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Graduate Nursing Handbook 2024-2025

*Note that this handbook is a draft, pending faculty vote in fall 2024.

Table of Contents

About the Graduate Nursing Student Handbook

We welcome you to the graduate nursing program at 兔子先生 University! This handbook for graduate nursing students provides information regarding policies, procedures, available resources, and issues that are of concern to student academic life. It also outlines rights and responsibilities of the graduate nursing students. Students are responsible for using the handbook as a resource when questions arise and as a guide to academic and nonacademic policies and procedures. This handbook is to be used in conjunction with the Graduate School Handbook and the 兔子先生 Student Handbook, and 兔子先生 University publications and policies.
All students are required to sign the Handbook Certification Attestation document in their first semester of study.

In the Handbook Certification document, students certify that they are responsible for:

  • Reading the handbook in its entirety
  • Reviewing and understanding any changes made to the Handbook during the entire time they are enrolled as a student in the Department of Nursing
  • Recognizing that changes made to policies and procedures may impact them as a student. Note that the information in this handbook is updated annually. Changes may also be made throughout the academic year. Students will be notified of any changes to the handbook via e-mail to their @兔子先生OH.edu address. The information in this handbook is accurate as of August 2024.

Department of Nursing

Graduate Program Mission

To cultivate nurse leaders who are highly-skilled in the translation of evidence to excellence, quality and systems improvement, and collaborative partnerships for health equity, who will lead in the transformation of healthcare to improve health within our diverse global society.

Graduate Program Vision

To create nurse leaders who will lead in the transformation of healthcare to reduce disparities and improve the health and well-being of the global society.

Graduate Program Values

兔子先生hip
Integrity
Excellence
Caring
Collaboration

Diversity and Inclusion

The graduate nursing program affirms the guiding principles and values as outlined in the Diversity and Inclusion Statement for 兔子先生 University.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement for 兔子先生 University

Program Philosophy and Conceptual Framework

Academic Calendar 2024 – 2025

Refer to 兔子先生 Academic Calendar for semester dates.

Graduate Program Policies

Alteration in Sequencing

Full and part time progression plans for the MSN are available on the MSN website. The DNP only offers a part-time option. Students may request an alteration in sequencing by completing a Petition for Special Consideration Form through their Academic Advisor, with subsequent approval from the Graduate Admission, Progression & Graduation Committee. Alterations must not violate prerequisite or corequisite course requirements. There is no guarantee of approval as course offerings vary each semester.

Time Limitations

Students must complete the coursework and earn their MSN within five (5) years after they first register as an MSN student. This limit applies to all degree-seeking students, both full-time and part-time. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students must complete coursework, complete their DNP project and pass the final examination within five (5) years of completing their first course in the doctoral program.

Program Interruptions and Readmission

A student in good academic standing who interrupts their program for any reason, including approved Leave of Absence (LOA), after two (2) consecutive required semesters (including summer if required by program/ track) must apply for readmission to the MSN or DNP program. Students looking to take a LOA must have successfully completed at least one semester in their current program and be in good standing. Students who were not in good standing at the time they left the program, or who need more than five years to complete their program, may seek permission, and readmission is dependent upon approval by the Graduate Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee, The Graduate School, and upon availability of space and facilities for the term in which readmission is requested. All requests for program change in progression, including LOA and readmission require students to complete a Petition for Special Consideration Form and to submit to the Graduate Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee. Students with questions regarding program interruptions and/ or readmission should contact the Director of Graduate Nursing 兔子先生 and review the Graduate School Registration policy.

Coursework and Grading

Students must complete all required courses to earn the respective graduate degree. To receive credit for graduate courses, students must earn a minimum of a B minus (B-) for their final course-grade. Any grade below a B minus (B-) is considered a graduate course failure. With a grade of “B-” or lower in one nursing program required course, the student must meet with the Director of their Program regarding progression in the program. Students who withdraw from a graduate course with a grade of “B-” or lower are recognized as having one course failure in their program. Even if a course is repeated and a passing grade is achieved, the first instance of a grade below "C" counts as an instance of a course failure for progression purposes.

First occurrence of B- or lower in a graduate course: If a student receives a final course grade below a B minus (B-), they will be permitted to retake that course in their respective MSN or DNP program. 兔子先生 University Course Repeat policy allows this repeated course grade to improve the student’s GPA. However, the University Course Repeat Policy does not dismiss the previous failing grade(s) (“B-” or lower) in graduate nursing courses.

Second occurrence of a B- or lower in a graduate course: The student will be dismissed from their respective MSN or DNP program without an opportunity to retake additional courses.

When a student receives a B- or lower in two courses in the same semester: The student will be dismissed from the program without an opportunity to retake additional courses.

Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in their graduate courses to progress each semester in their graduate program. If a student’s GPA falls below a 3.0, they will be placed on academic probation for one semester. A graduate student who is on academic probation will be dismissed if his/her subsequent semester or summer term grade point average is less than 3.0. Academic dismissal is considered a permanent action.

Department of Nursing Grading Scale
Number Letter Grade
97-100 A+
93-96 A
90-92 A-
87-89 B+
83-86 B
80-82 B-
77-79 C+
73-76 C
70-72 C-
67-69 D+
63-66 D
69-62 D-
Less than 69 F

Transfer of Credit

Admitted students may have earned graduate credits that they wish to apply to their MSN or DNP degree. Credit for these courses will be reviewed by the Graduate Nursing Director via a gap analysis using the Transfer Request form and following 兔子先生 Graduate registration policy. There is no guarantee that incoming credit(s) will be approved for credit towards the 兔子先生 MSN or DNP degree. Per 兔子先生 University policy, a maximum of one third of total credits can count towards a student's degree.

Student Services

兔子先生 Graduate School is committed to advocating and supporting graduate programs dedicated to the pursuit of new knowledge and best teaching practices that promote diverse, globally aware students and faculty. Resources provided by the graduate school are located on the Student Services website, including Handbooks and Guides, Forms, Graduation, and Funding Opportunities.

Faculty Advising

All students will receive an assigned Faculty Advisor at the start of the program. Students will meet with their assigned advisor prior to starting their graduate courses and at least twice per year to discuss career goals, course planning, and to serve as mentors. Students should talk with their advisor if they are considering dropping a course or if they are changing the sequencing of courses from their original program plan.

Academic Assistance

Students needing additional academic assistance are encouraged to communicate with Miller Center for Disability Studies and with their individual course faculty.

Miller Center for Disability Studies

Graduate Student Organizations

  1. Graduate Students will elect a student liaison to represent them each year. The student liaison will serve as an intermediary for any issues that students would like to address, if they are not comfortable communing directly with faculty. The Student Liaison will communicate any reported concerns to the Graduate Nursing Director.
  2. The is open to all graduate students. It sponsors a travel assistance fund, publishes a regular newsletter, advocates for the interests and concerns of graduate students, and organizes several social events each year. The Assistant to the Dean of the Graduate School is the adviser. The GSA selects student representatives to the University Senate, Graduate Council, and numerous campus-wide committees.
  3. The n is designed to enhance the campus life of graduate students of color by providing academic, cultural, political, and social support. This support system functions to facilitate academic excellence through tutorial, liaison, and networking systems. It helps to foster diversity and pluralism among graduate students. The Assistant Dean of Admissions at the Graduate School is the adviser.
  4. The . The purpose of GSPA is first and to provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ and queer graduate professional students at 兔子先生 University. Safe spaces cultivate community marginalized groups and are thus vital to LGBTQ+ and queer graduate Furthermore, GSPA will represent and give voice to the concerns of and queer graduate and professional students at 兔子先生 University.

Communication

All persons in the Department of Nursing community (students, staff, and faculty) are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner when communicating with one another in person, by email, or on the phone.

It is the students’ responsibility to notify the Department of Nursing and One Stop with any name, address, or phone number changes within one week of the change.

A 兔子先生 University-provided email address (UniqueID@兔子先生OH.edu) is an official means of communication. Students are responsible for all University communication sent to their 兔子先生 email address. It is expected that students check their email account on a frequent and consistent basis. To ensure that students remain current with university-related communications, students are strongly encouraged to check their email daily. Students are advised to respond to all official University communications as directed in each communication (e.g., responding in person, by surface mail, or by email). Students should not assume an email response is a satisfactory substitution when directed otherwise.

Students are subject to this email policy beginning with program orientation, during academic terms for which they are enrolled, during breaks between terms, during university holidays and vacations, and during periods of suspension.

Students may forward their 兔子先生 email to another email address (e.g., @Gmail). However, 兔子先生 University is not liable for any problems that may result from forwarding 兔子先生 email to another account (e.g., problems with spam filters, full mailboxes, or loss of attachments). Students should understand that forwarding their university email may have the unintended consequence of exposing their privacy information to third parties because Internet email is handled in a public fashion.

Faculty members determine how they will use email in their classes. Faculty may wish to include their email expectations in the course syllabus. The distribution of mass communications is restricted to university departments and offices for university business. External requests for mass communications will not be honored.

As stated in the policy titled “Responsible Use of Computing Resources”, “The University employs various measures to protect the security of its computing resources and users’ accounts. However, users should be aware that the University does not and cannot guarantee such security.”

Furthermore, individuals are advised to exercise caution when sending sensitive or FERPA-protected student information via email. In addition, individuals are reminded that some University information is not appropriate for email communication.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to be familiar with and follow the University Academic Graduate Academic Integrity Policy.

Proctorio Policy

The graduate program is administered in an online environment. Faculty may incorporate Proctorio into testing for proctoring exams in a remote environment. To prevent future violations regarding academic integrity, please ensure you are in compliance with the following directives during all exams:

  1. Position your webcam so that it clearly shows your face, shoulders, and the surrounding area. Your entire head and shoulders should be visible in the frame throughout the exam. If you are wearing a mask or any other head coverings, you may temporarily remove them for the initial video/photo verification and put them back later. Discuss with your instructor if you need any accommodations for this step.
  2. Ensure the room is well-lit, and, to the extent possible, avoid backlighting (e.g., sitting with your back to a window) to keep your face visible.
  3. Remain seated and face the webcam during the exam. To the extent that you are able to avoid excessive movements that may be interpreted as suspicious behavior.
  4. Unless explicitly allowed by the instructor, do not use books, notes, phones, additional monitors, or other electronic devices during the exam.
  5. Remove smartwatches and other wearable technology that could be used to access information.

It is the policy of 兔子先生 University not to discriminate against students with disabilities in any program or activity of the University, and to provide reasonable accommodation and academic support services to such students with due regard for the integrity of academic programs. Students who believe that they may need to request reasonable accommodations while enrolled in this course are encouraged to contact the Miller Center for Student Disability Services.

If students are not compliant with these directives regarding online exams, they will be referred to the academic integrity office for further review of the incident. Students who have received a university approved reasonable accommodation to deviate from the above directives should reach out to their instructor before the exam.

Grievance Procedures for Students

Students who may have a grievance or concern should address the issue with the following steps, following the department and the Graduate School Grievance Policy.

  1. Instructor Level: In all cases the student should first meet with the instructor to voice a complaint and to receive an explanation and possible redress. If the student is not satisfied with the explanation, she/he/they should confer with the chair of the department and ask for a review of the grade through the departmental grievance procedure. The student should recognize the difference between questioning a grade and charging an instructor with a violation of the Statement of Good Teaching Practices. The latter is a serious act and should neither be undertaken lightly nor should the desire to have a grade reviewed and changed be the primary motivation. A student initiating a grievance procedure should be aware that the University Senate has ruled that the final determination of a student’s grade remains with the instructor, regardless of the outcome of any appeal procedure.
  2. Department Chair Level: Initial Steps for Resolution: If a student approaches the Chair with a grievance, such as a request for a grade review or a charge of violation of the Statement of Good Teaching Practices as stated in the 兔子先生 University Policy Library, the Chair will ascertain whether the student has discussed the situation with the faculty person involved. If no discussion has occurred, the Chair will recommend the student do so before proceeding with any grievance procedure. The Chair also has the option of meeting with the student and faculty person to help reach a resolution if all parties agree.
  3. Formal Procedure: To initiate a formal grievance procedure, the student will provide the Chair with a signed written statement of the grievance. The Chair will forward a copy of the student’s grievance to the instructor promptly after receiving it, together with a request for information relevant to the situation. The instructor shall also forward to the Chair a written reply to the student’s statement. The written statements and any other relevant materials shall then be forwarded to an Academic Grievance Committee. Academic Grievance Committee: The Chair shall appoint three representative faculty to serve as the committee and secure an administrator from outside the department to serve as hearing officer if a hearing is deemed necessary. These persons should not be teaching on the same teaching team as the faculty person against whom the complaint was filed. The Committee shall meet and examine the forwarded materials and determine whether the matter can be decided without a hearing. If a hearing is not required, the committee shall write a recommendation regarding the grievance within a reasonable period of time. The report is then sent to or discussed with the Chair of the Department. The Chair will forward copies of the report to the student and instructor. If the Academic Grievance Committee determines a hearing is necessary, the following procedures will be utilized to conduct the hearing. In addition to the three faculty members on the committee, another person representing the University administration will be asked to conduct the hearing as the department chair designee.
    1. department chair designee will communicate the date, time, and location the hearing to all members of the committee, the student, and the faculty involved in the grievance. If either party is bringing witnesses, that is responsible to communicate the date, time, and location of the hearing those witnesses. Locations may be virtual if a student is unable to attend
    2. hearing will be closed to only those persons who are members of the Grievance Committee, the department chair designee, the student, faculty member, and any witnesses or advisors to the student and faculty
    3. student and the faculty member may also bring an advisor who is a of the University community to the hearing. Said member of the community must be a faculty member, administrator or Student staff member. Neither party is permitted to bring an attorney.
    4. The student and the faculty member will submit copies of any documentation they wish the Committee to consider, and a list of witnesses they expect to bring, to the department chair designee at least five days prior to the scheduled hearing. The department chair designee will then provide the student and the faculty member with a copy of the documents and witness list submitted by the other.
  4. The student and the faculty member may bring witnesses who are able to provide testimony directly related to the specific issues. Character witnesses whose only purpose is to attest to the student’s personality are not generally necessary and, in the interest of time, may not be permitted to provide testimony. Formal Rules of Evidence will not apply. The Hearing Committee will receive only that information determined to be relevant or important in light of the totality of the circumstances.
  5. At the beginning of the hearing, the department chair designee will advise the student and the faculty member of the following procedures:
    1. Each party may make a brief opening statement.
    2. The student has the first opportunity to provide information and call witnesses. The members of the Committee and the involved faculty member may ask questions of the student and the witnesses.
    3. The faculty member may then provide information and call witnesses. The members of the Committee and the student may ask questions of the faculty member and the witnesses.
    4. Witnesses will remain outside the hearing room when not providing information or responding to questions.
    5. Each party may make a closing statement.
    6. The Academic Grievance Committee may deliberate at the close of the hearing or at another time convenient to the members of the committee. The deliberation is not open to the student, the involved faculty member, or any of the witnesses. The department chair designee may sit in during the deliberations at his/her discretion.
    7. The Academic Grievance Committee shall produce written findings and recommendations and submit this document to the department chair designee within five days of the hearing.
    8. The department chair designee shall send the written findings and recommendations to the student, the involved faculty member and the department chair within two days of receiving said document.
  6. Level; Student Appeals Decision: If the student wishes to appeal the beyond the departmental level, the student may submit to the divisional committee following procedures described in the Graduate School Policy.

In the case of a request for a grade change: If the Academic Grievance Committee believes the grade should be reviewed further or changed, they will make such recommendations to the Chair. The Chair will discuss the recommendations with the instructor. The instructor has the final decision on grades and does not have to change the grade as recommended.

In the case of a student filing charges of violation of Good Teaching Practices: The Academic Grievance Committee will decide as to whether such practices were violated, and put in writing any recommendations regarding this, which is to be submitted to the Chair. The Chair makes the final departmental decision regarding violation of Good Teaching Practices. The student may appeal the decision to the College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science grievance committee.

Formal Complaint not related to Course or Instructor

Those persons who have a complaint related to a topic not addressed by the Student Grievance Policy (above) may initiate a Formal Complaint to the Chair of the Department of Nursing. The complaint must be in writing describing, in detail, the concern, must contain current contact information, and be signed. The formal complaint must be delivered within 15 days of the event.

The Chair will review the complaint and discuss as appropriate with 兔子先生 University administrators. The chair will follow up with the complainant within 30 days in writing.
Compliance

To meet clinical affiliation compliance requirements, all graduate nursing students are required to provide health and immunization documentation and undergo a criminal background check and drug test. Admission to the program is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check. All other compliance requirements are due January 1st of each year. The Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator will validate student clinical and practicum compliance.

CastleBranch is the online vendor used for tracking student documentation of these requirements, including immunizations, certifications, and releases. When starting their MSN or DNP program, students will receive information regarding how to set up their myCB account. Students will use this account to submit required documents each year. Note that background checks are not submitted through CastleBranch; and should instead be submitted to the Graduate Administrative Assistant, Linda Helling, hellinlj@兔子先生OH.edu.

Students will need to complete their requirements by January 1st of the year in which they will begin clinical courses, which may vary based on program. Students should confirm their deadlines with their advisors when planning their progression plans.

Family Nurse Practitioner’s first clinical is NSG 622, offered every summer.
Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip’s first practicum course is NSG 684, offered every fall.
Doctor of Nursing Practice’s first project course is NSG 722, offered in the first spring semester of the program.

Compliance Requirements List

The following list provides a quick summary of Compliance Requirements. Details regarding each of these requirements is described below.

10 Panel Urine Drug

To be completed by all students prior to the start of clinical and then annually. Current positive drug screen results will prevent a student from participating in clinicals.

Hep B Virus (HBV/HBSAB Series) OR Titer

One of the following is required:

  • 3 documented vaccinations
  • Positive antibody titer
  • Signed declination form

Seasonal Flu Vaccine

Documentation of vaccination from current season. This is due in students first fall clinical semester and then annually by October 15.

Fit Testing

Fit testing will need to be completed annually. Locations that provide fit testing are available from Mobile Health. Locations can be found on the Mobile Health website. Once completed please submit to CastleBranch.

Background Check

The clinical agency affiliates of the Department of Nursing require a criminal record check be completed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Non-Ohio students will complete a state-specific background check in addition to the FBI check.

The first criminal record check for MSN and DNP students will be due on January 1 of the first year of MSN clinical/ practicum courses or DNP project courses and then annually.

Please note that this process may take over a month to complete so students must plan accordingly.

All students must get a background check annually. Students who have positive records are advised to seriously consider whether or not to enroll in the MSN or DNP program 兔子先生 cannot guarantee clinical course placements or experiences when there is a positive finding on a background check. Prior to accepting a student into their clinical settings, health care institutions require notification of any positive finding on a background check. The healthcare institution makes the determination as to whether the student will be allowed a clinical placement or not. If clinical placements are not granted, the student may not be able to complete the requirements of the educational program.

In the Event a Criminal Record Check is Positive, the following actions will take place based on the offense:

Each student is responsible to obtain the criminal record check and request that it be sent to the Department of Nursing by January 1 of the year they will begin clinical or practicum courses. Each student will sign a FERPA Form that the Department may release all required information to appropriate individuals, institutions, and agencies providing clinical experiences. Any student whose criminal record check has not been received by the Department of Nursing prior to the start of a required clinical experience will not be permitted to enroll in their clinical/ practicum course.

Students are responsible to pay the fee for each criminal record check. Fees are paid to the agency conducting the criminal record check.

Review of criminal record check

  1. Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator will receive, and review all completed criminal record checks.
  2. Negative results (no criminal activity) will be kept in the student’s Department of Nursing electronic records file.
  3. Positive results will be given to the Department Chair to determine any action needed. (i.e.: consultation with any clinical agency personnel, etc.)
  4. Students will be notified by the Department Chair of any positive result and whether the student may continue in the original placement, be changed to a different placement, or is unable to be admitted, re-admitted, or to progress in the graduate nursing program.

A copy of the student’s criminal record results will be kept in the student’s electronic file with the Department of Nursing. The report will be held in the strictest confidence. Only those individuals who have a need to know related to the student’s enrollment and academic progress, e.g., course coordinator, clinical agency, etc. will have access to this information.

Ohio Professional Nursing License (or Indiana, Kentucky or Illinois if enrolled in that state)

Students must hold an unencumbered nursing license from their current state or the state in which they will be performing clinical time. Directions will be listed on CastleBranch as to how to provide evidence of the RN license from the registered nurse license search website.

CPR Certification

Care Provider level of CPR training. Students must submit, electronically, their proof of CPR certification. This proof will be either a scanned copy of students' CPR certification card or a signed form by an authorizing person (i.e., staff development instructor from hospital) indicating that the student successfully completed the applicable CPR certification program. The annual CPR renewal requirement will be waived for those students holding a current CPR Instructor Certification. CPR certification must remain active throughout the student’s MSN enrollment.

The following are acceptable CPR certifications: ✓ Basic Life Support for HealthCare Provider (BLS) by the American Red Cross ✓ Basic Life Support (BLS Provider) by the American Heart Association ✓ Basic Life Support (BLS –RQI Program) by the American Heart Association ✓ Basic Life Support (BLS) by the American Safety and Health Institute.

Physical Exam

Graduate students must present a 兔子先生 University Department of Nursing Medical History Form with physical examination results from a healthcare provider regarding health status. The Department of Nursing medical history form must be completed, submitted electronically, and approved in CastleBranch by January 1st of the first year of study. If students have a significant change in their health status while in the MSN or DNP program, they are required to notify the department of nursing.

Tetanus-Diphtheria Pertussis

Option 1: Previous primary vaccine series as a child (DTP or DTaP) & 1 dose of acellular pertussis (TDAP) as an adolescent or adult. TDAP is a one-time adult dose. It can be given at any interval after Tetanus Diphtheria Vaccine. TDAP was not available prior to 9/2005. TD, and DTaP will not fulfill this requirement. Option 2: Td Tetanus-Diphtheria immunization every 10 years following the adult cellular pertussis vaccine TDAP).

TB Skin Test

One of the following is required annually:

  1. A negative TB (Mantoux) skin test
  2. Negative blood test such as TB QuantiFERON Gold (lab report required) or T-Spot (lab report required).

Chickenpox Varicella Vaccine OR Positive Blood Titer

Immunization or positive antibody titer (history of the disease is not sufficient).

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) Vaccines Vaccine

Immunization or positive antibody titer.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Provide documentation of annual immunization by October 15th during each year of enrollment.

COVID Vaccine

Graduate students must meet the COVID vaccination requirement of the university and of their clinical placement agency. Current guidelines will be communicated to students via email before clinical courses begin.

Department of Nursing Graduate Program Drug Policy and Procedure

兔子先生 University is committed to the safety of its students, staff, faculty in all facets of their education, including clinical and field placements. Safety in the delivery of care to patient/client populations is of paramount importance. The use of “alcohol and other substances potentially places patients, the public, and nurses themselves at risk for serious injury or death” (International Nurses Society on Addictions, 2017). Protecting patients from potential harm caused by an impaired nurse is a professional responsibility, as indicated in the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, Provision 3.6 (ANA, 2015).

This policy applies to all 兔子先生 University (“University”) students admitted to the Graduate Nursing Program (“Program”) and is effective immediately. All University students admitted to the Program are required to complete clinical coursework at a hospital, clinic, nursing home, or other healthcare facility in order to complete their degree requirements. The purpose of this Policy is to notify students and faculty of the University’s requirement that all students in the Program submit to an annual drug screen as outlined in this policy and test negative before engaging in clinical activity associated with the Program (“Clinical Activity” or “Clinical Activities”). Clinical agencies affiliated with the University have drug and alcohol policies and require that nursing students comply with their drug testing policies in the same manner as their employees (e.g. 10 drug panel testing).

Clinical sites have the right to refuse any student for clinical placement based on concerns about that student’s ability to deliver safe practice. Clinical sites may request additional drug screening and students must comply with these requests to meet clinical placement requirements.

It is the policy of 兔子先生 University to comply with federal and state laws and regulations dealing with the usage and detection of drugs. This Policy is subject to change at the sole discretion of the University and is meant to supplement other relevant University policies. This Policy is in addition to any drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures at the clinical sites, and while students are engaging in clinical activities at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or other facilities on behalf of the Program, the drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures of the hospital, clinic, nursing home, or facility will also govern.

Clinical and Practicum Information and Policies

兔子先生 Nursing program utilizes a clinical preceptorship model to provide students the opportunity to obtain clinical and practicum experiences in diverse clinical and practicum settings. The preceptorship bridges theory and clinical practice and provides students with the opportunity to practice in graduate nursing roles. Students socialize into the nurse practitioner, nurse executive, and DNP leadership role by becoming a healthcare team member with the preceptor providing guidance as a role model, mentor, and resource person.

Preceptor Placement

Procurement of appropriate clinical sites and preceptors, as well as assuring the completion of the required quantity and quality of clinical hours to meet program requirements is a collaborative effort of both the student and the Department of Nursing.

The Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator develops and fosters community partnerships to ensure availability of qualified preceptors and clinical sites.

Students will communicate with the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator at the start of the programs and maintain continuous contact with them to ensure procurement of placements, with associate contracts.
MSN students will require multiple preceptors and must follow the process below to ensure placements. (DNP student practicum placements are discussed in the DNP section of this handbook)

  1. MSN students are expected to reach out to at least two potential preceptors as the first step in procuring placement. Students will submit the to the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator for each clinical semester. Deadlines for this submission are as follows:
    Preceptor Deadlines
    Clinical Semester Deadline for Preceptor Contact Form
    Fall April 1
    Spring July 1
    Summer Dec. 1
  2. If student preceptor contact is not successful in obtaining placement, they will work with the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator to establish a preceptor. The Nursing Department will work with the student to procure a preceptor for each semester.

    Note that while the department will consider student preferences, the priority of the department is to provide a preceptor who can best meet the needs of the program requirements. 兔子先生 Department of Nursing will ensure that all students are able to obtain clinical and practicum preceptors in their state of residence (where they have their RN license). However, in cases or locations with very limited options, students may be asked to be flexible with placement opportunities.

  3. Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator is responsible for thoroughly vetting the clinical site and the preceptor to meet the needs of the clinical/ practicum experience including, but not limited to patient census and type of patients seen; preceptor qualifications, license and credentials, clinical agency contract execution and oversight. Clinical placements are a combined effort that involves several people, including the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator, Program Directors, as well as system level legal contracts. Therefore, students must use clear communication related to placements to ensure that contracts are in place and all parties are aware of changes or irregularities. If you have any questions, please contact Raquel Campbell, email campb317@兔子先生OH.edu.

An MSN clinical/ MSN practicum agency site agreement is required for all clinical sites PRIOR to the start of clinical.

Students are responsible for submitting clinical requests to the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator by the assigned dates and may pursue additional clinical site/preceptor options as necessary to obtain the required clinical hours and clinical experiences.

Students may be required to travel to clinical sites in a variety of geographic settings. Students should be aware of the possibility of direct and indirect expenses associated with such travel, which are the responsibility of the student. It is encouraged to have one primary preceptor at each clinical site, although your primary preceptor may assist you in obtaining additional learning opportunities with team members at the site. Your primary preceptor(s) will be responsible for signing off on your clinical hours at the related clinical site and conducting your evaluation.

Student refusal to accept a clinical site may result in the student’s inability to complete the clinical hour requirement – which may delay and/or impede progress in their program plan of study.

Clinical Locations

Clinical and practicum experiences may take place in a wide range of health agencies. Examples of clinical placements may include hospitals, ambulatory care offices, federal agencies, professional organizations, city and county health departments, and schools and universities. Please note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical sites. Students also are required to provide their own automobile insurance.

The Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator reviews feedback from students regarding clinical site(s) and preceptor(s) each semester and determines if recommended for use as future clinical or practicum placements.

Preceptor and Clinical Site Agreement

Preceptor Agreement and Verification Form must be completed, signed and approved by the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator for all preceptors PRIOR to the start of each clinical or practicum course. In addition, contractual agreements between 兔子先生 University and each respective agency/ organization are required for all clinical and practicum placements. The Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator will facilitate the execution of these agreements and will notify students when they are completed.

Students may not begin any clinical or practicum hours until all of the following are confirmed as complete by the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator:

  • Agency contractual agreement
  • Preceptor Agreement and Verification Form
  • Agency compliance requirements (immunizations, health screenings, etc.)
  • Verification of preceptor requirements

Attendance

It is the responsibility of a student to promptly inform his/her preceptor in the event of an absence or illness. Absences without previous notification will be considered unprofessional behavior and will negatively affect a student's evaluation and subsequent course grade.

Identification Badge and Dress Code

Students must wear 兔子先生 University identification at all times and any name pin or other identification given by the clinical agency. All students must be professionally attired in the clinical setting. Students must comply with clinical agency policies for attire and appearance, for example: piercings, tattoos, artificial nails, etc. Preceptor and faculty will inform the students as to the acceptable attire and professional appearance for each agency and clinical experience.

Confidentiality and Use of Medical Records

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) governs the use and release of a patient's personal health information (PHI) also known as “protected health information”. It is imperative that all students and faculty with any access to a clinical setting comply with HIPAA rules and regulations. This includes understanding HIPAA and training in HIPAA that meets the clinical agency’s requirements. Patient privacy and confidentiality are ethical and legal obligations for nursing students. Students are legally responsible for following the rules outlined in HIPAA and FERPA and are subject to liability if they fail to adhere to these laws.

Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action through the Department of Nursing which may include failure in a course and/ or dismissal from the program.

Social Media Policy

Activities on social media sites, private or via group, in any setting whether it is in a clinical or community that are deemed to be defamatory, harassing, obscene, profane, unprofessional, or in violation of any law will not be tolerated and are subject to disciplinary action. Inappropriate social media behaviors are strictly prohibited and will be handled through hearings with the Department Chair.

This policy applies specifically to the Department of Nursing and nursing students’ responsibility to protect client privacy and confidentiality at all times through all means of communication which includes social media and other communication channels. Confidential and sensitive information is protected under FERPA and HIPAA. Students are required to follow the protection outlined in these laws and under the guidelines identified in this policy. This policy follows the guidelines outlined in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s White Paper: A Nurse’s Guide to Use of Social Media (2018).

Policy

  • Protect sensitive and confidential client and clinical information at all times. Do not share, disseminate or post information, images, and other information gained in the nurse-client relationship with anyone outside of the immediate clinical requirements. If there is a client care related need to share this information, consult with your clinical faculty member.
  • Pre and Post conferences are learning experiences in which students may share with each other, under the guidance of their faculty member, specific clinical issues. Personal information needs to be protected even in these learning circumstances. It is expected that confidentiality will be maintained during the clinical conference and further discussion in a public forum is not to occur.
  • It is a violation of privacy to transmit by way of electronic media any client-related images. Do not take photos or videos of patients on personal devices, including cell phones.
  • If photographs are taken in the clinical setting/simulation as part of a clinical project, all required permission from the client and agency must be followed and the student must delete any electronic forms of these images. Posting or sharing of any images from a clinical or simulation experience online is not permitted. Students should avoid being in photographs taken by patients and family members while in the clinical setting.
  • Clinical experiences are not to be discussed in public places and via electronic media, even if patient and personal information are not identified; this includes and is not limited to social media sites, email, text, blogs, twitter, and class sites. Limiting access to postings through privacy settings will not ensure privacy.
  • Use of personal devices for social media requires permission from clinical faculty and must not violate privacy and confidentiality.
  • Students must follow the agency’s policy regarding cell phone use in the agency. Cell phones are to be silenced while in the clinical setting. Personal phone calls or texting are not permitted while in the client area.
  • Information concerning clients and their family, as well as information regarding clinical rotations are not to be posted in any online forum.
  • Identification and discussion of health care institutions, staff, and community resources used in clinical or other nursing courses must be avoided. Any concerns about agencies used in nursing education must be shared with the department or an appropriate faculty member. Defamatory and malicious comments about agencies, the community, and resources within the community are not to be posted in any online forum.
  • Private health care information cannot be removed from the health care setting via paper or electronic devices such as computers, flash drives, personal devices, etc.
  • If a student identifies themselves as a 兔子先生 University nursing student on their Facebook or other online site, they should include a disclaimer that the views expressed do not represent 兔子先生 University or the Department of Nursing.
  • Patient privacy and confidentiality are ethical and legal obligations for nursing students. Students are legally responsible for following the rules outlined in HIPAA and FERPA and are subject to liability if they fail to adhere to these laws.
  • Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action through the Department of Nursing which may include failure in a course and/ or dismissal from the program.
  • Students are legally liable for online posts and commentary deemed harassment, racist, obscene, libelous, defamatory, proprietary, or which violate copyright.
  • Future employers may conduct web searches prior to offering a nursing position. Professionalism in online posts can result in a positive outcome for the nursing applicant.

Accidents During Clinical Experiences

When a student is injured (including a needle stick) during a clinical or practicum experience, they must immediately contact and notify the preceptor and clinical/ practicum faculty. In most settings, the students may be sent to Student Health Services or Employee Health Services; or, if the injury is serious, the student may be sent to an Emergency Room. The student may also be asked to fill out paperwork specific to the agency at which the injury occurred. Additionally, the clinical/practicum faculty should provide a copy of all paperwork to Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator. A copy will be placed in the student’s file.

Malpractice Insurance

The University provides all students enrolled at 兔子先生 University Department of Nursing with malpractice insurance which includes coverage for the student during hours of clinical or practicum courses. This policy does not cover students for activities outside of clinical/ practicum hours, nor does it cover students when they are working. 兔子先生 University is self-insured. Blanket coverage is in effect for enrolled students in academic activities. Students who also hold professional licensure may wish to obtain additional malpractice insurance. If students have questions about the University’s insurance program, they may contact: Risk Management and Insurance.

Pregnancy

A student who is pregnant may continue in clinical practice as long as their health status is satisfactory, and they are able to complete the clinical assignment. A note from their health care provider indicating safety of participation in clinical activities may be required. For the safety of the student who is pregnant, they must not enter where radioisotopes or x-ray therapy is being administered. Students who are pregnant should consult with their faculty member well in advance of their clinical assignment. Clinical agencies may have policies that determine the placement of students during pregnancy; assignments will be made accordingly.

Unexpected Events in Clinicals

Unexpected events in clinical may occur in any health care setting or environment and may involve an individual patient.  Unexpected events in clinical involve occurrences that may be outside of expected standards or procedures. If at any time a student has any questions or concerns during their placement, please reach out to faculty as soon as possible. If faculty are not available, please contact the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator campb317@兔子先生OH.edu.

Master of Science in Nursing Program

兔子先生 University Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers two tracks of study: Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip. These MSN program tracks will prepare nurses for key leadership roles in complex healthcare systems, in advanced practice provider roles. Graduates will be prepared to contribute to and lead the US healthcare system to transition to new models of care with an emphasis on population health, preventative health and chronic disease management.

Each MSN track will have the respective designation on the student’s transcript and diploma.

MSN Program Outcomes

  1. Translate and integrate knowledge to inform the practice of nursing, including expert judgment in practice
  2. Synthesize understanding of effective organizational and systems leadership and interprofessional collaboration in complex systems of practice
  3. Apply principles and methods of quality and safety science, nursing science, and evidence-based practice as an integral aspect of nursing
  4. Use informatics and emerging technologies to manage and improve nursing practice, advocating for system level improvement in health and healthcare
  5. Collaborate with interprofessional partners including team members, patients, and communities to optimize care, enhance the experience for stakeholders, improve outcomes, and reduce costs
  6. Synthesize understanding of equitable population health outcomes
  7. Analyze components of person-centered care for individuals, families and communities including individual to systems interventions targeting positive health outcomes
  8. Synthesize ethics and values of the profession, a commitment to self-development, and the professional leadership expertise into the development of an individual professional nursing identity

MSN Curriculum

The MSN curriculum includes four core courses required for both tracks. The graduate nursing core courses are intended as a foundation in graduate nursing practice which align with current standards, procedures and guidelines of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials. Each MSN track is further developed to meet or exceed respective specialty standards and competencies. The Family Nurse Practitioner track meets criteria for evaluation of nurse practitioner programs from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty. The Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip track aligns with the American Organization for Nursing 兔子先生hip Competencies.

MSN CORE Courses

  • NSG 642 (3) Individual and Organizational 兔子先生hip in Healthcare
  • NSG 644 (3) Informatics, Quality and Safety in Healthcare
  • NSG 646 (3) Clinical Prevention and Population Health
  • NSG 648 (3) Research and Evidence-based Practice

Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are clinical experts prepared to implement a holistic approach that emphasizes both care and cure. They apply evidenced-based practices and manage the health needs of patients in primary care and outpatient settings. The focus of the FNP track is to provide academic knowledge and the clinical skills necessary for health promotion, disease prevention, assessment, and management of acute and chronic illnesses.

The FNP track prepares graduates to become advanced practice providers with a primary care, family population focus. This track requires 45 credits, including 630 precepted clinical hours, and prepares students to deliver evidence-based, culturally competent, primary health care to individuals within the context of family and community. Graduates will be eligible to sit for national Family Nurse Practitioner certification exams.

Beginning in the summer of the final year of study, FNP students will begin their first of three clinical courses. These clinical courses will provide an opportunity for application of knowledge to the patient care setting with an assigned preceptor with faculty oversight and evaluation. In addition to their online coursework, students enrolled in this track will also have one on-campus skills workshops lasting two days. This workshop will prepare students to care for patients throughout their clinical experiences with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Examples of these skills may include gynecologic examinations, skin suturing, and musculoskeletal intra-articular injections. Family Nurse Practitioner students will continue to participate in didactic and clinical courses in the final year of study, emphasizing the knowledge and skills needed in the primary care provider role.

Upon graduation, Family Nurse Practitioner students will be eligible to test for Family Nurse Practitioner certification exams from two organizations:

Family Nurse Practitioner Outcomes

The Family Nurse Practitioner MSN graduate will be able to:

  1. Manage the care of patients in the primary care setting by utilizing principles of assessment, diagnosis, planning and evaluation.
  2. Diagnose pathologies and perform procedures in the primary care setting.
  3. Partner with patients to provide and advocate for person-centered, culturally relevant care.
  4. Develop and engage in interprofessional collaboration and community partnerships to meet the needs of a diverse patient population.
  5. Apply leadership and professionalism in the role of advanced nursing practice.
  6. Synthesize understanding of the healthcare delivery system to promote safe, cost-effective care.
  7. Apply principles of population health, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice to primary care practice.

FNP Required Courses

MSN CORE Courses

  • NSG 642 (3) Individual & Organizational 兔子先生hip in Healthcare
  • NSG 644 (3) Informatics, Quality & Safety in Healthcare
  • NSG 646 (3) Clinical Prevention and Population Health
  • NSG 648 (3) Research and Evidence-based Practice

FNP Courses

  • NSG 602 (3) Advanced Pathophysiology for the APN
  • NSG 604 (3) Advanced Pharmacology
  • NSG 606 (3) Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Diagnostics
  • NSG 610 (3) Primary Care of Women Across the Lifespan
  • NSG 612 (3) Primary Care of Children and Adolescents
  • NSG 614 (3) Primary Care of Adults I
  • NSG 616 (3) Primary Care of Adults II
  • NSG 618 (1) Primary Care Skills I: Diagnostics and Procedures
  • NSG 620 (1) Primary Care Skills II: 兔子先生ing/Coding and Care Management
  • NSG 622 (2) Family Nurse Practitioner Clinical I (210 hours)
  • NSG 624 (2) Family Nurse Practitioner Clinical II (210 hours)
  • NSG 626 (2) Family Nurse Practitioner Capstone Clinical III (210 hours)
  • NSG 630 (1) FNP Synthesis
  • NSG 674 (3) Healthcare Delivery Systems

Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip Track

The Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip track is designed to develop the knowledge, leadership abilities, interpersonal and interprofessional skills to improve healthcare systems in a variety of settings. Students in this track will complete 33 credit hours, including a minimum of 210 precepted practicum hours. Graduates will be prepared to lead in the delivery of safe, timely, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered care, and to employ advocacy strategies to influence policy across the healthcare system.

Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip track students will build their specialty knowledge with online didactic courses in the first two semesters. All Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip students will attend a summer on-campus, two-day workshop to develop hands-on skills in programs used for strategic planning and forecasting. The final year of study will include both didactic and practicum courses. Practicum courses will be precepted experiences with nurse executive mentoring and supervision and evaluated by faculty. Each clinical course is one credit hour with a required 105 precepted hours. Students who anticipate continuation to their DNP degree have the option to enroll in each of these courses for 1-3 credit hours and respective 105 – 315 precepted hours. These additional hours would count towards the DNP requirement of 1,000 total precepted graduate hours required for graduation.

Upon graduation, Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip students will meet the education eligibility requirements to test for certification from two organizations:

  1. The Executive Nursing Practice Certification from the
  2. The Nurse Executive Certification from the

Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip Track Outcomes

The Nursing 兔子先生hip MSN Graduate will be able to:

  1. Synthesize and apply effective communication skills with diverse individuals to promote community, academic and interprofessional relationships.
  2. Model leadership in health systems, including reflective practice and visionary thinking.
  3. Synthesize understanding of systems and leadership skills to effectively manage change, lead health systems and plan for succession.
  4. Synthesize and apply ethics and professional accountability, including advocacy for the health care team, for patients/families and for the community.
  5. Advocate for the advancement of the profession and create a professional career plan for nurse executive leadership.
  6. Synthesize financial and strategic management, human resource management, and information management skills necessary to lead health systems.

Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip Required Courses

MSN CORE Courses

  • NSG 642 (3) Individual & Organizational 兔子先生hip in Healthcare
  • NSG 644 (3) Informatics, Quality & Safety in Healthcare
  • NSG 646 (3) Clinical Prevention and Population Health
  • NSG 648 (3) Research and Evidence-based Practice

Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip

  • NSG 670 (3) Healthcare Budgeting and Economics
  • NSG 672 (3) Data, Health Analytics and Forecasting in Healthcare
  • NSG 674 (3) Healthcare Delivery Systems
  • NSG 678 (3) Human Resource Management in Healthcare
  • NSG 680 (3) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Healthcare
  • NSG 682 (3) Prof. Partnerships and Communication Strategies
  • NSG 684 (1-3) Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip Practicum I (105 hours)
  • NSG 686 (1-3) Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip Practicum II (105 hours)
  • NSG 688 (1) Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip Synthesis

Variable Credit Policy

Students may request to take a variable credit of 1-3 credits in their clinical and practicum courses. Student requests should be submitted to the student's Faculty Advisor, which will be evaluated by the program for approval/ non-approval. Requests are not guaranteed as placements will need to be secured to meet variable loads. If approved, an updated progression plan will be documented in the student’s Plan of Study with sign off from Faculty Advisor and Student. This policy is intended to allow for flexibility in the timing of students’ clinical or practicum course load.

Credit: Clinical Hours Conversion:

1 Credit hour course = 105 clinical hours
2 Credit hour course = 210 clinical hours
3 Credit hour course = 315 clinical hours
Total Required clinical hours for FNP: 630 clinical hours
Total Required clinical hours for NEL: 210 clinical hours

This policy applies to the following graduate nursing courses:
FNP Track: NSG 622 (1-3), NSG 624 (1-3), NSG 626 (1-3)
NEL Track: NSG 684 (1-3), NSG 686 (1-3)

Standard credits for the FNP clinicals are 2 credits per course. Students must take at least one credit, and no more than 3 credits for each course offering.

Standard credit for NEL practicums is 1 credit per course. Students must take at least one credit and may take up to 3 credits for each course offering.

Required On-Campus Workshops

All MSN students are required to attend the on-campus workshop within their MSN track. Notification of the date of the will be communicated to students no less than six months before the workshop.

Change of Master’s Program Track

Students interested in being considered for a change of program track should contact the Director of the Graduate Nursing 兔子先生. This change requires full consideration by the Graduate Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee. Program track changes should be submitted by August 1st for Fall term and by December 1st for Spring term.

MSN Degree Requirements

Non-Thesis Culminating Experience

兔子先生 University requires students in a master’s degree program to complete a thesis or non-thesis culminating experience as part of their program. The MSN program integrates a required non-thesis experience as a series of clinical/ practicum courses which vary by MSN track:

Family Nurse Practitioner

  • NSG 622 FNP Clinical I (210 hours)
  • NSG 624 FNP Clinical II (210 hours)
  • NSG 626 FNP Capstone Clinical III (210 hours)

Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip

  • NSG 684 Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip Practicum I (105 hours)
  • NSG 686 Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip Capstone Practicum II (105 hours)

Each clinical placement is reviewed and approved by the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator, and the Graduate Director and/ or MSN Track Director prior to each clinical. This non-thesis, culminating experience is documented by the student with the MSN Culminating Paper in their final semester; and it is evaluated by a committee of at least three graduate level A or B nursing faculty. Note that students’ clinical performance is evaluated in each clinical course separate from the MSN Culminating Paper. Guidelines for the MSN Culminating Paper are found in the MSN Syntheses courses.

FNP Clinical Competency Exam Grading Policy

This is an exam that FNP students must pass after completing the three ‘P’s: NSG 602 Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, NSG 604 Advanced Pharmacology and NSG 606 Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Diagnostics. This is an independent assignment that is not embedded in a course and will be administered and assessed by the FNP Program Director in the semester of their third and final “3 Ps”, and prior to enrolling in NSG 622 FNP Clinical I. A passing grade will be determined by the department of nursing and calculated each semester based on national benchmarks and departmental analysis. Students are allowed two attempts to pass. If a student does not pass on a second attempt, they cannot progress in the FNP program. Passing grade will be greater than 62% or within one standard deviation from the mean of the cohort. The DON reserves the right to adjust this each year and will update students accordingly.

MSN Comprehensive Exam

All students will complete a proctored comprehensive exam as an end of program assessment. The comprehensive exam for each MSN track will cover content from each respective track and prepare students for their national certification exam. This exam also serves as 兔子先生 University’s master’s degree comprehensive exam requirement. Students must receive a passing score established by each MSN track. If students do not receive a passing score on the first attempt, they may take a second exam after 14 days. A student may only attempt the exam two times. If the student does not pass the second attempt, they become ineligible to receive the MSN degree. The MSN Comprehensive Exam will be reviewed and evaluated by a committee of three graduate nursing faculty, determined by the Nursing Department. A student under academic probation is not eligible to take a comprehensive examination, final examination (see the MU Policy Library), or to graduate. A student’s cumulative 兔子先生 graduate level grade point average must be at least 3.0, and a student may not have grades of incomplete, to take a comprehensive examination, to take a final examination (see the MU Policy Library) for any graduate degree, or to graduate.

All 兔子先生 University academic integrity charges against a student must be resolved and sanctions completed before a student is eligible to graduate.

M-1 Form

All MSN students must complete their non-thesis culminating experience and comprehensive exam no later than three weeks prior to commencement. Evidence of passing these requirements will be documented with 兔子先生’s M-1 form and submitted by the Nursing Department to the Graduate School.

FNP Clinical Practice

FNP Clinical Preceptor Qualifications

  • The majority of clinical experiences are with preceptors from the same population-focused area of practice in primary care. In addition, over the course of the program, an interdisciplinary mix of preceptors (providers) may be utilized to provide the student with the best clinical experience to meet program objectives and prepare the student for the FNP role, population-focus and full scope of practice.
  • Preceptors must be appropriately credentialed and licensed to practice in his or her area of practice and have at least one year of clinical experience. This area of practice should be clearly relevant to meeting the objectives of the FNP track.
  • All preceptors must submit a completed Preceptor Agreement and CV/Preceptor Profile to the Department of Nursing prior to the clinical start date.
  • Preceptors must complete the Preceptor Orientation prior to precepting students in the clinical setting.
  • Maintaining preceptor orientation materials and records of completed preceptor orientation.

FNP Hours/ Visit Requirements

In order to complete the clinical requirements for the FNP track, students MUST complete a total of 630 clinical hours and 500 patient encounters with visit goals as outlined below.

Students enrolled in the FNP track will be required to complete 630 clinical hours in a healthcare setting(s) that is approved by the Clinical Placement Coordinator and the FNP Track Director. The clinical courses in the FNP track are NSG 622, NSG 624, and NSG 626. In each of these clinical courses, students will complete 210 clinical hours. These clinical hours will be logged into Typhon for tracking by the instructor.

Within the required 630 clinical hours, students must complete a minimum of 500 patient encounters. Within their clinical experiences, students will be encouraged to meet population and visit goals as outlined below:

  • 100 Pediatric/Adolescent visits (0-18 years)
  • 80 Women’s Health Visits (Defined as any OB/GYN Diagnostic code and with a goal of 3-5 speculum/bimanual exams)
  • 320 Adult/Geriatric Primary Care visits
    • 100 Episodic visits
    • 100 Chronic Disease Management Visits
    • *Remaining 120 visits can include miscellaneous adult visits (i.e. physicals, well exams, etc.), episodic visits, and/or chronic disease management visits.

Students may complete more than 500 visits during their clinical rotations as they are working to obtain the required 630 hours. If they do not complete the 500 visits in the 630 clinical hours throughout the program, they will be required to obtain more hours to complete the visit requirement.

Students may be required to have multiple clinical placements within a semester to obtain the necessary population visit requirements for the program.

Students cannot complete more than 80 clinical hours at a specialty practice (i.e. dermatology, cardiology, neurology, urology, etc.)

FNP Clinical Practice

  • The preceptorship will be in a successful practice, with adequate numbers and types of patients.
  • Clinical hours will be supervised direct patient care hours, distributed to support competency development in accordance with the student’s population-focused area of practice.
  • The three clinical courses, in totality, will provide the student with a variety of clients across the lifespan.
  • Professionally, the preceptor will exhibit interest and involvement in the advanced nurse practitioner role. The preceptor serves as host, sponsor, teacher, and role model for the student at the clinical site.
  • Enjoyment of teaching, commitment to students, and willingness to work with beginners are important characteristics in the development of a positive student/preceptor relationship.

The preceptor will review course objectives with lead faculty and determine the feasibility of meeting them and assisting the student and faculty in modifying objectives as needed. Additionally, time must be allowed to visit informally and formally with faculty for feedback. This is accomplished through clinical site visits, conducted through in person visits to the site or through telecommunications at least once per semester. Additionally, preceptors should contact faculty if there are any problems with a student or that arise during the clinical rotation.

Ideally, clinical practicum hours will be completed in a facility separate from the student’s employment. Students may not be paid or otherwise compensated for clinical hours and the preceptor, rather than the NP student, maintains overall responsibility for the provision of patient care during the student’s clinical practicum hours.

If the student is granted permission by the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator and the FNP Director to complete clinical practicum hours at their work place these hours MUST be completed outside of their usual role and working hours. The preceptor should not be a provider that the student works with directly during their usual employment, or with which the student has a personal relationship (e.g. friend, relative).

The FNP Director and Clinical Placement Coordinator will review Typhon patient encounter entries to ensure a diverse population of patients are encountered. Students' clinical placements will be chosen to provide experiences with patients across the lifespan. Students may be required to have multiple clinical placements within a semester to obtain the necessary population requirements for the program.

The clinical experience focuses on acute, emergent, and chronic conditions related to the student’s population-focused area of practice and includes interviewing, health assessment, differential diagnoses, formulation of evidence-based treatment plans, patient education, and case management.

Students may also attend rounds or webinars in which the preceptor may be involved. Students should be encouraged to participate in quality and safety endeavors that the clinical setting may be offering to staff and providers.

FNP Preceptor Responsibilities:

  1. Review the course syllabi and clinical objectives.
  2. Review daily objectives/goals with the student at the beginning of each clinical day.
  3. Create a learning environment for the student and facilitate the critical thinking skills required of a nurse practitioner. This is chiefly a healthy exchange on patients seen and how the student would see the patients as an entry level nurse practitioner.
  4. Provide feedback to the student regarding the assessment of the patient and the proposed plan of care.
  5. The student should observe procedures (i.e. treatments, minor surgery, or invasive procedures) until she/he/they have displayed competence in a lab setting.
  6. Discuss all abnormal examination findings, and the management plan for these problems, as much as time permits. Diagnostic reasoning is important to discuss along with lab or other diagnostic results.
  7. Be present in the clinical area during the student’s clinical experience.
  8. Retains responsibility for all patient care

FNP Student Responsibilities

  1. Be self-directed in identifying initial and ongoing learning needs, for seeking learning opportunities to meet identified needs, and for being accountable for performance in the nurse practitioner student role.
  2. Begin onboarding training as you have been notified of the clinical placement rather than waiting until the semester begins.
  3. Get started on your pre-placement activities. You cannot begin your clinical hours until you have completed these required activities. Please note that many of these activities will take effort to complete and will vary based on clinical site requirements. It is best to start them as soon as possible. Pre-clinical or onboarding obligations may (but not always) include the following: 6-12 hours of webinar training on such topics as charting and HIPAA. A separate background check and/or fingerprinting.
  4. Do not contact the placement site or preceptor until you are cleared to do so.
  5. Once cleared, contact your preceptor immediately to arrange placement dates and times, even if the placement begins mid-semester.
  6. Alert the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator immediately of any change in your placement.
  7. Do not alter an established placement without specific approval from faculty and the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator.
  8. Review your 兔子先生OH.edu e-mail frequently for communications regarding placements and compliance.
  9. Discuss any issues or concerns with your faculty or with the clinical placement coordinator.
  10. Be sure to provide your contact information to your preceptor and clinical site so they can reach you with last-minute communications regarding alterations in placement.
  11. Avoid talking, texting, or communicating negative experiences about your preceptor or placement to others.
  12. Dress professionally including wearing a 兔子先生 Nursing Photo ID Name Tag and white lab coat at all times in the clinical setting.
  13. Adhere to all 兔子先生 University and clinical agency regulations.
  14. Discuss specific clinical objectives and negotiate a clinical schedule with the preceptor prior to the actual clinical experience.
  15. Provide the clinical site with the necessary licensure, immunizations, background checks, certifications, drug screens, liability insurance, or other requirements needed.
  16. Perform in the nurse practitioner role under the supervision of the preceptor, recognizing the limitations of educational preparation, and complying with professional standards, clinical site policies, and relevant protocols.
  17. Demonstrate professional behavior appropriate for a nurse practitioner.
  18. Maintain a documented clinical log in Typhon according to course requirements. Program faculty will monitor clinical information on a regular basis. Failure to maintain accurate student records will result in disciplinary action.
  19. Demonstrate progressive independence and competency in the nurse practitioner role in accordance with one’s academic progression.
  20. Arrive at the clinical experience prepared to perform assigned learning activities in accordance with course objectives.
  21. Actively seek input in the evaluation process and participate in self-evaluation of strengths and identified areas for professional growth with preceptor and designated faculty.
  22. Contact faculty immediately if any conflict arises or when faculty assistance is needed.
  23. Synthesize previously learned knowledge, new knowledge, and quality and patient safety principles into the care of clients with acute and chronic illness.
  24. Demonstrate safety principles for self and patients in rendering care.
  25. Perform psychomotor skills according to established procedures.
  26. Seek assistance appropriately; communicate problems to the appropriate person(s).
  27. Interact with healthcare colleagues, patients, and family members in a manner that demonstrates civility and respect.

NEL Clinical Practice

Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip Preceptor Qualifications

  • Preceptors must be appropriately credentialed and licensed to practice in his or her area of practice and have at least one year of experience in their leadership or education role. The area of practice should be clearly relevant to meeting the objectives of the student’s Nurse Executive 兔子先生hip track.
  • All preceptors must submit a completed Preceptor Agreement and CV/Preceptor Profile to the Department of Nursing prior to the clinical start date.
  • Preceptors must complete the Preceptor Orientation prior to precepting students in the clinical setting.
  • The preceptor will review course objectives with lead faculty and determine the feasibility of meeting them and assisting the student and faculty in modifying objectives as needed. Additionally, time must be allowed to visit informally and formally with faculty for feedback. This is accomplished through site visits, conducted through in person visits to the site or virtually at least twice per semester. Additionally, preceptors should contact faculty if there are any problems with a student or that arise during the clinical rotation.

Ideally, clinical/ practicum hours will be completed in a facility separate from the student’s employment. Students may not be paid or otherwise compensated for clinical hours.

If the student is granted permission by the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator and Graduate Director to complete clinical/ practicum hours at their workplace, these hours MUST be completed outside of their usual role and working hours. The preceptor should not be a colleague that the student works with directly during their usual employment, or with which the student has a personal relationship (e.g. friend, relative). The clinical coordinator and track coordinator make the ultimate decision to approve or deny hours with a specific preceptor. If the student is granted permission to complete clinical hours at their place of employment, the student and preceptor will submit a letter (signed by both the student and preceptor) to the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator attesting that they understand and agree that the clinical practicum hours will be completed outside of the student’s usual employment, unpaid, and that the student will be functioning strictly in a student learning role.

NEL Preceptor Responsibilities defined:

  • Review semester objectives and goals to facilitate student learning. Students should provide the course syllabi and clinical objectives to the preceptor.
  • Collaborate with the student to develop appropriate project endeavors for the student to use as part of their role development
  • Review daily objectives/goals with the student at the beginning of each practicum day.
  • Create a learning environment for the student and facilitate the critical thinking skills required of a nurse executive.
  • Provide feedback to the student regarding their project(s), professional development, and objectives.

Student Responsibilities

  1. Be self-directed in identifying initial and ongoing learning needs, for seeking learning opportunities to meet identified needs, and for being accountable for their performance in the NEL student role.
  2. Begin onboarding training as you have been notified of the clinical placement rather than waiting until the semester begins.
  3. Get started on your pre-placement activities. You cannot begin your practicum hours until you have completed these required activities. Please note that many of these activities will take effort to complete and will vary based on site requirements. It is best to start them as soon as possible. Pre-clinical or onboarding obligations may (but not always) include the following: 6-12 hours of webinar training on such topics as charting and HIPAA. A separate background check and/or fingerprinting.
  4. Do not contact the placement site or preceptor until you are cleared to do so.
  5. Once cleared, contact your preceptor immediately to arrange placement dates and times, even if the placement begins mid-semester.
  6. Alert the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator immediately of any change in your placement.
  7. Do not alter an established placement without specific approval from faculty and the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator.
  8. Review your 兔子先生OH.edu e-mail frequently for communications regarding placements and compliance.
  9. Discuss any issues or concerns with your faculty or with the clinical placement coordinator.
  10. Be sure to provide your contact information to your preceptor and clinical site so they can reach you with last-minute communications regarding alterations in placement.
  11. Avoid talking, texting, or communicating negative experiences about your preceptor or placement to others.
  12. Assist faculty in obtaining signatures on Preceptor Memoranda of Agreement and General Agency Contracts, as needed, prior to starting clinical experiences.
  13. Dress professionally and within the agency dress code requirements including wearing a 兔子先生 Nursing Photo ID Name Tag.
  14. Adhere to all 兔子先生 University and clinical agency regulations.
  15. Discuss specific clinical objectives and negotiate a schedule with the preceptor prior to the actual clinical experience.
  16. Provide the clinical/ practicum site with the necessary licensure, immunizations, background checks, certifications, drug screens, liability insurance, or other requirements needed.
  17. Perform in the graduate-level nursing role under the guidance of the preceptor.
  18. Demonstrate professional behavior appropriate for a graduate-level nurse.
  19. Maintain a documented clinical/ practicum log according to course requirements.
  20. Demonstrate progressive independence and competency in the role in accordance with one’s academic progression.
  21. Arrive at the agency prepared to perform assigned learning activities in accordance with course objectives.
  22. Actively seek input in the evaluation process and participate in self-evaluation of strengths and identified areas for professional growth with preceptor and designated faculty.
  23. Contact faculty immediately if any conflict arises or when faculty assistance is needed.
  24. Synthesize previously learned knowledge, new knowledge, and quality and patient safety principles into the care of clients with acute and chronic illness.
  25. Demonstrate safety principles for self and patients in rendering care.
  26. Recognize situations in which previous coursework applies.
  27. Seek assistance appropriately; communicate problems to the appropriate person(s).
  28. Function within an appropriate level of supervision.
  29. Interact with healthcare colleagues, patients, and family members in a manner that demonstrates civility and respect.

Evaluation

Preceptors evaluate student performance; however, faculty maintain overall responsibility for evaluation of student performance, preceptors, and clinical sites. Evaluations will be utilized to ensure continuous programmatic improvement. Details of evaluation are provided in each clinical/ practicum course syllabi.

MSN Clinical Time Tracking

There are three clinical courses in the FNP track, for a total of 630 hours required to complete the program. Hours will be tracked in Typhon, in the ‘Time Log’ section and approved by the preceptor and clinical faculty member. Students must upload their hours within 72 hours of completion in the clinical setting. Additional details on Typhon will be provided in the FNP clinical courses.

Nurse Executive Leader students will complete two practicum courses. Each of these courses may be taken for 1-3 credit hours. Each credit hour required 105 clinical/ practicum hours. Additional hours would be used for completion of the DNP degree, for students planning to enroll in that program. Students will document their practicum hours using the form provided in each practicum course.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is an advanced professional degree designed to prepare registered nurses for leadership roles in clinical practice, healthcare administration, policy advocacy, and more. Curriculum integrates advanced practicum training with coursework in healthcare policy, leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare systems. This combination equips graduates with the skills to improve patient outcomes, implement healthcare innovations, and lead interprofessional teams. The DNP program is designed to empower nurses with the highest level of clinical expertise and leadership capabilities, preparing them to address complex healthcare issues and drive positive change in their communities and beyond. This program is completely online with the exception of site-based practicum experiences.

DNP Program Outcomes

  1. Develop and evaluate new approaches for quality improvement based on scientific theories and principles.
  2. Employ principles of business, finance, economics, and health policy to develop and implement system-wide initiatives to improve outcomes.
  3. Design, direct and evaluate quality improvement methodologies to promote safe, timely, effective, efficient and equitable outcomes.
  4. Provide leadership in the evaluation and resolution of ethical and legal issues within a complex organization.
  5. Demonstrate leadership in the development and implementation of institutional, local, state, federal and/or international health policy.
  6. Employ consultative and leadership skills in intraprofessional and interprofessional teams to facilitate quality initiatives to improve health care and/or organizational outcomes.
  7. Evaluate delivery models and/or strategies using socioeconomic, cultural, organizational and community concepts
  8. Demonstrate advanced levels of systems thinking, decision making and accountability in designing, delivering and evaluating an evidence-based project to improve outcomes in a complex organization.

DNP Curriculum

The DNP program requires 36 overall credits. The DNP curriculum includes 24 credits of core courses. An additional 12 credits are project courses focused on design, implementation, and evaluation of the practice/change initiative for quality improvement. Projects will use innovative strategies to create and sustain change at the organizational and policy level.

DNP Courses

  • NSG 702 (3) Evidence-based Scholarly Practice and Inquiry
  • NSG 703 (3) Planning, Managing & Evaluating 兔子先生/Projects
  • NSG 706 (3) Organizational/Systems Outcomes and Quality Management
  • NSG 708 (3) Health Policy in DNP Practice
  • NSG 710 (3) Finance and Economics in DNP Practice
  • NSG 712 (3) DNP Role Seminar I
  • NSG 714 (3) DNP Role Seminar II
  • NSG 716 (3) DNP Role Seminar III
  • NSG 722 (4) DNP Project I
  • NSG 724 (4) DNP Project II
  • NSG 726 (4) DNP Project III

DNP Academic Advisor

Students will be assigned an academic advisor upon admission to the program. The academic advisor will assist students with acclimation to the DNP program any programmatic or curricular advising needs through graduation.

DNP Committee Chair

In their first semester, students will identify and request a DNP faculty member to be their DNP Committee Chair, who will serve as their DNP Chair through the rest of the DNP program. The Committee Chair will oversee planning, implementation, and evaluation of the DNP Scholarly Project. They will assist with coordinating the DNP Project Proposal and the DNP Final Project Defense. It is expected that the student will maintain frequent contact with their DNP Committee Chair throughout the DNP program. DNP Committee Chair must be full time nursing faculty, hold a doctoral degree, and maintain appointment as a Graduate Level A faculty member from the Graduate School.

Once faculty agree to serve as DNP Committee Chair, students must submit notification to the Graduate Program Director via email.

DNP Required Hours

Students completing a DNP degree are required to complete 1,000 hours of direct and indirect graduate clinical hours. This includes both hours from their MSN degree and hours from their DNP degree. 兔子先生’s MSN-DNP program has 500 indirect clinical hours built into the program, including immersion experiences and DNP practicum hours. Therefore, students will need to have or accumulate an additional 500 hours to meet the 1,000 hour requirement. These additional 500 hours may come from their MSN program, such as clinical hours in a nurse practitioner program, clinical nurse specialist program, or other clinical/ practicum-based MSN program. Students must complete a DNP Program Verification of MSN Hours Form with their Advisor prior to starting the DNP program.

If the student enters the DNP program with less than 500 hours, they may take NSG 690. This independent study elective course provides students an opportunity to earn immersion hours towards their DNP. Each credit will earn up to 105 clinical hours.

The 500 hours in the DNP program includes 370 practicum hours and 130 immersion hours. Immersion hours are considered time the student integrates the advanced level sub competencies and applicable specialty competencies. An immersion also provides an opportunity for the learner to focus on a population of interest, an advanced nursing role, or specialty area of study. Activities that are included in courses that are designated immersion hours are listed in the table below.

Students will complete an Immersion Hours Attestation for each didactic course that includes immersion hours, to confirm that they met the anticipated hour requirements for each embedded activity. The Immersion Hours Attestation is included in each relevant Canvas course and will be tracked by the Graduate Program Director.

Practicum hour obtained in the DNP Project courses will vary depending on the practicum site and DNP project. Students will identify how they spent their practicum hours at the end of each practicum course, with submission of a Practicum Hours Attestation. Students will indicate how their hours were spent within each semester, including both DNP Project work and additional Practicum activities completed at the Practicum site.

Examples of activities that may be counted for practicum hours include:

  • Mentoring in a new leadership role
  • Data gathering for DNP project
  • Implementation of DNP project
  • Mentored research/ Quality improvement activities
  • 兔子先生hip in an interdisciplinary team
  • Shadowing roles in finance, budgeting, or informatics
Hours in DNP Program
Course Hours Activity
NSG 706 7 Immersion Hours:
TeamSTEPPS course
NSG 708 55 Immersion Hours:
NACCHOS Ethics Course
Stakeholder interviews
Policy Analysis and Synthesis
Disaster Planning Activity
Public Policy Analysis and Comment
NSG 712 20 Immersion Hours:
Advance Practice Interviews
Project ECHO Participation
NSG 714 30 Immersion Hours:
Code of Ethics Comparative Analysis and Synthesis
Interprofessional Collaboration Activity
NSG 716 18 Immersion Hours:
Self-Care 兔子先生hip Synthesis
Synthesis of Dissemination Venues
NSG 722 105 Practicum Hours: DNP Project I
NSG 724 160 Practicum Hours: DNP Project II
NSG 726 105 Practicum Hours: DNP Project III
500 Total Hours

DNP Practicum

Students will complete a total of 370 practicum as part of the DNP Project Courses, NSG 722, NSG 724, NSG 726. Practicums will occur at an approved site with an approved site Mentor. Students will select their practicum site and mentor. Students will then seek approval of these sites and mentor(s) with the Practicum Site Approval Form by the end of their first semester in course NSG 712. Students must complete a Practicum Site Form prior to beginning each semester, even if there are no changes to practicum site or mentor. The Practicum Site Form is always submitted to the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator, Raquel Campbell, campb317@兔子先生OH.edu. Students may not proceed with any practicum experiences or project work unless these forms are submitted by the second week of each semester. Notification of practicum site and mentor approval will be sent by the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator to the student via email within one week after submission.

Faculty will assist students in finding appropriate practicum sites. Examples may include healthcare or health-related agencies. Students may complete their practicum hours at their place of employment if the practicum experiences differ from their standard employment role. Student’s mentor should not be a direct report supervisor.

A valid contract between the healthcare site and the Department of Nursing must be in place prior to the beginning of the first DNP project course. The Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator works with contracts and compliance at 兔子先生 and healthcare agencies to execute and maintain requested contracts and will track and confirm that students have met all compliance requirements for each agency.

Faculty will work with students to identify practicum mentors to guide their Practicum Hours and DNP Project experience. Mentors should be an expert within their organization, their population, the EBP/QI process, or the project topic. Mentor roles may include, but are not limited to Nurse Executives, Senior Clinicians, leaders in Health Policy, and/or leaders from other disciplines with relevant expertise. The mentor will ideally hold a doctorate degree. The mentor may not be a direct report supervisor to the student. Selection should be made in coordination with the student’s DNP Committee Chair. Students will coordinate with the prospective mentor to have them submit a Mentor Agreement Form and CV or resume by the end of the first semester. This will be submitted to the Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator via email.

Responsibilities of Mentor

  1. Mentors the DNP student as a leader and subject matter expert.
  2. Serves as an exemplary role model, host, sponsor and teacher to the DNP student.
  3. Provides orientation to the student of the practicum organization as appropriate.
  4. Facilitates selection of appropriate experiences for the student to meet specified outcomes based on the student’s DNP project.
  5. Provides the student with experiences, as appropriate, to meet the course requirements/objectives and specific educational expectations.
  6. Appraises the student’s knowledge and growth during the designated mentorship period. This includes the completion of formal feedback forms at the end of each semester.
  7. Maintains communication with the faculty as needed; discuss/evaluate student progress.
  8. Notifies faculty of areas of concern regarding the DNP student.
  9. Completes evaluations of the DNP student at end of each semester
  10. Agrees to be evaluated by the DNP student at the end of each semester.

DNP Project

All students enrolled in the DNP Program will complete a DNP Project as a requirement for graduation. DNP Project contributes to student attainment in the AACN advanced-level competencies. The DNP Project is implemented across three courses:  NSG 722, NSG 724 and NSG 726.  Each course focuses on a specific part of the project to design, implement, and evaluate a practice/change initiative for quality improvement. Projects will use innovative strategies to create and sustain change at the organizational and/ or policy level.
The project is a scholarly work that aims to improve clinical practice. Key elements of the scholarly work include problem identification; a search, analysis, and synthesis of the literature and evidence; translating evidence to construct a strategy or method to address a problem; designing a plan for implementation and actual implementation, and an evaluation of the outcomes, process, and/ or experience. Findings are shared in the form of a scholarly paper and presentation in a DNP Final Project Defense. Students are encouraged to disseminate results with stakeholders, other scholars, and the public.

DNP project focuses on the student’s ability to demonstrate the integration of knowledge, expertise, and DNP competencies acquired across all courses, including practicum experiences, and applied throughout the DNP implementation project experience. Students will incorporate all that they have learned into a DNP Final Project that effectively expresses the use of evidence to improve direct patient, and /or system-based or provider outcomes.

The cumulative written document for the DNP Final project consists of 5 chapters aligning with SQUIRE manuscript format:

  • Chapter 1 Introduction
  • Chapter 2 Methods
  • Chapter 3 Results
  • Chapter 4 Discussion
  • Chapter 5 Other Information
DNP Project Timeline
Semester Project
Fall 1 NSG 712: Identify DNP Committee Chair - Request approval
NSG 712: Identify DNP Practicum Site - Request approval
NSG 712: Identify DNP Mentor - Request Approval
NSG 702: Develop DNP project ideas
Winter 1 Complete all pending approvals
Spring 1 NSG 722: Form full DNP Committee - Request approval
NSG 722: Develop DNP Project with guidance of DNP Mentor and DNP Committee Chair
NSG 722: Chapter 1
NSG 722: Chapter 2
NSG 722: CITI & Human Subjects training
NSG 722: DNP Proposal Defense
Summer 1 NSG 724: IRB Approval(s)
NSG 724: Implement DNP Project (8 weeks max)
NSG 724: Chapter 3
NSG 724: Begin Chapter 4
Fall 2 NSG 714: Check in discussion with DNP Project Progress

Collaborate with DNP Committee Chair on DNP Results and Evaluation
Winter 2 Continue work on DNP outcomes and deliverables
Spring 2 NSG 726: Chapter 4
NSG 726: Chapter 5
NSG 726: DNP Final oral Defense
NSG 726: DNP Project Poster
NSG 726: SQUIRE Manuscript

Altered Timeline

Students may request an extended or altered timeline. All DNP Project courses (NSG 722, 724, 726) must be taken in pre-determined sequencing order. If a student requests a semester without coursework, but will be actively working on their DNP project, they must be enrolled in NSG 677 DNP Independent Study. Active work includes any communication with faculty regarding the DNP project, and any communication or work on their DNP project. Students enrolled in NSG 677 will have the DNP Chair as assigned Faculty and students collaborate with their DNP Chair to develop Independent Study goals and outcomes.

DNP Committee

The student’s DNP Committee will be composed of 3-4 members, including the DNP Committee Chair. The DNP Committee Chair and the student will identify 2-3 additional committee members. It is the student and faculty advisor’s responsibility to ensure that all members are aware of the commitment and procedures involved with the DNP committee. The second committee member must be from the nursing department who is appointed as graduate Level A or B. The third committee member may include an additional 兔子先生 faculty member who is appointed as a Graduate Level A or B, and/or an external member with content expertise and who has earned a doctorate. If an external committee member (not employed at 兔子先生 University) is desired to be appointed to the committee, the student must work with the DNP Committee Chair to seek approval through the Graduate School. The students practicum mentor, if not qualified to serve as a committee member, may serve as a content expert, and a non-voting member of the committee. 

Process of Forming DNP Committee

Students will work with their DNP Committee Chair to form their DNP committee early in NSG 722, the first DNP project course, with consideration of required committee member qualifications. All committee members must be informed of the commitment and agree to serve for the duration of the students DNP program.

Once a committee is formed, the student will submit notification to the Graduate Program Director for review of member qualifications. After verification of all qualifications met, the student will submit a Doctoral Comprehensive Exam Committee D-1 form to the Graduate School for approval.

Student and DNP Committee Chair will be notified when committee members are approved.

Responsibilities of the Student:

  1. In consultation with DNP Mentor, identify key stakeholder and establish relationships within the practicum site for valuable DNP experiences and DNP project.
  2. Lead project meeting with team members at the Practicum site
  3. Complete and submit required documentation for DNP program, including practicum, and DNP project deliverables
  4. Maintain consistent and effective communication with DNP Committee Chair.
  5. Collaborate with the DNP Committee Chair to schedule meetings for advising, formal proposal presentation, and other Project related activities.
  6. Submit work to the DNP committee that demonstrates a high level of leadership and scholarship.
  7. Coordinate communication and activity between 兔子先生 Department of Nursing and the practicum project site.
  8. Ensure compliance to all DNP Project requirements and IRB requirements.

Responsibilities of DNP Committee Chair:

  1. Qualification: Full-time 兔子先生 Department of Nursing Faculty Member with Level A graduate faculty standing and a terminal degree
  2. Assure IRB compliance with 兔子先生 University, mentor student throughout the preparation of the DNP project proposal, the project development, implementation, evaluation process, and the final written DNP Project paper and defense.
  3. Determine readiness for DNP Candidacy
  4. Provide primary guidance and feedback to the student through project completion, in consultation with DNP Mentor and DNP Committee
  5. Collaborate with student to schedule committee meetings, and especially for the proposal presentation and Final DNP project presentation.
  6. Lead committee review and approval of the DNP Project Proposal, and Final DNP Project paper and presentation.
  7. Communicate effectively with committee members.
  8. Provide feedback to student on written drafts in a timely manner.
  9. Document student progress toward completion of DNP Project requirements.
  10. Responsibilities DNP Committee Member:
  11. Advise and critique drafts of the developing DNP Project proposal.
  12. Participate in the Team review, approval of the DNP Project Proposal, and Final DNP Project Presentation.
  13. Provide feedback to student in a timely manner.
  14. Communicate concerns to student and DNP Chair in a timely manner.

DNP Proposal Defense for Candidacy

The DNP Proposal Defense is the qualifying exam used to evaluate the student for DNP Candidacy. A DNP Candidate is considered to have demonstrated competency in their DNP program, competency to implement their DNP Project, and competency to communicate complex ideas effectively and professionally. The DNP Proposal Defense includes two portions, written and oral. Students will submit their final DNP Proposal to committee members at least 2 weeks prior to a planned DNP Proposal Defense. Students must have agreement from their DNP Committee that the student is ready to complete the DNP Proposal Defense before scheduling the defense. 

The DNP Proposal is evaluated for both the written paper and the oral defense. Components of evaluation include the comprehensiveness of the proposal, including detailed description of the planned strategy for implementation, and evaluation of the proposal, and the effectiveness of the student to communicate complex ideas.

  1. Students will complete the DNP Proposal draft with guidance from mentor and oversight and guidance from DNP Committee Chair. 
  2. Proposal draft will be sent to DNP committee for review a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the last day of class during the student’s NSG 722 course, typical in their first spring semester.
  3. Committee will let the DNP Committee Chair and student know if they support moving forward with defense or if more work is needed. Students will continue to work with the committee to revise their proposal until the committee approves scheduling for DNP Proposal Defense.
  4. Students will coordinate, with assistance of DNP Committee Chair if needed, a DNP Proposal Defense time with the DNP Committee. The Proposal must be completed by the last day of regular class of the NSG 722 term.
  5. The DNP Proposal Defense will be delivered in a virtual setting, and all DNP Committee members must be present for the defense. If one committee is unavailable, the defense must be rescheduled.
  6. The DNP Proposal Defense will not exceed 60 minutes. The student will be allowed 30 minutes to deliver their proposal using an AV presentation (PowerPoint or similar presentation platform). The committee will be allowed 30 minutes to ask questions.
  7. Immediately following the DNP Proposal Defense, the committee will meet separately to evaluate the student’s defense paper and presentation. Unanimous approval is required for the student to be successful in the Proposal Defense evaluation. Results of the committee evaluation will be recorded on the Results of Comprehensive Exam for Doctoral Degree D-2 form, and submitted to the Graduate Program Director.  This will then be sent to the Graduate School.
  8. If students are unsuccessful, they will be required to meet with their DNP Committee Advisor to discuss a plan and timeline to move forward if a second attempt is required.

Students must have a successful proposal with committee approval before they can begin their DNP Project.

DNP Final Defense

The DNP Final Defense is a final evaluation for the DNP degree. It evaluates the students' completed paper and presentation of their DNP project. The DNP Defense includes two portions, written and oral. Students will submit their final DNP Project paper to committee members at least 2 weeks prior to a planned DNP Final Defense. Students must have agreement from their DNP Committee that the student is ready to defend their final project before scheduling the defense. 

The DNP Defense is evaluated for both the written paper and the oral defense. Components of evaluation include the comprehensiveness of the paper, which will align with SQUIRE manuscript format. The oral portion of the exam will be delivered to the committee, describing the comprehensive summary of the final DNP project.

  1. Students will complete the DNP Final Project with guidance from mentor and oversight and guidance from DNP Committee Chair.
  2. DNP Final Project draft will be sent to DNP committee for review by week 7 of the student’s final semester.
  3. Committee will let the DNP Committee Chair and student know if they support moving forward with Final Defense or if more work is needed. Students will continue to work with the committee to revise their proposal until the committee approves scheduling for DNP Proposal Defense. Students will coordinate, with assistance of DNP Faculty Chair if needed, a DNP Final Defense time with the DNP Committee. Students must complete their final defense four weeks prior to commencement in order to graduate in Spring semester. Students who are not able to meet this deadline will need to remain enrolled in NSG 677 subsequent semesters to complete their DNP Final Project and Defense.
  4. The DNP Final Defense will be delivered in a virtual setting, and all DNP Committee members must be present for the defense. If one committee member is unavailable, the defense must be rescheduled.
  5. The DNP Final Defense will not exceed 75 minutes. The student will be allowed 45 minutes to deliver their proposal using an AV presentation (PowerPoint or similar presentation platform). The committee will be allowed 30 minutes to ask questions.
  6. Immediately following the DNP Final Defense, the committee will meet separately to evaluate the student’s final paper and presentation. Results of the committee evaluation will be recorded on the Results of Final Examination for Doctoral Degree D-4, and submitted to the Graduate Program Director.  This will then be sent to the Graduate School for graduation confirmation.

DNP Project Courses and Requirements

DNP 722: DNP Project I (4 credit hours), Spring 1

Description: This is the first of three sequential courses focusing on the student’s DNP project. The focus of this course is on the development of the DNP Quality Improvement project proposal.

The focus of this course is on developing the design for the DNP Quality Improvement project and submitting your proposal. This is also a practicum course, in which you will acquire 105 hours for the development of your DNP project, under the guidance of your DNP Mentor.

This Course includes the following outcomes:

  • Finalizing and securing approval for DNP Committee members
  • Collaboration with Practicum site mentor to strategically plan a DNP project to benefit a practice change need
  • Participate in relevant stakeholder meetings, interview key stakeholders, and participate in agency activities to establish a feasible and valuable practice change proposal
  • Chapter 1 Introduction
  • Chapter 2 Methods
  • Complete CITI and Human Subjects training through 兔子先生 University and begin IRB application.
  • Complete DNP Proposal Defense
  • Documenting Practicum Hours on Practicum Hours Plan, including DNP Project work, Collaboration with DNP Mentor, Collaboration with DNP Committee Chair, and DNP Committee Members.

DNP 724: DNP Project II (4 credit hours), Summer 1

Description:This is the second of three sequential courses focusing on the student’s DNP project. The focus of this course is the implementation of the DNP Quality Improvement project.

Students will primarily be completing data collection for the DNP Quality Improvement project. This is also a practicum course, in which you will acquire 160 hours for the development of your DNP project under the guidance of your DNP Mentor.

This course includes the following outcomes:

  • IRB application and approval from 兔子先生 University and other organizations to implement the scholarly DNP Project
  • Data Collection Plan and Implementation
  • Chapter 3 - Results
  • Begin Draft Chapter 4 - Discussion
  • Documenting Practicum Hours on Practicum Hours Plan, including DNP Project work, Collaboration with DNP Mentor, Collaboration with DNP Committee Chair, and DNP Committee Members, and any other relevant activities

DNP 726: DNP Project III (4 credit hours), Spring 2

Description: This is the last of three sequential courses focusing on the student’s DNP project. The focus of this course is the evaluation and dissemination of the DNP Quality Improvement project results.

The focus of this course on evaluation and dissemination of the results of your scholarly inquiry. This is also a practicum course, in which you will acquire 105 hours for the development of your DNP project under the guidance of your DNP Mentor.

This course includes the following outcomes:

  • Chapter 4 - Discussion      
  • Chapter 5 – Other Information
  • Final SQUIRE Manuscript
  • Final DNP Project Defense

Changing DNP Project Chair or Committee Members

While a consistent DNP Chair and DNP Committee is ideal, a change in DNP Project Chair or Committee members may occur due to a variety of unforeseen reasons. Students requesting a change in committee makeup will submit an updated Committee Request Form to the Graduate Program Director, who will verify qualifications and committee make-up, and then forward to the Graduate School for approval.

Institutional Review Board(s) Requirements

All DNP Projects at 兔子先生 University Department of Nursing must be submitted to the 兔子先生 University Institutional Review Board, also known as IRB. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. If a student is working with a host organization that has their own IRB process, the student must submit the project to both IRBs.

Students will be provided training on the process during NSG 722 and NSG 724 DNP Project I and II courses.

Students should NOT submit any part of the proposal to the IRB without written permission from the DNP Committee Chair.  Students may not begin any part of project implementation until: 1) all IRB approvals are obtained; and 2) the DNP Committee Chair gives permission.

University Hall
CONTACT INFORMATION

Hamilton Campus

University Hall
1601 University Blvd.
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-785-7752

Oxford Campus

Clinical Health Sciences & Wellness Building
421 S. Campus Ave
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-0298