downloaded, printed, or recorded as part of course activities.

I am aware that the information contained in the course material is protected under federal copyright laws and may not be published or quoted without the expressed consent of the lecturer or author of the course material and without giving proper identity and credit. I agree to abide by these guidelines concerning any course material I download, print, or record while enrolled as a student at The University of Texas at Tyler.

9.2.4 Photo / Video / Audio / Chat Release Statement

I agree to participate in the photo opportunities available at The University of Texas at Tyler and give UT Tyler permission to use those photos in any advertising or marketing promotions
(print/electronic/outdoor advertising, faculty presentations, and publications).

Students are responsible to notify the School of Nursing Administrative Assistant if they do not consent to this
policy.

Class sessions may be recorded by the instructor for use by students enrolled in this course. Most course recordings are not shared outside of the course however occasionally videos are shared with other students/faculty outside the course but within the university. This includes video, audio and chat discussions within the recorded session. Students are responsible to notify the course faculty if they do not consent to this policy.

All prints, slides, video, audio, chats and digital images belong to UT Tyler solely and completely.

9.2.5 Clinical Progression and Dismissal

I understand, if this is a clinical course, to pass the clinical course I must pass both the theory and the clinical components of the course. Clinical performance that is deemed incompetent and/or is a threat to patient/family, faculty, staff, or student safety and well-being may result in
dismissal from the program.

I understand that if removed from clinical placement at the request of the facility where the placement is assigned, I automatically fail the course and may not be placed in an alternate clinical that term. The reason behind the request for removal may launch a program dismissal
process.

(Revised 4/4/2023)

For students seeking employer tuition reimbursement - Student Requirements:
Students are encouraged to wait for grades to be posted and submit proof of final grades to their employer. However, the SON recognizes that some employers may require grades before the final grades are posted to the student's transcript.

When students cannot wait for grades to be posted, and as a courtesy to students, students may request the faculty member to assist in documenting final grades. If students request faculty assistance, they must complete the School of Nursing Tuition Reimbursement Request/Course Grade form and email it, from the student’s Patriot email account, to the course faculty during the last week of the semester. Students are responsible for completing the form and communicating with course faculty and employer. Students will inform their employer that final grades are submitted to the university the Tuesday after the end of the semester term and will not be available prior to that date.

When the course faculty receives the student’s completed Employer Tuition Reimbursement form, the faculty will write a letter, indicating the student’s grade, on UT Tyler letterhead, save as a pdf, and the letter will be emailed to the student’s Patriot email account. It is the student’s responsibility for submitting the letter to their employer.

The reimbursement form can be found in the appendices section on our policy webpage.

(Revised 12/13/2022)