Vocational Nursing Student Handbook   

Temple College EEO/AA Statement

Temple College is committed to nondiscrimination practices based upon race, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, or veteran status. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and subsequent amendments, the Vietnam Era Veterans Assistance Act of 1974, the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and subsequent amendments, the Americans with Disabilities Act and subsequent amendments, Texas Statute 6252-14-V.T.C.S., Executive Orders 11246 and 11758, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 to students, employees, programs, activities, and applicants. Temple College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution.

Course Disruption

Due to circumstances beyond our control (for example, a pandemic such as COVID-19), class, lab, and clinical could potentially be converted from face-to-face to remote learning or be disrupted, and may result in an Incomplete for the course that was disrupted, or a possible delay in graduation. In that event, when courses can resume, the days and times to make up the content may differ from those originally designated. All effort will be given to provide adequate notice of any possible day/time changes, and the learner understands that they are required to attend those adjusted days/times to complete the requirements of the curricula.

Step 1 – Apply for Admission to Temple College

1. Apply for admission to Temple College by clicking the gold "Apply Now" button on the TC home page. You must meet all TSI requirements in order to apply for nursing.
2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended to TC Admissions & Records.
3. Complete prerequisite courses below with a minimum grade of "C" or better. All Biology courses must be within 10 years of application.
   • BIOL 2401 – Anatomy and Physiology I
   • BIOL 2402 – Anatomy and Physiology II
4. Take the HESI Admission Assessment (A2). A minimum cumulative score of 80 is required in order to apply.
5. Applicants must be 18 years old by the first day of class.

Step 2 – Apply to the Temple College Vocational Nursing Program

To submit the online Vocational Nursing Application during the application window:

• Go to the Temple College Vocational Nursing webpage.
• Before applying, read the following documents under the Application Procedure tab:
  • Application Instructions
  • Immunizations, CPR & Drug Screening
  • Core Performance Standards
  • Texas Board of Nursing Background Check Process
  • Transcripts and Transfer Information
• Click on the Apply to Nursing button to start a new nursing application.

Students seeking admission to the VN program are admitted on the basis of the following criteria, with maximum point totals awarded as indicated:

Admission to the nursing program is determined during the spring for the summer semester. In the case of competitive admissions, requirements over and above the minimum will be necessary. Admission to Temple College does not constitute automatic acceptance into the nursing program. In the event an application is rejected, the applicant may request a review by the Nursing Department.

Conditional Admission Requirements

Applicants will be notified by email whether or not they are conditionally accepted into the program. If conditionally accepted, you will receive instructions on completing the following requirements. Do not submit any of these items with your application.

1. An acknowledgment that you are able to meet the Core Performance Standards for Nursing will be required.
2. Immunizations required by clinical partners (must be kept current throughout the program):
   • Current Tetanus (Tdap) – less than 10 years old
   • MMR – documented series of two vaccinations or a positive titer
   • 2 Varicella shots (or positive titer) OR "history of disease" on letterhead reported by a physician
   • COVID-19 – Documented series of two vaccinations (Pfizer or Moderna) or one vaccination (Johnson & Johnson) received prior to September 2, 2022, or one updated/bivalent vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) received after September 2, 2022. A booster is not required at this time but is highly recommended.
   • Flu Shot – Required each year in Fall. Instructions will be given after acceptance.
   • Tuberculosis (TB) Screening – Must have been done within one year of classes starting.
   • Hepatitis B Vaccination – Proof of a complete Hepatitis B series or a positive titer showing immunity. Know whether you received the 2-shot or 3-shot series.
3. A drug screen will be required. Specific instructions will be sent by email.
4. Health Insurance is a requirement for some clinical sites. If you do not have health insurance, it may limit the number of clinical sites you can attend. It is not required for admission to Temple College.
5. A satisfactory background check (specific instructions will be sent by email). The Texas Board of Nursing will conduct the background check. Students must be cleared by the Board of Nursing before being allowed to register for nursing courses. Any healthcare facility associated with Temple College may also require a background check. Failure to give permission for the background check will result in dismissal from the program.
6. Written documentation of successful completion of an American Heart Association CPR course designed for healthcare professionals (e.g., Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals). Online-only CPR courses are not acceptable; all courses must include a hands-on skills portion.

Transfer to the TC VN Program from Another Nursing Program

Transfer students must apply and meet all VN Program requirements for admission.

Transfer students who have more than one nursing course failure within two years of transfer will not be considered.

Students dismissed from a nursing program for unsafe or unprofessional conduct must provide information regarding the circumstances and will be subject to a review to determine eligibility for enrollment.

All nursing courses must have been completed within one (1) year prior to the program start date to be eligible for transfer. Coursework outside this time frame will not be accepted; the student will be required to re-enroll in those nursing courses.

All Temple College policies for accepting transfer students apply (see the College Catalog). Required non-nursing courses will be evaluated for transferability by the Director of Admissions and Records. Required nursing courses will be evaluated by the Nursing Department Chair.

Promotion

Once accepted into and beginning the VN program, the student is expected to progress directly to the next semester's courses. To do so, the student must:

1. Have completed all previously required courses with a "C" grade (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.
2. Maintain good academic standing (see the College Catalog).
3. Meet all general Temple College requirements (be approved for registration).
4. No more than one failed nursing course may be repeated during the program, and that course may be repeated only once.

Grading Scale (All Nursing Courses)

Withdrawal/Dismissal from the VN Program

A student who intends to withdraw should schedule an appointment with the Nursing Department Chair prior to making a final decision. The Department Chair will provide a form to present to Advising in order to withdraw from the course(s).

A student may be dismissed from the VN program for:

1. Failure to achieve minimum acceptable grades in more than one required course.
2. Failure to pass all required skills.
3. Unsatisfactory clinical performance that endangers others, or is a potential danger to others, as determined by the clinical instructor.
4. Failure to meet Essential Requirements of Core Performance Measures.
5. Failure to meet attendance requirements.
6. Violation of VN program or Temple College policies.
7. Failure to follow instructions from an instructor and/or director.

Returning Students

If a student is unsuccessful in one course, the student must return within one academic year. A student is allowed to withdraw from courses one semester only and must return within one academic year. Upon returning, the student must be successful in all remaining coursework throughout the program. If the student does not return within that time frame, they must reapply as a new student and repeat all nursing coursework.

Students returning must sign a contract for readmission and complete an Academic Success Plan in order to return to the VN Program.

Readmission to the VN Program

If a student is unsuccessful in two or more courses, or withdraws from any course as a returning student, they will be dismissed from the program and must wait two years to reapply. At that time, they will be required to apply as a new student and repeat any previous nursing courses.

Admission to the Bridging Track

Current VN students are eligible to apply to the ADN Bridging program in spring prior to completing the VN program. If you are currently enrolled in the VN program at the time of application, you must successfully complete your VN program. Upon admission, you will have a deadline to pass NCLEX-PN to remain in the program.

Students seeking admission to the Bridging track must follow the admission steps listed on the ADN Website and provide proof of:

• Graduation from a VN program or Paramedic/Medic program (or current enrollment).
• A valid Texas VN license in good standing, without disciplinary action or stipulations (not just a Compact License). Paramedics/Medics must have a current Texas Paramedic license or Medic/Corpsman certificate. The license must remain current throughout the program.
• If you graduated one year or more prior to application, you must have worked as an LVN/Paramedic a minimum of 6 months full-time or 1 year part-time within the year prior to application. Proof of employment may be required. This requirement is waived for current VN students accepted into the program who begin immediately upon graduation.

Admission to the Bridging track is determined during early spring for the summer semester. Admission to Temple College does not constitute automatic acceptance into the nursing program. In the event an application is not accepted, the applicant may request a review by the Nursing Department.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Utilize clinical reasoning and knowledge as a basis for vocational nursing practice.
2. Provide a safe environment for patients, self, and others.
3. Provide safe, compassionate, basic nursing care to a diverse population.
4. Communicate and collaborate with the patient and interdisciplinary healthcare team to facilitate quality patient-centered care.
5. Practice nursing within a legal-ethical framework consistent with nursing practice standards.

Vocational Nursing Level 2 Certificate Curriculum

Nursing courses must be taken in the semester listed below. Completion of all courses at any level is a requirement to progress to the next level.

Course Descriptions

Numbers in parentheses: (Semester credit hours: Lecture hours – lab/clinical hours). "R-W-M" TSI compliance is required in Reading, Writing & Math.

VNSG 1119 – Leadership and Professional Development (1:1-0)

Study of the importance of professional growth. Topics include the role of the licensed vocational nurse in the multi-disciplinary health care team, professional organizations, and continuing education.

Prerequisites: VNSG 1204 Foundations of Nursing

VNSG 1201 – Mental Health & Mental Illness (2:2-0)

Personality development, human needs, common mental mechanisms, and factors influencing mental health and mental illness. Includes common mental disorders and related therapy.

Co-requisites: VNSG 1260 Clinical I

VNSG 1204 – Foundations of Nursing (2:2-0)

Introduction to the nursing profession including history, standards of practice, legal and ethical issues, and role of the vocational nurse. Topics include mental health, therapeutic communication, cultural and spiritual diversity, nursing process, and holistic awareness.

Co-requisites: VNSG 1260 Clinical I

VNSG 1230 – Maternal-Neonatal Nursing (2:2-0)

A study of the biological, psychological, and sociological concepts applicable to basic needs of the family including childbearing and neonatal care. Utilization of the nursing process in the assessment and management of the childbearing family. Topics include physiological changes related to pregnancy, fetal development, and nursing care of the family during labor and delivery and the puerperium.

Prerequisites: VNSG 1204 Foundations of Nursing | Co-requisites: VNSG 1460 Clinical II

VNSG 1234 – Pediatrics (2:2-0)

Study of the care of the pediatric patient and family during health and disease. Emphasis on growth and developmental needs utilizing the nursing process.

Prerequisites: VNSG 1204 Foundations of Nursing | Co-requisites: VNSG 2461 Clinical III

VNSG 1260 – Clinical–LVN Training I (2:0-6)

A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. $25 liability insurance fee.

Co-requisites: VNSG 1423

VNSG 1331 – Pharmacology (3:3-0)

Fundamentals of medications and their diagnostic, therapeutic, and curative effects. Includes nursing interventions utilizing the nursing process.

Prerequisites: VNSG 1423 Basic Nursing Skills

VNSG 1409 – Nursing in Health & Illness II (4:4-0)

Introduction to health problems requiring medical and surgical interventions.

Prerequisites: VNSG 1423 Basic Nursing Skills | Co-requisites: VNSG 1460 Clinical II

VNSG 1423 – Basic Nursing Skills (4:3-3)

Mastery of basic nursing skills and competencies for a variety of health care settings using the nursing process as the foundation for all nursing interventions. Laboratory experiences are required. Lab fees apply.

Co-requisites: VNSG 1260 Clinical I

VNSG 1460 – Clinical–LVN Training II (4:0-12)

A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional.

Prerequisites: VNSG 1260 Clinical I | Co-requisites: VNSG 1409 Nursing in Health & Illness

VNSG 2331 – Advanced Nursing Skills (3:2-3)

Application of advanced level nursing skills and competencies in a variety of health care settings utilizing the nursing process as a problem-solving tool. Laboratory experiences are required. Lab and testing fees apply.

Prerequisites: VNSG 1423 Basic Nursing Skills | Co-requisites: VNSG 1460 Clinical II

VNSG 2461 – Clinical–LVN Training III (4:0-12)

A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional.

Prerequisites: VNSG 1460 Clinical II | Co-requisites: VNSG 2510 Nursing in Health & Illness III

VNSG 2510 – Nursing in Health and Illness III (5:5-0)

Continuation of Nursing in Health and Illness II. Further study of medical-surgical problems of the patient including concepts such as mental illness. Incorporates knowledge necessary to make the transition from student to graduate vocational nurse. Testing fees apply.

Prerequisites: VNSG 1409 Nursing in Health and Illness II | Co-requisites: VNSG 2461 Clinical III

Background Check Process

Students are required to pass the TBON background check process by a deadline to be admitted to the program. Students must also meet healthcare facility background check standards throughout the program and may be dismissed if barred from practicing in any clinical facility.

Students must notify the Clinical Coordinator if their employment at one of our partnering healthcare facilities is terminated while they are in the nursing program, as this could affect the facility's willingness to allow the student to attend clinical there.

It is the responsibility of the student to report to the Nursing Department Chair within 30 days of any offense (with or without arrest), or the new diagnosis of any condition as specified in licensure question 6. Failure to comply with this reporting requirement can result in immediate dismissal from the program. Depending on the nature of the offense, the student may be subject to immediate dismissal from the program until approval by the TBON and/or agency standards is given.

Declaratory Orders of Eligibility for License

The Texas Board of Nursing has identified certain circumstances that may render a potential candidate ineligible for licensure. The Board provides individuals the opportunity to petition the Board for a Declaratory Order as to their eligibility in accordance with article 213.30(a) of the Nursing Practice Act. Further instructions and forms can be obtained at bon.texas.gov.

Jurisprudence Examination

The Texas Board of Nursing will administer a mandatory jurisprudence exam to students who apply to take the NCLEX exam. This exam must be passed prior to taking the NCLEX exam (see the TBON application process for specific details). The exam covers the laws in the Nursing Practice Act and Board Rules that regulate the education and practice of nursing in Texas.

Academic Integrity

All Temple College VN students are subject to the Temple College Academic Integrity Policy. All assignments in this program will be individual assignments unless otherwise indicated. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Texas Board of Nursing, Texas Administrative Code, 217.27, Good Professional Character states that good professional character includes honesty, accountability, trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. A person seeking to obtain or retain a nursing license must establish that the person is able to distinguish right from wrong, think and act rationally, keep promises and honor obligations, and is accountable for his or her own behavior.

Use of Online Resources

The use of Course Hero, Quizlet, social media, or similar study resource platforms to access, share, or distribute course materials, assignments, exams, or any other academic content is strictly prohibited.

Prohibited activities include:

• Uploading and/or sharing any course materials, assignments, exams, or other academic content to Course Hero, Quizlet, social media, or similar platforms.
• Downloading or using materials from these platforms for assignments, exams, or any other academic purposes.

Permitted activities include:

• Using online resources as legitimate study aids—practice questions, flashcards, study guides—to reinforce understanding of course concepts, provided students critically evaluate the information and are not simply copying answers without comprehending the material.
• Using legitimate study aids and resources provided by the nursing school or recommended by faculty.

Professional Behavior

Nursing students are expected to display professional, respectful behavior toward patients, peers, staff, and faculty at all times. Profane, belligerent, or aggressive language and/or actions in any program setting will be subject to disciplinary action. Reports of lateral violence or bullying, including intimidation, will be investigated and subject to the Disciplinary Policy.

The ANA Code of Ethics Provision 5 states: "The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety, preserve wholeness of character and integrity, maintain competence, and continue personal and professional growth."

Student Conduct in Learning Environments

Classroom, lab, and clinical activities are an essential part of the nursing program. Students are expected to come prepared and participate fully.

• Visitors, including children, are not permitted in the classroom, lab, or clinical during class activities. Unattended children are not allowed at any College location at any time.
• The VN Program abides by the Temple College Food and Drink Policy. Professors may enforce stricter policy standards than those outlined and may revoke food and drink privileges if students fail to comply.
• No food or drinks are allowed in the Simulation Lab or Computer Labs at any time.

Disruptive behavior examples include: sleeping in class, entering and leaving the room during class activities, ignoring instructor's directions, displaying a belligerent attitude, eating during class, talking when the instructor is teaching, texting during class, phones or other electronic devices making noise, and not staying focused on the topic. Students may be asked to leave until the next break, or may be asked to leave the classroom for the day with a resulting loss of attendance time.

If a student determines it is necessary to withdraw from a course, it is the student's responsibility to contact the Nursing Department Chair prior to initiating the withdrawal process. Failure to properly withdraw may result in a grade of "F" for the course.

Personal Appearance

Classroom

Casual clothing is appropriate for the classroom. Students should not wear short shorts, low-cut or cropped tops, or other revealing clothes to class. Undergarments should not be visible. Clothing with inappropriate text or design cannot be worn to classroom or clinical activities. Room temperatures vary, so layered clothing is recommended. Hats, caps, sunglasses, and any wristband (including smart watches and fitness bands) are not permitted during exams.

For clinical orientations, workshops/seminars, or other functions where uniforms are not required, appropriate casual professional wear is expected. Shorts, blue jeans, halter-type tops, cropped tops, and other revealing clothing are considered inappropriate.

Student Uniform

The Temple College student uniform includes the following:

• Scrubs: Black scrubs only. No additional colors on the uniform—no colored stripes, piping, or thread (excluding logos). The TC ADN Patch must be sewn on the left sleeve with the top of the patch 2 inches down from the shoulder seam. If an optional scrub jacket is worn, it must have the TC ADN Patch on the left shoulder.
• Shoes: Professional nursing shoes of a solid, non-permeable material (such as leather or vinyl). No mesh, canvas, or open holes on tops or sides. Must have closed toe and heel; no boots. Any color is acceptable; designs are allowed as long as they are not considered offensive.
• Name Badge: Must be worn and visible on the upper left side of shirt/top while on campus or in the clinical setting. Cloth badge holders and lanyards are NOT allowed. Must wear a badge extender denoting student nurse status.

Required Equipment

• Penlight
• Watch (with seconds timing)
• Stethoscope
• Bandage Scissors

Additional Uniform Guidelines

• Plain black t-shirts may be worn under the scrub top. Sleeve length must not go below mid-forearm to allow for correct handwashing and infection control procedures.
• Cloth or jeweled lanyards or stethoscope coverings are not permitted due to infection control concerns.
• Hair must be a natural color, pulled back from the face, and not falling below the chin when bending forward. No elaborate or decorative hair accessories; non-distracting accessories, surgical caps, and headbands are acceptable. Neatly trimmed mustaches and beards are acceptable as long as they don't interfere with PPE fit.
• Make-up should be appropriate for a professional clinical appearance.
• Jewelry: Small stud earrings only (no hoops or gauges), not to exceed two per ear; one simple ring (no stones). No other visible body piercing jewelry. Tongue studs are considered visible. Clear plastic piercing retainers are allowed; plugs must be worn for gauges.
• Artificial fingernail enhancements are not allowed. Fingernails must be neatly manicured and no longer than 1/8 inch (3.1 mm) beyond the fingertip. No nail polish at clinical sites. Artificial nail enhancements include artificial nails, tips, wraps, appliqués, acrylics, gels, and any additional items applied to the nail surface.
• Personal hygiene should include frequent bathing and the use of deodorants and mouthwashes as needed. No strong odors (colognes, perfumes, smoke, etc.) are permitted.
• No profanity or loud talking in public. No smoking while in uniform. No alcoholic beverages may be consumed while in uniform. No chewing gum while on clinical rotations.
• Visible tattoos must not be considered offensive and must follow clinical agency policies.

Attendance Policy

Being successful in a nursing program is dependent on the student being actively involved in all learning activities.

Classroom

Students should plan on arriving to class a minimum of 10–15 minutes early. As soon as a student knows they will arrive late or will be absent, they need to contact their faculty. If students develop a pattern of tardiness, leaving early, or absenteeism, they will be expected to discuss the reasons with faculty and develop a plan to correct the behavior.

Clinical

The clinical experience is an essential component of the nursing program. When clinical is missed,
the student cannot benefit from this learning experience. Clinical evaluations may also be impacted by absences (Student’s performance can’t be evaluated if they are not present). Missed clinical time cannot be made up at the clinical site.

Arriving Late for Clinical

Arriving late for clinical is considered unprofessional behavior and is not acceptable. Students must notify their clinical instructor as soon as they know they will be late. It is at the discretion of the clinical instructor to allow the student to arrive late or send them home; if sent home, it will be counted as an absence. Students should plan on arriving to clinical a minimum of 10–15 minutes early.

Leaving Early from Clinical

Leaving early is considered unprofessional behavior. Students must notify their clinical instructor as soon as they know they need to leave early. Continuing to leave early will be documented in the clinical evaluation and may result in the Disciplinary Action process being initiated.

Weather

Testing Policy

Most tests are administered online but may be administered via paper and pencil throughout the program.

1. All books, bags, purses, drinks, cell phones, and other communication devices must not be taken into the computer lab. No hats, scarves, outerwear, or gloves may be worn during testing. Smart watches or any other device able to generate electronic messaging, photographs, or recording must be removed during testing.
2. When testing online: If there are any technical issues during the test, you must immediately notify the instructor. Waiting until the end of the test removes any possibility of assistance.
3. If testing with a paper test: no writing on the test; desk must be cleared except for pencils and four-function calculators. All other items must be placed at the front of the classroom. Cover sheets must be submitted with the test.
4. The student must leave the classroom/computer lab after completing the test and not return until everyone is finished.
5. Students who arrive after testing has begun will not be allowed to test and will be required to schedule a make-up exam.

Make-Up Testing Policy

Students are expected to be present for all scheduled exams. If unable to be present, the student must contact the appropriate faculty member before the exam is given. Failure to contact faculty may jeopardize the opportunity to take a make-up exam. Any missed module exams must be taken within the time frame stated in the course outline. Failure to complete make-up exams will result in a grade of "0" for that exam.

It is the responsibility of the student to contact the faculty member before the exam is given to notify them that the exam will be missed and to arrange to take a missed final exam. Any missed final exam must be completed prior to the beginning of the next semester in order to progress. Any missed final exam will result in the submission of an Incomplete (I) for that course. Failure to take a final exam will result in a grade of "0" for that exam and may result in failing the course.

Policy/Procedure for Student Review of Exams

Exams are both evaluation tools and learning tools. Students have the opportunity to review module exams and provide feedback. The student must contact faculty within 2 weeks of the exam to schedule this review.

1. Grades for each exam will be available immediately for online tests.
2. Students who do not achieve a passing score (75%) on an exam are highly recommended to schedule a one-on-one exam review with the faculty who gave the exam.
3. During the review session, students may visually review the exam and ask questions about exam items. No note-taking will be permitted. Any material containing exam questions or content will be collected before the student leaves.
4. Makeup exams and last exams of the semester may not be available for review. Final exams generally are not reviewed; faculty may make special arrangements as available.

Dosage Calculation Exam

Students are expected to have proficiency in dosage calculation throughout the curriculum. Students are required to pass a Dosage Calculation Exam each semester with a minimum score of 75%. The exam score will count as a percentage of the clinical course grade. Students who score below 75% will be required to complete remediation and retake the exam.

Use of Electronic Technology

All nursing courses are supplemented with online material through D2L Brightspace. Students are required to have access to a laptop computer. A link for discounted Dell computers may be found in the New Student Orientation course.

While the Nursing Department recognizes the convenience of cell phones, headphones, and ear pods, personal use has no place in classrooms, laboratories, and testing areas due to the inevitable distraction they produce. They must be turned to silent during on-campus learning activities. There should be no texting during on-campus learning activities.

Computers and tablets may be used only for classroom activities. Permission to record lectures must be obtained from each instructor. Use of cell phones or personal computers in the clinical setting is described in the Clinical Guidelines for Students policy.

Social Media

Professionalism is expected at all times, including on social media. Students must follow the Texas Board of Nursing Position Statement 15.29, Use of Social Media by Nurses, available at: TBON Position Statement 15.29

Violations should be reported to the clinical instructor or the Department Chair of Nursing. Clinical facilities may bar students from clinical practice for violations. This will result in dismissal from the program. Future employment opportunities can be seriously jeopardized by nonprofessional behavior in this area.

Medication Administration Policy

Students may administer medication after successfully completing the dosage calculation exam and passing medication administration skills in the Simulation Lab. Students unable to discuss medications comprehensively will not be allowed to administer medications in the clinical setting. Students that are not able to administer medications competently will be sent tothe Simulation Lab for remediation.

Administration Rules

1. Students may give medications to patients they are caring for, provided clinical faculty (or preceptor in 3rd semester) supervise all dosage calculations, preparation, administration, patient education, and documentation of medications.
2. No medications will be administered by students without faculty supervision and approval.
3. Prior to administering medications, the student must be aware of site-specific policies and procedures (e.g., Pyxis, med cart, medication records).
4. No student may accept or initiate telephone or verbal orders, including for medication administration.

Preparation

1. Students will be required to discuss medication information with the faculty or preceptor (3rd semester) prior to beginning medication preparation or administration. Conversations must be limited when anyone is preparing or administering medications to avoid potential errors.
2. Nursing students will retrieve, prepare, and administer medications under the direct supervision of their clinical faculty (or preceptor in 3rd semester). Student competency is determined by clinical faculty.

Prohibited Medications

The nursing student is responsible for administering only those medications which they have prepared to give according to the school and agency guidelines. Nursing students are not permitted to administer the following:

• Medications that require an override in the electronic medication administration record.
• Chemotherapy medications.
• Epidural medications.
• Moderate sedation medications.
• Oxytocin for laboring patients.
• PCA medications.
• Opioids.
• Other medications as indicated by the clinical site facility or the faculty.
• Blood or blood products.

Documentation

The student will document the administration of the medication on the administration chart, which includes the dose, route, time, and any additional information per facility policy. The student must sign the documentation according to facility policy.

Permitted Medication Routes (After Passing Skills and With Faculty Supervision)

VN students are allowed to administer medications via the following routes: topical, oral, eye, ear, nose, per gastric tube (NGT, gastrostomy), rectal, IM, SC, intradermal, inhalation medications, and IVPB medications according to the IV Therapy Policy.

IV Therapy Policy

Temple College Vocational Nursing students will observe the following policy for managing patients with IV therapy in progress while under students' care:

1. The instructor must supervise students when starting an IV and managing any aspect of IV therapy on their assigned patients.
2. Students must be approved by the instructor prior to removing a peripheral IV site.
3. Students may perform or assist in the changing of peripheral IV dressings in the presence of either the instructor or the staff nurse.
4. IV therapy will be limited to peripheral sites only, including tubing, dressing changes, and venipunctures.
5. Medication administration will be limited to plain IV solutions, pre-mixed IV piggyback solutions, and IV piggyback antibiotics.
6. Students may regulate peripheral IV infusions.
7. Students may maintain saline locks from previously inserted venipuncture devices, including flushing of site.
8. IV push medications will not be administered.
9. Each health care facility's policy for administering IV medications and managing IV therapy will be observed by the student and instructor. Students and instructors are responsible for knowledge of the particular facility policy.
10. Regarding PICCs and Central lines: IVPBs can be hung by a student with instructor supervision if this is considered within the LVN scope of practice at a specific facility.

Change in Health Condition

If a student has any significant change in health or a health condition that may affect or be affected by school performance, he or she will be required to obtain a Health Care Provider release (from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant). The release must specify that the student is able to return to classroom and clinical activities without restrictions. Examples of these conditions include, but are not limited to, infectious diseases, physical injuries, and after childbirth. This request may be made at the discretion of the instructor or Department Chair, Nursing.

Infectious Diseases

Temple College follows the Center for Disease Control Guidelines for infectious diseases. Review the guidelines at: CDC Precautions When Sick

Title IX Pregnancy Policy

Temple College does not discriminate against any student based on pregnancy or related conditions. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student's doctor, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work.

Students requesting services related to pregnancy must disclose their need to their respective instructor and submit a signed diagnostic statement to the Temple College Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Pregnancy Services prior to or immediately upon learning of medical need.

Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Pregnancy Services:

• Misty Reid, One College Centre
• Phone: (254) 298-8335
• Email: Misty.Reid@templecollege.edu

If approved for Title IX services and anticipating missing clinical rotations, you need to contact:

• Clinical Coordinator: Erica.Perrine@templecollege.edu to determine if clinical rotations need to be adjusted to meet the minimum requirements for the Board of Nursing attendance.
• Your faculty to make up any missed classwork.

Students qualified for Title IX services must present a note from their physician for any Title IX-related absences. You may email the note to the Nursing Department Chair, Tracey.Cooper@templecollege.edu, or bring it to the nursing office.

Post-delivery, prior to attending a clinical experience, students are required to present a medical clearance from their provider stating they may return to clinical with no restrictions.

Infection Control Policy

During the performance of clinical laboratory duties, nursing students shall comply with standard precautions for preventing the spread of infection to clients, themselves, and others. The following measures shall be employed:

1. Hands should always be washed before and after contact with patients, and after removing gloves. If hands are exposed to blood, body fluid, human tissue, or contaminated surfaces, they should be washed immediately with soap and water.
2. Gloves should be worn when contact with blood, body fluid, tissues, or contaminated surfaces is anticipated.
3. Gowns or plastic aprons are indicated if spattering with blood or other potentially infectious materials is likely.
4. Masks and goggles should be worn if aerosolization or splattering is likely to occur, such as in certain oral and surgical procedures, wound irrigations, suctioning, and bronchoscopy.
5. Sharp objects should be handled in such a manner to prevent accidental cuts or punctures. Used needles should not be bent, broken, reinserted into their original sheath, or unnecessarily handled. They should be discarded intact immediately after use into an impervious needle-disposal box.
6. Blood spills should be cleaned up promptly according to agency policy.
7. Blood specimens should be considered biohazardous and be so labeled.
8. At the start of each new clinical rotation, students need to locate emergency equipment.

Student Substance Abuse Prevention Policy

Temple College is committed to a policy of prevention of the use of any controlled substance by students while they are engaged in College and College-sponsored activities.

The possession, use, distribution, or sale of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs or controlled substances on the campus or at any college activity is cause for disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and/or criminal prosecution. This is also true of a student who comes on campus or to a college activity while under the influence of any of these items. Violations will result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, and/or criminal prosecution

Expectations for nursing students specifically:

1. Students are not to use, possess, sell, or transfer any alcoholic beverage or any illegal, illicit, or designer drugs on campus or while engaged in any college instructional program.
2. Health care providers are expected to know the major differences between reasonable practices related to personal health care and practices which are detrimental to personal health care, and must not use any substance prior to arrival at the work site, or while at the work site, which may impair their job performance.
3. Students in nursing programs are mandated to certify in writing that they are not engaging in any substance abuse behaviors, and to acknowledge that in "for cause" situations they will be asked to submit to drug testing. "For cause" means indicators of impaired behavior such as erratic movement, dilated eyes, slurred speech, loud or abusive speaking, or the presence of an alcohol or marijuana odor.
4. Refusal to sign the acknowledgment will result in denial of enrollment in any Temple College nursing program. Refusal to submit to "for cause" drug testing may lead to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
5. In "for cause" situations, testing will be conducted at a state-certified drug testing facility. Results will be reported to the Nursing Department Chair. Positive results will be reported to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services and to the Texas BON per mandatory reporting requirements. A student who tests positive may be denied continued access to Temple College education opportunities. A student who enters a professionally directed rehabilitation program may be considered for reinstatement upon receipt of proof of successful completion of that program.

Accident and/or Incident Reports

The school holds no liability for accidents that occur to students during scheduled school hours. In the event of unusual occurrences involving a student, employee of the clinical facility, and/or patient, an institutional incident/accident report should be completed. The student will notify the instructor immediately of any unusual occurrences. Examples include medication errors, patient injuries witnessed by the student, and/or student injuries.

In the event that a student is injured on clinical and requires medical treatment, the Medical Treatment Policy will be implemented.

Medical Treatment Policy

Due to non-coverage of immediate medical care by the clinical site, a Medical Treatment Policy has been developed. In the event of a clinical incident requiring medical treatment:

• Option 1: Immediate care at the clinical site. The student will assume all costs for the treatment.
• Option 2: The student may elect to seek private medical care elsewhere and assume all costs of the treatment.
• Option 3: Decline of total medical treatment. In this event, the instructor may dismiss the student from the clinical site and require medical release before the student may return to class or clinical.

Neither the clinical facility nor Temple College will assume responsibility for any costs associated with treatment. The clinical instructor will contact the Clinical Coordinator to report the incident and complete any needed documentation.