DIVISION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
NURSING
STUDENT HANDBOOK
FALL 2024 and SPRING 2025
SEMESTERS
ALL POLICIES AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS
ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION ON A SEMESTER
BY SEMESTER BASIS.
THE CONTENTS OF THIS HANDBOOK ARE
SUBJECT TO REVISION ON A SEMESTER BY
SEMESTER BASIS.
STUDENTS ARE GOVERNED BY AND
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT THEREIN
AND ARE EXPECTED TO REVIEW THE MOST
CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR HANDBOOK AT
THE BEGINNING OF EACH SEMESTER.
Table of Contents
WELCOME LETTER .......................................................................................................................... 1
LIST OF FACULTY CONTACT INFORMATION ................................................................................... 2
LIST OF ADJUNCT FACULTIES .......................................................................................................... 3
ABILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS ..............................................................................5
CURRICULUM
Philosophy………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6
End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes………………………………………………………………………….7
Program Outcomes…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
Definitions of Curricular Components……………………………………………………………………………………..9
Day/Evening Program……………………………………….…..………………………………………………………………10
NCSBN Clinical Judgment Model…………………………………………………………………………………………….11
NURSING STUDENT CLUB/HONOR SOCIETY…………………………………………………………………………..13
FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS…………………………………………………………………………………………….14
POLICIES
Grading .......................................................................................................................................15
Appeal Policy and Procedure…………………………………………………………………………………………………16
Progression Policies………………………………………………………………………………………………………………17
Advisement…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..19
Students Returning after an Unsuccessful Attempt or Course Withdrawal ...............................19
Students Returning after a Leave of Absence .............................................................................20
Intent to Return Form.................................................................................................................21
Readmission ...............................................................................................................................22
Safe/Unsafe Performance...........................................................................................................23
Withdrawal……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….24
Academic Dismissal………………………………………………………………………………………………………………25
Student Evaluation of the Nursing Program………………………………………………………………………….26
Student Participation in Departmental Meetings………………………………………………………………….26
General Attendance Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………….27
Academic Conduct/Testing .........................................................................................................29
Make-up Exams……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………30
Pharmacological Math Computation Examination (PMCE) ........................................................31
Clinical Remediation ...................................................................................................................32
Skills Validation and Revalidation ...............................................................................................34
Skills Remediation and Skills Validation for Returning Students ................................................35
NURSING SKILLS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………38
UNIFORM POLICY…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….39
CLINICAL AND CLASS REQUIREMENTS…………………………………………………………………………………..41
STUDENT COMPLIANCE WORKSHEET ...........................................................................................42
OFFICE OF SPECIAL SERVICES (OSS ................................................................................................43
EMAIL COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES FOR NURSING STUDENTS AND FACULTY ......................43
Canvas Information ....................................................................................................................43
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY………………………………………………………………………………………………………….44
STUDENT OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT…………………………………………………………………………………………..45
HEALTH STATUS POLICIES
Clinical Illness or Injury………………………………………………………………………………………………………….46
Serious Illness, Injury, or Pregnancy ...........................................................................................46
Medical Release Form ................................................................................................................47
FITNESS FOR CLASS AND CLINICAL PRACTICE POLICY AND PROCEDURE .....................................48
GRADUATION………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..50
NURSING LICENSURE…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………51
NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK SIGN-OFF ..................................................................................53
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 1
Dear Nursing Student,
Along with the faculty and staff of the Nursing Department, it is our pleasure to welcome you to
the Nursing Program. We wish you success in your professional and personal goals. We are
here to assist you as you begin this incredible journey culminating your entry into the profession
of nursing.
All students are assigned a Nursing Faculty Academic Advisor. Please be sure to check the
posted list located on the Nursing Student Community Canvas site on the first day of class and
be sure to see your advisor within the first few weeks of the semester.
This nursing program prepares its graduates to become leaders of tomorrow by integrating
classroom content with real life interaction with patients in a variety of healthcare facilities.
The program uses cutting edge technology such as the infant, child and adult simulators to
provide controlled clinical experiences. This amazing learning tool enables you to practice your
clinical skills before embarking into the clinical areas.
Graduates of the Bergen Nursing Program are employed in most healthcare facilities in the
college’s service area. Graduates of the program consistently report that they “were extremely
well prepared to begin their nursing career”. Other indicators of success are that the program
has been in operation for more than 55 years and that the Accreditation Commission for
Education in Nursing (ACEN) granted full continuing accreditation status for the maximum
number of years based on their findings.
Your future begins here and now.
Best wishes for success.
Sincerely,
Darlene Zales-Russamano, MSN, RN, CNEcl, AHN-BC
Associate Dean of Nursing
This Nursing Program is approved by the New Jersey State Board of Nursing, 124 Halsey Street,
Newark, NJ 07101, 973-504-6430, and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in
Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, (404-975-5000),
www.acenursing.org
Students who may have a complaint regarding the BCC Nursing Program should address their
complaint through the formal channels of communication at BCC (course faculty, Associate Dean and
Dean of Health Professions) Students may also contact the New
Jersey State Board of Nursing and/or
the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
with any complaints about the BCC
Nursing Program.
The contents of this handbook are subject to revision on a semester by semester basis. Students are
responsible for the content therein and are expected to review the handbook at the beginning of each
semester.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 2
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR NURSING FACULTY AND STAFF
ASSOCIATE DEAN
DARLENE ZALES-RUSSAMANO, MSN, RN, CNEcl, AHN-BC
Office: HP-212A
Phone: 201-301-1594
Email: dzales-russama@bergen.edu
ASSISTANT DEAN
CARMEN CRUZ-TORRES, MSH, MSN. RN, CNE
Office: HP 212B
Phone: 201-879-7958
Email: [email protected]
SENIOR SECRETARY
BESSIE DEJESUS
Office: HP-212
Phone #: 201-879-7708
Email: bdejesus@bergen.edu
FACULTY
Joanne Diamantidis
HP-203
Email: [email protected]
Marites Alconis Sharon Mancini
HP-204 HP-204
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Constantino, Diana Cuello-Siegel, Tiffany
HP-205 HP-203
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Constantino, Joana
HP-205
Email: [email protected]
NURSING LAB FACULTY
Cyriax, Claire Lynette Quinones
HP-206 Office: HP-207A
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 3
ADJUNCT FACULTY
• Acquah, Edward: Email: eacquah@bergen.edu
• Alconis-Vo, Krysbelle: Email: kalconis@bergen.edu
• Bancroft, Christina: Email: cbancroft@bergen.edu
• Belkin, Jori: Email: *
• Brown, Jessica: E-mail: [email protected]
• Chiulli, Cyndi: E-mail: cchiull[email protected]
• Cofini, Nicole: E-mail: [email protected]
• Defina, Dahiana: Email: *
• Dumalagan, Corazon: Email: cdumalag[email protected]
• Ensslin, Peggy: Email: penssl[email protected]
• Fox, Jackie: Email: [email protected]
• Funt, Melanie: Email: [email protected]
• George, Amanada: Email: [email protected]u
• George, Moly: Email: mgeorge1@bergen.edu
• Hanikeh, Natalie: Email: nhanikeh@bergen.edu
• Imbrogno, Maureen: Email: mimbrogno@bergen.edu
• Jackson, Siew: Email: sjackson1@bergen.edu
• Johnson, Joshina: Email: *
• Jamshidi, Laleh: Email: ljamshidi@bergen.edu
• Jimenez, Rommel: Email rjimenez1@bergen.edu
• Joseph, Reny: Email: rjoseph1@bergen.edu
• Kaur, Rupinder: Email: *
• Keogh, James: Email: [email protected]
• Labibi, Saideh: Email: slabibi@bergen.edu
• LaFlam, Theresa: Email: tlaflam@bergen.edu
• Lama-Tamang, Tenzin-Pema: Email: [email protected]
• Lang, Michael: Email: [email protected]
• Larsen, Shelley: Email: slarsen@bergen.edu
• Lembo, Linda: Email: [email protected]
• Mana-Ay-Rio, Easter Grace: Email: emana-ay-rio@bergen.edu
• McClendon, Jessica: Email:*
• Munroe, Sherry-Anne: Email: smunroe@bergen.edu
• Okossi, Lilleth: Email: [email protected]
• Oppong, Isaac: Email: oppong@bergen.edu
• Paulison, Frances: Email: fpaulison@bergen.edu
• Payongayong, Joanne: Email: jpayongayon[email protected]
• Petesa, Mark: Email:*
• Pilapil, Amelita: Email: apilapil@bergen.edu
• Plange-Kaye,Elizabeth Email: eplange-kaye148737@bergen.edu
• Ramirez-Orta, Esteban: Email: eramirez[email protected]
• Reighard, Roma: Email: [email protected]
• Rioux, Kristina: Email: [email protected]
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 4
• Rodriguez, Graciela: Email:*
• Rodriguez, Josephine: Email: Jrodriguez2@bergen.edu
• Scalera, Laura: Email: [email protected]
• Schmidt, Kristina: Email: kschmidt1@bergen.edu
• Siphur, Tsamchoe (Dolma)): Email: [email protected]
• Sistoso, Robelisa: Email: rsistoso@bergen.edu
• Sharples, MaryJo: Email: msharples1@bergen.edu
• Spruill: Tara: Email: tspr[email protected]
• Strickland, Patricia: Email: pstrickland@bergen.edu
• Valenzuela, Bernie: Email: [email protected]
* (Additional adjunct information to be forwarded)
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 5
ABILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED
FOR SUCCESS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
A successful candidate for nursing at Bergen Community College must possess certain abilities and skills
necessary to administrate safe and effective care.
The candidate must be able to function on an independent level without an intermediary. These skills and
abilities include: observation, communication, motor skills, cognitive and intellectual skills, behavioral and
social attributes.
•
Observation
The candidate must have the ability to observe a patient. In order to observe a patient, the nurse
must possess the ability to utilize the senses skillfully. The nurse must have the ability to see,
smell, hear, touch and be mobile to care for patients.
•
Communication
The candidate must be able to speak, read, comprehend, write and listen attentively in the
English language. These abilities are essential in patient contact as well as with the patient’s
family and when collaborating with members of the health team. A candidate whose second
language is English is required to successfully complete the American Language Program (ALP).
•
Motor
The candidate must be able to administer physical care to patients in different settings (i.e.
assisting the patient in the activities of daily living, feeding, bathing, assisting the patient to get out
of bed, lifting and transferring) operate various equipment utilized in the patient’s care; have
stamina for clinical work; possess gross and fine movements for the operation of certain
equipment (i.e. taking blood pressure, handling syringes and needles or maintaining aseptic
technique, i.e. dressings). Ability to push, pull, support, roll, patients as well as the ability to lift
infants and children is required.
•
Cognitive-Intellectual
The candidate must possess the ability to think critically (i.e. comprehend, interpret, analyze,
synthesize and evaluate) which is essential to the problem-solving technique necessary in patient
care. Application of theory to practice is mandatory in affording the patient safe, quality care.
•
Behavioral and Social Attributes
The candidate must possess emotional stability which includes adapting quickly to changing
environments, focusing attention on task, accountability for monitoring/controlling own emotions,
dealing with the unexpected, and performing multiple responsibilities concurrently. In addition, the
candidate must possess honesty and Integrity that provides the capacity to function effectively
in a healthcare setting.
•
Hearing and Visual
The candidate must be able to hear normal speaking levels, faint noises, faint body sounds, not
depend on lip reading, hear auditory alarms and to see objects up to 20 feet away
such as
computer screen or client in a room.
Revised 5/09; Reviewed 5/2013, 5/2018, 5/2024
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 6
CURRICULUM
PHILOSOPHY
The Department of Nursing is an integral part of Bergen Community College and subscribes to the
Philosophy, Vision, Mission, and goal statements of the College. The Program of Nursing is designed to
comply with the definition of professional nursing practice as stated in the Nurse Practice Act of the State
of New Jersey. The Nursing faculty recognizes the impact of our highly developed technological,
culturally varied, and diverse society upon the complex health care environment. The Nursing Program
emphasizes the health care practitioner’s mandate to be responsive to the needs of individuals in our
ever changing society. The nursing curriculum, designed by the faculty, utilizes the national Council of
State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN’s) clinical judgement measurement model
as a framework to plan and
implement the educational program.
The focus of professional nursing is the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of a person’s health. A
PERSON is defined as biological, psychosocial, spiritual, holistic being with potential for growth and
change. Individuals are capable of
making decisions and taking independent actions to achieve optimal
health for themselves or
dependents. Individuals exist in a complex ENVIRONMENT consisting of
constantly changing internal
and external factors which influence their ability to achieve optimal health.
HEALTH is a state of integrated structural and functional wholeness which allows for successful
responses to physical, psychological, cultural, spiritual, and economic life events. Individuals achieve this
state through continuous, deliberate actions. A change in any of the factors that affect health
can
overwhelm a person’s state of wellbeing may result in a state of illness, which generates a need for
nursing intervention.
NURSING is a caring profession which assists individuals and groups to attain their highest level of
wellness, while experiencing various health states throughout the life cycle. Nurses possess the
specialized abilities necessary to help people prevent or overcome illness and to maximize their
self-care
abilities. Nursing practice encompasses a broad base of knowledge drawn from natural,
biological,
psychological, social sciences, and humanities. Using therapeutic communication and critical
thinking
skills, the nurse applies clinical judgement to determine the level of nursing care. The clinical judgement
models entail recognizing cues, analyzing cues, prioritizing hypotheses, generating solutions, taking
action and evaluating outcomes. The nurse as a member of the health
care team practices within the
legal and ethical framework of the profession.
LEARNING is a life-long process comprised of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor components. The
teacher is a facilitator and a role model who creates an environment of respect and inquisitiveness,
fosters self-direction, and promotes learner responsibility. We believe that students acquire knowledge
and clinical judgement through a planned sequence of experiences. Learning is enhanced with the
active involvement of the learner as a self-directed, responsible partner in the teaching-learning process.
Students learn best when teaching builds on prior knowledge, correlates classroom with clinical
experiences, recognizing individual strengths and learning styles.
NURSING EDUCATION in a College setting facilitates student growth through interaction with a variety of
disciplines, experiences, and individuals. The associate degree nurse is able to design and implement
direct care to individuals, families, and groups with common, recurrent health problems in a variety of
health settings. As a provider of care, the associate degree nurse practices nursing that is characterized
by critical thinking, clinical judgement, accountability, patient advocacy, and a commitment to the value of
caring. The graduate will be prepared to assume an entry level registered nursing position. The associate
degree nurse is responsible for organizing, delegating, and managing care in accordance with the
Nurse Practice Act. As a member of the profession of nursing, associate degree nurses will
collaborate with other health care team members. The graduate will demonstrate a lifelong commitment
to professional development and continued educational growth.
Approved 5/2006; Reviewed 5/2014, 5/2018, 5/2024
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 7
END-OF-PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The graduate of this program:
• Applies the Nursing Process while modeling critical thinking and clinical judgement to
assist culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups in the promotion,
maintenance and restoration of optimum health.
• Communicates effectively with individuals, families and collaborates with other health team
members.
• Practices within the legal and ethical framework of nursing.
• Incorporates technical resources for the improvement of nursing practice.
• Demonstrates quantitative reasoning skills in nursing practice.
• Integrates teaching and learning principles into nursing practice.
Approved 5/2006; Reviewed 5/2021, Revised 5/2022, 5/2024
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 8
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
The Bergen Community College Nursing Program will:
• Maintain approval from the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
• Maintain accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
• Collaborate with college-wide efforts to maintain accreditation from the Middle States
Association of Colleges and Schools.
• Graduate individuals, 80% of whom will pass the NCLEX-RN on the first testing.
• Graduate individuals, 60% of whom will obtain employment in nursing within 12 months
of successful completion of the NCLEX-RN based upon geographical norms for ADN
employment.
• Graduate individuals who demonstrate involvement in continuing education.
• Graduate individuals prepared to safely deliver care in a variety of health care settings.
• Graduate individuals capable of administering care in a technologically complex
environment.
• Graduate individuals who are competent when assuming the role and responsibilities of
the registered nurse.
Reviewed 5/2014, 5/2018, 5/2021, 5/2024
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 9
DEFINITIONS OF CURRICULAR COMPONENTS
Caring: Interaction of the nurse and client in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. In this
collaborative environment, the nurse provides hope, support, and compassion to help achieve
desired outcomes.
Communication: A dynamic process by which one human being influences another, both
verbally and non-verbally.
Competency: The attitudes, skills, knowledge, and behaviors used to make accurate clinical
judgment.
Critical Thinking/Clinical Judgement: The nursing process of reasoning where one analyzes,
synthesizes, and evaluates information from which conclusions are drawn and problems are
solved.
Ethical Dimensions and Legal Concepts: Principles governing moral, social, or behavioral
issues in nursing practice. Legal concepts incorporate those laws and regulations, both Federal
and State, that govern personal conduct and nursing practice.
Growth and Development: The physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual changes which
occur in a sequential pattern from infancy through maturity.
Human Diversity: Beliefs, habits, and practices which characterize the group to which an
individual belongs and which influence self-care activities.
Self Care: Actions directed to self or to the environment in order to regulate one’s functioning in
the interests of one’s life, integrated functioning and wellbeing.
Technology: The application of scientific knowledge to support classroom learning and clinical
practice; including the acquisition of skills in using learning and medical assistive devices.
Professional Development: A variety of educational opportunities in specialized instruction
and/or formal nursing education to increase competency and effectiveness in nursing practice.
Reviewed by Nursing Faculty 5/2013, Revised by Nursing Faculty 5/2018;
5/2024, Reviewed 5/20
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 10
DAY/EVENING PROGRAM
NURSING CURRICULUM (DAY SESSION)
Code: AAS.NURS.DAY
NURSING CURRICULUM (EVENING SESSION)
Code: AAS.NURS.EVE
Fall Semester
BIO 109 Anatomy & Physiology
4
Spring Semester
BIO 109 Anatomy & Physiology I *
4
ENG 101 English Composition I
3
ENG 101 English Composition I *
3
NUR 181 Physical Assessment
1
7
NUR 182 Pharmacology for Nurses
1
NUR 183 Basic Concepts & Skills for Nsg
6
Summer Semester
15
SOC 101 Sociology *
3
Spring Semester
3
BIO 209 Anatomy & Physiology II
4
PSY 106 Developmental Psychology
3
Fall Semester
ENG 201 English Composition II
3
BIO 209 Anatomy & Physiology II *
4
NUR 281 Adult Health Nursing - A
4
PSY 106 Developmental Psychology *
3
NUR 282 Adult Health Nursing - B
4
ENG 201 English Composition II *
3
18
10
Fall Semester
BIO 104 Fundamentals of Microbiology
4
Spring Semester
NUR 181 Physical Assessment
1
SOC 101 Sociology
3
NUR 182 Pharmacology for Nurses
1
NUR 284 Maternal/Child Health Nursing
5
NUR 183 Basic Concepts & Skills of Nursing
6
NUR 285 Mental Health Nursing
4
8
16
Summer Semester
BIO 104 Fundamentals of Microbiology
4
Spring Semester
Humanities
Elective +
NUR 290 Adult Health Nursing - C
NUR 291 Adult Health Nursing - D
The day nursing program accepts students for Fall
admission only.
Fall Semester
3 NUR 281 Adult Health Nursing-A 4
4 NUR 282 Adult Health Nursing-B 4
4
8
11
Spring Semester
NUR 284 Maternal/Child Health Nursing 5
NUR 285 Mental Health Nursing 4
9
Summer Semester
Humanities Elective + 3
3
Fall Semester
NUR 290 Adult Health Nursing - C 4
NUR 291 Adult Health Nursing - D 4
8
The evening nursing program accepts students for
Spring admission only.
* Evening Nursing applicants cannot be accepted
until general corequisites (6 courses) have been
completed. Evening nursing program accepts
students for Spring only.
The total number of program credits is 60 (27 general education – 33 nursing).
+General Education Elective - see College Catalog.
Note: Students enrolled in this program ARE REQUIRED to successfully complete a course in basic algebra if indicated by the
Basic Skills Placement Test.
Revised by Nursing Faculty 5/2014,5/2024 Reviewed 5/2018,
Revised 6/2020, Reviewed 5/2021
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 11
NCSBN CLINCAL JUDGMENT MEASUREMENT MODEL
Clinical judgment is defined as the observed outcome of critical thinking and decision making. It is an
iterative process that uses nursing knowledge to observe and assess presenting situations, identify a
prioritized client concern and generate the best possible evidence-based solutions in order to deliver
safe client care. Clinical judgment refers to the thought process (clinical reasoning) that allows
healthcare providers to arrive at a conclusion (clinical decision-making) based on objective and
subjective information about a patient.
Bergen Community College has adopted the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM). This
framework provides a
logical structure for organizing, planning, and implementing care, and facilitates mental organization and
recall of knowledge. The NCSBN Clinical Judgment Model has multiple layers of clinical decision-making
that include processing knowledge through the lens of generalist experience and practice, patient
observation, and knowledge of the topic. There are six specific processes, or steps, to make a correct
clinical judgment
.
These 6 steps involve a repetitious process the nurse moves through when interacting with every client.
The process is iterative, meaning the nurse can gain new information or cues while assessing or treating
the client. The new information can cause the nurse to return to a previous function and then move
through the process again, continuously re-evaluating.
The 6 cognitive functions are:
Recognize cues (assessment). The filtering of information from different sources (i.e., signs, symptoms,
health history, environment).
Analyze cues (analysis). The linking of recognized cues to the client’s clinical presentation and
establishing probable client needs, concerns, and problems.
Prioritize hypotheses (analysis). Establishing priorities of care based on the client’s health problems (i.e.,
environmental factors, risk assessment, urgency, signs/symptoms, diagnostic tests, lab values).
Generate solutions (planning). Identifying expected outcomes and related nursing interventions to
ensure a client’s needs are met.
Take actions (implementation). To implement appropriate interventions based on nursing knowledge,
priorities of care, and planned outcomes to promote, maintain, or restore a client’s health
.
Evaluate outcomes (evaluation). To evaluate a client’s response to nursing interventions and reach a
nursing judgment regarding the extent to which outcomes have been met.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 12
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 13
NURSING STUDENT ASSOCIATION
All students are invited to join the Bergen Community College Nursing Student
Association. All students are eligible and encouraged to join the state and national nursing
student organizations, that is, the NEW JERSEY NURSING STUDENTS (NJNS) and NATIONAL
STUDENT NURSE ASSOCIATION (NSNA), respectively. Membership information for the NJNS
and NSNA will be distributed at orientation.
The purpose of the Bergen Community College Nurse Student Club is to assist in the
professional development of the student. Meetings will be held at least twice each semester.
Student led community projects will b e implemented as a service -
learning initiative. Bergen Commun ity College NURSING STUDENT
Association will participate in an orientation program for new students at the beginning of
each semester and volunteer as mentors to the incoming students.
ORGANIZATION FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING (OADN) HONOR SOCIETY
BCC is a member of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). This organization
has established the only two-year college nursing organization with an Honor Society for nursing
student members, the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Society. Bergen Community College’s chapter
with OADN is Zeta Nu Honor Society. Nursing students who (1) maintain a GPA of 3.5 or greater
with no previous failures, (2) are involved in Leadership and display qualities of a Leader, (3)
complete a Community Project, and (4) have demonstrated on campus and in the clinical areas
integrity and professionalism are eligible to apply for induction. Upon graduation 10% of the
students who meet these requirements will be considered for induction into the Zeta Nu Honor
Society by voting faculty. All inductees will be automatically members of the Sigma Theta Tau
International Honor Society at four-year universities.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 14
FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS
Information provided is subject to change. Information is available online
http://www.bergen.edu/scholarships.
• Federal and State grants and loans are available to you (as well as all matriculated
students at Bergen Community College) by filing a New Jersey Financial Aid Form.
The grants are based solely on financial need. We encourage students with
dependent children to apply for federal student aid grants and scholarships to
alleviate some of the financial burdens they face. Students must be enrolled for at
least 6 credits to receive a grant.
• Private scholarships offered by the Bergen Community College Scholarship and
Financial Aid Committee are most often based on academic achievement at Bergen
Community College, as well as financial need. Some require full-time attendance. A
single application for the private scholarships entitles you to be considered for all
scholarships for which you meet the criteria. The dates for submission are April and
October.
Students must have earned at least 15 credits at Bergen Community College before
applying; sometimes the earned number of credits and the GPA requirements are higher.
The awards are usually tuition scholarships ranging from $100 to $2,500.
PLEASE CONTACT THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE FOR APPLICATION DEADLINE
DATES AND FURTHER INFORMATION.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 15
GRADING POLICY
Nursing students must achieve a minimum of “C+” in each nursing course in order to progress to the
next level. “C”, “D”, “F”, and “W” grades are deemed “unsuccessful” and are considered an attempt.
A student who is unsuccessful and/or withdraws from two (2) nursing courses will be dismissed from
the program. The evaluative measures and method of calculating the grade are determined on a
course by course, semester by semester basis, as detailed in the syllabus. Course syllabi are
located on each course Canvas platform. All policy changes regarding grades or educational
requirements will be communicated via email to all students and posted on the Canvas Bergen
Community College Nursing Community Page.
Theory: If less than a “C+” is achieved in the theory component of the course,
the student will receive the appropriate letter grade (see grading scale below).
Any letter grade below a “C+” is deemed an unsuccessful grade and is counted
as an unsuccessful attempt.
Clinical: The clinical component of a nursing course will have a final rating of
a
numerical grade.
• A minimal grade of 3 on the final clinical evaluations must be achieved.
• Completion of all clinical assignments by the assigned due dates.
• No clinical absences are permitted during the rotation.
• Non-compliance will result in a “F” grade for the course regardless of
achievement in the theory
component.
• Unprofessional behavior or unsafe practice will result in immediate clinical
dismissal.
Math: Passing a math examination is required in each semester in the nursing
program; it
is a level requirement. Please refer to the Pharmacological Math
Examination Policy.
If a student receives an unsuccessful final grade in any nursing course, the student
must
repeat the theory, clinical skills validation, and math components of the failed
course.
All course requirements must be met to successfully complete the course
Students must satisfactorily complete all pre- and co-requisite courses in order
to progress in the program.
GRADING SCALE Reviewed: 5/16/2016, 5/15/2018, 5/8/2024.
Revised: May 16, 2016
Date implemented: Fall 2016
A = 89.45 – 100
B+ = 85.45 – 89.44
B = 81.45 – 85.44
C+ = 77.45 – 81.44
C = 73.45 – 77.44
D = 69.45 – 73.44
F = 69.44 AND BELOW
W
“C”, “D”, “F”, and “W” grades are unsuccessful grades and are considered attempts.
Successful completion of a nursing course requires a 77.45 (C+) or above. If a
student withdraws they must meet with the Associate Dean immediately.
The Tutoring Center employs staff with expertise in nursing; tutors are available to nursing
students. Revised: 5/2018; Reviewed 5/2021
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 16
APPEAL POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Course Grade Appeal Process
Nursing students who want to appeal a grade received in a nursing course should follow the
BCC Course Grade Appeal Policy as directed in the electronic College
Catalog.https://bergen.edu/current-students/student-services-departments/vp-of-student-
affairs/student-policies-and-procedures/grade-change-policy/
Appeal for reinstatement to the Nursing Program
Policy
In accordance with Nursing Program grading and progression policies, nursing students
who earn an unsuccessful grade and/or withdraw from two nursing courses will be
dismissed from the nursing program.
Student Responsibilities
1.
A second unsuccessful attempt in a nursing course and/or withdrawal results in
immediate dismissal from the program.
2.
Students who have been dismissed may apply to the program as a new
student after six consecutive semesters (exclusive of summer sessions).
revised/approved by Nursing Faculty 5/2009; Reviewed by Nursing Faculty 5/2014, 5/2018,
5/2021, 5/2024
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 17
PROGRESSION POLICIES
The faculty in the department of nursing recognizes that academic success may include
individualized advisement and tutoring.
Criteria for retention in the Bergen Community College Nursing Program are as follows:
All Students
1.
Attendance and participation in all scheduled classroom and clinical learning activities are
required;
2.
Adherence to the policies of Bergen Community College and our affiliating health care
agencies.
3.
Level I, II, III, & IV nursing courses must be taken consecutively.
4.
Maintenance of a GPA of 2.5.
5.
Students following normal progression will be given first priority for enrolling in a given
nursing course.
6.
Any student, not on a medical leave of absence, must notify the Associate Dean
of
Nursing of their intent to return with an intent to return form within 10 days. The
student will forfeit their seat in the program, if the form is not returned, which will
lead to an
administrative withdrawal. This is considered an attempt at a course.
7.
A student who does not complete all degree requirements within three consecutive years
from enrollment in the first required nursing course will no longer be considered a student
in the Program and will be dismissed.
8.
All students, current and returning, must submit all required documents by the requested
dates in the Nursing Student Packet (i.e., CPR, Malpractice, Medical
Records/Immunizations, Vaccines, Drug Screening, CHBC, Student Handbook Sign Off)
New Admits
1.
Prior to matriculation, each nursing student must undergo a complete history and physical
examination and be in compliance with Bergen Community College’s clinical
compliance policies.
2.
A student who fails to enroll in all first level nursing courses forfeits their seat. Requests for
deferment for a maximum period of one year should be in writing to the Associate Dean,
Nursing Program, but will only be granted for extraordinary circumstances.
Unsuccessful Attempts
A student who needs to repeat a nursing course must meet with the Associate Dean to
complete the Intent to Return form within 10 calendar days of when grades are posted or their
seat will be forfeited.
If less than a “C+” is achieved in the theory or less than 3 in a clinical component of a nursing
course constitutes a failure
1.A “C” or better in all
science courses in order to progress through the curriculum;
2. A student may have one (1) unsuccessful grade (i.e., a grade less than “C+” or a “W”) in
any required nursing course;
3.If a grade of less than a C+ is earned in the theory component of a course or less than a 3
in a clinical component of the course on the final clinical evaluation this constitutes a
failure. If this is the first attempt unsuccessful attempt for that student the course may be
repeated. If the attempt was the second the student may not continue in the program. The
student
has the option to reapply to the Nursing Program as stated in the readmission
policy.
If a student withdraws from a nursing course
1.
A nursing student who withdraws from a nursing course, or who is requesting a Medical
Leave of
Absence or has received an unsuccessful course grade MUST NOTIFY THE
ASSOCIATE DEAN OF NURSING IN WRITING WITHIN 10 CALENDAR DAYS OF
WHEN GRADES ARE POSTED ABOUT THEIR INTENTION TO REPEAT A NURSING
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 18
COURSE, WITH AN INTENT TO RETURN FORM, if eligible.
2.
A student must follow the withdrawal process indicated in the COLLEGE CATALOG.
3.
Failure to follow the policy may result in forfeiture of the seat in the program.
4.
Course withdrawals from the Bergen Community College nursing program are limited to
one (1) withdrawal per
program.
Students whose first failure is in the first section, will continue in the program and take the
second course and return in one year to take the course they failed.
An exception to this is Level 4 students, who may opt to finish the one course in the very next
semester rather than wait the year. If the failure is a second failure the student may not
return to the program.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 19
ADVISEMENT
All students will be assigned to a nursing faculty advisor. The advisor/advisee lists are uploaded
into the Nursing Student Community Canvas platform at the start of each semester.
You will be given access to the Nursing Student Community Canvas platform prior to the start of
your first semester in the nursing program. The Nursing Student Community Canvas platform is
discussed in New Nursing Student Orientation. Your nursing faculty advisor’s email address,
office location and room number, and office telephone number will be located on the advisement
list in the Nursing Student Community Canvas platform.
Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment to meet with your nursing faculty advisor
every semester. It is the students’ responsibility to review their program progression, register
for the appropriate non-nursing and nursing courses, and complete all program requirements
prior to the anticipated graduation date.
Approved by Nursing Faculty 5/2018, Reviewed 5/2024
STUDENTS RETURNING TO THE NURSING PROGRAM AFTER AN UNSUCCESSFUL
COURSE ATTEMPT/COURSE WITHDRAWAL
Purpose:
To establish guidelines for students returning to the nursing program after an unsuccessful attempt at a
course/course withdrawal.
1.
Students must complete the nursing program within 3 years of their start date.
2.
Students who are unsuccessful in a course must meet with the Associate Dean within 10
calendar days of when grades are posted with their intent to either return to or withdraw
from the nursing program or your seat will be forfeited.
3.
Students must continue in the program (day/evening) in which they were registered when
they received an unsuccessful grade or withdrew from a nursing course.
4.
Students returning from an unsuccessful attempt at a course must notify
the Associate
Dean of Nursing of their intent to return or forfeit their seat in the program,
which will
lead to an administrative withdrawal. This is considered an attempt at a
course. If this
is the student’s second unsuccessful attempt and/or second withdrawal
the student will
be dismissed from the program.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 20
STUDENTS RETURNING TO THE NURSING PROGRAM AFTER A MEDICAL LEAVE OF
ABSENCE (LOA)
Purpose:
To establish guidelines for students returning to the nursing program after a leave of absence
1. Students, who require a LOA for extenuating medical reasons, or medically
documented high risk pregnancy must provide medical documentation from a
physician, and notify the Associate Dean
immediately upon identification of the
need. This is accomplished by completing an “Intent to Return” form in the nursing
handbook and submitting medical documentation form to the
department secretary.
A medical release will need to be completed to return.
2. Students must continue in the program (day/evening) in which they were registered when
they
received an unsuccessful grade or withdrew from a nursing course.
3. If the length of the leave results in the student’s prospective date of graduation to be longer
than
the maximum allowed time for program completion of 3 years from their start date, the
Associate
Dean will decide which program the student may enroll in, to complete the
program.
4. Students returning from a LOA must notify the Associate Dean of Nursing
of their intent to
return or their seat will be forfeited in the program. This will result in an administrative
withdrawal and is considered an attempt at a course. If this is the student’s second
unsuccessful attempt and/or second withdrawal the student will be dismissed from the
program.
Date Approved: May 19, 2015
Date Implemented: Fall 2015
Date reviewed/revised: 9/15/ 2015, 5/15/2018,5/10/2021, 5/16/2022, 12/12/2023, 5/2024
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 21
BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
INTENT TO RETURN
I am requesting to return to the program in the SPRING / FALL semester
(circle semester)
Repeating a course:
I was unsuccessful in:
NUR 181
NUR 182
NUR 183
NUR 284
NUR 285
NUR 281
NUR 282
NUR 290
NUR 291
I wish to repeat the course in the SPRING _/FALL
year year
Return from a Medical LOA:
I wish to return from a Medical LOA and continue my nursing course sequence.
Must submit a medical release form.
I wish to register for NUR in the SPRING /FALL
year year
Students please note: As per published PROGRESSION POLICIES found in the
NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK – “A nursing student who withdraws from a nursing
course or who is requesting a Leave of Absence or has received an unsuccessful grade
MUST MEET WITH THE ASSOCIATE DEAN OF NURSING IN WRITING WITHIN 10
CALENDAR DAYS OF WHEN GRADES ARE POSTED ABOUT THEIR INTENTION
TO REPEAT A NURSING COURSE if eligible.” Further, “Students following normal
progression will be given first priority for enrolling in a given nursing course.”
If you are unsuccessful in a nursing course, please remember to deregister
yourself from that course prior to the first day of the course.
Please complete this form and return it to the Department of Nursing Secretary.
Signature Date Time
PRINT YOUR NAME
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 22
Readmission
Approved by Nursing Faculty 2004; Revised 5/2018
•
A student who is dismissed or withdraws from the Nursing Program may apply for admission to
nursing after six consecutive semesters (exclusive of summer sessions).
•
Review the admissions requirements for the Health Professions programs in the College Catalog.
•
Students attempting readmission must meet all admissions criteria.
•
A student who is readmitted must enroll and successfully complete all Bergen Community
College nursing courses.
Previous nursing course grades, from any school, will NOT be
transferred into the program. Students who are seeking transfer from another nursing
program will not be able to apply for admission for 3 years from failure in previous
institution.
•
Program: Nursing, Day Session
o
Program Length: 2 academic years
o
Preadmission Test: Nursing Program Admissions Exam
o
GPA for admissions eligibility: 2.50
o
High School prerequisite courses: Chemistry and Biology with lab and Algebra. College
substitutions: CHM 112; BIO 109; MAT 040
o
Application Deadline: February 1st for fall admission. Program Admits: Fall semester
o
The day nursing program accepts students for fall only
o
The total number of credits required for the AAS degree in Nursing is 60.
•
Program: Nursing, Evening Session
o
Program Length: 2 academic years
o
Preadmission Test: Nursing Program Admissions Exam
o
GPA for admissions eligibility: 2.50
o
High School prerequisite courses: Chemistry and Biology with lab and Algebra. College
substitutions: CHM 112; BIO 109; MAT 040;
o
College prerequisite courses: BIO 109 and BIO 209; ENG 101 and ENG 201; PSY106;
SOC 101
o
Application Deadline: October 1st for spring admission. Program Admits: Spring semester
o
The evening nursing program accepts students for spring only
o
The total number of credits required for the AAS degree in Nursing is 60
Revised: 5/2018, Revised 6/20, Reviewed 5/21
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 23
SAFE/UNSAFE PERFORMANCE POLICY
•
The student is expected to be prepared academically, mentally, and physically for the
laboratory and/or actual clinical experiences. The instructor may dismiss a student
from
laboratory and/or clinical setting at any time.
•
Safe clinical performance is defined as the ability to
o
Protect the patient from physical and emotional harm
o
Accurately report and document all patient care practices
o
Communicate effectively
o
Exhibit honesty and responsibility
•
Unsafe clinical performance is defined as behavior which jeopardizes the patient’s safety
though actual or potential harm to the patient. A pattern
of unsafe clinical behavior that, in
the professional judgment of the faculty member, is either
unsatisfactory and/or inconsistent
will result in a clinical failure.
•
A student who is evaluated by the faculty member to be unsafe will be dismissed from the
clinical setting. The instructor will meet with the student to provide feedback regarding the
determination of the student’s unsafe behavior. Students will receive a mid-rotation and
final clinical evaluation with documentation of unsafe clinical performance.
•
The faculty of the nursing program in collaboration with the Associate Dean reserves the right
to terminate student from the program for unsafe and/or unethical behavior.
Reviewed by Nursing Faculty 5/2014; Revised: 5/2018
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 24
WITHDRAWAL
Course withdrawal
Refer to Progression Policies
Program withdrawal
A student wishing to officially withdraw from the Nursing Program should meet with their
academic advisor and the Associate Dean of Nursing to fill out a withdrawal form.
Students may reapply to the program per the Readmission policy.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 25
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL
Nursing students may be dismissed from the Nursing Program due to:
1.
Unsatisfactory academic progression, (refer to the Progression policy) and/or
2.
Unsafe clinical practice as evaluated by a Nursing faculty member (refer to the Unsafe
clinical practice policy) and/or
3.
Unethical or unprofessional behavior.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 26
STUDENT EVALUATION OF THE NURSING PROGRAM
The Nursing faculty believes that ongoing evaluation is essential to the continuous improvement
of our nursing program. For this reason, students have an opportunity to evaluate their program
of study by anonymously completing course evaluations at the end of semester.
Students will receive a request to complete a graduate survey via an email one (1) year after
graduation.
STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN DEPARTMENTAL MEETINGS
The nursing faculty and administration encourage students to attend departmental meetings.
Students wishing to commit to attending departmental meetings during the semester should
contact the Associate Dean of Nursing. The Associate Dean will appoint, in collaboration with the
faculty, 1-2 students to each departmental committee based on student interest and availability.
Student participation in these meetings is voluntary. Student representatives may elicit
questions, concerns, suggestions from the nursing student population related to the nursing
program. Student representatives may share this information during department of nursing
meetings. Student representatives would then be responsible for providing feedback to the
students following the faculty meeting.
Revised: 5/2018; Reviewed 5/2021
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 27
GENERAL ATTENDANCE POLICY
Bergen Community College’s attendance policy states, “All students are expected to attend
punctually every scheduled meeting of each course in which they are registered. Attendance and
lateness policies and sanctions are to be determined by the instructors for each section of each
course. These will be established in writing on the individual nursing course outline.”
Clinical and Clinical Conference Policies/Attendance and Absence Policy
•
The Program will make every effort to offer clinical learning experiences in accordance with
the published schedule. However, due to limited clinical placement it may be necessary to
offer these clinical experiences for a full 9-10-hour day (as appropriate) on an alternate
weekday, Saturday or Sunday.
•
Clinical Conference is equivalent to Clinical hours.
•
Students are required to adhere to the Uniform Policy.
•
Students must have transportation to class, lab and clinical.
•
Clinical rotation assignments are at the discretion of the full-time faculty.
Bergen Community College
Clinical Absence Policy
In accordance with NJ State Board of Nursing and ACEN Standards all nursing students are
required to meet the following to fulfill graduation requirements. All students in Level I to IV
are required to attend the clinical hours based upon the course requirements. Students must
meet all required clinical hours listed on the course syllabus, course and clinical objectives to
achieve a minimum grade of 3.0 for clinical. Missing the first clinical day/clinical orientation of
the course and or any clinical day may result in a clinical failure and course failure. No
clinical absences are permitted. Clinical by definition includes clinical conferences, sim lab
attendance, and hospital and community based clinical. Students who are more than 15
minutes late, will be dismissed from clinical and this will result in a clinical failure.
Religious Observances
Students who need to request time off from clinical for religious holiday observance must do so
in writing to the full-time course faculty at the beginning of the semester. If the student does
not complete all requirements of the course, the student may be assigned a grade of
Incomplete.
Extenuating Circumstances
In extenuating circumstances, (i.e., hospitalizations, reported positive COVID, jury duty, military
reserve) the student is expected to notify their clinical instructor and course faculty of the
extenuating circumstance no later than 2 hours before start of the clinical session.
• If the circumstance is not consider extenuating then the student will be considered absent
from the clinical session and assigned a clinical failing grade.
• If the circumstance is considered extenuating then the student will arrange with the clinical
instructor to make up the missing clinical hours.
Students are required to make up the missed clinical hours within a designated time period as
assigned by the course faculty and clinical faculty. If the clinical hours are not made up as
assigned by the course and clinical faculties, the student will fail the clinical component of
the course, which will result in a course failure. Clinical absences will be documented and
the student will be held accountable to make up the clinical hours missed to meet the
required clinical course hours. Hospital-based and community-based clinical hours, as well
as clinical conferences and simulation missed will be made up on a 1:1-hour basis either by
simulation, case studies, modules, demonstrating skills in lab, or a combination of both as
determined by the course faculty and clinical instructor. If a student is absent from clinical for
a death in the family or extenuating circumstance, documentation must be provided to the
clinical and course faculty.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 28
Illness
Students are not expected to attend a clinical session if the student is ill. The student must
provide medical note for the day of illness from a licensed practitioner to the clinical
instructor and Bergen Community College Health Services before resuming the program.
COVID-19
Students will follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines following exposure to the
COVID-19 virus. The student must provide medical clearance from a licensed practitioner to
Bergen Community College’s Nurse, in Health Services before resuming the program. The
college nurse will clear all students before the student can report back to the college. All
clinical absence makeups must be arranged with the student’s clinical faculty.
Lateness to Clinical
Students are expected to arrive at the clinical site 15 minutes before the beginning of the clinical
session and is expected to notify the clinical instructor as soon as possible when the student
will be late for a clinical session. A student who arrives more than 15 minutes late to their
scheduled clinical will be asked to leave the unit and this will be considered a clinical
absence and course failure.
Approved by Nursing Faculty 2004;
Revised by Nursing Faculty 5/2014; 5/2018; 6/20; 12/2020, 5/2021,5/2024
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 29
ACADEMIC CONDUCT (Approved 5/2024)
The Nursing Faculty adheres to the policy statement governing academic conduct as outlined in
the Bergen Community College electronic catalog. The Faculty of Nursing strongly supports this
policy and considers ethical behavior the basis of all nursing practice. Therefore, any nursing
student who is found to have cheated, plagiarized or behaved unethically will be subjected to
discipline, up to and including dismissal from the program. Faculty will monitor testing so that all
students can be assured that every effort is
made to support the College policy regarding
academic conduct. Students should refer to the
BCC Academic Integrity Policy:
https://catalog.bergen.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=306 and Code of Conduct
https://bergen.edu/student-conduct/student-code-of-conduct/
Policies:
•
Lap tops, smart phones, smart watches, or ear buds are not permitted. Verbal consent from
the faculty is required for the use of technology.
•
Permission from the lecturing professor must be obtained to tape the lecture.
•
Children are not permitted in the classroom, skills labs, or on the clinical area.
•
Faculty will be discouraged from accepting gifts from individual or groups of students.
•
Students will exhibit appropriate professional behavior toward the professor and their
peers, subject to disciplinary action.
•
Specific policies relevant to each course will be published and/or discussed by each
course faculty on the first day of class.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STATEMENT (approved 5/2024)
Plagiarism (which includes use of AI such as Chat GPT, or any other artificial source, to write
papers/assignments), is considered an extremely serious offense, which can result in
suspension from the college. Students are encouraged to read this institution’s plagiarism policy.
https://catalog.bergen.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=306 All nursing students are prohibited
on using AI in all nursing care plans, teaching plans, discharge plans, process recording and
papers. Violation may result in “0” grade or point deduction as set forth on the course syllabi, on
the discretion of the faculty.
TEST TAKING POLICIES (approved 5/2024)
Guidelines for Testing
• Testing environment should be quiet and free from interruptions, NO talking. Faculty and/or
proctors will be present and walking around the testing room.
• Assigned seating will be mandated during nursing exams.
• Nothing should be on your desk during the exam. (NO books, NO cell phones, NO notes, or
any interruptions). Any modifications to the screen prior to testing or during the test is
prohibited.
• No food or drinks allowed in computer labs.
• Once you have completed your test, exit the room, and leave the testing area.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 30
• Proper classroom attire is required for testing, NO hoodies, NO baseball caps, NO hats or
NO smart watches NO ear pods or headphones should be worn. Only foam earplugs are
acceptable. No google eyewear.
• You must show your BCC ID for testing. Only a valid NJ Driver’s license may be substituted.
• Scrap paper will be supplied by faculty. Scrap paper must be returned to the faculty after
testing. Failure to do so will result in a “0” test grade.
• Additional instructions regarding ATI testing policies will be given by the faculty.
• If you encounter difficulty while testing, raise your hand and the faculty will assist you.
• Cheating is a serious breach of academic integrity. If evidence is shown that there has
been cheating on any exam, the student(s) involved will be dealt with immediately. The
faculty member in consultation with the Dean will determine the course of action to be
followed. This may include assigning a failing grade on the exam, assigning a lower course
grade, failing the student in the course, or dismissal from the program. Refer to Academic
Regulations for Integrity/Discipline
https://catalog.bergen.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=306
• Any student exhibiting suspicious behavior indicative of academic dishonesty will be asked
to leave the test immediately.
• Adhere to the BCC Student Code of Conduct https://bergen.edu/student-conduct/student-
code-of-conduct/
• Test Review: For integrity and security of the nursing program exams, a general review
will be given. At the discretion of the faculty a class review or individual review will be
determined. All students receiving under an 80% must meet with faculty. Review of the
exact exam is prohibited.
• All exams start promptly, arrive early. All tests begin promptly at their scheduled time. If you
are late for the test the door will be closed and you will receive a zero for the exam.
MAKE-UP EXAM POLICY (approved 5/2013; reviewed 5/2018, 5/2021, 5/2024)
1.
Students are expected to take exams on the date and time posted in their course schedule.
2.
In the event of illness or emergency, the student is expected to notify the course faculty
by
phone or email within 24 hours of the day of the test.
3.
Make-up tests:
a.
Excused absence: Make-up tests will be permitted if the missed test was due to
a documented excused absence from an appropriate source. (Healthcare
provider, obituary, police report, court document or military papers,
documentation must be provided to faculty).
Leisure/personal travel is not an acceptable reason for missing an exam. If the
student fails to take the exam on the scheduled make-up date, the student will
receive a zero for that exam.
b.
Unexcused absence: If a student does not have an excused absence, he or she
will not be permitted to take a make-up test.
c.
Time Frame: The student will be expected to make up the exam on the day they
return in consultation with their faculty.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 31
Approved by Nursing Faculty 2004/Reviewed by Nursing Faculty 5/2014, 5/2018,
5/2021, 12/2023
PHARMACOLOGICAL MATH COMPUTATION EXAMINATION (PMCE)
A Pharmacological Math Computation Examination (PMCE) will be given in the first course of
each Level, thus making it a level requirement. The passing score is 80% for Level I, 90% for
Level II, and 100% for Level III and IV. Students who fail to demonstrate proficiency on the first
test will be permitted one retake opportunity. Therefore, students will have one opportunity
to
achieve a passing score. Failure to achieve a passing score on the PMCE will result in
course
failure (“F”).
Students may not administer medications in the clinical area until the Level PMCE is
successfully completed.
Passing a Pharmacological Math Computation Examination (PMCE) is a Level requirement. All
students returning to the program after an unsuccessful attempt or LOA must re-take the PMCE
upon their return. Failure of the PMCE will result in an “F” for the course, in which the test was
administered.
A student who has failed the 2
nd
PMCE will have automatically failed clinical and have failed the
course (“F” grade). The student will not be permitted to attend clinical activities but will be
permitted to attend the didactic portion of the course. The student is not permitted to take
exams, quizzes, or validations.
All testing policies are upheld for the Level PMCE’s.
Approved by Nursing Faculty 2004
Reviewed by Nursing Faculty 5/2017,
5/2021,5/2024.
Revised by Nursing Faculty 5/2018
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 32
CLINICAL TRACKING -Typhon
All students are required to purchase a subscription to Typhon prior to their first day of clinical.
Typhon will be utilized to track student time logs, case logs, clinical placements, and clinical
evaluations throughout the nursing program. Typhon Subscription can be purchased online @
Typhongroup.net (Acct# 8401). Students must upload a photo, CPR, and malpractice insurance
onto the Typhon platform, in addition to Laserfiche. Clinical faculty will utilize Typhon for
evaluation of the clinical component of each course. Student must create time logs and case logs
for each clinical experience within a week of their assigned clinical day. At the discretion of the
clinical faculty, students may be asked to upload their nursing care plans and process recording
via Typhon. Clinical faculty will notify students to review their mid-course and final evaluations on
Typhon. It is the student’s responsibility to review evaluations as soon as they are made available.
Approved 5/2024
CLINICAL REMEDIATION
Students requiring remediation in clinical skills will be required to practice in the skills lab under
supervision by skills lab, clinical, or full-time faculty. Additional skills practice times are posted
on the skills lab bulletin boards; students may sign-up for additional times in the skills lab.
Please contact the skills professional lab assistant/faculty with any questions.
Faculty will refer students to the skills lab whenever necessary. The faculty will fill out the
following form and give the form to the student. The student MUST give the completed form to
the assigned skills lab assistant immediately upon arrival to the skills lab. The skills
professional lab assistant/faculty will
review, and/or demonstrate, the required skills and
observe the student practicing the skill. The
skills professional lab assistant/ faculty member
will write an evaluation note on the form and return it to the student.
The student must submit the completed form to the clinical faculty member at the beginning of
the next clinical experience.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 33
BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
LABORATORY REMEDIATION REFFERAL FORM
Student Name: Date:
must be completed by: Date:
Instructor:
Reason:
Comment by skills lab faculty:
Skills lab faculty signature:
Print Name
Signature
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 34
SKILLS VALIDATION AND REVALIDATION POLICY
•
All new nursing students must purchase a skills kit. This kit will be utilized throughout the
course of study.
•
During the process of validation, students will arrive at scheduled intervals. During
validation, students will perform skills with evaluation by nursing faculty.
•
Those students who cannot perform the skill satisfactorily will be directed to attend the
Nursing Laboratory for practice. Students will obtain a signed note from the professional
lab assistant/faculty stating that they have been validated in the skill. Re-validation must
be
accomplished before the NEXT SKILL VALIDATION SESSION. Students may not
be
revalidated on the same day as their unsuccessful attempt.
•
Students MUST be successfully validated in all skills in order to pass the course.
•
Students are allowed a maximum of 2 attempts at validation of skills (initial testing with 1
revalidation attempts). This includes in-person and video validations/revalidations. Failure
to be successful on the 2nd
attempt results in clinical/course failure.
•
Students are required to adhere to the Uniform Policy.
•
Students who do not adhere to the uniform policy will be sent home with a clinical absence,
which will result in a clinical course failure.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 35
SKILLS REMEDIATION AND SKILLS VALIDATION FOR REPEATING & RETURNING
STUDENTS
Purpose:
To identify the remediation and skills validation process required by all nursing students
returning to the Nursing Program.
1.
Any student dismissed from the Nursing Program following an unsuccessful course attempt
or absence for personal reasons and returning to the nursing program is required to go to
the college nursing lab for remediation of specific nursing skills.
2.
Students returning to Nursing Program must be revalidated by the professional lab
assistant/faculty in six randomly chosen skills and receive a grade of “satisfactory”.
Students are
expected to continue remediation until a satisfactory is received in all six
skills.
3.
Students returning to NUR 183, Basics Concepts do not need to revalidate prior to
returning to the course.
4.
Students returning to NUR 181, Physical Assessment or NUR 182, Pharmacology, need to
revalidate prior to beginning Level 2 nursing courses.
5.
When choosing the six randomly selected skills, the professional lab assistant/faculty will
randomly
select two skills from List “A” and four skills from List “B” (see below).
6.
Validation retakes are scheduled by the professional lab assistant/faculty until satisfactory.
7.
Students returning to Level One nursing course(s), NUR 181, NUR 182 and NUR 183, are
not required to remediate or revalidate in those nursing skills marked with an asterisk (see
below).
8.
Students returning to any other courses in the nursing program are required to receive a
satisfactory grade in the six randomly chosen skills.
9.
All practice and validations are to be completed by the time specified by faculty and or
professional lab assistant/faculty.
10.
The days and hours for practice and/or validation are posted in the Nursing Skills Lab and
on the bulletin boards in the Nursing Department by the professional lab assistant/faculty.
There will be no
practice or validation when a class is in session in the nursing lab.
11.
Students are expected to bring their nursing skills kits to the Nursing Lab when they
practice or validate skills. If students no longer have their nursing skill kits, a new kit must
be purchased by the student.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 36
12.
Students are required to sign in and out on the attendance form in the nursing skills lab.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 37
Skills List “A”
Skills List “B”
Hand washing
Donning/Removing Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Moving a patient who can assist up in bed
Vital Signs – oral temp, radial pulse
respirations, blood pressure.
Moving a disabled patient up in bed
Administration of oral medication
Turning a patient in bed
Administration of SQ injection
Transferring a patient with one sided
paralysis from bed to wheelchair
Preparation of medication for
administration via IM injection
Mouth care for an unconscious patient
Setting up a primary IV
Assisting a patient to use a bed pan
Administration of medication via a
secondary set
Bathing a patient
Preparing a sterile field, opening a sterile
wrapped package and placing it on the
sterile field, donning gloves and applying
wet-to-dry dressing
Applying and caring for a patient in
restraints
Central venous line dressing change
Making an occupied bed
Administering feeding via gastric and
enteric tubes
Tracheostomy suction and care *
Insertion of a Foley catheter, closed
system specimen collection and removal
of catheter *
Date Approved: May 20, 2015
Date Implemented: January 2016
Date reviewed/revised: May 20, 2015; May 16, 2018, May 11, 2021
Related policies/regulations: Nursing Student Handbook, Nursing Skills Lab Regulations
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 38
NURSING SKILLS
Hours/times are posted on the Nursing Skills Laboratory (NSL) door as well as on the calendar located in
the NSL. Students are encouraged to practice procedures with professional supervision whenever a
class is not scheduled in the NSL. Regulations for the NSL and Computer Laboratory are as follows:
•
Students need to sign up in advance for lab practice.
•
Children are not permitted in the laboratories.
•
All accidents, must be reported to the professional lab assistant/faculty, Public Safety, Health
Services and the Associate Dean.
•
Eating or drinking is not permitted in the NSL.
•
Cell phones must be turned off, ear buds may not be worn.
•
Professional behavior must be maintained at all times.
•
Students are to adhere to the requirements stated in the Uniform Policy.
Audio-Visual/Computer Resource Access
•
Streaming videos are available on-line at the Library website (link below) for use in learning
nursing theory and skills:
https://bergen.edu/current-students/student-support-services/library/
You can also access the link to the nursing research guide:
https://bergen.libguides.com/nursing
Revised: 5/2018, 6/2020, 5/2021
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 39
UNIFORM POLICY
Uniforms are to be purchased through YAY Scrubs. Students are expected to be properly attired and
act
in a professional manner according to the following regulations when in the clinical agency, nursing
laboratory setting, and the Interdisciplinary Center for Simulation (ICS). Students improperly attired will
not be admitted to the clinical agency, nursing laboratory setting, or ICS and will be considered absent for
that experience, which will result in a clinical failure.
The Uniform Code is as follows:
Clinical agency and validation attire:
•
Students are expected to wear the Bergen Community College Uniform in the lab,
clinical site, and in simulation. Uniforms are to be clean and in good repair.
•
Appropriate business attire is required for certain clinical experiences as per facility
requirements. The specialty areas
may require alternate attire. The specific guidelines
will be discussed by the clinical
instructor.
Full Uniform:
o
A regulation name pin will be worn on the left side of the uniform.
o
All students will wear purple scrubs with a white lab jacket.
o
Shoes are to be clean, all white, leather (or of a fabric that will retard penetration) with
rubber soles, and good support. No canvas, sandals, or open-toed shoes are
permitted as per Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH)
Standards: https://www.nj.gov/health/workplacehealthandsafety/
Other Uniform Regulations:
o
White or flesh tone stockings or white socks are to be worn with the uniform pants.
White or flesh tone stockings are to be worn with the dress uniform.
o
Hair should be neatly arranged so that it does not fall on the face or hang over the
shoulders. No elaborate hair fasteners, hair bands, bouffant, skull caps or any other
head gear are allowed. Natural hair color only. Religious white headwear is
permitted; however, the full face must be seen.
o
No rings other than a wedding band may be worn with the uniform.
o
Only one pair of tiny round earrings for pierced ears may be worn and no other body
piercing jewelry is allowed. No other jewelry is permitted.
o
Nails must be short, clean, and well-manicured. Policies of the clinical agency will be
followed regarding whether nail polish is allowed, check with your clinical faculty
member.
o
No artificial nails or eyelashes.
o
Make-up, when worn, must be applied subtly. Tattoos, where possible, should be
covered
o
Bandage scissors, black or blue pen, penlight, stethoscope, and wrist watch with a
second hand are required equipment.
o
Perfume or colognes are not to be worn.
•
Full uniform is required during the class, clinical, simulation, and validation. If a student is
not
dressed in the appropriate attire the student will be dismissed from the experience and
will
receive an absence for that experience and/or clinical day.
•
Each student will be responsible for his/her transportation to and from the clinical agency,
which may be up to 2 hours of commute and may include weekend hours.
Revised: 6/2020; Reviewed 5/2021
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 40
Nursing laboratory:
•
Appropriate attire (no shorts), closed toe shoes made of a fabric that will retard penetration
(no sandals, or flip flops), and a lab coat when practicing in the lab and during clinical
conference.
•
The clinical skills lab is to be treated as if it is a clinical setting. Students, staff, and faculty
are not to sit on the beds. If a student is acting as the patient, the student-patient will be
expected to take on the role of the patient and should use the bed as appropriate.
•
Nursing student lockers are located on the 2nd floor of the HP building adjacent to the
Nursing Skills Lab; HP 207. These lockers will not be assigned to students. You may use
any of these lockers on a day-to-day, first come first served basis. If you choose to use a
locker during clinical conference or lab practice hours, you must bring a lock to secure your
items. Students must remove all items from the locker at the end of each clinical
conference or lab practice session. Locks must not be left on a locker overnight. Security
will remove a lock by damaging the lock and discarding all contents of the locker if the
locker remains locked for a period of time.
Interdisciplinary Center for Simulation (ICS):
•
Full uniform and ID, is required and adherence to other uniform regulations as cited above.
•
Students must adhere to all ICS rules and policies. Disregard to any ICS rules or policies
will result in dismissal from the ICS for that experience and will result in a clinical absence.
•
ICS lockers are located directly across from the Simulation Center on the 3
rd
floor of the HP
building; HP 324. Students may bring a lock for a locker to be used during ICS
experiences. Students must remove all items from the locker at the end of the ICS
experience. Locks must not be left on a locker overnight. Security will remove a lock by
damaging the lock and discarding all contents of the locker if the locker remains locked for a
period of time.
Classroom, clinical, and Nursing Laboratory rules:
•
Professional behavior is required in all learning settings.
•
No eating, drinking or chewing gum or candy in the patient areas, laboratory, or ICS.
•
Do not bring food or drinks into the HP Building.
•
Clinical rotation assignments will be selected by faculty only. Faculty are unable to accept
student requests.
•
Parking and smoking policies of the college and clinical agency(s) must be followed.
•
A student who receives a clinical grade at midterm of 2 or lower and/ or a test grade of 77.45
or lower is expected to schedule a conference
with her/his faculty as soon as possible
following notification of her/his unsuccessful
grade.
•
Any student who is performing at an unsuccessful theoretical and/or clinical level is
expected
to complete any and all remedial coursework.
•
Students must adhere to the policies of the clinical agency to which they are assigned.
•
Students are required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act of 1996 (HIPAA) both within and outside of the agencies.
•
Electronic technology must be turned off and put away in the clinical area,
validations, and ICS experiences unless allowed by faculty for research purposes.
•
Students are reminded that they have an obligation to respect the privacy rights of all
patients.
•
Students are to follow the policies of the clinical site. Students may not record any
conversations with patients, families, or staff regardless of any verbal approval.
•
Students are prohibited from sitting on floors while wearing their uniform.
Revised: 11/2021; Reviewed 11/2021
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 41
CLINICAL AND CLASS REQUIREMENTS
•
All requirements for clinical must be completed as directed. New students will find this
information in the new student packet and returning students will receive an email from the
Assistant Dean/Clinical Coordinator.
•
All health-related documents must be processed in Health Services.
•
It is the responsibility of the student to submit copies of CPR and Malpractice certificates
via Laserfiche for review by the Assistant Dean/Clinical
Coordinator.
•
Students must keep copies of the requirements on their person.
•
Students are responsible to keep the clinical requirements up to date.
•
Students need to subscribe to Typhon for clinical portfolio by the first clinical day and upload
required medical compliance. Failure to subscribe will constitute a clinical failure.
1.
Malpractice Insurance: All students are required to carry malpractice Insurance in the
amount of $1,000,000. To $6,000,000 and submit verification of the policy via Laserfiche for
the review of the Assistant
Dean/Clinical Coordinator in room HP 212 PRIOR TO the
beginning of each semester by the
date specified. Students may not attend clinical
experience without proof of coverage.
2.
Health Records: All nursing students are required to complete the health examination forms
upon admission to the Program and fulfill the following requirements: a physical examination
dated within 6 months, documentation of either a 2-Step Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST)
dated within 6 months, or a QuantiFERON Gold test dated within 6 months; (a chest X-Ray is
required if PPD or QuantiFERON Gold result is positive) CXR must be within 6 months of
starting the program; copies of blood titer tests documenting immunity to: Mumps, Measles
(Rubeola), German Measles (Rubella), and Varicella; documentation of Hepatitis B
vaccination series in progress at the start of the program and a blood titer test for Hepatitis B
at the completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination series; Tdap immunization is required to be
current within 10 years. Passing an annual urine drug screen is required. Influenza
vaccination requirements follow clinical agency policies. COVID vaccines and booster.
The Nursing Department will receive validation from the College Nurse when ALL
requirements have been met. NO STUDENT IS PERMITTED INTO ANY CLASS OR
CLINICAL SETTING UNTIL COMPLIANCE REPORTS ARE SUBMITTED FROM THE
COLLEGE HEALTH OFFICE in the Nursing Department.
3.
Medical Insurance Coverage
ALL students are required to have medical insurance which provides basic coverage for
hospital care. Information about student health insurance coverage can be obtained from the
Office of Health Services (HS-100).
4.
CPR Certification: Each student must maintain current certification to attend clinical
experience. This certification is available from the American Heart Association – Health Care
Provider Certificate.
5.
Demographic Data: Each student is required to provide to the college accurate
demographic data. Correct information for each nursing student is essential so that the
student can be contacted. Students are responsible for following college procedure to
provide any change in name, telephone number, and/or address that occurs during the
course of the semester.
Approved by Nursing Faculty 2004/Reviewed by Nursing Faculty 5/2014, 5/2018,
5/2021
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 42
Student Compliance Worksheet
for Student Use Only
Student Compliance Worksheet
PRIOR TO ORIENTATION
Requirement
Due Date
Completed
Renewal Date
PPD
1 Year
Flu Vaccine
1 Year
Hep B Vaccine
Once
Drug Screening
1 Year
Malpractice Insurance
1 Year
Medical Insurance
1 Year
CPR Certification
2 Years
Student Handbook
As updated
Physical exam with
immunizations
2 Years
Medical Clearance -
Health Services
Each Semester
RECURRING COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
Requirement
New Due Date
Completed
Notes:
PPD
Flu Vaccine
Hep B Vaccine
Drug Screening
Malpractice Insurance
Medical Insurance
CPR Certification
Student Handbook
Physical exam with
immunizations
Medical Clearance -
Health Services
COVID Vaccine/booster-N95
FIT TESTING/OSHE –
Guidelines
Approved by Nursing Faculty: 5/2018; Reviewed 5/2021
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 43
OFFICE OF SPECIAL SERVICES (OSS)
The Office of Specialized Services (OSS) seeks to provide students the opportunity to participate fully in
the College’s educational programs and benefit from all aspects of campus life through the use of
reasonable and appropriate accommodations and auxiliary services. OSS offers a welcoming
environment that treats all people as individuals in a courteous, friendly and respectful manner. Our goal
is to create an accessible community where students are challenged and diversity is celebrated. You
may access the OSS web page by clicking on this link: https://bergen.edu/current-students/student-
services-departments/disability-services-office-of-specialized-services/
Students are encouraged to submit Disability Documentation on first day of class in order to ensure timely
delivery of
eligible services. For more information on eligibility for services as well as submitting
documentation,
please refer to the section on Documentation Submission Process and how to Provide
Documentation.
Students that have a current Letter of Accommodation must renew these services every semester.
Students with
accommodations must provide documentation to their course faculty to receive these
services every
semester.
Testing accommodations will be scheduled with the OSS department unless previously arranged with
the course faculty.
EMAIL COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES FOR NURSING STUDENTS AND FACULTY
Purpose: To establish Email communication guidelines for nursing students and nursing faculty.
1.
Students and faculty are required to communicate with their Bergen.edu emails only.
All sent and reply messages are to be
done through Bergen.edu email.
2.
Students are expected to read their Bergen.edu emails daily.
3.
Faculty will respond to student emails within 48 business hours.
4.
Students and Faculty should use extreme caution when emailing to communicate
confidential or sensitive matters and should not assume that email is private and
confidential.
CANVAS INFORMATION
Students will also be automatically enrolled in course Canvas platforms upon registration access through
bergen.instructure.com
Every current nursing student is enrolled in the BCC Nursing Student Community Canvas site.
This
Canvas
site contains frequently used forms, announcements, and other Nursing Department
information
that may be helpful to students in all levels of the BCC Nursing Program.
Reviewed: 5/2018, 5/2021,5/2023,5/2024
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 44
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
The Department of Nursing has adopted the ANA’s Principles for Social Networking:
1.
Nurses must not transmit or place online individually identifiable patient information.
2.
Nurses must observe ethically prescribed professional patient – nurse boundaries.
3.
Nurses should understand that patients, colleagues, institutions, and employers may view
postings.
4.
Nurses should take advantage of privacy settings and seek to separate personal and
professional information online.
5.
Nurses should bring content that could harm a patient’s privacy, rights, or welfare to the
attention of appropriate authorities.
6.
Nurses should participate in developing institutional policies governing online conduct.
The Department of Nursing has adopted and adapted the ANA ’s 6 Tips to Avoid Problem s:
1.
Remember that standards of professionalism are the same online as in any other
circumstance.
2.
Do not share or post information gained through the nurse-patient relationship.
3.
No photos of patients or staff are permitted.
4.
Maintain professional boundaries in the use of electronic media. Online contact with
patients blurs this boundary.
5.
Do not make disparaging remarks about patients, employers or co-workers, even if they are
not identified.
6.
Do not take any photos or videos in the clinical environment excluding the college clinical
laboratory setting.
7.
Promptly report a breach of confidentiality or privacy.
http://nursingworld.org/social/ (adopted/adapted May 2013)
Approved by Nursing Faculty 5/2013; Reviewed 5/2018,
5/2021, 5/2024
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 45
STUDENT OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT
Nursing curricula are very demanding of students’ time and energy. It is recommended that
nursing students limit their outside employment while enrolled in nursing courses. Conflicts with
outside employment work schedules are not sufficient reason for changes in nursing course
schedules, clinical schedules or academic assignments. Outside employment commitments
do
not excuse nursing students’ failure to: (1) attend nursing courses; (2) submit
academic
assignments in a timely manner, or (3) otherwise meet course objectives and
requirements.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 46
HEALTH STATUS POLICIES
Clinical illness or Injury
If a student becomes ill or is injured during a clinical laboratory experience, the following steps
are to be followed:
1.
Instructor must be notified. Instructor will determine course of action and will notify the
Associate Dean.
2.
A determination will be made as to how the incident should be reported and any necessary
agency incident report will be filed.
3.
Students will be advised to seek medical care either to their private physician or to the
hospital emergency room according to need.
4.
As soon as possible, a report must be filed with the Office of Health Services (HS-100).
5.
Upon returning to the clinical unit, a written note form from a physician may be required in
order to return to clinical experience.
Serious Illness, Injury or Pregnancy
Nursing students must notify the Associate Dean of Nursing when there is a change in health
status including but not limited to an injury due to an accident, diagnosis of illness, and
confirmation
of pregnancy. Documentation of medical clearance to attend class and
clinical experience
must be provided to the Associate Dean of Nursing who may share
the information with other
college employees on a need to know basis. Should the
student require a medical leave of
absence to recover, a medical clearance to return to class
and clinical experience is required. (See below Medical Release Form)
Approved by Nursing Faculty 2004; Reviewed 5/2018
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 47
Nursing Medical Release to Participate in Classroom/Clinical
Student Name: ________________________________________________
Date of illness/injury/surgery/pregnancy: ___________________________
Diagnosis/Surgery: ____________________________________________________
Pregnancy-Date of Expected Delivery:__________
Date of Return: _____________________________
I certify that the above student is medically cleared to perform all functions of a Nursing/Health Professions
student in the role of direct patient care provider in the acute/subacute care settings. These functions may include,
but are not limited to, performing all nursing skills such as patient lifting and ambulation, patient hygiene,
administering medications via all routes including parental medications, adding and discontinuing medications,
dressing changes, respiratory care, and other invasive procedures and exposure to disease. This student must be
able to perform all required functions without physical limitations and with safety for the patient. Light duty is not
permissible, full participation is required. Students are not permitted in the clinical area with assistive devices (ex.
boot, crutches, walking cast, cast and/or sling).
Physician Signature: ______________________
Physician’s Name and Stamp (Please Print):______________________________
City & State___________________
Phone Number: ________________ Fax Number: ________________________
Date: ______________
Bergen Email Address:____________________
Student ID:______________________________
Please submit form to HP212-Dean of Nursing Program
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 48
FITNESS FOR CLASS AND CLINICAL PRACTICE POLICY AND PROCEDURE
The colleges in the State of New Jersey have been in compliance with laws requiring a “Drug
Free workplace” since 1988. The abuse of drugs is an increasingly serious problem within our
society and this abuse represents a serious threat to the health of present and future citizens of
our country. In terms of nursing students’ health, drug abuse is known to impair the ability of
students to learn. Violations of law will often keep a student and graduate nurse from obtaining
or retaining professional licensure.
Bergen Community College views substance abuse as a behavioral – medical problem which
can be treated. Research demonstrates that the approaches to utilize with these kinds of
problems are education, identification, and treatment. A student who seeks assistance to
correct a substance abuse problem will be evaluated so that the appropriate referral can be
made for treatment. However, no student will be excused from disciplinary actions or given
special privileges if he/she fails to meet school standards for behavior and/or educational
objectives.
Purpose of a Fitness for Class and Clinical Practice Policy: To provide guidelines for the
assessment of impairment in order to identify the impaired student and refer him/her for
treatment/rehabilitation.
DEFINITIONS:
Fit for Class and Clinical Practice: Student’s ability to carry out responsibilities in accordance
with the program of nursing standards set forth in the Student Handbook under clinical
attendance and performance (see above).
Student: Anyone presently enrolled in the Bergen Community College Nursing Program.
Instructor: The individual responsible for establishing clinical objectives, making assignments,
and supervising students in the clinical setting.
Supervisor: College and/or agency administrative personnel deemed qualified to validate the
instructor’s observation.
Substance Abuse: The use or abuse of any chemical which has the potential for impairing the
performance of a student which either jeopardizes his/her safety or the safety of others.
Drugs:
•
Any over-the-counter medications.
•
Any prescription medications.
•
Any legal, illegal or unprescribed controlled chemical substances.
•
Any substances which potentially affects the student’s ability to
perform duties or which
potentially affects the health and/or safety of any person.
Treatment/Recovery Program: A period of time during which the student participates in
structured and monitored activities under professional supervision for the purpose of
overcoming dependency, per referral of physician.
Confidentiality: Discussions with the student will be conducted in private. Results of medical
evaluation will be maintained in the student’s health file in the medical office of the College.
Information relative to the medical evaluation, or any medical test, possible disciplinary action,
etc. will be communicated in accordance with the College policies published in the Catalog and
student handbook.
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 49
Relapse: After a period of treatment/rehabilitation, if a student again experiences legal,
medical or emotional problems which affect performance, there will be a re-evaluation of the
student’s status. The following factors will be considered during re-evaluation:
•
Prior history and treatment response
•
Past performance evaluation
•
Current performance evaluation
PROCEDURE
1.
When a faculty member ascertains that a student is having performance problems and
substance abuse is suspected, the instructor will:
A.
Observe and document deficiencies in the student’s performance.
B.
Confront the student with specific observed indicators of the student’s
substandard performance. Examples of indicators may include but not be limited to:
1)
Absenteeism and/or tardiness.
2)
Drowsiness or lassitude.
3)
Smell of alcohol/substance on the breath/body.
4)
Inability to complete clinical assignments.
5)
Slurred/incoherent speech or speech pattern different from normal speech.
6)
Unusual aggressive behavior (verbal/physical).
7)
Unexplained change in mood.
8)
Change in appearance.
9)
Lack of manual dexterity.
10)
Lack of or decreased coordination in body movement.
11)
Inappropriate responses to stimuli – verbal/non-verbal.
12)
Unexplained work-related accident or injury.
13)
Inattentiveness to work.
2.
If the student’s observed behavior or performance raises any questions about the student’s
fitness to perform the clinical assignment safely, the instructor will:
A.
Stop the student’s participation in clinical assignment immediately.
B.
Interview the student regarding observations and ask for an explanation.
C.
Document objective behaviors on the clinical evaluation that the student is unfit for duty.
D.
Appropriate follow-up will occur with the Associate Dean.
3.
If the student is in the classroom and is deemed unfit, the instructor will:
A.
Notify the Office of Health (HS-100) that a student is being referred for evaluation.
B.
Refer the student to Student Services counselor for evaluation.
C.
Appropriate follow-up will occur with the Associate Dean.
4.
When a student is found to be in possession of or using alcoholic beverages, illegal or
unprescribed controlled chemical substances on College property, the student must be
reported to Public Safety and may be dismissed and reported to the local authorities for the
illegal activities.
5.
Any student who withdraws or is dismissed from school in order to obtain treatment will be
placed on a medical leave of absence. In order to return to the Nursing Program, the
student must apply in writing to the Associate Dean of Nursing. The student will be
informed of any requirements which must be met in order to re-enter the program and of
special conditions which might be required. Students who have been dismissed may apply
to the program as a new student after six consecutive semesters (exclusive of summer
sessions).
Approved by Nursing Faculty 2004/Reviewed by Nursing Faculty 5/2013, 5/2018,
5/2021, Revised 5/2022
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 50
GRADUATION
The graduation requirements for the Bergen Community College Nursing Program are
consistent with the Program’s retention criteria and policies. The graduation requirements are
as follows:
1.
Students must submit a completed application for graduation to the registrar.
2.
Students must complete all of the requirements of the Nursing Program.
3.
Minimum grades of “C+” are required in all nursing courses.
4.
To graduate, a student must achieve an over-all grade point average of 2.5 and
satisfactorily complete all requirements of the nursing program
5.
Must complete the Nursing Program in no more than three (3) consecutive years from
the point of admission in the nursing program.
Application for licensure may be denied by the Board if violations exist. Applications for
licensure also may be denied by the Board of Nursing if an applicant has charges pending or
has ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and/or has been found guilty of
professional misconduct or negligence. These matters should be cleared with the New Jersey
Board of Nursing before applying for admission to the A.A.S Nursing Program.
PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
• Mandatory three-day ATI Live Review (dates may be after the semester has ended).
• Comprehensive Predictor students who score below Level II will require remediation and retake of
the Comprehensive Predictor exam.
• Students need to present their identification (NJ driver’s license or non-driver’s license identification
card) when requested for licensure verification.
Revised: 5/2018; Reviewed 5/2021, Reviewed 5/2023, Revised 5/2024
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 51
NURSING LICENSURE
Eligibility to apply for nursing licensure in the State of New Jersey is granted upon meeting the
requirements of the Nurse Practice Act NJSA 45: 1-21
Nursing Practice Act
State of New Jersey
(P.L. 1947, c. 262, as amended)
45: 1-21 Refusal to license or renew, grounds.
The New Jersey Board of Nursing may refuse to admit a person to an examination or may refuse
to issue or may suspend or revoke any certificate, registration or license issued by the Board
upon proof that the applicant or holder of such certificate, registration or license:
• Has obtained a certificate, registration, license or authorization to sit for an examination, as
the case may be, through fraud, deception or misrepresentation.
• Has engaged in the use or employment of dishonesty, fraud, deception, misrepresentation,
false promise or false pretense;
• Has engaged in gross negligence, gross malpractice or gross incompetence which damaged
or endangered the life, health, welfare, safety or property of any person;
• Has engaged in repeated acts of negligence, malpractice or incompetence;
• Has engaged in professional or occupational misconduct as may be determined by the
Board;
• Has been convicted of, or engaged in acts constituting, any crime or offense involving moral
turpitude or relating adversely to the activity regulated by the board. For the purpose of this
subsection a judgment of conviction or a plea of guilty, non-vult, nolo contendere or any
other such disposition or alleged criminal activity shall be deemed a conviction.
• Has had his authority to engage in the activity regulated by the Board revoked or suspended
by any other state, agency, or authority for reasons consistent with this section:
• Has violated or failed to comply with the provisions of any act or regulation administered by
the Board;
• Is incapable, for medical or any other good cause, of discharging the function of a licensee
in a manner consistent with the public’s health, safety and welfare;
• Has repeatedly failed to submit completed applications, or parts of, or documentation
submitted in conjunction with, such applications, required to be filed with the Department of
Environmental Protection.
• Has violated any provision of P.L.1983, c.320 (C.17:33A-1 et seq.) or any insurance fraud
prevention law or act of another jurisdiction or has adjudicated, in civil or administrative
proceedings, of a violation of of P.L.1983, c.320 (C.17:33A-1 et seq.) or has been subject to
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 52
final order, entered in civil or administrative proceedings, that imposed civil penalties under
that act against the applicant or holder;
• Is presently engaged in drug or alcohol use that is likely to impair the ability to practice the
profession or occupation with reasonable skill and safety. For purposes of this subsection,
the term “presently” means at this time or any time within the previous 365 days;
• Has prescribed or dispensed controlled dangerous substances indiscriminately or without
good cause, or where the applicant or holder knew or should have known that the
substances were to be used for consumption or distribution;
• Has permitted an unlicensed person or entity to perform an act for which a license or
certificate of registration or certification is required by the board, or aided and abetted an
unlicensed person or entity in performing such an act;
• Advertised fraudulently in any manner. The division is authorized, for purposes of facilitating
determinations concerning licensure eligibility, to require the fingerprinting of each applicant
in accordance with applicable State and federal laws, rules and regulations. Each applicant
shall submit the applicant’s name, address, and written consent to the director for a criminal
history record background check to be performed. The division is authorized to receive
criminal history record information from the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of
State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Upon receipt of such notification, the
division shall forward the information to the appropriate board which shall make a
determination regarding issuance of licensure. The applicant shall bear the cost for the
criminal history record background check, including all costs of administering and processing
the check, unless otherwise provided for by an individual enabling act. The Division of State
Police shall promptly notify the division in the event an applicant or licensee, who was the
subject of a criminal history record background check pursuant to this section, is convicted
of a crime or offense in this State after the date the background check was performed.
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/arch/Regulations/uniformact.pdf
STUDENT HANDBOOK FALL 2024-SPRING 2025
Revised 5/2024 53
NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK and POLICY SIGN-OFF FORM
Students will certify that they have read each page of the Nursing Student Handbook and is fully familiar
with
the contents of the document and understand and agree to the terms and provisions. Each semester
students will acknowledge reading the latest edition of the Nursing Student Handbook via Laserfiche as
part of their nursing compliance requirements.
Please check the box within the Nursing Compliance documentation link as your signature.
INFORMED CONSENT
I understand that the nursing program will include academic, laboratory, and clinical experiences and will
include direct care or exposure to clients with a variety of illnesses and diseases, and will include the
handling of and/or contact with human bodily fluids and tissues. I, therefore, understand that I may or will
be exposed to disease causing bacteria and microorganisms.
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Bergen Community College Nursing Program, I,
the undersigned, in full recognition and appreciation of the dangers and hazards inherent in the health
care field and in particular medical facilities, assume all of the risks and responsibilities surrounding my
participation in the nursing program or my independent activities undertaken as an adjunct thereto and
further I do for myself, my heirs, and personal representatives hereby agree to defend, hold harmless,
indemnify and release and forever discharge Bergen Community College and all of its officers, agents,
and employees from and against all claims, demands and actions, or causes of action on account of
damage to personal property, or personal injury, disease, death, which may result to me from my
participation in this program and my exposure to the risks inherent in this program.
Please check the box within the Nursing Compliance documentation link as your signature.
Approved by Nursing Faculty 5/2013; Reviewed 5/2018,5/2021, Revised 5/2024
